Chicago, IL vs. Moline, IL

Which would you pick? You might be surprised by my answer but first let me give you some background information.

The Husband is spectacular at planning for birthdays, etc.  I really am quite jealous of his planning skills and wish I could be as good as him.  Shhhh...don't tell him I said that.

This year for my birthday, he decided he was going to get me tickets to see Florida Georgia Line and Jason Aldean in concert.  The closest he could find, that worked best with when my birthday is was tickets in Moline, IL for January 19th.  So being the great guy that he is he decided to purchase the tickets and then book a room at the Radisson, which is located right next door to the venue, this way we could walk over and not worry about parking, especially since it is the middle of January.  He then decided when it got closer to time I could choose where I wanted to go the night before, like Chicago or something.  Blech, doesn't he make you sick?  He really is that good at planning things.

CHICAGO

Of course, I decided that I wanted to go downtown Chicago, lately I have been focused on wanting to go to the Shedd Aquarium.  Not to show my age or anything but it has probably been 15-18 yrs. since I last visited the Shedd.  So we booked a room using Priceline.  Criteria 4 star hotel on/around Michigan Ave.  Come on Conrad...fail we were booked at the Sofitel.  No problem though I figured it would be a great hotel as well.  Wrong, it sucked.  Yeah, I said it the Sofitel SUCKED.  How the H E Double Hockey Stick did it get 4 stars?

Oh wait, I am getting a bit ahead of myself here.  Let's start from take off.  I wanted to actually leave earlier then we did but we finally were able to leave around 10:00 a.m. or so.  We dropped off in Lafayette to get some lunch and by the time we got back on it was snowing so hard and the roads were not that great but we soldiered on.  We decided to stop in Merrillville, IN at Albanese.  It is the candy factory and the Husband loves their gummy bears.  Yeah, it is my birthday but we need to make him happy as well.  So we were off again, driving in the terrible weather and paying ALL of the tolls, because they like to F you hard with the tolls.

We finally arrived downtown, with lots of traffic but I started to relax a bit.  I love to see the city as we drive in, every aspect about it excites me.  I just love downtown and looking around.  We pull in to the Sofitel valet parking (because of all of the snow and slush who wants to walk from a parking garage with their luggage.)  Look who just got F*ed even harder?  $63 for valet parking????  Are you kidding me?  I think I just threw up in my mouth a bit.  So they unload are bags (this is where they start to not impress me at all), they have maybe two people running valet and once they have unloaded our bags on a cart they are not even monitoring them, are you freaking kidding me?  We walk in to the hotel and I can tell it is not really to my taste but as long as they have hot water and it is clean I will be a happy girl.  We get checked in and things seem to be getting better, the valet shows us to our room, puts away our bags and hangs up our stuff.  Before leaving he shows us around our room.  After he leaves, we decided to find somewhere that is within walking distance to eat.  Since I just paid $63 to valet the car, I am thinking I do not want to eat anywhere super expensive.  Since the Husband has never had real Chicago style pizza before I decided that he needed to experience this.  Luckily Gino's East was not that far of a walk away, plus they actually had a Groupon as well.  We waited outside for about 20 - 25 min. and then about 10 min. inside, but it was worth the wait!  The Husband was impressed as well.  We then walked around some of the stores on Michigan Ave. (the ones that had not closed yet) and we had a good time.  The problem occurred when we got back to the hotel.  I had stripped down, because I was cold and my feet were soaked.  All I wanted to do was take a hot shower.  The Husband turned down the bed and guess what there were some stains on the sheets and hair on them too.  GROSS!  We called downstairs and asked them to have someone come up to change the sheets and explained the issue.  There were no apologies but someone finally came up to change the sheets.  See why I said this hotel sucks?  Again, how does it have four stars????

Sunday arrives and it is time to check out.  We get everything ready and head over to the Shedd Aquarium.  I am so excited and I can not wait.  We pay our fee, almost $70.00 for the two of us but I don't care, I know that it will be worth it.  I was wrong.  We did have a good time and it was neat, I really enjoyed seeing the belugas but it was just not worth the money and not as cool as the aquarium in Gatlinburg, TN.  It really just does not compare.  However, we did enjoy ourselves, so that is all that really matters.


The time had come to drive to Moline, IL to see the concert.  I was so excited but of course first we had to make a quick stop at Portillos to get some lunch.  You can not drive through the Chicago land area and not eat at Portillos.  That would be a crime.  I love their Italian Beef sandwiches, nothing compares to theirs.

MOLINE

We arrive in Moline a couple of hours before the concert starts.  This time the hotel is clean and honestly it is a lot nicer then the Sofitel.  We decide to order room service for TGI Friday's, since the wait in the restaurant would take to long.  We eat in our room while relaxing and watching TV.  The time for the concert arrives, I am so excited.  The facility is a hop, skip and a jump from the hotel.  We walk right over there and it takes no time at all.  Literally the venue is right next door to the hotel.

The concert was awesome.  Both Florida Georgia Line and Jason Aldean were great!  I am so glad we went.

The next day we decided to try out Johnny's Italian Steakhouse for lunch.  The atmosphere was great, the food was good and our waiter was entertaining.  Next we walked over to the John Deere Pavilion to look at the museum.  It had a lot of neat and interesting information plus all of the big tractors that you could climb on.  Seriously, the Husband and I are like little kids.

It was time to head out...There is actually quite a bit to do in the Quad Cities so I wish we could stay longer but unfortunately it was a bit of a drive back home, so it was time to head out.

It really was a great, early birthday weekend!  So which place did I choose as my favorite?  I chose Moline, IL.  Although I still love downtown Chicago, everything is so expensive and I just did not have as good as a time as I did in Moline.  Maybe it is my age showing...I mean I am almost 31.  :-)

Which would you choose?  Until next time...keep on adventuring...

Weekend Recovery, Please Apply Here

Whew!  I think that I am still recovering from the weekend.  I believe that I need a weekend of relaxation after the busy weekend that we had.

First I am going to start off by saying I had an awesome weekend, even though I am still recovering.

I started Saturday off by picking up my mom at her house and driving over to my grandmother’s retirement community.  You see it was family day at her retirement community.  Now often, in a loving way I refer to my husband as a five year old.  That afternoon was my day to act like a child, I mean after all I do not have kids to do some of these things with so why not do them on my own.  I guess I should explain.  For family day there were many activities going on, some of which I did not get a chance to partake in.  My highlight of the afternoon was the balloon lady who was making different balloon items like Elmo, Cookie Monster, flowers, ect.  My choice, yes I wanted something, was a flower corsage.  And a flower wrist corsage I got and I wore it proudly on my wrist.  My next favorite thing was the photo booth they had there, once I discovered the photo booth I promptly took pictures with both my mother and my grandmother.  Yes, I did stick my tongue out in some of the pictures and I might have given them bunny ears too!   

Fun times were had by all, including my aunt, uncle, cousin, cousin’s wife and their two little ones.  Then around 2:00 p.m. it was time to leave, I needed to take mom home so I could get home and get ready for our next event.

On my way home the Husband called and said he had a surprise for me. He had booked a hotel room downtown Indianapolis at the Omni Sevrin .  Sweet!  I could get ready at the hotel and then we could walk over to the Gleaner’s Food Bank Fall Harvest Gala.  

When I got home we quickly packed a bag and we were on our way downtown.  We checked in and got ready.  Man, does the Husband look good in a suit!

Every year one of my good friends purchases a table at this event.  Gleaner’s Food Bank is a wonderful resource for those that need food in the state of Indiana.  Not only do they support food pantries, but they are also very involved in having food pantries in the schools and a backsack program for students.  Words really cannot describe how awesome they are and how awesome their volunteers are.

We had a wonderful time there and it was so nice to catch up with my friend, as it had been awhile since I had seen her.  We really appreciated her inviting us to attend with her. 

Then it was time to go back to the hotel.  Did I mention the fact that my shoes were KILLING me?  I was not sure how much farther I was going to be able to walk.  So the Husband, being the awesome man that he is, walked back to our hotel, waited to get the car out of valet and drove over to get me.  I love this man!  Afterwards, we decided to change, me in to some more comfortable shoes and we took a walk over to Buffalo Wild Wings.  The Husband was like, there are all of these places downtown and you choose to go to Buffalo Wild Wings.  <Shrug> what can I say, I really wanted some popcorn shrimp and it was 11:30 p.m.

The next morning, Sunday, we decided on checking out later to avoid all of the Colts game traffic.  So we were able to relax for a bit.  It really is a beautiful hotel!

After that, it was not home bound we were headed.  Nope, we were headed over to mom and dad’s to pick them up to go and use our Groupon to get some pizza, tokens and to miniature golf at Ben & Ari’s in Fishers.  We all had a great time; you would have thought that we were a bunch of teenagers.  Mom ended up winning by one point, Dad and I tied and the Husband lost.  He kept saying that he won because he had the highest score.  Ha!  I actually think his golf lessons hurt his miniature golf game.

So do you see now why I said I need a weekend after the weekend? 

Worse Hotel Ever!!!

Traveler beware.  Do not, I repeat do not ever book a room at the Holiday Inn in Clarksville, IN.  I would have to say this is by far the worst hotel I have ever checked in to and by checked in I mean, we checked out right away.


I guess I should start at the beginning.  The Husband's birthday is coming up soon and he decided that for his birthday gift this year he would like to attend the KYSCCA Autocross Driving School in Louisville.  The cost would also include the entry fee for the autocross event the next day. So I thought to myself, well why not make a weekend out of it.  So I contacted my BF, I Miss Your Face, to see what her plans were for that weekend.  I Miss Your Face was available so I decided to search and book a hotel room.  I scored the rates, ect. to see what our best option would be and wouldn't you know, there was a point break for the Holiday Inn in Clarksville, IN.  This meant it was only going to cost me 10,000 points for two nights.  I was super excited and quickly booked a room for two nights.  BIG MISTAKE!


So off we went on the Husband's birthday adventure.  We arrived there probably a little after 10:00 p.m., he ran in to check in and then we darted over to Chuy's for dinner before they closed.  When we got back I stopped in the lobby to see if we could get a tube of toothpaste, since I did not bring any.  Now keep in mind we had not seen our hotel room.  As I am standing in line, in the lobby, I am trying really hard not to stare at the two ladies in front of me, that are checking in.  It was really hard not to stare, I am 98% positive that they were hookers, prostitutes, working girls, what ever you want to call them.  I was beginning to wonder what I had gotten us in to.  However, I just rolled with it, I mean I guess working girls have to stay somewhere too.  So I got our toothpaste, hopped back in our car and we drove around to the back of the hotel.   Gulp, it looked really run down, the lighting was terrible and I am not going to lie it was a bit scary.  I thought to myself, appearances can be deceiving, everything will be just fine.  Finally, we have made it to our room, we our both so tired, all we want to do is fall asleep, especially since the husband was going to have to be at the driving school at 8:00 a.m. the next morning.  We walk in and there is this overpowering flowery perfume smell, you can't breathe...These type of scents really effect my asthma and it was so strong that it was even bothering the Husband.  So he called down to the front desk, they said they would check to see if there was another room available and would call us right back.  Five minutes goes by...then ten minutes...finally they called back.  They only had one more room available, it was a handicap accessible room, so it would not have a tub.  Whatever, no problem, we will take it, maybe we will be able to finally breathe.  They told him that someone would be up to bring us our new room keys shortly.  Five minutes...ten minutes...fifteen minutes...come on, how long does it take to bring us a new room key.  They call and say that someone is on their way now with the key.  Finally it arrives, we grab our stuff and head to the new room.  Ewwww...this one smells like mildew, musty and a strong minty smell (like they were trying to cover something up.  The Husband says he wants to leave, I say let's deal with it tomorrow.  Then I look at the bed...gross!!!!  We will not discuss what type of stains are on the blanket but let's just say not the type of stains you want to see.  That is it we are leaving.  We grabbed our stuff, hopped in the car, pull around to the lobby and the Husband calls Priority Club.  He had to explain the issue to two people, they wanted us to check out and call back.  He refuses and says that he will check out while on the phone with them.  We check out, the points are refunded and they have found us the last hotel room at Candlewood Suites, in Clarksville, IN.  The hitch is, I now have to use 30,000 points <sigh> and someone else wants the room but if we can get there in 20 min.  it is ours.  I get on the phone with the woman to confirm we want to reserve the room, of course her accent is strong (really it is after midnight, I am exhausted and I have to deal with this), I am having a hard time understanding her but I get the gist that the 30,000 points have been used to reserve the room but if we don't arrive by 12:45 a.m. we will lose it, since someone else wants it.  SERIOUSLY???!!!???  We arrive in time and the front desk clerk was so nice and understanding.  Apparently this is a common issue that they have, with individuals flocking from that Holiday Inn.  We get checked in and in to our room.  Of course the only one available was a handicap access room with a queen bed, so no bathtub for me and no king bed but at least we had a room and it was clean and wonderful. So I highly recommend this hotel to anyone who will be in the area, Candlewood Suites that is, not Holiday Inn in Clarksville.


The rest of the weekend was wonderful!  The Husband enjoyed his lesson on Saturday and took 2nd place in his class in the autocross race on Sunday.  I got to see I Miss Your Face on Saturday and Sunday, which was great because I missed her face.  Then on the way home we stopped at Edinburgh outlets and went shopping.  So over all the weekend was great, except for the scary hotel.


So that was our adventure for the weekend.  I think I am done with hotel adventures for awhile or at least bad hotel adventures.

Three States, One Weekend!

So this weekend we visited three states.  I know, I know that is not always an accomplishment, especially if you live on the east coast or if you are taking a road trip.  However, it can be an accomplishment in the mid-west. Right?  Maybe?  Okay, we do live in one of the states but we did actually do activities in all three states.

What states did we visit this weekend?  Well we visited Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. It was a very busy weekend!

It is always nice to take a mini vacation and get away for a little bit.  This weekend the Husband had something to do for work on Saturday afternoon in Covington, KY. Please note this is not something that his company was paying for us to stay overnight, ect. and  we had already been planning on visiting the Cincinnati area sometime in the near future since, 1.  We had been wanting to take a trip to Cincinnati (I have not been since I was little and went to Kings Island.) 2. We had purchased two admissions to the Creation Museum in Petersburg, KY off of DealChicken (I know, I know, me and my deals right?  Seriously this was a good deal!) And since we had not seen my parents in a little bit we decided to invite them along for one of the nights that we would be staying there.

Since the Husband's work thing was being held at the Holiday Inn (Cincinnati-Riverfront) hotel in Covington, KY, we decided to go ahead and book our rooms there.  Which worked for me because if you have read any of my past posts then you will know that I am a Priority Club Member (I love to earn points) or we have a friends and family discount that we can use for the Holiday Inn family brand.  Of course, you can not use both. :-)  This time since there was a points promotion going on and the friends and family discount would only save me about $30.00 w/taxes included in this figure for two nights, so $15.00 a night, I decided to spend the extra money so I could get the points.  This was a much better deal for us.  The Holiday Inn that we stayed at was on the older side and in an older section of town, maybe a little rougher at night but it was not to bad.  The rooms were updated and clean, the staff was friendly and we had a view of the river.  So I was a happy camper.

We arrived later on Friday night, checked in and then headed across the street to try out Skyline Chili.  Yuck!  That is what I have to say about that.  Sorry to all of you Cincinnati folks who love this place but I thought it was disgusting.  I will stick to Steak N' Shake's chili in the future.

The next morning we slept in a little bit and took our time getting ready, you can do this when you do not have children. Well I do have the Husband and he can be very difficult to get up in the mornings, on the weekend.  However, we were up and ready and decided to grab an early lunch before his work thing, which was at one.  We walked across the street to try out Riverfront Pizza, oh urbanspoon, you let me down.  This place had good reviews and was cheap so we figured we would give it a try.  I think I will use the phrase I used above, Yuck!  Their meatball sub was pretty good but their pizza was terrible.  It tasted like a cheap tombstone to me.  At this point in time we were batting a zero on the restaurant front. After lunch it was back to our room while the Husband prepared for his work thing and I waited for my parents to arrive.

The Husband went off to his work thing and my parents arrived.  Now, if you have ever vacationed with my Father, you would know that you need a vacation after the vacation.  He will wear you out!  First stop was the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption.  It is free to tour but donations are accepted.  I was very impressed.  The pictures we took do not do the stained glassed windows or the church justice.  I think that this Catholic Church was even more beautiful then many of the Churches that I saw in France.  It was breathtaking.

Next, were were off to Loveland, OH to visit the Chateau Laroche (Castle).  Now, I admit I was not very impressed with this destination.  I just did not think that it was that neat but it was only $3.00 dollars to get in so at least there was not a lot of money spent.  You tour yourself and there is not really that much to see.  The story surrounding it is neat but that is about the only thing I thought was impressive about it. So moving on.

The next destination was to Graeter's Ice Cream shop.  Now, I had been to a Graeter's Ice Cream shop around where I live and I had not been impressed but my parents had been to one in Cincinnati before and wanted to go and get a snack. Well, I am glad we went, I got a frozen coffee drink that was to die for, so maybe it is just the Graeter's around me that is not that great.

Now the time to meet back up with the Husband had come.  Did I mention the fact that his work thing had finished while we were gone, so he went over to Cincinnati to visit a computer store and a couple of gun shops?  How did he get out of sightseeing with my parents?

We had reservations that night to eat at the Bonefish Grill.  Now, I realize this is a chain but I have to admit I love their fish.  If you can't have fresh fish on the east coast, then I am happy with the Bonefish.  This worked out perfectly because my parents had a gift card and we did too!  So all we basically owed at the end of our meal was the tip.  What a way to save money and have a nice and enjoyable meal!

The night was over and it was time to retire to our rooms for the night.  I knew my Dad would be up early in the morning and ready to go and do things.  So early we rose and packed our stuff.  It was time for breakfast, we can't miss the most important meal of the day can we?  The Husband got to pick where we went.  Mom and I were really hoping he would choose well or Dad would take his choosing privileges away in the future. So his choice, drum roll please...First Watch.  Phew, he picked a good one, Dad will let him choose places in the future. Urbanspoon, you did not let us down this time!  After breakfast was done we killed a little time before heading to the Creation Museum in Petersburg, KY.  This is where my DealChicken coupon comes in to play. DealChicken was doing a promotion that if some one signed up from your link they would get $5.00 of their purchase and once they made their purchase $10.00 would be deposited in to your account.  Since the Husband did not have an account I made him sign up so we would get $5.00 off the tickets and $10.00 in my account.  So total purchase price $20.00, not to bad!  Since the tickets are usually $25.00 a person, I think we got a good deal.

So we arrived at the Creation Museum.  The staff there is super friendly, I was very impressed.  The exhibits were interesting but I am not sure I would want to spend $50.00 for the both of us to go.  The tour of the museum took about 2 1/2 - 3 hrs.  I think The Husband and Dad enjoyed it more than my mom and I did. :) Unfortunately we did not get a chance to go to the petting zoo, I know I am such a kid at heart or to tour the beautiful gardens.  I was really sad about this but everyone was getting hungry and we did not want to eat there, so maybe another time.  The gardens really did look amazing!

So our next stop was how we ended up in Indiana, the closest town with some restaurants was Lawrenceburg, Indiana.  So we headed over the state line to grab something to eat.  We ended up eating at this place called Lawrenceburger.  It was a really small hamburger place and it was pretty good, if I was in the area I would eat there again.  Ironically I did not order a hamburger but I did take a bite of the Husband's burger and it was good.  I would not order the chili cheese fries again though because they were kind of watery.

Well our weekend adventure had come to an end.  It was time for my parents and the Husband and I to go our separate ways.  Them back to their home and us back to ours. It is always sad when a vacation has to come to an end, of course that is if you are enjoying your vacation and we were enjoying ours.

So until next time, when I post again!

Family Time in Poplar Bluff, MO

Sadly my husband's mother passed away a little over a week before Thanksgiving.  So for the Thanksgiving holiday we headed down to Missouri to make arrangements for his mother's memorial service and to spend time with a couple of his brothers and their families.

To break our drive up on the way down we ended up staying at the Candlewood Suites in Cape Girardeau. The hotel was very nice and comfortable, from what I could tell, since we were not there for very long.  However, if we are ever in Cape Girardeau again I would definitely stay there again, no complaints.  I was actually quite impressed with Cape Girardeau, it appeared that there were quite a few sightseeing opportunities.  Since we were on our way to see family, we did not have time to take advantage of any of these opportunities but if we are ever in the area again I would definitely be be interested in exploring.

Since his mom had been living in Piedmont, MO, we made our way over to her rental house to meet up with a couple of his bothers and their families.  We all visited there for a while sharing memories and the brothers discussed arrangements that needed to be made.  After that we went over to the church and ate some dinner, played board games and caught up with one another on what was going on in life.

That night we checked in to our hotel.  We ended up booking a jacuzzi suite at the Holiday Inn, in Poplar Bluff.  There were a couple of issues with this hotel but overall we had a good stay and you could not beat the price, we have a family and friends discount that we get.

The following day was spent with family as well.  I really enjoyed the time that I got to spend with my sister-in-law.  We got to know one another a little better since we had only met one time at my husband's father's funeral.  I also enjoyed meeting my two youngest nephews.  The were true delights to spend time with!

Unfortunately, during this trip I was not able to go over the state line to Arkansas.  I wanted to add it to the list of states that I have visited and been to.  My total count is 28 or 29 states, I need to verify one location with my parents.  I have also been to four countries, not including the United States.

The trip ended to soon.  It was time to head home and say goodbye.  On our way home we stopped at Lambert's Cafe, the only home of  throwed rolls.  Yes, they really do throw rolls at you!  It was a neat place to eat at, with a really neat atmosphere.  Mainly fried foods, a little to salty for my taste but I am glad that we stopped there.

Overall, despite the sadness and the reason for the trip we had a good time.  The brothers were able to get some things done, in regards to his mother, we were able to spend some time with some of the family and the drive in MO was beautiful.

Hopefully, if we ever get down there again, it will be for a better reason and not because a relative passed away.

Stir Crazy!

Lately I have been going stir crazy and I have felt cooped up.  I attribute these feelings to the lack of socialization  that I have had lately and that fact that I have been cooped up.  I believe that some of this stems from the fact that I now work from home three days a week, due to the bridge being shutdown.  Now I am in no way complaining about working from home because I do enjoy it, it is just that when you work from home you do not see anyone.  Sorry Tinsel but you do not count as human interaction since you are a cat.  Although I do know that she enjoys me working from home.  :-)

Some of the other reasons would probably be that my husband has been sick the last few weekends so we have been stuck inside on the weekends and I am stuck inside during the week, so it was driving me crazy.  Now I know that I can go out without my him and I do but since he was feeling very under the weather I stayed home and took care of him.  Last reason would be that he has classes some nights during the week so I am bored at home.  I really need to find a hobby or sign up for a class!  Again, I am not complaining, I am very proud that my husband is back in school and doing very well.  I am simply stating why I have been bored, ect.

So since my husband knows me so well and knew that I was going stir crazy he planned a surprise for me this weekend.  Drum roll please...

He planned an overnight getaway in downtown Louisville.  Priceline I love you!!!

He can read me so well and knew that I needed to get out so he booked a night at the Hyatt in downtown Louisville.  I guess he planned all of this on Friday before he went to class.  He even went to the florist and ordered a beautiful flower arrangement to give to me on Saturday.

So on Saturday we got up and worked around the house some, went to lunch at the Olive Garden and ran some errands.  As we were headed back home we pulled up to the florist.  I asked why we were there and he said that he had an order to pick up.  I was so surprised that he had gotten me flowers!  They are very beautiful and I absolutely love them.  Then we went home and packed for my surprise night downtown.

We had a wonderful and relaxing night and enjoyed our dinner at the Sports and Social club at Fourth Street Live.  The hotel was right next to Fourth Street Live and the weather was not bad for a quick walk over there.

Then on Sunday we enjoyed breakfast at Einstein Bagels and quick dip in the pool and the hot tub at the hotel.  Then sadly it was time to check out.  However, our weekend adventure was not over.  Next stop Louisville Mega Cavern to use our Groupon.  Since tomorrow would be the last day to use it we went and got our tickets and then went to Chilis for lunch.  He had not been to Chilis for a long time and really wanted to go.  So we enjoyed our lunch and then it was back to Louisville Mega Cavern for our tram tour.

The tour was awesome!  It last for about 70 mins. and you are pulled by a jeep.  It was really neat to learn about the history of the cavern.  I am so glad we went and would recommend it to anyone!

So tomorrow it is back to the real world.  I had a wonderful weekend and I am blessed to have a wonderful husband!  I feel very relaxed and I am ready for the hectic work week ahead.

So I sign off of here feeling less stir crazy and very relaxed.  Now to find a hobby...