Travel Help

[fischbowl]

I'm going to Pittsburgh tomorrow to visit Duquesne University. I'll be there two days. I was just wondering any good restaurants/attractions/stuff in the Downtown/Oakland area. I'll be staying at the Hampton Inn close to Heinz Field, and I think it's like a mile from Duquesne and Pitt and what not. Honestly I have no idea, so help would be much appreciated.

[BucSappy]

Isn't there a restaurant that has a "Roethlisburger" on their menu? Just remember Big Ben and Berman during his rookie season eating one on ESPN.

That would be pretty cool.

[HoopsDemon12]

Isn't there a restaurant that has a "Roethlisburger" on their menu? Just remember Big Ben and Berman during his rookie season eating one on ESPN.

That would be pretty cool.

Ya i remember that aswell.. that burger looked relly good to... i want one now... actualyl im just hungry.. yet no food in my house:(

[Chucky]

Go to Primantis( sp?), it is absolutely amazing. Also if there is a great outlet mall at Grove City that is not too far out of pittsburgh.

[j05son]

I would suggest a map, seems like if you aren't familiar with the area, soon as you cross a bridge your lost.

Honestly, a Roethlisburger or Pittsburgh Burger is one of the most delicious things I've had at peppi's or Primantie ...It's my highlight whenever I have to go to Pitt.

http://www.ahamburgertoday.com/images/20060202roethlis-burger.jpg
http://images.citysearch.net/profile/a4/0c/8619667p1.jpg

South Side is always fun if you want to catch a couple drinks.

Isn't there a museum by Carnegie Mellon that is amazing? I remember going to a science or space museum a couple years ago when I was in school and it was really something.

Mount Washington for sight seeing...

http://www.pittsburghhomesguide.com/img/pittsburgh4.jpg

If you want to drive another hour [two at the absolute most] you could see the HoF's in Ohio, Rock Hall in Cleveland and Football Hall in Canton...I mean, not exactly Pitt, but it's cool to check them out and Cleveland and Pitt are close...

Grove City isn't far from Pitt. It's a huge discount mall. There isn't any tax on clothes in PA. Except if the clothes are considered "Luxury" items...

http://www.grovecityoutlet.us/images/r_grove_city_outlet_entrance.jpg

[awfullyquiet]

pgh is kinda weird.

i have heard it's gotten better after like 15 years of decline.

the food there is pretty good. and pgh is still a hell of a lot better than philly.

as far as attractions. don't got to a show, all the venues suck.

[Cashmoney]

the HOF is awesome

so is the rock n roll hall of fame.

[the dude]

*thread bump*

Im going to chicago for a week and was wondering if anybody could recommend any attractions, restaurants etc? Im going with family so museums and architectural sights are also cool

thanks

[awfullyquiet]

*thread bump*

Im going to chicago for a week and was wondering if anybody could recommend any attractions, restaurants etc? Im going with family so museums and architectural sights are also cool

thanks

I can come up with a million places.

insofar as 'museums'. go to the art museum. see american gothic. the field museum is okay, they used to have a lot more stuff, but they've been poorly managed lately (i used to have a friend who worked there and had passes to go into the catacombs there... now that's fun).

when are you going and where are you staying?

as probably (iirc) the only person on the board who lives in the city proper, i can give you like, a bunch of things to do that are time-specific as well.

as far as food goes. it just depends on how adventurous you'd like to get. in relation to downtown, china town and greek town are VERY close in proximity. the L (cta) is super easy to get around for most anything.

how family friendly does it have to be? ages?

[the dude]

well...its my graduation gift from my parents. i could pick any place in the world for a vacation and we're going to chicago for a week and then green bay for a couple of days where were gonna be at the game against the lions (yay!)

we'll be staying at a hotel right next to the trump building. my parents are both 55 and we're renting a car

[Sniper]

well...its my graduation gift from my parents. i could pick any place in the world for a vacation and we're going to chicago for a week and then green bay for a couple of days where were gonna be at the game against the lions (yay!)

Any place in the world and you picked Chicago and Green Bay? Seriously?

[awfullyquiet]

Any place in the world and you picked Chicago and Green Bay? Seriously?

don't judge. if i picked copenhagen, i be he woulda been like. seriously? out of all the places you could go to. you pick here?

[the dude]

Any place in the world and you picked Chicago and Green Bay? Seriously?

i have never been to a packers game, so that is going to be pretty big

ive been all over europe and i feel no urge to go to south america (and get kidnapped) or asia (and get a std). I prefer cities over beaches and people i know who have been to chicago said really nice things about it

[fischbowl]

When I graduated, my parents offered me the same thing and I chose to go to Minneapolis

[Sniper]

i have never been to a packers game, so that is going to be pretty big

ive been all over europe and i feel no urge to go to south america (and get kidnapped) or asia (and get a std). I prefer cities over beaches and people i know who have been to chicago said really nice things about it

Fair enough. Have a good time! To be honest, I didn't notice that you were from Copenhagen.

[jimmylishis]

ive only been to chicago once but my dad used to go to college there and he and his buddies took me to a pizza place called dues (i think). It was hands down the best pizza i've ever had.

[andyjo672]

Due is overrated and a tourist trap. Go to Lou Malnatti's if you want some good pizza. Also, if you want a good Chicago experience, head up Clark Street just south of Diversey and get a Chicago style hot dog from the Wiener's Circle, especially after 2 am and have the fat black ladies make fun of you.

Shedd aquarium is a good time, pretty nice. Overrated is the Science and Industry Mueseum. If the Cubbies are in town, catch a day game there. You can go up to the stadium the day of and get yourself tickets for $40/piece.

Good night time activity with the parents is checking out a show at 2nd City. This comedy club was the birth place of many famous Chicago comedians, and many names you'd recognize from the good days of SNL and Steven Colbert did some stuff there while studying at Northwestern.

If you or your parents want a good place to grab a drink, head to the top of the Hancock building for Happy Hour/sunset. GREAT views, good drinks, little pricey but worth it for the experience.

Take a water taxi from the Sears Tower to Michigan Ave. Cool new perspective on the city and cheap (couple bucks/person, cheaper than a normal cab).

If its a nice day (you should have gone in the summer) head to the North Ave beach, great time, great beach, great views. If your mom wants to go shopping obviously check out Michigan Ave and also the area around Halsted and North Ave in the Gold Coast/Lincoln Park area.

At the corner of Clark and Fullerton there is a little Italian restaurant called Basils I believe, also very good. Also a hidden gem in the Streeterville area (just off of Michigan ave, but very off the beaten path) is a GREAT italian restaurant called Volare. It definitely seems like the type of place where the "connected" guys go. When we were there there were approx. 20 regulars there wearing their leather jackets and their tacky wives with large fur coats, seemed a little odd but definitely adds to the charm.

[fischbowl]

Second City is the best improv club in the country (and Toronto). As a sketch fan, I'd highly recommend it. I went just to take pictures when I was in Chi Town this summer. Nearby is the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is really nice and free. Then I went North to Wrigleyville. That was one of my two days there

[awfullyquiet]

Due is overrated and a tourist trap. Go to Lou Malnatti's if you want some good pizza. Also, if you want a good Chicago experience, head up Clark Street just south of Diversey and get a Chicago style hot dog from the Wiener's Circle, especially after 2 am and have the fat black ladies make fun of you.

All true. Malnatti's sausage is amazing. Add garlic cream sauce and you have a winner. Also. Hold out a 20 and ask for a chocolate milk shake at Wiener Circle. Worth it.

Shedd aquarium is a good time, pretty nice. Overrated is the Science and Industry Mueseum. If the Cubbies are in town, catch a day game there. You can go up to the stadium the day of and get yourself tickets for $40/piece.

Shedd is great. A little pricy to get into the Oceanarium (the fun part).

Lincoln Park Zoo (also on clark street near weiner circle) is free. Fun and is in the middle of a fantastic park.

I don't think the cubs are going to be playing much longer, though. In actuality though, Wrigleyville is only fun if you're coming to drink, the resturants are homey and okay (except for Uncommon Ground, which is at clark and grace (right north of wrigley field), wonderful organic foods, prepared well)... there's a taco bell. my house. a bunch of families, and a little bit to the east of wrigley is all the *** activity in the city. bondage bars... yeah. it's quite amazing that you have frat boys on one street, and *** guys just 3 streets over.

Good night time activity with the parents is checking out a show at 2nd City. This comedy club was the birth place of many famous Chicago comedians, and many names you'd recognize from the good days of SNL and Steven Colbert did some stuff there while studying at Northwestern.

again, absolutely correct, second city is legit.

If you or your parents want a good place to grab a drink, head to the top of the Hancock building for Happy Hour/sunset. GREAT views, good drinks, little pricey but worth it for the experience.

The Signature Room at the Hancock is also a fantastic place to eat. But, if you want to break the bank as far as eating, and actually live to tell about it.

816 W. Armitage.
Charlie Trotters.
God among food. Multi-Million dollar wine cellar. If you enjoy good food remotely. Go. But at $155 dollars per person without gratuity or alcohol. It's a bit on the pricy side for most.

Take a water taxi from the Sears Tower to Michigan Ave. Cool new perspective on the city and cheap (couple bucks/person, cheaper than a normal cab).

Save money. Just go to the signature room. =D i rarely tell people ever to go to the sears tower, mostly because it's out of the way and more in the financial district in the south loop, there really isn't much down there except for one of my favourite post-bears game haunts in the South Loop Club and Buddy Guy's Legends.

http://www.buddyguys.com/

If you like jazz, go andersonville (i'll get to the neighborhoods in a minute if you like culture). Green Mill Club on Clark and Lawrence is fantastic, right off the Red Line (transit) station, great ethiopean resturant right across the street and little hole in the wall mexican place next door (if i remember correctly, the chef's special is normally whole cooked fish, authentically seasoned, and absolutely delicious. grab that and a mexican beer for ultimate satisfaction). There's probably a concert (or boxing) going on at the two wonderful theatres next door in the Rivera and the Aragon Ballroom. Occasionally there'll actually be dancing at the Aragon, but, their both beautiful. The area around there has been getting a little sketchier lately, but overwhelmingly isn't bad.

If its a nice day (you should have gone in the summer) head to the North Ave beach, great time, great beach, great views. If your mom wants to go shopping obviously check out Michigan Ave and also the area around Halsted and North Ave in the Gold Coast/Lincoln Park area.

Actually i'd also suggest a little further north to Halsted and Fullerton, and west on diversey for more boutique sort of things. Michigan Ave is great too. Hella crowded, but very cool.

At the corner of Clark and Fullerton there is a little Italian restaurant called Basils I believe, also very good. Also a hidden gem in the Streeterville area (just off of Michigan ave, but very off the beaten path) is a GREAT italian restaurant called Volare. It definitely seems like the type of place where the "connected" guys go. When we were there there were approx. 20 regulars there wearing their leather jackets and their tacky wives with large fur coats, seemed a little odd but definitely adds to the charm.

Basil's is alright, but, I'm a big proponent of both Caro Mio (Wilson and Ravenswood) in the ravenswood neighborhood and Volare for sure (which is at St. Clair and Illinois St. right near Navy Pier if you decide to visit that hellhole)

I'll let you in on a few other things.

Don't be afraid to visit the South Side and West Side of Chicago. The West Side, ESPECIALLY logan square is a fantastic place to visit, a great hispanic and cuban heritage area, amazing architecture, houses, it's tons of fun, and very diverse.

On the South Side, i'd say: Visit University of Chicago's campus (and frank lloyd wright's Robie House) and Hyde Park, as well as Kenwood, Bronzeville, Illinois Institute of Technology (most people find Van Der Rohe's work there rather boring, i think it's rather amazing. just me. if you like van der rohe's work, make the hike out to Plano, IL to see the farnsworth house (http://www.farnsworthhouse.org/)) Bronzeville has a wonderful music scene, Kenwood is the Obama Residence (and home to plenty of other amazing houses).

To the north is chinatown, which is pretty okay, but to the west of that is: Pilsen, which is one of the up and coming neighborhoods in chicago, has the national museum of mexican art, which, going on now, has their yearly day of the dead exhibits which are phenomenal. Pilsen is near both Bridgeport (Home Of: Chicago White Sox, Mayor Daley, and again, a very varied history with the Irish inhabitants), and Chinatown and the South Loop (Soldier Field).

I'd suggest also, going, renting bikes, riding up and down the lakefront path. it's about 30kilometres each way north and south, and is absolutely wonderful in the fall (assuming you have a jacket).

Not in the city: Ba'hai temple of america http://www.bahai.us/bahai-temple
frank lloyd wright houses in oak park http://gowright.org/wrightplus/index.html

[The_Dude]

When I graduated, my parents offered me the same thing and I chose to go to Minneapolis

ha ha ha ha ha... sucker ;)

[the dude]

thanks for the help, guys, its highly appreciated

[CC.SD]

My advice is stay away from Duquesne. I knew a guy who went there, and he was a total douche.

[YAYareaRB]

jT5eYEBwWH8

gWek_Kx1Nk0

pS1um7Xa7zg

[YAYareaRB]

Let's recap.. on your most open night.

Breakfast - DeLucas
Lunch - Primantis
LunDinner - Quaker Steak and Lube

[drowe]

and, if ya need some guidance when ya get to green bay, just say the word.
i'm your man.

[Chucky]

and, if ya need some guidance when ya get to green bay, just say the word.
i'm your man.

There is stuff to do in Green Bay? Other than the Packers?

[fischbowl]

My advice is stay away from Duquesne. I knew a guy who went there, and he was a total douche.

Yeah I got a full ride and when I went and visited I ******* hated it

[CC.SD]

There is stuff to do in Green Bay? Other than the Packers?

Also drinking, and your cousin. :)

[the dude]

and, if ya need some guidance when ya get to green bay, just say the word.
i'm your man.


thanks buddy! were in green bay for two days, so we have to see some of the sights. how do you get a tour at lambeau? also, are there any breweries that have guided tours?

[vikes_28]

The closest I have ever been to Chicago is Davenport, IA, boy...most exciting trip ever. /sarcasm.

Never been to Pittsburgh either.

[drowe]

thanks buddy! were in green bay for two days, so we have to see some of the sights. how do you get a tour at lambeau? also, are there any breweries that have guided tours?

are you driving from chicago? this would change everything.

not sure about stadium tours. you could just go to the stadium the day before the game and walk around the atrium. see the packer hall of fame and stuff.

[SuperMcGee]

I know the Pitt stuff is from a long time ago, but I've been going there quite a bit in the past year. Primanti's and Sonic, that's what's up. And the Chop House, for the right occasion.

[Wootylicous]

I need some info on Washington DC area!

I need some places where its cheap to stay ! and some places to eat !

[D-Unit]

I'm heading to Oxnard, CA at the end of the month. Anyone familiar with the place???

[fischbowl]

I'm heading to Oxnard, CA at the end of the month. Anyone familiar with the place???

Why not go when the Cowboys are actually in training camp?

[UKfan]

OK, I am going to be in Dallas for one night... which just happens to be Halloween! Any suggestions where to head for? :D

[Rob S]

Going to Boston in a few weeks.......been there twice before, but most recently like 8 years ago so I pretty much forget it all. I will be staying at NorthEastern with a friends friend. Any advice?

Also, if anyone has been to Cairo let me know haha.....I am heading over to Egypt this winter.

[awfullyquiet]

I need some info on Washington DC area!

I need some places where its cheap to stay ! and some places to eat !

i'd ask SK on that one. what do you want to spend money on? food? maybe that's just me.

i'd suggest probably some place around greenbelt or college park area. just because it's ridiculously close to the green line and you can schlep your way to town that way. cheaper than staying in the district or va.

Going to Boston in a few weeks.......been there twice before, but most recently like 8 years ago so I pretty much forget it all. I will be staying at NorthEastern with a friends friend. Any advice?

My memory of boston is faded to dive bars, bakeries, and the best place to get a frappe when you're drunk at 3am.

[Snorlax1]

OK, I am going to be in Dallas for one night... which just happens to be Halloween! Any suggestions where to head for? :D

Im heading there for the UT/OU game next week, got 3rd row tickets, and will let you know if i remember any decent places. But im sure it will be really hazy.

[Wootylicous]

Anyone ever been to Vail/Aspen and can give me info on that ?

[JFLO]

Jesus H., it took me forever to find this thread, then I realized there was a search engine thing...

So anyways, I'm contemplating studying for a bit of time in Kenya. It'll set me back a bit financially and education wise, but I think it would be worth it, besides, I've always got time to graduate.

So my question is, if anyone has been to Africa (Kenya or anyone else). Would you recommend it? Any advice?

[The Unseen]

I haven't been to Kenya, but I am learning Swahili and my teacher has thrown little cultural tidbits here and there. None of them are particularly relevant for your question, but she likes to drive home that Kenya isn't some god-forsaked **** hole as people think, especially since you'd probably be studying in a city. Also, people are very hospitable there, much moreso than here. They will go out of the way for visitors. They are also generally happier, even though they have a lot less than America.

I would suggest learning at least some Swahili before going there, because 1) it's an awesome language and 2) it might help you.

[themaninblack]

Alright so it looks like I'm going to be going to Las Vegas in a couple of months to celebrate turning 21 with a friend. I think were gonna stay at the Flamingo anybody want to give me some recommendations for what to do? Aside from the excessive drinking and gambling i mean. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[CJSchneider]

Say hi to Wayne Newton for me.

[CashmoneyDrew]

Obviously go looking for hookers and cocaine.

[themaninblack]

That's a given.

[CashmoneyDrew]

Ride those crazy rides on top of that building.

[Rob S]

I will be leaving for Egypt in around 24 hours.......going to Cairo, Luxor, Alexandrian, and Sharm El Sheikh. Also am going to try and go to Jerusalem.

[wicket]

I will be leaving for Egypt in around 24 hours.......going to Cairo, Luxor, Alexandrian, and Sharm El Sheikh. Also am going to try and go to Jerusalem.

americans with their skewed perception of proximity. Well actually its south of 300 miles but still

[Rob S]

americans with their skewed perception of proximity. Well actually its south of 300 miles but still

I know what I'm doing......I'm not the ****** American tourist......I have been all over. There are flights out of Sharm or even a bus, you can do it in 2 days relatively easily. Sharm is on the Sinai Peninsula. The only thing that may be a problem is getting back into Egypt with an Israeli stamp, but I have heard its not so bad anymore.

[Caddy]

I leave in just under 48 hours for my trip to the USA. Will be spending at least 6 months over there.

Any tips guys?

[wicket]

I know what I'm doing......I'm not the ****** American tourist......I have been all over. There are flights out of Sharm or even a bus, you can do it in 2 days relatively easily. Sharm is on the Sinai Peninsula. The only thing that may be a problem is getting back into Egypt with an Israeli stamp, but I have heard its not so bad anymore.

There is a direct bus connection from cairo to jeruzalem and back for some reason. I dont know on what kind of budget you are travelling on but that may be somewthing worth looking into.

[Rob S]

There is a direct bus connection from cairo to jeruzalem and back for some reason. I dont know on what kind of budget you are travelling on but that may be somewthing worth looking into.

I wont be able to leave from Cairo as the itinerary is pretty strict, its going to have to be from Sharm where I have a few free days. There are a few buses that do connect from there tho......still will probably be tough, but its doable. I may settle for going to Mt. Sinai.

[Giantsfan1080]

I leave in just under 48 hours for my trip to the USA. Will be spending at least 6 months over there.

Any tips guys?

Where are you going?

[fischbowl]

I leave in just under 48 hours for my trip to the USA. Will be spending at least 6 months over there.

Any tips guys?

Whereabouts you going to be Caddy?

[Caddy]

Whereabouts you going to be Caddy?

North Carolina for 4-5 months then where ever I want.

[Scott Wright]

Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL at the end of January!

[Chucky]

Hey SWDC,

So I am going on a roadtrip to Pittsburgh this weekend from Thursday to Sunday. Going to see the Pitt Panthers game and Penguins game on Saturday and I have partying under control. Pretty much I am looking for places to eat(and yes I plan on going to Primantis), what microbrews to drink and other fun stuff to do in Pitt.