I think it's safe to say I enjoyed my stay at the Baltimore Hyatt Inner Harbor last week:
In an area as busy as Inner Harbor, it was fantastic to have such a comfortable spot high above the streets, looking out over the water. Sometimes the confines of the city can weigh on a visitor - it's tough to escape the noise - but this room certainly took care of that concern. The view showed off every time I passed by the window, tempting me to step out and see what it has to offer, though the room made its case for why I should hope for rain.
I was there by myself and thus lived like a king, however this suite has family weekend getaway written all over it. The private bedroom, two bathrooms, and spacious living area with pullout couch make it a nice nest for a family of three or four (not to mention its proximity to the harbor, attractions, and stadiums).
When I was told by a representative that the new expansion of the Carousel Centerin Syracuse (opening at the end of the year) would make it the 6th-largest mall in America, I was shocked.
You mean, there are five malls bigger than this place?
Upon entering, I saw a "Walk for the Cure" event ongoing inside of the building, others in workout clothes power walking by the storefronts. The stores were to open in a few minutes - it was just before 10 a.m. - and gradually those escaping the cold for a workout would filter out and the shoppers would begin to pour in.
I am not being dramaic in any sense of the word when I say that you could literally spend the entire day at the Carousel Center. Doors open at 6 a.m., and you could arrive early and get a walk in before the stores open at ten, shop for a few hours, grab lunch, shop more, see a movie, eat dinner in one of the restaurants, have a drink at one of the bars and then dance at the disco/club before calling it a night.
I'm not saying that's a likely schedule, just noting its possiblity. Nearby residents and visitors alike certainly take advantage of the diverse offerings - while there are only five other spots in the country that can claim to be a better one-stop-shop option, it is projected to be the 2nd most visited mall in America.
Uffizi Gallery The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy is packed with Renaissance paintings. To avoid an artistic overload, please consider seeing the entire collection over two visits. Rooms 1-15, which highlight the Florentine Renaissance, would be for the first visit. The second visit could be devoted to rooms 16-45 which emphasizes High Rensaissance to later Italian and European paintings.
