Travel

[Armadillo]

I am going to the UP of Michigan for the first time in a week, I will be in Houghton/Hancock area for a couple days then making it over to Sault Ste Marie area for a couple more. I need suggestions on must see places and eats.....thanks!

Ambassador for pizza/subs.
The Lunch Bag has good sandwiches/burgers/lunchy stuff.
The wife and I like Victoria's Kitchen for breakfast.
The Library has more "upscale" food, for Houghton at least. Good microbrews, as well.

In the wintertime, the main parking lot at the MacInnes Student Ice Arena has been known to have some fine brews on tap.

The Library also has a certain Bourbon Vanilla Imperial Ale that some of us are very familiar with; that's what I was told, anyway.

I second the Ambassador for pizza. The taco pizza is very tasty.

I'll correct you before Diesel does: it's Bourbon Vanilla Imperial PORTER. Get it straight before you get cut off.

As for the Ambo, I actually prefer the BLT pizza, hold the T. The Tostada is also excellent, though.

[The Rube]

My bad. I blame a long day at work.

And don't bother with pastys of any kind. They're just glorified Hot Pockets. Maybe blander.

[Golden FE Ranger]

And don't bother with pastys of any kind. They're just glorified Hot Pockets. Maybe blander.

I will pretend I did not hear that!

[greydogg]

And don't bother with pastys of any kind. They're just glorified Hot Pockets. Maybe blander.

I will pretend I did not hear that!

I have to agree with the Rube, I have had my share pastys on the iron range.

[Armadillo]

I have yet to have a good pasty. They've all been dry and bland, and I've tried many different brands.

[The Rube]

And don't bother with pastys of any kind. They're just glorified Hot Pockets. Maybe blander.

I will pretend I did not hear that!

You can pretend all you like. Facts are facts. For the record, I've been up to the UP at least once per year since 2007. I even don't eat them "because they are a local specialty." (Think Red Pepper in ND, Val's in St Cloud, etc). Although Val's fries........gotta be laced with crack.

[Golden FE Ranger]

And don't bother with pastys of any kind. They're just glorified Hot Pockets. Maybe blander.

I will pretend I did not hear that!

You can pretend all you like. Facts are facts. For the record, I've been up to the UP at least once per year since 2007. I even don't eat them "because they are a local specialty." (Think Red Pepper in ND, Val's in St Cloud, etc). Although Val's fries........gotta be laced with crack.

Taste preferences aside, as someone who grew up eating homemade pastys, the comparison to a Hot Pocket is crazy, IMO. It is like comparing a home made pie crust to a Little Debbie.

[stan_5150]

So what is there fun to do in Anchorage for the non-outdoorsy (is that even a word?) type?

note: YES my wife is a travel agent, but she hasn't sold much of Anchorage, mainly cruises.

[Zwak]

So what is there fun to do in Anchorage for the non-outdoorsy (is that even a word?) type?

note: YES my wife is a travel agent, but she hasn't sold much of Anchorage, mainly cruises.

Send a PM to MATT. He is from Alaska.

[Dances With Gophers]

Might be better suited int eh Dumb Q thread, but where is the best place to buy laminated maps for BWCA? Best = cheapest

[Bertogliat]

So what is there fun to do in Anchorage for the non-outdoorsy (is that even a word?) type?

note: YES my wife is a travel agent, but she hasn't sold much of Anchorage, mainly cruises.

There are some good restaurants and bars. Other than that, time to try outdoorsy stuff. World class scenery, fishing, and hiking.

[Go4 Guy]

Might be better suited int eh Dumb Q thread, but where is the best place to buy laminated maps for BWCA? Best = cheapest

I know in the past I have purchased maps at Latitudes Map and Travel Store in St. Louis Park. Not sure they are the cheapest, but I believe they have a lot of BWCA maps


http://www.latitudesmapstore.net/bwquma.html

[Bertogliat]

Thanks all.
Turns out my wife can't go next week so I dialed it back and just my son and I are heading down early Sunday for an afternoon Sox game, spend the night and go to Wrigley Monday afternoon before driving home. Decided to stay near the Skokie park and ride and take the train to both games.

The whole family plans to head back to Chi-town later this summer.

Taking the L to a Cubs game (blue line) is perfectly fine and I would recommend it to anyone. Taking the L (red line) to a Sox game (or at least back from a night game) is another matter. I do not recommend it. Last time I was on that I thought everone in our car was going to be murdered. Some punk was threatening to follow some old lady home and kill her. I wasn't happy to be one of only 2 guys in the car. I don't see it as an isolated incident. Blue line feels safe. Red line a little scary. I will never take the L to a Sox game again. Whatever the cab fare is, I got it.

[Armadillo]

Thanks all.
Turns out my wife can't go next week so I dialed it back and just my son and I are heading down early Sunday for an afternoon Sox game, spend the night and go to Wrigley Monday afternoon before driving home. Decided to stay near the Skokie park and ride and take the train to both games.

The whole family plans to head back to Chi-town later this summer.

Taking the L to a Cubs game (blue line) is perfectly fine and I would recommend it to anyone. Taking the L (red line) to a Sox game (or at least back from a night game) is another matter. I do not recommend it. Last time I was on that I thought everone in our car was going to be murdered. Some punk was threatening to follow some old lady home and kill her. I wasn't happy to be one of only 2 guys in the car. I don't see it as an isolated incident. Blue line feels safe. Red line a little scary. I will never take the L to a Sox game again. Whatever the cab fare is, I got it.

Just to pick nits, you can't take the Blue directly to Wrigley; you have to transfer to the Red downtown.

I've taken the Red from the Howard stop up north to Wrigley, and it was fine. I think the Red's problems start when it leaves the Loop and gets into the south side (shocker).

[Kelor]

So what is there fun to do in Anchorage for the non-outdoorsy (is that even a word?) type?

note: YES my wife is a travel agent, but she hasn't sold much of Anchorage, mainly cruises.

There are some good restaurants and bars. Other than that, time to try outdoorsy stuff. World class scenery, fishing, and hiking.

I have to agree. Anchorage itself is rather a hole. There is little to do if you don't want to explore the outdoors.

[stan_5150]

We are planning on leaving Anchorage proper - just wondering in which direction to go.

[fightclub30]

Stan,

I HIGHLY recommend the Kenai penninsula. The drive from Anchorage to Kenai is other worldly, Some gorgeous photo ops, Copper Landing is a good stopping point.

If you continue to Kenai all along the Kenai river you will likly see Brown Bears and plenty of salmon in the glacial water. I guarantee a Moose sighting. If you got to Homer (also highly recommended), which is where the Time Bandit on deadliest catch is from, you drive through Anchor Point which is the farthers west you can go on a continuous road in the US, interesting fact, and Homer is the Halibut Capital of the world.

I have been to Alaska twice. Fairbanks once and Kenai once. Fairbanks was cool, but only for Denali National Park and Mt McKinley. If you want outdoorsy stuff, I think Kenai Penninsula is the way to go.

[MATT]

We are planning on leaving Anchorage proper - just wondering in which direction to go.

like others have said, i'd go south. i started typing and soon had a large paragraph, but don't need to bore everyone . you can PM me for more details about anything.

[MATT]

i was actually just up there for a wedding the weekend before solstice. here are some of the views from atop alyeska, which you can take the tram up to:


we also went white water rafting! it was pretty intense. here are some pics from that: http://db.tt/xOwM1yc

[Dances With Gophers]

Did the happy couple took the hang glider down the mountain after the first kiss? If so = best wedding ever. (Besides ours, of course, honey, if you're reading this...)

[st8ofhockey]

I think it's awesome that the bride seems totally in her element standing in a snowbank with winter boots on - never mind the dress that probably cost upwards of 4 figures

[Golden FE Ranger]

I think it's awesome that the bride seems totally in her element standing in a snowbank with winter boots on - never mind the dress that probably cost upwards of 4 figures

She has some nice....Xtratufs.

[stan_5150]

Thanks guys. Nothing set in stone yet. I've got ANC, LAX, and SAN in play so we'll see where we wind up

[gopherguy06]

Hitting up NOLA this weekend. Any suggestions on things to do, places to eat and stuff to see? Do I need a car down there?

[SouthTexGopher]

Hitting up NOLA this weekend. Any suggestions on things to do, places to eat and stuff to see? Do I need a car down there?

If you don't hit Cafe Du Monde or Commanders Palace, you should be exiled to someplace horrible...like Wisconsin.

http://www.cafedumonde.com/

http://www.commanderspalace.com/

[MATT]

Hitting up NOLA this weekend. Any suggestions on things to do, places to eat and stuff to see? Do I need a car down there?

bring beads!

[Golden FE Ranger]

Hitting up NOLA this weekend. Any suggestions on things to do, places to eat and stuff to see? Do I need a car down there?

I have had some good meals at La Bayou on Bourbon Street if you like cajun/creole food. There are many sea food places, the Acme Oyster House is another good choice, IMO. Obviously, there are many choices for evening activities in the French Quarter. It gets crowded on the weekends, but can be fun.

For daytime activities, if you are a military history fan (or have a pulse and are American) GO to the World War II Museum. I could have spent days there, but for normal people it would make for a very interesting afternoon. As far as the car goes, if you are staying downtown, it can be a PITA. Parking is usually expensive because you practically have to have armed guards to prevent your vehicle from being parted out. Most hotels that I have stayed at in the downtown area have parking fees of $20+ per night. If you are staying out near the airport, this should not be an issue. Finally, if you are out at night, be sure to be in a group and/or be very aware of your location and route. A block or two in the wrong direction can take you to some pretty bad areas, in a hurry....I have vivid memories of "taking a shortcut" and ending up running through alleys, jumping over a fire in a barrel, being chased and being happy to get to my hotel lobby alive .

[rowshkex]

After watching the Tour de France, I have begun having dreams of biking the tour on a vacation...

[Chris Eckes]

I cannot believe what those riders go through in three weeks. It's ridiculous to think how difficult what they're doing is. Biking 100+ miles per day for three weeks straight up mountains? Wow.

[Bertogliat]

i was actually just up there for a wedding the weekend before solstice. here are some of the views from atop alyeska, which you can take the tram up to:

we also went white water rafting! it was pretty intense. here are some pics from that: http://db.tt/xOwM1yc

Near Alyeska, in Girdwood, there is a restaurant called the Double Musky. Their "Pepper Steak" was rated one of the top steaks in America. I tried it and was so impressed. When I go back to Alaska, I will get a Peppersteak at the Double Musky and a couple 13, 14 bloody marys at the Salty Dawg in Homer (best Bloody Mary I have ever had).

http://www.doublemuskyinn.com/framed.html

Steak Recipe
http://www.alaskahomemag.com/_pages/foo ... ecipe.html

You are welcome in advance for finding this recipe (I use store bought beef stock).

http://www.saltydawgsaloon.com/

[rowshkex]

I cannot believe what those riders go through in three weeks. It's ridiculous to think how difficult what they're doing is. Biking 100+ miles per day for three weeks straight up mountains? Wow.

Yeah seriously, even IF they dope and take steroids, it's probably one of the most impressive athletic feats I can think of... I think I heard that the pre-sprint lead outs at the end were reaching 40 miles per hour... and that's with hills. I can barely average 17 miles an hour over 25-30 miles...

[Norm]

Hitting up NOLA this weekend. Any suggestions on things to do, places to eat and stuff to see? Do I need a car down there?

There's a restaraunt on Bourbon St called Desire that has bread pudding with creamy whiskey sauce that is the greatest dessert ever. We really enjoyed our ride on a paddleboat on the Miss. that went downstream to the site of the Battle of New Orleans during the war of 1812. Also went on a swamp tour and saw lots of alligators. Plenty to do in that city.

[Chris Eckes]

I cannot believe what those riders go through in three weeks. It's ridiculous to think how difficult what they're doing is. Biking 100+ miles per day for three weeks straight up mountains? Wow.

Yeah seriously, even IF they dope and take steroids, it's probably one of the most impressive athletic feats I can think of... I think I heard that the pre-sprint lead outs at the end were reaching 40 miles per hour... and that's with hills. I can barely average 17 miles an hour over 25-30 miles...

I know... I don't understand the speeds they're going. I don't think I could get to 40 on my bike going down a hill with a tailwind. Heck, I don't think I could get to 40 in a velodrome with a tornado in there.

[Zwak]

Wife and I want to go on a Caribbean cruise in January. Anyone have any good/bad experiences with certain cruise lines or general insights on cruises? I've never been on one.

[streakygopher]

Wife and I want to go on a Caribbean cruise in January. Anyone have any good/bad experiences with certain cruise lines or general insights on cruises? I've never been on one.

Been on a few now. The Celebrity Solstice was truly unbelievable and our best experience. The boat was gorgeous and there weren't many kids at all on our cruise (requirement for us). We paid up just a little to be on the Aqua Spa area of the ship. This gave us exclusive access to one of the best restaurants on the ship (didn't know it at the time, but this turned out to be a nice perk in lieu of the "cattle call" dinner in the main dining room). Also, had access to the spa area and our own little cafeteria that often had something special like sushi snacks etc. Altogether great and we'll be taking the same cruise some day....before anybody chimes in about how a cruise isn't a real vacation, I can attest as one who also enjoys a 5-day in the BWCA (and, honestly, I'm not one to lay around in the sun) that being pampered for a week while eating the best food and getting a buzz on every night in the martini bar - all in 5-star luxury and perfect summer weather - really was quite memorable.

Oh, one more thing. The rooms are great and the beds were just perfect (not sure how other rooms would compare).

[streakygopher]

Staying in Mendocino, CA for almost a week in September. Suggestions? Want to get out and see a winery, maybe a micro brewery, coastal parks etc. Going to Muir Woods on one day unless somebody can tell me that there is a similarly spectacular redwood area a little closer (won't be going to San Fran...been there a few times already).

[Snowcool08]

I'm going to the Kansas City area for a wedding next weekend and I've heard a lot about the BBQ that the KC area has to offer. Does anyone know of a place down there that is really good? I'd prefer a hole in the wall place as opposed to a bigger chain type of restaurant.

[streakygopher]

I'm going to the Kansas City area for a wedding next weekend and I've heard a lot about the BBQ that the KC area has to offer. Does anyone know of a place down there that is really good? I'd prefer a hole in the wall place as opposed to a bigger chain type of restaurant.

Supposedly one of the most famous bbq joints in the country...read the reviews. I thought it was good, but I think they're surviving on their reputation.
http://www.arthurbryantsbbq.com/index.htm

[rowshkex]

I'm going to the Kansas City area for a wedding next weekend and I've heard a lot about the BBQ that the KC area has to offer. Does anyone know of a place down there that is really good? I'd prefer a hole in the wall place as opposed to a bigger chain type of restaurant.

Possibly the best BBQ I've ever had, AND it was a hole in the wall... Oklahoma Joe's in KC. It's in a gas station, and the place isn't the nicest... But the food was beyond impressive, most notably the beans. Seriously, go there.

(I've also been to Gates, and although it was good, it was no OJ's, and it certainly isn't REALLY hole in the wall)

[Gopherguy05]

I'm going to the Kansas City area for a wedding next weekend and I've heard a lot about the BBQ that the KC area has to offer. Does anyone know of a place down there that is really good? I'd prefer a hole in the wall place as opposed to a bigger chain type of restaurant.

Supposedly one of the most famous bbq joints in the country...read the reviews. I thought it was good, but I think they're surviving on their reputation.
http://www.arthurbryantsbbq.com/index.htm

Completely overrated. I was in town about 3 weeks ago for work and did my own min-tour and this was the worst of the 4 places I hit.

The best two places I visited were:

LC's. http://www.roadfood.com/Restaurant/Overview/2640/l-cs-barbq

Hole in the wall, reeks like hickory smoke, and looks dingy as hell, but great food.

and the absolute best I've ever had

Smokin Guns BBQ http://www.smokingunsbbq.com/

The owners are world competetion bbq champions...and the food shows.

[davescharf]

Wife and I want to go on a Caribbean cruise in January. Anyone have any good/bad experiences with certain cruise lines or general insights on cruises? I've never been on one.

We did a Carnival Cruise for 4 days a couple winters ago and it was really a good price. Problem is that it was one of Carnival's oldest and smallest ships so it had very little to do besides gamble and sit on the deck. This may not have been an issue had they not had a engine problem on night 1 and that forced the plans to be adjusted such that we had a full day at sea (instead of being onshore most of the day and travelling at night).

From what I've heard, Carnival is the 'budget' carrier and I probably wouldn't go on their lines again unless I knew a lot more about the ship. My wife has been on a couple Princess Cruises and she thought they were pretty good.

The cruise I did was my first and only one thus far. I might consider another Caribbean one, but I tend to like scenery which means my next one will be Alaska most likely.

[Kelor]

I'm not a fan of Caribbean cruises. They keep moving you around from one overcrowded island with crappy teeshirts to another overcrowded island with crappy teeshirts. The food on the ships in the Caribbean range from crappy to ok. Frankly I think the only thing good about them is some of the ships themselves, but it is outweighed with what you miss by not staying on one of the islands more permanently.

IF cost is no object, I would flat out go to Tahiti and cruise with the Paul Gauguin. It is the only cruise ship I have been on that is quality over quantity, takes you to nearly uninhabited islands with the most impressive snorkeling and scuba diving in the world, becomes it's own marina with the back of the ship offering boats and waterskiing, is totally inclusive on top shelf booze and 24 hour spectacular room service including the best of cheese trays and fruits, and I could go on and on. Tahiti is DA BOMB. Even Bloody Mary's bar in Bora Bora has some of the finest food you will have ever eaten.

The Alaska cruise is a must, but I would stick with a smaller ship like Regent.

[Golden FE Ranger]

Counterpoint: I have been on several Caribbean cruises and have found them all to be enjoyable. Yes there are times that it seems crowded and the food is not Iron Chef quality, but the boats were large enough to find some quiet area and unless you are a food snob I bet you will find plenty to enjoy in the many dining options. I would agree with Kelor that I might prefer to find a quiet island resort instead, but I would expect the cost to be much more. If you have a choice, I would opt for the southern route, rather than the western. I would skip islands such as Cozumel and Jamaica for islands like Tortola, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. John's and Aruba if you have the choice. HTH

[Kelor]

Yep. Ranger is right. I hope my comments werent taken as a total avoid. We have taken 3 cruises in the Caribbean on a whim just because of the incredibly low price. It's just important to know that you often get what you pay for. Bringing your own booze from a shore excursion can save you a fortune on the ship btw. It is not uncommon to have a bar bill higher than the cost of the cruise if you aren't careful.

[Greyeagle]

Yep. Ranger is right. I hope my comments werent taken as a total avoid. We have taken 3 cruises in the Caribbean on a whim just because of the incredibly low price. It's just important to know that you often get what you pay for. Bringing your own booze from a shore excursion can save you a fortune on the ship btw. It is not uncommon to have a bar bill higher than the cost of the cruise if you aren't careful.

On Royal Caribbean (only cruise I've been on) they made you "store" any booze you bought on the islands until returning to port. It was for our safety.........and their bottom line. That being said I didn't think the cost of drinks was too bad, especially considering there are no other options. I thought it would be much worse, wasn't cheap but neither was it extortion. I enjoyed the cruise but cannot see myself doing it every year. The best part is being completely isolated from everything, I found it really relaxing. We did a southern route and only thing I would do differently is get a cabin with a balcony - would have been nice to have a guaranteed quiet spot to sit outside & read.

[Zwak]

Yep. Ranger is right. I hope my comments werent taken as a total avoid. We have taken 3 cruises in the Caribbean on a whim just because of the incredibly low price. It's just important to know that you often get what you pay for. Bringing your own booze from a shore excursion can save you a fortune on the ship btw. It is not uncommon to have a bar bill higher than the cost of the cruise if you aren't careful.

On Royal Caribbean (only cruise I've been on) they made you "store" any booze you bought on the islands until returning to port. It was for our safety.........and their bottom line. That being said I didn't think the cost of drinks was too bad, especially considering there are no other options. I thought it would be much worse, wasn't cheap but neither was it extortion. I enjoyed the cruise but cannot see myself doing it every year. The best part is being completely isolated from everything, I found it really relaxing. We did a southern route and only thing I would do differently is get a cabin with a balcony - would have been nice to have a guaranteed quiet spot to sit outside & read.

My wife has been on a cruise before and said a balcony is a must. We're leaning towards a western Caribbean cruise as my wife wants to visit Roatan and I want to hit Aruba.

[gopherguy06]

Gogoair.com offers GoGo In-flight WiFi Internet for $12.95 (or less) - code DIETCOKEGOGO = Free. Valid on Delta airlines during the month of August.

[minnhkyruls]

Anyone have inside info on San Jose, CA? Me and the wife are going for a four day in March. Outside two hockey gameS, is there any "can't miss" tours, events, hot spots? Thanks.

MINNESOTA HOCKEY RULES !!!!!

[Kelor]

Take a day trip to Pebble!!

[streakygopher]

Anyone have inside info on San Jose, CA? Me and the wife are going for a four day in March. Outside two hockey gameS, is there any "can't miss" tours, events, hot spots? Thanks.

MINNESOTA HOCKEY RULES !!!!!

From there Monterey Peninsula (Carmel, 17 mile drive...Pebble etc.) is real close...if you want to go for a beautiful drive down Highway 1 to San Simeon to see the Hearst Castle....it's worth it. You could also go north to Muir Woods. I'm going there myself in Sept...have fun!

[Dances With Gophers]

Anyone have inside info on San Jose, CA? Me and the wife are going for a four day in March. Outside two hockey gameS, is there any "can't miss" tours, events, hot spots? Thanks.

MINNESOTA HOCKEY RULES !!!!!

From there Monterey Peninsula (Carmel, 17 mile drive...Pebble etc.) is real close...if you want to go for a beautiful drive down Highway 1 to San Simeon to see the Hearst Castle....it's worth it. You could also go north to Muir Woods. I'm going there myself in Sept...have fun!

If you're in the San Simeon area, spend a night at a B&B in Cambria - you'll score major points with the better half.

[Bladepuller]

Going through Chicago on my scooter and have heard that I80 is down to one lane by Joliet so the shoots going south on I39 at Rockford and then turnng east.
I've also been told by B.in L. who was just back from Albany NY that I90 has lane restrictions coming in from the NW. My plan is to take I90 to I290 to I355 and catch I80 over to the Indiana Toll Road.
Feedback from knowledgable peeps?

[Greyeagle]

Where are you heading? On our trip SE last year we took I39 south to I74 to Indianapolis. Was nice way to avoid Chicago.

[Bladepuller]

Wish I could but Road King Darryl has family in Cleveland. Gettysburg, then down the Appalachians to Great Smiokies Nat Park area to to a little foot peg scraping. Roads down there have names like "Tail of the Dragon", "Hellbender", etc. Jack Daniels is going to get a visit too. I took I39 south when e went to Columbus Ohio for the Frozen 4.... ....That trip was "unique" , Seems to be the last time the lads were relevent.

[Greyeagle]

Smokies are awesome. Gatlinburg is, ummm, interesting if you're staying there. Any place that has a Ripley's & a few wax museums scares the hell out of me not to mention more mullets than a sue-jan game.

[Always Lurking]

Going through Chicago on my scooter and have heard that I80 is down to one lane by Joliet so the shoots going south on I39 at Rockford and then turnng east.
I've also been told by B.in L. who was just back from Albany NY that I90 has lane restrictions coming in from the NW. My plan is to take I90 to I290 to I355 and catch I80 over to the Indiana Toll Road.
Feedback from knowledgable peeps?

You'll be hit or miss on I-90 coming in from Rockford, pending time of day and construction schedule. Same with I-80 eastbound from I-355 to Indiana. Here's what I would do if you're traveling through between 10am and 6pm: I-39 S to I-88 E to I-355 S to I-80 East. The morning rush on I-80 is eastbound. If you roll through after 10am you'll be fine. And if you do have traffic, it's only 3 miles from I-355 to the end of the construction zone.

Alternate would be taking I-39 to I-88 to I-294 (toll) to I-80. No major construction projects that I know of anywhere on that route.

[Always Lurking]

Anyone here a member of the Disney Vacation Club or similar timeshare arrangement? I don't have the luxury of heading Up North to the cabin every weekend, so I was wondering if these types of timeshares are worth the investment.

[davescharf]

Anyone have inside info on San Jose, CA? Me and the wife are going for a four day in March. Outside two hockey gameS, is there any "can't miss" tours, events, hot spots? Thanks.

MINNESOTA HOCKEY RULES !!!!!

The Winchester House/Museum in San Jose is well worth the entertainment. Sarah Winchester was quite the crackpot and it's a fun trip.

The only think I'll warn you about with places like Muir Woods is that EVERYONE goes there on weekends. I tried to go there and it would have been a 1.5 mile walk just to the entrance from the park.

[minnhkyruls]

Anyone have inside info on San Jose, CA? Me and the wife are going for a four day in March. Outside two hockey gameS, is there any "can't miss" tours, events, hot spots? Thanks.

MINNESOTA HOCKEY RULES !!!!!

The Winchester House/Museum in San Jose is well worth the entertainment. Sarah Winchester was quite the crackpot and it's a fun trip.

The only think I'll warn you about with places like Muir Woods is that EVERYONE goes there on weekends. I tried to go there and it would have been a 1.5 mile walk just to the entrance from the park.

Thanks for the info, tWife is glad we have some ideas on what to do besides push poeple down for being from Califorina.

[sunbone]

Anyone have inside info on San Jose, CA? Me and the wife are going for a four day in March. Outside two hockey gameS, is there any "can't miss" tours, events, hot spots? Thanks.

MINNESOTA HOCKEY RULES !!!!!

From there Monterey Peninsula (Carmel, 17 mile drive...Pebble etc.) is real close...if you want to go for a beautiful drive down Highway 1 to San Simeon to see the Hearst Castle....it's worth it. You could also go north to Muir Woods. I'm going there myself in Sept...have fun!

If you're in the San Simeon area, spend a night at a B&B in Cambria - you'll score major points with the better half.

I love Cambria, a very scenic little town. And like Streaky said that drive on the PCH between Carmel and Cambria is awesome, maybe the most scenic stretch on the coast. It is probably 3-1/2 hours each way so wouldn't make a great day trip but there are a lot of nice places to stay along the way.

[gator]

I am going to the UP of Michigan for the first time in a week, I will be in Houghton/Hancock area for a couple days then making it over to Sault Ste Marie area for a couple more. I need suggestions on must see places and eats.....thanks!

Ambassador for pizza/subs.
The Lunch Bag has good sandwiches/burgers/lunchy stuff.
The wife and I like Victoria's Kitchen for breakfast.
The Library has more "upscale" food, for Houghton at least. Good microbrews, as well.

In the wintertime, the main parking lot at the MacInnes Student Ice Arena has been known to have some fine brews on tap.

The Library also has a certain Bourbon Vanilla Imperial Ale that some of us are very familiar with; that's what I was told, anyway.

I second the Ambassador for pizza. The taco pizza is very tasty.

The pizza at the Ambassador =

Dillo, you forgot the KBC.

Keweenaw Brewing Co.

[gator]

If anyone is ever interested into going to Glacier National Park, let me know. I would be more then willing to help you out and get you all the info you need. Grew up on the east side of Glacier and the family cabin is on the west side. I can get you all important info for Glacier and surrounding areas. Places to site see, hike, whitewater raft or whatever you into!!!

Btw, if you in the area during the 4th of July, Hungry Horse ,Mt. (the best dam town on the west side of Glacier) has the best firework display you'll ever see. It's impossible to explain, you have to be there to see it.

[Bertogliat]

I'm going to the Kansas City area for a wedding next weekend and I've heard a lot about the BBQ that the KC area has to offer. Does anyone know of a place down there that is really good? I'd prefer a hole in the wall place as opposed to a bigger chain type of restaurant.

Supposedly one of the most famous bbq joints in the country...read the reviews. I thought it was good, but I think they're surviving on their reputation.
http://www.arthurbryantsbbq.com/index.htm

Completely overrated. I was in town about 3 weeks ago for work and did my own min-tour and this was the worst of the 4 places I hit.

The best two places I visited were:

LC's. http://www.roadfood.com/Restaurant/Overview/2640/l-cs-barbq

Hole in the wall, reeks like hickory smoke, and looks dingy as hell, but great food.

and the absolute best I've ever had

Smokin Guns BBQ http://www.smokingunsbbq.com/

The owners are world competetion bbq champions...and the food shows.

Heresy! I love Arthur Bryants. I am hoping you just caught them on a bad day. Next time I go to KC, will try Aurthur Bryant's and this smoking guns place. I have eaten bbq all over and Arthur Bryant's is one of my favorites. I was only there one time though.

I had a trip to North Carolina this month get cancelled. I am bummed out and jonsing for some real barbecue.

[WPoS]

I am going to the UP of Michigan for the first time in a week, I will be in Houghton/Hancock area for a couple days then making it over to Sault Ste Marie area for a couple more. I need suggestions on must see places and eats.....thanks!

Ambassador for pizza/subs.
The Lunch Bag has good sandwiches/burgers/lunchy stuff.
The wife and I like Victoria's Kitchen for breakfast.
The Library has more "upscale" food, for Houghton at least. Good microbrews, as well.

In the wintertime, the main parking lot at the MacInnes Student Ice Arena has been known to have some fine brews on tap.

The Library also has a certain Bourbon Vanilla Imperial Ale that some of us are very familiar with; that's what I was told, anyway.

I second the Ambassador for pizza. The taco pizza is very tasty.

The pizza at the Ambassador =

Dillo, you forgot the KBC.

Keweenaw Brewing Co.

EPIC FAIL OF PERPORTIONS I CAN'T EVEN DESCRIBE!

what would your son think of your failure?

W

[Armadillo]

He was asking for places to EAT at, you illiterate buffoons!!! I don't think he'd count eating the spent malt from the brew kettle as a meal (as awesome as that was).

[greydogg]

He was asking for places to EAT at, you illiterate buffoons!!! I don't think he'd count eating the spent malt from the brew kettle as a meal (as awesome as that was).

I did go to the KBC....fantastic!!!! I do consider beer a meal sometimes.

[Golden FE Ranger]

He was asking for places to EAT at, you illiterate buffoons!!! I don't think he'd count eating the spent malt from the brew kettle as a meal (as awesome as that was).

I did go to the KBC....fantastic!!!! I do consider beer a meal sometimes.

I had a former boss who preferred to drink his dinner .

[The Rube]

I always figured the KBC was a given. No need to mention it. You're in the UP, you have KBC. It's science.

[WPoS]

He was asking for places to EAT at, you illiterate buffoons!!! I don't think he'd count eating the spent malt from the brew kettle as a meal (as awesome as that was).

you go next door to the piza place, grab a pizza dn then back to the KBC to eat it ya francium loving idgit!

W

[Sioux/Bucky Hater]

If anyone is ever interested into going to Glacier National Park, let me know. I would be more then willing to help you out and get you all the info you need. Grew up on the east side of Glacier and the family cabin is on the west side. I can get you all important info for Glacier and surrounding areas. Places to site see, hike, whitewater raft or whatever you into!!!

Btw, if you in the area during the 4th of July, Hungry Horse ,Mt. (the best dam town on the west side of Glacier) has the best firework display you'll ever see. It's impossible to explain, you have to be there to see it.

Quite possibly the coldest night I ever spent was in a tent in Glacier in June. I think we camped at about 3500 feet. It supposedly snowed about a foot at 4200 feet overnight. Brrr. I did happen upon a Grizzly while walking on Going to the Sun Road. I got some pretty sweet video of it. I'll have to pop that in and take a look at it again.

[Sioux/Bucky Hater]

I am getting ready for my annual trek to the Black Hills and the http://www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com/. I will leave Saturday for a week of drunken debauchery. Oh yes, I will be putting on a couple thousand miles as well. I hope to hit the tables in Deadwood, hit a hill climb, many concerts, and might try to make it to the hot springs this time around. I have never seen the mammoth site or the caves in the hills. We'll have to see where the road takes us.

Hey Bladepuller, have fun getting some "tail" down south.

[stan_5150]

If you ever happen to make it to Amsterdam, avoid the Red Light District on a Sunday morning - seriously, they have the B Squad/Junior Varsity working. There are things that you simply can't un-see.

[Armadillo]

If you ever happen to make it to Amsterdam, avoid the Red Light District on a Sunday morning - seriously, they have the B Squad/Junior Varsity working. There are things that you simply can't un-see.

?

[davescharf]

If you ever happen to make it to Amsterdam, avoid the Red Light District on a Sunday morning - seriously, they have the B Squad/Junior Varsity working. There are things that you simply can't un-see.

I think it's the same on nearly anytime. I was around there on a Saturday morning a few months ago and was thinking the same thing.

On a totally different note, we're currently in Colorado and have spent the past few days in Aspen. The amount of money in this town in mind boggling. I read somewhere today that Pitkin county's homes were assessed at 27 Billion dollars collectively and the average sale price of a home in Aspen this year is just under 7 million dollars

The money shows in all the plastic surgery and botox too...

[The Rube]

If you ever happen to make it to Amsterdam, avoid the Red Light District on a Sunday morning - seriously, they have the B Squad/Junior Varsity working. There are things that you simply can't un-see.

?

"C'mon, she wasn't THAT bad. She had DD's! Yeah, ok, they were on her back, but still!"