Boston, MA

Ah, Foreverlost

As a public service to you, I'm going to list the three worst locations I've experienced with Hertz Neverlost (ie, Foreverlost):

#3- Dallas, TX- Texas is one of those places where all the highways have access roads running alongside them. Foreverlost likes to make you switch back and forth between the highway and access road. Now if you try and pull a fast one and not jump to the access road, you see your exit fly by...

#2- Anywhere in Maine- According to Foreverlost, Maine does not exist. Well, parts of Portland exist. And I-95. But if you need to go anywhere else in the state, better print out the Mapquest...

#1- Boston, MA- I caught the 7:00 Delta Shuttle this morning. I planned for plenty of time to get to Logan, which is good because I believe I retraced the entire Freedom Trail in my rental Volvo before Foreverlost was able to find the satellite signal. Then as I drove along Storrow Drive, it thought I was actually in the Charles River. Finally, it told me to hit the Tobin Bridge, which put me in scenic East Boston.

To quote the Hertz site: "Because NeverLost is so easy to operate,...you're free to devote your attention to the matters that are most important to you - your business appointments, or the pleasures of sightseeing." I recommend the Freedom Trail.

Boston, MA

A classic Red Sox moment

So I'm driving my rental Volvo back into downtown Boston after spending the afternoon out in the 'burbs. World Series Game 3 had just started, and I was pulling by Copley Square on the way to the Westin. At a stoplight, I hear honking behind me, look in the rear view mirror, but can't see why the guy's pissed off. I look to a parked car on my right, and a Boston native is sitting in his car. Seeing my confusion, he points at his Sox hat, then signals "1" and "0". I flick on the radio, and Manny had just gone long in the first. Red Sox 1, Cards 0. Pretty cool.

Chicago, IL

Best sandwich in Chicago

Lunchtime in The Loop means long lines and hungry Chicagoans. The one spot that is well worth the wait is Potbelly Sandwich Works. There are a couple locations in the financial district- I tend to hit the one across the street from the Chicago Board of Trade. Toasted subs, lots of toppings, and incredible shakes. I recommend the Business Traveler special: a Wreck with everything and a coffee shake. Mmmmmmm.... wreck and a shake......

Chicago, IL

A classic movie scene in a classic train station

If you have some time in the middle of the day, head West across the river to the old Union Station. While it still serves as an active Amtrak station, the old lobby is a throwback to earlier times. Head to the northeast corner of the great hall, and you can almost hear Kevin Costner and Andy Garcia- it's where the infamous train station shootout scene from The Untouchables was filmed.

As an added bonus, exit the main lobby toward the new station, and veer to the right for one of the best shoe shines you'll ever receive. He spent 15 minutes on my wingtips, scolded me for not giving them enough moisture (!), and left them better than they looked when I bought them.

Chicago, IL

A good dinner spot in the River North area

A rib place so good, so renowned, so classic, that their website is ribs.com. Carson's Ribs, at the corner of Wells & Ontario, serves classic Southern grub at reasonable prices. The baby backs were very tasty- ask for extra sauce on the side- they don't put enough on! The twice-baked potato is probably the least healthy, but most delicious side. You can walk in and order carry out, and only wait about 10 minutes. It's valet parking only at night, but the valet won't charge you.

Boston, MA

Global Epicenter of Good Chowdah

You can't visit Boston without enjoying sone wicked good food:

1) Legal Seafoods is the Undisputed King of Chowdah. Two locations- one in Copley Square Mall (by the Back Bay train station), the other in the Prudential Center on Boylston St. This is the chowder that makes a regular appearance at Presidential Inaugurations. And yes, you can even ship some chowdah home to the Mrs...

2) If you're over by Faneuil Hall, check out KingFish Hall. It's a unique chowder- has a creamy, nutmeg flavor.

3) I have to tip the cap to Turner Fisheries. It's connected to the Westin Copley, so I've had their chowdah on many a late evening after the Delta Shuttle from LaGuardia. Pretty good- a little too much pepper for me, but hey, you're in Boston and it's chowdah.

Cleveland, OH

Rock n Roll Capital of the World

Warning: Downtown Cleveland shuts down at 6:00pm. There is nothing open. And there are no people. Best bet for a late dinner: Rascal House Pizza. Good local spot, the Hawaiian Luau pizza is the best: pineapple, bacon, ham, and cinnamon.

The Sheraton downtown is a pretty good location. Convenient to the financial district. Get a room in the back of the hotel and you get a great view of Cleveland Browns Stadium and the lakefront.

Newark, NJ

Airport Celebrity Sighting

Well, let's hope this becomes a regular feature. I had my first celebrity sighting since starting this blog: Mariska Hargitay from TV's Law & Order: SVU. I was just coming through security, looked up, and she was walking right towards me. In the heat of the moment, I completely blanked on her name, so I just smiled. I'm happy to report she smiled back. She also looked about as happy I was to be in Newark Liberty International Airport.

Minneapolis, MN

Coldest City on Earth

Actually, the Twin Cities are very comfortable this time of year. If you have a chance, drive outside of town in any direction, and you'll see why Minnesota is the Land of 1000 Lakes. There's some gorgeous property up there.

Le Meridien Minneapolis is right on the edge of downtown, connected to the Target Center. Most of downtown Minnie is connected via the Skyway. The Skyway is intricate and confusing. Luckily, Minnesotans are quite friendly, so don't be afraid to ask random people how to get around.

If you have some free time in the evening, check out the "Blacklite Bowling" at GameWorks. Bowling balls, pins, lanes all glowing under blacklight. Psychedelic.