NFL DRAFT ESCAPES
Tonight commences the 2015 NFL Draft. Chris, Mel, and the gang gather to provide instant analysis and highlight clips of players they know slightly better than the casual fan. A "mock" draft is not "authentic" or "real" thus showcases the frivolousness of expert projections. What is far more interesting than where Marcus Mariota will play is what is available to do in the city that drafts him. For the less than the price of that new Mariota jersey, you could go kayaking in the Chicago River, take a microbrewery tour in St. Louis, or eat your way through a crab feast somewhere along Maryland's Eastern Shore.
I've created the NFL City Excursion Draft for my selections of what do to this Saturday instead of watching rounds four through seven of the NFL draft. Some of these are the most popular places in town, some are off the beaten track, and a few are trips down my personal memory lane - regardless it's better than hearing about someone's "intangibles".
I've created the NFL City Excursion Draft for my selections of what do to this Saturday instead of watching rounds four through seven of the NFL draft. Some of these are the most popular places in town, some are off the beaten track, and a few are trips down my personal memory lane - regardless it's better than hearing about someone's "intangibles".
1. TAMPA BAY
Beginning the list with the only place I've never been to or driven through. Yikes. Not a good way to start.
SANIBEL ISLAND
The closest I've been to Tampa Bay is Fort Myers and a whirlwind trip to Sanibel Island. Its important to know, that even though you're a pilot, if you're not flying the plane, they will leave without you. Turbo, was an appropriate name for a dog, that could bolt in an instance, unfortunately often in the wrong direction.
SANIBEL ISLAND
The closest I've been to Tampa Bay is Fort Myers and a whirlwind trip to Sanibel Island. Its important to know, that even though you're a pilot, if you're not flying the plane, they will leave without you. Turbo, was an appropriate name for a dog, that could bolt in an instance, unfortunately often in the wrong direction.
2. NASHVILLE
THE GRAND OLE OPRY
My parent's went through a country music phase in the early 1990s. So intense was their commitment that we took a family vacation to Nashville. One of the most memorable moments of this trip was catching a show at the Grand Ole Opry, a musical theater. Country singers, who are members of the Grand Ole Opry, make unannounced guest appearances. The day we attended the guest singer was none other than Randy Travis, which circa 1994, was about as big of a star as there was on the country music scene. My mom swooned but was able to gain her composure and get a handshake from Randy Travis while he performed on stage.
My parent's went through a country music phase in the early 1990s. So intense was their commitment that we took a family vacation to Nashville. One of the most memorable moments of this trip was catching a show at the Grand Ole Opry, a musical theater. Country singers, who are members of the Grand Ole Opry, make unannounced guest appearances. The day we attended the guest singer was none other than Randy Travis, which circa 1994, was about as big of a star as there was on the country music scene. My mom swooned but was able to gain her composure and get a handshake from Randy Travis while he performed on stage.
3. JACKSONVILLE
Unlike Tampa Bay, I've actually driven through Jacksonville - twice! I'm going to cheat on this draft choice and instead recommend something to see in a potential Jaguar's relocation city.
SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS TRAIL
There are missions beyond the Alamo, namely, San Jose, San Juan Capistrano, Espada, and Concepcion. Unlike the Alamo, these missions remain in a relatively remote and serene setting with little, if any, commercialization (at least fifteen years ago that was the case). A few of the missions have been recently refurbished although they still retain an historical charm.
SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS TRAIL
There are missions beyond the Alamo, namely, San Jose, San Juan Capistrano, Espada, and Concepcion. Unlike the Alamo, these missions remain in a relatively remote and serene setting with little, if any, commercialization (at least fifteen years ago that was the case). A few of the missions have been recently refurbished although they still retain an historical charm.
4. OAKLAND
Like Jacksonville, I've only ever driven through Oakland. I'm going to cheat on this draft choice as well and recommend a place where this team should be playing in 2017 - Los Angeles.
SAN PEDRO FISH MARKET AND RESTAURANT
The parking and the crowds may be brutal but once you're settled in and drinking giant mugs of beer and eating shrimp seafood platters all those headaches drift away. After the meal a drive around Palos Verdes shows a much quieter side of Los Angeles. No trip down this way is complete without making a loop around the peninsula and stopping at Angels Gate Park.
SAN PEDRO FISH MARKET AND RESTAURANT
The parking and the crowds may be brutal but once you're settled in and drinking giant mugs of beer and eating shrimp seafood platters all those headaches drift away. After the meal a drive around Palos Verdes shows a much quieter side of Los Angeles. No trip down this way is complete without making a loop around the peninsula and stopping at Angels Gate Park.
5. WASHINGTON, DC
INTERNATIONAL SPY MUSEUM
I've always wanted to be a spy and spending two hours in this museum returned childhood memories. I miss the good ole days of shoe phones and cameras in a cigarette box. Now it's all satellites and web browsing surveillance.
I've always wanted to be a spy and spending two hours in this museum returned childhood memories. I miss the good ole days of shoe phones and cameras in a cigarette box. Now it's all satellites and web browsing surveillance.
6. NEW YORK (JETS)5 POINTZ
"They paved paradise and put up a parking lot." Not quite true but close - developers did tear down what was the site of some of the greatest street graffiti anywhere and put up a new condominium. Graffiti was painted onto both the walls and the ground to create a three dimensional effect. I'd be nervous of purchasing a condo here as I think it would be similar to purchasing a place on an Indian Burial Ground - you don't mess with spirits and 5 Pointz had some spirit. When I visited quite a few brunch restaurants had started to appear nearby so I guess at this point the neighborhood change is complete. |
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7. CHICAGO
KAYAK THE CHICAGO RIVER AND THE SECOND CITY
Chicago has cornered the skyscraper market. The tall buildings look even better down below on the Chicago River. Just be sure to save some energy for the return trip when you need to paddle against the current. After an exhaustive day on the river your stomach will hurt from laughing so much at a Second City improvisation show. Actors request input from the audience guaranteeing a different performance each night.
Chicago has cornered the skyscraper market. The tall buildings look even better down below on the Chicago River. Just be sure to save some energy for the return trip when you need to paddle against the current. After an exhaustive day on the river your stomach will hurt from laughing so much at a Second City improvisation show. Actors request input from the audience guaranteeing a different performance each night.
8. ATLANTA
SERENBE FARMS
Thirty miles southwest of Atlanta is a planned rural community. It's a bit of a shock driving through - Serenbe is immaculately maintained and all the homes look like they belong on a movie set - the seem like they should just be a front facade with nothing behind. The entire experience feels unreal, like you've discovered an alternate realty where residents have intentional stopped and turned back the clock yet everything is new and modern. Restaurants and shops cater to the community and visitors looking for a change of pace.
Thirty miles southwest of Atlanta is a planned rural community. It's a bit of a shock driving through - Serenbe is immaculately maintained and all the homes look like they belong on a movie set - the seem like they should just be a front facade with nothing behind. The entire experience feels unreal, like you've discovered an alternate realty where residents have intentional stopped and turned back the clock yet everything is new and modern. Restaurants and shops cater to the community and visitors looking for a change of pace.
9. NEW YORK (GIANTS)ASBURY PARK
This beach has undergone a revival in the past decade or so and I visited in December - perhaps I'm not providing reliable information but when I visited I thought it was a pretty bad ass beach. There is (was?) a derelict casino spanning across the boardwalk creating an eerie ghosttown feel. This area may be one of the most overlook "site-seeing" destinations in the US. |
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10. ST. LOUIS
MICROBREWERY TOUR
St. Louis does not appear on any "Best Beer Cities in America" lists - Travel and Leisure had a Top Twenty list - Anchorage, Charleston, Providence all made the cut - no St. Louis. This is a surprise because I think when it comes to the nuts and bolts of beer making, St. Louisans are as knowledgeable as anyone from Portland or Denver. Taking a tour of the city's popular microbreweries, in which Schlafly's should be included, will confirm as much.
St. Louis does not appear on any "Best Beer Cities in America" lists - Travel and Leisure had a Top Twenty list - Anchorage, Charleston, Providence all made the cut - no St. Louis. This is a surprise because I think when it comes to the nuts and bolts of beer making, St. Louisans are as knowledgeable as anyone from Portland or Denver. Taking a tour of the city's popular microbreweries, in which Schlafly's should be included, will confirm as much.
11. MINNESOTA
MYSTIC LAKE CASINO
No need to gamble - for entertainment spend the night in a tee-pee. Unbeknownst to me and my brother, we were actually suppose to set up a tent in the tee-pee not sleep in the open. It did make for a rather uncomfortable night's sleep. On the plus side it made the Jucy Lucy at Matt's Bar taste even better than expected.
No need to gamble - for entertainment spend the night in a tee-pee. Unbeknownst to me and my brother, we were actually suppose to set up a tent in the tee-pee not sleep in the open. It did make for a rather uncomfortable night's sleep. On the plus side it made the Jucy Lucy at Matt's Bar taste even better than expected.
12. CLEVELAND
CEDAR POINTS
The first time I ever rode the "big-boys" roller coaster. I didn't quite overcome my fears although this did pave the way for future bungee-jumping and skydiving activities.
The first time I ever rode the "big-boys" roller coaster. I didn't quite overcome my fears although this did pave the way for future bungee-jumping and skydiving activities.
13. NEW ORLEANS
THE SUPERDOME
I visited New Orleans in 1995 for a church retreat - 50,000 Lutheran youths packed in the Superdome - Christian Youth Gone Wild! There was a minister from Minnesota, a hotbed of Lutheran activity, who had the best accent. Unfortunately the rest of the experience was rather tame - in advance of our arrival Bourbon Street was boarded up. 15 years old. Religious convention. No nightlife. It doesn't seem like I actually visited New Orleans. Whenever I return to the U.S. this will be the second city I visit after...
I visited New Orleans in 1995 for a church retreat - 50,000 Lutheran youths packed in the Superdome - Christian Youth Gone Wild! There was a minister from Minnesota, a hotbed of Lutheran activity, who had the best accent. Unfortunately the rest of the experience was rather tame - in advance of our arrival Bourbon Street was boarded up. 15 years old. Religious convention. No nightlife. It doesn't seem like I actually visited New Orleans. Whenever I return to the U.S. this will be the second city I visit after...
14. MIAMI
...I've driven through Miami on the way to the Florida Keys and looking back I wonder why the Spring Break group I was traveling with didn't tack on a night or too in South Beach. I've had Miami on my radar for a while, it was always the next city I was going to visit - then I relocated to Los Angeles, then increased my international travel.
KEY WEST
To give an idea of how remote Key West is - it's still a four hour drive from Miami. America's Southernmost point has a laid back vibe. I think a Jimmy Buffet soundtrack is on permanent repeat in every bar. Hemingway's former residence is worth visiting and taking a break from the do nothing and relaxation routine.
KEY WEST
To give an idea of how remote Key West is - it's still a four hour drive from Miami. America's Southernmost point has a laid back vibe. I think a Jimmy Buffet soundtrack is on permanent repeat in every bar. Hemingway's former residence is worth visiting and taking a break from the do nothing and relaxation routine.
15. SAN FRANCISCO
BIKE ACROSS THE BAY
If you're in San Francisco for only a few days or even longer, there's no point in getting cute and trying something off the beaten path - rent a bike, ride it across the Golden Gate bridge, and return on a ferry. So simple, so iconic.
If you're in San Francisco for only a few days or even longer, there's no point in getting cute and trying something off the beaten path - rent a bike, ride it across the Golden Gate bridge, and return on a ferry. So simple, so iconic.
16. HOUSTONSIT IN TRAFFIC ON THE WAY TO THE JOHNSON SPACE CENTER
I kid - I've never driven in a state with so many GMC Yukon XLs going below the speed limit, in the passing lane, than in Texas. They all seemed to congregate in Houston and have a contest who could drive the slowest. At least when I reached the Johnson Space Center I wasn't disappointed. An in-depth tour provided access to former control rooms and prototype designs. Even with all the information available it's still difficult to grasp how the US put a man on the moon. The computers used look like they had less capability than an iPhone. |
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17. SAN DIEGO
SAN CLEMENTE
I visited San Diego the first month I lived in Los Angeles, then never visited it again in the next three years. It's nice...it's just not Los Angeles...it's Pittsburgh with nice weather (that's a compliment to Pittsburgh) and there's too many places in between to stop before making it to San Diego. Laguna Beach. Dana Point. San Clemente. Newport Beach. Seal Beach. Huntington Beach. Pick one and go.
I visited San Diego the first month I lived in Los Angeles, then never visited it again in the next three years. It's nice...it's just not Los Angeles...it's Pittsburgh with nice weather (that's a compliment to Pittsburgh) and there's too many places in between to stop before making it to San Diego. Laguna Beach. Dana Point. San Clemente. Newport Beach. Seal Beach. Huntington Beach. Pick one and go.
18. KANSAS CITYHARRY TRUMAN'S HOUSE AND PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY
Before filling up on BBQ check out Harry Truman's modest house and presidential library. If the Royals are in town, Kaufman Stadium is nearby and it's a great throwback stadium from before the current retro, cookie cutter designs started dominating the baseball landscape. |
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19. BUFFALO
WEGMAN'S FLAGSHIP STORE - ROCHESTER
I will solve the Anchor Bar (original) vs. Duff's (the upstart) Buffalo Wing's debate once and for all - head to Rochester instead and have the grilled chicken wings at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. The original is in Syracuse, however, the Rochester version is still a worthy dinner choice in Rochester, which has an unusually high volume of great restaurants for a city of its size. Perhaps its because Rochester is also home to Wegman's, the greatest grocery store ever. Wegman's flagship store in Rochester is worth the pilgrimage for any fans of the supermarket.
I will solve the Anchor Bar (original) vs. Duff's (the upstart) Buffalo Wing's debate once and for all - head to Rochester instead and have the grilled chicken wings at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. The original is in Syracuse, however, the Rochester version is still a worthy dinner choice in Rochester, which has an unusually high volume of great restaurants for a city of its size. Perhaps its because Rochester is also home to Wegman's, the greatest grocery store ever. Wegman's flagship store in Rochester is worth the pilgrimage for any fans of the supermarket.
20. PHILADELPHIA
HIKE THE FORBIDDEN DRIVE
Wissahickon Valley Park is home to one of the great urban hiking trails in America. The Forbidden Drive hike runs for about seven miles along the Wissahickon Creek although there's a few hop in / hop out stops to reduce the hike. I usually start at Bell's Mill Road then walk to a cafe / restaurant for a coffee and desert. The best time to visit is in the fall when the leaves start to change colors.
From the Forbidden Drive you can head into Chestnut Hill or continue to Center City Philadelphia through Fairmount Park.
Wissahickon Valley Park is home to one of the great urban hiking trails in America. The Forbidden Drive hike runs for about seven miles along the Wissahickon Creek although there's a few hop in / hop out stops to reduce the hike. I usually start at Bell's Mill Road then walk to a cafe / restaurant for a coffee and desert. The best time to visit is in the fall when the leaves start to change colors.
From the Forbidden Drive you can head into Chestnut Hill or continue to Center City Philadelphia through Fairmount Park.
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21. CINCINNATI
DRINKING ALONG THE OHIO RIVER
I spent one, alcohol fueled night here, ten years ago. I recall at the time that Cincinnati was undergoing a bit of a transformation, a revival which continues to this day. The Reds had just opened a new stadium and the city had quite a bit of energy. I woke up early the next day, drove to Louisville for the Louisville Slugger Museum, caught a few races at Churchill Downs, then continued on to St. Louis.
I spent one, alcohol fueled night here, ten years ago. I recall at the time that Cincinnati was undergoing a bit of a transformation, a revival which continues to this day. The Reds had just opened a new stadium and the city had quite a bit of energy. I woke up early the next day, drove to Louisville for the Louisville Slugger Museum, caught a few races at Churchill Downs, then continued on to St. Louis.
22. PITTSBURGH
CHURCH BREW AND PRIMANTI BROTHERS
Another Midwest drinking and eating recommendation. Church Brew is a cool stop because as the name gives away, its a microbrewery in a church. The vats sit in the sanctuary where the alter would otherwise be. From here its a short drive to Primanti Brothers in Pittsburgh's Strip District to try and fit an overstuffed sandwich in your mouth.
Another Midwest drinking and eating recommendation. Church Brew is a cool stop because as the name gives away, its a microbrewery in a church. The vats sit in the sanctuary where the alter would otherwise be. From here its a short drive to Primanti Brothers in Pittsburgh's Strip District to try and fit an overstuffed sandwich in your mouth.
23. DETROIT
THE HENRY FORD MUSEUM
My favorite exhibit is the glass vial that contains Thomas Edison's last gasp of air. I like to imagine Henry Ford sitting beside, then just after Edison closes his eyes and releases a final exhale, Ford says "got it" and puts a cap on the vial. There's a lot more at the museum which in some areas feels like a kleptomaniac's attic, however, there are also historically significant items like the bus Rosa Park's was on when she refused to give up her seat.
My favorite exhibit is the glass vial that contains Thomas Edison's last gasp of air. I like to imagine Henry Ford sitting beside, then just after Edison closes his eyes and releases a final exhale, Ford says "got it" and puts a cap on the vial. There's a lot more at the museum which in some areas feels like a kleptomaniac's attic, however, there are also historically significant items like the bus Rosa Park's was on when she refused to give up her seat.
24. ARIZONA
GOLF TROON MONUMENT NORTH
Three factors coincided for a great round of golf: my brother was "studying" are Arizona State, Troon North was a feature course on EA Sport's Tiger Wood's Golf, and I was playing the best golf of my life. The extra wide fairways and flat putting surfaces help me to make par on eight holes...unfortunately the cacti on the other ten holes significantly raised my final score.
Three factors coincided for a great round of golf: my brother was "studying" are Arizona State, Troon North was a feature course on EA Sport's Tiger Wood's Golf, and I was playing the best golf of my life. The extra wide fairways and flat putting surfaces help me to make par on eight holes...unfortunately the cacti on the other ten holes significantly raised my final score.
25. CHARLOTTE
WINSTON-SALEM ROADTRIP!
Charlotte's nice although the next time I'm back in North Carolina I'm heading to Winston-Salem. It's been over ten years since I graduated college from Wake Forest and I still wake up with cravings for a Holy Food Trinity that sustained me during those years: Cookout, Mountain Fried Chicken, Little Richard's BBQ. The only thing better than Cookout's straight from the grill burgers were it's hushpuppies - deep fried until crispy on the outside and still soft on the inside. Mountain Fried Chicken - "It's Not Greasy" - I still licked up fingers clean to savor the complete taste. Little Richard's BBQ is the star of North Carolina cuisine. Regardless of which state has the best barbecue, you simply can't find North Carolina barbecue outside of North Carolina, thus there is no way to satisfy the craving. Just writing this makes me want to return and start gorging again like I did in college.
Charlotte's nice although the next time I'm back in North Carolina I'm heading to Winston-Salem. It's been over ten years since I graduated college from Wake Forest and I still wake up with cravings for a Holy Food Trinity that sustained me during those years: Cookout, Mountain Fried Chicken, Little Richard's BBQ. The only thing better than Cookout's straight from the grill burgers were it's hushpuppies - deep fried until crispy on the outside and still soft on the inside. Mountain Fried Chicken - "It's Not Greasy" - I still licked up fingers clean to savor the complete taste. Little Richard's BBQ is the star of North Carolina cuisine. Regardless of which state has the best barbecue, you simply can't find North Carolina barbecue outside of North Carolina, thus there is no way to satisfy the craving. Just writing this makes me want to return and start gorging again like I did in college.
26. BALTIMORE
CRABS ALONG THE EASTERN SHORE
I cannot think of a better Saturday activity than eating crabs in some shack or along the waterfront in small town rural Maryland. It's one of the great slices of Americana. They only thing you want to be absolutely sure of is that the crabs are freshly killed - that they haven't been boiled earlier in the day then re-heated once you arrive.
I cannot think of a better Saturday activity than eating crabs in some shack or along the waterfront in small town rural Maryland. It's one of the great slices of Americana. They only thing you want to be absolutely sure of is that the crabs are freshly killed - that they haven't been boiled earlier in the day then re-heated once you arrive.
27. DALLAS
BILLY BOB'S
Dallas confused me. Everything seemed so spread out that it looked like a city, it just didn't feel like a city. Billy Bob's didn't confuse me. It's a famous bar in Fort Worth and always worth a night out regardless of the headlining act. It's always a great performance.
Dallas confused me. Everything seemed so spread out that it looked like a city, it just didn't feel like a city. Billy Bob's didn't confuse me. It's a famous bar in Fort Worth and always worth a night out regardless of the headlining act. It's always a great performance.
28. DENVER
BOULDER
A great college town atmosphere makes Boulder worth checking out for a nightly excursion from Denver. Aspen, and other mountain towns, are a traffic filled ride away but provide a great escape too. Even if it's not skiing season there's still plenty to do.
A great college town atmosphere makes Boulder worth checking out for a nightly excursion from Denver. Aspen, and other mountain towns, are a traffic filled ride away but provide a great escape too. Even if it's not skiing season there's still plenty to do.
29. INDIANAPOLIS
INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
I drove through Indianapolis at some point in my life. I stopped at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and took a tour. That's all I remember.
I drove through Indianapolis at some point in my life. I stopped at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and took a tour. That's all I remember.
30. GREEN BAY
FOUR CHEESE GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH
I think the Indianapolis Motor Speedway trip was the same trip I had the greatest grilled cheese sandwich ever. Four types of cheese on sourdough toast. Amazing. I still think about this sandwich ten years later although I can't remember the name and Googling "Grilled Cheese Sandwich Milwaukee" brings up thousands of hits.
I think the Indianapolis Motor Speedway trip was the same trip I had the greatest grilled cheese sandwich ever. Four types of cheese on sourdough toast. Amazing. I still think about this sandwich ten years later although I can't remember the name and Googling "Grilled Cheese Sandwich Milwaukee" brings up thousands of hits.
31. SEATTLE
TIDES TAVERN
Supposedly more pilots retire in Seattle than anywhere else in Seattle. Homes with a view of Mt. Rainier have significantly higher price tags. If those price tags are out of your budget you can always head to Tides Tavern for a good meal, beer, and great Rainier views.
Supposedly more pilots retire in Seattle than anywhere else in Seattle. Homes with a view of Mt. Rainier have significantly higher price tags. If those price tags are out of your budget you can always head to Tides Tavern for a good meal, beer, and great Rainier views.
32. NEW ENGLAND
ARCADIA NATIONAL PARK
I've done the Freedom Walk and historical sites, however, Arcadia National Park, in Maine, is my favorite New England destination. You can rent a bike in Bar Harbor then bike all of the wide horse carriage trails throughout the park. Bar Harbor has a decent enough night life to relax, try lobster in all it's forms, and wash it down with a beer.
I've done the Freedom Walk and historical sites, however, Arcadia National Park, in Maine, is my favorite New England destination. You can rent a bike in Bar Harbor then bike all of the wide horse carriage trails throughout the park. Bar Harbor has a decent enough night life to relax, try lobster in all it's forms, and wash it down with a beer.