In Syracuse discovered this fascinating mall while searching for a movie theater. This Mall contains outlet stores, restaurants, and a full scope of entertainment venues. Prior to the movie also stopped at the World of Beer for a refreshing glass and great burger.

Walking into the Mall was overwhelmed by the decor:

Then walking further into the Mall found Apex Entertainment where there was a comedy club, bumper cars, axe throwing venue, a mirror room, and 24 lanes of bowling, etc… There is 55,000 square of pure entertainment in this facility,

What a fun place for all ages!

Having found a charger a stones throw from my abode and free decided to explore the area. My first visit was:

What a great outlet mall with everything from Coach, H & M, Yankee Candle, several prominent shoe outlets, and an array of low price and high quality shops. They also have ev chargers – Tesla and Chademo. Was a fun visit and will return once I receive my first paycheck.

On the route out was also other interesting spots..

A rare find – a tea tasting store/cafe… What a delight!

And several wineries along the route with free tastings..

This spot has food as well..

A must visit – this Amish Furniture Store. Furniture that will last for generations.

And don’t forget to stop at the Casino. Classy place, great food and prices, and a spa.

One final spot – Montezuma National Wildlife Center

While the drive around the Refuge was closed, a short nature trail was available.

Next: The Dynasty Mall

William Seward was a lawyer and American politician, (1801-1872), born in Florida, New York, but a lifelong resident of Auburn. He held several prominent positions in government as the sign outside his Auburn home states:

The Seward Home is closed till March, however, will be the first to visit upon opening.

Seward was an active abolitionist and the Harriet Tubman statute adjoins his property, a glowing tribute. His family were part of the Underground Railroad, and he assisted Harriet Tubman in the purchase of her home which lies a short distance from the Seward Home on the same street.

The Harriet Tubman Home

Seward was passed over as a presidential candidate in favor of Lincoln, however, Lincoln appointed him as Secretary of State. He is known to be one of the greatest Secretaries of State. On the night of Lincoln’s assassination an attempt was made on Seward’s life with several others injured in the attempt made by an associate of John Wilkes Booth.

For a fascinating recount of this incident:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lincoln-assassination-the-other-murder-attempt/

“I was the conductor of the Underground Railroad for eight years, and I can say what most conductors can’t say – I never ran my train off the track and I never lost a passenger.”

Harriet Tubman at a suffrage convention, NY, 1896.

Auburn glows with Harriet Tubman tributes and these tributes are well deserved.

Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railway

From the National Park Service website it is noted Harriet and her brothers, all slaves, began this venture knowing they were to be sold. Wanting to change their fates, they escaped traveling from the Deep South making their way through Maryland, Delaware, and into Pennsylvania to achieve their freedom. During the journey Harriet made connections along the way and the Underground Railway was begun.

Despite the danger and risking her life this 5 foot tall woman returned again and again on this trek personally rescuing 70 individuals in 13 trips. Resources claims up to 700 found their way North through the connections Tubman developed. Her home and resource center remains in Auburn, however, closed during the winter. Look forward to this visit to learn more of this amazing woman come spring.

After my wonderful trek through the Pennsylvania Appalachian Mountain Chain started for New York State. But before the trek had more challenges – was credit card scammed once again – second time in 3 months – and left my favorite umbrella at the Budget office. After locating the back up charge card and picking up the umbrella was on my way.

Oh Z please end those russian scammer.

In my investigation was grateful to read Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State, is on it with fast speed chargers within 50 miles by 2025. Only problem Kath, the web site has them built already, and they are not. Spoiler alert – if the station has a number, call before taking the drive.

In Binghamton stopped at a truck stop and mapped out the remainder of the journey. Once off I-81 in NYS, and finding the ev charging station was not yet built, decided to go for it with what charge was left. The drive included a snow storm from Binghamton to home base, Auburn, but safely followed a truck on I 81. While on I 81 noted a dash message regarding a defunct sensor but was unable to read the paragraph and drive as well.

After leaving the gas station WAZE put me on a road through NYS farmlands. This 17 mile road connected to Route 5, the direct road into Auburn. While initially terrified with the snow pounding and the road challenging decided to recall my days as a child sleigh riding and enjoyed the ride. It was much fun at 20 mph and will be a ride I will never forget.

Grateful to see Route 20 with 12 miles to Auburn, the sleigh ride ended, Enjoyed traveling through historic Skaneateles and the other small towns along the route. Stopped at a Ford dealership for a slow charge only to find the door covering the ev charging port frozen shut. Guess that was the sensor problem? With 20 miles left to charge high tailed it to Auburn arriving at midnight.

Journey ended… Time to unpack, arrange the lodgings, and a 4 a.m. bedtime.

I made it!