USA

 KEY: 

(no asterisks) = good place, maybe not worth going out of your way for though

* = recommended

** = highly recommended

OOB = Out Of Business, just a fond memory!

ARIZONA

PHOENIX (1979, 1987, 1993, 1997)

*Arizona Biltmore -- worth a gander; you can maybe afford lunch there, at least

*Echo Canyon Rec. area -- great day hike up the back of Camelback Mnt. for a view of the city

*SCOTTSDALE (1993, 1997) -- good bike paths

*Frank & Lupe's -- good branch of the great Socorro family Mexican restaurant

*Z'Tejas Grill -- good food, reasonable

*Old Town Tortilla Factory -- nice restaurant

*Hermosa Inn -- nice little resort with pool and palms, but has gone way up in price since we stayed there; 602-955-8614

**Salt River Fields at Talking Stick -- spring training facility of the Rockies and D-Backs

**Giants Stadium -- great place for a spring training game

*TOMBSTONE (1993) -- total tourist town, but kind of fun

TUCSON (1993)

**Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum -- more of a zoo than a museum; great views

*BISBEE (1993) -- neat old mining town

*Golden Rose Hotel bar Park Place B&B

ARKANSAS

HOT SPRINGS -- the town is surrounded by a National Park with a great observation tower; and interesting Bathhouse Row 

*Arlington Hotel -- magnificent historic structure, under going much-needed restoration, but still a neat place in a great location downtown, and a good value; nice lobby and pool

**Stubby's Bar-B-Cue -- excellent place

*Grateful Head Pizza -- funky, hillside pizza place with good outdoor dining deck

*Oaklawn Racing Hotel & Casino -- nice new hotel built on the horse racing grounds; somewhat lame casino

BENTONVILLE (2022)

**Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art -- phenomenal free art museum and dog-friendly outdoor art trails; philanthropic project of Alice Walton

*Big Whiskey's Sports bar

*La Quinta Inn -- new, dog-friendly motel; just one of many choices though

CALIFORNIA

LOS ANGELES (1987, 1999, 2010)

**Farmers Market -- great open-air food court for lunch, all kinds of food; on Fairfax Ave. near CBS studios

**Magic Castle -- a private club, so you first have to go there in advance and try to finagle a guest pass (if you don't happen to know a local magician); dinner in an old mansion with strolling magicians; near Mann's Chinese Theater, 7001 Franklin, 323-851-3313

*Tom Bergin Irish Pub -- on Fairfax south of Wilshire

PASADENA

*Continental Cafe -- good, bustling Greek place

*John Bull Pub -- British style pub; live music, 958 S. Fair Oaks, 626-441-4353

BUELLTON (1997, 2018)

**Andersen's Pea Soup Restaurant -- a pea soup institution; on Hwy. 101

DANA POINT/San Capistrano Beach (2007, 2010)

**Harpoon Henry's -- great seafood, bar, in the harbor area

**Beach House -- another good choice for seafood in the harbor

*Wind & Sea -- one more in the harbor

*Hennesey's -- bar, burgers, in town

*Olamendi's -- Nixon's favorite Mexican place, but don't hold that against them; a little south on the Coastal Highway

SAN CAPISTRANO (home to the Mission and the swallows--and a grand fiesta in mid-March)

*El Adobe -- fairly nice Mexican restaurant

*SAN CLEMENTE (a very pretty little seaside burg)

**Fisherman's Restaurant -- awesome seafood, on the pier

**SAN DIEGO (1989, 1992, 2007)

*Balboa Park -- can get a pickup tennis match

**Cafe Sevilla -- wonderful Spanish tapas, sangria, music; downtown, 555 4th Ave

*The Gathering -- good lunch spot

*Balboa Park Inn -- very nice

**SAN FRANCISCO (1982, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1997, 1999, 2009, 2013)

**McCormick & Kuletos -- excellent seafood, Fisherman's Wharf, 415-929-1730

**Alioto's -- another excellent (and iconic) Italian/seafood restaurant, on Pier 39

*Irish Bank -- in the alley, 10 Mark Lane, near Union Sq.

*Johnny Foley's Irish House -- pub at 243 O'Farrell, near Union Sq.

*LIttle Joe's -- Italian restaurant on first floor of Pickwick Hotel, at 5th & Mission

*Thai Stick -- super lunch spot, 698 Post, near Union Sq.

*Moffat B&B -- 1401 7th Ave, (415) 661-6210

**Camera Obscura -- old-timey tourist attraction on the coast, basically at the west end of Geary St. (Point Lobos Ave)

*Cliff House -- beautiful restaurant overlooking the Pacific, next to Camera Obscura, (415) 386-3330. Now owned by the National Parks, should soon reopen with a new concessionaire.

**Golden Gate Park -- don't miss the Japanese Tea Garden

**Bike and Roll -- bike rentals, at Columbus & Lombard 415-229-2000

Philosopher's Club -- West Portal neighborhood bar

*Edinburgh Castle -- seedy, but friendly, lots of beers on tap, occasional Scottish music, 950 Geary

NAPA (2019)

**Castillo de Amarosa -- amazing winery built like an Italian castle

*Archer Hotel -- rooftop bar

*Ca' Momi -- Italian restaurant

*Billco's Pool Hall -- where the locals go

SAN RAPHAEL (2019)

OOB -- Terrapin Station -- Phil Lesh's music venue and restaurant on the water

*MONTEREY/CARMEL (1997)

**Monterey Bay Aquarium

**Rocky Point -- fine dining, tremendous ocean views; 12mi. s. of Carmel on Hwy. 1; 408- 624-2933

*Point Lobos State Reserve -- nice hiking trails; on Route 1

Monterey Bay Lodge -- nothing special, but lodging can be hard to find; 800-588-1900

**SANTA BARBARA (1982, 1997, 1999, 2018)

**La Super Rica -- classic Mexican dive; can be super busy; 622 N. Milpas

**Palace Grill -- lively, fun Cajun; on Cota off State St.

*Paradise Cafe -- nice meal, on Anacapa

*Brophy Bros. Clam Bar -- good seafood, on the wharf

*Joe's Cafe -- authentic diner food, on State at Cota 

*Blue Sands Motel -- close to the beach, very reasonable; on Milpas off Cabrillo, 805-965-1624

*La Quinta -- nice dog-friendly motel

 COLORADO

**BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON -- maintained by National Park Service, beautiful gorge, outside of Gunnison and close to Crested Butte

*BOULDER -- legendary pedestrian mall

*Chautauqua Auditorium-- neat venue for shows, dining room

**Backcountry Pizza & Tap House -- excellent beer selection

OOB -- Walnut St. Brewery -- good beer, good food

**BRECKENRIDGE -- my favorite ski town. We own a studio condo at River Mountain Lodge which we rent out most of the year.

**Relish -- consistently the best place in town; fine fare; superb service; lovely creekside balcony dining above central plaza on Main St

**The Briar Rose -- best steakhouse in town

**Giampietro's -- reasonably priced Italian; great pasta dishes; fun atmosphere

**Breckenridge Brewery -- great beer, good pub food and atmosphere

**South Ridge Seafood Grill -- really good seafood, now located on Main St.

*Hearthstone restaurant -- excellent choice for special occasions; high-end dining

**Blue River Bistro -- nice place

*Empire Burger -- good burgers

*Fatty's -- good pizza, sandwiches; on Ridge St.

*Motherloaded Tavern -- American comfort food; on Main St.

*Castaways Cove -- Tiki Bar on the Blue River under River Mnt Lodge; good appetizers and rum selection

*Mi Casa -- decent Mexican for such a huge place

*Fireside Inn -- great location, prices, and hosts; even does dorm beds for singles; 970-453-6456

*BUENA VISTA

*Thunder Lodge -- rustic, reasonable prices, 719-395-2245

*Casa Sanchez -- Mexican restaurant

OOB -- Casa Del Sol -- Mexican

OOB -- Missing Spoon -- fine food

OOB -- Evergreen Cafe -- for breakfast

OOB -- Bongo Billy's -- funky coffee shop

OOB -- Buffalo Steak House

CANON CITY

**The Royal Gorge -- scenic stop

*Pizza Madness -- big downtown pizza place

*CARBONDALE -- especially during fun Mountain Fair

*The Pour House -- for food or drinks

*COLORADO SPRINGS -- stick to downtown and westward

**Phantom Canyon Brewery -- best beer (IPA) in the state, excellent food

*Jake & Telly's -- Greek

**Garden of the Gods -- incredible scenery for a "city park"

**The Broadmoor Hotel -- spectacular setting

*Acacia Park -- downtown, try some real shuffleboard

*Air Force Academy

OOB -- La Creperie -- crepes cafe, downtown on Tejon St.

OOB -- Giuseppe's -- italian, in old train depot

**CRESTED BUTTE -- good old ski resort town, lots of hiking/mnt. biking trails

*Christiana Guesthaus B&B, 800-824-7899

*Powerhouse Restaurant -- mexican

*Crested Butte Brewpub

*CRIPPLE CREEK -- old mining town, now has small-time gambling

*The Imperial Hotel -- excellent buffet, the melodrama is a real hoot, 719-689-7777

*Double Eagle -- new casino and hotel, 719-689-2006

**DENVER -- a few of Denver's many attractions include: the U.S. Mint tour, Larimer Square, Coors Field, the free 16th St. mall shuttle, the Brown Palace Hotel, Wahington Park, Red Rocks Ampitheater, and numerous bike paths.

For food and drinks, at places I frequent,

in Lower Downtown (LODO), & Larimer Square:

**Wynkoop Brewery -- fresh beer, great pool hall, good pub food

OOB - Wazee Supper Club -- pizza

OOB - Vesta Dipping Grill -- fun atmosphere, live jazz, incredible sauces

OOB - Falling Rock Tap Room -- big beer selection

**The Chop House -- best value for high-quality steaks

OOB - Sullivan's -- skip the dining room, head for the bar food, live jazz

OOB - Mortons -- absolutely great steaks

OOB - The Keg -- have had some great steaks here; hip, modern atmosphere

**The Oxford Hotel:  OOB - McCormicks -- seafood; **The Cruise Room -- classic martini bar

OOB - Euclid Hall -- European

*Oceanaire -- seafood

OOB - Crepes 'n Crepes -- in Writer Square, good pre-theater spot

**Capital Grill--superb service, well-prepared food (on Larimer Square)

OOB - McLoughlins -- Good pub food, on Little Raven

OOB - Zengo -- super tapas, on Little Raven

Downtown, Golden Triangle, & S Santa Fe:

**Ship Tavern in the Brown Palace -- it's all great

*Apaloosa Grill -- on the 16th St. Mall, near the Paramount Theater

*Pints Pub -- British theme, great beer and scotch selection, decent food; on 13th, behind the art museum

OOB - Le Central -- if you love mussels, red wine, and pommes frites, this is your heaven

*Cuba Cuba -- quaint setting, good food

**El Noa Noa -- authentic mexican, live mariachi in summer on great patio (on S Santa Fe)

South Broadway:

OOB--El Diablo -- excellent upscale Mexican tapas, very lively

*The Hornet -- better than average pub food, good drink specials, always lively

OOB -- Bistro One -- nice food

OOB - Pasquini's --- urban pizza place, consistently good

Capitol Hill, 17th Avenue, & E Colfax:

OOB - The Avenue Grill -- NY style bustling fine dining, but somehow comfortable; 630 E 17th, 303-861-2820

OOB -- Limon -- tapas extraordinaire, on 17th Ave

OOB -- Tommy's Thai -- good urban scene, on E Colfax

OOB -- Irish Snug -- go for Wednesday nights Gypsy Swing Revue; good food, beer selection, on E Colfax

OOB - The Gyros Place -- divey, gyros heaven, on E Colfax

West and Northwest Denver (Highlands):

*Davey's Diner -- authentic dive diner, on west Colfax

*Bang -- funky little place, good food on 32nd

*Coral Room -- good Asian place; 303-433-2535

**Highlands Garden -- excellent food, service, patio; 3927 W. 32nd, 303-458-5920

*Mead St Station -- Highland's neighborhood pub

**Patzcuaro's -- family mexican, on 32nd just west of Zuni*

OOB - La Mexicana Taqueria -- highly recommended for take out tacos with variety of homemade salsas; also at 32nd & Bryant

*Highland Tap & Burger

OOB - Jack 'n Grill -- family Mexican, 2524 Federal

OOB -- *Forrest Room 5 -- hip joint

**My Brother's Bar -- old standby; blares classical music, good hamburgers

OOB - Vita -- good rooftop bar

*Ale House (Amatos) -- another good rooftop bar

 South/Central Denver:

**Washington Park Grill -- good pork chops, lasagna, Italian; Gaylord St

*Max Gill & Grill -- best lobster rolls in town

**Sushi Den -- a well-earned reputation; S Pearl St

OOB -- Budapest Cafe -- great schnitzel, on Pearl St.

*Carmine's On Penn -- super, family-style Italian; come early, or wait long

OOB - 730 South -- amazingly good variety

OOB -- Wellshire Inn -- stately; could never get tired of this place (may not still be open to public?)

**John Holly's -- really good Asian fusion and sushi rolls

**Little India's -- great Indian, 2390 S. Downing

*Denver Beer Company -- great outdoor patio beer garden, 2401 S Downing

Twin Dragon -- Chinese, on South Broadway, has gone downhill in recent years

*Chipotle -- cheap, delicious fast-food burritos, the original one at 1644 E Evans started the "wraps"craze

**Bonnie Brae -- old-time, family pizza dive

*Lincoln's Roadhouse -- down-to-earth, friendly biker bar, great music scene (no cover)

*Kentucky Inn -- dive bar, great burgers, chicken tenders, and Friday fish fry

*Chook -- chicken takeout

*Kokoro -- cheap, delicious fast-food Japanese

OOB - Zocalo -- casual, refreshing Mexican-not Tex-Mex

*Park Burger

*Pho On 6th -- good Vietnamese

OOB - Patrick Carroll's -- nice neighborhood pub in west Denver, 3963 Tennyson

OOB - Thai Basil -- 50cent beers aren't even the best part of this gem; favorite Thai place in town, on Alameda

OOB - Racines -- varied fare, very reasonable, one of our more regular haunts

**Mizuna -- fine dining, elegant but not stuffy

*Kaos Pizza -- unique outdoor garden

**New Saigon -- Vietnamese on south Federal

OOB -- Pearl St Grill -- my old "local" pub

Cherry Creek:

**Little Ollie's -- fantastic Asian meals

*Chopper's -- good sports bar and home of KU alumni

*Cherry Cricket -- gotten a bit trendy, but the burgers are still worth an occasional stop

*North -- upscale Itallian; wonderful food (esp. the calamari) overcomes the pretentiousness

*Cherry Creek Grill

Glendale:

*Bull & Bush -- real pub feel

**Brothers Barbecue -- Kansas City and Memphis styles are both served justice here

*Las Delicias -- some of the best tamales in town, Kentucky & Colorado Blvd

Southeast Denver:

**India's -- well-established Indian, moved to E Hampden

**Zane's Italian

OOB - Thai Pepper II -- another good lunch dive in Aurora, 10890 E. Dartmouth

*Star of India -- good Indian lunch buffett

Englewood:

*Breakfast On Broadway -- great eggs Benedict

*Undici -- fine Italian dining

*Steakhouse 10 -- well-run place, a little pricey

*Breakfast Queen -- next to George's on S Broadway

OOB - George's Cafe -- classic breakfast dive; 3454 S Broadway

**Bangkok Cafe -- excellent Thai takeaway; old Hampden Ave & S Downing

*The Grand -- cocktail bar

*Moe's BBQ -- good bbq; bowling alley; next to the Gothic Theater

Littleton:

*McKinner's Pizza -- super fresh (non-deep fried) poppers, great pizza; live music; in old town

*Platte River Grill -- awesome patio, good bar food, live music... any questions?

*Jakes Brew Bar -- pub in old town

*Fins -- seafood in old Littleton

*Ned Kelly's --  good, cheap dive bar in old town Littleton

Commerce City:

**Casa Del Rey -- hot Mexican, 72nd & Niagara

*El Jardin -- classic Mexican, in old Derby, 73rd & Hwy. 2

OOB - La Fuente -- serious dive, seriously authentic Mexican, 6200 E. 64th Ave (near Monaco), Commerce City

DTC:

OOB - Baker St Pub -- better than average fish & chips

OOB - Great Northern -- decent brews, food

**Shanahan's Steakhouse

*Del Frisco's steakhouse

OOB - McCormick & Schmiks -- steak and seafood

*Yanni's -- great Greek, next to the Landmark Theaters

Arvada:

**Rhineland Bakery -- carries povitca nut bread

Morrison:

**Beso de Arte -- spicy, homey South American cuisine

*Tony Rigatoni's -- Italian

DILLON -- catch a free summer concert at the spectacular amphitheater overlooking the lake

Lake Dillon Condotel -- great views, 800-323-7792

*Pug Ryans -- brewpub; good food

EVERGREEN

**Highland Haven -- nice place to stay

**The Little Bear -- legendary mountain bar, live music

**Soho -- real good restaurant

*FORT COLLINS -- college town

*Coopersmiths Brewery -- pub in old town

*Avagadro's Number -- healthy sandwich shop, coffee house

**Armstrong Hotel

**GLENWOOD SPRINGS -- on I-70, but take the train if you get the chance

**Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge & Pool -- 2 block long pool, great restaurant, lodge 800-537- 7946

**Glenwood Canyon Brewpub -- excellent ESB; good food

**The Underground Restaurant -- northern Italian

**Jucy Lucy's -- steak house

*19th St Diner

OOB -- The Bayou -- wild and crazy staff, good cajun, in West Glenwood

GRANBY

*The Longbranch Restaurant -- German fare

GRAND JUNCTION

*Colorado National Monument -- scenic drive, amazing rock formations

*GREEN MOUNTAIN FALLS

*The Pantry Restaurant -- good breakfast/lunch

*The Blue Moose (formerly Pine Gables) -- quintessential mountain bar, good pizza; patio overlooks the lake & gazebo

*The Mucky Duck -- nice rooftop, as well as cool knotty pine dining room; good trout

OOB - The Black Bear -- 5-star steaks

IDAHO SPRINGS

*Tommyknocker Brewery -- great IPA, food

*Beau Jo's -- pizza

*Buffalo Bar -- food and drinks

*Indian Springs Resort -- the hot springs caves are worth a gander

**LAKE CITY -- even lots of Texans couldn't spoil this beaut

**Wupperman Campground -- County-owned and low-key; tent site #25 overlooks Lake San Cristobal. *Cannabal Cafe -- nice outdoor patio for beer, burger

**Packer Saloon -- good sandwiches; patio

*MANITOU SPRINGS -- funky tourist area, complete with old-time arcade

*The Loop -- Mexican restaurant; good for groups

*Amanda's Fonda -- okay food, great riverside patio

**The Cliff House -- historic luxury hotel

*Pikes Peak Inn -- good value, big rooms, especially the one upstairs next to river

*The Cave of the Winds -- worthwhile tourist stop

OOB - Coquette's Creperie

**MT. PRINCETON HOT SPRINGS RESORT -- good place to stay, great restaurant, funky hot springs pool and river bathing, 719-395-2361

*St. Elmo -- good hiking around this old ghost town, just up the road from Mt. Princeton

**Bootleg campground -- short 1/4-mile walk into great tent sites with stunning view of Chalk Cliffs (a few miles west of the Hot Springs, on south side)

**Cascade campground -- NFS CG facing chalk cliffs; near TH of Narrow Gauge Trail

**OURAY -- a gem of a town, good public hot springs pool, makes a nice base to tour the Teluride area, as well

**Ouray's Box Canon Falls -- one of the most underrated natural wonders in the state

**Bon Ton Restaurant -- excellent Italian in a cozy basement setting; on Main St.

**Coachlight Restaurant -- fine dining; on west 7th, 970-325-4361

*Buen Tiempo -- nice mexican place; patio; fresh food; on Main, 970-325-4544

*Silver Nuggett Cafe -- good lunch spot, on Main, 970-325-4551

**Historic Western Hotel -- authentic, old west hotel; good food (pizza, steaks, homemade specials); very friendly owners; nice deck for cocktail hour; on 7th, 303-325-4645

*Main St. B&B -- 970-325-4871

*Matterhorn Motel -- got a good deal there on a large room; takes dogs; (800) 334-9425

**Million Dollar Highway -- spectacular scenic drive

OOB -- The Piñon Restaurant -- trout with piñon nuts

*REDSTONE

*Redstone Inn -- great for food & drinks, lodging

**Redstone Castle -- no longer open to the public, for special events only

SAN LUIS -- Colorado's oldest town

OOB - Emma's Hacienda -- family Mexican

*SILVERTON -- old mining town, now caters to tourists

TRINIDAD

*Tequila's Mexican Restaurant

OOB - El Capitan Restaurant -- classic Mexican family joint

WOODLAND PARK

*The Hungry Bear -- great breakfast spot, best pancakes in the west

*Japan Fusion -- Asian restaurant in Gold Hill South

Crystola Inn -- diner food, dive bar, live music

WINTER PARK

*YMCA Snow Mnt. Ranch -- lots of family activities, 970-887-2152

FLORIDA

KEY LARGO (2002, 2005)

**The Fish House -- super fresh fish, well-prepared; mm 102.4 oceanside, 305-451-hook

*Mrs. Mac's Kitchen -- great lunch spot; mm 99.4 bayside

*Ballyhoo's -- very good seafood; mm 97.9 median, 305-852-0822

**Bay Harbor Lodge -- old-timey resort, private cabins, private beach, dock, canoes; 305-852-5695

*Crack'd Conch -- good lunch spot, mm 105

MIAMI (2005, 2014)

**Versailles Restaurant -- classic Cuban fare, big & busy, a fair number of touristos, but lots of local color too. 3555 SW 8th St

*Coral Gables Miracle Mile -- ritzy shopping & entertainment district just SW of downtown

Marriott Courtyard Coral Gables -- walking distance to Miracle Mile and Little Havana; otherwise, comfy but nothing special

*PENSACOLA BEACH (2022) -- well-established tourist area, with lots of lively bars & restaurants

*Sand 'N Surf Motel -- remodeled old art-deco motel with nice pool and beach-by-the-bay

GEORGIA

ATLANTA (2002, 2022)

*'Cue Barbecue - in Alpharetta

**SAVANNAH

**Vic's -- excellent seafood; jazz bar

*Collin's Corner -- good outdoor lunch spot

*Tubby's -- fried fish with river views

*Thunderbird Motel -- updated art-deco motel; free bike rental; walking distance to downtown

*TYBEE ISLAND

*Rock House Tavern -- good burgers

HAWAII 

(1984, 2000, 2006, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021)

OAHU

HONOLULU (1984, 2006, 2011)

*Keohi's by Keo -- good Thai, 2375 Kuhio Av. in Waikiki, 808-922-9888

*Oceanarium Restaurant -- 2-story aquarium in restaurant make this unique dining; in Pacific Hotel, Waikiki, 2490 Kalakaua Av

*Lulu's -- great rooftop nightspot overlooking Waikiki beach; good food during the day

*Chiang Mai -- delicious Thai food, 2239 S. King, 808-941-1151

*Moana Terrace at the Marriott Waikiki -- nice spot for sunset cocktails

*Burgers On The Edge -- good burgers

**Diamond Head State Park-- hike to the top for a great view of Waikiki

*HAWAII (1984, 2000, 2013) -- "the big island"

HILO -- Banyan Drive and the accompanying Japanese gardens are worth a gander

*Bears Coffee House -- funky breakfast spot for colorful locals

**VOLCANO National Park -- great hiking around the steaming craters, and lush rainforests

**Chain of Craters Road -- awesome drive through recent lava flow fields, and if lucky you'll still be able to view the active lava flows at night as they reach the sea at the end of the road

**Volcano House -- historic park service lodge on the rim of the crater, reasonable rates

**Kilauea Lodge -- superb restaurant in Volcano Village, it's so much better than anything else around that you're sure to need reservations, 808-967-7366

**MAUI (2000, 2006, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021)

PAIA (near Wailuku and airport)

**Mama's Fish House -- nice restaurant on the beach, very popular so call ahead, 808-579-8488

**Paia Fish Market -- not a market, just a great sandwich shop, 100 Hana Hwy

*Kahului Ale House -- if you need a sports bar in Kahului, just okay

LAHAINA/KAANAPALI/KAHANA

**Roy's Restaurant -- a good bet for fine dining, in Kaanapali

**Hula Grill -- really good food; in Whaler's Village

*Leilani's -- another good beach restaurant at Whaler's Village

**Mala -- great oceanfront casual (though expensive) dining and bar; 808-667-9394

*Longhi's -- Marriott's Kaanapalli beach front bar and restaurant

**Marriott Ocean Beach Club-- good timeshare trade

**Black Rock Beach -- great snorkeling; park at the excellent Sheraton Kaanapali

*Round Table -- takeout pizza in Kaanapali

**Paia Fish House -- casual lunch spot in Lahaina

*Napili Bay Condos -- snorkel out of your front door, good value, 888-661-7200

**Napili Shores Resort - look online for owner rentals

*Star Noodle -- Asian fusion, kid-friendly; Lahaina

**Plantation House Restaurant -- at Kapalua golf course, excellent breakfast/brunch

**The Gazebo -- great breakfast place, good views, very small, expect a long wait, on the grounds of the Napiili Shores

*Kobe Steakhouse -- classic Japanese chop-em-up; 136 Dickenson St., 667-5555

*Maui Brewing Co -- decent lunch spot, wide variety of brews, in Kahana

**Kimos -- good sunset happy hour spot in Lahaina

*Moose Migillicuddy's -- if you need a sports bar in Lahaina, just okay

*Cpt Jack's -- okay sports bar in Lahaina

*Cool Cat Cafe -- much like the prevoius two entries; okay

**Thai Chef -- super Thai take-away, or small dining area; 880 Front St

*Westin Hotel -- very expensive, but the pool area is kid heaven

*Royal Lahaina -- the cottages are a very nice; good snorkling close-in

OBB--Hilo Hatties -- great place for Hawaiian shirts, shopping

KIHEI

*Alexander's Fish & Chips -- 1913 S. Kihei Rd

**KAUA'I -- The quiet "Garden Island" does not disappoint; great scenic drives like Waimea Canyon

**Lawai Beach -- small beach on the sunny south shore with great snorkeling; across from Lawai Beach Resort timeshare condos

**Beach House Restaurant -- next to Lawai Beach; superb restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean

**Roy's Eating House 1849 -- fine dining in Kuluiula shopping area near Koloa

*The Dolphin -- casual seafood in Kuluiula shopping area

**Keoki's Paradise Restaurant -- classic Hawaiian seafood in Poipu

*Lava Lava -- beach bar in Kapaa

Tahiti Nui -- haven't been to this bar yet in Hanalei, but comes highly recommended

*Kawai’ele Waterbird Sanctuary --quiet, small, easy nature trail

IDAHO

**REDFISH LAKE

*Red Fish Lake Lodge -- great family vacation spot, excellent restaurant, cabins and lodge rooms, canoe rental, swim beach, 208-774-3536

*KETCHUM -- ski town with all the trappings

*CHALLIS HOT SPRINGS -- one of the cleanest natural hot springs pools going (they drain it each night, and it fills through the stone floor by morning)

*Challis Hot Springs B&B -- nice old home and good breakfast, also has campsites, 208-879- 4442

SALMON

*Salmon River Cafe -- classic western steakhouse on mainstreet

*SUNBEAM HOT SPRINGS -- these non-commercial natural springs are about one mile south of the "town" of Sunbeam on Hwy. 75 (look for an umarked, though developed, parking lot)

*COUER d'ALENE -- beautiful town on the lake; vibrant downtown

*Tito's Italian Grill -- okay

TWIN FALLS

*Shoshone Falls -- scenic attraction

*Muggers Brew Pub

ILLINOIS

**CHICAGO

**The Berghoff Restaurant -- great german, downtown at Adams & State, 312-427-3170

*Wishbone -- nice, open, moderate restaurant, 3300 N Lincoln, 773-549-2663

*Daily Bar & Grill -- classy, modern diner, 4560 N. Lincoln, 773-561-6198

*Golden Nugget -- awesome pancakes at this classic greasy spoon, Western and Diversey

*The Big Bowl -- trendy, thai food, at State & Oak

**The Art Institute of Chicago -- one of the best art museums in the world

*The Shedd Aquarium -- check it out on a Thursday night in the summer for jazz & drinks with your fish

**Wrigley Field -- what a place for baseball

*EVANSTON -- home to Northwestern Univ., this pleasant college town makes a nice base from which to see Chicago

**Pete Miller's Steakhouse -- classic steakhouse; live jazz; 1557 Sherman Ave., 847-328-0399

*Tommy Nevin's Pub -- Irish pub atmosphere, at Sherman & Lake

Holiday Inn -- 800-382-6786

*ST. CHARLES

**McNally's Irish Pub -- authentic, fresh, well-tended Guinness on tap, 201 E. Main St., 630-513-6300

SPRINGFIELD -- state capitol

*Mission BBQ -- overly nationalist, but decent BBQ

IOWA

 *AMES

**Iowa State Memorial Union -- atop the student union, are hidden very nice, old hotel rooms, an incredible value, 515-292-1111

*Little Taipei -- hard to find, but worth it, for good cheap chinese/thai fare; upstairs on Welch Ave. in Campustown, 292-6123

KANSAS

*LINDSBORG -- quaint Swedish community and college town (the art museum on campus alone is worth a stop)

*Ol' Stuga Bar & Grill -- good atmosphere, beer, and sandwiches

*COUNCIL GROVE -- historic burg on the Santa Fe Trail.

**Hays House -- oldest restaurant west of the Mississippi; had a perfect strip steak there; on Main St.

*Saddle Rock Cafe -- where the locals have breakfast; awesome homemade baked goods

*Prairie Lodge motel -- great value, friendly owner; on Old Hwy 56 on eastern edge of town

**Flints Hills Nature Trail -- wonderful prairie hiking/biking rail-trail for about 50 miles east. Call 620-767-5426 to arrange cheap public "bus" shuttle back to your car.

**KANSAS CITY -- see listings for KCK under Kansas City, Missouri, metro area

**LAWRENCE -- perfect college town

**Free State Brewery -- good beer and food, on Mass. Ave.

SALINA

*Russell's Family Restaurant – the name says it all; on the west side of town off Hwy 183

WILSON -- spit of a town touting Czech roots

*Midland Hotel -- nicely restored historic hotel; filming site of Paper Moon; restaurant and pub on weekends only; 866-744-7439

*PRAIRIE SPIRIT TRAIL -- excellent 60 mile rail-trail from Ottawa to Humboldt, via Garnett and Iola

LOUISIANA

**NEW ORLEANS

**Cafe Du Monde -- a New Orleans tradition for late night beignets & coffee, 800 Decatur

**Snug Harbor bar -- great music venue, 626 Frenchman St.

**Brightsen's -- excellent restaurant in the Garden District, 723 Dante St

*Jacques Imo's -- colorful Cajun fare, near Tulane and popular with students

*Delachaise Wine Bar -- excellent, funky bar with good food in the Garden District on St Charles St

**St. Charles Inn -- great independent small hotel in the heart of the Garden District

*Park Inn B&B -- beautiful small hotel with a little bar in the lobby; across from Audobon Park

*Empanola -- empanadas on Magazine St

*Liuzza's by the Track -- po boys, 518 N Lopez St

*Parasols -- dive in the garden district for muffulettas, 2533 Constance St

**Galatoires -- bustling new york atmosphere,excellent food, 209 Bourbon St

**Antoines -- fine french, 713 St Louis St

**Arnauds -- another fine french restaurant, 813 Rue Bienville

*Bicycle Michael's -- rentals, 622 Frenchman St

OOB - K-Pauls -- famous, and for good reason, 416 Chartres St.

OOB - Praline Connection -- funky cajun cafe, 542 Frenchmen St

OOB -- Anita Fowler's B&B, 539 Burgunday St.

MAINE

BAR HARBOR -- very busy and touristy in the summer

**Acadia Nat'l. Park -- 45 miles of carriage trails that are perfect for biking. Several bike rental shops can be found in Bar Harbor.

**Parkside Restaurant -- great lobster dinner; 185 Main St.

*Mama Dimatteos -- wonderful crabcake dinner; near the town park and fire station

*Bass Cottage in the Field -- not a cottage, and not in a field, but a huge old Victorian Mansion a block off Main St.; run by the same, sweet old lady for decades; doesn't have all the modern conveniences (eg, TV) but is a memorable stay and a good value; 207-288-3705

**CASTINE -- picturesque coastal village

**Castine Inn -- very nice, old Inn with fantastic restaurant, beautiful gardens, and a pub! call 207-326-4365 for brochure and town history

Bah's Bakehouse & Village Inn -- not as nice as Castine Inn, but a lot cheaper to stay here, and you can still go to dinner at the Castine (I also heard that The Manor serves excellent meals) 207-326-9510

*The State of Maine -- a training ship for the local Maritime College, this ship dominates the harbor, and you can get an informal free tour of it on the hour

MARYLAND

*BALTIMORE -- the National Aquarium, Fells Point bars, and Camden Yard baseball stadium make this a worthwhile visit

*ANNAPOLIS -- naval academy, and quaint capitol area

**CUMBERLAND -- TH for the GAP/C&O trail

*Canal Pub -- near station

*Ottaviani's Italian Restaurant

**Inn at Walnut Bottom -- luxurious B&B, 304-702-1872

*HANCOCK

**Weaver's Restaurant -- classic small town diner

*Americas Best Value Inn, 301-678-6108

OCEAN CITY/FENWICK ISLAND (DE) -- somewhat over-developed tourist trap, but boasts an expansive beach/coastline

*Fenwick Shores motel

MICHIGAN

**MACINAC ISLAND -- well worth the ferry ride from the upper peninsula

*MARQUETTE

*Vierlings Saloon -- dinner and drinks with a view

*SLEEPING BEAR SAND DUNES

MINNESOTA

*BEMIDJI -- the Paul Bunyan statue is a sight to behold

MISSISSIPPI

JACKSON

**Sweetie Pie's Soul Food -- colorful cafeteria-style soul food at its finest, for catfish or fried chicken with all the fixin's; also a live music venue at night. Near the State Capitol.

**NATCHEZ TRACE PARKWAY -- 444 mile long national park, 50 mph speed limit and no billboards makes for a very pleasant drive through Mississippi to Nashville

MISSOURI

**KANSAS CITY metro area (both Missouri and Kansas)

**Rosedale BBQ -- my favorite for beef sandwiches or ribs; 600 Southwest Blvd on KS side

*Q39 -- upscale BBQ

*Joe's (formerly, "Oklahoma Joe's") -- great barbecue, just get over the fact that it's in a gas station, super pulled pork sandwiches; 47th & Mission Rd.

**Fiorrella's Jack Stack -- another newer, upscale place, but great food; near old Union Station, or on the Plaza

*Danny Edward's Barbecue -- started by "Jake's" son, on SW Blvd

**Wyandot Barbeque -- old school dive for cheap chopped beef sandwiches; 8441 State Ave, KCK

*Slap's BBQ -- in KCK

**Savoy Grill -- one of the best restaurants in town, great seafood and steaks; downtown at 219 W 9th; also a great place to stay, complete with superb breakfast

**Stroud's -- tremendous family style dining in North KC for chicken & catfish

**Jasper's Marco Polos -- excellent Italian, at about 103rd and State Line

*Pierpoint's -- elegant place in Union Station, 816-221-5111

*Winstead's -- Calvin Trillin, in The New Yorker, called these the "best hamburgers in the world"

*The Town Topic -- unreal greasy spoon for late-night hamburgers and hash browns; at about 19th & Broadway near downtown

**The Grand Emporium -- used to be a premier blues house, national acts; with barbeque next door; on Main at 39th

*The Phoenix -- good jazz club; across from the Savoy at 302 W 8th St. downtown; 472- 0001

*The 409 Club -- jazz in the river market area

*The Levee -- can have good local bands just off 41st & Broadway near Westport

**Piropos Argentinean restaurant, beautiful setting in Parkville; 816-741-3600

**Sheraton Hotel -- near the Overland Park Convention Center; can be had on Hotwire.com

**St John's Social Club -- KCK Strawberry Hill bar and group venu with bowling alley

*Martin City Brewery -- good beer and pizza

OOB - KC Masterpiece -- upscale barbeque 104th & Metcalf

OOB - 75th St. Brewery -- good spot for beer, food

OOB - River Market Brewery -- good spot for beer, pool

OOB - The Corner Restaurant -- excellent breakfast spot; on Broadway & Westport Rd.

**THE KATY TRAIL -- 200+ mile rail-trail along the Missouri River

BOONVILLE -- on the KATY trail

*Schotzhauer (sp?) Motors -- rents cars to help you shuttle

*Beaumont Hotel Bar & Restaurant

*Isle of Capri Hotel & Casino -- hotel is a good deal

Homestead Motel -- very cheap, but clean enough, 660-882-6568

NEW FRANKLIN -- on the KATY trail, just east of Boonville

*Katy Roundhouse -- interesting, funky campground & beergarden

**ROCHEPORT -- on the KATY trail

**Les Bourgeois -- great winery restaurant, commanding views of river, 573-698-2133, 800-690-1830

**Abigail's -- great lunch spot, reminiscent of Alice's Restaurant, 206 Central

*HARTSBURG

*Thornhill Vineyards -- nice cafe

JEFFERSON CITY -- Missouri capital

**Das Stein Haus -- great German, next to the Truman Hotel or Motel 6, 573-634-3869

HOLT'S SUMMIT -- a few miles north of Jefferson City

*Rosie's Cafe -- a classic

Ramada Limited

TEBBETS

Mrs. Turner's general store is gone, but Mrs. T donated a self-serve hostel

PORTLAND -- old railroad town stuck in time

*Riverfront Bar makes awesome hamburgers

*HERMANN -- pretty, German settlement

*Stonehill Winery

**Harbour Haus -- good inn

**Concert Hall -- very good bar, decent food, 573-486-1035

*Vinchester Inn, 129 E Third, 800-511-1622

MARTHASVILLE -- on the KATY trail

*Scenic Cycles -- shuttle service for the KATY, 314-433-2909

**AUGUSTA -- very nice town, lots of antique shops

**Augusta Brewery -- good food and beer

**The White House Tavern -- excellent food

*DEFIANCE -- on the KATY Trail

**Terry & Kathy's Bar -- great burgers, nice patio

*ST. CHARLES -- historic, tourist district, also has riverboat gambling

*Country Inn & Suites -- very nice, well-situated

*Fairfield Inn -- close to the trail; very comfortable

*Millstream -- great beer garden

*Trailshead Brewery

*Llewelyns Pub -- another good beer garden

ST LOUIS -- a visit to the Arch and its museum is well worth a stop

MONTANA

**GLACIER NATIONAL PARK -- Going-To-The-Sun Road is unforgettable

*Lake MacDonald Lodge -- spectacular setting; the restaurant here is very good

**BOZEMAN -- neat college town

**POLEBRIDGE -- end of civilization, out-of -the-way gorgeous setting, hippie-esque

*North Fork Hostel -- primitive cabins, cheap, a good adventure, 800-775-2938

**Polebridge Bar and Grill -- it better be good, its the only place in town, very fun atmosphere

*Polebridge General Store -- good supply house for breakfast & lunch

**WHITEFISH -- great old downtown

**Pollo Grill -- very nice place, north of town

Mountain Holiday Motel -- 800-543-8064

*BIG FORK -- touristy, but a great setting

*Timbers Motel -- friendly; has a nice hot tub, 406-837-6200

**Big Fork Inn -- excellent steak & seafood

*SWAN LAKE -- the lake itself is easily accessible and has a great swim beach

**Alpine Chalet Restaurant -- the huckleberry pie is extraordinary

Alpine Chalet Motel -- 406-886-2226

**HOLLAND LAKE LODGE -- great family resort with canoeing & swimming; the restaurant and the bar are both superb, lots of character, 800-648-8859

SEELY LAKE

Duck Inn -- 800-237-9978

CHOTEAU

*Bella Vista Motel -- clean, cheap, 406-466-5318

*Log Cabin Restaurant -- local favorite for breakfast

DEER LODGE -- home of the old territorial prison museum

*LITTLE BIG HORN NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD -- worth a stop

GARDINER -- near the north entrance of Yellowstone

**Wild West Grill -- (formerly "Helen's Hateful Hamburgers") one of the best burger stands in the world

**Yellowstone River Motel

*Cowboy's Lodge -- okay BBQ restaurant

*Iron Horse bar

*Two Bit Saloon

WEST YELLOWSTONE

**Buffalo Bar -- dog-friendly patio for beer and burgers

*Beaver Creek NFS campground -- nice views; though tons of mosquitoes

ST REGIS

*Winki's Drive-In -- huckleberry shakes!!

CASPER

*Poor Boys Steakhouse

NEBRASKA

NORTH PLATTE

*Buffalo Bill Cody's Scouts Ranch -- nice tourist attraction of Buffalo Bill's home

*Holiday Inn Express -- solid choice

KEARNEY (pronounced "car-nee")

*Penny's Diner -- classic aluminum diner; okay place for comfort food

*GRAND ISLAND -- 

NEVADA

**LAS VEGAS -- glitzy & incomparable; though not for everyone

**Highland Falls Golf Club -- gorgeous view from Summerlin hills, quite reasonable twilight fees

*Downtown Grand -- newly refurbished; in the heart of the Freemont St Experience

*Pizza Rock -- downtown

*Palace Station -- large, comfortable sportsbook area; off the Strip, but runs a free shuttle to airport and the Strip

NEW MEXICO

**SANTA FE -- can't miss the classic old town Spanish plaza, with Governor's Palace Indian jewelry market, and Canyon St. artist's row

**Gabriel's Resaurant -- well worth the 10 mile drive north of town (on Taos Hwy 285/84); try the guacamole appetizer made table-side, the homemade tamales, or the chicken mole; nice outdoor patio in summer; 455-7000

**The Shed -- great patio, right off Plaza on Palace Ave

**Tia Sophia's -- best breakfast/lunch no-frills spot, just off Plaza on San Francisco St.

**Tomasita's -- huge family Mexican resaurant in old train depot

*Pasqual's -- upscale breakfast, near plaza on Don Gaspar

*Cowgirl bar -- funky, lively dive, on 319 S Guadalupe

*The Burrito Co -- reasonably priced lunch spot, off the NE corner of the Plaza at 111 Washington St

**Seret & Sons -- amazing collection of Indian doors and other imports to wander through, at Sandoval & W Alameda St

**Tortilla Flats -- not trendy, out on Cerillos Rd., but chile rellenos to die for

*La Casa Sena -- singing waiters, awesome patio, expensive

*El Rey Inn -- Neat furnishings, great bargain for location; 505-982-1931; 1862 Cerrillos Rd.

*The Sage Hotel -- updated motel on Cerillos but within walking distance of Plaza, good value

**Villas de Santa Fe -- condos for rent, great deal on Hotwire.com

**Hotel Fonda -- fancy place right off SE corner of the plaza, never stayed there myself

**Santa Fe Brewery -- huge beer garden, on south edge of town

OOB -- La Tertulia restaurant in old convent on Agua Fria

OOB - Zia Diner -- nice lunch or casual dinner spot; 326 S. Guadalupe

**TAOS -- cool old town plaza; lots of art galleries 

**The Gorge Bridge over the Rio Grande -- awesome natural wonder just west of town

**Old Taos Inn -- wonderful bar, nice high-end restaurant (Doc Martins), hotel, music in the lobby, lunch on the patio

**Orlando's -- north of town, local cuisine at its best; go during off hours or wait

**The Love Apple -- cozy farm-to-table spot; cash-only

*Trading Post Cafe -- fine food; 2 mi. south; 758-5089

*El Taoseno -- local favorite on south end of town; 758-4142

**El Pueblo Lodge -- really good value, decent location; takes dogs; 1-800-433-9612

**Mabel Dodge Luhan House -- historic, unique inn, walking distance to plaza; 800-846-2235

**Lumina Sculpture Garden -- a few blocks east of the plaza *Hotel La Fonda -- on the Plaza

**Camino Real Imports -- super selection of ristras, Indian rugs, southwest pottery, and such; north of town in El Prado at 1305 Paseo Pueblo on east side of highway

OOB -- Roberto's family restaurant -- down the courtyard lane, off of Kit Carson Blvd

OOB -- The Apple Tree restaurant -- on Adams

OOB -- Dragonfly Cafe -- excellent breakfast spot; just north of plaza

OOB -- The Stakeout Restaurant -- south of town, great views

OOB -- Joseph's Table -- in the La Fonda Hotel on the Plaza

OOB -- Grahams Grill -- Just off the plaza, pretty good

OOB - Eskes Brew Pub -- great beer, sandwiches, occasional music

**CHIMAYO -- incredible church and shrine with holy dirt

**Restaurante Ranchos de Chamayo -- super mexican, rambling hacienda, 351-4444

*LAS VEGAS -- a real find, if you get of the interstate strip and into the old town square

**Plaza Hotel -- nicely restored historic hotel on the square, with quaint bar & restaurant, and good Sunday brunch; 800-328-1882

SOCORRO

**Frank & Lupe's -- one of this country's best family Mexican restaurants!

ROSWELL -- the kitschy UFO "Museum", which costs $0.50 admission and is dog-friendly, is worth the stop

**Rib Crib -- BBQ

SANTA ROSA -- on Route 66

**Silver Moon Cafe

NEW YORK

NEW YORK

**Sparks Steak House -- since 1966, a classic; 210 E 46th St.

**Patsy's -- excellent venerable Italian restaurant in midtown; 236 W 56th St

**Sarge's Deli -- very good lunch spot, everything you'd expect from an NYC deli/diner

*Scotty's Diner -- no frills, throwback Greek diner; open 24 hours; 336 Lexington Ave

**Jimmy Fallon Show -- free tickets can be reserved about a month beforehand by calling 212-664-3056

*Grotta Azzurra -- in Little Italy, 177 Mulberry

*Artie's -- diner at 83rd & Broadway

*Emmett O'Lunney's -- one of many Irish pubs in Times Square area, just a little better prices; 210 W 50th St.

*Rosie O'Grady's -- has a nice quite pub in the basement; 7th Ave & 52nd St.

*McManus' Bar -- fun little neighborhood joint in Chelsea

o- China Cafe --  gotta try this place sometime, comes highly recommended from locals

OOB - The Stage Deli -- corned beef piled sky-high; the waitresses are priceless; 834 7th Ave

OOB - Gallagher's Steakhouse -- greeted at the door by rows of aging beef, the steaks are as good as any, since 1927; 228 W 52nd St.

WATKINS GLEN -- good camping spot at State Park above town

Chef's Diner -- for breakfast

NORTH CAROLINA

*BEAUFORT

**The Dockhouse -- superb location looking over the water

**CAPE LOOKOUT LIGHTHOUSE, National Seashore -- wild horses, secluded beach

*Local Yokel Ferries -- really just a speedboat to Cape Lookout from Harker's Island

DAVIS

*Davis Shore Provisions General Store -- great coffee shop

**OCRACOKE -- much more laid-back than other outer banks towns, and has a small lighthouse

**The Back Porch Restaurant

*Howards Pub -- good sports bar, selection of beers

*Ocracoke Coffee Shop

*Pony Island -- breakfast diner

*Blackbeard's Lodge -- funky old inn

*Banker Ponies -- small roadside park with wild horses; worth a quick stop

BUXTON

**Lighthouse View Oceanfront Lodge -- top-floor ocean-view rooms are worth the splurge

**Cockeyed Crab -- excellent seafood

**Cape Hatteras Lighthouse -- America's tallest, well worth a visit

RODANTHE

*Hot Tuna restaurant

*PEA ISLAND National Wildlife Refuge -- if you like huge turtle ponds

*BODIE LIGHTHOUSE

*NAGS HEAD

*Sam & Omie's -- friendly bar & grill with fresh local seafood

Ocean Side Court Motel -- old timey motor inn, great value, good location

*KILL DEVIL HILLS -- huge beach homes

**Wright Brothers NPS Monument & Museum

*Outer Banks Motor Inn -- nice little older place with awesome ocean view rooms & kitchenettes

**Miller's Seafood & Steaks

*The Jolly Roger -- hokey family breakfast spot

COROLLA/DUCK -- even more exclusive homes

**Currituck Lighthouse -- surrounded by huge park, open to the top via 220 spiral stairs

*WILMINGTON -- great waterfront market, entertainment area

*Flaming Amy's Burrito Barn -- hip casual joint, 4002 Oleander Dr

OOB -- Mixto -- upscale Latin American restaurant, 5 Water St

ATLANTIC CITY/MOREHEAD CITY

The Buccaneer Inn -- nothing special

*O'Malley's pub and grub

RALEIGH-DURHAM

**Big Al's BBQ -- both the pulled pork and brisket were outstanding; offers a variety of sauces; north of Raleigh towards Wake Forest

**Barbecue Lodge -- if you can't find enough good stuff to eat at their lunch buffet, you just don't like food; try the Brunswick stew; inexpensive; in north Raleigh

**Duke University campus -- both the Sarah Duke Gardens and Chapel Dr area provide nice walks

*Sunny's Diner -- decent non-chain spot for breakfast, near the airport on Glenwood Ave (Hwy 70)

NORTH DAKOTA

BISMARK

**Gideon Brewery -- friendly brewpub; downtown

OREGON

**OREGON COAST BIKE ROUTE -- for map 503-378-3432

**HOOD RIVER

*Full Sail Brewery -- great views of the Columbia River from the tasting room

**Westcliff Lodge -- cool place with fantastic views

**Egg River -- breakfast place; awesome salmon benedict

**The Mesquitery - funky, longtime steakhouse off the beaten path run by Polish family (pierogis to die for); great patio out back

*Double Mountain Brewery

**Evolve Winery Tasting Room -- Excellent wines; dog-friendly deck in the back

PORTLAND

**Leif Erikson Trail in NW Portland Forest Park

*The Dragonfly -- coffee house

*Food Front Coop -- great bulk corn nuts, among other good foods to go

*SEASIDE -- upscale village on the coast

*Pig 'n Blanket -- breakfast

**YACHATS -- pronounced "yah-hots"

**Tillicum Beach CG -- one of the best National Forest Service campgrounds in the country; spot #15 is amazing

**Drift Inn -- great family diner for local seafood; features live music

**Luna Sea -- fresh seafood, very casual

**LeRoy's Blue Whale -- superb breakfast

**Fireside Motel -- clear ocean views

*Silver Surf Motel

NEWPORT

**Rogue Brewery Taphouse -- tasting room with food, on historic bayfront

*Barge Inn -- old school dive bar, with karaoke on the bayfront

*Oyo Waves Motel -- good oceanfront location

*CANNON BEACH -- gorgeous scenery

*GEARHART -- nice swim beach

*TILAMOOK

*Tillamook Cheese Factory -- nice little tour, shop

*Old Mill Restaurant -- downtown

Scotty's Sports Bar -- nothing special, but friendly

Tillamook Inn motel

REEDSPORT

*Aztlan Mexican restaurant

SANDLAKE

Sandlake Store -- classic country store, run by grandma

NETARTS -- scenic drive off main coastal highway

LINCOLN CITY

*Devil's Lake -- close-in, camping at state park

*Lighthouse Brewpub

*Red's -- for lunch, breakfast

OOB -- Billows Motel -- great views; right on the beach at 17th

*DEPOE BAY -- good place for spotting whales

FLORENCE

*Blue Hen -- chicken dinner specialties

*Carl Washburne State Park -- good camping spot

BANDON

**Misty Meadows Jams -- small farm with homemade Marionberry jam

NORTH BEND/COOS BAY

*2310 Lombard -- neat B&B, interesting owner, 541-756-3857

*Knight Limousine -- cheap, fun way to get around, 541-290-1036

BEND

*10 Barrell Brewery -- good beer and pizza; nice dog-friendly patio

*Sunriver Brewpub

*Brother Jon's Pub -- maybe a little too hip?

PENNSYLVANIA

 *HERSHEY -- tour the chocolate factory in this "company" town where the streetlights look like kisses

**Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail -- dedicated bike path runs 150 miles from Boston (near Pittsburgh) to Cumberland, MD, where it joins the 185 mile C&O towpath into DC

*BOSTON

*Yough Shore Inn -- cheap accommodations in old nursing home; very nice owner, Linn, 412-754-0440

CONNELLSVILLE

**Ed's Cafe -- Amish breakfast next to motel

*Melody Motor Inn -- only place in town

**OHIOPYLE -- inside state park

*ROCKWOOD Trail House -- nice B&B on the trail, 888-916-2453

*MEYERSDALE -- Donges Diner, a classic greasy spoon

SOUTH CAROLINA

**CHARLESTON -- historic port city, with charming old downtown & waterfront, and loads of great restaurants

**Starlight Motel -- renovated & updated retro fun & funky motel; excellent value; though in a somewhat industrial (not nice) part of town in North Charleston between downtown and the airport

**39 Rue De Jean -- lively and elegant

**Magnolia's -- venerable Charleston place for fine dining

**The Griffon -- English style pub with the best fish & chips this side of the Atlantic

*Leon's Poultry & Oyster Shed -- nice place for fried fish & chicken; little south of historic downtown

*Henry's -- sprawling place with rooftop bars and very good food; near city market

*Hampton Park -- nice place for a walk; near The Citadel

*Angel Oak -- city park with 200+ year-old tree

*Folly's Island -- seaside town with beach park for seeing Morris Island Lighthouse (and dolphins!)

*GEORGETOWN -- historic little waterfront town; home to the small Gullah Museum

MYRTLE BEACH/SURFSIDE/MURRELL'S INLET/PAWLEY'S ISLAND

**World Tour Golf Course -- each hole is a replica of a world-famous hole from various courses

**Smuggler's Den -- English style pub with awesome homemade steak & ale pies

*Neal & Pam's Bar & Grill -- decent bar food with good ocean view patio; in Surfside Beach

*Dead Dog Saloon -- excellent hush puppies and good peel & eat shrimp; live music; in Murrells Inlet

*Inlet Tap Garden -- small bar with big beer selection; next to Dead Dog in Murrells Inlet

*Golden Egg -- decent breakfast diner (though one of many to choose from); Murrells Inlet

**Hog Heaven -- classic NC BBQ buffet outside of Pawley's Island; what a deal!

*Landry's -- at Broadway On The Beach 

-Vancouver Motel -- NOT recommended!  Cheap for ocean-view rooms in Myrtle, but seedy and run-down; totally overrated on Hotels.com

*COLUMBIA

**Home Team BBQ -- big, loud place, in lively entertainment district

SOUTH DAKOTA

**MICKELSON TRAIL -- 113 mile rails-to-trails through some spectacular scenery

**DEADWOOD -- gambling town

*Franklin Hotel -- historic dining room is worth a splurge

*BB Codys -- buffet

*Super 8 -- better than average chain motel, right on the Michelson Trail

ROCHFORD -- old mining town about halfway between Deadwood and Hill City just off the Mickleson Tr.

*Moonshine Gulch Saloon -- character-filled mountain bar; food is more than a little suspect, though

*HILL CITY -- good base for MT. RUSHMORE (**) visit

**Alpine Inn restaurant -- all they serve is filet mingon & baked potato with a wedge salad, and they do it well; insanely inexpensive

*Bumpin Buffalo -- just okay restaurant and bar

**Best Western Golden Spike - great suites

*Lantern Inn -- very friendly and accommodating owners, the upstairs suite is a great deal, 800-456-0520; though may require 2-night minimum in summer

*Sugar Shack -- roadside diner 20 miles north on Hwy. 385, great hamburgers

*CUSTER

**Rushmore Brewing Co. -- good beer and pizza (relocated from Hill City)

**Chalet Cottages

**Dakota Broasted -- super juicy chicken drive-thru

**Our Place -- excellent breakfast dive

OOB -- Cattleman's Restaurant -- good family steakhouse. Dark Horse tavern - (above Cattleman's)

PRINGLE -- little town along the Mickleson Trail; check out the "Bicycle Sculpture"

*Hitch Rail Bar & Restaurant

*HOT SPRINGS -- cool town with natural hot springs pool open to public

OOB -- Sojourner Inn--old Victorian home converted into 3 great themed suites one on each floor

OOB -- Blue Vervain Restaurant--very good food; piano bar

--Braun Hotel - stinky old hotel badly in need of restoration; not recommended

**WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK - good underground tour

**SYLVAN LAKE LODGE -- Excellent dining room and outdoor patio; nearby great swim beach, neat cabins, in Custer State Park, call early for reservations 800-658-3530

*NEMO

*Nemo Guest Ranch -- rustic cabins for rent, horses, 605-578-2708

STURGIS

*Beatnix Coffee House

*Old Stone B&B -- 605-347-3007

TENNESSEE

*NASHVILLE (2022) -- vibrant entertainment district on Broadway (aka "Honky Tonk Highway")

**Ryman Auditorium -- great venue for live music; site of the original Grand Old Opry

**Sedona Taphouse -- excellent salmon dinner; good beer selection. On 3rd Ave N.

*Kebab-Gyros -- very good lunch spot south of downtown

MEMPHIS (1999, 2022)

**The Rendezvous -- Memphis' most famous BBQ, downtown at 52 S. 2nd St.

**The Peabody Hotel -- fancy old landmark hotel; home to the duck parade @11am & 5pm; 149 Union Ave.

*Beale St -- the center of nightlife in Memphis; once thriving, though pretty slow and rundown on my last visit there

*LAKE OCOEE -- beautiful lake swimming spot

TEXAS

**AUSTIN (2010, 2011)

**Shoal Creek bike path -- lose the crowds by carrying on all the way to 90th

**Town Lake bike path -- nice path, though can be very crowded

*Bike Sport Shop -- good rental location, on Lamar

*Austin Motel -- great location for exploring funky So. Congress area

**Continental Club -- awesome old-timey dive for live music. Catch Heybale! on most Sunday nights.

**Moonshine Bar & Grill -- excellent restaurant, doesn't take reservations though on weekends, so plan on waiting at the bar (damn!)

**Hut's -- throwback hamburger shack extraordinaire!  On 6th, near the Whole Foods HQ

*Stubbs BBQ -- besides good barbecue, it is also a good music venue

*Magnolia's -- good breakfast spot(s), 2 locations

**The Oasis on Lake Travis -- superb decks for watching sunsets at cocktail hour; except for the chips, the food is sub-par

*FREDRICKSBURG -- quaint, lively burg in Texas' Hill Country, home to many wineries and German restaurants

**Friedhelm's German Restaurant & Inn -- schnitzel heaven

*Dietzel Motel -- decent cheap motel next to Friedhelm's

*David's Pit BBQ -- good breakfast tacos

*Wildseed Wildflower Farm & Winery

DALLAS

*Cafe Brazil -- something a little different for breakfast

*The Heights -- trendy small dining in Lakeside district

*The Balcony Club -- upscale bar in old Lakewood Theater

*Magnolia Hotel -- north Dallas Central Freeway

*Tacos y Mas -- various locations

*GALVESTON

**Gaido's -- great seafood restaurant on the Seawall

*Nick's Kitchen -- sports bar and lunch spot next to Gaido's

*Landry's Restaurant -- on Seawall

*Willie G's Restaurant -- downtown

*Joe's Crab Shack -- it's a chain, but good seaside dog-friendly deck

*Brick House Tavern -- also a chain, but good seaside dog-friendly deck

*Gumbo Diner -- breakfast dive on the seawall

*The Victorian Condo/Hotel -- well-situated on the seawall, 800-231-6363

**CLOON BEACH -- named after my maternal grandfather, George B. Cloon (which is the only reason it gets 2 stars). From Galveston, take the free ferry to Port Bolivar, then take Hwy. 87 east for about 8 miles, just before you reach the town of Crystal Beach turn right on Sand Dollar, take this road to its end, past Cloon Street, and you're there. Note also "Mr. G's St", presumably also named after my grandfather George.

HOUSTON (2002, 2018, 2022, 2024) -- all of these places are in the City Centre shopping/dining area

**La Madeleine -- French bakery for breakfast/lunch

*Pappasito's Mexican Restaurant

**Taste of Texas -- big steakhouse

*Sonesta Suites -- walking distance to all of the above

AMARILLO (2018)

*Big Texan Steakhouse -- gaudy, but fun sprawling tourist trap

*Hofbrau Steaks

*Best Western Plus -- good deal for better than average hotel

POST

**George's Diner -- excellent small town diner; super-friendly

FLATONIA (2018)

*Joel's BBQ -- classic roadside, picnic table dive

*SAN ANTONIO (2018)

*Landry's -- dog-friendly dining on the Riverwalk

TYLER (2013)

**Stanley's Famous BBQ -- great brisket sandwiches, and cool deck with live R&B bands.

ATLANTA (2024)

**Catfish King -- the name says it all for this family diner

UTAH

**ZION NATIONAL PARK/SPRINGDALE -- with cars restricted, shuttle buses and bicycles have the run of the scenic drive--an unrivaled 8-mile road through the heart of this spectacular park!

**South Campground -- Spot #62 afforded a reasonable amount of privacy with fantastic views.  It is first-come, so be there by 9am.  The F Loop at the Watchman Campground also looked good, and can be reserved 6 months in advance.

*Bit & Spur Saloon -- Good beer, okay food. Owners Trish & Joe Jennings (recommended by Andrea Mellman).

*Best Western Zion Park Inn -- Very nice place; includes a great breakfast buffet at the nearby Switchback steakhouse.

--Flying Monkey Pizza was awful.

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK -- Stunning scenery, even if you only have time for a one day drive through of the park's "Viewpoints"

HWY 12 -- Amazing scenic drive between Panguitch (Hwy 89) and Capitol Reef NP

MOAB

*Moab Brewery -- Dead Horse Ale is a fantastic English style mild ale; lively place; open late; good food.

MT CARMEL JUNCTION -- just east of Zion NP

*Thunderbird Restaurant -- kitschy diner boasting "Ho-Made" pies

VERNAL

*Vernal Brewing Company -- good food and beer; nice new place

VERMONT

BARTON -- quaint, pretty little town

**Crystal Lake -- super nice, not-too-crowded beach; awesome swimming spot

VIRGINIA

 *ALEXANDRIA

RICHMOND -- good civil war sites include Cold Harbor battlefield, and Chimborazo hospital.

PORT ROYAL

**Randolph's Seafood -- overlooking the Rappahannock River; great crabcakes

WASHINGTON

**ORCAS ISLAND -- in the San Juan Islands, take the ferry from Anacortes

**Kangaroo House B&B -- one the finest breakfasts I've ever experienced, 206-376-2175

**Rosario Resort & Spa -- gorgeous setting, they do an area history lecture/concert every evening in the organ room that is not to be missed, 800-562-8820

**Oyster House -- great seafood

*Cafe Olga -- good healthy lunch spot

*Doe Bay -- hippie hangout; seal-watching spot

**Moran State Park -- good hiking trails; Mt. Constitution Tower offers excellent views

*OLYMPIA 

**Gardiner's Italian Restaurant

**Olympia Farmer's Market

*The Royal Lounge

*OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK

**Kalaloch Lodge -- awesome cabins; good restaurant

RICHLAND

*Sterlings Restaurant -- overlooking the Columbia River trail

**WASHINGTON, D.C.

*Dubliner Pub -- near Union Station and the Capitol Bldg., 520 No Capitol St

 WEST VIRGINIA

**HARPERS FERRY -- history abounds

*Towns Inn -- funky historic building, very accommodating hosts

**Secret Seven Pub -- good beer selection, nice patio, location

HUNTINGTON -- nice downtown, home of Marshall Univ.

WISCONSIN

 *LACROSSE -- on the Mississippi, historic downtown has college-town party atmosphere

*Buzzard Billy's -- one of many hoppin' place downtown, ok cajun food

*Lumber Baron Inn -- fancy B&B, complete with billiards room, gourmet breakfast; in Onalaska, 608-781-8938

**MADISON -- capital city and college town in one; beautifully set amongst the lakes; take the UW campus tour if you can

**Sunroom Cafe -- awesome earthy breakfast on State St

**Edgewater Hotel -- neat old art-deco place, near campus, views of the lake

**Great Dane Brew Pub -- good food, good beer, neat building, near the capitol, 123 E. Doty (at King St.)

*Come Back Inn/Essen House -- college bar, German restaurant; hot & cold

*Harmony Bar & Grill -- good neighborhood bar, 2201 Atwood

Grandview Motel -- actually in VERONA, an okay cheap place, 608-845-6633

REEDSBURG

OOB -- Endehouse(sp?) Brew Pub -- good food, beer; on Main St.  May be called Corner Pub now?

OOB -- Kristina's Family Restaurant -- good breakfast spot. May be called Don's now?

SPRING GREEN

*Arthur's -- great steakhouse

*Prairie House Motel -- nice place, great value, 608-588-2088

**TREMPEALEAU -- on the Mississippi River, and on the Great River bike trail

**Historic Trempealeau Hotel -- for food, drinks, music; 608-534-6898

UNION CENTER

*Spring Valley Golf Course -- good restaurant, 608-462-8691

*WILTON -- interesting small town

**Pies R Square -- excellent pizza; the place is also a funky antique store

*Mid Trail Motel -- not bad for the only place in town, 608-435-6527

WYOMING

SUNDANCE

**Devil's Tower NP -- nice little trail around the base

*Longhorn Saloon -- beef tips specialty

*Deer Lodge Motel

**Vore Buffalo Jump -- fascinating tourist attraction

*LARAMIE

**SARATOGA

*Wolf Hotel -- historic hotel, good value, 307-326-5525

**Hobo Pool -- free, public hot springs pool, open 24 hrs.

*Mom's Kitchen -- appropriately named diner

*SHERIDAN -- neat old downtown

Sanford's Brewpub

**MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS -- in YELLOWSTONE NAT. PARK

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Restaurant

JACKSON -- gateway to the spectacular Grand Tetons and Jenny Lake

*Dog -- burrito cafe

PINEDALE

*Sundance Motel

*China Gourmet restaurant

CODY

*NFS Wapiti campground

DOUGLAS

*The old bank building has a good healthy lunch cafe in it (I don't remember the name, though)

CHEYENNE

*The Luxury Diner -- great diner set in an old rail car, 1401 W Lincolnway

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