MUScoop
MUScoop => The Superbar => Topic started by: MU82 on January 28, 2019, 02:35:12 PM
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Hi Scoopers.
We were planning a family & friends trip to Bend, Ore. in early July -- rent a big house and have a blast. Unfortunately it looks like a medical condition afflicting one person in our party will preclude her from being able to fly from Chicago.
So I've been trying to think of where we could bring the party so it's only a reasonable drive for her and her husband. I'd like to be able to rent a house, maybe be near some water, definitely be near some fun stuff to do. Bend, for example, is both an outdoorsy area and a big craft-beer area ... like our newest SCOTUS justice, we like beer! We also like music of all kinds, but especially rock. So that's a bit of an idea what we're looking for.
I think a place like Lake Geneva or some of the other lake areas that Chicagoans routinely go to might be a little boring for the group, but I'm definitely open to that possibility or any others. I've never been, so maybe I'm wrong about the boring factor.
Distance-wise, wouldn't want to extend beyond, say, Nashville or Minneapolis.
I'd be pretty happy with Madison, where I haven't hung out for many years, but not sure about the rest of the group.
I've heard good things about Holland, Mich. area.
Anyhoo, I'd love to hear from those more experienced with some possibilities.
Thanks in advance.
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Eagle River is awesome but mostly an out on the lake or out for a hike type place.
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Hi Scoopers.
We were planning a family & friends trip to Bend, Ore. in early July -- rent a big house and have a blast. Unfortunately it looks like a medical condition afflicting one person in our party will preclude her from being able to fly from Chicago.
So I've been trying to think of where we could bring the party so it's only a reasonable drive for her and her husband. I'd like to be able to rent a house, maybe be near some water, definitely be near some fun stuff to do. Bend, for example, is both an outdoorsy area and a big craft-beer area ... like our newest SCOTUS justice, we like beer! We also like music of all kinds, but especially rock. So that's a bit of an idea what we're looking for.
I think a place like Lake Geneva or some of the other lake areas that Chicagoans routinely go to might be a little boring for the group, but I'm definitely open to that possibility or any others. I've never been, so maybe I'm wrong about the boring factor.
Distance-wise, wouldn't want to extend beyond, say, Nashville or Minneapolis.
I'd be pretty happy with Madison, where I haven't hung out for many years, but not sure about the rest of the group.
I've heard good things about Holland, Mich. area.
Anyhoo, I'd love to hear from those more experienced with some possibilities.
Thanks in advance.
The Holland area is great, but even better is Saugatuck. It's become a bit more overrun with us tourist types the past 5 years or so, but it has a nicer downtown, better beach and a little more to do. There are decent breweries in both Saugatuck and Holland (which is only a 15-minute drive, so you can do everything in both towns pretty easily) and you're not too far from Bell's in K-zoo.
Saugatuck is about 2-2.5 hours from downtown Chicago.
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West Coast of Michigan around Holland (Saugatuck, Fennville) is outstanding. I am up there every other week for work but I we've also vacationed up there twice with friends. If you plan your drive right it's only 2 hours from Chicago. Grand Rapids is a great beer city is near by.
You can go up and down the west coast of Michigan and fine lots of places. Traverse City is awesome as well but a little further.
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The American club or somewhere close by? It isn’t cheap, but water, golf, I know the guy o runs a charter fishing fleet out of port Washington.
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West Coast of Michigan around Holland (Saugatuck, Fennville) is outstanding. I am up there every other week for work but I we've also vacationed up there twice with friends. If you plan your drive right it's only 2 hours from Chicago. Grand Rapids is a great beer city is near by.
You can go up and down the west coast of Michigan and fine lots of places. Traverse City is awesome as well but a little further.
Spent some time in Grand Haven, and I concur. Beautiful
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Milwaukee-summer fest
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Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan. Home to Sleeping Bear Dunes. IMO, the best place to vacation. Glen Arbor, Leland, again, IMO, the closest thing to heaven you can find. Last summer, we stayed in Leland. 200 yards from Lake Michigan. The river connecting Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan across the street. A public beach a 5 minute walk away. A wine shop next door. Over the course of a week, we hiked, biked, kayaked, fished, golfed, dune climbed, swam in Lake Michigan, wine tasted, went to an art fair, climbed a lighthouse, watched the sun set over Lake Michigan every night, caught a Tannehill Weavers show and never saw a chain store for a week or ventured more than 25 minutes from where we were staying. If such things appeal to you.
However, if the extra two hours north of Holland is too far for you...... Holland, Michigan, is an interesting town to visit. There are many resort homes and communities near there. South Haven, Grand Haven, Saugatuck are all really nice resort towns. You basically cannot go wrong staying along the Michigan side of Lake Michigan. Except maybe Muskegon. Grand Rapids has an insane amount of breweries and would be worthy of a day's visit.
End Michigan commercial. And PM if you want other Michigan suggestions.
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Door County. Tons of things to do, places to rent. Bars, breweries, wineries, restaurants, nature preserves, campgrounds, beaches.
I would avoid the week of July 4th, though, too busy. We were there the week after, and it was perfect.
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Gurnee baby! Ya got 6Flags, Cracker Barrel, Gurnee Mills, and a Starbucks. Ewe are so set, hey?
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I'll echo the suggestions for Saugatuck area or Door County.
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Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan. Home to Sleeping Bear Dunes. IMO, the best place to vacation. Glen Arbor, Leland, again, IMO, the closest thing to heaven you can find. Last summer, we stayed in Leland. 200 yards from Lake Michigan. The river connecting Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan across the street. A public beach a 5 minute walk away. A wine shop next door. Over the course of a week, we hiked, biked, kayaked, fished, golfed, dune climbed, swam in Lake Michigan, wine tasted, went to an art fair, climbed a lighthouse, watched the sun set over Lake Michigan every night, caught a Tannehill Weavers show and never saw a chain store for a week or ventured more than 25 minutes from where we were staying. If such things appeal to you.
However, if the extra two hours north of Holland is too far for you...... Holland, Michigan, is an interesting town to visit. There are many resort homes and communities near there. South Haven, Grand Haven, Saugatuck are all really nice resort towns. You basically cannot go wrong staying along the Michigan side of Lake Michigan. Except maybe Muskegon. Grand Rapids has an insane amount of breweries and would be worthy of a day's visit.
End Michigan commercial. And PM if you want other Michigan suggestions.
Traverse City is not too far away either. Fiancee and I spent a week in TC last summer. It was incredible. We beat the summer rush by a week. Had the city to ourselves. Kayak, bike and brew is an awesome brewery tour.
Spent 1 whole day out at Sleeping Bear and loved that as well as it's a shortish drive.
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Traverse City and the Old Mission Peninsula are beautiful. The problem with Traverse City is that it is the only decent sized city on the NW part of Michigan and does not have the infrastructure for the number of tourists. Everything good about it that you say is true. If you catch it in season, however, you find yourself wanting to get out of town. Which is when you head over to Sleeping Bear/Leelanau peninsula.
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Put in Bay or Kelley's island are an absolute gas.
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Traverse City and the Old Mission Peninsula are beautiful. The problem with Traverse City is that it is the only decent sized city on the NW part of Michigan and does not have the infrastructure for the number of tourists. Everything good about it that you say is true. If you catch it in season, however, you find yourself wanting to get out of town. Which is when you head over to Sleeping Bear/Leelanau peninsula.
I can imagine. Like I said, we got there when the weather was still perfect, but just outta tourist season
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Did you go to Chateau Chantal on Old Mission Peninsula? What views. And the wine isn't bad.
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I’m with tower, traverse city and leelenau penn. beautiful clear turquoise waters, over 30 wineries, (one of which a family member owns :)
Tons of breweries, great food, etc
My vote is for traverse city.
If it helps 82, I could fly your family member there for free, if you’re coming from Mke?
Good luck
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Did you go to Chateau Chantal on Old Mission Peninsula? What views. And the wine isn't bad.
We made it up the peninsula for about half a day. Unfortunately, it was raining most of the time. Overcast when not raining. did not make it to that particular place
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Traverse City.
Great restaurants, solid beer scene, cool wineries, plenty of music. Huge local businesses mindset there; surprisingly progressive town.
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If you're looking for something slightly rugged/outdoorsy and yet civilized, try Fall Creek Falls State Park in Tennessee. About 90 minutes south of Nashville in the Cumberland Mountains, both civilized and very woodsy. Not much of a craft beer scene that I know of, but Jack Daniels might be an hour away in Lynchburg.
Really nice place for a vacation./
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Help me out .. I do not understand the Traverse City love.
I spent ~4 hours in TC a few years ago. It was nice. Nice, nice, nice medium size city of 15,000 people. I can 100% see why people would want to live there.
I don't quite grasp the tourism love, though. Tourism in big cities, NYC, Miami, Washington DC, I get it. Small, quaint villages, I get it. But a medium city? With roads and traffic lights and not one but TWO ARBY'S? It's basically a very nice suburb on a lake.
Can the TC lovers explain why they'd pick that over something like Grand Haven or Mackinaw or Door County?
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Help me out .. I do not understand the Traverse City love.
I spent ~4 hours in TC a few years ago. It was nice. Nice, nice, nice medium size city of 15,000 people. I can 100% see why people would want to live there.
I don't quite grasp the tourism love, though. Tourism in big cities, NYC, Miami, Washington DC, I get it. Small, quaint villages, I get it. But a medium city? With roads and traffic lights and not one but TWO ARBY'S? It's basically a very nice suburb on a lake.
Can the TC lovers explain why they'd pick that over something like Grand Haven or Mackinaw or Door County?
Mackinac Island is very expensive and, if you are spending time on the island, it is all there is. Lovely, but after about the third day you have seen pretty much everything. Traverse City is more of a hub, a jumping off spot. I don't actually advocate staying there. Unless you get a good deal on a house and have a couple of cars. Because the real fun and relaxation (other than the kayaking brewery tour) is generally out of town. I don't disagree with your assessment that it feels like a suburb. A suburb full of microbreweries, wineries, farm to table restaurants and a really nice art scene.
Grand Haven is nice if you can get a house on Lake Michigan. If not, it is interesting for about a day or two and then you have to go elsewhere. Grand Rapids is about 35 minutes away. There are several other nice little resort towns within a 45 minute drive.
IMHO, if you have to choose between Grand Haven and Traverse City, choose TC because the stuff within a 45 minute drive is far more interesting.
Door County is lovely, but a 7-8 hour drive for me, going through Chicago, versus a 2-3 hour drive to the Leelanau peninsula. I am sure that if I lived in Wisconsin, Door County would be the preferred destination.
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I’m with tower, traverse city and leelenau penn. beautiful clear turquoise waters, over 30 wineries, (one of which a family member owns :)
Tons of breweries, great food, etc
My vote is for traverse city.
If it helps 82, I could fly your family member there for free, if you’re coming from Mke?
Good luck
Which winery? God knows my wife has hit a whole bunch of them.
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I had basketball practice and then poker with the guys since I sent my OP. Just read everybody's responses so far, and I thank y'all for pitching in. I might take a couple of you up on offers for more info once I do a little more research.
We used to have friends who had a place in South Haven not far from the lake. We went there several times for a weekend and always enjoyed it. They sold their place several years back, but I wouldn't mind going back to Michigan, and y'all gave several excellent suggestions.
I've never been to Door County, so that's an interesting option.
I used to love Summerfest and haven't been in at least 20 years, so that's tempting -- just build a vacation around Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison, maybe? We could do a lot worse.
Truly appreciate my fellow Scoopers steppin' up. Even the always helpful 4ever. Can't beat Cracker Barrel.
We are some time away from deciding what to do because there's still an outside chance that Bend is a possibility. I have already paid 50% of the VRBO cost, but it is refundable until May 1. I figure we'll know well before then.
I just wanted to get some other ideas in mind and share them with the group, so if any of you are inspired to make other suggestions, I'm still listening and still appreciative.
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Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan. Home to Sleeping Bear Dunes. IMO, the best place to vacation. Glen Arbor, Leland, again, IMO, the closest thing to heaven you can find. Last summer, we stayed in Leland. 200 yards from Lake Michigan. The river connecting Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan across the street. A public beach a 5 minute walk away. A wine shop next door. Over the course of a week, we hiked, biked, kayaked, fished, golfed, dune climbed, swam in Lake Michigan, wine tasted, went to an art fair, climbed a lighthouse, watched the sun set over Lake Michigan every night, caught a Tannehill Weavers show and never saw a chain store for a week or ventured more than 25 minutes from where we were staying. If such things appeal to you.
Concur with this. Great area. Several very nice wineries. Head into Traverse City for fireworks on the 4th. Even take a day trip to Mackinac Island about 2 1/2 hrs. away to spend a day.
Or try Door County in the Fish Creek area. Lots of nice places to stay affordable to higher end. Great for biking and water sports. Couple good places for music on weekends; outdoor free concerts in area as well - mostly folky stuff.
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Gurnee baby! Ya got 6Flags, Cracker Barrel, Gurnee Mills, and a Starbucks. Ewe are so set, hey?
Sybaris is always good.
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Sybaris is always good.
😂
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Which winery? God knows my wife has hit a whole bunch of them.
I know an MU alum is the manager at Shady Lane Cellers. He was class of 2006. Great guy
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Which winery? God knows my wife has hit a whole bunch of them.
Willow vineyards
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I’m with tower, traverse city and leelenau penn. beautiful clear turquoise waters, over 30 wineries, (one of which a family member owns :)
Tons of breweries, great food, etc
My vote is for traverse city.
If it helps 82, I could fly your family member there for free, if you’re coming from Mke?
Good luck
Love this about Scoop.
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I’m with tower, traverse city and leelenau penn. beautiful clear turquoise waters, over 30 wineries, (one of which a family member owns :)
Tons of breweries, great food, etc
My vote is for traverse city.
If it helps 82, I could fly your family member there for free, if you’re coming from Mke?
Good luck
pilot ... wow, what a generous offer.
If we decide on that, I'll let you know. However, one reason we might change our plans from Bend is that my daughter-in-law might not be able to fly.
But again, I am awed by your offer.
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The American club or somewhere close by? It isn’t cheap, but water, golf, I know the guy o runs a charter fishing fleet out of port Washington.
This is a good idea, as someone who lives in Sheboygan county I may be a little biased, but definitely a lot to do here in the summer.
American Club is a bit pricey, the Inn on Woodlake is a good value if you want to look at the Kohler properties. Otherwise if there are kids in your group, Blue Harbor Resort is reasonable and there's a waterpark there. There's also the Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake.
Of course, the golf is great here, again a little on the pricey side is you golf the Kohler courses, the Bull however is a great course at a good price. There's Road America at Elkhart Lake if you're a car person.
A lot of good dining options all throughout the county too.
And if you want to do Summerfest, you can make it to Milwaukee in about 50 minutes.
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pilot ... wow, what a generous offer.
If we decide on that, I'll let you know. However, one reason we might change our plans from Bend is that my daughter-in-law might not be able to fly.
But again, I am awed by your offer.
Here's hoping the best for your daughter-in-law. If you do end up going to Bend, I'll have some suggestions for you (if you need 'em.)
In the meantime, I concur with the Leelanu Peninsula crew. Tandem Ciders was a personal favorite.
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In a related note, Traverse City has a new minor-league ball team with possibly the best nickname ever:
https://twitter.com/BradGalli/status/1090318996933623809
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Who wouldn't want Pit spitter swag?
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Who wouldn't want Pit spitter swag?
Think of what you could do with the T-shirt gun!
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Here's hoping the best for your daughter-in-law. If you do end up going to Bend, I'll have some suggestions for you (if you need 'em.)
As I write this, Bend is still on the table. If that ends up being the destination, I definitely will hit you up for some info. Thanks for the offer!
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Willow vineyards
I’ve been there before. The pinot is fantastic! Are you related to John?
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Is it that your friend can't fly or can't travel. If its the former check out Am Track to Oregon.
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Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan. Home to Sleeping Bear Dunes. IMO, the best place to vacation. Glen Arbor, Leland, again, IMO, the closest thing to heaven you can find. Last summer, we stayed in Leland. 200 yards from Lake Michigan. The river connecting Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan across the street. A public beach a 5 minute walk away. A wine shop next door. Over the course of a week, we hiked, biked, kayaked, fished, golfed, dune climbed, swam in Lake Michigan, wine tasted, went to an art fair, climbed a lighthouse, watched the sun set over Lake Michigan every night, caught a Tannehill Weavers show and never saw a chain store for a week or ventured more than 25 minutes from where we were staying. If such things appeal to you.
However, if the extra two hours north of Holland is too far for you...... Holland, Michigan, is an interesting town to visit. There are many resort homes and communities near there. South Haven, Grand Haven, Saugatuck are all really nice resort towns. You basically cannot go wrong staying along the Michigan side of Lake Michigan. Except maybe Muskegon. Grand Rapids has an insane amount of breweries and would be worthy of a day's visit.
End Michigan commercial. And PM if you want other Michigan suggestions.
This is the real answer. Had a home on the finger for a long time, wish we still did.
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pilot ... wow, what a generous offer.
If we decide on that, I'll let you know. However, one reason we might change our plans from Bend is that my daughter-in-law might not be able to fly.
But again, I am awed by your offer.
I may be cynical but I tend to think people make over the top generous offers when they are certain the offer won’t be accepted. 😂😂😂
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DePere
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DePere
Norbies?
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Norbies?
I'm the bell ringer outside of the Lawrence Drive Supercenter
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Ideally 82 would get off the grid -- anywhere he can't post on Scoop would be a blessing for all.
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I'd second Milwaukee during Summerfest; you've got your live rock bands, your microbreweries, your beach (Bradford is once again a really nice beach), your bars and plenty of good restaurants. Only problem is getting lodging here during Summerfest--it fills up fast.
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I may be cynical but I tend to think people make over the top generous offers when they are certain the offer won’t be accepted. 😂😂😂
How would I have any clue if 82 would accept it, or not?
I’m hoping he does accept my offer.
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I may be cynical but I tend to think people make over the top generous offers when they are certain the offer won’t be accepted. 😂😂😂
Ridiculously cynical.
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How would I have any clue if 82 would accept it, or not?
I’m hoping he does accept my offer.
I implied the odds are it would not be accepted
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Ridiculously cynical.
Do you know each other IRL?
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Is it that your friend can't fly or can't travel. If its the former check out Am Track to Oregon.
It's "Amtrak" and you'll get there just in time to go back, if you are lucky. The closest Amtrak serves to Bend is Portland and that's a 2.8 hour drive away. Trust me, I know. I've done it. Through I will admit, parts of the ride through the mountains are nice.
As a former Amtrak professional, the railroad is horrible and cares little about its "guests." If you want a real rail experience, go to Canada. Amtrak is what happens when you let the government invade the private sector.
Still think Fall Creek Falls in Tennessee is your answer.
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It's "Amtrak" and you'll get there just in time to go back, if you are lucky. The closest Amtrak serves to Bend is Portland and that's a 2.8 hour drive away. Trust me, I know. I've done it. Through I will admit, parts of the ride through the mountains are nice.
As a former Amtrak professional, the railroad is horrible and cares little about its "guests." If you want a real rail experience, go to Canada. Amtrak is what happens when you let the government invade the private sector.
Still think Fall Creek Falls in Tennessee is your answer.
I'm quite positive Amtrak will not be the mode of choice.
I will look into Fall Creek Falls if we decide to not do Bend. Thanks for the suggestion.
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I'm quite positive Amtrak will not be the mode of choice.
I will look into Fall Creek Falls if we decide to not do Bend. Thanks for the suggestion.
What an $800, 48 hour one-way train trip not your cup of tea?
(http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/la-dee-da.gif)
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What an $800, 48 hour one-way train trip not your cup of tea?
(http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/la-dee-da.gif)
$800?!?
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$800?!?
If you want a sleeping berth, yeah.
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How would I have any clue if 82 would accept it, or not?
I’m hoping he does accept my offer.
Oh, you’ll live to regret those words.
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Oh, you’ll live to regret those words.
You know better than most, Benny.
You offered me an extra ticket to our NCAA tourney game a couple years back and have lived to regret it every day since, right?
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If you want a sleeping berth, yeah.
That's probably a single with a bunk bed. Communal bathroom and medioocre food. Make sure you bring your own wine. Amtrak selection is poor.
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That's probably a single with a bunk bed. Communal bathroom and medioocre food. Make sure you bring your own wine. Amtrak selection is poor.
Yep. Called a roomette. Amtrak isn't for transportation. It's to see the scenery go by. I've heard good things about Canadian rail.
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You know better than most, Benny.
You offered me an extra ticket to our NCAA tourney game a couple years back and have lived to regret it every day since, right?
Well... not every day.
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Well... not every day.
I forgot that one day in May 2018 that you slept through. Sorry. Won't happen again.
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You know better than most, Benny.
You offered me an extra ticket to our NCAA tourney game a couple years back and have lived to regret it every day since, right?
You should accept the free flight offer. How many chances are you going to get to be flown in a private plane; unless you’re a multi-millionaire? Go for it 82!!!
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You should accept the free flight offer. How many chances are you going to get to be flown in a private plane; unless you’re a multi-millionaire? Go for it 82!!!
I am guessing the offer is all 172 and zero G V.
I have to believe there is nothing more agonizing than clawing through the air at 120 knots below Angels 8 decimal zero in all that dog sh1t weather. No thank you.
I'd rather cram into a Silver Dog with the hoi polloi than subject myself to a mind numbing ride in a one lung fly swatter.
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You should accept the free flight offer. How many chances are you going to get to be flown in a private plane; unless you’re a multi-millionaire? Go for it 82!!!
The company I worked for in the "aughts" had a private jet and I got to fly in it twice from Peoria to Borrego Springs, Calif. I have to say it was a wonderful experience compared to commercial travel.
Again, one member of our traveling party might not be able to fly in July. That's the reason I started this thread, because the trip we're planning to Bend, Ore., might not be able to happen. So it makes little sense to take pilot up on his very generous offer this time. In the future, it sounds like a winning idea!
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I am guessing the offer is all 172 and zero G V.
I have to believe there is nothing more agonizing than clawing through the air at 120 knots below Angels 8 decimal zero in all that dog sh1t weather. No thank you.
I'd rather cram into a Silver Dog with the hoi polloi than subject myself to a mind numbing ride in a one lung fly swatter.
What???
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The company I worked for in the "aughts" had a private jet and I got to fly in it twice from Peoria to Borrego Springs, Calif. I have to say it was a wonderful experience compared to commercial travel.
Again, one member of our traveling party might not be able to fly in July. That's the reason I started this thread, because the trip we're planning to Bend, Ore., might not be able to happen. So it makes little sense to take pilot up on his very generous offer this time. In the future, it sounds like a winning idea!
Do you and mupilot know each other irl?
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Do you and mupilot know each other irl?
We do not ... except to have an occasional exchange on Scoop.
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I am guessing the offer is all 172 and zero G V.
I have to believe there is nothing more agonizing than clawing through the air at 120 knots below Angels 8 decimal zero in all that dog sh1t weather. No thank you.
I'd rather cram into a Silver Dog with the hoi polloi than subject myself to a mind numbing ride in a one lung fly swatter.
It would be in a G5 cirrus SR22 Turbo. I fly to traverse city quite often in the summer, and from Milwaukee it takes 30 minutes to get there.
Even if it was in a 172, that’s still much faster then driving 6 hours around the lake.
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It would be in a G5 cirrus SR22 Turbo. I fly to traverse city quite often in the summer, and from Milwaukee it takes 30 minutes to get there.
Even if it was in a 172, that’s still much faster then driving 6 hours around the lake.
I really don't fly anything that light. I also don't like to fly dirty. The issue for me with the Cirrus is that it's porpoise aerodynamics and fixed gear limit velocity to under 180 kts and range to less than two hours at max cruise.
I read they beefed up the spar to increase payload so it might now be able to reach three hours flight time with the added reserves. Getting the Turbo, btw, is definitely the right call.
If I am flying GA then my go to is the Eclipse 550. It cruises at 400 kts at Angels 43 so if I file airways I am safely above all the comm air traffic. The Eclipse also has a glass cockpit and features an all weather HUD which is particularly nice at night. Because it can get so high it sips fuel on max conserve at altitude which makes Seattle to Denver doable on one tank in under 3 hours.
If I have to fly piston then it's the King Air. Some designs are classic and the King Air is one of those. The King Air belongs up there with the Spitfire, F 4 Phantom, Constellation, and the Mustang as among the finest designs ever.
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I really don't fly anything that light. I also don't like to fly dirty. The issue for me with the Cirrus is that it's porpoise aerodynamics and fixed gear limit velocity to under 180 kts and range to less than two hours at max cruise.
I read they beefed up the spar to increase payload so it might now be able to reach three hours flight time with the added reserves. Getting the Turbo, btw, is definitely the right call.
If I am flying GA then my go to is the Eclipse 550. It cruises at 400 kts at Angels 43 so if I file airways I am safely above all the comm air traffic. The Eclipse also has a glass cockpit and features an all weather HUD which is particularly nice at night. Because it can get so high it sips fuel on max conserve at altitude which makes Seattle to Denver doable on one tank in under 3 hours.
If I have to fly piston then it's the King Air. Some designs are classic and the King Air is one of those. The King Air belongs up there with the Spitfire, F 4 Phantom, Constellation, and the Mustang as among the finest designs ever.
Are you an airline pilot?
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Are you an airline pilot?
Nah... just a Scooper who's decided on a new screenname.
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Are you an airline pilot?
An old air force jock doc.
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Nah... just a Scooper who's decided on a new screenname.
Stunt pilot?
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An old air force jock doc.
State of mind, Glow
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I really don't fly anything that light. I also don't like to fly dirty. The issue for me with the Cirrus is that it's porpoise aerodynamics and fixed gear limit velocity to under 180 kts and range to less than two hours at max cruise.
I read they beefed up the spar to increase payload so it might now be able to reach three hours flight time with the added reserves. Getting the Turbo, btw, is definitely the right call.
If I am flying GA then my go to is the Eclipse 550. It cruises at 400 kts at Angels 43 so if I file airways I am safely above all the comm air traffic. The Eclipse also has a glass cockpit and features an all weather HUD which is particularly nice at night. Because it can get so high it sips fuel on max conserve at altitude which makes Seattle to Denver doable on one tank in under 3 hours.
If I have to fly piston then it's the King Air. Some designs are classic and the King Air is one of those. The King Air belongs up there with the Spitfire, F 4 Phantom, Constellation, and the Mustang as among the finest designs ever.
A friend of mine has a place on a lake in Burlington Vermont, and I can make it there one way from Milwaukee. (Granted it’s brutal sitting in the plane for about 4 hours) but I’ve done it numerous times. Flying back to the east the plane can’t quite make it. I stop in Lansing, get some juice and keep chugging along.
The newer G5 models have a 200lb MTOW limit which is super helpful. 3600lbs instead of 3400 makes all the difference
I agree, the cirrus has a lot of limitations. But for what I use it for, it’s a great plane. Easy to see how it’s dubbed the “dr killer”.
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A friend of mine has a place on a lake in Burlington Vermont, and I can make it there one way from Milwaukee. (Granted it’s brutal sitting in the plane for about 4 hours) but I’ve done it numerous times. Flying back to the east the plane can’t quite make it. I stop in Lansing, get some juice and keep chugging along.
The newer G5 models have a 200lb MTOW limit which is super helpful. 3600lbs instead of 3400 makes all the difference
I agree, the cirrus has a lot of limitations. But for what I use it for, it’s a great plane. Easy to see how it’s dubbed the “dr killer”.
The Cirrus is a solid utility GA aircraft. I read that they strengthened the spar to increase loading which explains the increase in range through 200 more pounds of gas.
200 pounds of gas in an Eclipse is 3.39 more hours @ 430 kts is an extra 1,423 NM in range. Not sure of the G5 burn rate but I can see how you can do 4 hours now.
I am very curious about the new Cirrus jet which features a center line pusher power plant configuration. Again, it has that porpoise fuselage which I don't like at all but the V wing and lack of a vert stab gives it a pretty cool look.
Personally, I prefer two power plants and slick wings so I tend to go that route when securing a ride. Since I have access to military aero clubs I only need to pay for the gas.
I trust you don't actually own an aircraft. If you bought one then shame on you. That is a violation of Fighter Pilot Life Rule #3 - The Three F Rule:
If it floats, flies, or...uh...fornicates it's cheaper to rent.
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And y'all taught I talk funny, hey?
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Little known fact.... Baraboo, Wisconsin is not just the winter home of the Ringling Brothers and the year round home of racist high schoolers, it’s also the birthing place of Cirrus Aviation.
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The Cirrus is a solid utility GA aircraft. I read that they strengthened the spar to increase loading which explains the increase in range through 200 more pounds of gas.
200 pounds of gas in an Eclipse is 3.39 more hours @ 430 kts is an extra 1,423 NM in range. Not sure of the G5 burn rate but I can see how you can do 4 hours now.
I am very curious about the new Cirrus jet which features a center line pusher power plant configuration. Again, it has that porpoise fuselage which I don't like at all but the V wing and lack of a vert stab gives it a pretty cool look.
Personally, I prefer two power plants and slick wings so I tend to go that route when securing a ride. Since I have access to military aero clubs I only need to pay for the gas.
I trust you don't actually own an aircraft. If you bought one then shame on you. That is a violation of Fighter Pilot Life Rule #3 - The Three F Rule:
If it floats, flies, or...uh...fornicates it's cheaper to rent.
You’re a smart man keefe. Of course I did not purchase one with my scratch... unfortunately I don’t have $700,000 burning a hole in my pocket.
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You’re a smart man keefe. Of course I did not purchase one with my scratch... unfortunately I don’t have $700,000 burning a hole in my pocket.
I actually busted the Rule a couple times - owned two sailboats and bought a share with some buds in a Stearman.
She needed work which we did ourselves; that experience alone was worth it . We had a blast fixing her up and getting her air worthy once more. If you have never flown open cockpit it is pure bliss.
We did this while going through UPT at Vance AFB in Enid, OK. Unfortunately, Mother Blue broke up the band, sending the F 16 guys to Luke AFB and the Eagle pukes to Tyndall in FL so our ability to share her was strained.
As a Wild Weasel Driver I knew I wanted to be on the tip of the spear for my first operational assignment, either PACAF or USAFE, so selling my share was a practical decision. But to this day I do miss riding her.
Paul Allen has a collection of warbirds in Everett, WA. My late spouse did a lot with Vulcan and knew Allen's sister Mary so I was able to get some stick time in some WW II airframes. I actually got to do the PMCF in a Warhawk and a Spit. I really wanted to rip it in the Spit but my job was to merely to shoot some approaches and bounce a couple times at Paine Field. Just a magnificent aircraft.
(http://www.warbirdalley.com/images/Stearman-04July05-overRFD-3.jpg)
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You should accept the free flight offer. How many chances are you going to get to be flown in a private plane; unless you’re a multi-millionaire? Go for it 82!!!
free flight to bend, but how ya gonna get home?? :D
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free flight to bend, but how ya gonna get home?? :D
Bend is a cool place. We use that as our Base of Operations for ski trips to Mt Bachelor.
In the spring they have world class fly fishing for redsides on the Deschutes.
Could be, 82's kin gets to Bend and chooses not to leave. It is that great.
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free flight to bend, but how ya gonna get home?? :D
I assumed it was a free flight there AND back. :-\
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Bend is a cool place. We use that as our Base of Operations for ski trips to Mt Bachelor.
In the spring they have world class fly fishing for redsides on the Deschutes.
Could be, 82's kin gets to Bend and chooses not to leave. It is that great.
I was in the Bend area in September for a wedding and absolutely loved it. We stayed at the Brasada Ranch which is where the wedding was. The place was incredible. I highly recommend it. Got some good golfing in too. Shot my career low at Pronghorn
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The offer was a flight to Traverse City, not to Bend.
swoop, I also have heard nothing but great things about Bend. If we go, there will be 9 of us, and I have rented a house less than a mile from downtown.
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The offer was a flight to Traverse City, not to Bend.
swoop, I also have heard nothing but great things about Bend. If we go, there will be 9 of us, and I have rented a house less than a mile from downtown.
To Traverse city and back?
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To Traverse city and back?
I assume so, but I don't know. I told pilot that I probably wouldn't be able to accept his generous offer so we didn't have a long conversation about it.
Gotta say, I'm not sure why you're so obsessed with this.
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I assume so, but I don't know. I told pilot that I probably wouldn't be able to accept his generous offer so we didn't have a long conversation about it.
Gotta say, I'm not sure why you're so obsessed with this.
It’s interesting to me that someone would offer this to someone they never met. To circle back; where did you decide to go?
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It’s interesting to me that someone would offer this to someone they never met. To circle back; where did you decide to go?
Apparently, (unlike most Scoopers) 82 is a "known" commodity.
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I assume so, but I don't know. I told pilot that I probably wouldn't be able to accept his generous offer so we didn't have a long conversation about it.
Gotta say, I'm not sure why you're so obsessed with this.
+1,000,000,000,000,000
I’m not sure if you’re all talking about Bend Oregon, but unfortunately the plane wouldn’t have the legs for that from Mke. Plus, you wouldn’t want to fly there in a cirrus. That would be brutal.
Yes.. it would be round trip from traverse city and back. 😊
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It’s interesting to me that someone would offer this to someone they never met. To circle back; where did you decide to go?
Haven't decided yet. Won't know for sure whether my daughter-in-law will be medically cleared to fly for a month or two. Would still like to go to Bend but if she has to drive, we'll choose someplace else so the whole family can go.
Yes.. it would be round trip from traverse city and back. 😊
Again, extremely generous offer. Maybe one day Mrs. 82 and I will take you up on it.
Apparently, (unlike most Scoopers) 82 is a "known" commodity.
To know, know, know me is to love, love, love me.
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I was in the Bend area in September for a wedding and absolutely loved it. We stayed at the Brasada Ranch which is where the wedding was. The place was incredible. I highly recommend it. Got some good golfing in too. Shot my career low at Pronghorn
Brasada Ranch is a superb venue. We stayed in the main lodge once and thought it was stellar.
Another great option in Bend, especially if it is a golf outing with the lads, is Tetherow. The course was designed by the same guy who did Bandon Dunes.
Tetherow has great restaurants on-premise and a great gym so there's no reason to leave the grounds. But being Bend, you want to get some eating and drinking done in town.
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Brasada Ranch is a superb venue. We stayed in the main lodge once and thought it was stellar.
Another great option in Bend, especially if it is a golf outing with the lads, is Tetherow. The course was designed by the same guy who did Bandon Dunes.
Tetherow has great restaurants on-premise and a great gym so there's no reason to leave the grounds. But being Bend, you want to get some eating and drinking done in town.
Kidd also designed Mammoth Dunes at Sand Valley, Bandon's Midwest cousin. Great track.
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The Wisconsin Dells?
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The Wisconsin Dells?
Hell on earth. Used to be nice when I was a kid and it was less commercialized. Now it's mostly about casinos, outlet malls and water parks.
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Hell on earth. Used to be nice when I was a kid and it was less commercialized. Now it's mostly about casinos, outlet malls and water parks.
You need at least 5 tattoos to enter the town now. 4 if one of the tattoos is a face or neck tattoo.
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Hell on earth. Used to be nice when I was a kid and it was less commercialized. Now it's mostly about casinos, outlet malls and water parks.
Actually, it is probably the same as when you were a kid -- you just had a slightly different perspective.
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Actually, it is probably the same as when you were a kid -- you just had a slightly different perspective.
Yep - not nearly as tacky as it was back in the day.
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First off, it's "Wisconsin Dells" or just "The Dells." Wisconsin Dells is the name of the city; "The Dells" is both shorthand for the city but is more often colloquially used to refer to the entire surrounding area, not just Wisconsin Dells proper. You can call it either one. Just don't call it "The Wisconsin Dells." No one says "Marquette is in The Milwaukee" or "I never been to Disney World in The Orlando."
Second, it's a tourist trap that is marketed to three different demographics: 1) working class families between Mpls and Chicago who can't afford (or don't want to pay for) airfare, 2) middle class white folks from Chicago who want to go somewhere they can feel (and act) like big shots, and 3) youth through college-age athletic competitions. Just because there's something for everyone, that doesn't necessarily mean it's a place for everyone... for example, there's a lot of folks who think it's hell on Earth because of #1 correlating to a higher number of minority guests (who are a hell of a lot more fun to be with than anyone in group #2).
Third, there's one casino, and it isn't close to the hotels/attractions. There's one outlet mall, and it's on the edge of town. But yes, it is definitely all about the water parks (and in the winter, all about the water park hotels). The winter months also see a disproportionate number of bachelor/bachelorette parties and guys/girls weekends.
Finally, once you get away from the monster water park hotels, not much has changed in the past 30 years. Paul Bunyan's still recycles their "family style" food, Pirates Cove still has 91 holes, and there's still a clown on water skis. The main differences are that Robot World is closed (probably because they couldn't get parts for the Apple IIe that ran the automation program), the boat tours don't stop to shuffle you through three different souvenir shops, and the Stand Rock Indian Ceremonial folded as soon as Ho-Chunk started installing slot machines in their bingo hall.
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Wild Rock in downtown Dells is good food.
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I had a Swig at Nig's
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The only decent time to spend in The Dells is the gigantic car show @ Noah's Ark in May otherwise the Dells are just like Gatlinburg or Myrtle Beach (minus the beach)
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Went to ride Go-Karts in the Dells for the day with my neighbor and his family when I was about 12-13. Thunderstorm broke out and the astute workers at Big Chief found no reason to stop anyone driving as it POURED and thunder cracked. We were on a track with a 2-3 story spiral up and down too. In the later laps, the track was beyond slick and you were hydroplaning and sliding everywhere. It was an absolute blast but wildly dangerous and set up magnificently for a lawsuit. Fortunately nobody was hurt except losing 2 hours of drive time as the storm passed.
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I had a Swig at Nig's
Sounds like a commercial on Racist TV.
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To be fair, Noah's Ark is still awesome, and never been to Olympus, but looks pretty solid. A couple of the indoor parks are legit for what they are, as well. Finally, you can get some nice waterfront rentals outside the city.
Beyond that, burn it to the ground.
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Crusin chubbys. Probably the best thing in the Dells. Grade A talent.
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Actually, it is probably the same as when you were a kid -- you just had a slightly different perspective.
My last family vacation to the Dells as a kid would have been in about '76 or '77. The first water park (Noah's Ark) opened in '79. There still were no indoor water parks, no mega-hotels. The casino and outlet mall were built sometime in the 80s.
When I was a kid, the most exciting things they had were Fort Dells, Tommy Bartlett's, go-karts and mini golf. All of the hotels were mom and pop places with about 30 rooms and a pool. If you were lucky, the pool might have had a slide.
Yeah it was tacky, but it was NOTHING like what it is today.
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MUPilot
Good call on Chubby's.
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The casino and outlet malls in the Dells opened long after any sane person would have called me a kid.
Been to the Dells several times in the last few years (as Benny's 3rd target market*) and those are two places I haven't been, so you probably have a point there.
* That Sports Dome is quite the racket for athletic events in the winter. Went to youth club volleyball tournaments there a couple years in a row and it's like $20 to park, $20 admission, and concession prices like the Fiserv.
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Been to the Dells several times in the last few years (as Benny's 3rd target market*) and those are two places I haven't been, so you probably have a point there.
* That Sports Dome is quite the racket for athletic events in the winter. Went to youth club volleyball tournaments there a couple years in a row and it's like $20 to park, $20 admission, and concession prices like the Fiserv.
Woodside is a racket year round. Soccer, baseball, tidelywinks...
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Brother BennyB, the best thing about the Dells is getting on the freeway after gassing up on Wis 13 or US 12. Gas ins't cheap but its about the place to gas up on my way between Chicago and NW Wisconsin (Douglas County),
My daughter loves it. Took out kids there once. The population and the vacationers don't bother me. Excessive plastic in a natural setting does. Same reason Gatlinburg and Dollywood bother me. I'm allergic to high volume plastic.
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I'm allergic to high volume plastic.
Must not do well in LA or Scottsdale, aina?
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There is an outside water ride at the Kalahri where about every sixth bikini top comes off at the bottom of the ride.
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Worth lookin' inta, hey?
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There is an outside water ride at the Kalahri where about every sixth bikini top comes off at the bottom of the ride.
rooms on that side of the hotel have been turned into condos and were sold as "best view" in the dells. i thought they meant mirror lake err something ;D
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Nevermind
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Brother BennyB, the best thing about the Dells is getting on the freeway after gassing up on Wis 13 or US 12. Gas ins't cheap but its about the place to gas up on my way between Chicago and NW Wisconsin (Douglas County),
My daughter loves it. Took out kids there once. The population and the vacationers don't bother me. Excessive plastic in a natural setting does. Same reason Gatlinburg and Dollywood bother me. I'm allergic to high volume plastic.
If you go to the Smokies again, rent a cabin by Townsend on western edge. Right on edge of park. Fewer people and great (uncrowded) hiking.
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My last family vacation to the Dells as a kid would have been in about '76 or '77. The first water park (Noah's Ark) opened in '79. There still were no indoor water parks, no mega-hotels. The casino and outlet mall were built sometime in the 80s.
When I was a kid, the most exciting things they had were Fort Dells, Tommy Bartlett's, go-karts and mini golf. All of the hotels were mom and pop places with about 30 rooms and a pool. If you were lucky, the pool might have had a slide.
Yeah it was tacky, but it was NOTHING like what it is today.
We would camp at Mirror Lake, a state park between Wisconsin Dells and Baraboo. The park is beautiful, and you would never know you were anywhere near the Dells. We would do all the nature-y stuff and only head out to the Dells for a go-cart ride or a restaurant meal.
We liked Baraboo more as a town. Nice distillery there that makes the best brandy old-fashioneds I have ever tasted. Also check out the Cowpie Factory Outlet across the street from the casino.
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We would camp at Mirror Lake, a state park between Wisconsin Dells and Baraboo. The park is beautiful, and you would never know you were anywhere near the Dells. We would do all the nature-y stuff and only head out to the Dells for a go-cart ride or a restaurant meal.
Definitely the way to do it. We didn't camp, but we always stayed at the same small mom and pop motel (the Del Rancho). Simple but clean rooms, nice pool (w/ simple slide and diving board) and a small playground. We'd play on the swings at night watching the traffic go by off in the distance on I-94. Back then, it was in the middle of nowhere - we had to drive a couple of miles to get to food or attractions. Today, it's the site of the Kalahari, with outlet shopping, restaurants and other mega-hotel/water parks within spitting distance. Alas....
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I had a Swig at Nig's
I had a nip at the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok
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Jon
Well played.
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I had a nip at the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok
But can you get that on a T-Shirt?
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But can you get that on a T-Shirt?
It's about the experience rather than the souvenir
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But can you get that on a T-Shirt?
If you can, I wouldn’t wear it unless I wanted to get punched in the face.
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Jon
Well played.
Goose
Did you ever stay at the Oriental in Bangkok? Impeccable.
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If you can, I wouldn’t wear it unless I wanted to get punched in the face.
i understand it may be interpreted as offensive to some, but is this where we've come with our differences-a punch in the face or worse? get in their faces, disrupt, punch...this is where we all need to find our "ignore" button even when interacting on the outside. i just turn and shake my head. when i make someone else's problem, my problem, it becomes my problem-stinkin thinkin will get you before you even know it
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Crash
Usually stay at Grand Hyatt in Bangkok. Have had cocktails at Oriental years ago.
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Crash
Usually stay at Grand Hyatt in Bangkok. Have had cocktails at Oriental years ago.
they must have named that after the theater on the east side of milwaukee, on farewell. as long as ya know the secret handshake, sayin ya closed da oriental is kosher, eyn'a? ;)
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Crash
Usually stay at Grand Hyatt in Bangkok. Have had cocktails at Oriental years ago.
Mother Goose
I was always torn between the Grand Hyatt Erawan and the Oriental. Frankly, the Erawan has superior accommodations but the Oriental is legend.
There is a reason why the Peninsula in TST and the Raffles in Singapore are still hotels of choice - they have a story.
Nobody ever drops the Hilton or JW Marriott in HK names as a dick lengthener when trying to get laid or making points at a dinner party. But they do shamelessly with the Peninsula.
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Crash
Have probably spent a hundred nights at The Pen in TST. It has been many, many years since I have stayed there, but always try to have Sunday breakfast or drink at Felix when in HK (like this wekend). Have been blessed in my travels and The Peninsula is high on my all time favorite list. Did you ever go to the cigar store at Mandarin Oriental on HK island? Great cigar joint back in the day. Always spent my weekend afternoons having a stick with the HK high rollers back in the day.
Grand Hyatt in Bangkok is a very nice place. Oriental has the style and class over G. Hyatt IMO. Over upcoming months Thailand and Vietnam are going to be my haunts. Looking forward to spending time there again on a regular basis.
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Peninsula in Beverly Hills is tits, literally and figuratively, hey?
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Did you ever go to the cigar store at Mandarin Oriental on HK island? Great cigar joint back in the day. Always spent my weekend afternoons having a stick with the HK high rollers back in the day.
I have frequented the HK Oriental cigar bar and it is classic.
Having said which, the Cigar Bar at the Raffles goes it one better with its Single Malt Passport Club. I prefer the openness and lighter atmosphere of the Raffles - the Cigar Bar is palm fronds, ceiling fans, and white jackets; one can imagine W Somerset Maugham seated in a high backed wicker prepping a Cohiba for a post-dinner smoke to accompany his splash of Laphroaig.
At the end of the day, the Raffles-Peninsula-Oriental conundrum is a matter of taste. Ginger-Mary Ann anyone?
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We ended up deciding to go to Bend after all. We're renting a house for seven us, and we're gonna have a great time!
My son and daughter-in-law won't be able to make it, which is unfortunate but that's life. We will go to Chicago to see them on a separate trip.
I appreciate the many suggestions, and I have bookmarked this thread for future reference.