So... the family is planning a vacation. July 25-31st. Kids are now adults at 18 and 19. We are thinking of Amtrak. A few questions for you all:
1) Anyone take and Amtrak trip and was it good or bad??
2) Any recommended trips?
3) If we chose Chicago, the Twins will be playing the White Sox. Thoughts on lodging? Safe to wear a Twins Jersey there?
Thanks in advance.
If you're taking Amtrak, don't be on a schedule.
Lots of cool stuff around Navy Pier; Millenium Park, art museum, Shedd Aquarium
I've successfully ridden the El to Guarantee Rate Park which was just fine; I personally wouldn't wear Twins gear a the park
Hey, thanks for the info. Remind me when you may be heading through my hometown?
It's a timing thing, but if we can, it'll be maybe 7/6. We have a lake cabin rented on Pickerell Lake near DL for a week starting then.
I've worn Twins gear a bunch of times at the park. Mildly heckled a couple of times, but nothing that crossed a line. I've seen people get in fights in the outfield bleachers there, but I would say alcohol was a larger factor than apparel.
Is it still impossible to find a decent beer in the lower bowl? We sat on the first base side a few years ago, and none of the concessions around there had anything other than MGD or Miller Lite.
Don't really know. I've stopped paying for beer at ballparks.
It is not impossible. You can buy Surly (among others).
Holy crap, I just checked my notes. By “a few years ago,” I mean 2011. Nathan blew the save before recording the final out of the 8th. Tied 3-3 in the ninth, Neck Fat put two runners on, then Burnett coughed up a single to Alexei Ramirez. Anthony John scored the winning run. Walk-off ChiSux wins are almost the worst.
My only game there was also a loss (1 run), and I sat in the outfield bleachers, so that guided my comments.
They serve Goose Island and others. I don't remember Surly however. I was pleasantly surprised by the beer selection.
Also I think you could wear Twins Gear. I went to a Sox game last year, non-Twins version and the crowd didn't seem out of hand.
From what I know of experiences of friends who visit their folks in Winona, then ride the Empire Builder back to Chicago to catch a flight, is that the EB is not dependable when headed eastbound, thanks to any number of delays that can happen out west — higher priority freight traffic, wildfires, maintenance, you name it. Heading westbound from Chicago, it seems to be just fine. You could always book a one-way flight to Chicago, then catch the train back home.
Please don't use the phrase "higher priority freight traffic" -- this is a fallacy; Amtrak should always be highest priority, on any RR's trackage. The US rail system has evolved into the best freight system in the entire world, and because of it, even high priority trains get stuck at times waiting for other traffic to pass, in locations that weren't built for bi-directional traffic especially.*
*my words only, and not those of my employer
Priority inversion sucks.
Cardinal rules working on track...you don't stop Amtrak, Z-trains, or the juice train in Florida.
We don't go to Florida; I'll substitute apple reefer trains from Washington State
Basically...don't stop any trains ever...
But the type of train might determine how long they'll give you to fix a problem before threatening to shove you off the tracks and into the ditch.
1. My first experience with any sort of mass train transit was in Japan... which pretty much ruined me for any other form of mass transit since. One time when I was picking up my now wife from Amtrak, I called ahead to make sure the train was on time, and they nonchalantly informed me it would be 5 hours late. That said, I used it several times after that and generally didn't have any problems. One of my favorite experiences was when I sat in the scenic car and they had a local guide that utterly trashed everything about the Dells. High comedy.
2. On you.
3. I have had water bottles thrown at me in the past, but to be fair, the Twins decided to score 5 runs in the top of the 15th, so everyone could see exactly which people were cheering. We go probably 2-3 times a year in full Twins gear and haven't had any problems. It probably helps that the Sox have been trash these last 5+ years (the bottle throwing was a couple years removed from their championship). As far as lodging, you probably don't want to stay near the GRate. Downtown is close enough.
4. If you come, let me know. We can hook up for a second.
Thanks for the info and yes, if we head your way, I will shoot you a message!
As far as lodging, you probably don't want to stay near the GRate. Downtown is close enough.
Yeah, riding the Red Line to the Cell is as easy as falling off a log.
I sat in the scenic car and they had a local guide that utterly trashed everything about the Dells.
That must have been a long train ride.
My parents try to take Amtrak roundtrip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras every year. They still swear by it, despite them experiencing major delays on almost every leg.
My folks take the train down here about once a year or so. Sometimes major delays and sometimes they’re early. They swear by a sleeper cabin though for a bit of privacy.
The wife and I did Amtrak to Chicago several years ago and really liked it. I recall we boarded early, around 6:30 am, but got in to Union Station around 3:30. We got a good deal on a room at the Congress Plaza Hotel, I recall, an older place but right on Michigan Avenue across from Buckingham Fountain and the marina. Used public transportation for everything, including the train to the Cell. We had a great time and I always enjoy going to Chicago. If you have time, head to the Twin Anchors for some ribs and beer.
Thanks Twayn! Thanks everyone for the feedback! Very helpful! Will keep y'all posted.
Smeltzer, in case you've forgotten, was part of the haul the Twins got for Brian Dozier.
I believe AG has been updating how lopsided that trade has been so far.
If it had been Dozier's horrible August and September for Forsythe's mediocre August and September, it would've ended up fine. Getting Smeltzer and Raley on top of it it kind of nuts.
Dozier with LA: .182/.300/.350
Dozier with Nats: .211/.303/.363
Twins lucked out with Dozier not willing to agree to any options for his free agent years.
Forsythe with Twins: .258/.356/.292
Forsythe with Rangers: .300/.410/.485
That's noticeably above his career average too.
Did not see that one coming. Between Smeltzer and Arraez, these guys are showing they're not afraid to bring someone up without much time in AAA.
Man, it is so blasted humid here, even if it's low 80s. I hate how quickly Spring weather flies by.
Well we were also looking at maybe Missouri for our trip, but per Rhu Ru's weather report, maybe we will pass.
I tell everyone, OCTOBER. Beautify fall foliage, and wineries, but really there is plenty to see if the stinkin' temperature moderates
My cousins from Sweden visited during July a few years back, and they hit it absolutely lucky in that the weather was quite reasonable. This is not the norm. With the flood plains still holding water, I don't see the humidity going down any time soon.
Low 90s with absurd humidity here in the crescent city. This is it til late October. This is the price I pay for mild “winters”.
We are planning an anniversary trip for the 3rd week in October and we love wine and the establishments that make the, so....
put us on your speed dial *wink*
Eh... you're not gonna want to be in Missouri in October. You're gonna want to be at Target Field.
So... the family is planning a vacation. July 25-31st. Kids are now adults at 18 and 19. We are thinking of Amtrak. A few questions for you all:
1) Anyone take and Amtrak trip and was it good or bad??
2) Any recommended trips?
3) If we chose Chicago, the Twins will be playing the White Sox. Thoughts on lodging? Safe to wear a Twins Jersey there?
Thanks in advance.
If you're taking Amtrak, don't be on a schedule.
Lots of cool stuff around Navy Pier; Millenium Park, art museum, Shedd Aquarium
I've successfully ridden the El to Guarantee Rate Park which was just fine; I personally wouldn't wear Twins gear a the park
Hey, thanks for the info. Remind me when you may be heading through my hometown?
It's a timing thing, but if we can, it'll be maybe 7/6. We have a lake cabin rented on Pickerell Lake near DL for a week starting then.
I've worn Twins gear a bunch of times at the park. Mildly heckled a couple of times, but nothing that crossed a line. I've seen people get in fights in the outfield bleachers there, but I would say alcohol was a larger factor than apparel.
Is it still impossible to find a decent beer in the lower bowl? We sat on the first base side a few years ago, and none of the concessions around there had anything other than MGD or Miller Lite.
Don't really know. I've stopped paying for beer at ballparks.
It is not impossible. You can buy Surly (among others).
Holy crap, I just checked my notes. By “a few years ago,” I mean 2011. Nathan blew the save before recording the final out of the 8th. Tied 3-3 in the ninth, Neck Fat put two runners on, then Burnett coughed up a single to Alexei Ramirez. Anthony John scored the winning run. Walk-off ChiSux wins are almost the worst.
My only game there was also a loss (1 run), and I sat in the outfield bleachers, so that guided my comments.
They serve Goose Island and others. I don't remember Surly however. I was pleasantly surprised by the beer selection.
Also I think you could wear Twins Gear. I went to a Sox game last year, non-Twins version and the crowd didn't seem out of hand.
From what I know of experiences of friends who visit their folks in Winona, then ride the Empire Builder back to Chicago to catch a flight, is that the EB is not dependable when headed eastbound, thanks to any number of delays that can happen out west — higher priority freight traffic, wildfires, maintenance, you name it. Heading westbound from Chicago, it seems to be just fine. You could always book a one-way flight to Chicago, then catch the train back home.
Please don't use the phrase "higher priority freight traffic" -- this is a fallacy; Amtrak should always be highest priority, on any RR's trackage. The US rail system has evolved into the best freight system in the entire world, and because of it, even high priority trains get stuck at times waiting for other traffic to pass, in locations that weren't built for bi-directional traffic especially.*
*my words only, and not those of my employer
Priority inversion sucks.
Cardinal rules working on track...you don't stop Amtrak, Z-trains, or the juice train in Florida.
We don't go to Florida; I'll substitute apple reefer trains from Washington State
Basically...don't stop any trains ever...
But the type of train might determine how long they'll give you to fix a problem before threatening to shove you off the tracks and into the ditch.
1. My first experience with any sort of mass train transit was in Japan... which pretty much ruined me for any other form of mass transit since. One time when I was picking up my now wife from Amtrak, I called ahead to make sure the train was on time, and they nonchalantly informed me it would be 5 hours late. That said, I used it several times after that and generally didn't have any problems. One of my favorite experiences was when I sat in the scenic car and they had a local guide that utterly trashed everything about the Dells. High comedy.
2. On you.
3. I have had water bottles thrown at me in the past, but to be fair, the Twins decided to score 5 runs in the top of the 15th, so everyone could see exactly which people were cheering. We go probably 2-3 times a year in full Twins gear and haven't had any problems. It probably helps that the Sox have been trash these last 5+ years (the bottle throwing was a couple years removed from their championship). As far as lodging, you probably don't want to stay near the GRate. Downtown is close enough.
4. If you come, let me know. We can hook up for a second.
Thanks for the info and yes, if we head your way, I will shoot you a message!
Yeah, riding the Red Line to the Cell is as easy as falling off a log.
I sat in the scenic car and they had a local guide that utterly trashed everything about the Dells.
That must have been a long train ride.
My parents try to take Amtrak roundtrip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras every year. They still swear by it, despite them experiencing major delays on almost every leg.
My folks take the train down here about once a year or so. Sometimes major delays and sometimes they’re early. They swear by a sleeper cabin though for a bit of privacy.
The wife and I did Amtrak to Chicago several years ago and really liked it. I recall we boarded early, around 6:30 am, but got in to Union Station around 3:30. We got a good deal on a room at the Congress Plaza Hotel, I recall, an older place but right on Michigan Avenue across from Buckingham Fountain and the marina. Used public transportation for everything, including the train to the Cell. We had a great time and I always enjoy going to Chicago. If you have time, head to the Twin Anchors for some ribs and beer.
Thanks Twayn! Thanks everyone for the feedback! Very helpful! Will keep y'all posted.
Amtrak, you say?
Pineda to IL, Smeltzer called up.
Smeltzer, in case you've forgotten, was part of the haul the Twins got for Brian Dozier.
I believe AG has been updating how lopsided that trade has been so far.
If it had been Dozier's horrible August and September for Forsythe's mediocre August and September, it would've ended up fine. Getting Smeltzer and Raley on top of it it kind of nuts.
Dozier with LA: .182/.300/.350
Dozier with Nats: .211/.303/.363
Twins lucked out with Dozier not willing to agree to any options for his free agent years.
Forsythe with Twins: .258/.356/.292
Forsythe with Rangers: .300/.410/.485
That's noticeably above his career average too.
Did not see that one coming. Between Smeltzer and Arraez, these guys are showing they're not afraid to bring someone up without much time in AAA.
Man, it is so blasted humid here, even if it's low 80s. I hate how quickly Spring weather flies by.
Well we were also looking at maybe Missouri for our trip, but per Rhu Ru's weather report, maybe we will pass.
I tell everyone, OCTOBER. Beautify fall foliage, and wineries, but really there is plenty to see if the stinkin' temperature moderates
My cousins from Sweden visited during July a few years back, and they hit it absolutely lucky in that the weather was quite reasonable. This is not the norm. With the flood plains still holding water, I don't see the humidity going down any time soon.
Low 90s with absurd humidity here in the crescent city. This is it til late October. This is the price I pay for mild “winters”.
We are planning an anniversary trip for the 3rd week in October and we love wine and the establishments that make the, so....
put us on your speed dial *wink*
Eh... you're not gonna want to be in Missouri in October. You're gonna want to be at Target Field.
Too many brains.