Enjoyed a great get away in Chicago over the weekend of October 22-24, 2010. This is my report on the trip recorded here for posterity's sake and so that future generations may learn from our wonderful experience in a great city (ok, so maybe that's overstating the importance of this blog which nobody reads - not even my wife).
We traveled down to Chicago by car on Friday night. OK, so, I realize I do not live in a high traffic part of the country, but the Friday evening bumper to bumper love fest on I-90 coming in to Chicago was just silly. It was 90 minutes of pure joy from O'Hare to downtown. How, people, how can we live as a society with this type of traffic?? OK, back on point. Got to the hotel (more on that in a moment) and dined at wonderful Pizano's Pizza on State and Chestnut. Great spot, jumping and busy when we got there at about 8:30 pm. Baseball games on TV and watching the Yankees get bounced from the playoffs and the whole bar erupt in joy watching them lose. No Rangers fans, just Yankee haters it seemed. The wife and I enjoyed a pizza with garlic/mushrooms (1/2)/ spinach (1/2). Great food, a couple of beers, and kind of fun to be somewhere that was still cozy, crowded and jumping late on a Friday evening.
Back to the hotel. The Talbott Hotel is a great option. Rates were $225/night and $32 for parking, which given the quality of the rooms and service, and its location (just a block from the John Hancock building and close to Michigan Ave.) was great. The service was great, the room was huge (300 plus sq. feet) for Chicago, and again the location was really solid.
On Saturday, we took the Chicago Architectural Foundation river boat tour. It rained mercilessly during our boat ride, and we froze our butts off. However, after purchasing a $2 garbage bag/poncho, we stayed dry as best we could only went below deck to stave off hypothermia for a brief time. The tour was outstanding, lots of great information and views of all the big Chicago landmarks with good details on the history of the city too. Highly recommended.
Went then for lunch at Miller's Pub. Solid, not oustanding. Menu was pretty basic, but place was crowded like they were giving away free stuff (which they were not).
After lunch on Saturday, we spent most of the afternoon at the Chicago Art Institute. If you are looking for a museum in Chicago, this is it. No disrespect to the other options (Field Museum, etc.) but the Chicago Art Institute is incredible. Just get lost in this huge, varied and fascinating place. The art runs over all periods, styles, and forms, and it is ultimately a great way to spend the afternoon.
After some shopping on Michigan Avenue on the way back to the hotel, we went to visit some friends in their neigborhood in the Lakeview area of Chicago. We went to Fiorentino's on Ashland and it was great. Stuffed gnocchi with pesto. Yummy. Lots of great stuff on the menu.
Packed up and came home Sunday morning. We definitely had a great time, and were happy to get home. Chicago 2010 - great trip, good food, great hotel.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
A Short Bucket List of Sorts
In thinking of places and events that I would love to go to but likely will not get to (at least not in the forseeable future), a few big ones come to mind. If anyone is actually reading this blog (unlikely, other than my lovely wife), I'd love to hear your own bucket list of places you'd like to get to but aren't in your immediate travel plans, so feel free to comment on mine or give me your own.
1. Oktoberfest - Munich. I'm a fan of THE Oktoberfest in Munich on Facebook, I have German heritage in my family, and enjoy good German beer. While Munich is definitely in my future (I will get there), I just don't know it'll be during Oktoberfest. A liter of Spaten, some polka music, and some serious German beer hall singing. That would be nice. Maybe hosting a party at home in the true Oktoberfest style is more likely.
2. Moscow. The cold, snowy, post-communist feel of a city where Stalin, Lenin, and the Czars once ruled. Red Square on New Year's Eve...that's the real dream.
3. Great Wall of China. Generally, for whatever reason, I can't really say I'm excited to visit many parts of Asia. China, does not really appeal to me. But, to imagine a cool, sunny day, standing along a lonely stretch of the Great Wall in quiet reflection upon the slaves who died in the construction of the massive structure or upon a soldier who centuries ago may have held the same lonely post awaiting a raid from far-off Mongol warriors with a wary eye ever focused on the horizon. That would be something.
Lots of other places I want to get to, but that I think are more likely that I'll actually get there. Upcoming post: places I've been that I can cross of my bucket list.
1. Oktoberfest - Munich. I'm a fan of THE Oktoberfest in Munich on Facebook, I have German heritage in my family, and enjoy good German beer. While Munich is definitely in my future (I will get there), I just don't know it'll be during Oktoberfest. A liter of Spaten, some polka music, and some serious German beer hall singing. That would be nice. Maybe hosting a party at home in the true Oktoberfest style is more likely.
2. Moscow. The cold, snowy, post-communist feel of a city where Stalin, Lenin, and the Czars once ruled. Red Square on New Year's Eve...that's the real dream.
3. Great Wall of China. Generally, for whatever reason, I can't really say I'm excited to visit many parts of Asia. China, does not really appeal to me. But, to imagine a cool, sunny day, standing along a lonely stretch of the Great Wall in quiet reflection upon the slaves who died in the construction of the massive structure or upon a soldier who centuries ago may have held the same lonely post awaiting a raid from far-off Mongol warriors with a wary eye ever focused on the horizon. That would be something.
Lots of other places I want to get to, but that I think are more likely that I'll actually get there. Upcoming post: places I've been that I can cross of my bucket list.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Top 10 Tips (Unsolicited) for Visiting DC
One of my favorite places to visit is Washington D.C. After living and working there for a summer while in school, and having visited several times, I can say I actually know a little more about this city than the average tourist. I have a few tips I have thought would share with the millions of people who faithfully read this blog on a regular (perhaps even daily) basis. My thoughts include the following:
1. Do Not Rent A Car. Like many large cities, driving in and around the District is insane, especially if you are not sure of where you are going and/or are used to the traffic. The Beltway can be maddening, and the streets in the District itself are twisted, crowded, and confusing for the visitor. Plus, the Metro is the outstanding, clean and safe. Use the Metro to get to where you're going. The only reason to rent a car is if you plan to visit sites outside of town, such as Mount Vernon (George Washington's homestead), Charlottesville (Univ. of Virginia college town), or Monticello (Thomas Jefferson's homestead), all of which are wonderful by the way.
2. Fly into Ronald Reagan. Unless you're staying somewhere else outside of town to the North, for example, avoid Dulles and fly into Ronald Reagan National Airport. It is somewhat hectic but runs better than the other options. The Metro stop is right outside of baggage claim, so skip the cab and just hop on the Metro to get to your hotel (unless you've got a ton of luggage).
3. Understand The Scope of the Smithsonian. Don't think you're going to "see the Smithsonian" while you're there. Understand that the Smithsonian is actually comprised of 19 separate museums and 9 research centers in many separate buildings, most of which are in DC but some of which are outside of town. Focus on the big ones, such as Museum of Natural History, Air and Space Museum, American History Museum, etc. (each of these are located close to one another around the National Mall), and try to tackle them.
4. Don't Forget the National Zoo. Even if you do not have kids with you, consider a trip to the National Zoo. Actually part of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Zoo is accessible and fun, though it does not rival some of the well-known zoos (e.g. San Diego). Accessible with a brief walk from the Metro, take a stroll in the area and visit the 2,000 or so inhabitants of the Zoo.
5. Grasp the Distance Between Monuments. On a map of the National Mall, the Capitol Building looks like it is a stone's throw from the Washington Monument, which in turn looks awfully close to the Lincoln Memorial. True, you can stand just about anywhere in the National Mall and see all three of these attractions. However, in truth, there's quite a walk from one end of the National Mall to the other. Actually, it is about 2 miles from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. It will not look like it when you are there - trust me, the size of these structures makes them seem closer than they really are. Keep this in mind and plan accordingly.
6. Consider Staying Oustide the District. When I worked in Washington D.C., I lived in an apartment in Alexandria, VA, about 8 miles from the District and a short train ride away. Old Town Alexandria is charming, much slower paced, but offers easy access to both Ronald Reagan National Airport and the District and its main attractions such as the National Mall. On our last trip, my wife and I used Alexandria as our home base. While there are many safe, enjoyable places to stay in the District, consider the easy, affordable (generally) charm offered by Old Town Alexandria as a base of operations (especially if you're going to have a car rental - again, parking and driving in the District is not worth it).
7. Take Care In The District After Dark. Many large US cities should have the same warning attached to them. However, if you are in the District after dark, you will want to know where you should or should not be as a tourist. Stick to well known areas and those that are more upscale and tourist friendly (e.g., DuPont Circle; Georgetown; certain areas in Foggy Bottom) and you will be fine. Wandering around looking for a Metro stop after dark without a good idea of where you're going, however, is not a good idea.
8. Know The Weather. Weather in Washington D.C. can vary widely depending upon the season, or even the time of day. Summers are generally very humid and warm. If you're from Texas or Florida, it feels relatively comfortable - to the rest of us it feels oppressive. Winters can be cold and may include severe winter storms with snow. So, for example, if you are visiting in June, understand that a 2 mile walk from the Capitol to the other side of the National Mall may be a brutally hot experience.
9. Beware the Fourth of July - But Definitely Go! OK, a word of caution first. The Fourth of July on the National Mall is insane. Simply insane. There's 750,000 or so people crammed onto the mall from early in the morning until well afer the fireworks are over, plus trying to get out of the District when the fireworks are over and back out to the 'burbs in Maryland or Virginia is just about impossible. Count on a crowded, long wait at a Metro stop afterwards. However, with all that being said, if you have the chance to go, you should do it. Definitely, do it. Seeing the fireworks light up the sky over the National Mall as they wash alternating green, red, and blue light over the famed monuments and the endless sea of people is unforgettable. The experience far outweighs the burdens that come along with the event.
10. Enjoy What You Can See, Don't Worry About the Rest. It is a big, amazing, overwhelming place. Living there for several months I still had so many things I didn't find the time to enjoy. Don't let the things you don't see detract from the experience of what you are seeing. Pick your battles, get to the things you want to see the most and enjoy them without concern for what you're missing. True of any trip, I think, but seems perfectly appropriate when discussing Washington D.C.
I think these are a handful of thoughts that can help any first time or return visitor to capitol of the United States enjoy their trip.
1. Do Not Rent A Car. Like many large cities, driving in and around the District is insane, especially if you are not sure of where you are going and/or are used to the traffic. The Beltway can be maddening, and the streets in the District itself are twisted, crowded, and confusing for the visitor. Plus, the Metro is the outstanding, clean and safe. Use the Metro to get to where you're going. The only reason to rent a car is if you plan to visit sites outside of town, such as Mount Vernon (George Washington's homestead), Charlottesville (Univ. of Virginia college town), or Monticello (Thomas Jefferson's homestead), all of which are wonderful by the way.
2. Fly into Ronald Reagan. Unless you're staying somewhere else outside of town to the North, for example, avoid Dulles and fly into Ronald Reagan National Airport. It is somewhat hectic but runs better than the other options. The Metro stop is right outside of baggage claim, so skip the cab and just hop on the Metro to get to your hotel (unless you've got a ton of luggage).
3. Understand The Scope of the Smithsonian. Don't think you're going to "see the Smithsonian" while you're there. Understand that the Smithsonian is actually comprised of 19 separate museums and 9 research centers in many separate buildings, most of which are in DC but some of which are outside of town. Focus on the big ones, such as Museum of Natural History, Air and Space Museum, American History Museum, etc. (each of these are located close to one another around the National Mall), and try to tackle them.
4. Don't Forget the National Zoo. Even if you do not have kids with you, consider a trip to the National Zoo. Actually part of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Zoo is accessible and fun, though it does not rival some of the well-known zoos (e.g. San Diego). Accessible with a brief walk from the Metro, take a stroll in the area and visit the 2,000 or so inhabitants of the Zoo.
5. Grasp the Distance Between Monuments. On a map of the National Mall, the Capitol Building looks like it is a stone's throw from the Washington Monument, which in turn looks awfully close to the Lincoln Memorial. True, you can stand just about anywhere in the National Mall and see all three of these attractions. However, in truth, there's quite a walk from one end of the National Mall to the other. Actually, it is about 2 miles from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. It will not look like it when you are there - trust me, the size of these structures makes them seem closer than they really are. Keep this in mind and plan accordingly.
6. Consider Staying Oustide the District. When I worked in Washington D.C., I lived in an apartment in Alexandria, VA, about 8 miles from the District and a short train ride away. Old Town Alexandria is charming, much slower paced, but offers easy access to both Ronald Reagan National Airport and the District and its main attractions such as the National Mall. On our last trip, my wife and I used Alexandria as our home base. While there are many safe, enjoyable places to stay in the District, consider the easy, affordable (generally) charm offered by Old Town Alexandria as a base of operations (especially if you're going to have a car rental - again, parking and driving in the District is not worth it).
7. Take Care In The District After Dark. Many large US cities should have the same warning attached to them. However, if you are in the District after dark, you will want to know where you should or should not be as a tourist. Stick to well known areas and those that are more upscale and tourist friendly (e.g., DuPont Circle; Georgetown; certain areas in Foggy Bottom) and you will be fine. Wandering around looking for a Metro stop after dark without a good idea of where you're going, however, is not a good idea.
8. Know The Weather. Weather in Washington D.C. can vary widely depending upon the season, or even the time of day. Summers are generally very humid and warm. If you're from Texas or Florida, it feels relatively comfortable - to the rest of us it feels oppressive. Winters can be cold and may include severe winter storms with snow. So, for example, if you are visiting in June, understand that a 2 mile walk from the Capitol to the other side of the National Mall may be a brutally hot experience.
9. Beware the Fourth of July - But Definitely Go! OK, a word of caution first. The Fourth of July on the National Mall is insane. Simply insane. There's 750,000 or so people crammed onto the mall from early in the morning until well afer the fireworks are over, plus trying to get out of the District when the fireworks are over and back out to the 'burbs in Maryland or Virginia is just about impossible. Count on a crowded, long wait at a Metro stop afterwards. However, with all that being said, if you have the chance to go, you should do it. Definitely, do it. Seeing the fireworks light up the sky over the National Mall as they wash alternating green, red, and blue light over the famed monuments and the endless sea of people is unforgettable. The experience far outweighs the burdens that come along with the event.
10. Enjoy What You Can See, Don't Worry About the Rest. It is a big, amazing, overwhelming place. Living there for several months I still had so many things I didn't find the time to enjoy. Don't let the things you don't see detract from the experience of what you are seeing. Pick your battles, get to the things you want to see the most and enjoy them without concern for what you're missing. True of any trip, I think, but seems perfectly appropriate when discussing Washington D.C.
I think these are a handful of thoughts that can help any first time or return visitor to capitol of the United States enjoy their trip.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
REVIEW - Fino's...a San Francisco Treat
OK, cheesy title to the post. If you can get past that, then I promise you this is a review about one of the best restaurants that nobody seems to talk about and that you'll be glad you read.
You won't find this place on Frommer's, Fodor's or most other travel sites, but it comes highly recommended for excellent food. That is Fino's in The Andrews Hotel near Union Square in San Francisco. The menu is classical, fun Italian food, with an excellent selection of pastas and a pesto that is among the best I've tried. Wine list is solid, if not spectacular. But the setting is lovely, tucked away in a corner of this charming hotel. Both times we've been there the service has been excellent and the food is outstanding.
If you are looking for somewhere to wow your foodie friends with the stamps in your restuarant passport, then skip this place. It has no Michelin style buzz going on. It does, however, have great Italian food in a warm, cozy setting with outstanding service that beats what we've found at many of San Francisco's more highly publicized restaurants.
Give this one a try when you're in town...you'll be happy you did.
RATING: Five Spoons
Rating System for this blog is here:
One Spoon - Find a McDonald's instead. Yeesh.
Two Spoons - Um, well, it needs some work.
Three Spoons - Solid, but has some elements needing improvement. Unspectacular. This is like the girl you took to prom - definitely worth remembering but not worth marrying.
Four Spoons - High quality in most regards, good value. You regret you have but one meal to give for your evening (apologies to Nathan Hale).
Five Spoons - Exceptional food, service and atmosphere. Memorable experience. You're cleaning the crumbs off your plate as they pry the dishes and silverware from your hands.
Link to the website for Fino's is here. http://www.andrewshotel.com/fino.html
You won't find this place on Frommer's, Fodor's or most other travel sites, but it comes highly recommended for excellent food. That is Fino's in The Andrews Hotel near Union Square in San Francisco. The menu is classical, fun Italian food, with an excellent selection of pastas and a pesto that is among the best I've tried. Wine list is solid, if not spectacular. But the setting is lovely, tucked away in a corner of this charming hotel. Both times we've been there the service has been excellent and the food is outstanding.
If you are looking for somewhere to wow your foodie friends with the stamps in your restuarant passport, then skip this place. It has no Michelin style buzz going on. It does, however, have great Italian food in a warm, cozy setting with outstanding service that beats what we've found at many of San Francisco's more highly publicized restaurants.
Give this one a try when you're in town...you'll be happy you did.
RATING: Five Spoons
Rating System for this blog is here:
One Spoon - Find a McDonald's instead. Yeesh.
Two Spoons - Um, well, it needs some work.
Three Spoons - Solid, but has some elements needing improvement. Unspectacular. This is like the girl you took to prom - definitely worth remembering but not worth marrying.
Four Spoons - High quality in most regards, good value. You regret you have but one meal to give for your evening (apologies to Nathan Hale).
Five Spoons - Exceptional food, service and atmosphere. Memorable experience. You're cleaning the crumbs off your plate as they pry the dishes and silverware from your hands.
Link to the website for Fino's is here. http://www.andrewshotel.com/fino.html
Trip to UK
OK, so sometime in 2012 my wife and I are looking at a vacation to England. We have never been to Europe, and I am fascinated by the culture, history, literature, and sheer "Britishness" of the island. I am looking to absorb as much as possible of both bucolic rural England as well as the excitement of urban London. When we travel in the states, we tend to focus on large cities, but I am thinking the villages of the Cotswolds, Devon, etc. are worth the investment of my limited time.
And therein lies the rub. Time is indeed limited. Realisitically, the best we can do is 10 days at this point for various reasons. But, I think that seems a reasonable period of time, so long as we acknowledge that it is wholly insufficient to see or experience the entire country. We have to basically pick and choose carefully the locations and experiences we are looking forward to the most, focus on those, and do our best to not worry about the ones we're missing out on. True of any vacation though, I think. As a result, I say again that we will be truly investing our time in a handful of spots over a relatively short vacation period. Getting it right and having a good plan in advance of what we'd like to see, where we'd like to go, and the like, will help make sure we enjoy the experience and do not feel like our time has been poorly invested.
So, now that you have my travel credo if you will, I am interested in comments/thoughts on a rough sketch of the itinerary we have set out. I welcome your thoughts.
We are looking at something like the following possible itinerary at this point:
Day 1 – Thursday – Arrive London from US
Train from London to Bath (90 minutes)
Day 2 – Friday - Bath and Area
Day 3 – Saturday- Bath and Cotswolds
Day 4 – Sunday - TRAVEL DAY Leave Bath - Drive to Cornwall
Day 5 – Monday - Explore Cornwall
Day 6 – Tuesday - TRAVEL DAY - Leave Cornwall, drop off car in Bath, Train From Bath to London – Sleep in London
Day 7 – Wednesday - London
Day 8 - Thursday - London
Day 9 - Friday - London
Day 10 - Saturday - Leave London
Arrive US
Also, finally, if anyone has thoughts about visiting England (particularly London) in 2012 (but months before or after the Olympics, which run late July and early August of 2012), I'd appreciate those too.
More posts soon on other trips, travel experiences, etc. to come. Thanks for reading and commenting.
And therein lies the rub. Time is indeed limited. Realisitically, the best we can do is 10 days at this point for various reasons. But, I think that seems a reasonable period of time, so long as we acknowledge that it is wholly insufficient to see or experience the entire country. We have to basically pick and choose carefully the locations and experiences we are looking forward to the most, focus on those, and do our best to not worry about the ones we're missing out on. True of any vacation though, I think. As a result, I say again that we will be truly investing our time in a handful of spots over a relatively short vacation period. Getting it right and having a good plan in advance of what we'd like to see, where we'd like to go, and the like, will help make sure we enjoy the experience and do not feel like our time has been poorly invested.
So, now that you have my travel credo if you will, I am interested in comments/thoughts on a rough sketch of the itinerary we have set out. I welcome your thoughts.
We are looking at something like the following possible itinerary at this point:
Day 1 – Thursday – Arrive London from US
Train from London to Bath (90 minutes)
Day 2 – Friday - Bath and Area
Day 3 – Saturday- Bath and Cotswolds
Day 4 – Sunday - TRAVEL DAY Leave Bath - Drive to Cornwall
Day 5 – Monday - Explore Cornwall
Day 6 – Tuesday - TRAVEL DAY - Leave Cornwall, drop off car in Bath, Train From Bath to London – Sleep in London
Day 7 – Wednesday - London
Day 8 - Thursday - London
Day 9 - Friday - London
Day 10 - Saturday - Leave London
Arrive US
Also, finally, if anyone has thoughts about visiting England (particularly London) in 2012 (but months before or after the Olympics, which run late July and early August of 2012), I'd appreciate those too.
More posts soon on other trips, travel experiences, etc. to come. Thanks for reading and commenting.
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