  |
|
EKRACINSKI
8/7/07 12:30 P
|
|
|
|
We got back from the trip late last night - well, really early this morning - and I weighed myself after not being able to do so for 8 days. I surprised myself by only gaining 3 pounds!
After two meals of fried clams and onion rings with bowls of clam chowder, I expected more, but I am quite happy that the vacation didn't cost me more pounds.
Thanks for the tips everyone. They really helped make the trip even better.
|
|
|
|
Well, we ended up splitting the Freedom Trail over two days. We did the Boston side of it Friday - in 95 degree heat - and then took a break. We rented a car - a Sebring convertible - and went to Plimoth Saturday It was nice and my son really got into asking the re-enactors good questions.
Today we went to Concord to see the Old North Bridge where the revolt started, then stopped in on the Charlestown side of the Freedom Trail and went to the USS Constitution. All in all a good day.
We are going back home tomorrow night and I will be reluctant to leave. I love Boston and really wish that we could live here, but it is way too expensive for us. Chicago is a great city, but my second choice would be Boston for sure.
Tomorrow is the Fenway Park tour and then the Aquarium and home.
|
|
|
|
The spot of the "shot heard round the world" is pretty nice, it's mostly a park. There's this big statue and this memorial... and then there's this tiny little British memorial for the British soldiers that died. There's a small museum there as well.
When I was a kid growing up, you could see them re-enact Paul Revere's ride. I think they ended up stopping it :(
|
|
|
|
We were in section 18, row 9 with a perfect view of the infield. We did have a pole to our right, but that was to be expected as the older parks always have poles. Wrigley certainly has its share as well.
We went to the Cottonwood Cafe across the street from Fire + Ice. We split a BBQ chicken sandwich and I had a salad of greens as well. Very good.
Tomorrow it is off to the Freedom Trail if the weather holds up. If not, we will go to the aquarium instead.
|
|
|
|
Glad you had a good time!
It was kind of hot out today, but the walk is usually not so bad especially after sitting down for 3 hours.
True, the dangerous part of Fire & Ice is the "all you can eat" part, but it's damned good!
Where were your seats?
|
|
|
|
Well, we went to Fenway today and it was an absolutely incredible experience and everything I thought it would be. The Sox won and the crowd was very into it.
Turns out that the hotel is only about a 30 minute walk from Fenway, so we hoofed it. It was better than taking the crowded "T" and a lot better than renting a car and driving, then paying $35 for parking.
BTW, we went to Fire + Ice yesterday and the food was great. The choices were vast and they let my son eat for free. I did eat more than I should have, but it was a lot of veggies and a little more meat than I normally would eat.
|
|
|
|
My 13 year old and I take a summer roadie to different parks each summer. This year took us to Cleveland to watch the Redsox(which, as a yankee fan was tough... was trying to figure a way that BOTH teams could lose.) and to the AA Erie Seawolves.
Erie was tough on the diet. not many options that weren't in the hot dog, bigger hot dog or greasy chicken finger plan, which is much more typical of minor league parks.
In Cleveland there were quite a few tasty options from Turkey burgers to a decent grilled chicken. Problem is finding the stand that offers these, especially the Turkey burger (one stand I found). Also light beer is a good option.
Locally, Rochester (AAA) has an amazing variety of food options, more than any minor league park I've visited.
Bottom line for me is don't go crazy. And let me tell you, those Brats in Cleveland looked and smelled AMAZING!
|
|
|
|
I haven't been to any of the California park yet. I will have to let my wlet recover from NYC and Boston first as both towns are pretty expensive when it comes to hotels that are centally located for good access to subways and such.
In NYC, we stayed in midtown right off of Herald Square by the Empire State Building. The subway stopped on the same block we were staying on. From there, we got right to the Bronx with no changes and the Flushing with a single change. The Statue of LIberty was a straight shot also. It was easier than I thought.
In Boston, the "T" makes much more sense to me. I can get around rather easily on it from previous experience, but the maps are easy to read.
BTW - Cubs are in first as of today!
|
|
|
|
| I was wondering if anyone has been to San Francisco to catch a game. Im going in Sept to watch SF/Cincy game, anyone know that area well? Anyways im a huge cubs fan cant wait to catch them in the playoffs this year. Actually got my wife to sign a paper 2 years ago saying if the cubs made it to the world series she would take me. She is a huge Yankee fan and were gonna catch them play next year before they go to a new stadium. Saw that you are going to both ny parks and wondering how easy it was to navigate the area.
|
|
MICKEYMETS
7/30/07 1:34 P
|
|
|
|
| yeah, ronnie belliard got the only hit. maine looked solid - sorry you didn't get to see a whole game. have a great time at ellis island and at yankee stadium.
|
|
EKRACINSKI
7/29/07 8:50 P
|
|
|
|
Mickeymets, we went to Shea today, but got their a little different way. It turns out the hotel is right next to 34th/Herald Square, so we took the "B" to 42nd/Bryant Park and transferred to the #7. It took about 40 minutes like you said.
The game was shortened by rain, but Maine only gave up one hit (in the first) and the Mets poured on 5 runs and were threatening again when the game was called after about a 90 minute rain delay.
On to Ellis Island tomorrow and Yankee Stadium Tuesday.
Thanks for the guidance!
|
|
EKRACINSKI
7/26/07 11:41 A
|
|
|
|
| So, I can get to both stadiums on different trains, but from the same station?
|
|
MICKEYMETS
7/26/07 11:24 A
|
|
|
|
one quick other thing - to get to Yankee Stadium, just take the D train at 42nd street and 6th avenue, headed toward uptown and the bronx. get off at 161st st/river avenue/yankee stadium. again, the stadium will be right there. i can't remember whether you said you were going to a weekend or a weekday game, but the B train also runs up there on weekdays, and the 4 train also stops there (although from where you are the B or D will be faster).
have a great time.
|
|
EKRACINSKI
7/26/07 12:56 A
|
|
|
|
40 minutes is not bad at all. I will be sure to load the card for the round trip before we go.
Unfortunately, there is not a lot of time for sightseeing in NYC since we will only be there Sunday through Wednesday morning, with 2 ballgames to go to. Sunday after the game will be too late to get to Coney Island (my son is obsessed with Nathan's after seeing Kobyashi eat a zillion hot dogs). Monday will really be the only day to see anything and Ellis Island is important to him to see.
Thanks for the tips and I will post back with links to pictures if anyone is interested.
|
|
MICKEYMETS
7/25/07 9:17 P
|
|
|
|
loge seats right behind the plate - not too shabby! loge at shea is just above field level, and is actually a better seat than most field level seats. don't know much about yankee stadium's layout, but they do have a "view from the seat" function on their website, so you can figure out where you'll be sitting there.
it's real simple to get to the game from where you will be staying. just walk up fifth avenue to 42nd street and look for the #7 train headed toward flushing. on sunday, you'll only be able to get a local train to and from, so count on about a 40 minute trip from fifth avenue. fare is $2 each way, and is by far the best way to get to the game. make sure that you have roundtrip fare, as getting metrocard fare after the game will take you forever. you can get metrocards at the machines that are usually right near the turnstiles. you will get off at willets point-shea stadium and the stadium will literally be right in front of you - just follow the crowd. loge section 4 should be at gate C - when you get down the ramp and the stairs, walk forward toward the box office and gate E.
in my opinion, midtown is the least exciting part of the city, by far. there are tons of things you can do in all five boroughs - if you have any particular interests, let me know and i can give you some pointers. hope this stuff is helpful.
|
|
EKRACINSKI
7/25/07 12:23 A
|
|
|
|
We haven't left yet, but we are coming in this next week from Chicago.
We am flying into LaGuardia Sunday morning, checking into the hotel and then taking the subway to Shea for the afternoon game. We are staying on 35th between 5th and 6th Ave. I was told that we could check in early and then head out to the game.
We have loge seats at Shea in section 4 and Yankee Stadium will be in section 474.
Monday will be the obligatory Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island tour and that will be about it for that day. Tuesday is the Yankee Stadium tour and then back for the night game against the White Sox.
I really have no idea what to expect of either one. I have been to NYC a few times, but only to midtown for conferences. I haven't been out for any sightseeing, so any tips or ideas on the subway would be helpful.
|
|
MICKEYMETS
7/24/07 11:24 P
|
|
|
|
have you already been to shea/yankee stadium or are you doing that on your way back to the midwest (i'm guessing you're from IL/IN or somewhere thereabouts if you're a cubs fan)? i'd be happy to give you some tips about visiting shea and seeing NYC, if you'd like.
shea will let you in with pretty much any food, but nothing in bottles or cans, including water. the only thing reasonably healthy that i have found to eat there (at least on the upper levels, where the food is inferior) is a grilled chicken sandwich, which is fine.
|
|
EKRACINSKI
7/24/07 8:38 P
|
|
|
|
Thanks for the tips!
This is the second annual baseball trip that my son and I are going on. Last year was a test to Detroit and Cleveland, and with Shea and Yankee Stadium being replaced after next year, it made sense to visit there - and Fenway was an obvious addition there.
We are looking forward to it for sure.
|
|
|
|
If you have a rainy day, try the Museum of Science. You can spend a whole day there, and the shows are decent. Take the green line from Copley to Lechmere Station. One thing about the Green line... you have to look at which way it's going and what letter it is. Study the map on MBTA.com
For the game, it's going to be a healthy walk, so I'd say shuttle in, and walk back. Take the Orange line from Back Bay to Ruggles. When you get off of the train at Ruggles, you'll go up the escalator to the main floor, and there should be a sign pointing to the red sox shuttle. Try to get there 30-60minutes before game time as it will probably get more crowded closer to the game. Pre/post game the area around Fenway is mobbed. Literally, the bridge is packed with people.
If you're there early enough, they close down landsdowne street and it's like a street party, vendors, you can see the pre-game guys doing their show, and even see guys like Luis Tiante sometimes signing memorabilia outside of his little sidewalk cafe. The souvenier shop is right there, is big, and is expensive. Depending on your seats, you should have a good view of the game. Right field can be uncomfortable and you have to turn left to see home plate, and may miss things sometimes. Being from Wrigley, you'll appreciate the comfortable atmosphere. you feel like you can just hop out of your seat and be on the field.
The Aquarium is a must see, I haven't been there in a while but it never disappoints. Especially the center tank with the sharks. The big wall with the different sharks drawn to actual size always scared the hell out of me.
He's a bit old for the Children's museum maybe...but you can look into that. It's right next to the Tea Party museum on the Freedom Trail.
Downtown Crossing can get very crowded and hectic as it's right in the financial district and also a major hangout for people of all ages.
Oh, since you're in Copley, check out the shopping center there, or take a walk down Newbury Street. There's used cd shops on Newbury and one in Kenmore (Nuggets). Clothing stores there are chic and expensive.
Warning: The Newbury Comics store has another store below it called "Condom World". Just a warning in case you want to shield him from novelty stuff like that...
I think you can still go to the top of the Prudential Tower.
Also while you'd think the T stops were far apart... Prudential, Copley, Arlington, Boylston are all close to each other and it's usually faster to walk.
Take the Orange Line to State Street (you probably will as part of the Freedom Trail, there's a couple of spots there), and you can walk down to Fanueil Hall for lunch, shopping and so on.
Have a safe trip!
|
|
EKRACINSKI
7/23/07 8:09 P
|
|
|
|
We're staying in Copley, right by the Hancock Tower. It is just a block away from Fire + Ice - that place sounds great. We have a place around here that sound similar, and I hope to give it a shot.
I was going to avoid the Green Line and see what other arrangements I could make. I was thinking about taking rail from Back Bay to Yawkey since we will have a pass, but your suggestion sounds like it will be less crowded.
I assume the walk is safe enough for me and my 10 year old to make since it is a day game. I have never been to Fenway and do not know the area at all.
We will have a T pass for the week, and probably rent a car to get down to Plymouth and see a few friends in the Hanover/Pembroke area.
The itinerary will include the Freedom Trail of course, as well as Plimouth Plantation and probably the aqaurium as well. A Fenway Park tour is planned too. We will be there from Wednesday to Monday evening, so I still have a bit of time to fill.
Anything that a local might suggest to a dad and a 10 year old?
|
|
|
|
Depends on where you're staying, really. If you're T-accessible and plan no checking out Newbury Street, there are a ton of places there. You can get to Newbury Street on foot from Fenway, it's a healthy walk.
If you're in Copley, or harvard Sq. in Cambridge... I recommend Fire + Ice.
It's a round grill, in the middle... and you go and pick out your meats, veggies, noodles if you want, and then sauce... and they stir fry it right there in front of you.
Then you bring it back to your table and they've got tortillas and white rice there too to mix in.
It's like 8 or 9 bucks for lunch and it's all you can eat.If you're staying near Copley, it's an easy walk. check out:
www.fire-ice.com
Also if you're staying in Copley, or near the orange line... don't take the green line to Kenmore. It's slow, outdated, overcrowded and everyone and their mother is piling in and out of it.
At Ruggles Station there is a free shuttle to Fenway park, drops you off at (I think) Gate A. We take it all the time, and walk back to Copley to catch the Orange line at Back Bay.
Let me know whereabouts you'll be and I can dig up some restaurant suggestions.
|
|
EKRACINSKI
7/23/07 5:12 P
|
|
|
|
| Ken, I am going to be at Fenway next Thursday for the Sox-Orioles day game. Any suggestions as far as places to eat in Boston other than the popular places - something off the beaten paths?
|
|
|
|
When I go to the ballpark I get gouged pretty well for the bottled water there. I'll usually eat a hotdog and then go get a better meal afterwards. If you bring a bar or two in, if they stop you...say that you need to eat small frequent meals and the park doesn't have any healthy options.
Fenway Park has a D'angelos or Subway in the park, but it's just a small stand and I don't really trust the quality of the subs there as opposed to a real Subway where the stuff is more fresh.
Also have a snack before going into the ballpark. You figure you're going to be there for 3-4 hours. If you eat a snack right before, then you eat a hotdog or two, that should hold you over until the game is done.
I also tend to watch out for the reflex eating. Spectator activities like catching a game, watching a movie, or watching TV tend to lead to snack binging.
Sultan: Ballpark food usually consists of hot dogs, burgers, beer, pretzels, peanuts, beer, cracker jacks, beer, soda, cotton candy, pizza, and beer. It's sort of like the food you'd find at a carnival, and a backyard barbecue combined.
|
|
|
|
What's the policy on own foods/beverage at major league games?
I've only been once to a game in Toronto and didn't pay much attention back then, but I do know at least some minor league parks allow picnic baskets and everything.
|
|
|
|
I caught 2 games over the weekend.
I had a few peanuts both nights, and was dying for some nachos but held back.
|
|
EKRACINSKI
7/20/07 12:10 A
|
|
|
|
Russ, you seem like my kinda guy! I have never liked the Giants, and Barry does nothing to help them in my eyes.
For the record, I hated Barry before all the allegations and he was a Pirate, but at least I could respect his talent before. Now - not so much.
|
|
|
|
| One day is not going to kill your weight loss plan. You can handle a spike here or there. If you spend a week touring ballparks and throwing down hot dogs and beer then you're in for trouble but one day is fine. And what's more fun than watching the Giants lose? I can do that all day and it doesn't get old!
|
|
|
|
| I don't know if I've ever had ballpark food, but it sounds really good!
|
|
EKRACINSKI
7/18/07 11:35 P
|
|
|
|
I had a great time at Wrigley today. My son and I and a few friends took the day and watched the Cubs beat up on the Giants. I kinda took the day off and didn't count calories too closely, but I didn't eat what I would normally eat. I had a few hot dogs, peanuts, and went out for a really good burger after the game. No beer, but plenty of water.
All in all, even though I ate too many calories today, I really do not fell bad about it. I was careful not to over eat, but didn't watch every calorie like a hawk. I was comfortable doing this because I know that one "bad" day cannot undo the overall good habits that SP has helped me develop.
I had a great time and do not regret it a bit. Tomorrow it will be back to those good habits, but I will enjoy today as it was.
A good time with my son at the ballpark is well worth a few extra calories.
|
|
