<p>Quick help - we are leaving tomorrow (thur.) morning:</p>
<p>My husband has to go to Syracuse on business and I’m going to tag along. We lived in upstate NY for four long winters (four short summers) 20 some years ago before we had kids. Our plan is to drive up to the Finger Lakes area where we used to live and spend that afternoon looking at our old stomping grounds. In the evening, we’ll drive over to Syracuse and spend the night there.</p>
<p>First thing in the morning my husband has to go to a manufacturing plant and inspect a machine and he’ll probably be there until at least noon. I’ll be at loose ends but will have the car. I was thinking of visiting the Syracuse Library (Onondago Public Library, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse) because I work at a library and big city libraries are fun for me. They open at 9 am. But, as much as I like libraries, that will only be interesting for an hour or so. </p>
<p>Does anyone know what else I could do by myself right in Syracuse? Quirky stores, museums, or anything right next to the library? I guess a mall would do too if it was sort of close or in the direction of the plant. Ah, just found out that the plant is in Liverpool, not really Syracuse. Any suggestions would be appreciated.</p>
<p>I live in Binghamton and have been meaning to get up to the Museum of Science and Technology in Syracuse someday. It sounds like it’s mainly aimed at kids, but it has an Imax theater and I’ve never been to one, so that could be a draw in itself. </p>
<p>If you end up settling for a mall, the Carousel Mall at the northern edge of Syracuse is the big one in the area. It’s right off I-81, so you can’t miss it.</p>
<p>kathie, we spend a lot of time in the Finger Lakes but don’t get as far east as Syracuse very often. It definitely has the reputation of a city where there isn’t much to do! I’m not much help, but there is a mall called the Carousel if you feel like doing some mall shopping:</p>
<p>It’s not far off 81 so is easy to get to if you have a car. A friend told me about a small restored area of shopping and galleries called Armoury Square so you could check that out and see if it’s close to where you’re going to be.</p>
<p>If you’re looking for lunch and you like barbecue, the Dinosaur Barbecue is less than a mile from the library, according to Google Maps. I’ve only been to their branch in Rochester, but I still have fond memories of those amazing ribs.</p>
<p>I second the Dinosaur BBQ…plus there are some unique stores in the Carousel Center, if you are a shopper (I see now some one mentioned that too) If you go a little west to Auburn there is a great Bass Pro shop if you like outdoors stuff…weather has been great here, so a walk or bike along one of the lakes is a great option too…The Mirbeau Inn and Spa in Skaneateles is amazing, if you and your husband want to spoil yourselves!!</p>
<p>If you’re in the mood for museums hit up the Everson Art Museum. The Armory Square area also has some great restaurants/shops. One other note, I’d avoid S. Salina street- not the greatest section of town.</p>
<p>I’m back. Nice quick trip. We saw our first two houses, visited Corning where my husband used to work, took a winery tour and then headed up to Syracuse. After dropping off my husband at the plant that he had to visit I went into the big city to see the main library on Salina Street. (sorry, va bene, you posted after I left). I work in a library and somehow wangled a full tour from an employee. Great big library. Afterwards I drove around the Armory area but decided not to park. Headed out to the Carousel Mall but I was only in there 10 minutes before my husband called to say he was ready to be picked up. And then we drove home! Kinda fun to have a vacation where you can pack in ten minutes, be back in 2 days and have a great time.</p>