Swamp Travel Guide

[Rush2112]

Hopcat in Grand Rapids was a great bar for the week I spent there.

We stopped there on a whim on a road trip from Boston and they hooked us up. The owner came out and talked to us and had the head brewer give us a tour. We got to pick a gift bottle (each) from their cellar and they hooked us up with a growler. Also I really wanted a shirt and they were out of my size so I left my address and got a shirt for free a couple of months later.

As for in Detroit. I had wonderful times at the Trunk (IIRC) on Brian's recommendation.

[brian]

Grand Trunk. Yeah if you find yourself downtown proper that’s a great place to stop for some food and drinks.

[DaveInSeattle]

To be clear, I don’t think I necessarily want the Amtrak stop closest to Fenway in Boston. I am thinking of staying a night or two, so was curious about the station closest to the largest number of Airbnb/hotel options near an Amtrak stop - and can take local rail etc from there to wherever. Never really visited Boston is my point, and am sorta clueless on best options.

Aahhh.

Some of the best areas to stay for someone who has never been.

Back Bay - To me, The Charles River is the star of Boston. And if you find a place to stay, especially in "Back Bay East," you just need to walk on a pedestrian bridge over Storrow Drive, and you're at the Charles River Esplanade. You will be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful place on a nice day. Massive park running along the river with paths, plants, sculptures, lovely chairs and benches you can sit on and look over the River. There will be bridges and boats and crew teams rowing. And great people-watching.

Fenway - The area in and around the stadium is actually wonderful. It's very residential. Rows and rows of nice rowhouses, tons of cafes and restaurants. The Muddy River runs through the neighborhood and there are lots of nice parks and walkways in there. There are a lot of college students in this neighborhood, so there's lots to do.

Beacon Hill - hilly, winding, cobblestone streets with brick rowhouses. Also, right near Boston Commons, which is a place you should definitely visit. Lots of hotels. Likely the most expensive as well. What's nice about this area is that you can easily walk to Faneuil Hall and down past Cheers towards the river.

South End - Diverse, funky, foodie heaven with lots of fun shops and nice parks.

Charlestown - Especially good for history buffs.

Cambridge - Across the water, Harvard Square is a great place to at least visit. The Charles River is arguably the most beautiful here. Lots of Ivy and history, and a ton of great restaurants. Note: Cambridge is home to my favorite live music venue in the area, The Middle East. It's a about 1.5 miles from Harvard area.

A lot of people will say the North End, which is full of mostly-mediocre Italian restaurants. But is a pleasant enough place.

One thing I found about Boston when I was there a year ago helping my daughter get settled...for some reason there was just not a lot of AirBnB options. Ended up staying at the Arcadian, a Sonder Hotel in Brookline, right off the T.

[mister d]

[A_B]

We always stayed a bit further out to reduce costs for hotel/parking. Did stay at the Double Tree in Cambridge, but that was a holiday weekend and boston was not super busy on thanksgiving.

Staying around Fenway isn't a bad spot. Lots to do in one direction, and then like GC said the cool part along the river the other direction. Well, the river goes through it all of course, but the shell houses and whatnot are further up the Charles than town.

[Giff]

Giff has already been but the Ford has some amazing American artifacts that you would assume were in the Smithsonian like the chair Lincoln was assassinated in, the car Kennedy was assassinated in and the bus Rosa Parks was riding in on 12/1/55 when she was arrested amongst dozens of other fascinating pieces of Americana.

Yeah it’s a pretty phenomenal experience tbh. The time i went there was a big Jim Henson exhibit which is among one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen.

Just the adults this trip so very much looking forward to it.

If its adults only could have a full day just in Midtown. That’s where the DIA and Wright museum are. Also Jack White’s Third Man Records. Lots of good food and drink in that area too. Think there’s a Hopcat there.

This is awesome, thanks!

Red Wings play Saturday afternoon, but the tickets are a little too steep. I would probably just go by myself, and Kelli would be content hanging with her childhood best friend all afternoon.

[brian]

I used to always go see shows in that neighborhood at the Majestic Theater and Magic Stick back when you were 50/50 to get mugged coming out of the venue. Now that neighborhood is pristine.

So many great shows. Saw Isbell’s first solo tour there and a couple dozen others I could rattle off.

[Giff]

Our show is in Royal Oak if you got anything up there.

[brian]

Our show is in Royal Oak if you got anything up there.

Haven’t been up there since it was my old stomping grounds in the late 90s but if the show is at the Royal Oak Music Theater you’ll have no shortage of options.

[Giff]

Our show is in Royal Oak if you got anything up there.

Haven’t been up there since it was my old stomping grounds in the late 90s but if the show is at the Royal Oak Music Theater you’ll have no shortage of options.

Yessir. That seems to be the case just looking at Google Maps.

[garyclark]

The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square is actually my favorite place to stay in the Boston area.

It's a lovely independent hotel right along the Charles. It can run from generally affordable to expensive, depending on season and Harvard events.

A three-minute walk to the red line.

[tennbengal]

Merci and gracias

eta - might be a harvard weekend that I have in mind b/c...lol...nope to those prices

[garyclark]

Merci and gracias

eta - might be a harvard weekend that I have in mind b/c...lol...nope to those prices

Ha!

Yeah. I've only stayed in the winter when it was under $250 a night.

[rass]

Late on this, when we did a 3 night stay for college visits back in April 2023 we stayed at the Wyndham Boston Beacon Hill. Nice enough place, lots of bars and restaurants in the immediate area, close to the Longfellow Bridge, walkable to the T and the arena and Little Italy. Looking at my confirmation it was about $250 per night plus tax.

[DaveInSeattle]

My daughter has talked me into joining her for a couple of days of skiing in Banff. Anyone ever been? What's the best way to get from the Calgary airport to Banff?

[garyclark]

My daughter has talked me into joining her for a couple of days of skiing in Banff. Anyone ever been? What's the best way to get from the Calgary airport to Banff?

The train to Banff is on my bucket list.

[Ryan]

My daughter has talked me into joining her for a couple of days of skiing in Banff. Anyone ever been? What's the best way to get from the Calgary airport to Banff?

The best way to get from Calgary to 5 minutes outside of Banff is in a car. The best way to do the last part is to drive that car into a lake and then hope the paramedics take you into the right town.

[Steve of phpBB]

A couple of sites say there is no train on that route, at least not this time of year.

This seems helpful:

https://thebanffblog.com/calgary-to-banff/

[A_B]

My daughter has talked me into joining her for a couple of days of skiing in Banff. Anyone ever been? What's the best way to get from the Calgary airport to Banff?

The best way to get from Calgary to 5 minutes outside of Banff is in a car. The best way to do the last part is to drive that car into a lake and then hope the paramedics take you into the right town.

What do you know about State College, PA?

[Nonlinear FC]

Wife and I were planning on a Banff/Jasper trip in June, but now we don't know if she'll have a job in a few months, so... Nope.

[tennbengal]

Wife and I were planning on a Banff/Jasper trip in June, but now we don't know if she'll have a job in a few months, so... Nope.

fuck.

Sorry nonlinear. Just...so sorry.

[Steve of phpBB]

Wife and I were planning on a Banff/Jasper trip in June, but now we don't know if she'll have a job in a few months, so... Nope.

This is just so unbelievably shitty. I’m sorry, NL.

[DaveInSeattle]

Wife and I were planning on a Banff/Jasper trip in June, but now we don't know if she'll have a job in a few months, so... Nope.

Well...that sucks. Sorry, my friend.

[Nonlinear FC]

We'll figure things out, but it has been nothing but stress for weeks and weeks.

Apropos of this thread, we're leaving this evening to visit our friends that just re-located to Charleston for the long weekend. Will be REALLY nice to just get get away and not think about it for awhile.

[garyclark]

Next trip to Boston, I strongly recommend the arancini ($4.00) and panzarotti ($2.25) at Galleria Umberto in Boston's North End.

Cash only. They usually run out by 2 PM. So get there early.

[rass]

Next trip to Boston, I strongly recommend the arancini ($4.00) and panzarotti ($2.25) at Galleria Umberto in Boston's North End.

Cash only. They usually run out by 2 PM. So get there early.

Last time we were in Boston, I got an Italian sub at a place around the corner from there with a fancy sign proclaiming the "Best Italian Sub in Boston" and it was pretty damn good. I didn't have the opportunity to confirm their claim one way or another.

[garyclark]

Next trip to Boston, I strongly recommend the arancini ($4.00) and panzarotti ($2.25) at Galleria Umberto in Boston's North End.

Cash only. They usually run out by 2 PM. So get there early.

Last time we were in Boston, I got an Italian sub at a place around the corner from there with a fancy sign proclaiming the "Best Italian Sub in Boston" and it was pretty damn good. I didn't have the opportunity to confirm their claim one way or another.

Looks legit.

[mister d]

Technically Brookline but, as of 2013 and still based on instagram, no sub in Boston comes close to Cutty's.

[sancarlos]

Technically Brookline but, as of 2013 and still based on instagram, no sub in Boston comes close to Cutty's.

I was told they call a sub sandwich a "grinder" in New England?

[mister d]

Pretty sure grinders imply its a hot sub.

[HaulCitgo]

I am no expert but I am aware a grinder is a sub but unaware of the implication that it is heated

[mister d]

My confidence level is enough to answer it at trivia but not enough to bet serious money.

[Nonlinear FC]

Absolutely in NE and Midatlantic a grinder means a heated sub.

[Rush2112]

Absolutely in NE and Midatlantic a grinder means a heated sub.

Grindah does not imply heated, it's the generic term for a "submarine" sandwich.

[Nonlinear FC]

Looking it up and I am absolutely wrong.

I've only had them heated up and I guess in my head that was part of the implied definition.

[garyclark]

Going to St. Augustine's, Florida for two nights in late-May.

I'm going because my son's girlfriend moved there, and we are attending her graduation from high school.

Looking for recommendations on where to stay (on the beach or downtown? any specific hotels that are great?), restaurant recommendations, and any ideas on what to do. I've always wanted to check out the city with its history. We're flying into Jacksonville and likely renting a car. I've never been.

[govmentchedda]

Going to St. Augustine's, Florida for two nights in late-May.

I'm going because my son's girlfriend moved there, and we are attending her graduation from high school.

Looking for recommendations on where to stay (on the beach or downtown? any specific hotels that are great?), restaurant recommendations, and any ideas on what to do. I've always wanted to check out the city with its history. We're flying into Jacksonville and likely renting a car. I've never been.

Have always stayed in BnB's in or near the Historic District. You won't really need your car all weekend if you walk around there. Really like Ice Plant Bar, and if I recall correctly St. Augustine Fish Camp (near Ice Plant Bar) is supposed to be good, but I haven't been. Harry's is a small chain that does good cajun and creole. Columbia restaurant is another small chain that started in Tampa, but has had a St. Augustine outpost for years. They do great Cuban food and I would highly recommend it. We had our rehearsal dinner at the Tampa location a long time ago.

To me, St. Augustine has a very similar feel to Savannah and New Orleans (and what imagine Charleston is like, but I've never been).

[garyclark]

Going to St. Augustine's, Florida for two nights in late-May.

I'm going because my son's girlfriend moved there, and we are attending her graduation from high school.

Looking for recommendations on where to stay (on the beach or downtown? any specific hotels that are great?), restaurant recommendations, and any ideas on what to do. I've always wanted to check out the city with its history. We're flying into Jacksonville and likely renting a car. I've never been.

Have always stayed in BnB's in or near the Historic District. You won't really need your car all weekend if you walk around there. Really like Ice Plant Bar, and if I recall correctly St. Augustine Fish Camp (near Ice Plant Bar) is supposed to be good, but I haven't been. Harry's is a small chain that does good cajun and creole. Columbia restaurant is another small chain that started in Tampa, but has had a St. Augustine outpost for years. They do great Cuban food and I would highly recommend it. We had our rehearsal dinner at the Tampa location a long time ago.

To me, St. Augustine has a very similar feel to Savannah and New Orleans (and what imagine Charleston is like, but I've never been).

Thanks for the recommendations!

I'm trying to decide between being on the beach and being downtown. Seems like they are two totally different neighborhoods, right?

Pretty sure I'll need a rental car (to and from Savannah airport, and local travel to graduation and other events on Uber would be expensive).

[govmentchedda]

Going to St. Augustine's, Florida for two nights in late-May.

I'm going because my son's girlfriend moved there, and we are attending her graduation from high school.

Looking for recommendations on where to stay (on the beach or downtown? any specific hotels that are great?), restaurant recommendations, and any ideas on what to do. I've always wanted to check out the city with its history. We're flying into Jacksonville and likely renting a car. I've never been.

Have always stayed in BnB's in or near the Historic District. You won't really need your car all weekend if you walk around there. Really like Ice Plant Bar, and if I recall correctly St. Augustine Fish Camp (near Ice Plant Bar) is supposed to be good, but I haven't been. Harry's is a small chain that does good cajun and creole. Columbia restaurant is another small chain that started in Tampa, but has had a St. Augustine outpost for years. They do great Cuban food and I would highly recommend it. We had our rehearsal dinner at the Tampa location a long time ago.

To me, St. Augustine has a very similar feel to Savannah and New Orleans (and what imagine Charleston is like, but I've never been).

Thanks for the recommendations!

I'm trying to decide between being on the beach and being downtown. Seems like they are two totally different neighborhoods, right?

Pretty sure I'll need a rental car (to and from Savannah airport, and local travel to graduation and other events on Uber would be expensive).

You'll definitely need a rental, but if you stay in the historic district you won't need it once you're there. Beach and downtown/historic area are two completely different neighborhoods. I haven't spent time on the beach there.

[DaveInSeattle]

My daughter has talked me into joining her for a couple of days of skiing in Banff. Anyone ever been?

Got back last night from Banff. Pretty amazing 2 days of skiing.

Day 1: At Sunshine...which was aptly named. Perfect sunny day and spring skiing conditions. Incredible views of the surrounding mountains. I couldn't believe how short the lift lines were for such a great day on a Sunday.

Day 2: At Lake Louise...Snowed overnight, and into the morning, which gave us about 3-4 inches of light, fluffy powder on top of the hard park. Sticking to the blue runs, that had been groomed before the snow started, was like butter. Total hero skiing. Stuck mainly to the backside lifts...the ones on the front side had pretty poor visibility. Again, didn't stand in any liftlines besides about 10 minutes to get on the Gondola first thing in the morning. Visibility was poor, so didn't get the epic mountain views, but the clouds lifted enough in the afternoon to be able to see across the valley to the Lake and the iconic Lake Louise Fairmount hotel.

Banff was a cool town. Very small, and my daughter told me that they have very strict zoning laws, so the amount of new construction is severely limited. And AirBnB is not allowed in town....if you are going there, you have to stay in a hotel.

Saw lots of German and Dutch tourists...a few Asians, but not near anything like when going to Whistler.

My daughter's work trip turned out great...they had 4 clients, and did fat-tire snow-biking, cross country skiing, hiking, snow-shoeing, and ice-skating on Lake Louise, followed by High Tea at the Fairmount.

Managed to avoid talking about politics, beyond me apologizing to any Canadians we rode up the lift with and assuring them "We Love Canada!".

Very fun trip.

What's the best way to get from the Calgary airport to Banff?

To answer my own question, I ended up renting a car. Turns out it was pretty much the same price and it would have been for a shuttle round trip, and it made it easier getting to the resorts, rather than waiting for the ski buses.

One nice thing at the Calgary airport...the baggage carts are free!