If they can crawl, they can enjoy the mall

A weekday morning walk through the fairly empty corridors of Syracuse’s mega shopping, dining and entertainment complex Destiny USA on Tuesday revealed one bustling hallway. Strollers were parked around the outside of the square. Some parents kneeled on a carpet in the center; others talked to each other while standing on alert in the outer…

I spot ‘As Seen on TV’ store right here in our Syracuse mall

I discovered where Snuggies go before they die. There’s a store called As Seen on TV. I rounded a corner on my latest walk through Syracuse’s mega shopping, dining and entertainment complex, Destiny USA, and there it was in all of its glory. I practically heard it calling my name. Yes, in this busy little…

The walking trails along Onondaga Lake shouldn’t be a dirty little secret

Sometimes I let too much time go by between my visits to the shores of Onondaga Lake or the winding creek that feeds it. My view, you see, is that the body of water smack dab in the middle of New York State has lots going for it. Reputation be damned. My fellow Syracusans know…

My list of favorite Christmas songs, ready already

Walking into the Destiny USA entrance yesterday to see “About Time” for my weekly Syracuse New Times blog movie review, I was pretty certain the song greeted me with the line, “It’s Christmas at the mall.” My dear wife Karen assured me it was “it’s Christmas after all.” I am sure that halfway up the…

Neutral, no way. I had to cheer for my alma mater over my hometown team

When it came down to one lineman pushing and another shoving, my loyalty came through Saturday afternoon as dear wife Karen and I sat at the bar at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill in Destiny USA watching my alma mater and my hometown squad tussle on the football field. The prior game…

Syracuse awakens to a blanket of snow on the morning Santa will arrive at the mall

‘Tis the season in Syracuse, N.Y. I opened my eyes this morning to our first snow, bright white on a gray day. It’s sticking stubbornly on the lawn, not melting away a bit, just two days after I played golf while wearing shorts. Somebody up there knows something. Santa Claus is coming to town today,…

With the big man himself on stage, consider Toby Keith’s Syracuse joint officially opened

The beer and whiskey has been flowing, bologna frying, guitars twanging at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill at Destiny USA in Syracuse since spring. The official opening was at 4 p.m. today, Aug. 23. The big man himself strode from the wings, accompanying guitarist in tow, to perform three songs at His…

Who needs Valet Parking at a mall? Give me back all of my favorite lot

I’ve been on board with Destiny USA since the first time I walked around the new wing. And I’ve praised the mega-mall in this spot to prove it. Bellyachers and Congel-haters abound in Syracuse, for sure. Me, I think it’s way better to have Destiny USA than to not have Destiny USA. Then came my…

At Toby Keith’s joint in Destiny USA, you’ll find a good bar, tasty food and promising music spot

The waitress was well-versed on the beer side of the menu at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill. Stella Artois, my dear wife’s order, was available in bottle. Fine for Karen, who prefers that vessel of beer delivery. For me, though, there was one and only one way that I was going to…

Inside my mind on a daily walk through our Destiny

The last couple of days, I’ve taken my daily walk inside, to Destiny USA. Before I jump in the car, I have to deal with the look of disappointment mixed with just a tinge of pissed-off from my dear dog Ellie B. OK, maybe it’s just my guilt over the fact that when I decide…