Destiny USA Mall in Syracuse, New York is not your average, ordinary shopping centre. Formerly known as the Carousel Center (it was re-branded August 2, 2012), it is the place for the entire family. Spanning some 22.3 hectares, it features more than 260 retail shops and restaurants, plus a whole level dedicated to entertainment pursuits on the third floor.
There is a wide selection of shopping options available that encompasses luxury brands, specialty stores and outlets. Eateries range from fine dining to favourite fast food chains. Patrons can also catch live music acts at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill.
For entertainment, head up to the third storey. Notable options include the Canyon Climb Adventure (part of WonderWorks), the largest suspended ropes course in the world at 24 metres high. Car racing enthusiasts can test their mettle in eco-friendly go-karts with speeds up to 45 mph on the track at Pole Position Raceway. At OptiGolf, golf diehards get to practice their swing using state-of-the-art simulators that mimic fairway hitting surfaces and sand on elevated slopes.
The mall is the largest LEED-Gold certified retail commercial building in the world. Several green initiatives were implemented after an expansion project in 2012. These included utilizing waste materials that were diverted from landfills to construct about 90 per cent of the building and using Forest Stewardship Council certified wood for 50 per cent of all wood structures. A solar reflective roof with refracting technology conserves energy by keeping the surrounding air at cool temperatures.
This is the sixth largest enclosed shopping centre in the US. Conveniently situated at the crossroads of the I‐690 and I‐81, it lies less than 10 minutes from the New York State Thruway and Syracuse’s Hancock International Airport.
This year, the mall welcomes new tenants including TJ Maxx, Fossil Outlet, Johnston & Murphy, 5 W!ts and Regal’s IMAX and RPX screens.
During the Outlet Shopping Festival, guests who use their Mastercard at selected outlets on May 24 can bring their receipts to Guest Services for a chance to win special prizes. In celebration of Victoria Day in May, guests who register at Guest Services will receive a free Destiny USA shopping bag filled with branded souvenirs and a “Passport of Savings” book, which comes with hundreds of dollars’ worth of deals.
For families, groups and couples, the mall recommends the “Shop & Stay” packages which offers discounted room rates with hotels in the area and a bag of Destiny USA “must-haves” including a gift card. www.destinyusa.com