Business TravelGuys (2 Viewers)

[nirad3]

I was able to spend 6 days at home after my two-week trip to the West Coast and then Europe, but now it's back to the West Coast again. This time, I'm heading to Vancouver, one of my favorite cities to visit. I'll be there through Sunday. Three days at home and then back to the West Coast starting in Los Angeles on Thursday before heading to Las Vegas (Caesar's Palace) on Friday for a conference through the following Friday. This is a rough stretch.

Are you going to Vancouver for work or pleasure as well? If just work, do you normally stay places over the weekend? Only time I've done something like that was extending my trip in Austin a couple days to hang with friends, and similarly in Denver, going out a couple days early for a conference to hang with friends.

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

I was able to spend 6 days at home after my two-week trip to the West Coast and then Europe, but now it's back to the West Coast again. This time, I'm heading to Vancouver, one of my favorite cities to visit. I'll be there through Sunday. Three days at home and then back to the West Coast starting in Los Angeles on Thursday before heading to Las Vegas (Caesar's Palace) on Friday for a conference through the following Friday. This is a rough stretch.

Are you going to Vancouver for work or pleasure as well? If just work, do you normally stay places over the weekend? Only time I've done something like that was extending my trip in Austin a couple days to hang with friends, and similarly in Denver, going out a couple days early for a conference to hang with friends.

This trip is for work. In recent years, I try to extend on the front or the back end in order to get some "me" time in. This usually encompasses a hike when I head anywhere west. The Los Angeles/Las Vegas trip is business as well although 5 days after I return from that trip, I'm heading back to Europe for 12 days with my family.

I was born travelling as my dad worked for an airline growing up, and it's just something that I enjoy doing, even if it is for work. My wife and I have been together for 30+ years and I have always travelled for work. It's only been in the past couple that she will tag along with me on some trips now that my son is in college.

 

[nirad3]

I was able to spend 6 days at home after my two-week trip to the West Coast and then Europe, but now it's back to the West Coast again. This time, I'm heading to Vancouver, one of my favorite cities to visit. I'll be there through Sunday. Three days at home and then back to the West Coast starting in Los Angeles on Thursday before heading to Las Vegas (Caesar's Palace) on Friday for a conference through the following Friday. This is a rough stretch.

Are you going to Vancouver for work or pleasure as well? If just work, do you normally stay places over the weekend? Only time I've done something like that was extending my trip in Austin a couple days to hang with friends, and similarly in Denver, going out a couple days early for a conference to hang with friends.

This trip is for work. In recent years, I try to extend on the front or the back end in order to get some "me" time in. This usually encompasses a hike when I head anywhere west. The Los Angeles/Las Vegas trip is business as well although 5 days after I return from that trip, I'm heading back to Europe for 12 days with my family.

I was born travelling as my dad worked for an airline growing up, and it's just something that I enjoy doing, even if it is for work. My wife and I have been together for 30+ years and I have always travelled for work. It's only been in the past couple that she will tag along with me on some trips now that my son is in college.

Man that must be nice. I normally (and unfortunately) don't have that luxury. Not only can my wallet not take the cost of extending, but my wife and kids would have something to say about it.

That said, I do get a "guy's trip" in once a year (usually a long weekend... this year, Boise!) and typically a college reunion as well, also a long weekend.

 

[Angry Beavers]

Heading to good old Cleveland successfully. Slight readjustment after nine months off to not have CK anymore, and to be 4th on the list and not get upgraded instead of first every time. Woe is me

Should be fun! Just a quick one nighter for an interview.

Just seeing this
Go to east 4th. Great places a plenty

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

I was able to spend 6 days at home after my two-week trip to the West Coast and then Europe, but now it's back to the West Coast again. This time, I'm heading to Vancouver, one of my favorite cities to visit. I'll be there through Sunday. Three days at home and then back to the West Coast starting in Los Angeles on Thursday before heading to Las Vegas (Caesar's Palace) on Friday for a conference through the following Friday. This is a rough stretch.

Are you going to Vancouver for work or pleasure as well? If just work, do you normally stay places over the weekend? Only time I've done something like that was extending my trip in Austin a couple days to hang with friends, and similarly in Denver, going out a couple days early for a conference to hang with friends.

This trip is for work. In recent years, I try to extend on the front or the back end in order to get some "me" time in. This usually encompasses a hike when I head anywhere west. The Los Angeles/Las Vegas trip is business as well although 5 days after I return from that trip, I'm heading back to Europe for 12 days with my family.

I was born travelling as my dad worked for an airline growing up, and it's just something that I enjoy doing, even if it is for work. My wife and I have been together for 30+ years and I have always travelled for work. It's only been in the past couple that she will tag along with me on some trips now that my son is in college.

Man that must be nice. I normally (and unfortunately) don't have that luxury. Not only can my wallet not take the cost of extending, but my wife and kids would have something to say about it.

That said, I do get a "guy's trip" in once a year (usually a long weekend... this year, Boise!) and typically a college reunion as well, also a long weekend.

My wife doesn't have a problem with me extending a day or two. Considering I live in the flattest state in the country (Florida) and she knows how much I love hiking in the mountains and does NOT want any part of it herself, she gives me that allowance, most of the time....

 

[Instinctive]

Flight delayed going home LOL :(

Think the interview went well though!

 

[kutta]

Not business travel, but I like this thread.
About 3 weeks ago I decided to go to Tokyo for a week to check it out. And here I am!
What a great city!

What I really wanted to say though is that my super duper Marriott Status (Ambassador Elite) helped me get a reservation at Sukiyabashi Jiro. Ever since seeing Jiro Dreams of Sushi about 10 years ago, I’ve wanted to eat at this place. Reservations are almost impossible, and somehow they got me in. Go Marriott!

I’ll report back.

Here’s a quick read from Anthony Bourdain about this place:

Anthony Bourdain’s final meal | My last supper

My last supper: A sushi and sake blow-out sees Anthony Bourdain reach the peak of pleasure

www.theguardian.com

 

[kutta]

Here’s the “rules” the hotel sent me:

Below are the rules for Sukiyabashi Jiro. Please read through before you sign the form.

-Omakase price: JPY55,000 per person.
-They only have 17:30 or 19:00 slot and the chance will decrease if you are not flexible with the time.
-They only serve 18 pieces of sushi and dessert.
-It takes only 30-40 minutes for lunch/dinner from the beginning to the end.
-If the guest cannot eat all kinds or most of crustaceans or if there are many dislike foods, they will not accept the reservation.
-They will check your ID upon your entrance.
-Gentleman need to wear collared shirt or jacket.
-Must arrive 20 minutes before.
-They do not take reservation on guest's arrival day.
-Late arrival is subject to cancellation.
-Cancel policy: 100% of course menu/per from 7 days in advance for any changes, cancellation, or no-show.

 

[Instinctive]

Here’s the “rules” the hotel sent me:

Below are the rules for Sukiyabashi Jiro. Please read through before you sign the form.

-Omakase price: JPY55,000 per person.
-They only have 17:30 or 19:00 slot and the chance will decrease if you are not flexible with the time.
-They only serve 18 pieces of sushi and dessert.
-It takes only 30-40 minutes for lunch/dinner from the beginning to the end.
-If the guest cannot eat all kinds or most of crustaceans or if there are many dislike foods, they will not accept the reservation.
-They will check your ID upon your entrance.
-Gentleman need to wear collared shirt or jacket.
-Must arrive 20 minutes before.
-They do not take reservation on guest's arrival day.
-Late arrival is subject to cancellation.
-Cancel policy: 100% of course menu/per from 7 days in advance for any changes, cancellation, or no-show.

Enjoy! It was amazing. We got the early slot it seemed they preferred to put gaijin there lol

 

[Beef Ravioli Part 2]

Not business travel, but I like this thread.
About 3 weeks ago I decided to go to Tokyo for a week to check it out. And here I am!
What a great city!

What I really wanted to say though is that my super duper Marriott Status (Ambassador Elite) helped me get a reservation at Sukiyabashi Jiro. Ever since seeing Jiro Dreams of Sushi about 10 years ago, I’ve wanted to eat at this place. Reservations are almost impossible, and somehow they got me in. Go Marriott!

I’ll report back.

Here’s a quick read from Anthony Bourdain about this place:

Anthony Bourdain’s final meal | My last supper

My last supper: A sushi and sake blow-out sees Anthony Bourdain reach the peak of pleasure

www.theguardian.com

Loved visiting Tokyo!!! Amazing city!!!

 

[Beef Ravioli Part 2]

Going to Cleveland next week for an interview for a senior exec position. Went to SF for a practice retreat two weeks ago.

Headhunting team is booking everything, and they ask for some info, and I added in "I don't care if it needs to be the cheapest hotel in Cleveland as a result, I'll stay there, but it needs to be a Hyatt hotel please. I know that is maybe picky but it's been my primary brand for years and I want to feel as in rhythm as I can for this multi-day interview process."

They were like uhhh that's not their preferred but let's see. A couple hours later, and I'm at the Hyatt Regency babyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.

Some great food in downtown Cleveland!!

Any recs? I can do dinner Tuesday (it'll be laaaaaaate but maybe something is open?)

Sorry about never getting back with you! Not been on the FFA much in the last week or so.

Hope you got to see a little bit of The Land. Not as bad as the reputation it earned back in the 1970’s. I don’t get back there very much and I grew up in the Burbs but still claim to be a Cleveland guy.

Were you able to get a late dinner anywhere?

 

[Instinctive]

Going to Cleveland next week for an interview for a senior exec position. Went to SF for a practice retreat two weeks ago.

Headhunting team is booking everything, and they ask for some info, and I added in "I don't care if it needs to be the cheapest hotel in Cleveland as a result, I'll stay there, but it needs to be a Hyatt hotel please. I know that is maybe picky but it's been my primary brand for years and I want to feel as in rhythm as I can for this multi-day interview process."

They were like uhhh that's not their preferred but let's see. A couple hours later, and I'm at the Hyatt Regency babyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.

Some great food in downtown Cleveland!!

Any recs? I can do dinner Tuesday (it'll be laaaaaaate but maybe something is open?)

Sorry about never getting back with you! Not been on the FFA much in the last week or so.

Hope you got to see a little bit of The Land. Not as bad as the reputation it earned back in the 1970’s. I don’t get back there very much and I grew up in the Burbs but still claim to be a Cleveland guy.

Were you able to get a late dinner anywhere?

I just grabbed a snack at the hotel and went to bed quickly. Had a full day of interviews next day so the rest was worth it. Made it to the final round too!

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

Not business travel, but I like this thread.
About 3 weeks ago I decided to go to Tokyo for a week to check it out. And here I am!
What a great city!

What I really wanted to say though is that my super duper Marriott Status (Ambassador Elite) helped me get a reservation at Sukiyabashi Jiro. Ever since seeing Jiro Dreams of Sushi about 10 years ago, I’ve wanted to eat at this place. Reservations are almost impossible, and somehow they got me in. Go Marriott!

I’ll report back.

Here’s a quick read from Anthony Bourdain about this place:

Anthony Bourdain’s final meal | My last supper

My last supper: A sushi and sake blow-out sees Anthony Bourdain reach the peak of pleasure

www.theguardian.com

That's pretty cool. Did you use the Marriott Bonvoy concierge (or whatever service you get as an Ambassador) to make that reservation?

I'm just a lowly Platinum so I will have to be happy with my one-in-a-blue-moon upgrades.

I stayed at the Sheraton Wall Centre in Vancouver this week, and I have to say, their lounge service is remarkable. The food, the staff, the availability, the view from the 25th and 26th floors—everything. It was great to be able to go up there for breakfast, snacks, and/or a light dinner every day. It saved me on meal expenses.

By the way, if you're ever in Vancouver, I highly recommend Baan Lao in Steveston (Richmond). It's a Michelin-level meal. Last year, the World Culinary Awards voted it the best restaurant in Canada. Simply fantastic. It's not cheap, but it was worth it, especially with the premium wine pairing. Chef Phanthoupheng trained in Thailand under some Thai greats and was a gracious host. I can post some pictures if anyone is interested. The presentation was beautiful.

 

[kutta]

Not business travel, but I like this thread.
About 3 weeks ago I decided to go to Tokyo for a week to check it out. And here I am!
What a great city!

What I really wanted to say though is that my super duper Marriott Status (Ambassador Elite) helped me get a reservation at Sukiyabashi Jiro. Ever since seeing Jiro Dreams of Sushi about 10 years ago, I’ve wanted to eat at this place. Reservations are almost impossible, and somehow they got me in. Go Marriott!

I’ll report back.

Here’s a quick read from Anthony Bourdain about this place:

Anthony Bourdain’s final meal | My last supper

My last supper: A sushi and sake blow-out sees Anthony Bourdain reach the peak of pleasure

www.theguardian.com

That's pretty cool. Did you use the Marriott Bonvoy concierge (or whatever service you get as an Ambassador) to make that reservation?

I'm just a lowly Platinum so I will have to be happy with my one-in-a-blue-moon upgrades.

I stayed at the Sheraton Wall Centre in Vancouver this week, and I have to say, their lounge service is remarkable. The food, the staff, the availability, the view from the 25th and 26th floors—everything. It was great to be able to go up there for breakfast, snacks, and/or a light dinner every day. It saved me on meal expenses.

By the way, if you're ever in Vancouver, I highly recommend Baan Lao in Steveston (Richmond). It's a Michelin-level meal. Last year, the World Culinary Awards voted it the best restaurant in Canada. Simply fantastic. It's not cheap, but it was worth it, especially with the premium wine pairing. Chef Phanthoupheng trained in Thailand under some Thai greats and was a gracious host. I can post some pictures if anyone is interested. The presentation was beautiful.

Yep, I did. The concierge service hooked me up. I was pretty surprised because it was such short notice. Meal is in 5 hours I’ll report back!

I’ve been considering a Vancouver trip - thanks for the recommendation - and I’d love to see food pics…

 

[kutta]

Not much to say. Best sushi by far that I’ve ever had. Damn.

Time for a nap. This is what I call a good day.

 

[Harry Frogfish]

Opened this thread because it was on the first page and having just come across 900,000 miles I didn't know were there, I may have stumbled into the right place.

I booked two trips right off the bat because I almost feel like they might find a way for the miles to vanish or some ****. Like, getting through all the security questions and all the little steps they create to make it arduous is such BS but whatever, I'm here to assume I have 750K to go and when the first thing I read here was that kutta just up and left for some sushi in Tokyo, lol, well, that was motivating. What a stud. Traveled a fair amount when I was young but life helped curtail that and I've myself to blame for the rest.

I'll read more of the thread this week so as not to repeat questions and such but any advice with these mileage plans would be great.

As for the first two trips, one's a memorial which had me digging up this mileage account to begin with. I used some extra miles on 1st class for both return flights, simply because I found dates (flexible) that had relatively low mileage costs to upgrade. Not so on the outbounds. Then a basic google search on seating let me know to steer clear of the first row, which was nice. I had noticed those seats were not being selected on both flights. Seat selection ended up taking me awhile. I usually look for a window and that's that. But it became apparent to me where there could be families (KIDS) seated, so I steered clear of those areas.

I imagine there's a lot of good travel "hacks" in here.

BTW, my passport is expired and my DL also needs to be upgraded to the new TSA thing (and soon, getting on a plane in two weeks). Hoping Triple AAA might help with one or both.

 

[kutta]

Opened this thread because it was on the first page and having just come across 900,000 miles I didn't know were there, I may have stumbled into the right place.

I booked two trips right off the bat because I almost feel like they might find a way for the miles to vanish or some ****. Like, getting through all the security questions and all the little steps they create to make it arduous is such BS but whatever, I'm here to assume I have 750K to go and when the first thing I read here was that kutta just up and left for some sushi in Tokyo, lol, well, that was motivating. What a stud. Traveled a fair amount when I was young but life helped curtail that and I've myself to blame for the rest.

I'll read more of the thread this week so as not to repeat questions and such but any advice with these mileage plans would be great.

As for the first two trips, one's a memorial which had me digging up this mileage account to begin with. I used some extra miles on 1st class for both return flights, simply because I found dates (flexible) that had relatively low mileage costs to upgrade. Not so on the outbounds. Then a basic google search on seating let me know to steer clear of the first row, which was nice. I had noticed those seats were not being selected on both flights. Seat selection ended up taking me awhile. I usually look for a window and that's that. But it became apparent to me where there could be families (KIDS) seated, so I steered clear of those areas.

I imagine there's a lot of good travel "hacks" in here.

BTW, my passport is expired and my DL also needs to be upgraded to the new TSA thing (and soon, getting on a plane in two weeks). Hoping Triple AAA might help with one or both.

What airline are your miles with? I can help with lots of advice on American, but I’m a dummy with Delta or United. There are pros with all airlines in here so I’m sure someone can help.

Regarding my spur of the moment sushi trip to Tokyo. I’m 59 years old. My best friend (my age) was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a few years ago and is declining quickly. Another of my good friends (also my age) was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. A guy I’ve worked with closely for 15 years died suddenly of a heart attack the day before Christmas. After 29 years of marriage, I got divorced 3 years ago.

So I’m at the point in my life where I’m going to do what I want to do when I want to do it. You never know when these things will hit you, and these last few years have been really eye opening for me.

Next up - Antarctica in December - that will check off all seven continents

 

[beer 30]

having just come across 900,000 miles I didn't know were there

Would be interested in this story.

 

[nirad3]

I've mentioned it elsewhere (and maybe in this thread too) but I will be in Indianapolis this coming Thursday night, when the Pacers kick off the Finals in OKC against the Thunder. I've been searching online for a "watch party", but nothing coming up just yet. I'm sure there'll be something downtown to check out.

Also - I'm "only" Silver Elite at Marriott and despite a good number of miles on United, I'm still relegated to peon status when boarding. I try flying United whenever possible to pump up the miles and status, but guess I just don't travel enough.

 

[Harry Frogfish]

having just come across 900,000 miles I didn't know were there

Would be interested in this story.

In a word, lazy. Other reasons include using one CC, basically. I think in the beginning it was to wait and use them for one big trip. Years go by, then I kind of assumed they'd expired over time. Combine that with the hassle of it all and it made it easier to blow off, especially for a very high-level procrastinator. Just thinking about the hoops they make you jump through and assuming things like black-out dates, it was easier to spend 10 mins, be done, and use the miles for some bigger international trip "one day".

But I hit the "getting old and life is fleeting" moment of late, just like kutta alluded to, with some serious scares of my own and losing friends out of nowhere. So in booking that first trip (a Memorial) it dawned on me to dig up the miles I never kept track of and see if I can still use them, finally.

It took an entire afternoon to get it all sorted. So many calls, wrong departments, hold times, dead-ends, along with repeated failed attempts online, I almost threw in the towel (their goal). The key was getting someone who wanted to solve problems and help. Imagine that. And she stayed on with me until the actual booking was made. That last call took 1 hour and 57 minutes. She went above and beyond.

As an aside, it helped that she was Filipina and so is my ex. Obviously a ton of call-centers are there and I can't tell you how many times it's helped. Just the small-talk of having been there and stuff can personalize the interaction and help. Most definitely in this case. I did get a Supervisor on the line once we were done to tell her what an exceptional job the rep did and how she was the only person that gave me all the answers, without getting handed off yet again, and took all that time to make sure everything was right. I ended up elated and immediately booked a trip to Hawaii as well.

Now that I think about it, I may have got her demoted, lol. Instead of dishing me off, she kept taking the time to find answers and solutions, on the spot.

 

[nirad3]

I usually do plenty of recon when scheduling business trips, where to stay, what to do, etc. But man, major fail on the current trip I'm on. I'm about an hour south of Houston, staying in a town called Angleton. Small town, but adjacent to a larger town called Lake Jackson. When planning the overnight stay, I saw that Angleton was close (like 10-15 minutes) from the town I need to be in for a site visit (said town was too small to stay in) and had a decent hotel (La Quinta) and a bar or two with a good restaurant option. Well, the bar/restaurant I started at had no TVs to watch the College World Series, and down the street was a pool hall / "sorta" sports bar, but the bartender told me she couldn't change the TVs because they were all on the same feed, and some obvious-locals were watching the local FOX affiliate and TMZ was on (totally serious). So I ended up driving back to my hotel, stopped at the Buc-ee's (yeah, I'm in Texas) on the corner and got a 6-er of Lone Star and watched LSU walk-off against Arkansas in my hotel room. Not my normal business trip fare, but I have like 6-7 more trips this summer so I'm sure I'll make up for it. Free breakfast tomorrow and will try and get some BBQ on my way back to Houston to fly home. Travel safe, FFA'ers!

E2A: Shoulda just stayed 20 minutes down the road in Lake Jackson with oodles more choices... lesson learned

 

[Ron Swanson]

@nirad3 Bush or Hobby?

 

[nirad3]

@nirad3 Bush or Hobby?

Bush. Hobby had terrible timing for flights and for some reason, were more expensive. So decided to pump up the United miles and flew to IAH. Traffic through the city was surprisingly mild.

 

[Ron Swanson]

@nirad3 Bush or Hobby?

Bush. Hobby had terrible timing for flights and for some reason, were more expensive. So decided to pump up the United miles and flew to IAH. Traffic through the city was surprisingly mild.

I'd make a detour through Pearland on your way and hit Killens. If not, you won't have to go too far out of your way to stop at Truth in the Heights.

 

[nirad3]

@nirad3 Bush or Hobby?

Bush. Hobby had terrible timing for flights and for some reason, were more expensive. So decided to pump up the United miles and flew to IAH. Traffic through the city was surprisingly mild.

I'd make a detour through Pearland on your way and hit Killens. If not, you won't have to go too far out of your way to stop at Truth in the Heights.

My flight doesn't leave until 8:30pm so I have plenty of time and I'll be leaving the West Columbia area around 12:30, so I have time. I am definitely looking for some solid BBQ so I will look these up. Appreciated.

E2A: Just looked these up... I think I'll try swinging by Truth.

 

[beer 30]

staying in a town called Angleton

We have a branch in Angleton (Sunbelt Rentals).

That's it...that's all I got, good luck

 

[nirad3]

@nirad3 Bush or Hobby?

Bush. Hobby had terrible timing for flights and for some reason, were more expensive. So decided to pump up the United miles and flew to IAH. Traffic through the city was surprisingly mild.

I'd make a detour through Pearland on your way and hit Killens. If not, you won't have to go too far out of your way to stop at Truth in the Heights.

My flight doesn't leave until 8:30pm so I have plenty of time and I'll be leaving the West Columbia area around 12:30, so I have time. I am definitely looking for some solid BBQ so I will look these up. Appreciated.

E2A: Just looked these up... I think I'll try swinging by Truth.

Welp, I dunno it was because today's Juneteenth or if it's just that these places are always crazy busy, but I drove by both Truth (about 30+ people in line outside) and Pinkerton's (about 15-20 people waiting outside) and just didn't have the gumption to wait, even though I had plenty of time (flight doesn't leave until after 8pm). Looking back, I should have just done Pinkerton's (heard great things). I ended up going to a THIRD place (forget the name but it had OK reviews on Google), but while I was waiting to order they announced on the PA that they were backlogged on ribs and anyone that had ordered them would either need to wait 45 minutes or come back in to order something else.... and they allowed those people to re-order before me and the other guy in line, so figuring a good number of them would be ordering brisket (and they only had patio seating and it was 100+ in Houston today), I decided to bug out. Finally settled on a place about 10-15 minutes from the airport and it was average at best (although I got out of there for around $20 with 3 meats and 2 sides). Oh well, I've found great BBQ in SoCal so I'll probably go get some just to scratch that itch. Thanks @Ron Swanson for the recommendations, though. I tried.

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

I usually do plenty of recon when scheduling business trips, where to stay, what to do, etc. But man, major fail on the current trip I'm on. I'm about an hour south of Houston, staying in a town called Angleton. Small town, but adjacent to a larger town called Lake Jackson. When planning the overnight stay, I saw that Angleton was close (like 10-15 minutes) from the town I need to be in for a site visit (said town was too small to stay in) and had a decent hotel (La Quinta) and a bar or two with a good restaurant option. Well, the bar/restaurant I started at had no TVs to watch the College World Series, and down the street was a pool hall / "sorta" sports bar, but the bartender told me she couldn't change the TVs because they were all on the same feed, and some obvious-locals were watching the local FOX affiliate and TMZ was on (totally serious). So I ended up driving back to my hotel, stopped at the Buc-ee's (yeah, I'm in Texas) on the corner and got a 6-er of Lone Star and watched LSU walk-off against Arkansas in my hotel room. Not my normal business trip fare, but I have like 6-7 more trips this summer so I'm sure I'll make up for it. Free breakfast tomorrow and will try and get some BBQ on my way back to Houston to fly home. Travel safe, FFA'ers!

E2A: Shoulda just stayed 20 minutes down the road in Lake Jackson with oodles more choices... lesson learned

Yeah, I've done that before. Truthfully, I don't mind just getting some takeout and chilling in my hotel room sometimes. I can change the channel when I want, I can hear the play by play, I can doze off if needed for a few minutes, LOL.

 

[Ron Swanson]

@nirad3 Sorry to hear that. Lines are often part of the experience at a lot of the better TX BBQ places around lunch. They're usually pretty efficient and move fast though. I should have warned you.

 

[nirad3]

@nirad3 Sorry to hear that. Lines are often part of the experience at a lot of the better TX BBQ places around lunch. They're usually pretty efficient and move fast though. I should have warned you.

No problem, I should have just bucked up and parked, especially at Pinkerton's, where the line wasn't TOO bad. Plus, it was well past 1:30pm when I got there, so was kinda surprised to still see the lines so long.

 

[nirad3]

Next up on the travel menu, Phoenix (well, Tempe) and Tucson (July 1-3) Staying at Aloft properties in both Tempe (stayed there before) and Tucson. Supposed to be 106 when I get into town. I like it hot, though.

 

[kutta]

Next up on the travel menu, Phoenix (well, Tempe) and Tucson (July 1-3) Staying at Aloft properties in both Tempe (stayed there before) and Tucson. Supposed to be 106 when I get into town. I like it hot, though.

Hit me up! I live downtown - a hop, skip, and jump from Tempe.
I’m pretty sure there’s a Westin right on Mill avenue that has great access to the bars and restaurants right there. That AC is cool but it’s a bit of a walk to get to Mill avenue.

 

[beer 30]

Next up on the travel menu, Phoenix (well, Tempe) and Tucson (July 1-3) Staying at Aloft properties in both Tempe (stayed there before) and Tucson. Supposed to be 106 when I get into town. I like it hot, though.

nirad's Tour of the Sun 2025

 

[McBokonon]

Next up on the travel menu, Phoenix (well, Tempe) and Tucson (July 1-3) Staying at Aloft properties in both Tempe (stayed there before) and Tucson. Supposed to be 106 when I get into town. I like it hot, though.

Hit me up! I live downtown - a hop, skip, and jump from Tempe.
I’m pretty sure there’s a Westin right on Mill avenue that has great access to the bars and restaurants right there. That AC is cool but it’s a bit of a walk to get to Mill avenue.

About the same distance from Four Peaks, just turning left instead of right.

 

[kutta]

Next up on the travel menu, Phoenix (well, Tempe) and Tucson (July 1-3) Staying at Aloft properties in both Tempe (stayed there before) and Tucson. Supposed to be 106 when I get into town. I like it hot, though.

Hit me up! I live downtown - a hop, skip, and jump from Tempe.
I’m pretty sure there’s a Westin right on Mill avenue that has great access to the bars and restaurants right there. That AC is cool but it’s a bit of a walk to get to Mill avenue.

About the same distance from Four Peaks, just turning left instead of right.

Four Peaks is one of my favs. That green chili cheeseburger they have is amazing