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Cycling: Pedal Your Way to an Excellent Vacation

Wednesday, August 8th, 2012

Consider taking a bike ride with your family, even if it isn't on a tandem bike! (Photo courtesy of considerbiking.org)

You don’t have to be a cycling pro to enjoy riding a bike. You don’t even have to like riding a bike to enjoy cycling. Whether you are a spectator, an avid cyclist, or just enjoy a leisurely pedal around the park, cycling can be a great way to visit a new place.

Be A Spectator

The sport once dominated by Europeans is now quite popular here in the U.S. The Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España are traditionally the premier cycling events, but races stateside are gaining momentum and credibility worldwide.

The Athens Twilight Criterium in Athens, GA (one of my favorite cities) is heralded by VeloNews as the “Criterium Not To Miss” and voted first by their poll of professional and amateur racers. The April evening event draws more than 30,000 spectators and some of the world’s best cyclists.

Attracting more than two million spectators, The AMGEN Tour of California really put cycling on the map in America. Each year the route varies and takes the riders and their followers across California for fast riding and lots of fun.

Coming up this month is the US Pro Cycling Challenge in Colorado. A 7-stage tour across the Rocky Mountain state let’s you follow the riders from Durango to Denver with visits to beautiful Telluride, Aspen, Colorado Springs, and Golden.

Here are some Hotels in Colorado for your journey.

Vacation Bike Tours

Trek Travel coordinates three to four-day weekend bike tours featuring quiet rustic roads, quaint inns, fresh local fare, social hour mingling, and even shopping or hiking. Sign up for the California Wine Weekend and take in beautiful vineyards, spas, and of course tastings along the way.

Western Spirit Cycling Adventures offers bike tours for the whole family with routes for bike trailers and beginning riders. Primarily centered on tours in the Western U.S., introduce the kids to both camping and cycling with the Hiawatha Rail Trail Family Trip.

City Tours

A bicycle is a great way to see a city, often giving you perspective and access to areas that you may miss riding on a tour bus. Ask your hotel concierge about bike rentals if you want to go it on your own around town. Hotels in some destinations even lend guests bicycles for the day.

For an organized tour, look for companies like Get Up and Ride, Brooklyn’s first bike tour company. This NYC Company offers two different tours that vary in duration, distance and price. The Classic Tour is just 10 miles in length and takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours to complete. The tour, which features excellent views of Manhattan, even wraps up with a ferry ride at the end of the day.

While you can bring your own bikes along, most tour companies provide bikes that are designed to be fun, comfortable and easy to ride so even if it has been awhile since you’ve ridden you should feel right at home. You can always bring your own seat and pedals for the more serious tours and riders.

Road Cycling Safety Tips

Here are tips from Trek Tours when you do set your seat on two wheels:

  • Wear a helmet at all times when on your bike.
  • Obey all traffic signs.
  • Always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
  • Ride on the same side of the road as the direction of moving traffic.
  • Use the appropriate hand signals when stopping, slowing down, and turning.
  • Ride in a single-file line, leaving at least 2 bike lengths between you and the rider ahead of you.
  • Maintain a safe distance between you and the edge of the road.
  • Communicate with other riders—let them know when there are bumps, rocks, cars, or other hazards on the road.
  • Be ready for vehicles to pass you on the left.
  • Use both the rear and front brakes simultaneously—NEVER use the front brake alone.
  • When going downhill, pump both the front and rear brakes simultaneously, and increase the distance between you and the rider ahead of you.
  • Always maintain a speed that is comfortable for you.
  • Use caution when crossing over railroad tracks, cattle crossings, gravel patches, slippery or sandy roads, descending steeply, or when encountering a situation that is potentially dangerous or uncomfortable for you.
  • Always get off your bike and walk if you feel uncomfortable riding.
  • Gear up and gear down appropriately to maintain a safe and comfortable riding speed.
  • When admiring the view or taking a photo, always stop first and then look or snap.
  • Above all, have fun and enjoy your ride!
 
 

 

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Ski into Savings: Tips for a $mart Ski Vacation

Tuesday, September 20th, 2011


Thinking about scheduling a winter skiing vacation yet? (photo courtesy of http://www.vailcascade.com).

While you may be feeling the first coolness of fall, it’s actually time to be thinking a little colder and start planning your winter ski trip.  It’s no secret that ski vacations can be costly but there are ways for you to save significantly.


Depending on when and where you choose to take your ski vacation will greatly impact the cost of your trip. Stay away from peak periods, which in the U.S. include the week between Christmas and New Years, Martin Luther King Day weekend, Presidents Day weekend, and the week following Presidents Day. If you want to save money and avoid long lift lines, think “off peak.” And, if possible, consider weekday vs. weekend trips to save even more! Otherwise, choose a weekday to get in tons of runs and to feel like kind of the mountain.

If you travel to a destination such as Denver you have a multitude of ski mountains within driving distance to choose from. Ski venues such as Loveland, Eldora, and Arapahoe Basin are less expensive than larger resorts such as Breckenridge and Vail.

When to Buy a Ski Pass

If you are planning on skiing more than seven (7) days this coming season then you want to purchase a season pass.  The rules and restrictions vary from resort to resort but they all have one thing in common: season passes, which are typically only available for a limited time in the pre-season, are a great value for avid skiers compared to purchasing individual lift tickets.

Remember to check your child’s age before purchasing a season pass, as there may be price breaks based on their age at the time of purchase.  For example, the Colorado Epic Local pass is free for children under the age of five (5).  My daughter turns five in October; so by purchasing her pass now, she will ski free and we just saved $250.

Pass deals only last a few more weeks for most ski resorts. Check out these pass deals for:

Ski Utah

Stowe Mountain

Colorado and Tahoe

Winter Park Resort

Bonus: Season passes usually offer discounts on lessons, food, and lift tickets for family and friends, so season pass discounts may be deeper than initially perceived.  The same is true for a season lesson pass. Take for example, lessons at popular Breckenridge resort: a child’s season lesson pass is $590 and it includes lunch. Once the snow’s on the mountain, a single day lesson will run parents $150/day per child. So if you are anticipating more than handful of lessons for a family member then you may want to jump on the opportunity to purchase a season lesson pass, too.

Saving on Ski Lodging

Whether you are looking for mountain cabins to rent in Colorado or ski areas and resorts in Utah, consider location and alternative lodging options when searching for value. While slope-side “ski in/ski out” allows you to walk out your door and hop on the lift, opting for lodging a little further from the mountain can save you cash. And most ski resorts offer hassle-free complimentary shuttle services with stops throughout town. Renting vacation homes, condos, and cabins can be much less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms especially for groups and families. I like having the added space of a home-like rental with an eat-in kitchen and living areas for often less per night than a traditional hotel.

Other Money Saving Ski Tips

  1. Pack a lunch.  We often carry a backpack when skiing complete with water, a few sandwiches, and favorite snacks. It definitely cuts down on costs and then we can splurge for après-ski drinks or dinner.
  2. Plan your ski lessons during the week.  You will definitely get more bang for your buck if you can.  A mid-week lesson for adults or kids sometimes is like getting a private lesson.  The crowds are so small compared to weekends that I am certain you will learn a lot more in the allocated lesson time. Be sure to budget for ski instructor tips for each lesson.
  3. Take time to relax. Factor in how many days you will actually ski and allow time to adjust to altitude at the beginning of your trip and plan a day for your muscles to recover mid-trip. Altitude sickness isn’t the way you want to spend your trip. Be sure to drink plenty of water, wear your sunscreen and take breaks.  You’ll waste a lot more than time if you are too sick to ski.
  4. Use online coupons. Sign up now for Groupon and Living Social deals in cities where you will be skiing and look for discount dining, equipment and lift pass deals. Ski-specific sites such as Liftopia, Skicoupons, Skifreedeals, are also good online resources.
  5. Military discounts. If you are active duty military members, there may be significant lift, lodging, and rental discounts available to you. Check your favorite ski resorts website for information.
 
 

 

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The Best Ballpark Food in America

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

If you visit Miller Park, make sure to get a bratwurst and catch the 7th inning stretch "sausage race." (Photo courtesy of stltoday.com)

I hope you all had a fantastic July 4th weekend full of food, fireworks and fun.  Another all-American summer pastime where you often find the “three f’s” is major league baseball. 

In fact, when it comes to food, US ballparks offer a lot more than just hotdogs and popcorn! Many are now featuring some of the country’s best local fare, turning your baseball outing into a real culinary experience. I’ve yet to try to the Rocky Mountain Oysters at Coors Field in Denver. Personally, I would be more apt to try the Maryland’s lump crab dog at Camden Yards. Still, it’s great to see famed local cuisine infused into the ballparks of America.  

Wondering what else is out there? Here are few more of the best ballpark foods from around the country. 

Tampa Bay Devil Rays – Tropicana Field: St. Petersburg, FL – Ybor City Cuban Sandwich

A Tampa girl from the start, I have to tell you that this is my favorite sandwich on the planet from one of my favorite restaurants! The Columbia restaurant, a Tampa landmark, has been making this Cuban inspired treat for more than 100 years and now has its own venue within Tropicana Field. Made with smoked ham, salami, gooey Swiss cheese, sour pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread (the piece de resistance) and all grilled into a flat sandwich that makes this the most delicious treat.

Milwaukee Brewers – Miller Park: Milwaukee, WI – Bratwurst with Secret Sauce

In the land famous for cheeses and beers, enjoy the festival of sausages that is a trip to Miller Park. The bratwurst and spicy Italian sausage are topped with the Brewer’s special sauce at “The House That Bud Built” and are better than the cased meats you’ll find anywhere else. Brat Boys are stationed throughout the ballpark making it impossible to let a Brewer game pass you by without giving one a try. And when you just can’t get enough, cheer on your favorite sausage in the 7th inning stretch sausage race.

Seattle Mariners – Safeco Field: Seattle, WA – Sushi

Seafood may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you head for a ballpark concession stand, but in Seattle the fish are fresh and served a variety of ways throughout the park from Iver dogs (a fish sandwich) to clam chowder.  Most famous for its sushi, Safeco Field offers its signature “Ichi-roll” (a spicy tuna roll), named for star Ichiro Suzuki.

New York Mets – Citi Field: Flushing, NY – Shake Shack Burgers

New York’s Citi Field offers burgers and hot dogs from the Shake Shack in New York City. The “Shack-cago” dog is one of their most popular offerings with Shake Shack relish, onion, cucumber, pickle, tomato, pepper, and celery salt.

Philadelphia Phillies – Citizens Bank Park: Philadelphia, PA – Cheesesteaks & Crab FrieAnother local legend serving food at a ballpark is Tony Luke at Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park. Foodies flock to Philly for a bite of one of these cheesy delicacies. Pair yours with Chickie & Pete’s crab fries that are generously seasoned with bay spice for a meal that will truly melt-in-your-mouth.

Kansas City Royals – Kauffman Stadium: Kansas City, KS – KC Ribeye Stack

Winner of the best ballpark food competition at last year’s All-Star Game competition is the KC Ribeye Stack from Kauffman Stadium. This lauded ooey-gooey sandwich is made between potato bread buns with a heavenly combination of mushrooms, bacon, cheese, onion rings and the beautifully seasoned ribeye steak.

I feel bad leaving out vegetables on my list. So, if you are headed to Phoenix next weekend for the All-Star Game (tips for scoring tickets); be sure to try the homemade sweet potato fries in the Sedona Club. I’m looking forward to finding out which favorite food will win MVP during All-Star Week this year.

 What ballpark fare is tops on your list?

 
 

 

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Celebrate the Mavericks NBA Championship with Great Hotel Deals in Dallas

Wednesday, June 15th, 2011

Find the best hotels in Dallas to view the Mavericks NBA Championship victory parade.

With the Dallas Mavericks beating the Miami Heat four games to two in this year’s NBA Championship, fans from all over the Dallas-Fort Worth area, as well as transplant fans from other cities will converge on the city of Dallas on Thursday morning, June 16th, at 10am to join the players, coaches and city of Dallas in well-deserved jubilation during the Maverick’s victory parade.

To help fans find a room with a view (or a place to stay afterwards,) hotels.com has compiled the below list of Dallas hotels along the parade route for the most devout Mavs fans.

With this parade celebrating the first-ever Mavs National Championship, an attendance estimated at 250,000 plus, finding a spot to view the festivities might be difficult. For those who want to enjoy the fanfare without obstructed views and crowded sidewalks, here is a list of Dallas hotels with a vantage point for parade watchers:

For fans traveling to Dallas from out-of-town, and making a full vacation day, or long weekend out of the parade, hotels.com suggests booking through the currently running Summer Sale, which will provide fans with 30% off select rooms while providing summer gifts just for booking.

 
 

 

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Houston Hotspots for the Final Four

Tuesday, March 29th, 2011

Before the shot clock starts for the NCAA Final Four Championship, take some time to explore Houston, Texas for affordable hotel rooms, great cuisine, and a relaxing spa appointment.

Here are some of the Hotels.com ‘staff picks’ on what to check out in Houston:

Where to stay: The Doubletree Guest Suites Houston Galleria near the Galleria Mall is a traditional Doubletree property with a twist. The rooms are huge and feature kitchenettes with a dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker. Each Wednesday evening the manager offers a reception that includes light food and complimentary cocktails. And don’t forget the delectable Doubletree Hotel cookies. Just ask Michael at the front desk for a warm, fresh-baked cookie to take up to your room before you turn in for the night!

Where to eat: We recommend eating “in the loop” to be closest to the tournament. The list is hefty, as should be your appetite..

  • Benjy’s - This newly constructed 7,800 square foot restaurant includes a bar and lounge area with a menu featuring Modern American Cuisine.
  • Zelko Bistro - Some of the pleasers here include Captain’s Crunch Fried Chicken, Seared Tuna Salad, Root beer Braised Short Ribs, Lemon Icebox Pie, and even Funnel Cake.
  • El Tiempo/Ninfa’s on Navigation – The original Ninfa’s, this is the place where you’ll find the best Mexican food in town!
  • Subs: Supreme Sandwiches (located downtown and only open for lunch – my friends parents own it and it’s a Houston staple)
  • Tiny Boxwood’s – This rustic café is the perfect spot for a lunch date where you can eat outside in a garden-like setting
  • Uptown Sushi -  Looking for good Japanese food in Houston? This is the place.
  • BRC Gastropub – With a name like this, how can you not try it out?!
  • Branch Water Tavern – This Modern American eatery was recently named ‘Best New Restaurant of the Year’ by Texas Monthly.
  • Brenner’s on the Bayou – Situated on Houston’s Buffalo Bayou, this steakhouse offers an unforgettable food experience.
  • Goode Co. - Offering some of the best Mesquite smoked barbecue in the state of Texas, this is the place that will satisfy all of your food cravings.
  • Niko Nikos – Located in a little stand in the park, this is Greek food at its finest.

Where to shop: The Galleria Mall is the largest shopping center in the area and attracts over 24 million annual visitors. The Galleria is home to 375 stores and restaurants, an ice rink and two hotels.

Where to relax:  Trellis Spa at the Houstonian is hands-down the most incredible spa experience in South Texas. The 17,000-square-foot spa features 21 treatment rooms including 12 rooms for body treatments, seven facial rooms, one tanning room, and one couples room.

For other ideas in and around Houston, our friend Lisa Gochman of the Gochman Social Gazette has the 411 on all things Houston.

See ya’ll in H-Town for the Final Four! And don’t forget to leave a Facebook comment, and make sure you read more about Houston on our City Page.

 
 

 

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Grapefruit or Cactus? Tips for a Spring Training Trip

Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011

photo courtesy of allsportstalk.net

photo courtesy of allsportstalk.net

There’s something about the sound of a ball popping into a leather glove, the crack of the bat, and the call of the umpire. For thousands of baseball fans, the next 45 days are a calling, like birds migrating to warmer waters. 

Baseball’s Spring Training is more than just the teams’ practice season; just ask any of the repeat visitors each year that faithfully flock to the baseball fields. It’s special.  It also makes for a great respite from the typical frigid months of February and March for much of the Midwest. After all, what can be better than a winter escape to Florida or Arizona?

Games are practically every day through March right up to the start of the regular season. The stadiums are intimate and the atmosphere is relaxed and playful. If you show up early, you can hang right along side the field during batting practice. Players and coaches are often willing and happy to chat with fans and sign autographs. In some ballparks, you can even spread your blanket in the outfield for a lawn seat.  If you really want to be close to the action, take a look at the Spring Training practice schedule and attend a practice. And don’t forget your sunscreen. 

Arizona

15 teams practice in Arizona’s Cactus League. Most teams are in Phoenix and a few, like the Chicago White Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers, are in Tucson – just two hours away. The Arizona Diamondbacks and my favorite team, the Colorado Rockies, are enjoying the Salt River Fields at Talking Stick facility. This brand new Cactus League stadium is located on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian reservation. It is the first Major League Baseball spring training facility to be built on Indian land in the nation.

All major airlines fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Phoenix is home to some of the best spas and resorts boasting golf courses, a multitude of pools and one-of-a-kind spa treatments. 

There are many things to do Phoenix that if you are a traveling spouse, you can stay busy. Sedona is a must-see on my list, especially for hikers and horseback riders. The Grand Canyon is about four hours north. Be sure to take in a beautiful Arizona sunset (it would be hard to miss).

Florida

Florida’s Grapefruit League is made up of the other 15 teams, which are mainly spread out around central Florida near Tampa/St. Petersburg (NY Yankees, Detroit Tigers, Toronto Blue Jays) and Orlando (Atlanta Braves) with a few further South in Fort Myers (Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins). 

Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are within an hour’s drive, so you can couple a fan trip into a fan-me-on-the-beach trip.  Sarasota  is the winter home of the Baltimore Orioles as well as home to the serene beaches of Siesta Key, The Ringling Circus Museum, and great shopping.

You don’t have to have a favorite team to enjoy a Spring Training vacation. Many visitors choose to take in games at multiple venues. And many venues hold special events throughout the early season such as playing international teams, hosting golf tournaments, and festivals. Tickets for events and individual games are currently on sale.

Where will you be traveling and who are you rooting for this season? Leave a comment below and let me know!

 
 

 

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Spotlight on Dallas: Home of Super Bowl XLV

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011

photo courtesy of superbowl.com

Dallas is ripe and ready for its first time hosting this country’s most-acclaimed sporting event on February 6th. 

This year, the NFL is going to sell tickets for fans to be just outside Cowboys Stadium with access to all the pre-game happenings around the stadium but not actually “inside” the stadium. An announcement has yet to be made as to how you can get that “standing room only” ticket.

But whether you have a ticket or not, you certainly can partake in the many celebrations descending on the Big D in a few weeks. I’ve listed a couple of the events below but you can check here for a complete list of Super Bowl happenings.

1. The NFL Experience begins on January 28th at the Dallas Convention Center. The NFL Experience is the most exciting continuous event surrounding Super Bowl XLV. It boasts an interactive theme park offering participatory games, displays, entertainment attractions, kids’ football clinics, free autograph sessions and the largest football memorabilia show ever. 

2. On Friday, Feb 4th, from 11pm to 2am local time, Coors Light and the Silver Bullet Ranch will take over the world’s largest honky tonk – Billy Bob’s. Trust me, you want to make time to visit this cowboy hangout in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Uncle Kracker and The Casey Donahue Band will open up before a special performance by Blake Shelton.

3. Bud Light is all but taking over the Aloft Hotel in Dallas and putting on four nights of events. The Aloft Hotel is a new hotel that has a loft-inspired design and is located in the downtown area, very close to the Dallas Convention Center. You can win a stay at the “Bud Light Hotel” during Super Bowl weekend by entering here.

Sometimes we need an excuse, like the Super Bowl, to set out on a little travel adventure. But make no mistake that the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex needs no excuse for a visit! In my next post, I’ll share some great non-football spots to visit in and around Dallas.

 
 

 

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The Travel Habits of One of the World’s Top Ski Mountaineer’s

Friday, December 3rd, 2010

Kris Erickson has visited Nepal and Morocco among many other exciting places.

With the cold weather arriving and many people heading off to ski destinations and planning other exciting winter vacations, I thought it would be fun to do a Q&A with a renowned ski mountaineer who has climbed and photographed some of the world’s most breathtaking peaks!

For 10 years, Kris Erickson has brought his camera to the highest points, coldest reaches, and most untouched folds of the planet’s geography. What’s more, he is not merely a shutterbug who stands idle to the side of any expedition. Instead, he tackles the same challenging mountaineering projects as the world’s other top-flight climbers, often combining his abilities to ascend difficult mountains with a love and passion for true mountain-sliding descents.

1. How often do you travel?

I’m on the road 6 to 8 months per year, much of this time is for expeditions with The North Face that last between 4 and 8 weeks. Along with my family, I spend about 4 to 6 months per year in Morocco where we are in the midst of a multi-year historic preservation and education project. 

2. Do you have any favorite destinations?

We (my family) spend most of our time in the remote mountain regions of Nepal and Morocco. Despite their religious differences and geographical separation, we have found that the same things draw us to these countries; the honest and hospitable people, breathtaking landscapes with exceptional recreational opportunities, and a way of life that prioritizes family. We also enjoy exploring our home state of Montana and an occasional trip to Mexico for some beach time in Sayulita or Xcalak.

3.  Do you prefer to stay at a specific hotel?

In Kathmandu I always stay at Hotel Tibet and in Marrakesh I often stay at Hotel Assia. Both are affordable and clean hotels with great service.  

4. When given the option, would you rather stay at a hotel, motel, or bed & breakfast?

Most often, I stay in family-run guest houses or gites when in rural villages and this is generally the only option. When en route to or returning from a destination, I prefer a hotel for the privacy and ability to have a hot shower and recharge after a long flight or a long time in the mountains.

5. What’s your most memorable trip?

In 2006, my wife and I received a grant from The North Face to take a group of athletes to the Central High Atlas Mountains of Morocco for a climbing expedition and philanthropic project. The North Face team completed a new 700 meter rock route, restored dangerous sections of local trails, and put a new roof on the elementary school – all in three weeks. It was an amazingly successful trip that laid the foundation and local relationships needed for our current work in the country.

6. Any advice for people on the best ways to plan an outdoor-focused trip? 

Spend plenty of time preparing before you leave. Think about potential health risks and necessary vaccinations. If traveling to remote regions with small children, be prepared with oral rehydration solution in case of diarrhea. We always travel with acidopholous to replenish healthy intestinal bacteria. Also think about purchasing a rescue insurance such as Global Rescue, which is recommended by the American Alpine Club and used by The North Face for their athletes.

 
 

 

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COLLEGE GAME DAY: A GUIDE TO A FAN-FILLED TRIP!

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

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Introducing my daughter to the “Dawg Walk” before a Georgia Bulldogs football game in Athens, GA.

The 2010 college football rankings are out and regardless of where your favorite team ranks it’s always fun to plan a trip to watch some of this year’s action live and in person. 

I have to admit that I am a committed Georgia Bulldogs fan and, for me, there is nothing quite like being in Athens, GA on a Saturday afternoon! But my personal loyalties aside, college football has a culture all its own and worth experiencing from the bleachers at least once, if not at least once a year because there is nothing like being there with the melodious sounds of the marching bands, the extraordinary and copious tailgates, the cheers of arguably the most devoted fans, and of course, the inimitable college towns themselves. 

Here are my recommendations for a little college football weekend getaway: 

1. September and October are great months to catch a game in the Northeast in cities such as Boston. With Boston College and UMASS nearby, take some time to take in the autumnal display of foliage. 

2. If you’ve never experienced college football in the South, I encourage you to find a weekend and immerse yourself in the tradition and celebration that is (predominantly) the SEC. Consider Oxford, MS. (Ole Miss), Athens, GA. (UGA), Baton Rouge, LA. (LSU) and Huntsville, AL. (the University of Alabama is ranked #1 pre-season). 

Expert tip: Airlines will typically have NCAA fares in and out of cities near to top football towns. Sign-up for the deal emails and act quickly when you see the flight you want. Seats and fares are limited.

3. The crispness of fall is a bit more tolerable out west in places such as Tempe, Arizona. Consider Sun Devil Stadium to watch Arizona State where you can still wear shorts instead of that snowsuit you’ve been eyeing. 

4. If you want to join 103,000 fans in the world’s largest sing-along then head to Knoxville, TN for a few hundred rounds of Rocky Top in the University of Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium located on the banks of the Tennessee River. Gatlinburg is another nearby city and worth a night’s stay for a visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

5. Home of the College Football Hall of Fame, South Bend, Indiana is a great spot to pay homage to the legends of NCAA football and where a walk around the Notre Dame campus is a lesson in football history itself. 
Expert tip: Chicago is an easy drive from South Bend so consider accommodations there and drive over for the game. 

6. The Cotton Bowl is home to the annual Red River Shootout rivalary game played between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners. Played on neutral territory in Dallas, TX, it also coincides with the largest state fair in the U.S., the State Fair of Texas. And take it from someone who has been there; they can fry just about anything so get ready for some fun fair food and entertainment!

I know! I know! I left off a ton of great stadiums and schools. Remember, I write a blog not a book. BUT here’s your chance to share with me other great college towns and stadiums worth visiting this football season. 

 
 

 

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No Kids Allowed: It’s the Grown-Ups Turn at Summer Camp

Monday, June 28th, 2010
Hanging out with Mark Richt, Head Coach of the University of Georgia football team

Recently I crossed an item off of my “bucket list” by attending a one-day camp at my alma mater, the University of Georgia. No, it wasn’t cheerleading camp; it was Football 101 for Women and it was one of the best weekend’s I have ever had! 

For one, I got to experience something really unique, especially for a girl; to interact and learn from the coaches and play football on the same turf as my favorite team. And two, I spent a wonderful weekend with some of my closest college friends which by itself was a treat. 

I won’t bore you with all the details but the point is to try something new or that you have always wanted to during your next vacation or weekend away with friends. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking!  

Surf Camp

Looking for a California coastal vacay? Why not try a few days at surf camp? You might run into me here next year. Try: Surf Diva School www.surfdiva.com or Pacific Surf School www.pacificsurf.org.

Golf Camp

Whether you are an avid golfer or just picking up the sticks for the first time, golf camp can be a fun way to have some fun and improve your game. Try: The Lodge at Pebble Beach and enroll in Pebble Beach Golf Academy. Call, (831) 622-8650 for Academy reservations. Or take a swing at PGA National Resort and Spa and the David Leadbetter Golf Academy. Call, 561.227.2690.

Race Car Driving Camp

Whether you are channeling your inner-Earnhardt or Patrick, getting an adrenaline rush on your next trip may be just what this vacation expert ordered.  From an indy cars, stock cars, formula 1 racers and sports cars, you can find your future racing camp at http://www.racingschools.com.

Flashback Football Camp

Not just for the girls, Flashback Football Camps are popping up on University campuses across the country such as USC, Notre Dame and Oklahoma. The curriculum features authentic drills and scrimmages.

Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp

If you’ve always dreamed of a rock star moment then this camp is right for you.  Play with legendary musicians, write and record an original song. Camps are held all year long around the US, upcoming camps include Philadelphia, San Francisco and Dallas. http://www.rockcamp.com.

Baseball Camp

Typically held in January and sometimes around Spring Training, baseball camps allow fans to put on the uniform of “their team” and play baseball under the tutelage of players they once idolized.

Have you been to a fantasy camp? Share your experience with me!

 
 

 

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