I have hit serious leisure time — no events, no historical places, just enjoying the quiet, hot days of Scottsdale –

Drove to Old Town (third time if you are keeping track) — did some shopping and actually came close to pulling the trigger on a cowboy hat — they actually carried my size in a few styles — but, I chickened out –

Some nice western goods and Indian treasures and also LOADS of your typical tourist stuff from post cards, to magnets, to T shirts and PLENTY of cactus (of cacti??).

Back to the pool for an hour or two before heading to the funkiest of Guy Fieri’s Arizona stops — Chino Bandito — this is a combo (Foodie types may call that fusion….) of Chinese and Mexican — so think General Gau in a burrito —

I decided on their newer location, in Chandler. I walk in and the lady spots me as a newbie — she tells me she is going to have me sample about 6 of their items before choosing – this was GREAT! Unheard of, almost —

Well I settled on a combo, one burrito style, one quesadilla style (you can get a simple rice bowl with your main stuff on the top). I got Jade Red Chicken in a burrito — yummy, sweet with a small hint of spice – and a Pollo Diablo in a quesadilla — this was also very good and it is the spiciest item on the menu — they warn people from Iowa that it is likely too hot for them. Frankly, I think it could have been hotter, but was still very good. These items come with Black Beans, done Cuban style (whatever THAT means — and if you are keeping track, a third culture has now hit the plate). Then, just to hit the world culinary cycle, I ordered the Jerk Chicken Fried Rice — I mean ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I think the stomach feels like you are throwing it constant changeups — but all was very good — and to top it off, every order gets a freshly baked Snickerdoodle cookie — this made the ride back to the Resort a tasty one –

This gets a 4 and a half bucks out of five.

It almost got five, just for their logo alone — look it over — and click for a closer look –

Back to the room, just hung out and watched TV — yes, I am on slowdown mode –

In the evening, I decided to catch the Red Sox at the new Sports Bar I went to the other night — Blue 32 Sports Grill —

I ordered the Grilled Mahi Tacos — and these were top notch! perfectly grilled fish, velvety avacado slices with a chipotle tarter sauce — On the side came Cilantro Lime Rice which was perfect as well — and piping hit! This was a total Home Run!

This came recommended by my favorite Blue 32 bartender, Cassandra (pronounced, “Cassondra” — hey! get it right). Another bartender from Rhode Island chatted some Pats with me for a bit – they both seem like they will help this place to be a success.

I sampled a few beers — including a nice Kilt Lifter from the Four Peaks Brewery in Tempe.

This place gets the elusive Five Bucks out of Five – (not sure what I rated it the other night, but this meal mandates the highest mark).

In fact, to celebrate the occasion — I ordered up a Blue 32 Martini — dirty martini, with blue cheese stuffed olives –

Thanks, Cassandra for taking the photo –

I left the place and decided on one more martini — do they call that a nightcap? They used to say that on Quincy — at the Village Tavern — seemed to be a good place — bartender was attentive and gave me lots of recommendations (I guess for the next trip to Scottsdale).

More restful sun and pool tomorrow –

Went back to Old Town in Scottsdale, this time to hit one of two breakfast places I found online –

I ended up choosing the place which seemed less busy (not always the best choice, I mean, places are busy for a reason…). I just felt like being able to flap my elbows at the table –

Turns out that the place I chose does breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner….and fancy drinks — The Daily Dose Bar & Grill – unfortunately for me, I was only here to do breakfast — I did coffee and the Chorizo Omelet, which is Locally made chorizo, jalapenos, red onion & aged cheddar finished with fresh guacamole at $9.95. It came with plenty of home fries, large slices of toast and a rosemary creme fraiche. I really didn’t know what to do with the creme fraiche and the guacamole, so I dipped everything in one or the other — everything was great!

The meats in the omelet were very tasty, not salty, as some of these chorizo cuts can be on occasion. Service was attentive, plenty of coffee…. but staring across at a bar advertising a yummy mai tai made me yearn for Happy Hour. I rated this Four Bucks –

I walked around Old Town (second time) and realized I need to come back to check out some stores — I mean, they just might have that cowboy hat in a 7 7/8?

Drove around the area — just killing an hour — nothing much but a wasted hour –

Back to the room, poolside to soak up some clouds….no sunshine on this day, or little of it.

Planned my later afternoon and decided on a Happy Hour at the closest restaurant that is not on the grounds here — the Chart House – which I gather is a small chain around the country.

I hit the Happy Hour menu — HARD —

I did the Chart House Margarita while I read over the menu — I took the suggestion of the bartender, and went off the Happy Hour menu for one item — a Beefsteak Tomato Salad — which has plump tomato slices, crumbled blue cheese, light, delicious onion rings, chucks of perfectly cooked bacon, on a bed of fresh spinach with a balsamic drizzle on the bottle – YUM! Four and a Half Bucks out of Five!

Mouth watering as I type this…

Ok – So, before hitting beer, I lean on the friendly bartender for another drink from the Happy Hour menu — “what do people like?”, “what do you make the best?”…..and she says even though she’s a beer and shot type of girl, her Cosmo is supposed to be very good — so I shaved my legs and order a Cosmo — it was, umm, underwhelming — not what I expected — and made me yearn for a Fat Tire – Below is the evidence of the transition –

I then jabber-jawwed with the bartender and a neighbor a few stools down, Denise, and we talked everything from accents, vacation, jobs, Arizona….yada yada yada —

I then dove into the Prime Rib sliders, which is carved prime rib, carmelized onions and a creamy horseradish sauce…. these were very tasty and the au jus was a very tasty compliment. Makes me realize (again) how bad the California Dip at Brandy’s in Flagstaff was….

(note: not served open face, but trying my hand at allowing you to see as much as possible)

I decided to try one of their casinos out here — their newest – Talking Stick — and when the “Stick” talked to me, it said “I’m no Vegas, I’m no Foxwoods, maybe you should leave….” — so I did, after 20 minutes and not a coin dropped in a slot — just didn’t seem to have any pool – here is the view from the parking lot, kind of a cross between a Elks Lodge, a high school campus and maybe a small dose of Foxwoods —

It seemed so-so on the busy side — but plenty of parking —

I almost parked in the spot below, because I of course didn’t see the van hidden in the parking space –

Well, I split like a banana and decided to check back at the hotel bar — it had seemed to pick up in population during the day and I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss any of the fun. But it was quiet, relatively — just Nina (bartender) and staff, me, and Bob from Acton, Massachusetts — this guy is a semi-regular on the business stay circuit — his route is Italy to Phoenix, and then when he told the bartender he lived in Boston, I bellowed, “I live in Boston” — so, the next hour or so was spent talking watching the Sox with Bob from Acton — and his son plays Lacrosse at Umass, so I chatted some Umass stuff as well. I told him I’d see him on Route 128 —

Rest of the days promise to be quiet —

Well — I have been slacking and frankly, the blog may suffer down the stretch of vacation. I just don’t have much planned for the final few days and it will be like watching bad re-runs for you folks —-

But – Wednesday AM — woke up at 4:30 AM local time to get on the road around 5(ish) on my way up to Sedona to view some breath-taking red Rock formations — I have been there a couple times previously, but only a cameo both times…

My feeling was get there early — take an early off-road tour and then decide the rest of my day (lounge in Sedona or shoot to Flagstaff for a couple hours) — well….I hear a lecture about calling ahead or planning ahead coming…I showed up at Pink Jeep Tours at about 7:30 after taking some pictures on my way into town. The earliest they could squeeze me in was 10:00 — unless I wanted to do combo tours, which would be more money and up to 4 hours….this is their version of “would you like fries with that?”, but instead it is “if you want to add the Ancient Ruins to your tour as a combo, we can get you out in 25 minutes…”. I declined, wanting my day to be flexible —

So, it was two hours of snapping a couple photos, putting my nose against the shop windows of the places not yet open and checking out the same 25 post cards that are on sale outside a few early risers who were open…..YAWN!

The only benefit is the change in weather as you head north to Sedona and later to Flagstaff — while Scottsdale hit 108 on Wednesday, Sedona peaked (not pun intended) at 90 and Flagstaff peaked at 80 degrees, cooler than beantown for the day —

Well…10:00 rolls around and me and a family of four from New York (I can’t ditch all the Yankee fans in the world if I tried) headed out on a 35 mile, 2 hour tour of “Diamondback Gulch”. Tour guide Bob was very knowledgeable and the tour was about an 8 — excellent learning experience, some good canned jokes from Bob, but I guess I wanted more formations out of my tour. I can whine pretty well when I try, huh? The off-road experience was something I recommend and I would do one again –

Before, during and after the Pink Jeep Tour, I was able to see many of the formations in the area. The camera doesn’t seem to catch ALL of the deep colors, but they still look decent — some snapshots are below:

These sights are pretty breathtaking — and they can make your heart skip a beat –

Obviously, the local city council does as well, as you can see these heart Defibrillators on the sidewalks every quarter mile or so –

As you can imagine, lots of artists have jumped in on these great views. There are artists who have rendered these in drawings, paintings and even in photography. I have jumped into this in my own abstract photo of the main road, showing the closeness of the formations to downtown life…..

I call this photo “Green Lights, Red Rocks”….I can have it silk-screened onto drink coasters if you like….I just need to contact Billy Mays for the infomercial…..WAIT! Oh, nevermind.

Well, I was full of disgust for waking at 4:30 to set up all this available time, and the lack of planning ahead made the day reach a baptism under fire mode around 1:00 — Do I drive over the hills to Flagstaff for one of Guy Fieri’s restaurants or do I head back towards Phoenix/Scottsdale? I decided to do Flagstaff and drove the 28 miles to this bustling place –

I got out to pump gas and it was kind of, ahem….chilly — well, an 80 degree chilly, but I must stress that I haven’t seen a daytime temperature below 100 degrees since Logan Airport….

So, off to another one of Guy’s finds….and while they featured a great dinner item, I had to select from the lunch menu at Brandy’s Bakery and Restaurant. I even saw the chef bouncing around the restaurant who I remembered from the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives clips. Too bad I wasn’t here for dinner….

I ordered a California Dip sandwich, which was served au just (thus, a french dip)….and thank god there was au jus — I mean, this sandwich was listed as “juicy roast beef” with muenster cheese and green chilies…

There was ZERO juiceness to this roast beef! I was there at about 2:00 and I had a sad feeling that this beef MAY have been juicy during their breakfast rush…..7 HOURS AGO — I had thankfully ordered a pesto mayo for a side, which helped the sandwich along.

I get a lot of french dips — and the true test for me is….does this sandwich stand on it’s own as a roast beef sandwich? Is it already good, and just enhanced by the au jus (I feel so french!)? If not…thumbs down –

Even the chilies were a disappointment –

The fries were hot and fresh — and I learned a long time ago if you can’t say anything else nice…just stop moving your lips……but, seeing that this is a blog and it is my fingertips, I can say such great things as “unremarkable”, “hot filler”, “begging for salt and pepper”…..

This visit made me have a major realization about the show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives…..nobody ever said the food at all these places was great! They are either in a funky building, have a funky personality, have some strange items on the menu, have an unusual cooking manner…..and occasionally, the food is “off the hook”. So, my expectations have been changed for the culinary tour of Triple D restaurants (Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives = Triple D). They have been set to medium low and that way I can be pleasantly surprised.

Brandy’s gets a One Buck out of Five Bucks….my lowest rating yet in this “foodie” blog stuff….

So, off the the great roads of Arizona….weird driving down a highway and as far as you can see, no homes, no buildings….not even a Starbucks….

So, I decided I was gonna have enough time to get to Phoenix for the Diamondbacks game against the New York Mets (I can’t dodge New Yorkers, even the ones that hate the Yankees).

I parked behind Alice Cooper’s restaurant, aptly named Alice Cooperstown, which had frosty aluminum bud products for $4….again, FRIGID — like my third day in a row blessed with ice cold beer —- maybe it is a state law or something….but everyone from the Cask and Flagon to the Towanda Club can learn from these refrigerator experts!

Here is the outside patio of Alice’s place –

Funny thing about the servers inside is they all have to wear some of the Alice Cooper face paint — with the black tears down their face — I didn’t ask any to pose, but for a flavor of it, here’s a photo of Alice himself..

Imagine asking someone looking like that if I can get the ranch on the side?

I reviewed the menu and everything is pretty much named after a sports figure or a rock star…. they even have a two pound hot dog called the Big Unit (named after Randy Johnson who used to play for Arizona). One of the sides of the building makes sure you know where to get the Big Unit….

Just so you bring enough dough…..the Big Unit will set you back $18.99…..or the same price as a Fenway Frank in the bleachers at Fenway….

They actually hosted Adam Richman of Man vs. Food for the Big Unit! They actually added an Adam Richman version of the Big Unit, but I forget what it added and it isn’t on the website — here is a photo from the web of Adam and Alice….with two Big Units…

Never seen Man vs. Food — pretty entertaining — see more info here

The D’backs are a BAD team….think, Orioles without the passionate fan base…. It’s a nice place to watch a game, modern, been here a couple times before…and it is comfortable. Grabbed a cheap seat in the left field bleachers, $16. Lots of beer and food choices. I mean, when in Rome hit me in the first fifteen minutes as I decided to have a frozen strawberry margarita (hey! I was back to the 100+ temps, so I thought a foo foo drink at a game was ok). Skipped food, so no ballpark food report. For those of you counting my calories…today was a skip breakfast, skip dinner day — not the way you want to eat, but it happens from time to time….I’ll make up for it later.

One thing about what is called Chase Field that is pretty interesting is they have a swimming pool area just beyond the right field fence! You can rent out the space, but my guess is it comes pretty pricey! But, as you can see below: you could easily have a Home Run in the pool! (Note: those living in the gutter, keep your memories of a home run in the pool to yourself!).

I decided to keep dry, walked around a lot, talked to ushers about the team, the stadium, their matching outfits… my ticketed section is shown below, but I was here for only 20 minutes….long enough to be 30 feet from one of 3 Home Runs that were hit there last night –

Gassed up at Alice’s joint before heading home…some local Hefeweizen which was forgettable and a Fat Tire….after all, this is where Fat Tire and I had our first date, many years back –

Future posts will be shorter I imagine….no real plans ahead — and I will try not to bore the audience…

Ok — trying to make this concise —

Woke up – hit the road to Phoenix for one of Guy Fieri’s places — Matt’s Big Breakfast! While this is a small place — it also has a small menu….but big enough to offer a bowl of Frosted Flakes! I like their sense of humor already….

I decided on the Salami Scamble, with, of course, a side of bacon! Here is the photo…

While yesterday’s dinner at Joe’s Farm Grill felt like the place had gone Hollywood….this place was still telling customers via a chalkboard that they would be closed next week for their summer break! Love it! Have a great vacation Matt (assuming the owner is Matt)!

Breakfast was great! As in “Winner Winner Chicken Dinner”!
Coffee – good
Bacon – good
Salami Scramble — Raise the Roof!

I hit the road, but only a couple miles to the Heard Museum — this Museum is a gem — offering “…Native American artwork, pottery, books, textiles, and jewelry.”

Took a tour, and the guy giving the tour, from an Indian family, was a sophomore from a local high school — they have this program where high school students give tours — AWESOME! Major Kudos (unless I am being some sort of softee).

Lots of nice exhibits, including this clothing set for an Indian child….

Little did they know, these would be a loose blueprint for GarAnimals at Sears, circa 1982. No Toughskins were located at the Heard Museum, so the tie in with Sears appears limited.

They had a great display of how Indian art, skills and techniques influenced some modern culture. Take a peek at these hot shoes — I mean, literally —

My friend Leona would be the only person I know who could pull off THOSE shoes….

I was mostly impressed with the vast collection of Katsina dolls — I mean a few hundred. They had old ones and contemporary ones, all very impressive. A few are pictured below (pictures are taken behind glass, so there is a little glare)

Even the exotic tile they had on display was impressive, as well as some contemporary tile displays, like the one below:

I believe, if I recall correctly, that tile is from Phoenix, circa 1988, from something along the lines of the Kohler Bathroom tribe.

I took off from there, but as much as the pool was pulling me back to the room, I had to follow up on the resort bartender, Nina’s recommendation, of the Four Peaks Brewery in Tempe — so, I found the place and decided to have lunch there — the place was mobbed and I admit, I turned the flash off my camera as to not totally embararess myself, so the photo may be a little dim —

I got one of the specials — a fried grouper sandwich with jalapeno tarter sauce and Pepper Jack Cheese, with Macaroni Salad. The Macaroni was nice, not overcooked as you often find in macaroni salad — and it had chunks of cheese and artichoke hearts — a great choice. First time having grouper – and it was very good. The spiciness of my cheese and condiments was muted enough to let the fish shine! (Did I just write that line….?). They recommended the Hefeweizen for a pairing and who am I to push a beer away?

This was a great find and this may get a repeat visit! They also have a new place in Scottsdale so maybe I should try that spot next.

Back to the hotel — killed my third book of the trip (see last post for links) — and had the pool to myself for a bit before I had to graciously share it with three young ladies. So many bikinis….so little time….

Went out for either a visit to a new Sports Pub nearby or a Casino a few miles away…..

Blue 32 Sports Grill has the coldest beer I have had all summer — maybe 33 degrees MAX — and a very attentive staff –

Well, it turns out they opened on Saturday — so, you know how that can go — you get superb stuff as they try to impress the new customers or they need a few weeks to work out the kinks…..lucky for me, they had staff from their other restaurant on the premises —

I had a few cold ones, but the feature was a Hot Texas Burger — which had Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Jalapenos, Mayo, Mustard and my good friend, Tabasco –

Nice and Spicy!

Very impressed and the cold beer, the good food, the chatty staff and …..ooops, did I mention the Red Sox on Satellite? Yes, this place will be a repeat! (Helps that it is five minutes away)

Ok, ok, so I have pretty much said I would stay poolside and read, sweat, dive in and REPEAT…for ten days….but I have gotten restless and getting a car on Monday unleashed the hounds, I guess — no I can at least poke my head out of the area a bit — so….what to do, what to do — well…from my last vacation, it sounded like from feedback (no pun intended), that people enjoyed me pretending to be a foodie and if I share all those calorie stories with enough people, maybe I won’t pack on all those calories….hey! It’s worth a shot — so, a theme, kind of developed –

In addition to some cactus, red rock formation, terrible national league baseball type things on the docket, I invited Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives fame to lay the map for some of my culinary adventures….

I’ll let Guy tell you about it —

“Clayton….dude…..this will be Buckalicious!”….ok, bye Guy –

Well, I do have a roadmap, in an article entitled “Eat Your Way Across Guy Fieri’s Arizona“! While, I sincerely doubt that Guy Fieri owns Arizona, I do think I can move a few of these items off of the article and onto my calorie starved plate….

So, the culinary spin was in — Clayton was on board for this — although Clayton is looking a little more like a “Sven” if you ask me — hair, helmet like, after days in the sun and chlorine….and before Guy climbed aboard my list of things to do — I had a great California Tomato salad with grilled ahi tuna on top — with a perky (yes, I said perky) lime cilantro dressing….oh…and the best “Bah Mix, Eva”! Thanks to Nina at the bar for all the suggestions — washed it down with a local Arizona beer, much like a Magic Hat #9, but peach instead of the apricot…..and it was frigid —

Ok – So, rental car happened at 7:30 AM today and I whipped out the trusty GPS for the first leg of the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives tour — it was great to hear words like “roundabout” again!

So — off I went to a breakfast joint, Over Easy, in Phoenix. Now….I have to say — because I am following this map of sorts, am I required to get what they featured on Guy’s show? The answer I have is no, but when it is a toss up — the featured dish wins, and I don’t mean me….

Cool restaurant – cool website (once it renders, the menu is in the crossword puzzle – VERY COOL (ok, small things amuse me, ok???)

I debated between two items that were on the show, the Wolfpack and the Caremelized Banana and Pecan Brioche — I just like saying Brioche…it’s like, Chatanooga or….well, I am getting sidetracked….

So — yummy food, the Brioche was very good….syrup is a little strong on the caramel, but hey — taste buds had an orgy for a while — they’ve been quiet for a few days —…and oh — it’s breakfast, so I get a side of bacon — their pig is like the pig at home — on the TV show they say it is from Wisconsin….well, it wasn’t really worth the freight — it was good bacon….just not baconlicious —

Fresh Squeezed orange juice was great —- but at 8 ounces for $3 bucks, I’ll take the next one with Ketel One, thank you bartender!

Waitress was super nice (Melissa??) as well as the other folks who checked in on me….3 people in 15 minutes? Very attentive!

So, calorie meter has been started, GPS has been started, it is a brand new vacation –

I drove to Old Town Scottsdale

– which was supposed to bring me back to the West….West what? West Wyoming? West Woburn?

Sorry, cowboy — not much here impressed me…except maybe you!

….kind of an overrated area if you ask me….but maybe I am saying that because my pie hole wasn’t chomping down on something very caloric…?

Went through an artsy area, I mean wall to wall galleries — but being a Monday, they were all doing their color-by-numbers thing at home…or contemplating life or whatever they do when they are not selling stuff….

Took a spin by Fashion Square — me and my super duper rented Kia Optima….

Well, the first two places I motored up on has valet parking — just to shop — I am thinking there is no room for a coupon shopper like me at the Fashion Square — so I passed — guess my wardrobe will be missing that $250 dollar pocket square….

Ok, ok, I have to admit — I killed enough time so that a non-Guy sanctioned eatery was close to opening — so, I waited — and just when I thought I was going to the first person at the Sugar Bowl in Scottsdale for Monday — 3 groups swarmed the door at 11:01 (if it was even that late).

I went to the counter and sat among the pink decor

….this place would have made Liberace comfortable — but, I digress….it was old fashioned and had many old fashioned items — I ended up skipping malts and floats and I went with a Raspberry Glacier, which was Raspberry Sherbet with Sprite.

It was a nice pick me up after dragging myself around these blocks in 106 degree heat — and it was good to the last drop — don’t believe me????

At this point, I was starting to have pool withdrawals — so, back to the resort — quick change, books in hand and out to battle the sun bath — in fact, all my friends from the resort were there to greet me….they are shown below….look….um…they might be hard to see

Killed the second book of the vacation — Deal Breaker by Harlan Coben, and began a second book by him, Drop Shot — both books have the same character and they are poolside quick reads — mystery, a sports angle and nothing too lengthy of a read.

I am well on my way to a murder mystery of my own…..how can someone who had gotten out of reading so much in the last year kill more than 1 book in a vacation — I am staring at my third murder conviction and bringing on more….

Came into the room to do some work for the part time job — which I also did after dinner. It’s nice to be able to do most of that work remotely —

Guy was back — screaming at me to get my ass in gear — down to Gilbert Arizona — to a place called Joe’s Farm Grill — where, as much as possible, items on the menu come from the farm next door —

I hit the conundrum that I run into from time to time….can’t decide between onion rings (my fave) or the sweet potato fries (the rave)…..fave? or rave? Fave or Rave? FAVE OR RAVE??? Get the both of them came the devil off the left shoulder….and before the angelic side spoke up (wait! — you didn’t know I had an angelic side? keep that to yourself or I will tell people about…..well, you know who you are and you know what I’ll say….yep — this means you!) ….ok — so I went with the featured item — the Fontina Burger — which was very good — and onions rings AND sweet potato fries — both done nice, crispy — batter on onion rings was great — sweet potato fries — I can see why people like em….I guess they just don’t excite me…and they never have — so it isn’t Joe’s fault
(NO! I did not finish everything…..really!)

— washed it all down with a fresh strawberry lemonade, complete with strawberry seeds culminating it a choppy last draw of the straw — but very nice drink —

Food was good — not GREAT — but would recommend the place — however — the one thing is….the place seems a little “Hollywood” — they have flat screen TV’s showing the TV clips from Triple D — over and over — they sell Guy’s recent cookbook at the cashier….they plant the TV show items in a different ink….and everyone behind the counter looks like they had to have 6 months of training before they could work there — very clean — very “corporate” — just didn’t seem homey enough for this home-slice….

Both of Guy’s places rate pretty high — Over Easy…I’ll go with 4 out of 5 bucks — and Joe’s Farm Grill get’s 4 out 5 bucks as well. Sugar Bowl, 3 and a half bucks out of 5, it hit the spot, but nothing I couldn’t do at home.

Sorry for any typos or run-on sentences or whatever careless mistakes make their way into these posts…I write em, make sure the images work and click publish — so, my apologies in advance…

Sorry for the long blog entry — hope I didn’t bore you during your morning coffee……

Ok, ok, so I have finally gotten around to a new blog entry — can I blame the lack of entries on the sun?

113 or so on Friday, 108 yesterday, and ….let me check the forecast……10 seconds…..20 seconds — I guess right now it is 97 degrees, and headed for 110 —looks like Pool Duty for the afternoon –

So here is the quick and dirty from the last couple days….

Flights were fine — flight one was an interesting one…..now, I am the first to say, I am a big guy….when you see me coming down the aisle, you say to yourself….”not next to me….please!”…..you know who YOU are! Well….me, aforementioned “big guy” sits in the aisle seat — and yup — a woman bigger than me gets the middle seat next to her husband — hey – GUY! thanks for giving her the middle seat! The guy had to help her fasten her seat belt! It wasn’t as bad as it could have been…..I mean, when I saw that her elbows had their own dimples, I thought I was in big trouble….. and for all I know, she may be blogging about the “big guy” to her left – -

So, after flight 1 to Atlanta — I decided to start the vacation culinary engine — and just to prove to those that have read the blog before and think all I eat is ice cream, biscuits and gravy or chocolate chip pancakes… I have proof that I can eat healthy (albeit, on the run)…

Flight two had ME in the middle seat — but, the little lady to my left was about 4 foot 5 inches and maybe 90 pounds — THANK YOU Airline Gods for making my middle seat a nice one!

Arrive in Phoenix, shuttle bus to the hotel and I checked in about 1:00 local time – Hotel seems pretty nice –

Room is plenty nice, 3rd floor, with a pool view –

Made the debut by the pool for an hour or so — and it seems like I did not scare any guests away!

Hit the Happy hour for a vacation beverage or three — and tried some “Panko Crusted Onion Rings” — well, if these were Panko Crusted, then I am wishing nothing but the best for the New York Yankees! — these things made me long for those awful “Onion Things” at Burger King…..On the Buck scale, they got a half a Buck. House margaritas were ok — local beer was very cold, but I retired to the room early ….

Up early on Saturday — went for a walk (don’t tell my physical therapist or podiatrist) around the area (no car until Monday) and hit a Jamba Juice for a sweet smoothie! I was dripping wet by the time I got there — so, the smoothie did the trick (I repeated this on Sunday AM as well).

I was poolside by Noon and killed the first book of the vacation — Plum Island by Nelson Demille – decent book – good summer type read — hets about 4 Bucks on the 5 Buck scale –

After a few hours of sun and swim — I bellied up to the poolside bar –after a drink or two — I met a great family from San Antonio — John and Sebrina (with an “e”), their son Justin and their nephew, Alonso. They were on a vacation out to the west coast and back — and this was perhaps their last stop before San Antonio.

Check out my helmet hair!!! I am about 6 foot 3 in that photo — that is what happens after I swoop it back after being in the pool all day —

We shared drinks during the afternoon and when the pool bar closed…we did what most people who have been out all day would do……we went to the local supermarket, got some beverages, got pizza from a place in the plaza (thanks John and Sebrina!). Pizza was from Crust, and it gets 4 and a half Bucks — very good sauce and it may potentially get repeat business during the week.

We stayed poolside until my tank read empty — it was really great meeting them and we exchanged info so that we can keep touch in the future — and I have promised to buy them dinner if I am in San Antonio….where they welcomed me to stay with them — what a stroke of luck meeting such great people….even if John is a Colts fan…..

lol — I wasn’t gonna let that slip –

Headed to the pool….no plans for the day — car tomorrow, so I may start doing stuff off-resort —

One hint of what theme might be developing……..has anyone seen Guy Fieri anywhere? I’ll take a peek at a few places….

Made plans for this summer’s second and final vacation –

Ten days at the Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center!

Cheaper to fly to Arizona and be poolside for 10 days than getting a place for a week at the Cape or the NH or ME beaches….

Weather calls for days between 103-109…..who knew they were having a cooldown?

I hope people like prunes….my hope is to become one (while wearing my sunscreen)

And hey! Did you hear that prunes had their name “officially” changed to dried plums….would I lie to you?

Well, I had stayed in Celeveland one whole day and Lebron would let me advise him on his free agency, so I hit the road.

I was tipped off that the Home from A Christmas Story was fully restored and available for tours, etc. (thanks Barbara!)— while I would be too early for their opening, I did go by for a couple of photos — there was no leg lamp viewable at 8AM

This place is tucked into a quiet neighborhood a couple miles from downtown — I guess they get strangers hopping out with a camera to take photos before hitting the road to their next destination –

Well, for me – the potential next and final destination was going to be home – — but the suggested route by Google Maps was going to bring me through Buffalo — so I decided to go that route — When I got to Buffalo, I saw what everyone always talked about, it’s really beautiful!

Ok, ok, I admit…..it was nicer that that — low 70′s — not much to look at, but I am sure Buffalo, as a city, has a great personality (isn’t that what you are supposed to say when it don’t look so great?)

So, I have seen enough Food TV to know that I had to try the Anchor Bar — the place where the buffalo wing was born –

Got there shortly after they opened (surprised??) — and bellied up to the bar (commentary on verbiage not necessary) and decided on HOT as my wing choice — they had “suicide” which I would normally have tried, but I was nervous of 7-8 more hours of driving. The Hot were nice, but I’ve had hotter — gave me suicide wing envy….only made worse by this lady and her husband who came in and she ordered her “regular” – which was “double suicide”….what a Wing Wimp she made me feel like….anyways, here’s what they looked like –

The Good: Tasty, decent hotness, served piping hot, had a little crispness, which I like in my wings
The Not So Good (yes, picky!): Celery and Blue Cheese dressing on side were room temperature

So, they were good enough that I thought I’d take some for the long ride home – you can see if the leftovers if you look closely

Eating messy food with the facial hair leaves me saying one moto: “It ain’t messy, it’s called leftovers!”

I continued on my way, some 7-8 hours home and I made it in one piece —

I unloaded the truck instead of waiting — which would be my normal schedule — after all, I need to take care of some of my souvenirs:

Hope to post a “afterthoughts of the trip” entry sometime soon — thanks for all the views and comments!

It was a great trip — thanks for sharing it with me –

Buck

Got Home Last Night!

Long road from Cleveland — will post details of the last day later after I catch up on everything in the 01801

On Day 13, I have to concentrate to figure out where I was this morning…..Cincy — yes, Cincy —

Hit the road at a decent hour and headed north to Columbus….after all Columbus discovered the New World….

Turns out….THIS Columbus had lots to offer as well.

You know how some couples experience the 7 year itch (while some people apparently have a 4-5 year itch), well, I scratched an itch today, an itch I haven’t scratched in 7 years — hitting the BEST (sorry, In and Out burger a CLOSE second) Fast Food Place in the world — Culvers Betterburgers and Frozen Custard. I think this is as close to home as they get — the day they get close, I might get into the franchise business —

See what you are missing at Culvers –

This is what this particular one looks like — I did not bring the camera inside — I think I was shaking so much from the anticipation, that the camera was likely a bad idea. To boot — is it ever a good sign when you are the FIRST customer of the day for any fast food restaurant?

I then took a spin to a small Ohio Ice Cream chain that has great ice cream! I once had it sent to me and they hanve funky, great flavors! I knew I’d be close, so I decided to check out their original location in Columbus’ North Market (a great building of 30+ culinary specialty shoppes).

Check out these pages below:

Jeni’s Ice Cream Website

Jeni’s Ice Cream Blog

I grabbed myself a midday dessert — and I tried their new ice cream sandwiches — they are based with macaroon cookies hugging their awesome ice cream –

The one I chose was a pistachio type macaroon (not like Mike’s Pastries version, lighter in flavor, uniform shape) with Honey Vanilla Bean ice cream. After my first bite, I paused and reached for the camera — hey, I want to share — I am a sharer at heart….

After dripping a few spots on my shirt, I moved on and talked my GPS into getting me to Cleveland –

We stopped in mid-afternoon and were able to check in to the downtown hotel — great location — walking distance to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and then a longer walk, but still a walk to the Indians game later in the day –

Any guess where my hotel room is EXACTLY located? If you have been paying attention, there is no question (please note: this question is easy enough that NO bonus points will be added to your Buck Vacation Trivia score later)

So, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was up next —-I was due to hear better notes that me singing up and down Ohio highways — all and all, I have sung more in my truck than in the shower of late…..I’m just sayin’

It is right on the edge of Lake Erie —- with the Football stadium nearby, sandwiching a Science Museum — there’s that word again….sandwich — maybe I am hungry –

So, went to the Hall and I really enjoyed it — although I did the place a disservice — I was there for a few hours, and 1 and a half of that was an AWESOME U2 in 3D movie/concert — so, lots more to peruse on a next trip — but — U2 fans should definately find this show on DVD or even better, find it in 3D somewhere —

Moved across town to the Indians game — time for one, little, two little, ten little indians — a classic childhood rhyme — a great song for the baseball team here — the “ten” Indians covers the 9 players in teh field and adds the 10th Indian being the designated hitter….so, the song was obviously written by someone in favor of the DH in baseball….

Great park, but kind of sad — place used to sell out ALL the time — now, the corwds are small, they don’t ublish a regular game program, some stands are shuttered closed….just sad — and for the baseball fans in the room (well, you ARE in some kind of room reading this, no?)….even the drummer in the bleachers takes some nights to do important stuff, like bowling leagues, watching Deadliest Catch or playing World of Warcraft….you can experience the same emptiness I felt below:

So, the place in general is very nice — you can see two photos below – one from the front and one inside — you can obviosuly tell that I have finally grown comfy with saying “do you mind taking a photo of me…?”.

Clayton is rockin’ the modified “Zoom” look, yes?? Rockin!

Before I got settled, I grew attached to the friendly bartenders at the park….my two social animals that served my Leienie’s (Summer Shandy and Sunset Wheat) who helped me undertand the park and told me all my options around the park — I decided to hang out near them in the belachers. I told them about Clayton — and they TOO agreed that I could consider a name change —

So….I left the game after 7 innings — HEY — it’s not the Sox….stopped for a beer at the Thirsty Parrot — and made my way back to the hotel — ….where….I was reminded of my “Prison Toilet” –

First — when is the last time a decent hotel had the same flusher knob as you find in the bowels of a Mass Pike Rest Stop? Check out the silver fixtures in the back. I had serious flashbacks to high school with that…

Check this bad boy out!!!

If that wasn’t bad enough, you may not be able to tell, buy if you have to sit on this throne, your knees will be so deep into the Cottonelle on the right unless you have the body frame of Don Rickles….I mean, SERIOUSLY — how would someone have a comfortable sitting??? I guess I’ll hold anything until the New York or the Mass Pike….

Sleep time now and off for day 14 tomorrow — not sure if I will pick a spot to stay tomorrow or if I want to drive all the way from Cleveland to Woburn —

The only thing I am SURE of tomorrow is that I am Wingin’ It!

Day started early (don’t they all on the second half of this trip)? — Headed to their top breakfast place here — Pancake Pantry – famous for…..well, I will give you 3 guesses………ok! Time’s Up — I REALLY thought you get the correct answer…..Pancakes (no parting gifts)…..What? You say, you said it….or said it to yourself…I’m sorry I didn’t hear you –

Well, I opted for this place over the Waffle House that has been on my list ( a chain that is EVERYWHERE in the South) and it was a guilty pleasure — I had scouted the menu online and I knew what I wanted about 10 hours before the waitress asked me. I got the Swiss Chocolate Chip pancakes! I got a side of country bacon just to make sure I wasn’t running low on calories….don’t want to get lightheaded on my way to Louisvilel and Cincinnati.

Check out a PDF of their menu — let me know if I should have opted for something else — Pancake Pantry menu

Before you decide, you might want to check out a picture of my breakfast (who is this strange guy who takes pictures of all his food?).

So….Batter Up to the first power is complete –

I then took the ride to Louisville….but I somehow decided on an impromptu pitstop at the Jim Beam Distillery. This was more of a meet and greet type place with a short movie…..but unlike the Jack Daniels place (dry county), this visit was punctuated with a tasting of two bourbons, two from their “small batch collection”. We had Basil Hayden’s (aged 8 years) and Knob Creek (aged 9 years) — both cleared my sinuses to be honest — they were also pushing a relatively new product for them – Red Stag — Bourbon with cherry taste infused (or something like that)….well, I needed a souvenir and cherry flavored bourbon sounded manly enough for me….so Clayton bought a bottle.

So, not only am I doing the Smokie and the Bandit thing with lots of beer in my back seat, but I have added Cherry flavored bourbon to the mix — what a man!

While I was winding around the roads of Kentucky, I noticed a sign that said Boston 2 miles this-a-way —-well, I miss Boston, the traffic, the kind drivers, all that stuff — so I drove the couple miles with the aid of my handy GPS, and found my way to and through Boston…..Kentucky.

So, off to Louisville, for real this time –

Stopped in downtown for a visit to the Louisville Slugger Factory and Museum — was a big hit! (ugh – puns galore today). They have a great looking entrance to the factory in my opinion.

Batter Up #2 – The tour took me through their working factory which was truly fascinating — watching mash bubble and have the person have you envision that being whiskey is one thing, but them taking blocks of wood and showing you live the way that becomes a major league bat is really great! Today, we were walking through the line while they were making bats for Hanley Ramirez and Dan Uggla, both of the Florida Marlins. I didn’t want to be a smart ass, but someone should tell them there are too many strikeouts in Uggla’s bats, they might want to find the defect.

They showed a brief movie, had some old artifacts and you could even swing some famous player bats — I took a swing with David Ortiz’s bat from a few seasons ago….no word if there is any steroid residue found in the bat handle

The day started to get away from me at this point, so I rushed up to Cincinnati and to my hotel 15 miles north of the downtown. Nice place — the hotels in the last stretch of days have been very nice and a comfort when I needed it.

Batter Up #3 – I went to the Reds-Phillies game downtown. Lots of people wearing their home town color of Red! These people were much more into it than Atlanta, but still missing that hard edge of the Northeast fan. Phillie fans added some spice to the crowd. They had a huge walkup attendance and it almost looked like they had trouble handling it — $14 got me a seat on the upper level — but I never sat in it — walked to different spots in the park, an inning here and inning there here is one view out from near first base –

– if I did sit in my seat — this is generally what my view would have looked like –

After taking in 6 innings and a Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, I was ready to make my way back to the hotel — where I updated this thing and did some work for the part time job.

Ok – well, glad the blog got updated — neading north through Ohio, but staying in Cleveland tonight — Home tomorrow night or friday depending on how things go –

Sorry the blog has been getting stale — computer problems yesterday — I couldn’t get anything really done –

So — I hope I don’t forget details of yesterday, and I hope this condensed version doesn’t make for poor reading….my apologies in advance –

Woke up and hit the road early — but before leaving Chattanooga, I wanted a photo of the Chattanooga Choo Choo — after all, very rich history and all — so here we go:

Ok, ok — that is NOT the Cahttanooga Choo Choo….but pending a DNA test, there could be some relation…

Here is the “real” train — at sleepy 7AM local time —

I hope I didn’t wake anyone on the train…..well….not THAT train….but the “Chattanooga Choo Choo” is now an historical hotel — and there are train cars set up as hotel rooms — and you can book them like any hotel — below is my photo of the “train yard”, but I didn’t want to get too close…you never know what is going on in those trains…

Here is interesting stuff from their website –

Well, I quickly hit the road — but it would have been nice if someone told me the time zone splits Tennessee! I thought a whole state was always in the same zone, except some weird Indiana stuff….

So — I knew a segment of my ride was going to take about an hour and a half — but my trusty GPS (we are still dating) told me it would only take 24 minutes — I had it RECALCULATE! — same thing — it finally struck me that there was something going on with the time zones — so that answered that “issue”.

Drove up to Nashville – — got settled on a quiet Monday afternoon in the Music City –

My friend Mike from Woburn now lives in Nashville — I went to junior high and high school with Mike — we played baseball together as well – -he recommended Rippy’s for some BBQ lunch and I found myself heading there –

Ribs! RIBS! Meat fell right off the bone — Was a 10!!! Too bad I only ordered half a rack —

Wondered around town and decided to try a couple well-known places Mike recommended — Robert’s and Layla’s(I think those are the names) — I enjoyed some bands and a couple individuals singing in these bars and Mike met up with me for a beer –

We then decided to circle back — as Mike took me back to Broadway — and we did Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge and then a retrun trip to Robert’s

Robert’s at night – good music

Here’s me outside of Robert’s at night

In the in between stage, Mike went to play softball, but before that, he let me know where I could find some Fat Tire and I stocked up for the next few months —

There’s something about a many that has a backseat full of beer not sold north of North Carolina….

….I don’t have a problem…really

(blog is now about a day behind — will try and catch up to date tomorrow)

The days are now almost all going to have a major driving component, which means, I am going to feel like my ass has been kicked by the time I get settled in a place – I won’t be in any city or town for more than one night from here on out — this is the non-relaxation, sprint to Woburn –

Tentative plan is to leave Chatanooga in the AM — and stay in Nashville tomorrow night —- Cincinnati Tuesday night, Cleveland on Wednesday night….and perhaps home on Thursday night or Friday –

Today started in Savannah — waited for Starbucks to open — morning coffee got me on my way to Vidalia — a place where I hoped to get some onions and maybe dive into a yummy Vidalia breakfast — but the Vidalia was a disappointment — the town was a cross between Mayberry and Saugus — quiet side with no activity and then a major road with Burger King, Walmart, etc. — I checked Walmart for a deal on onions, but it seemed to be the ONLY thing Walmart had not had a price rollback on….

So, in parlance among friends, when we have nothing, or a zero, going on, we sometimes have an “onion”…even occasionally saying we have a “vidalia” — so, when I went to Vidalia, I came up with a big onion….

I quit Vidalia — but Vidalia owes me! I can taste it!

I did at least see where an old onion goes after it starts to go bad….you know those gnarly ones…they go here:

I moved on to travel to my cameo visit to Atlanta — nice morning ride — which was punctuated by a stop off an exit for Georgia Peaches — which I have NOT sampled yet — they look nice, kind of small….and the lady, while tempted, was not heard saying…”how do you like ‘dem peaches”?”….I would have had to say “kinda small”, and ruined her day…so I am glad we just did business and kept the chatter to a minimum.

Moved onto Atlanta — and parked for the Braves game –

I walked around the park and then walked up to the ticket window and the nice young lady said something to the effect of do you want the line for “right now” tickets (southern drawl may have been something else) or the “one dollar skyline seat line”? I thought I heard her correctly — but I asked her to repeat…she said yes, it is a $1 for the skyline tickets — and she started to say something else….but, the northerner interrupted her and said — I don’t need any more info — $1.00 is a good price for me –

So I paid my dollar, showed security what I was packing in my pockets and made my way in –

I mostly walked around, bought a Georgia Dog (Slaw, Vidalia Relish, Vidalia Onion) and a couple of cold ones…

Game wasn’t very interesting and I haven’t seen this empty a stadium in a while –

I left after 5-6 innings and took a quick ride to Buckhead (part of Atlanta) to check out some bars/restauarants, but there was road and building constructions, and the place did not look as great as advertised, so off I went — to Chattanooga — fun to say….

Nice quiant place, staying in a nice Marriott compliments of a priceline break —

Nice warm night here — took a spin down to the River front — walked amongst the major restauarants here — and selected a BBQ chain down here — Sticky Fingers — sampled their wings, with some Habanero BBQ sauce — pretty good — this was my Chatanooga Chew-Chew I guess — and the coldest beer in a week — a nice Sam Adams —

Don’t you know us northerners tend to be ice cold???

Off early in the AM to explore more of Tennessee before more of the homeward sprint later in the week…

(ten days in I should apologize for the typos….just typing out of my head)

Sorry – this southern drawl really has me checking my hearing sometimes — just now, I am used to hearing tour guides talk about bad fie-uhs instead of fires….it’s amazing how many one syllable words have two —

Ok — so tonight, I went to a minor league baseball game – the Savannah Sand Gnats — so….while the crowd was apparently chanting Go-nads! — it was actually Go Gnats! Place was nice, single A affiliate of the Mets….so, there were some New Yawk-uhs there — parking was free, general admission $7, 16 ounce Bud Aluminum bottle – $6 and a 14 ounce draft was $4 — that’s it for financials today –

The day started with a trolley tour of Savannah – which was a great way to get an overview — I never knew they had terrible fie-uhs here – burned many, many things – what wasn’t burned down by the fires, is apprently under threat of melting from the heat — ok…now, I thought the South was supposed to be hot — like, all the time — but they say we are having August weather – 95 degrees, heat index of 105 or so —

The one thing that strikes you on your first trip to Charleston, Savannah and other southern places is the Spanish Moss which hangs from trees — it is not part of these trees — it just hangs with the trees — the guides will tell you, “..it is neither Spanish, and it is not moss…” – Here’s a peek at one of about 20 photos I took of the stuff –

After the tour around town, I marched off to revisit some neighborhoods and to check out some things –

Having skipped breakfast, I did what most people do — find that famous ice cream place mentioned on the tour for lunch — a single scoop of huckleberry cheesecake ice cream fit the bill — this treat was purchased at Leopold’s Ice Cream, which has been here since 1919. It is currently owned by some Hollywood Director — so there are movie posters all over the inside wall —

The huckleberry was my choice to, again, try to go the southern route when possible — it narrowly beat out “Run Bisque” -

Continued to walk around — took some pictures of some homes, some buildings, a cemetary and little things that struck my lens —

I went by the Lady and Sons — Paula Deen’s place, but, as advertised, lunch was banged out and you apparently need to spend the whole morning in line to eat there – ….option B — go next dorr and buy some Paula Deen goods — that was me!

I went to a popular spot — River Street — to check out some of their riverfront shops and bars. It is also a location where one of the famous icons of Savannah resides — The Waving Girl Statue. This woman, fell in love with a visiting sailor and when he left, she promised to look for his return every day — she supposedly waved the sheet every day — and waved a lantern every night for over 40 years!!! He never returned! They tell folks she died of a broken heart.

Soon after he left, the sailor was tracked down, he was asked about this woman who eagerly awaited his return…. and he said “…one in every port…” — ok, I made up that part —

After more walking (the feet are screaming in a southern drawl by now) — I took a ride out to Hilton Head Island (about 45 minutes or so) — and checked out the beach for a little bit — enough time to realize that some fantastic looking people make that beach their regular place — WOW!

On the way out of the Hilton Head area, I spotted a “smokehouse” for an early dinner – — now, while it was called the Smokehouse and it featured BBQ, this was more of a 99 or Fridays, so no Pit Master out back…nonetheless, the chow was very good (pulled pork sandwich and smoked wings, with a few Tires)…

After some manly chow, a few manly beers….sometime you need a manly men’s room —

Yes — I had my camera in a men’s room — Yes, I snapped this photo — Hey! Sometimes a guy needs some extra room in his urinal…..

Drove back through some heavy rain — and that’s when I pulled up to the Sand Gnats game –

Go Gnats!

I was up with the birds, which down here could be anything from the Nature Shows, let’s go with an Egret….

Ok…trying again, I was up with the Egrets….

Sorry — the truth is I was up with the people who fill their coolers from the ice machine. My room was #120, which means, the ice machine has an address of 120 and a half…. (for those of you who don’t want to read ahead, I am ALSO across from the ice machine tonight and tomorrow night). Some people are chick magnets….but it appears Clayton is just a magnet for ice machines –

Friends who have shared a beverage or two with me will not be surprised that I am found near the ice —

Well, I digress.

I took the hour or so ride down to Charleston and found the Vistor Center. The South must wake a little later as I was one of 5 people in a place the size of the Hilltop Steakhouse in Saugus…

Well. First old man travel tip….always use the facilities when arriving or leaving a Vistor’s Center.

So – I go in….and I was hit with a wall of scent –now….before you go THERE — this was early — I may have even christened my urinal for the day — the place smells like CINNAMON! I mean – STRONG — if I closed my eyes, I would have guessed I was in the Yankee Candle in Sturbridge…..I guess, if I ever was going to be sure I wasn’t in a bathroom on the Mass Pike, my nose told me the story –

Well….I settled in and decided to take the Gray Line historic tour — a 90 minute narrated ride around the Historic neighborhoods of Charleston — This was a good way to see everything and learn some local history —

(I missed one tour by 2 minutes, so I took a walking tour for about 20 minutes on my own)

I walked around — before my 10:00 tour and happened to notice what almost looked like my personal Starbuck’s — by what the jeweler is named next door –

I then continued down their version of Newbury Street — all top notch stores in old or restored buildings — and then, knowing that the new Apple I-Phone is out, I knew that there would be a HUGE line, just like the dozens or hundreds I have been seeing on the news — so…I was not surprised to see the whopping line below:

Yep – Five people….a count of 6 if you count the pooch (somewhere, there has to be an app for finding fire hydrants for that pooch, don’t ya think? “There’s an App for That”).

You will, however, notice, that this DOES warrant crowd control, as the police car parked out front tells you –

So –back in time for my tour and we breezed around town — it was an enclosed bus, so not possible to take photos during the tour –

After it finished, I decided to try and snap some photos of some homes….but parking near the biggest and best was impossible — so I found a decent neighborhood and took some photos of some medium sized homes —

And another one…

Not everything is that big — there are many “freeman cottages” which were built or given to freed slaves. These are the smallest ones around.

There are also small homes, that are supposed to be full size. Notice the one below. It is almost just as wide as that car out front….and the car is a CIVIC!!!

After the tour and snapping some photos, I headed to the Hominy Grill (website for restaurant) for a nice southern lunch — I ordered Iced Tea….”You mean sweet tea, hun?” …well, yes (says the northerner)! I then decided on southern fried chicken on a biscuit with sausage gravy — and I ordered two sides (out of about 20 on the chalkboard). I went with deep fried cheesy grits and “tomato pudding”. Everything was great! From Tea to Grits….

I talked myself into dessert — which is a little unusual — but I wanted more of the south in my mouth (easy does it!).

I asked what the Buttermilk Pie was….she said it was like a light custard…a little lemon, with fresh cream on top — “well, hun, it’s really like a Chess Pie…” — “OH!” (says, the northerner), “then I’ll take a slice!”.

Food TV – Buttermilk Pie Recipe

AllRecipes.com recipe for Chess Pie

…have no idea what chess pie is…

It was just as she said — and I was happy I ordered it –

Drove off to Kiawah Island — what a waste — who knew it was a private community at the end of the ride?? There is a public beach — but $7 for me to take a peek? See ya!

I drove by about the fourth place with “Buck” in the name today — and finally took a picture of one —

There’s a joke here, “…if you are looking for a stud, Buck is your man”…or, even worse “hey look, Buck has wood…”, but let’s try to move on…..

Hotel seems pretty nice — not near the attractions, but comfortable and clean — Courtyard Marriot — and yes! The ice machine is in the room across from me…
Tour in Savannah in the AM — and either hang among the neighborhoods or if I think I need some R & R, I may try Tybee Island (beach) —

Targeting a driveby Braves Game on Sunday, but keeping Atlanta for another trip….

Buh bye for now

As promised, had lunch at Tortuga’s Lie — vastly recommended — had fantastic Baja Fish Tacos — and picked up some of their hot sauce –

Day of driving from Outer Banks to a hotel in Georgetown, SC (between Myrtle Beach and Charleston) has me tired and maybe looking at trimming parts of my plans —

Just south of Myrtle Beach — I saw this sign — calling out to me to buy a home here –

After a planned cameo in Atlanta for a Braves game, it looks like Memphis might add a day to the trip — would Elvis really miss me anyways?

I may change my mind, but it looks like the first possible casualty of the long road — I would cut straight up to Nashville instead —

THEN — the great debate — inside passage along major roadways and major cities….or Blue Ridge Parkway (mountain route, less quick) –

We’ll see –

Hotel, sight unseen online when reserved, is semi bothersome — just not very comfortable and doesn’t seem to be in a great part of town –

Up early and out to Charleston for a southern style breakfast somewhere — then poke my head around before heading to Savannah — the southernmost part of the trip —

What a great relaxing spot — and I don’t even surf, fish, etc.!

Headed on the road shortly – after one last culinary stop here in the OBX (Outer Banks)! Tortuga’s Lie will be the spot — looks like I should have the Fish Tacos — they supposedly have some great hot sauce, which I may purchase to test against Buckin’ Caliente — the hot sauce prepared by my friend Sean, who allows me to make labels, grow peppers….and drink beer while he does most of the work in creating our hot sauces…

I may have mentioned this before, but they have lots of little crabs on the beach — Below is a still photo and then after that is a quick little video on youtube I posted of these little guys — (forgive the smudge on my lens)

See the YouTube Video of the Crab on the Move

I am still amazed at these other birds that fly up and down the coast usually swooping along close to the water —

Here is a YouTube video I posted of a flyby this morning –

So – time to close up shop on the relaxation portion of the trip — back to the road — afterall, these feet were made for travellin’

South Carolina, Georgia….heads up….Clayton headed south…

Ok, ok — by now, if you have been reading along, you might know, the mornings are filled with trip to Food Lion for ice (hear me roar!) — so, after icing down the main cooler and the day cooler for the beach, I am ready for morning errand #2 — caffeine —

Today was an Ice Heath Bar Latte — pretty good for a bazillion calories — it is at a place at the end of the road – the Front Porch Cafe - place is very nice, people are very nice too — I actually hit here tonight as well, when I needed a little pick me up -

I then decided to take an hour ride out to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse/Seashore, to get to one of those beautiful beaches (not that ALL of them here seem to be that way) — I just like the ones where the wildlife are a little more involved…

So, I headed for Hatteras –

A nice hour’s jaunt out to the Lighthouse — which was MOBBED — I had contemplated climbing it — I guess it is what people do when they visit it — but too many people — so I just went to the next parking lot, a quarter mile away, and found myself on a practically empty beach — just great relaxation, within view of the Lighthouse…

Only wildlife today were pelicans — (I think they are pelicans)…

Before I left — I finally decided to see if I could have the self timer work for me — so I set it up on the back of the truck and this is how we did…

Boston Foodie, Clayton, gave into temptation and had a late lunch — the Philly Cheesesteak at the Blue Moon — it was very good — about an 8 — but…..having fallen in love with the Mahi Mahi BLT, it was hard to match that! Still – a successful late lunch –

Did some driving around – to kill some of the afternoon — sun was hot today — low to mid 90′s — which is very hot for this coastal spot —

Before I came back, I decided to check something off the Outer Banks Bucket List — they have these Drive Thru Beer Stores….called Brew Thru — so, I had to fake like I needed a 6 pack and I pulled into this Beer Shack —

The young lady that helped me was very nice and handed me my 6 pack through the driver’s side window — as I was about to pull away — I saw THE BUCKET – which read “Tipping is Sexy” — so I reached for a buck — and rolled down the window and (kind of) yelled over….”Hey, I just saw that tipping is sexy” — she laughed and said thanks, taking the dollar into her hard working hands….and then, before I pulled away, she said “…You, Sir, are very sexy!” —

I laughed for about 4 blocks….

Clayton is bringing sexy back…..have you heard?

Last night – I debated skipping dinner — it was getting later and later as I enjoyed a Skinny Dip or two with the Innkeeper….hey — before you go THERE — it is a beer by New Belgium — the people who make my all time fave — Fat Tire — – it is their summer seasonal –

We probably had a couple — before I asked Kenny, the Inn keeper to take a picture of me enjoying the rocking chair at the Nags Head Beach Inn

It was soon after that photo that he reminded me that many of the kitchens of some of the good places close between 9:30 and 10:00 — and then he said — “I mean, Kevin, you’re like a Foodie…”. and he encouraged me to bail on my plan to skip dinner (or drink my dinner).

I decided to spring up the street (carefully) to the place I had checked out – the Blue Moon Beach Grill - I was the last person they sat — they were still busy — but they stop serving at 9 (ish) —

They recognized the “Boston guy” from the afternoon scouting mission and were eager to see what I would get —- I already knew what I would get — one of their favorites that they told me about in the afternoon — the Mahi Mahi BLT — which was “off the hook” (whatever that means…). They chatted me up and asked me where else I had been — and they thought I had hit all the good places, except of their favorites — Tortuga’s Lie – which may be the last OBX meal tomorrow for lunch…

The bartender, noting my dining experiences, asked me to come back sometime for their Philly Cheesesteak — which two waitresses also jumped in with their approval — so….that is a possibility — he talked briefly about how great the chef/owner is — and then he said — just wait, before you leave — try this — and he got me a half a cup of this Crab and Bleu Cheese Bisque — wow — I mean — AWESOME! I then told the guy they should make it, freeze it and ship it to folks….

I passed on dessert, as has been my practice so far — but I have been tempted by ice cream —

One place I DID not try for ice cream is a place next door — it’s an ice cream place, with that ever-popular name – “Booty Treats” — I guess it just opened….and I guess, that means, until they close, you can go there for Booty Calls…

So….the “Boston Foodie”, “Clayton”, has been enjoying the chow very much!

Drove out to Hatteras, to take in some nature and some beach time on a quiet, nature-carved beach —

Stopped at the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge for an hour — took a walk along one of the “ponds” away from the beach side — was pretty interesting and HOT — for here anyways — been over 90 — which they claim is rare here — or at least medium rare

Caught some views of turtles and some fancy, schmancy birds just hanging out, waiting for lunch no doubt –

I drove a few more miles out on Hatteras Island to find a beach spot that was less busy — but out this far, less busy means maybe 3 families instead of 5 – and yes, I am a family all by myself — I consider my cooler a close family member…etc. -

It turns out, I had plenty of company — on the beach and in the water — besides salamanders who greeted my walk to the beach, I was able to take in some crabs working their real estate on the beach — they did these holes on the beach – so they can hang out or have lil crabbies or whatever — you can see one of these guys below

After I say my tiny ass down in my beach chair and started the end of my book – A Prayer for Owen Meaney – I found myself fumbling for the camera — as a school or dolphin sawm by — maybe 70 yards out — every time I tried to take a great photo – they dove under — below is the best I could do –

So – after that excitement died down, I got back into the book — and besides a few flies that challenged my day, it was tremendously relaxing — such an awesome beach and for as far as I could see was one couple 100 yards to the right and a couple families way to the left — never had such an awesome beach, so a day for the beach — and had so much room to myself —

Lastly — about 30 minutes before I left – a couple pelicans (I think) came for a visit — straight out from me — they appear HUGE — they landed in the water about 100 yards apart, but seemed to hook up within ten minutes — those Pelicans, they are something else when they put the move on…. here they are below

After pulling myself off the beach — I returned to the “neighborhood” and visited a highly recommended place – the Kill Devil Grill – for a Southern Fried Chicken Salad — which was an 11 on a scale of 1 to 10 — so much so, that I may return in the next couple days to try something else — place is great!

The afternoon continued with a beer and some World Cup (gulp) at the Red Drum, a place I went to the first night here and two blocks from my bed —

Finished up the afternoon by scouting out another recommended place called the Blue Moon Beach Grill (not sure I have that 100% correct) — chatted up the owners and staff and plan to visiti tomorrow — unless the Kill Devil Grille brings me back….but then again, this is vacation, right? I can do both —

Buh bye for now…

Today began with ice errands — I was offered everything under the sun by the people running the B & B here, the Nags Head Beach Inn – but when they offer ice, I don’t have the heart to ask for pounds of the stuff for my coolers (plural) — went to the Super Market — got my ice, some beer, and my MVP shopping card — now I can get deals at Food Lion stores all over the country — I don’t see this card going on my key chain just yet –

Back to the B & B and then walked the 1.5 blocks to the beach — which was very nice — sand was wicked hot — wicked — but I had all my essentials (Equipment below), books, etc.

Spent a few hours reading and getting crispy — took a swim — water was real nice — and hey — no tar balls yet!

Back to the room — did some remote billing work for part time gig — and then I was off exploring Roanoke Island — I took a small hike through a National park (very small) and decided this could have been skipped altogether — I don’t know if they call it the Raleigh National Monument Park, or something like that — but it was a total zero — maybe if I had caught one the Ranger talks, I would know more about what was lacking — so, next door are these Elizabethan Gardens — and I am a sucker for Botanical Gardens (one of my manly qualities). Eight bucks got me into the gardens and while it was mostly shady, it appeared much was not in bloom. I think I have probably been too spoiled with the Botanical Gardens in Montreal, which are the best and a can’t miss for a Montreal trip.

All things considered, the trip to Roanoke Island was sort of a bummer (as seen below).

So, more relaxation than other days, but I am staring down the barrel of two more days of beach — but not sure the skin is going to cooperate — been trying to do 2-3 hours a day to keep from a full burn —

Ate local (Beach Road Grill) – fish and chips — fish was good, “chips” were pretty bad….but a good cole slaw saved a rating of B-

Beach in the morning….nothing else on the agenda…

Today, I left Norfolk, VA, which seem kind of quiet where I was for a little bit of time, but Granby Street looks like it has fun restaurants and bars…..

But — I was on the road early – headed to the Outer Banks, NC — for 4 nights — my first relaxation – - –

Once I got down here, I checked out the Wright Brothers National Monument — I am guessing the actual name is different from what I remember….but I caught some interesting information and a presentation from the Parks Service – this was given in a room where they explained different things using a replica below –

Most of us then went outside in the 95 degree heat to check out the spots where the Wright Brothers actually flew with that first airplane – - — you can vaiguely see that the first 3 attemts were close in proximity in distance…..but off in the distance, you can see flight #4 was almost 3 times as far as any of the first three — do you think there was jealousy between the brothers…..I often thought of this…. this is the photo of the markers — may not show it well enough though….

I drove to Nags Head and saw that the largest Dunes on the East Coast were available to hike, in a State Park here — so I grabbed a water (after a warning from staff) and made my way out on the hike through the sand dunes — I never knew hiking in sand was such a difficult thing (for someone kind of out of shape)….we’ll see how the heels wake up in the AM

I drove through the area and through the greatest thunderstorm I have seen in years….everyone seemed to be driving (or not driving) with their hazards on —-

Well, after that subsided, I drove the hour out to the Lighthouse at Cape Hatteras —
beautiful sights on the way and I made my way through a few hamlets and wildlife areas — – I may go back — but for now, the lighthouse at Cape Hatteras will have to be enough of a memory — you can see the Lighthouse below.

Well, after that, I drove back to where I was staying and checked into my B & B — Ken (who I met) and Lisa (who I have not met yet) have owned the place for a while and Ken helped me with all my stuff — he was very informative —

Last I saw Ken, he was headed for one of the local restuarants — The Red Drum – two walking blocks from the B & B —

I showered and headed out to the same place –

They had 18 beers on tap – including Fat Tire from Colorado – possibly my favorite — I tried many of their taps — and then – got sucked into a Tequila shot with Ken, from the B & B —

SO – I basically had of drinks with the owner of the B & B, while his wife waited for him to come home — watched the end of the US Open Golf Tourney and then the Sox on Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN — I did this while rouyting Kenny in a game of pool —- which only shows how much he had drank during the evening — because I rarely win at pool…..I am no shark….

Had a couple beers by myself at a bar at the end of the street….the name escapes me….which I think, means the bar did it’s trick…. (Editor’s Note — which means, my note…Beach House Grill)

Night, night

(note: this was done Sunday, but somehow I left it in drafts — other posts down here will be about much more lazy days…)

Tonight is the second night of two in a Norfolk hotel, which ended up being nicer than the on-line comments — – is it perfect? Nope…but any wasted text here would be a 10 yard penalty for whining!

Got up early and decided to hit Virginia Beach (15 miles or so away) for a couple hours — it was really nice and it seemed to have a lot of regular people there — and there are some nice hotels in the area.

It turned out they were having some Arts Festival on the Boardwalk, so I decided to get my dose of culture and I strolled around and envied the people dropping lots of dough on some art —

After that culture, I changed to history mode and sprinted out to the Yorktown/Williamsburg/Jamestown area — they call it a historical triangle — and diehards could spend days here — I was attempting to squeeze in enough in 4-5 hours and I managed to do this by cropping Williamsburg out of the picture — So, Yorktown for a bit and then drive the 20 miles or so to Jamestown.

Watched a movie about the Battle for Yorktown and then had a guide discuss some artillary that was used by the English, French (a key ally in this battle) and the Colonists. They then did a couple oif blasts so we could hear the bang and see how much had to be done to get the canon to fire. A photo of the preparation is below and then, I tried to do a movie snippet with the camera –

See the Canon at Yorktown via this YouTube link — >> Click Here

After spending a couple hours here, I drove the 30 minutes down to Jamestown, to see where the first settlement was — and it was pretty interesting — lots of what I went to constitutes an archeological dig — you can see the many artifacts that have been unearthed and read how anthropologists weave history from little pieces they find (for instance, the number of buttons found with a skeleton may indicate what he or she was wearing and in turn that may clue them into whether the person was higher class, etc.).

Below is a snapshot of what a barracks would look like — some others were much smaller, with wood posts kept together with hardened mud —

I would definately come back when I have more time –

Then it was an hour ride up to Richmond to catch some minor league baseball — the Richmond Flying Squirrels — and it was Sargeant Slaughter night — he signed autographs, but somehow, I took a pass….

The stadium people were overwhelmed — they had a large amount of walk up customers — between Father’s Day weekend, a 96 degree day, and of course, the chance for the Sargeant Slaughter autograph….I left after 5 innings to come back to Norfolk — the lines were huge and I just had given up managing the lines….

Except, for one snack – I got some cinnamon roasted cashews — which were yummy and of course they were necessary — I mean you have to watch out for the Flying Squirrels, they’ll grab your nuts…

Off to the Outer Banks tomorrow….relaxation for 4 days —

Well, was able to hit the road earlier than expected and traffic was light until the New York border — so, I was there at 2:20 PM and decided it was early enough to try and just wing it and head straight through the City — was a piece of cake really — more or less, little stop and go — but I hit the Joysey (pronounced Joy-Zee) line in 3 hours 35 minutes — pretty good (I think).

Zipped down the highway to Atlantic City (after pulling over to debate screwing Atlantic City and visiting my second home, Baltimore, to watch the Celts win game 7 with my friend Brendan and his family…..but, ahem, all parts of that plan went down the tubes….)

SO — Atlantic City —not sure what I expected….looks impressive from afar as you roll towards it — and I think this falls into the category of the best thing I could say about it -

Stayed at the Trump Plaza, via priceline — not bad….but room had a Zenith TV….lol, I know, I know, first impression is a strange one — I mean, a Zenith??

One other thing I did not expect was all the people with people push carts (there is probably a real name for these things) — They are everywhere — and few looked like this one below (this guy is resting, not hounding people…)

And here’s a tip — you got a bad ankle? a bad foot? a bad knee? Say….maybe even bad heels? Don’t let them see your slight limp….. flies to honey they were — I should have just hopped in one to shut em up — but I kept trying to hide the slight gait problem.

Watched the game at the Tropicana — special of the night were $5 40-ounce “quarts” — and while I have never seen the show, The Jersey Shore, I think I lived an episode or two with friends that I met — they just saw me clapping for the Celtics and wanted to hear “pahk the cah”…..

The basics — one of them brought the other one out for her birthday because her husband didn’t plan anything for her — guess this is what you do in Joysey…go to Atlantic City when you need a divergence — they helped pass the time and one of them has a story about every stranger in the bar — she made up stories about all of them — and thus, before they met “Kevin”, I was “Clayton” — they figured that was a good name for me — not sure how to take that one -

Here is a picture of Clayton and his Joysey Girls

Today, grabbed a Ferry at Cape May, New Joysey and followed that up with a leisurely ride down the coast, checking out Deleware Beaches before finally droppiing onto Bethany Beach, DE for a couple hours

Then I travelled down to Ocean City, MD — but just tried to check out some of the Boardwalk — but it was mostly a cameo — snapped a photo just to show I was at a cheesey boardwalk-y place — Ocean City is nice — been there briefly before — would enjoy a few days there sometime — typical cheesey photo can be seen below…

I now sit in Virginia Beach — Starbucks, free wi-fi — headed to hotel in Norfolk — been using Priceline to save some dough — working well so far — tonight is $22 below any rate I can find for this place — just a moderate place — just hoping it is clean — and – OH – and maybe has something other than a Zenith for TV — might even root for a Sanyo

Got here via an interesting roadway – I travelled 100+ miles from Ocean City and it included a 20 mile “vehicle crossing” of the Chesapeake Bay (you can check it out here)- — it’s part bridge, part tunnel….so, they call it a vehicle crossing…..but I’d try calling it a “tridge” or “brunnel”….but that’s just me – you can call me old school….if you don’t prefer calling me Clayton

Decided to lump in some more personal time at work to try and beat the traffic through or around NYC…..Day 1, underway….

Having planned to score a place down the Cape last week was met with a broker who never got back to me…..so, I guess it was Wednesday or Thursday when I decided, how about driving down South and coming back a little inland…?

So…I have gone from Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras, as in the Outer Banks, NC — !

So…while much of this is big the (large) seat of my pants, I now know I will be in the outer banks for 4 days next week – Looks like the weather genie has sprinkled some perfect weather for me – North Carolina Sunshine

So…right now, leave midday tomorrow — the Bronx Bombers are at home, so a New York rush hour may be even worse, so I might pull an End Around to get around the city…. staying in Atlantic City for night 1, catch a Ferry in Cape May Friday morning, hope to have Delaware Beach sand (or even Ocean City, MD) relaxing my Plantar Fasciitis by Noon or shortly after that –

(Over Under on me complaining about my heels is set at 6.5 times for the duration of the trip)

Ok — still working this new stuff out on the blog, but here is the deal if you want to commont/post.

To comment on posts, you need to register. You will be sent an email with a funky password. Once you log in, you will be brought to an admin screen where you can change your screen name, password, etc. –

Once you have registered and logged in, you are free to post.

HOWEVER, it requires me to approve your FIRST comment only. Once I approve your first comment, it “green lights” you for future comments.

So….everyone in the pool!

This blog was a long time coming.  For one reason or another, I have always wanted a place to dump some random thoughts, some cool photos or a joke that only makes me laugh.

Well…..the Vacation to Nowhere is now about to happen and I decided this may be the perfect time to launch a blog.  Will it be something I keep up?  Who knows…but for now, I get ready, make sure I can edit this and play around with various templates -

I hope you catch the Buzz…