Planning our road trip

[sportslovingwife]

So I am beginning to plan a road trip for my husband and myself for next year. We plan on going to Cleveland, Cincy, Detroit and Pittsburgh. As you can tell form the wording under my name- I am a Munson fan. I would like to know if there is anything in Canton, or elsewhere, that I should see? A field, a museum, a memorial, anything?

Thanks so much!
Karen

[bigworm_122]

i could tell you about some hotels in cleveland, detroit, & pittsburgh if you are interested.

but as far as a munson memorial, i think there is a stadium in his name in canton.

[sportslovingwife]

i could tell you about some hotels in cleveland, detroit, & pittsburgh if you are interested.




As soon as I start looking for hotels I will back here to ask. Thanks so much!

Karen

[hbwriter]

Karen--there's a Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium in Canton and it was at Akron/Canton Airport where the accident happened (but no marker has been placed there)

ce

Roadside Baseball
author's site
www.chrisepting.com

[2Chance]

Well, Karen, you can find anything you like in Cleveland, which you will find to be a surprisingly beautiful city. One of the biggest tourist traps there is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. That area is a whole museum center, with a new Natural History Museum as well. My favorite "touristy" thing in Cleveland is their Metroparks Zoo. After the game, get directions to the Flats for a brewsky (you're already pretty close). Cleveland has a good art museum, but I like the one in Toledo too, which is a lot closer to Detroit.

Canton is the home of the National Football Hall Of Fame. You don't need directions to get there; it's the biggest thing off I-77.

I will assume you're driving this trip. When you are in Canton, you are close to the largest population (http://www.oacountry.com/) of Amish (http://www.amish-heartland.com/) anywhere (Pennsylvania included). If nothing else, take advantage of their cooking. :p (yum) If you want my recommendations for food or lodging in Amish Country, send a PM.

From there, you will be taking I-71 to Cincinnati. Not too far away, and right on the way, is Columbus (http://www.columbuscene.com/1CC/CCindex.htm), Ohio's biggest city. Anything you want out of a big city you can find here. (That link is central Columbus, the diwntown area.) Also, the Columbus Clippers play on the west side. Up to now, they have been the Yankees AAA team but they are now the farm for the Nats. You like books? Check out the Book Loft (http://www.bookloft.com/) in German Village (http://www.german-village.com). (That's one of my favorite pastimes.) Nature? The Franklin Park Conservatory (http://www.fpconservatory.org/) is a great place to visit.

Cincinnati's newest museum is the Underground Railroad Museum & Freedom Center (http://www.freedomcenter.org/), and they have a cool Museum Center in the old Union Station Terminal. History, a children's museum, and Natural History & Science. We go there occasionally to see what's showing at the Omnimax Theater.
http://www.cincymuseum.org/

If you're driving this, you will undoubtedly take I-75 from Cincinnati to Detroit. An hour north of Cincy is Dayton, and the north side of that is the Air Force Museum (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/). Air & Space are represented: you ever want to walk through a Mercury space capsule? The world's largest and oldest military aviation museum has free admission and parking. Dayton is also the home of the Dayton Dragons (http://www.daytondragons.com/), the Reds' single-A team. Don't let their lack of talent stop you from getting tickets to see them. Fifth Third Field is one of the nicest minor league parks anywhere. Get tickets in advance. Lawn tickets are ok if you get them, but you will need a blanket or lawn chairs, which are things most people don't pack for a long trip.

If you like that museum, on a much smaller scale, a little further north on 75 (exit 111), Wapakoneta is Neil Armstrong's hometown, and they have a cool museum (http://www.artcom.com/Museums/vs/mr/45895.htm) there.

When you are ready to stop for something to eat, I recommend Lima's restaurant row (exit 125). Lima has some of the bigger "chain" restaurants. There isn't much else between there and the Michigan border, and when you get to the Michigan border, factor an extra hour of drive time for the cone zone. The last couple of years it's about two miles into MI, and breaks up for good by about mile #15.

Before you hit the border, remember that Toledo is home of the Mud Hens (http://www.mudhens.com/), Detroit's AAA team which has produced some pretty good results this year!

[sportslovingwife]

Karen--there's a Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium in Canton and it was at Akron/Canton Airport where the accident happened (but no marker has been placed there)

ce

Roadside Baseball
author's site
www.chrisepting.com


I will have to find that stadium.
Thanks for letting me know about it!

Karen

[sportslovingwife]

Well, Karen, you can find anything you like in Cleveland, which you will find to be a surprisingly beautiful city. One of the biggest tourist traps there is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. That area is a whole museum center, with a new Natural History Museum as well. My favorite "touristy" thing in Cleveland is their Metroparks Zoo. After the game, get directions to the Flats for a brewsky (you're already pretty close). Cleveland has a good art museum, but I like the one in Toledo too, which is a lot closer to Detroit.

Canton is the home of the National Football Hall Of Fame. You don't need directions to get there; it's the biggest thing off I-77.

I will assume you're driving this trip. When you are in Canton, you are close to the largest population (http://www.oacountry.com/) of Amish (http://www.amish-heartland.com/) anywhere (Pennsylvania included). If nothing else, take advantage of their cooking. :p (yum) If you want my recommendations for food or lodging in Amish Country, send a PM.

From there, you will be taking I-71 to Cincinnati. Not too far away, and right on the way, is Columbus (http://www.columbuscene.com/1CC/CCindex.htm), Ohio's biggest city. Anything you want out of a big city you can find here. (That link is central Columbus, the diwntown area.) Also, the Columbus Clippers play on the west side. Up to now, they have been the Yankees AAA team but they are now the farm for the Nats. You like books? Check out the Book Loft (http://www.bookloft.com/) in German Village (http://www.german-village.com). (That's one of my favorite pastimes.) Nature? The Franklin Park Conservatory (http://www.fpconservatory.org/) is a great place to visit.

Cincinnati's newest museum is the Underground Railroad Museum & Freedom Center (http://www.freedomcenter.org/), and they have a cool Museum Center in the old Union Station Terminal. History, a children's museum, and Natural History & Science. We go there occasionally to see what's showing at the Omnimax Theater.
http://www.cincymuseum.org/

If you're driving this, you will undoubtedly take I-75 from Cincinnati to Detroit. An hour north of Cincy is Dayton, and the north side of that is the Air Force Museum (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/). Air & Space are represented: you ever want to walk through a Mercury space capsule? The world's largest and oldest military aviation museum has free admission and parking. Dayton is also the home of the Dayton Dragons (http://www.daytondragons.com/), the Reds' single-A team. Don't let their lack of talent stop you from getting tickets to see them. Fifth Third Field is one of the nicest minor league parks anywhere. Get tickets in advance. Lawn tickets are ok if you get them, but you will need a blanket or lawn chairs, which are things most people don't pack for a long trip.

If you like that museum, on a much smaller scale, a little further north on 75 (exit 111), Wapakoneta is Neil Armstrong's hometown, and they have a cool museum (http://www.artcom.com/Museums/vs/mr/45895.htm) there.

When you are ready to stop for something to eat, I recommend Lima's restaurant row (exit 125). Lima has some of the bigger "chain" restaurants. There isn't much else between there and the Michigan border, and when you get to the Michigan border, factor an extra hour of drive time for the cone zone. The last couple of years it's about two miles into MI, and breaks up for good by about mile #15.

Before you hit the border, remember that Toledo is home of the Mud Hens (http://www.mudhens.com/), Detroit's AAA team which has produced some pretty good results this year!


Awesome! You're the best!

[bigworm_122]

the metroparks zoo is awesome, i actually enjoyed it more than the san diego zoo. and i did go to the rock & roll hall of fame, i would also recommend doing that.

[Captain Cold Nose]

Awesome! You're the best!
2Chance did a wonderful job of touching the surface of his (and mine) adopted home state.
Allow me to second everything he said.

[sportslovingwife]

Metroparks is better than San Diego? Wow, we will have to go as we both loved San Diego.

[Captain Cold Nose]

Metroparks is better than San Diego? Wow, we will have to go as we both loved San Diego.
In Cleveland, it's not just the zoo, but the whole of University Circle, that is well worth seeing on top of catching a game there. That's the area 2Chance was referring to. The huge and beautiful cemetery where President Garfield, John D Rockefeller, Ray Chapman and the ashes of Elliott Ness are located is also in the area.

[2Chance]

I also liked Metroparks better than the classic San Diego Zoo, but overall the weather is better in the latter. :D

One good reason is that one of my best friend's cousins works there, and he took us on a "behind the scenes" tour of the place, when the Rainforest was brand new. That was a lot of fun!


Well Karen, you can see that CCN and I put a lot of miles on our vehicles.

He's right again about the cemetery, which is visited by a lot of locals and tourists. This brings me to one thought, which is that different people gravitate toward different things. You might consider calling 1-800-BUCKEYE for Ohio info. Some years they have discount coupons in the magazine they send, but whether they do this time or not, it may be able to steer you guys in a direction you like.

Another idea for discounts is the Entertainment Book, which goes for $25 and almost always has a 2-for-1 at the Football HoF, and if you purchased the one from Cleveland, Cincinnati or Columbus (wherever you stay the longest), you may find discounts for other stuff you want to do that would pay for the book. (I hope no mods consider this advertising, 'cause I've got nothing to do with this organization. We used to get one of those books every year because one annual event more than paid for it.)

You thought you might see two or three games, now we're trying to make you spend two weeks doing it. :)

[RuthMayBond]

So I am beginning to plan a road trip for my husband and myself for next year. We plan on going to Cleveland, Cincy, Detroit and Pittsburgh. As you can tell form the wording under my name- I am a Munson fan. I would like to know if there is anything in Canton, or elsewhere, that I should see? A field, a museum, a memorial, anything?

Thanks so much!
Karen
http://mysite.verizon.net/charliesballparks/stadiums/munson.htm

http://www.ballparkreviews.com/canton/canton.htm

http://www.minorleagueballparks.com/thur_oh.html

Sorry not better news, but I had the pleasure of attending a few games at this fine park. Once, I had seats that were closer to the catcher than the shortstop was, and I was NOT behind the screen. Kept the glove up ALL game. My son got his first baseball there. We were standing out towards the exit trying to catch foul balls. An usher said he would give my son a ball if we would return to our seats. I told my son to accept it, and he did :clapping

[RuthMayBond]

So I am beginning to plan a road trip for my husband and myself for next year. We plan on going to Cleveland, Cincy, Detroit and Pittsburgh. As you can tell form the wording under my name- I am a Munson fan. I would like to know if there is anything in Canton, or elsewhere, that I should see? A field, a museum, a memorial, anything?

Thanks so much!
KarenThis might be of interest

http://www.kentstatesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=11400&ATCLID=585860&SPID=4461&SPSID=47642

[RuthMayBond]

So I am beginning to plan a road trip for my husband and myself for next year. We plan on going to Cleveland, Cincy, Detroit and Pittsburgh. As you can tell form the wording under my name- I am a Munson fan. I would like to know if there is anything in Canton, or elsewhere, that I should see? A field, a museum, a memorial, anything?

Thanks so much!
KarenApparently they were using it for high school playoffs

http://www.mvnu.edu/sports/nazbb/history/04/game53.txt

[RuthMayBond]

So I am beginning to plan a road trip for my husband and myself for next year. We plan on going to Cleveland, Cincy, Detroit and Pittsburgh. As you can tell form the wording under my name- I am a Munson fan. I would like to know if there is anything in Canton, or elsewhere, that I should see? A field, a museum, a memorial, anything?

Thanks so much!
KarenThere apparently is a Thurman Munson Field out your way in West Milford, New Jersey?

http://www.pvhs.k12.nj.us/directionsfrom.asp

[sportslovingwife]

You guys are the best! Thanks so much for all the info you are sending my way! I am going to have a great time planning this trip. We are planning on leaving on a Tuesday and returning on the follwing Thursday- so plenty of time to do plenty of things. We got lucky as the Mets will be in Pittsburgh while there and the Yankees will be in Cleveland. At least we get to see our hometown teams.

Thanks so much again!
Karen

[RuthMayBond]

We are planning on leaving on a Tuesday and returning on the follwing Thursday- so plenty of time to do plenty of things. We got lucky as the Mets will be in Pittsburgh while there and the Yankees will be in Cleveland. At least we get to see our hometown teams.You already know which days you're going? Before you order tickets, you might be able to get leftover ones from mostly season ticket holders. Sometimes you can get good deals on great tickets. Ask again after March 3rd.

[sportslovingwife]

You already know which days you're going? Before you order tickets, you might be able to get leftover ones from mostly season ticket holders. Sometimes you can get good deals on great tickets. Ask again after March 3rd.


I never knew you could do this. How does it work? You learn something new everyday!

[RuthMayBond]

I never knew you could do this. How does it work? You learn something new everyday!Cleveland seems to be one of the few teams that does this. It's under their Ticket link during the regular season but it won't be back up for awhile. I could have gotten front row aisle reserved for one game for $12 each. I hope they keep doing it. All you have to do is set up an account, probably with a credit card #

[DevilRays1969]

Here is a link to the review of Thurman Munson Stadium on ballparkreviews.com: http://ballparkreviews.com/canton/canton.htm

Also if you have time to squeeze in any minor league games, there's the Akron Aeros (Indians AA-Eastern League) and the Mahoning Valley Scrappers (Indians short season A--NY/Penn League) in Niles, OH.

If you're looking for Fiestaware china, check out the Homer Laughlin china factory in Newell, WV (across the river from East Liverpool, OH)--about 45 mins from Pittsburgh. When you're in Pittsburgh check out the Andy Warhol Museum--it's across the street from PNC Park.

[RuthMayBond]

Here is a link to the review of Thurman Munson Stadium on ballparkreviews.com: http://ballparkreviews.com/canton/canton.htm

Also if you have time to squeeze in any minor league games, there's the Akron Aeros (Indians AA-Eastern League) and the Mahoning Valley Scrappers (Indians short season A--NY/Penn League) in Niles, OH.Plus the Lake County Captains

<If you're looking for Fiestaware china, check out the Homer Laughlin china factory in Newell, WV (across the river from East Liverpool, OH)--about 45 mins from Pittsburgh.>

Right near where my sister lives :D

[Cubbie&TribeFan]

Not an Indians Farm team but you have Toledo Mud Hens in a great park and also the Columbus Clippers which as of right now is/was a Yankees AAA team. Rumor is the Indians are talking about signing them up for our system and having all of the farm teams in Ohio within 2 hrs.

Hmm lets see....you can see the site of Old Leaguie Park. They still have part of the bleachers and ticket office on site of what is now a softball field

[catcher24]

Posted by Cubbie&Tribefan:
Hmm lets see....you can see the site of Old Leaguie Park.

But if you do, go during the day and with a large group!!;) Not the best part of the city.

Let me recommend that when you go to Pittsburgh, make sure you walk across the Roberto Clemente Bridge before or after the game. It's closed before and after games and becomes rather a block party, with vendors and musicians. And if by some chance you or your husband are model railroad buffs, make sure to go to the Carnegie Science Center (just downriver from PNC, other side of Heinz Field). They have a tremendous model railroad layout, including a great mini baseball park. This (http://www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/default.aspx?pageId=35) links to the railroad info page. There is also a WWII class submarine there that you can tour - but if the smell of diesel makes you sick, don't do it. And make sure you check out the art museum that is part of PNC. As I recall, it's off of the leftfield entrance, but I can't remember for sure. Great sports themed artwork, and many of the items are autographed. Also, a location I've been wanting to get to for a couple of years but haven't made it yet, is the University of Pittsburgh, out in Oakland suburb. In the Forbes Quadrangle Building on the campus, home plate from old Forbes Field is under lucite in it's original location. Some sections of the old brick outfield wall are also preserved, and on one of these sections a plaque marks the spot where Maz's homer went over to end the 1960 series (oops, sorry, probably a bad memory if you're a Yankee fan:laugh ).

Hope you have a great trip!

[sportslovingwife]

You guys are killing me- in a good way! :) So much to do, so little time. After I figure out exact dates and how long in each city, I will go through all your suggestions more carefully and plan out things to do.

Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Karen

[RuthMayBond]

You guys are illing me- in a good way! :) So much to do, so little time. After I figure out exact dates and how long in each city, I will go through all your suggestions more carefully and plan out things to do.

Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
KarenIf you haven't found an exact address for Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium in Canton, the exit is off of I-77, I think it is route 800 according to a poor map. I'm not sure if you can see it off the highway to the east, you might be able to.

[2Chance]

originally posted by sportslovingwife
You guys are killing me- in a good way! :) So much to do, so little time. After I figure out exact dates and how long in each city, I will go through all your suggestions more carefully and plan out things to do.
You'll have to let us know how the vacation goes...and don't forget the pictures! :)

[sportslovingwife]

You'll have to let us know how the vacation goes...and don't forget the pictures! :)


But of course!!!!! Right now the whole trip is being planned, all we need is a green light from my mother in law that she will watch thte baby for a week and half and then all systems are go. My fingers are crossed.

My next dream trip is flying to the west coast and going eiather north- south or vice versa. Someday..............

Karen

[RuthMayBond]

My next dream trip is flying to the west coast and going eiather north- south or vice versa. Someday..............

KarenAt least you're smarter than me. I went to Cali and just figured that California was California. Had NO idea how far that driving would span. Fortunately my Giants game and A's game were scheduled back-to-back. Stayed up 37 straight hours :ughh

[catcher24]

West Coast - You fly into Seattle, see game there. Rent car, drive south, maybe a game at Portland along the way. Then games at Oakland, San Francisco, LA, Anaheim, San Diego. Fly out of San Diego.....or drive to Phoenix and add the D'backs, then fly out of Phoenix. Figure 10 days to 2 weeks, minimum. Or start in Phoenix and do it in reverse! I'll probably drive, but I'm already planning the 30 park tour. I'm retired and working part time to pay off some bills. My wife retires in four years, then - watch out, world! I'm going to as many ballparks as I can!!

And by all means, please post pictures of your trip!

[sportslovingwife]

How far of a drive is it from San Diego to Phoenix?

[catcher24]

ABout 330 miles - less than the distance from LA to San Francisco.

[sportslovingwife]

Not bad at all- I may have to add that to our list. :)

[catcher24]

GO FOR IT!!:clapping :gt