Richmond, VA

Former capital of the Confederacy

The Omni hotel is the place to stay. Centrally located to the financial district. If you have some extra time between meetings, head down Cary Street for a cobblestone neighborhood with cute shops. Also, drive down to the James River for the Richmond National Battlefield Park. Some incredible Civil War artifacts and displays.

In terms of travel around the city, 195 south of Richmond has a number of tolls along the way. I've gotten along fine having never gone on this stretch, so don't worry about taking alternate routes.

Detroit, MI

A Tunnel of Fun at Metro

I'm happy to award the first "Better Business Travel Award"- the category is "Most Psychedelic Airport", and the winner is the Detroit Metro Airport. I'd encourage you all to fly into Detroit via the B or C gates. En route back to the main terminal, you walk through a tunnel (underneath the runways). This tunnel has lighted walls, that pulse red and blue in conjunction with Philip Glass-esque music. Just flat out weird...

Columbus, OH

Capital city of Ohio

For a quick lunch between meetings, try Ringside Cafe. It's in an alley off Broad Street, across from the Statehouse. Great selection of burgers, stay away from the crowds in the noon hour. My favorite is the Ali Burger, with Cajun spices and cole slaw.

Columbus, OH

For good German food, go to the German Village

Schmidt's Sausage Haus und Restaurant is a Columbus staple. Authentic German food, and it's easy on the expense account. Sure bets are the German Buffet (4 kinds of sausage, apple meatloaf, German potato salad, red cabbage, etc) and the cream puff (feeds 2).

Live music on Wed-Fri. To get there from downtown, head south on High Street, turn left on Kossuth, you run right into the restaurant.