Denver, Colorado

Things To Do/Places To See

1. Shop at Pedestrian Mall

The Pedestrian (16th Street) Mall is one of the best things to do in Denver. The Pedestrian Mall is a very large outdoor mall in the heart of Downtown Denver. I literally spent a whole day at the Pedestrian Mall. It's a beautiful, well-kept street with all the shops and stores you could ever imagine. There is great food, a movie theatre, and some value specialty shops (I got $3 Colorado Rockies shirt). There was literally something for everyone at the Pedestrian Mall, and it's right in the prettiest part of Downtown Denver. While not mentioned by most travel sites, the 16th Street Mall is one of the most underrated parts of the city. The 16th Street Mall is very clean and well-decorated and the absolutely perfect day to spend a summer afternoon.

2. Visit the Colorado State Capitol Building

The Colorado State Capitol is among the most beautiful things in the city of Denver. Ironically, the state capitol is exactly 5,280 feet above sea level (Denver is nicknamed the Mile High City). The state capitol building is impossible to miss with its gold dome and regal features. Whether you want to go outside the capitol and take pictures or go inside for the free tour the State Capitol is a must, especially for political junkies like me.


3. See a Rockies Game at Coors Field

Coors Field is one the most historic baseball fields in the country. Because of how thin the air is in Denver, Coors Field is known for being a homerun hitters ballpark and if you check out a game there you will most likely see fireworks on the scoreboard with the Rockies great offense including Tulowitzki, Gonzalez and Helton. A lot of people go on roadtrips where they see a baseball game in every ballpark in the country. With tickets for as low as $4 (Rockpile), going to see a Rockies game is a cheap activity that the whole family can enjoy in one of the most beautiful ballparks in the country.

Where To Stay

1. The Warwick Hotel

We stayed at the Warwick Hotel when we were in Denver and it is a great hotel at an unbelievable price. We actually got the hotel on Hotwire for about $70 a night and it was just a great place to stay. The only issue I had with the Warwick is the customer service was not great. Our shower was leaking and our bathroom floor was soaked because of it. When I called down the first time the lady at the front desk told me that they were sold out so they could not change our room, but when I called back a half hour later a man at the front desk upgraded us to a suite. Despite the minor inconvenience, the hotel was perfect for us. The hotel is located in Downtown Denver, and is a short walk from most of the major attractions. Along with how great the location was, the hotel was really pretty. There was a fireplace, and a great bar where a couple was having their wedding reception when we were there. The hotel was a great bargain and it was definitely a 4 star hotel at a 2 star price. As a quick note, the parking is about $20 a night, but there is a lot right down the street where you can park for $5 a night so do not let them rip you off with parking.

2. Ramada Denver Downtown

The Ramada Downtown Denver is a great hotel for the price. Offering free parking, free Wi-Fi and a free shuttle service, you really cannot beat the free amentities at this very reasonably prices hotel. The Ramada also has an unbelievable location right in the heart of Downtown Denver and only a minute or so from the state capitol building that we described above. Obviously this is a Ramada hotel we are talking about so it is not going to be a ridiculously upscale resort or anything like that, but the rooms appear to be nice and the location cannot be beat. If you are going to Denver on a budget and would rather walk than drive, the Ramada is perfect for you.

3. Castle Marne Bed and Breakfast

The Castle Marne is one of the most beautiful buildings you will ever see in your life. This B&B combines Victorian charm with modern-day luxury. Once you get past the amazing beauty of the Castle Marne, the location is absolutely perfect as well. Located in Downtown Denver, the Castle Marne is really one of the hidden gems in Denver. Despite the fact that this B&B is historic, they have free Wi-Fi which is a big plus in a hotel like this. They also have free parking which is great because with the location of this Bed and Breakfast, you won't have to drive anywhere which will save money. The price of this historic B&B is also very reasonable, going for around $125 a night in the summer. This Bed and Breakfast looks absolutely incredible and if we ever go back to Denver, we will definitely be staying at the Castle Marne.

Places to Eat

1. Sam's No. 3

Sam's #3 is a diner-style restaraunt on the corner of 15th and Curtis. Sam's is very inexpensive al the food is absolutely delicious. Sam's has won best of Denver numerous times and has been featured in the book 1,001 things to eat before you die. Sam's a is a great place to get some delicious food with the family. They have a great breakfast selection and they serve Mexi-American food the rest of the day. This is not gourmet food, but it's a great place to get some cheap eats in Downtown Denver.

2. Willie G's Seafood and Steaks

Willie G's is known as the best seafood and steak in the city of Denver. Obviously Willie G's is not going to be as inexpensive as Sam's No.3 but it is still very reasonable for the quality of food you are getting. Willie G's is a great place to go if you are celebrating an occasion or just want a delicious fancy meal at a pretty reasonable price.

3. Colt and Gray

Colt and Gray is a pub in Denver with an electric enviroment. Colt and Gray won the 2010 Award for Best Burger, and while I personally have not gotten a chance to try their burger, I hear great things about it. Colt and Gray also has a great brunch buffet to go along with their delicious burger. Colt and Gray may not necessarily be a place you want to take the kids, but it is a great atmosphere for adults to go, drink a few beers and have a delicious burger.

Things We Wish We Did

1. Check out City Park

Denver Park is a beautiful park in the Downtown area of Denver that is very scenic. The park contains the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, basketball, football and soccer fields as well as tennis courts. There are also two lakes, playgrounds and historical monuments. I really love the outdoors in the summer, and I wish I would have had the opportunity to go to City Park because it seems like it would be right up my alley.

2. Take the MillerCoors Brewery Tour

Coors was formed in Golden, Colorado and I really wished I would have had an opportunity to check out the MillerCoors tour. Coors is my favorite type of beer and it would have been great to check out this tour, but I guess it will have to wait until next time. They give out free samples of beer on the tour too so make sure you take a cab or find a designated driver if you take this tour.

~Overall Experience~

Mark
Denver is just an absolutely incredible city. Denver had everything you can want in a city, sports team, great culture, and delicious food. Denver has some of the best summer weather you can ask for, and with really well-kept streets and buildings. Denver also is very scenic with a great view of the mountains almost anywhere in the city. Denver is absolutely beautiful and I cannot wait to go back.


Mike
Denver was my second favorite city (#1 is San Diego) that I have visited on our road trips. The air is noticeably thinner there, but it makes you feel like it is cleaner. I loved it. The city itself was incredibly clean, the weather in June was still cool (which is a plus in my book), and the people that we met there were all incredibly friendly (not like Philly). I will definitely be coming back to this great city.

What are you waiting for? Book your trip there now!

 Rating: 

 

Memphis, Tennessee

Things To Do/Places To See

1. Visit Beale Street

Going to Beale Street is an absolute must when you are in Memphis. Beale Street may be the most unique street in the country. People who are fond of blues music (as I am) will especially appreciate the atmosphere. The street itself is packed with bars, music shops, and maybe most importantly: places that are world renowned for their RIBS! Beale Street has the feel of a city during the 30's and 40's but has all the flair and shops you would expect in 2010. The unique mix of shops and restaraunts is part of what makes Beale Street so special. While Beale street might not be very big, it is still full of things to do. It's something you should at least experience once in your life and hopefully more. When we go back to Memphis, Beale Street will be our very first stop.

2. Go to Graceland


What trip to Memphis would be complete without swinging by the home of "the King"? Purchased after the release of Heartbreak Hotel this house was recently declared to be a national monument, putting it up with the likes of George Washington's Mount Vernon, and Mt. Rushmore. Adult Ticket prices can be as low as $30or as high as $69 depending on what tour package you choose. This is the best way to experience how arguably the most important figure in Rock-N-Roll lived his life. Graceland is a great attraction that everyone will appreciate no matter how old you are.

3. Check out Sun Studio

The Million Dollar Quartet: Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins...what do they have in common? They all started their music careers at the same time right at Sun Studio in Memphis, TN. Sun Studio is a great place to visit especially if you are in to oldies music. While Sun Studio is a great place to visit, it will most likely only hold your interest if you are into the musicians that recorded there. Sun Studio combines history and entertainment in a seamless way.

4. Get a Picture with Elvis

There are Elvis impersonators all over the city of Memphis, we must have seen at least 3 or 4 of them. Every single one of these impersonators is more than happy to take a picture with you, and the picture next to this text is me and an Elvis impersonator I found on Beale Street. Getting a picture with an Elvis impersonator is a good keep sake and will give your friends and family a laugh.


Where To Stay


1. Westin Beale St.

Location! Location! Location! That's what they say in real-estate right? The Westin sure got it right with this one. Located across the street from the Fed-Ex Forum and the Gibson Guitar factory, and on Beale Street itself, the Westin is located right in the center of all the action. The rooms are great, and for the price/location ratio, it can't be beat. Look here first for your hotel room when planning on coming to Memphis. You won't be disappointed.

2. Holiday Inn Express Midtown
Another Great Memphis value is the Holiday Inn Express Midtown. It has a great outdoor pool, and the rooms are fantastic. It also houses a workout / fitness center so you can keep in shape throughout your stay. While it's location isn't as great as the Westin, it still represents a great value when looking for a place to stay. Located on the famous Union Ave. your not very far from all the attractions Memphis has to offer.

3. Days Inn Memphis at Graceland

This Days in located right by Graceland is completely Elvis themed! Even the pool is shaped like his guitar! When looking for a great value close to Graceland, this Days Inn is the place to stay. The rooms are nice, the Elvis theme is unique, and the location is great. The hotel is a 5 sunburst Days Inn, which mean it won an award for being one of the nicest Days Inn in the country. I know that people do not always have a positive impression of Days Inn as a whole, but I have stayed at numerous 5 Sunburst Days Inns, and they are great hotels! Don't forget to check this out before you make your final travel arrangements.


Places to Eat


Since both of us are HUGE fans of BBQ Ribs were going to recommend 2 of the best Rib joints in the country...

1. The Rendezvous

Bill Clinton, Al Gore, George W. Bush, Bill Cosby, Joe Walsh, Vince Gill, Mick Jagger, and Justin Timberlake are all fans of The Rendezvous, and you should be too! Regarded by many as the best tasting ribs in the country, this little restaurant located literally down a back alley in downtown Memphis, is an absolute MUST TASTE. When we went there to get ribs it was closed because it was Monday, but all our friends that have been there love it. If you are in Memphis, you would be remiss not to give the Rendezvous a try.

I think their history of awards speaks for itself:

Best Ribs Memphis Flyer
Annual "Best of Memphis" reader poll, 1997-2006
Best Barbecue Restaurant, Southern Living 
Reader Choice Awards, 2002 and 2004-2006
Pork Restaurant of the Year, National Pork Producers Council, 1994
Top 5 Best BBQ Joints in America, Esquire, July 1999
Top 5 Best Mail-order Meals, Esquire, October 2001
204 Food Finds Across the Region, 
Southern Living Favorites, Spring 2004

2. Pig on Beale

Another terrific rib place that is located right in the center of Beale St. Pig's ribs fall off the bone and taste like a dream come true. Their rub is delicious, as is their BBQ sauce. I'd recommend trying the Rendezvous on your first day in Memphis and Pig on your second to see how they compare. For those of you up in the Philly area, think of it as Memphis' version of Pats & Genos Steaks. Pig isn't short on awards either, and all of the trophies that they have won throughout the years are proudly displayed in their front window. The Pig has unbelievable tender meat that just falls off the bone, and is actually very reasonably priced. It can get extremely busy at night, so it's usually best to go sometime between 2 and 5 o'clock. Pig on Beale is really just unbelievable and a meal I will never forget.Pig truly is Pork with an Attitude!


Things We Wish We Did


1. Go on the Gibson Tour

If you're a guitar player, (like me (Mike)) you might as well consider this place heaven. This is the place where all the magic that is Gibson Guitars happens. When you walk in you are greeted by a several story high replica of B.B. King's "Lucille" guitar that towers over everything in the lobby area. The shop there is stocked with the latest production model Gibson's, and also with some very limited production pieces that until I went there, I didn't know existed. The one thing I regret is not taking the full factory tour, but we were short on time, and had to drive to Dallas Tx that day. Next time I'm in Memphis I'm going here first.

2. Go to B.B. King's
We heard from several people before we got to Memphis that B.B. King's Blues Club is awesome but, once again because of time constraints, we weren't able to make it during our stay. Checkout the schedule on their site. Every night there is a live band, and your pretty much guaranteed a great party. If your more into the live music scene as opposed to the common DJ-Club type scene this seems like it would be a great place to go. This is another place that we will be sure to visit when we return to Memphis.


~Overall Experience~


Mark
I absolutely loved Walking In Memphis. I know that was cheesy but it's my favorite song and I had to incorporate it somehow. We only stayed in Memphis for an afternoon, but it definitely kept me wanting more. I would love to go out and stay in Memphis for 2 or 3 days. The best part about Memphis was the ribs, they were absolutely unbelievable, and Memphis has something like 3 out of the top 10 ribs places in the country. Along with the food and the atmosphere, the people in Memphis were extremely nice, showing that Southern hospitality that is always talked about. The Beale Street area of Memphis is beautiful, but you really don't want to get too far off of Beale Street because there is some less than savory neighborhoods. Overall, Memphis was a great city that I plan on visiting again in the future,

Mike
Memphis is a great city. I still can't get over the ribs! Overall I would have to say that I really enjoyed myself when I was there. Being a guitarist, I thought all the blues clubs were amazing. While, in my opinion, it's not as great as San Diego, I still look forward to going back there soon.

What are you waiting for? Book your trip there now!

Rating: 

San Diego, California

Things To Do/Places To See

1. Visit Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach is one of the most beautiful sites that you will ever see. It was the most clean beach I have ever seen with a lot of great shops and restaraunts in the boardwalk area. The beach area wasn't empty, but it wasn't too crowded either which was a nice change from the beaches we are used to going to in New Jersey. Going to Pacific Beach may have been my favorite part of the trip because of the unbelievable cleanliness and the great dining options that were there.



2. Go to a Padres Game at Petco Park

Petco Park is one of the nicest baseball stadiums in the country which is the home to one of the worst baseball teams in the country. We went to Petco Park to see the Padres play the Mariners last summer. We had a great time and it was a fantastic atmosphere for a baseball game. I would strongly suggest sitting in the All You Can Eat seats for $29, it gives you the true baseball experience of watching a game with pretty good seats and all the nachos and hot dogs you could ever imagine. Because the Padres don't often sell out, they often have specials such as college nights and other nights with even cheaper tickets. A Padres game is a fairly inexpensive way to have a fun day or night in San Diego at a beautiful ballpark.



3. Visit The Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter is really a one-of-a-kind type of place in the country. There are no shortage of things to do when you get there. Petco Park is just a short (5-10 min) walk away, there's a Hard Rock Cafe, a House of Blues, and a place called the Altitude Sky Lounge, which won the 2009 Lamplighter Award for Favorite Bar and Lounge. While we did not experience the incredible view and atmosphere of the Altitude Sky Lounge, it is something that I would rank very high, if not number one, on my "things to do" list for when I return to San Diego (and hopefully that will be soon!). During our time in the Gaslamp Quarter we ate at the Rock Bottom Brewery, which is a nice, dimly lit, microbrew place right there in the heart of it all. The food was great and the beer refreshing. Prices weren't bad at all considering the atmosphere of the area it's in. After Rock Bottom we headed over the The Double Deuce which is a large country/rock themed bar with a mechanical bull. The people in there definitely know how to have a great time! The music played was great and the bull is a nice addition that sets the Double Deuce apart from many of the other bars (It also gives you some good laughs when someone falls off!!). One often understated, but very important characteristic about the Gaslamp Quarter that I noticed was the lack of traffic along the streets. We got there, and got out of there with no problems whatsoever, even with the Padres game going on at the time. The total experience was an absolute blast. Overall, the nightlife in the Gaslamp Quarter is excellent and also, the streets/side walks are incredibly clean, which was a pleasant deviation from Philadelphia. This is a MUST SEE spot while visiting San Diego and should not be missed under any circumstances.



4.) Go To The San Diego County Fair

The San Diego County Fair was a completely unique experience for the both of us. It was absolutely gigantic and crowded to the brim. I have never seen any kind of fair with that many people. The food was overpriced but extremely tasty. The best part of the fair is all of the great music acts they have at the fair. We saw country Superstar Phil Vassar the night we went, and 90's rock band Eve 6 was playing on the other stage. They get a lot of big names and if you are there for a couple days in June, you are guaranteed to find at least one band you'll love. The fair was a great experience, but it took us about 3 hours to get out of the parking lot because of the traffic. Note to self: Don't ever go to the San Diego County Fair on half-price ticket night. Overall, it really was a phenomenal experience and something worth doing if you are in San Diego anytime over the month of June.

Where To Stay

Days Inn (Near SeaWorld)

We stayed at the Days Inn San Diego (Near sea World) on Rosecrans Street. This hotel was a little above average, it was about a 15 minute drive to the beach. The hotel had a pretty nice location, with a shopping center and most importantly an In 'N Out Burger within Walking distance. If we had to go again though, we would probably stay somewhere either on the beach or in the Gaslamp Quarter. We like to save money so here are a few of the more economical suggestions (under $130 a night) that have good reviews.

Gaslamp Quarter Area:

The Sofia Hotel

The luxurious Sofia Hotel is a beautiful hotel at a very reasonable price. The Sofia is known for their decor and atmosphere. The Sofia is within walking distance to the local shops and bars, which is nice if the traveler doesn't have a car with them. The Sofia Hotel actually won Expedia's Insider Select Award 2 years in a row, which is completely unheard of. Known for their great staff and bar, the Sofia Hotel offers travelers a great hotel at an extremely low price.



Park Manor Suites

Another beautiful hotel with a good location right near the Gaslamp Quarter. Located directly across the street from Balboa Park, Park Manor Suites is known as San Diego's friendliest hotel. Park Manor Suites has a great restaraunt and a fantastic piano bar, which won Best Piano Bar of 2009. Park Manor Suites is definitely an excellent hotel for the price.

Porto Vista Hotel

Located on Columbia Street right in the heart of Little Italy, the Porto Vista Hotel is not quite as upscale as the other 2 hotels, but it is very nice nonetheless. The Porto Vista is cheaper than the other two as well, so if you are looking to save a little money, this might be the place for you. This hotel has a beautiful view of the Harbor and also has a very courteous staff. 35 restaraunts are within walking distance of this boutique style hotel, so if you're looking to go to San Diego and have a good time without spending too much money, this is your hotel.

Pacific Beach Area:

Ocean Beach Hotel

The Ocean Beach Hotel is one of the nicest and cheapest hotels in Pacific Beach. This hotel is an absolute steal at somewhere between $70-$110 per night. The location of this hotel could literally not be any better, located right on Newport Avenue. There are also a lot of great eating places nearby, you cannot do better than the Ocean Beach Hotel.


Diamond Head Inn


The small Diamond Head Inn is another good value in the Pacific Beach area. The Diamond Head Inn seems like a great place for college students and people going to San Diego to have a good time. All the rooms have kitchens and the Diamond Head Inn is one of San Diego's only pet-friendly hotels. While not as nice as the Ocean Beach Hotel, the Diamond Head Inn is much more personalized and is a great value for the price.

Places to Eat

1. Sportsmen's Seafood

This little seafood shack off of Quivira Rd (off of Mission Bay Drive) has a delicious Fish and Chips. I don't even like seafood, but this meal was just unbelievable. It was actually so good I got two full meals. I've never tasted fish and chips anywhere else that are even in this league. Highly Recommended.


2. Lolita's Taco Shop

Lolita's Taco Shop located on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard is a favorite of the locals in San Diego. We did not actually eat there, but it has extremely cheap Mexican food. People really like the food in Lolita's and it seems to be real Mexican food, unlike chains such as Taco Bell and Del Taco (For the record, I love Taco Bell and Del Taco). Lolita's is a great way to get some tasty local flavor without spending a lot of money.


3. Bronx Pizza Inc

Located on Washington Street, Bronx Pizza is the best San Diego has to offer in pizza. With unbelievable reviews and great pricing, you can't do better than Bronx Pizza. The slices are really big and taste absolutely incredible. Just looking at the slices online really makes me crave pizza from the great establishment. If you visit San Diego, you have to make sure to stop at Bronx Pizza.

Things We Wish We Did

1. Altitude Sky Lounge

Named by Conde Nast Traveler "as one of the 25 best new bars in the world." It's a 22 story high open air bar/nightclub with a great view of the Petco Park baseball field, what more could you want? Next time we go to San Diego this is something that we must experience.


2. San Diego Zoo

Oh, you know, it's only one of the best zoos in the world. We really wanted to go here when we stayed in SD but there are just too many things to do there! When planning on going to the zoo, plan to stay the whole day, your going to need it to see everything. An absolute must see.





3. La Jolla

After reading the reviews on everything there is to do down at La Jolla, I can't believe that we didn't make time to go here during our stay. It's home to some of the best beaches in the country where you can go scuba diving (something I always wanted to try), kayaking, surfing, and biking. There's also a great shopping district with top-notch restaurants. It's safe to say that I will definitely be paying La Jolla a visit when I return.

~Overall Experience~

Mark
San Diego may have been my favorite city in the United States. The weather in San Diego is absolutely perfect and no matter what you are doing in San Diego, it feels like a vacation whenever you step outside. The beach was magnificent, and the bars were really great as well. There were a lot of pretty girls and a lot of beautiful sites in the city. I can't stress enough how amazing San Diego really is, I plan on going back as often as I can because it is such a great city. If you are looking for somewhere to plan a vacation for the summer, look no further than beautiful San Diego.

Mike
I completely agree with Mark. San Diego is now my favorite city in the United States. If you want to go to a place where you can be guaranteed excellent weather every single day, go to San Diego. Coming from someone who is used to going to the Jersey Shore as a beach vacation, I can confidently say that the beaches in San Diego are in a whole other league! I promise that you will never be stuck without anything to do here, there is too much to see! I hope I can find the time in my busy schedule to get back out there very soon. I had a great experience when I was there and I always recommend it to people when they ask me about going on a trip somewhere.

What are you waiting for? Book your trip there now!

 Rating:

Profile #2: Mike Summers

Hey my name is Mike Summers and I too am an avid traveler. I've been with Mark on all of his road trips across the country and up to Canada. I've been to 30/50 of the United States and in addition, I've also been to Mexico, Italy, Sicily,  Greece, and Turkey. I graduated from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia with a B.S. in Biology and am about to complete my first year of medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. I also like music, the Phillies ( WORLD CHAMPS 08'), the Eagles (you can probably guess I'm from the Philadelphia area), Fantasy Football, and cars. I play guitar and I own both an American Fender Standard Stratocaster which I modified with Fender Custom 69' pickups, and a Gibson Les Paul. I think Pandora radio is probably the best thing ever put on the internet. I look forward to trying to chronicle the places that I've been for you guys and offer a helpful and informed opinion from someone who has been there. (In case you were wondering, I'm on the beach in Cape May, NJ in my picture.) I'm going to try to bring my best to this website and I hope you guys enjoy checking out the places we've been.

Profile #1: Mark Cunningham

Hey everyone, before we put start our site we wanted to introduce ourselves to you. My name is Mark Cunningham and I am an avid traveler. I have loved traveling ever since I can remember and have gone on roadtrips around the country (and Canada) each of the past 3 summers with my friends from high school. I am 22 years old and will be graduating from Marquette University in Milwaukee this May. I am originally from Phoenixville, PA but went to Marquette to study the field of Broadcast and Electronic Communications and Political Science. Along with traveling, I really like sports, politics, country music and dealhunting. I love the NBA (Go Utah Jazz), College Basketball, Fantasy Football, and Fantasy Baseball. I also love politics and am very political and very partisan (I will not reveal which side I'm on). I also really enjoy country music, my favorite artists are Phil Vassar, Eric Church, and Brad Paisley. Along with that, I am great at finding good deals on anything you can possibly think of online. This will also be a good thing for you guys since I will also be posting some good hotel and vacation deals when they come up.

Welcome To Our Site!

Welcome to the Best Travel Website on the Internet!! This blog is run by myself Mark Cunningham and my friend Michael Summers. We have traveled all over the United States together via roadtrip the best 3 years, so we know the ins and outs of almost every city in the United States. We will gives advice on hotels, food, and fun activities to each city we have traveled in. Because we have been to so many cities, it will take awhile to get all of the information for every city up, but we will try to work on the site everyday so we can help you travel! We will also continue traveling to cities we haven't been to yet, so this site will continue to be updated with brand new cities. Thank you for visiting our blog, and hopefully you will find our site useful in traveling!