Looking for Local Recommendations
by Catsmeat Potter-Pirbright on Jun 23, 2009 11:31 AM EDT
49 comments
Hey all,
This Saturday I am beginning an epic road across the US, basically from New York west to Portland, OR, down the PCH to Los Angeles and back across the country. I have stops planned in such exotic locales as Rockford, IL, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Badlands National Park, Denver, Park City, UT, Portland, San Fran, L.A., Albuquerque, Kansas City and all sorts of points in between. The adventure ends at a wedding near Lake George at the end of July. Something like 8300 miles of driving in four weeks. Dang.
Anyhoo, I know we've got folks from all over the country contributing to AA, so maybe you all could offer up some local recommendations as far as food, sights, nightlife, etc. There's no particular theme for this trip other than visiting old friends, seeing new places and definitely taking in a few ballgames on the way, but it wouldn't hurt to have a little local knowledge in the places where I don't know anyone.
So, please feel free to throw your ideas in the comments. Also, if folks are so inclined perhaps you could rec this up so it stays in the FanPosts for more than the usual day or two.
Much appreciated,
CPP.
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Sounds like an awesome trip
A couple of things off the top of my head, from the destinations you mentioned:
In Minneapolis, go to Matt’s Bar and have a Jucy Lucy. Actually, have two, one with the grilled onions and one without. As far as I’m concerned, don’t bother with the Mall of America – yes, it’s nice that it used to be a baseball stadium and there’s a bronze home plate in there, but when it comes down to it it’s just a huge mall with stores that are no different than what you’d see at any other.
In Denver, friends and I had a good meal at the Appaloosa Grill, although it’s a little on the expensive side. Definitely worth a trip and much more reasonably priced is the Wynkoop Brewing Company, which is also very conveniently located to Coors Field if you’re planning to take in a game there.
In Kansas City, have BBQ. I don’t know enough about the area to know a particular place, but I know enough to be able to say that much.
by JoshNY on Jun 23, 2009 12:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I've been to Albuquerque and shown a decent time.
A couple suggestions:
Frontier Restaurant and an Albuquerque Dukes game. And the Launch Pad for live music (punk and rock and such), but it obviously depends on who’s playing. And it’s just, like, a half hour drive to a casino somewheres outside of town.
batting helmets. batting titles. obp.
by Durelo on Jun 23, 2009 12:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
check out the Rogue and Deschutes breweries when in Oregon
The Pacific Northwest is easily the best place for beer in the whole US of A.
We've got ourselves a ball club, the Mets of New York town!
by kingcritical on Jun 23, 2009 12:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh man I hadn't even thought about Rogue
gonna have to make sure I get to Newport on my way south from Portland.
"He's definitely mixing it into his repertoire. That's French for 'repertoire' " - Keith Hernandez
by Catsmeat Potter-Pirbright on Jun 23, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hell yeah
Portland actually has a Rogue Public House where you can eat and drink, but it’s worth a trip to the brewery in Newport if you can make it. It’s right on the water, and the air smells so good there, what with malted barley. Take the tour if you can.
We've got ourselves a ball club, the Mets of New York town!
by kingcritical on Jun 23, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can help, if you're planning a Nashville stop.
King of the bling come to lay down the evidence//Not George Bush, L-Millz be da president
by Sam Page on Jun 23, 2009 12:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Chico, CA
Sierra Nevada Brewery.
Also, since youll be on Highway 1 in Cali, any stop along the way in Big Sur has the best vantage points ever! Only problem is July can be bad weather (foggy, grey, dull).
"I used to be legit. I was too legit. I was too legit to quit. but now I'm not legit. I'm unlegit. And for that reason, I must quit."
by jaronson5 on Jun 23, 2009 12:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I could give you some southeastern Michigan recs, if you're passing through
That’s about it.
by jasondg on Jun 23, 2009 12:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Website
The maps feature requires a subscription, but if you travel a lot it may be worth it.
by Reg Dunlop on Jun 23, 2009 1:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wall Drug
Wall drug is pretty cool and is an hour away from Rapid City South Dakota, which is near the badlands and the Black Hills. Their coffee is only 5 cents (or some old school price) and their food is pretty good and pretty cheap. It is a nice place, and has a nice Western feel too it. I only went there once, and it was a while ago, but vaguely remember it being a pretty good place.
by Whack8888 on Jun 23, 2009 1:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately, you're not passing through my neck of the woods.
But enjoy it all the same.
"I dunno. I never smoked any Astroturf"
-Tug McGraw
by squid92 on Jun 23, 2009 5:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If you are headed through Albuquerque...
keep taking the 40 (I believe) and head though Phoenix. Tempe/Scottsdale cannot be beat.
By time you get out here, all the chicadees will be back from summer vaca and the views are, to put it mildly, quite inviting.
If your not a fan of the heat, keep on the 40 and stop in at Flagstaff.
It would also be a major mistake not to hit up Vegas while your out in St. George. Less than 1.5 hours from you and a very nice, easy drive. Hitting it on your way out of town could be a mistake though. You don’t want to drive back east with a Vegas Hangover over your head :-)
Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but Jerry abuses the privilege.
by AnthonyR on Jun 23, 2009 5:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
hahaha Vegas
actually Vegas is part of the return trip. It’s maybe my sixth visit there in the last two years or so, but really it’s about making the nighttime drive from LA, which I hear is pretty spectacular once you actually reach Vegas.
That said, I will probably find my way into a few stiff drinks and more than a few hands of blackjack.
"He's definitely mixing it into his repertoire. That's French for 'repertoire' " - Keith Hernandez
by Catsmeat Potter-Pirbright on Jun 23, 2009 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dude, Swingers does not even do it justice.
Well worth it…the anticipation is what makes it and even if you’ve been, it’s still pretty sweet. I’ve made that drive probably 20 times and I still dig it.
Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but Jerry abuses the privilege.
by AnthonyR on Jun 24, 2009 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Couple things
1) If by any chance you’re in Montana — and I mean anywhere in Montana, even though it’s huge — don’t miss Sir Scott’s Oasis in Manhattan. I went there once in 2006 and every day since I’ve plotted my return trip. I’ve never eaten so much meat in one sitting.
2) Salt Lake City is a surprisingly fun place if you pay the cover for one of their social clubs, plus the ballpark there is great.
3) If you like fast food, check out Good Times in the Denver area. It’s dope. Also Culver’s in the Midwest, because they butter their burgers. Avoid Taco John’s. Also, Casa Bonita in Denver is not as delicious as Eric Cartman would have you believe, though it is hilarious.
by TedBerg on Jun 23, 2009 6:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Butterburgers!
I did some time (university, not prison) at UW-Madison, so I had more than my fair share of butterburgers. Dang addicting, they were.
"He's definitely mixing it into his repertoire. That's French for 'repertoire' " - Keith Hernandez
by Catsmeat Potter-Pirbright on Jun 23, 2009 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good.
They’re pretty amazing. If you’re going through the South and like regional fast food, Cookout and Bojangles chicken probably shouldn’t be missed. Oh and Biscuitville in North Carolina, which is a great place to go if you want to die before noon.
As for KC, everyone will tell you to go to Arthur Bryant’s for BBQ and that’s probably worth checking out because it’s historical and famous, but LC’s is where it’s at for authentic bare-bones ribs-on-white bread stuff. And by bare bones I mean not at all bare bones.
by TedBerg on Jun 23, 2009 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I seriously expect to put on about 10 pounds over the 4 weeks
because I am absolutely determined to eat as much regional food and drink as much regional beer as possible. I appreciate all the good tips.
"He's definitely mixing it into his repertoire. That's French for 'repertoire' " - Keith Hernandez
by Catsmeat Potter-Pirbright on Jun 23, 2009 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bonjagles is your idea of Southeren food?
That’s kind of horrifying.
King of the bling come to lay down the evidence//Not George Bush, L-Millz be da president
by Sam Page on Jun 25, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hahaha
As far as regional fast food chain restaurant fried chicken goes, it’s not horrible. I agree with you, though, that it isn’t “Southern” food.
"He's definitely mixing it into his repertoire. That's French for 'repertoire' " - Keith Hernandez
by Catsmeat Potter-Pirbright on Jun 25, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he did say
“regional fast food,” which is technically accurate since you can’t find those places up north.
by cjmulrain on Jun 25, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's true
Big difference between regional food and regional fast food, and while the former is much more delicious, I’ve always found the latter more convenient (if ultimately more painful) on lengthy road trips.
by TedBerg on Jun 26, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Off topic, but
I have re-routed part of the trip to make sure I get to Sir Scott’s Oasis. I got some additional info about it on the intertubes, and man does it sound good.
Yes, I will drive several hours out of my way for a great steak dinner. I mean, I can’t fathom when I’ll ever be near Montana again, so there’s really no excuse not to.
"He's definitely mixing it into his repertoire. That's French for 'repertoire' " - Keith Hernandez
by Catsmeat Potter-Pirbright on Jun 26, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good
If it’s anything like it was three years ago, you won’t be sorry. We intended to drive about three hours after stopping there but only made it 12.2 miles to Three Forks, MT, before we packed it in due to meatstroke.
Then, to make matters worse, we woke up the next day and determined that we had to backtrack and go back for lunch. Totally worth it. So we didn’t see as much of our friends in Seattle. Whatever. Delicious meat.
by TedBerg on Jun 26, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You say KC
which means maybe parts of Missouri too? depending on driving methods?
because if you somehow find yourself like 4 hours south of there, make sure to check out Lambert’s Cafe, home of the throwed rolls. the billboard caught our eye in the middle of a 6 hour trip south, and we went in, and were amazed at how awesome it is. they throw rolls to you! you catch them! they’re delicious!
the closest to KC is in ozark missouri, there’s another one in sikeston, on the other side of the state.
My other advice (you shouldn’t have any problem with this) is to stay the fuck out of arkansas. just trust me.
David Eckstein: so gritty they would eat him in the south for breakfast with some butter and sprinkle cheese.
by wrightHOF on Jun 24, 2009 2:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
also
If you’re going through Austin, TX, be sure to hit Taco Xpress, preferably for breakfast (they make mean breakfast tacos, no joke).
We've got ourselves a ball club, the Mets of New York town!
by kingcritical on Jun 24, 2009 1:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Home of the Thrown Rolls
I recommend you look that up on google, and then see if any of those places are on your route. They have damn good meat selections, and obviously good other stuff (including thrown rolls hehe). I think I went to the one near Ozark land, and it was awesome. The thrown rolls thing might not be your cup of tea, but their food is generally awesome and I would totally recommend going there.
Ozark, MO
1800 W. State Hwy J
Ozark, MO 65721
P: (417) 581-7655
I think this is the place I went to…
by Whack8888 on Jun 24, 2009 10:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What's in the thrown roll?
Or is it the throwing part that makes them awesome?
by BobbyV_Incognito on Jun 24, 2009 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that place was the #1 place to pig out
according to the Travel Channel
by cjmulrain on Jun 25, 2009 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know the place
But from what I’ve learned on Google, it’s actually “Home of the Throwed Rolls”.
by JoshNY on Jun 25, 2009 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is "throwed"
Apparently Bun B is popular in Missouri.
Really, Jerry?
by Prince on Jun 25, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well
I feel pretty stupid since wrightHOF suggested this place a day ago and actually had the right name for it
i geuss that is two recommendations for the place though
by Whack8888 on Jun 25, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's amazing
i’ve been 4 times to different ones, including a day trip (2.5 hours…) once.
Only problem is that my friend’s a vegan, but even then they just like loaded up on the veggies he could eat (half of them are cooked in bacon, so no go there). for normal eaters, it’s pretty much heaven. the pass arounds are probably the best part.
David Eckstein: so gritty they would eat him in the south for breakfast with some butter and sprinkle cheese.
by wrightHOF on Jun 25, 2009 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like an epic trip
I can’t really help you, unless you’re looking for attractions in exotic New Haven County. (I’d love to go on a semi-cross-country trip myself—-maybe next summer.) But enjoy!
Really, Jerry?
by Prince on Jun 25, 2009 12:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Badlands National Park
Hey there! WOW — you are making quite the haul! And I thought my 5-hour trip up to Fargo, North Dakota was going to be a long one this weekend….anyhow, I wanted to provide you with some things to do and see while making your way through South Dakota. I know you mentioned you wanted to see Badlands National Park so I will stick with that area of our state.
Before entering the Badlands, stop at Wall Drug. You will have seen hundreds of signs by then for free ice water and 5 cent coffee, so please do stop and check it out. Since you are now in the West you might as well buy a new pair of cowboy boots and a shiny new belt to wear to that wedding at the end of July ;)
As you get into the park, stop at the Visitor’s Center to learn more about the Badlands. Have lunch at the restaurant there and order and Indian Taco — they are awesome! Be sure to take the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway. The southern unit of the park is on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. If you have time head down to the Wounded Knee Massacre Site.
If you have even more time, I would highly suggest making your way through Custer State Park, visiting Crazy Horse Monument as well as Mount Rushmore National Memorial. There is a lot more to see and do in the Black Hills of South Dakota, but I am not sure how much time you area allowing yourself at each stop.
Please be sure to check out our website if you would like more information on events, attractions, lodging and places to eat: www.TravelSD.com or feel free to send us an email at travelsd@state.sd.us.
Good luck and have a safe trip!
Emily
South Dakota Office of Tourism
www.TravelSD.com
by South Dakota Tourism on Jun 26, 2009 8:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Whoa!
This is good stuff. Thanks!
A question, though — Did you just happen to find this post on the Google?
"He's definitely mixing it into his repertoire. That's French for 'repertoire' " - Keith Hernandez
by Catsmeat Potter-Pirbright on Jun 26, 2009 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
when I first saw this I was gonna flag it as spam
but, I mean, technically it’s relevant information to the post at hand, so despite the advertisement I let it slide. It does sound like cool stuff – South Dakota…who knew?
by cjmulrain on Jun 26, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had a similar thought
but it wasn’t like it was just some cut-and-paste gibberish; it was actually relevant to not just the state but the part of the state I will be traveling to. Also, I want to eat an “Indian Taco”.
"He's definitely mixing it into his repertoire. That's French for 'repertoire' " - Keith Hernandez
by Catsmeat Potter-Pirbright on Jun 26, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I camped in the Badlands with friends
One of my buddies ended up in the ER with heat exhaustion. A very attractive nurse had to shave patches on his chest so they could stick some nodes on there. I have a picture somewhere. My point is be sure to visit the local hospital.
Seriously though, the landscape there is really interesting, almost lunar. And Rushmore is pretty amazing.
by metsjetsnets on Jun 30, 2009 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Santa Monica / Venice, Ca
CPP,
Hope it’s not too late to contribute.
If you make it to Santa Monica, pull into one of the parking lots ($7 for all day) adjacent to the beach. Hit up one of the bike rental stands (cruisers and mountain bikes available) and take a nice leisurely cruise south to Venice Beach. You can see all of the weirdos and talent that some of SoCal has to offer. Back in the late 80’s and mid 90’s this “was the place” to check out in the L.A. beach scene. It’s sort of calmed down since.
Towards the end of the oddities on the Venice Boardwalk you can refuel at the Venice Whaler Bar and Grill. Great view of the ocean and some darn fine chow.
Have a blast and be careful.
by OVERALLSPORTSFAN on Jun 26, 2009 1:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
best thing in West L.A.
ice cream sandwich at Diddy Riese in Westwood – http://www.diddyriese.com/home.php
by metsjetsnets on Jun 30, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
thanks everyone
I’m leaving tomorrow morning and the stuff you all have offered sounds good. Although I won’t be checking AA as often while on the road, please offer any other ideas you might come up with.
"He's definitely mixing it into his repertoire. That's French for 'repertoire' " - Keith Hernandez
by Catsmeat Potter-Pirbright on Jun 26, 2009 6:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
CPP!
Let me know if you hit up anywhere near Boise, ID or parts nearby. Welcome To The Pacific Northwest!!!!
by Dykstroids on Jun 30, 2009 7:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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