The Vacation thread...you know, for Getaways, Trips, etc.

El Axe · 05-18-2009, 08:56 PM

I noticed this thread hadn't been started yet...

I'm travelling to Pittsburgh on business this weekend and my family's coming along.

Anyone with any recommendations on things to do or places to visit? Restaurants?

Lou Stefanic · 05-19-2009, 08:06 AM

I will actually be in Memphis this weekend for my brother-in-law's wedding. Going a couple of days early, with the wedding on Sunday.

If anyone has any recommendations -- places to see, restaurants, etc. -- I'd welcome them.

ThaMaestro · 05-20-2009, 11:14 AM

Just drove to New Jersey and back for my mother in laws wedding. On the way there we did pretty much a straight shot with taking a little detour for dinner. Using the ubanspoon app on the IPhone we found this little hole in the wall BBQ place in the foothills of the mountains of Pennsylvania called Curt's smoking ribs. You pull up to the place and they are smoking meat right outside by an outdoor tent. Smells delightful. Go in the building and it's no bigger the a little ice cream parlor. I ordered ribs a brisket the wife gets the pulled pork. Ribs are so tender the come off the bone with a touch of the fork. The Brisket was probably the best brisket I've ever had. Great smoke flavor, tender and if goes good with their BBQ sauce.

I enjoyed looking at all the newspaper clippings and awards from county fairs hanging on the wall. Everybody was very nice and we talked to Curt a while about UbanSpoon, Iphones and Mackinaw.

On the way home we drove down to Philly just to get a cheesesteak. We went to Geno's and ordered a whiz wit onions and then committed blasphemy and walked across the street to Pat's and ordered their version of the same. we wanted to see who's was really better. Geno's won out a by just a little bit.

BTW, only my second time in Philly, but it's a filthy city. Trash everywhere you look.

Then we hit up Penns Cave on our way back home. Took the boat tour through the cave. It sounds cooler than it really was, but it wasn't bad.

ThaMaestro · 05-20-2009, 11:17 AM

I haven't made it to Pittsburgh, but when I do I've heard some great things about Primanti Brothers supposed to have some great sandwiches.

DTH · 05-27-2009, 01:33 PM

My family and I had a great Memorial weekend in Chicago. We didn't get to do half the stuff we wanted to do but still had a great time. We were able to see the Field Museum & Shedd Aquarium. Walked through Millennium Park and Grant Park. Went to the Navy Pier for the fireworks. Did a lot of shopping.

Ate at the Billy Goat Tavern for lunch on Saturday. Had dinner at Keefer's Steakhouse. I wanted to go to either Harry Caray's or Mike Ditkas but the Trump hotel was giving out $30 coupons for Keefers's so we tried that instead. I was hesitate at first but the Trump concierge told us if we were not happy with the meal they would pay for the whole dinner. It was nice restaurant we weren't disappointed.

For lunch on Sunday we ate at Giordanos. Awesome pizza. For dinner we ate at the Signature room on the 95th floor of the Hancock building. We were planning on going to the lounge but there was a 25 minute wait to get in. So we decided to go to the restaurant instead. We almost didn't get in because of the dress code. My youngest son was wearing shorts. Very good food. We had a great view of Lake Michigan and the Navy Pier.

We stayed at the Trump Hotel. Great location. Staff was very attentive. I didn't think it was anything special though. I can't believe people pay $435 a night for those rooms. I'm glad I got the special rate of $199 a night or I would have been disappointed.

Overall a fantastic weekend. We're definitely going back again this summer.

Thanks again to Medz, King and Hack for your suggestions. All of them were perfect for our family.

pif · 06-05-2009, 05:03 AM

I'm going to Boston next week. Anyone know of any good bars and restaurants?

DYNOMITE · 06-05-2009, 10:01 AM

Are you looking to take a break from all your worries?

THE PISTONS · 06-06-2009, 01:53 AM

Perhaps you are looking to go where everyone knows your name?

pif · 06-06-2009, 02:46 PM

And they're always glad you came.

Dave Bing · 06-07-2009, 06:24 AM

Wouldn't you like to get away?

hack · 06-07-2009, 06:29 AM

Sometimes. You? Wanna go?

Lou Stefanic · 06-07-2009, 06:39 PM

I will be in the exciting, tropical locale of Bloomington, Illinois this week. If anyone has any information on which Buffalo Wild Wings or Ruby Tuesday's is the best, I'd appreciate the info.

El Axe · 06-07-2009, 10:13 PM

LOL, that reminds me of the time I went to a 2-day seminar in Indianapolis. The first day, I asked a few locals in the seminar for an interesting or different restaurant I could go for dinner that night.

How about "joe's crab shack" or "Outback"...

Lou Stefanic · 06-09-2009, 12:07 AM

So I'm at my hotel, and I kid you not -- a Ruby Tuesday's is right next door and a Buffalo Wild Wings is in the plaza across the street.

ThaMaestro · 06-09-2009, 05:28 AM

LOL @ Lou. Be careful what you ask for.

Dave Bing · 06-09-2009, 05:52 AM

Go for some good regional cuisine using local ingredients. I'm sure that Ruby Tuesdays has a Bloomington Onion or Bloomington Burger sure to please.

esther kim · 06-16-2009, 12:00 PM

Ruby Tuesdays is gross. I ate their once and I got violently ill. They always get shut down for health code violations.

pif · 06-16-2009, 03:00 PM

Agreed on Ruby Tuesdays. I generally dislike those type of restaurants anyway, but they are really bad.

El Axe · 06-22-2009, 01:08 AM

We sometimes go to the Ruby Tuesdays in Plymouth, and it has a great salad bar. They actually have a variety of greens and lots of healthy fresh veggies that you don't normally see at chain type places. Nicer understated decor, too. It feels like a small step up from the usual chain sit-down.

Sounds like I'll need to be wary about going to other ones.

RugbyPike#11 · 07-20-2009, 06:40 PM

I was planning to visit my Dad in Michigan the week before I went back to school, but Jet America just cancelled my flight. FUCK YOU JET AMERICA!!

DYNOMITE · 07-20-2009, 08:50 PM

Maybe you should have sprung for the $10 dollar ticket. If you loved your dad you would have.

RugbyPike#11 · 07-20-2009, 08:52 PM

I didn't even get one of the $9 tickets, $120 with taxes, which is still pretty cheap. I ended up paying $220 for a replacement but I have to fly into Flint.

Lou Stefanic · 07-20-2009, 09:39 PM

Sweet. Make sure you pick up a Big John's steak and onion before you leave Flint town.

whoDean · 07-20-2009, 10:15 PM

Have Koegel's in Bishop airport too.

Lou Stefanic · 07-26-2009, 09:05 PM

I'm going to Bali, leaving August 6 and returning August 16. Anyone ever been? Tips, advice, etc. would be appreciated.

JMab · 07-26-2009, 10:15 PM

Hmm, Bali is more of a "young people"'s destination

hack · 07-27-2009, 03:20 AM

Go to Ubud on Bali if you are looking for a break from the waterfront-resort scene. It's nice and relaxed, if a bit yoga-cliched. I didn't spend much time there, but if you're into the notion of a Hindu island among an archipelago of Buddhists, I think there is much to do on Bali apart from the typical. Depending on what you're up for Indonesia has a shit-ton of stuff to do, and there are great budget-flight links throughout the region. You could do a few days in Bangkok (NTTAWWT) or Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. The highest mountain in the region is on Malaysian Borneo and easy to get up through a sort of mixed-climbing method that anyone reasonably fit can do, and there's a great 3-day river safari I know of as well.

In Indonesia, you could see the old seat of the Javanese capital in Yogyakarta and daytrip from there to the world's largest Buddhist temple complex. If you are a diver you will be amazingly spoiled for choice. I've only been once, but a close friend knows every corner of it; I can introduce the two of you on email if like.

Dave Bing · 07-27-2009, 06:01 AM

There is a lot to do for the shuffle board set. You can take a good macrame class and maybe go for some water aerobics. Just remember to pack your pills. And don't be upset if you miss your programs. Have one of the grandkids program the VCR for you.

JMab · 07-27-2009, 06:22 AM

Lou still prefers his betamax. He's not happy about today's throw-away culture.

Lou Stefanic · 07-27-2009, 07:21 AM

One legtimate response out of four? I'd hate to think that we're turning a corner here.

Dave Bing · 07-27-2009, 08:07 AM

No worry there.

hack · 07-27-2009, 08:38 AM

Sorry -- my bad.

Medz · 07-27-2009, 09:24 AM

Good for you, Lou. Being elderly doesn't mean you have to stop living your life. I hear there's a fantastic early bird buffet in Bali that serves dinner at 4pm. Just don't over exert yourself.

Lou Stefanic · 07-27-2009, 09:55 AM

By the way, hack, thanks for the info. I might hit you up for that email.

Thus far, my wife has pretty much crafted our entire itinerary. It's our 10-year anniversary. I haven't been too focused on the trip yet -- I've had work and Pistons Forum Summer League business to attend to -- but I need to hammer out some additional details this week.

JMab · 07-27-2009, 08:51 PM

Only 10 years? You must have got married late in life. I thought you'd be celebrating a silver anniversary at least by now.

THE PISTONS · 07-27-2009, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Axe

I noticed this thread hadn't been started yet...

I'm travelling to Pittsburgh on business this weekend and my family's coming along.

Anyone with any recommendations on things to do or places to visit? Restaurants?

I'm from Pittsburgh. What part are you going to?

Medz · 07-29-2009, 03:33 PM

Video - Breaking News Videos from CNN.com - Beirut: Best party city?

JMab · 07-30-2009, 03:52 AM

What's the story with Lebanese wine? I drank some in Egypt 2 years ago and I'm still trying to wash the taste out.

The King · 07-30-2009, 04:01 AM

They have an issue with the soil in certain areas.

Medz · 07-30-2009, 09:36 AM

Lebanese wine (at least Ksara, Kefraya, Musar, and Massaya) is usually pretty highly rated. I'm surprised you didn't like it.

Dave Bing · 07-31-2009, 06:29 AM

Lebanese wine can be excellent. I'm saving a couple 1999 kefrayas for the right occasion. Either you got a bad bottle or a bad vintage. Egyptian wine, on the other hand, is generally poor.

Lou Stefanic · 08-05-2009, 05:34 PM

I leave for my vacation tomorrow. I should have wireless broadband, so I'll provide a comprehensive report on the status of Balinese shuffleboard and early bird specials, time permitting.

Stefan S · 08-18-2009, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medz

Lebanese wine (at least Ksara, Kefraya, Musar, and Massaya) is usually pretty highly rated. I'm surprised you didn't like it.

Forgive my naivete, but I thought that Lebanon is a Muslem country and that Koran prohibits drinking alcohol. What am I missing?

Medz · 08-19-2009, 09:30 AM

No need to apologize Stefan, it's a natural assumption. Lebanon itself is only about half Muslim, with the other half being a mixture of Christians, Druze, and other minor religions. But the culture of the country itself is extremely liberal - the Muslims in most of Lebanon are just as likely to drink as the Christians. Yes alcohol is prohibited by the Quran, but would you really be shocked to find out people are hypocritical in how they pick and choose which parts of religion they want to follow?

It's interesting because Dubai gets all the publicity in the Middle East for the buildings and the tourism, but the city itself is very soulless. Beirut in many ways is the real cultural bridge of east meeting west.

hack · 08-19-2009, 04:19 PM

Dubai can go screw itself, which it hopefully is in the process of doing now. But Istanbul, I would argue, is that actual bridge. I haven't seen an Arab country anywhere in the ballpark in comparison to modern Turkey's take on what it means to be a Muslim country. Things are moving in the wrong direction there, and I've only been to Beirut for a weekend and so don't really know, but Turks in general have, over the decades, seen much, much more exposure to the West and are far more comfortable incorporating it than any Arab country I have visited.

Medz · 08-19-2009, 04:59 PM

I've only been to Turkey a few times, but I would argue that Lebanon goes further in both extremes. It is definitely more Eastern than Turkey simply by virtue of being an Arab nation, but I always felt it was also more Western at the same time. So many Lebanese people live in America, Europe, Australia, South America, that their experiences are more diverse and concentrated when they return to such a small country. Growing up there, you couldn't help but pick up bits and pieces of each culture.

hack · 08-19-2009, 06:28 PM

Yeah, we don't have enough info to really compare, but that's true that the Lebanese are far more worldly. Turks know Germany, since that's where many of them migrate, and not much else. Far more inward looking.

Medz · 08-20-2009, 09:22 AM

We also had a player in the NBA before the Turks, so there's always that.

Medz · 08-21-2009, 04:16 PM

Apropos of our discussion:

LEBANON: Snoop Dogg brings West Coast style to East Beirut | Babylon & Beyond | Los Angeles Times

Fool · 08-25-2009, 04:38 PM

Taking my daughter to DC next week. Anyone know somewhere nice to eat or something outside the norm that we have to see?

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

05-18-2009, 08:56 PM	#1
El Axe Water Boy Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 698 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	The Vacation thread...you know, for Getaways, Trips, etc. I noticed this thread hadn't been started yet... I'm travelling to Pittsburgh on business this weekend and my family's coming along. Anyone with any recommendations on things to do or places to visit? Restaurants?

05-19-2009, 08:06 AM	#2
Lou Stefanic Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 3,578 : 0 For This Post 1 Total	I will actually be in Memphis this weekend for my brother-in-law's wedding. Going a couple of days early, with the wedding on Sunday. If anyone has any recommendations -- places to see, restaurants, etc. -- I'd welcome them.

05-20-2009, 11:14 AM	#3
ThaMaestro Bench Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Flinttown Representin' Posts: 1,394 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	Just drove to New Jersey and back for my mother in laws wedding. On the way there we did pretty much a straight shot with taking a little detour for dinner. Using the ubanspoon app on the IPhone we found this little hole in the wall BBQ place in the foothills of the mountains of Pennsylvania called Curt's smoking ribs. You pull up to the place and they are smoking meat right outside by an outdoor tent. Smells delightful. Go in the building and it's no bigger the a little ice cream parlor. I ordered ribs a brisket the wife gets the pulled pork. Ribs are so tender the come off the bone with a touch of the fork. The Brisket was probably the best brisket I've ever had. Great smoke flavor, tender and if goes good with their BBQ sauce. I enjoyed looking at all the newspaper clippings and awards from county fairs hanging on the wall. Everybody was very nice and we talked to Curt a while about UbanSpoon, Iphones and Mackinaw. On the way home we drove down to Philly just to get a cheesesteak. We went to Geno's and ordered a whiz wit onions and then committed blasphemy and walked across the street to Pat's and ordered their version of the same. we wanted to see who's was really better. Geno's won out a by just a little bit. BTW, only my second time in Philly, but it's a filthy city. Trash everywhere you look. Then we hit up Penns Cave on our way back home. Took the boat tour through the cave. It sounds cooler than it really was, but it wasn't bad.

05-20-2009, 11:17 AM	#4
ThaMaestro Bench Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Flinttown Representin' Posts: 1,394 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	I haven't made it to Pittsburgh, but when I do I've heard some great things about Primanti Brothers supposed to have some great sandwiches.

05-27-2009, 01:33 PM	#5
DTH Bench Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Meechigan Posts: 1,250 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	My family and I had a great Memorial weekend in Chicago. We didn't get to do half the stuff we wanted to do but still had a great time. We were able to see the Field Museum & Shedd Aquarium. Walked through Millennium Park and Grant Park. Went to the Navy Pier for the fireworks. Did a lot of shopping. Ate at the Billy Goat Tavern for lunch on Saturday. Had dinner at Keefer's Steakhouse. I wanted to go to either Harry Caray's or Mike Ditkas but the Trump hotel was giving out $30 coupons for Keefers's so we tried that instead. I was hesitate at first but the Trump concierge told us if we were not happy with the meal they would pay for the whole dinner. It was nice restaurant we weren't disappointed. For lunch on Sunday we ate at Giordanos. Awesome pizza. For dinner we ate at the Signature room on the 95th floor of the Hancock building. We were planning on going to the lounge but there was a 25 minute wait to get in. So we decided to go to the restaurant instead. We almost didn't get in because of the dress code. My youngest son was wearing shorts. Very good food. We had a great view of Lake Michigan and the Navy Pier. We stayed at the Trump Hotel. Great location. Staff was very attentive. I didn't think it was anything special though. I can't believe people pay $435 a night for those rooms. I'm glad I got the special rate of $199 a night or I would have been disappointed. Overall a fantastic weekend. We're definitely going back again this summer. Thanks again to Medz, King and Hack for your suggestions. All of them were perfect for our family.

06-05-2009, 05:03 AM	#6
pif Water Boy Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 138 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	I'm going to Boston next week. Anyone know of any good bars and restaurants?

06-05-2009, 10:01 AM	#7
DYNOMITE Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,806 : 0 For This Post 1 Total	Are you looking to take a break from all your worries?

06-06-2009, 01:53 AM	#8
THE PISTONS Bench Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,185 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	Perhaps you are looking to go where everyone knows your name?

06-06-2009, 02:46 PM	#9
pif Water Boy Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 138 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	And they're always glad you came.

06-07-2009, 06:24 AM	#10
Dave Bing Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 4,790 : 0 For This Post 1 Total	Wouldn't you like to get away?

06-07-2009, 06:29 AM	#11
hack Starter Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 11,082 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	Sometimes. You? Wanna go?

06-07-2009, 06:39 PM	#12
Lou Stefanic Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 3,578 : 0 For This Post 1 Total	I will be in the exciting, tropical locale of Bloomington, Illinois this week. If anyone has any information on which Buffalo Wild Wings or Ruby Tuesday's is the best, I'd appreciate the info.

06-07-2009, 10:13 PM	#13
El Axe Water Boy Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 698 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	LOL, that reminds me of the time I went to a 2-day seminar in Indianapolis. The first day, I asked a few locals in the seminar for an interesting or different restaurant I could go for dinner that night. How about "joe's crab shack" or "Outback"...

06-09-2009, 12:07 AM	#14
Lou Stefanic Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 3,578 : 0 For This Post 1 Total	So I'm at my hotel, and I kid you not -- a Ruby Tuesday's is right next door and a Buffalo Wild Wings is in the plaza across the street.

06-09-2009, 05:28 AM	#15
ThaMaestro Bench Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Flinttown Representin' Posts: 1,394 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	LOL @ Lou. Be careful what you ask for.

06-09-2009, 05:52 AM	#16
Dave Bing Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 4,790 : 0 For This Post 1 Total	Go for some good regional cuisine using local ingredients. I'm sure that Ruby Tuesdays has a Bloomington Onion or Bloomington Burger sure to please.

06-16-2009, 12:00 PM	#17
esther kim Water Boy Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 435 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	Ruby Tuesdays is gross. I ate their once and I got violently ill. They always get shut down for health code violations.

06-16-2009, 03:00 PM	#18
pif Water Boy Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 138 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	Agreed on Ruby Tuesdays. I generally dislike those type of restaurants anyway, but they are really bad.

06-22-2009, 01:08 AM	#19
El Axe Water Boy Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 698 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	We sometimes go to the Ruby Tuesdays in Plymouth, and it has a great salad bar. They actually have a variety of greens and lots of healthy fresh veggies that you don't normally see at chain type places. Nicer understated decor, too. It feels like a small step up from the usual chain sit-down. Sounds like I'll need to be wary about going to other ones.

07-20-2009, 06:40 PM	#20
RugbyPike#11 Bench Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 1,154 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	I was planning to visit my Dad in Michigan the week before I went back to school, but Jet America just cancelled my flight. FUCK YOU JET AMERICA!!

07-20-2009, 08:50 PM	#21
DYNOMITE Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,806 : 0 For This Post 1 Total	Maybe you should have sprung for the $10 dollar ticket. If you loved your dad you would have.

07-20-2009, 08:52 PM	#22
RugbyPike#11 Bench Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 1,154 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	I didn't even get one of the $9 tickets, $120 with taxes, which is still pretty cheap. I ended up paying $220 for a replacement but I have to fly into Flint.

07-20-2009, 09:39 PM	#23
Lou Stefanic Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 3,578 : 0 For This Post 1 Total	Sweet. Make sure you pick up a Big John's steak and onion before you leave Flint town.

07-20-2009, 10:15 PM	#24
whoDean Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,955 : 0 For This Post 1 Total	Have Koegel's in Bishop airport too.

07-26-2009, 09:05 PM	#25
Lou Stefanic Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 3,578 : 0 For This Post 1 Total	I'm going to Bali, leaving August 6 and returning August 16. Anyone ever been? Tips, advice, etc. would be appreciated.

07-26-2009, 10:15 PM	#26
JMab Water Boy Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 776 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	Hmm, Bali is more of a "young people"'s destination

07-27-2009, 03:20 AM	#27
hack Starter Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 11,082 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	Go to Ubud on Bali if you are looking for a break from the waterfront-resort scene. It's nice and relaxed, if a bit yoga-cliched. I didn't spend much time there, but if you're into the notion of a Hindu island among an archipelago of Buddhists, I think there is much to do on Bali apart from the typical. Depending on what you're up for Indonesia has a shit-ton of stuff to do, and there are great budget-flight links throughout the region. You could do a few days in Bangkok (NTTAWWT) or Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. The highest mountain in the region is on Malaysian Borneo and easy to get up through a sort of mixed-climbing method that anyone reasonably fit can do, and there's a great 3-day river safari I know of as well. In Indonesia, you could see the old seat of the Javanese capital in Yogyakarta and daytrip from there to the world's largest Buddhist temple complex. If you are a diver you will be amazingly spoiled for choice. I've only been once, but a close friend knows every corner of it; I can introduce the two of you on email if like.

07-27-2009, 06:01 AM	#28
Dave Bing Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 4,790 : 0 For This Post 1 Total	There is a lot to do for the shuffle board set. You can take a good macrame class and maybe go for some water aerobics. Just remember to pack your pills. And don't be upset if you miss your programs. Have one of the grandkids program the VCR for you.

07-27-2009, 06:22 AM	#29
JMab Water Boy Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 776 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	Lou still prefers his betamax. He's not happy about today's throw-away culture.

07-27-2009, 07:21 AM	#30
Lou Stefanic Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 3,578 : 0 For This Post 1 Total	One legtimate response out of four? I'd hate to think that we're turning a corner here.