My life is all about planning random little treats and trips. No kidding, you say. But it was even odd from me to watch my brain go into higher gear this morning when, over at Junkstore Cowgirl, Manhattan Dan offered me a beer if I make it to Oswego in June. I could do that, I thought. And I wonder if the 2006 season of the New York Collegiate Baseball League will be up and running by then? I need a Watertown Wizards hat this year. A house and a Watertown Wizards hat. Shoulda picked one up last year. And supper at Rudys.
Because of house, this will be a somewhat more modest year for trips otherwise but living near neat places means this is going to be OK. Nothing like the Grand Tour '05 That Never Was. I am thinking a trip through western NY, find a weck and a garbage plate, and maybe even go all the way around Lake Erie. I have never travelled that way. Plus camping. We have the gear so the kids may have to take on that new reality. I will have to see the sea but it may be a more sensible straight run there and one back. If I head to Cooperstown in 2006, it may be on a weekend. And sooner or later, I really ought to think of Quebec if only for the Belgian-style ales.
Any other ideas for short cheap trips in the eastern Great Lakes area? I need some plans.
Comments
Julia - January 15, 2006 3:59 PM
If you do end up swinging toward the Buffalo/Chautauqua County area, there are plenty of places to recommend for good, clean family fun. Linda of Junk Store Cowgirl probably would recommend Lily Dale in Chaut. County, as would I. Truly off the beaten path! Plus we have the Lucy-Desi museum in Jamestown for the "I Love Lucy" fans and the merely curious.
In Buffalo, you really can't go wrong with a trip to Albright-Knox Art Gallery. They have free audio guides for the museum's permanent exhibition and usually something of interest for special exhibits. I hear they brought back the mirrored room, which is reason enough to bring the kids. That art piece was one of my first exposures to modern art.
Keep us updated on your plans, and you have my email if you're looking for any suggestions. Matt and I would love to take you guys out for a beer if you're in the area.
Alan - January 15, 2006 6:04 PM
I certainly will. Sooner or later the Great Lake League of BLoggers needs to have its meeting.
GR - January 16, 2006 3:39 PM
There's a coincidence. The wife and I were thinking of visiting Kingston, Ont this summer, and mi casa es su casa Alan, wherever we land. The beer will be cold, the tofu pups grilled crispy.
Cool idea about a Lake Erie trip, although, ahem, there are some cities and towns on the US side that are not the most scenic. One travel goal we have is to go over to that little bit of Lake Huron that stretches over toward Toronto--supposed to be very beautiful.
Manhattan Dan - January 16, 2006 7:28 PM
Oh my goodness, look at the chain of events I've set off! It's like pushing that first domino and...off goes the chain reaction!
I'm delighted to hear your plans and I'd be honored to tip a few with you. I've never drunk with beer royalty before. I'm planning on being in Oswego June 6-8.
I'm also glad to know via the blog that Bev's and Rudy's are still around. I've heard through the grapevine (I think) that Wade's still makes their amazing breakfasts. Those are some of my favorite places anywhere.
Take care and imagine warm weather!
Manhattan Dan - January 16, 2006 7:36 PM
oops, I read the itinerary wrong. I'll be in Oswego the weekend of June 9-11.
Alan - February 12, 2006 7:46 PM
Places to eat in Oswego:<ul><li>Garafolo's Sausage.</li><li>Wade's - a Ward & Dickinson diner.</li><li>King Arthur'a Steakhouse & Brewery.