Trip input & ideas

[TheJourneyman]

Thought I would post this here instead of in each teams forum.

I am going to be taking in at least 1 game at each of these stadiums during the summer. What I am looking for are out of the way locals spots (sports bars, micro brewery, non chain restaurants, places to avoid staying, baseball historical sites, and whatever else you think a early 30's guy who is a big sports fan would like).

I will be solo for the most part with a car (except in NYC - think I'll train it in from Balt). Below are the teams I'll be visiting:

MLB
Mets
Yankees
Nats
Orioles
Reds
Rays
Marlins
Astros

Minors
Round Rock
Charlotte
Nashville
Memphis
Dunedin
Clearwater
Staten Island - possible
Brooklyn - possible

I might be adding more later but for now this is it.
Any input is greatly appreciated.

I'll be posting a blog and pics on my site in sig - yes its myspace - its just easy to use and post to.

I am in the market for a digital camera as well - in the $200-300 range I think so if you have some ideas on what to get or what not to get let me know. This will be for the trip to take pics of the parks. The one I have now is fine as long as you don't zoom and I would like to be able to zoom a little - not really looking to get pro grade action shots.

I think that's it :noidea

Thanks

[howiek]

One suggestion would be If you are coming to the NY. Bring your car and go to the Hall of Fame. If you haven't already been there. You might as well take a trip up there. You might be able to catch a bus up there. I'm not sure. I drive it. Its probably 4 hr drive or so up there from the city.
and then while your upthere. Not far is Oneonta. A ball team for the Tigers.
you could even stop in Binghampton and or Scranton on the way back.
I've gone on a few small baseball trips myself and really enjoyed it. If you are also going for autographs, do your homework for each stadium.
While your in NY. There are numerous Indy League teams in the Tri-state area. Very inexpensive. Can-Am League and Atlantic League.
Have fun and enjoy

[TheJourneyman]

One suggestion would be If you are coming to the NY. Bring your car and go to the Hall of Fame. If you haven't already been there. You might as well take a trip up there. You might be able to catch a bus up there. I'm not sure. I drive it. Its probably 4 hr drive or so up there from the city.
and then while your upthere. Not far is Oneonta. A ball team for the Tigers.
you could even stop in Binghampton and or Scranton on the way back.
I've gone on a few small baseball trips myself and really enjoyed it. If you are also going for autographs, do your homework for each stadium.
While your in NY. There are numerous Indy League teams in the Tri-state area. Very inexpensive. Can-Am League and Atlantic League.
Have fun and enjoy

ahh thanks for reminding me of the Indy Leagues up there. I overlooked that. I have debated taking a bus to cooperstown or even driving to NYC and going up. Its just going to be hard with all that I want to see in the city itself since I have never been.

[btown12]

When you're in Clearwater, you've got to go to Frenchy's - http://www.frenchysonline.com/ - They've got 4 locations, you can't really go wrong, but I believe most people prefer the Saltwater Cafe out of the 4. But honestly, if you like seafood and nice weather, you really can't lose.

[TheJourneyman]

When you're in Clearwater, you've got to go to Frenchy's - http://www.frenchysonline.com/ - They've got 4 locations, you can't really go wrong, but I believe most people prefer the Saltwater Cafe out of the 4. But honestly, if you like seafood and nice weather, you really can't lose.

Awesome. Exactly what I was hoping for. Thanks

[Milwaukee T]

Don't Forget Tampa

While you are seeing teams in Florida, you might want to at least take a pass through Tampa and see where the Yankees have thier compound. It is right close to the airport on two main drags through the area. To see that place is impressive.

If you can be hungry in Tampa; stop by one of the hotels in the area of the stadiums and ask them for directions to some of the local Cuban eateries. The food at all of them are great. I use to stay in Tampa often for work and I made a point to go the local places and I never found a bad Cuban place.

I had stayed at the Hilton most of the time and there is a great dinner maybe five minutes from there, but I had to ask every time how to find the place. Order the black bean soup, the pork and chicken plate, and the Iron Beer (a great, but odd tasting soda pop). You could make it all the way to Miami and not need to eat again although you might need to open the windows. On the way from the stadium to the dinners you will pass a few Cuban stores. Stop in and pick up some Iron Beer to take home and grab a couple charros made there.

[TheJourneyman]

While you are seeing teams in Florida, you might want to at least take a pass through Tampa and see where the Yankees have thier compound. It is right close to the airport on two main drags through the area. To see that place is impressive.

If you can be hungry in Tampa; stop by one of the hotels in the area of the stadiums and ask them for directions to some of the local Cuban eateries. The food at all of them are great. I use to stay in Tampa often for work and I made a point to go the local places and I never found a bad Cuban place.

I had stayed at the Hilton most of the time and there is a great dinner maybe five minutes from there, but I had to ask every time how to find the place. Order the black bean soup, the pork and chicken plate, and the Iron Beer (a great, but odd tasting soda pop). You could make it all the way to Miami and not need to eat again although you might need to open the windows. On the way from the stadium to the dinners you will pass a few Cuban stores. Stop in and pick up some Iron Beer to take home and grab a couple charros made there.

The compound is where their A ball team plays right? If so I do plan on seeing it - forgot to add it to the list. Cuban food is on the list to try.

Is the Hilton you speak of downtown? If so I'll stop by. I plan on spending at least a day or two around the tampa area just to take it in not counting any games I go to.

Thanks for the info.

[Chevy114]

Yeah if your in tampa, the yankees have cheap food, cheap beer on thursdays, and a cool new outfield deck. The clearwater phillies place is one of the nicest minor league parks with cheap food, all you can eat on mondays, and a cool bar in left field on a deck. I agree frenchies is great to get sea food!

[Pere]

In Baltimore, of course there's the Sports Legends Museum. If you're into Babe Ruth in particular, also check out the Babe Ruth Birthplace and the Cardinal Gibbons School (formerly St. Mary's Industrial School for Orphans).

[Milwaukee T]

Tampa

Yes, Tampa is where the Yankees have the A team and Spring Training. No, it is not near downtown. If you look at a map of the area; look for the airport and that is the general area of the stadiums. The football stadium is out there as well.

You will find a lot of Cuban food in Tampa and the surrounding area. The best that I found is out in the stadium area though. I have tried a bunch of places and I always end up back out by te stadium though.

There are some great rib places out there as well. A lot less "local" feeling, but good food.

[Milwaukee T]

Found it!

I was looking through old expense reports. I have a few places, but this is the one I flagged as a must stop and have the largest number of meals from.

La Teresita

It appealed to me originally as being cheap and near where I was staying. After that it became a must stop due to the food.

If have any time to make this a stop; you must.

[TheJourneyman]

Thanks for the info guys,

Keep it coming.

[Milwaukee T]

Rocky Top

During your journey in Tennessee, are you planning on staying any where particular? If not, and if you don't mind a little bit of a drive through some of the prettiest country you will ever see; I have a place or two to stay in Chattanooga and some great pubs to check out. You may even want to go see the Lookouts. I'm not sure if the old stadium is still there, but that was a great place to see. It was worth the time and effort just to see the outfield cliff.

[Yoda]

I'm going to Cincy late may to check that place out.

I'll let you know if I find a good haunt to eat at or guzzle some suds.

[TheJourneyman]

During your journey in Tennessee, are you planning on staying any where particular? If not, and if you don't mind a little bit of a drive through some of the prettiest country you will ever see; I have a place or two to stay in Chattanooga and some great pubs to check out. You may even want to go see the Lookouts. I'm not sure if the old stadium is still there, but that was a great place to see. It was worth the time and effort just to see the outfield cliff.

I'll be staying with my brother in Nashville and I am thinking of meeting a buddy for a week or more in Chattanooga. I really want to go see the Lookouts if I can find the time.