I recently traveled for several weeks around various cities in the U.S. for my summer vacation. How was my trip and what did I think about it? I'm happy you asked!
All in all, my trip was great. Here's a detailed rundown--teacher grading report card style-- of many of the main spots I stopped at along the way. If you're interested in seeing more (and better filtered) pics of my travels, check me out on IG.
All in all, my trip was great. Here's a detailed rundown--teacher grading report card style-- of many of the main spots I stopped at along the way. If you're interested in seeing more (and better filtered) pics of my travels, check me out on IG.
Part I: The Midwest
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| Chicago Skyline from Grant Park |
Place: Chicago, Illinois
Dates: June 5-8
Grade: A
As the only really major U.S city I had yet to visit, I was excited for Chicago, and "Summertime Chi" did not disappoint. Leaving Atlanta just as the 80+ degree humid weather started to creep in, we were pleasantly greeted by 55 degree weather as we sat in the nosebleeds at a Cubs game the evening we arrived. Chilly yes, but pleasantly refreshing. And the rest of the city was as awesome as well. From the lakeside bike trail to the gorgeous aqua Lake Michigan itself, from the killer skyline (I think it's better than NYC's) to the Magnificent Mile, from the Bean to the Chicago Riverwalk, from Chicago Style Hot Dogs to Deep Dish Pizza, I was not once disappointed.*
*Well except for the day I got food poisoning and couldn't leave my bed for 24 hours. That sucked. And I got shat on by a bird for the first time. But can't hold those against the city.
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| Frisbeer! |
Dates: June 8-10
Grade: B+ (but with A potential)
*Poultry Days is a fun/party ultimate frisbee tournament in the small rural town of Versailles, OH. It is part of a larger annual Poultry Festival hosted by the town.
I've been to four party ultimate frisbee tournaments (Wildwood, Lei-out, Turkey Tourney, and Poultry Days) and Poultry Days is in the conversation of best tourney.
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| Chickens on the Luice '18 |
The overall experience could have been better had we been more prepared. It would have been cool to have less flakier friends who bailed so we didn't have to play 80% of points. The camping experience would have been better had we brought our yard games and lawn chairs and the like. But at large, the tournament was fun, and despite our lack of preparation, we still had a fantastic time with the people that were with us. A larger team and more planning prep can make this tourney an A, and is definitely worth the trip if you play ultimate and have never been.
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| The Yosemite Valley View |
Place: Yosemite National Park
Dates: June 13-15
Grade: B (for me... but some might think it's an A+)
Don't let the grade mislead you. Yosemite is a spectacular place. The combination of gigantic rocks juxtaposed with the forest background and Merced River Canyon makes Yosemite Valley a must see. The views are spectacular, among the best in the National Park Service, with unique rock formations and waterfalls that can't be seen elsewhere in the world. There's a variety of a GREAT day hikes (Upper Yosemite, Four-Mile, Mist Trail), a nice little community in the valley, and the river itself is a great place to take a swim or go lazy river tubing. It seems like a perfect place to camp/enjoy the scenery for 3-7 days.
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| Who you're sharing the view with |
All in all, if you're ready for or really into the commercialization it can be perfect for you. But the people make it less enjoyable. (And the fact that I think Utah and the Canadian Rockies have better scenery.) But it was awesome and I was able to pull off hiding something in a scavenger hunt for a friend to find weeks later, so that was cool.
Place: Lassen Volcanic National Park
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| Lassen Peak from Helen Lake |
Grade: C+
While there were some very scenic lakes and views, Lassen offers little uniqueness that other national parks may offer (Granted, its most renowned trail, the Bumpass Trail, was closed). Still, a $25 fee to enter a meh national park West of the Rockies that isn't quite near anything was overpriced. Still worthy of a day trip if you're in the area though, and if it were on the east coast it'd be arguably the best national park out there.
And if you are in the area, check out Redding's Sundial Bridge. It's neat.
Place: Redwoods National Park
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| The Redwoods were indeed tall. |
Grade: A-
Although Redwoods does not offer the grand vista views or 100+ like instagram shots that many of its West Coast peers offers, Redwoods is truly one of a kind. There's something about looking up at the canopies of the world's tallest living creatures and being at awe, feeling how small and insignificant you really are. I particularly liked Stout Grove Trail -- a trail where you literally have to drive on a dirt road right next to and among the green (red?) giants.
Redwoods close proximity to the gorgeous Pacific Coast--a neat transition midpoint from NorCal into the PNW, helps as well. (Side note, I'm really surprised there isn't a huge city where Eureka currently is. Big river, Big bay, great climate... it's a shame there isn't a huge city here because Americans would love it!
Part III: The PNW
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| Crater Lake was clear, blue, and cold! |
Dates: June 23
Grade: A-
Like Redwoods National Park, Crater Lake was a unique national park. The remnants of a huge volcanic eruption several thousand years ago, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in America and the clearest lake in the world. The water is very very blue, and the scenic drive around the lake provides both aerial views of the lake from the surrounding mountains, and close up views from the shore. It's a bit out of the way from everything, but well worth the side trip if in the area. And yes, I went swimming, and yes, it was cold and refreshing.
Like Redwoods National Park, Crater Lake was a unique national park. The remnants of a huge volcanic eruption several thousand years ago, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in America and the clearest lake in the world. The water is very very blue, and the scenic drive around the lake provides both aerial views of the lake from the surrounding mountains, and close up views from the shore. It's a bit out of the way from everything, but well worth the side trip if in the area. And yes, I went swimming, and yes, it was cold and refreshing.
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| Portland Ultimate Camp -- Glenhaven |
Dates: June 24-29
Grade: A
Portland was a spectacular host city for a week. The weather was fantastic (65-75 degree weather), the scenery was great (even after the Columbia River Gorge fires), and the company was awesome. Both my brother and DK were great hosts.
Portland was a spectacular host city for a week. The weather was fantastic (65-75 degree weather), the scenery was great (even after the Columbia River Gorge fires), and the company was awesome. Both my brother and DK were great hosts.
Special shout out to the Portland Ultimate community for being so welcoming. I actually spent a week coaching kids at a PDX Ultimate sponsored youth camp in Portland and both the kids and my co-workers were awesome to be around. And it's totally awesome they can get 30+ kids out to camp. Additionally, I played some pickup goaltimate with the locals a couple of times--once with the elite Rhino ultimate crew--and everyone was so welcoming and friendly. Not once did I feel like I didn't belong. Could see myself living there one day maybe.
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| Both DK and the views were looking 🔥 |
Lastly, a special shout-out to DK and his commitment to weight loss and getting his shit together. You're really looking great buddy and the hard work is paying off. I mean, we literally drove into a drive-through and you decided not to order anything(!) and you also stole veggies off my quinoa plate at dinner one night. Proud of you bud.
P.S. Oh, if you see me, especially if you know DK, ask me about us waiting in line. Good story.
Place: Seattle, WA
Dates: June 29-30
Grade: A-
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| Un Bien--a dream come true |
Although my stay was brief and I wasn't able to revisit my favorite spots in town (GasWorks, The Seattle Public Library, Golden Gardens), the fact that I was mentally capable and distant to have a great time in the setting of what was once a rough time for me was a big step.
My first stop in Seattle was undoubtedly the old Paseo (now rebranded as Un Bien), where I had no other than the Carribean Roast. Yes, it was still delicious--although no longer firmly in the "favorite meal in the world" driver's seat. Can't tell if it was slightly worse to the rebranding, or if it was slightly worse because I built it up so much over the years. Still a top 5 meal for sure, and so delicious.
What was more striking and memorable about my visit to Seattle was how quickly and seamlessly I was able to rekindle friendships with the few people I knew there. I had my first dinner in Seattle with my former roommates Austin and Maaz--people I genuinely liked from my prior life there who managed to stay roommates and close friends four years later--and we were joking and talking like I never left. Similarly, I also saw my sister Rachel, now a student at UW, who I hadn't seen in six years somehow. And likewise, it seemed that Rachel and I were as close as we had ever been.
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| Throwback to four years prior... It was like I never left! |
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| A sibling reunion six years in the making! |
Overall a successful Seattle return. I'll be back.
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| Lake Diablo, North Cascades National Park |
Dates: July 1-3
Grade: B- (A- if you haven't seen the Rockies)
The North Cascades is objectively a beautiful national park. It would easily be the most scenic mountains east of the Rockies. Despite possessing some of the most scenic jagged peaks and vista views, it's surprisingly one of the least visited National Parks in the country.
But why only a B- ? Everything is relative, and the North Cascades simply didn't offer anything that Banff and Jasper already did. Quite simply put, the North Cascades are like the Canadian Rockies Lite-- slightly shorter mountains, slightly less aqua lakes, and slightly less scenic hikes. If we hadn't gone to Banff and Jasper, North Cascades would've been spectacular. But after being spoiled by the Canadian Rockies, it was meh.
The North Cascades is objectively a beautiful national park. It would easily be the most scenic mountains east of the Rockies. Despite possessing some of the most scenic jagged peaks and vista views, it's surprisingly one of the least visited National Parks in the country.
But why only a B- ? Everything is relative, and the North Cascades simply didn't offer anything that Banff and Jasper already did. Quite simply put, the North Cascades are like the Canadian Rockies Lite-- slightly shorter mountains, slightly less aqua lakes, and slightly less scenic hikes. If we hadn't gone to Banff and Jasper, North Cascades would've been spectacular. But after being spoiled by the Canadian Rockies, it was meh.
Place: Vancouver, BC
Dates: July 3-4
Grade: A+
I can honestly say that Vancouver, BC was my favorite stop on my journey. I've shown a clear affinity for Canada in the past, and Vancouver likewise did not disappoint. Here's in particular what I loved about Vancouver:
Diversity: Vancouver is so incredibly diverse. There are SO many Asians there (close to 40%) but also just seemed to have an international flair, with some Indians, some French folk, and other cultures too.
Food: With great diversity comes great food. Even though Andrew took me to a mediocre Indian place, the Chinese food was top-notch, and we're talking better than SF and NYC. The dumpling game was on point, and the Asian food court in the Suburb of Richmond had some of the best dumplings I've ever had.
Weather: Like the rest of the PNW, Vancouver's weather could not have been better. 75 degrees (farenheit) and sunny made it literally the ideal weather to make us want to spend our entire day outdoor.
Scenery: Maybe one of the most scenic cities in the world. Whatever you want Vancouver's got it. Sandy Beaches. White-capped Mountains. Majestic Skylines. Calm sound. It's all here.
Hiking / Fitness: Like Calgary, Vancouver was simply a very active city. Vancouver had perhaps my favorite short hike: the Grouse Grind, a 1.9 mile one way hike rising nearly 3,000 feet up Grouse mountain. (It's basically walking straight up stairs the entire way). The views of downtown are spectacular, and there's a lodge, restaurant and bar at the top, and a tram ride back down. Even though Andrew was bitching literally every step of the way, we both loved the hike, and the nice reward. Why can't every city have a hike like this?
Cycling Friendly: And last but certainly not least, I LOVED how bike friendly the city streets are. There are bike lanes on pretty much every single major road in the city; it's clear that cyclists are a respected and substantial population there. The relevance of the cyclists was best illustrated after we came back from a post-midnight fourth meal. In a suburban area of Vancouver, in a span of one minute after parking, we saw three cyclists bike by. Past midnight. On a Tuesday night. Wow. I'm in love.
I would totally live in Vancouver if ever given a realistic opportunity.
My only question is: What's up with the flashing green lights?
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| Vancouver BC, my favorite place on the trip! |
Diversity: Vancouver is so incredibly diverse. There are SO many Asians there (close to 40%) but also just seemed to have an international flair, with some Indians, some French folk, and other cultures too.
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| We ate a lot of dumplings. |
Weather: Like the rest of the PNW, Vancouver's weather could not have been better. 75 degrees (farenheit) and sunny made it literally the ideal weather to make us want to spend our entire day outdoor.
Scenery: Maybe one of the most scenic cities in the world. Whatever you want Vancouver's got it. Sandy Beaches. White-capped Mountains. Majestic Skylines. Calm sound. It's all here.
Hiking / Fitness: Like Calgary, Vancouver was simply a very active city. Vancouver had perhaps my favorite short hike: the Grouse Grind, a 1.9 mile one way hike rising nearly 3,000 feet up Grouse mountain. (It's basically walking straight up stairs the entire way). The views of downtown are spectacular, and there's a lodge, restaurant and bar at the top, and a tram ride back down. Even though Andrew was bitching literally every step of the way, we both loved the hike, and the nice reward. Why can't every city have a hike like this?
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| The Grouse Grind |
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| A sunset view from the top of Grouse Moutain. |
Cycling Friendly: And last but certainly not least, I LOVED how bike friendly the city streets are. There are bike lanes on pretty much every single major road in the city; it's clear that cyclists are a respected and substantial population there. The relevance of the cyclists was best illustrated after we came back from a post-midnight fourth meal. In a suburban area of Vancouver, in a span of one minute after parking, we saw three cyclists bike by. Past midnight. On a Tuesday night. Wow. I'm in love.
I would totally live in Vancouver if ever given a realistic opportunity.
My only question is: What's up with the flashing green lights?
Place: Mount Rainier National Park
Dates: July 5
Grade: A-
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| Mount Rainier from the Paradise Visitor Center Parking Lot |
Maybe I'll summit Mt. Rainier one day, Who's in with me? That'd be pretty neat.
Part IV: South Central
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| Cattleack BBQ |
Dates: July 6-7
Grade: B-
The highlight of the Dallas trip was Cattleack BBQ. Open only on Thursdays and Fridays (and one Saturday a month, the day we happened to be there) for lunch, customers stand in line for over an hour just to try the BBQ. Even though we waited close to 90 minutes and spent nearly $50 each, it was worth it. But not something I'd do too often.
It was neat see the spot JFK was shot, but if that's the shining point of your tourism industry, the city wasn't particularly fun as a quick visitor. But we did gamble at the largest casino in the world
The highlight of the Dallas trip was Cattleack BBQ. Open only on Thursdays and Fridays (and one Saturday a month, the day we happened to be there) for lunch, customers stand in line for over an hour just to try the BBQ. Even though we waited close to 90 minutes and spent nearly $50 each, it was worth it. But not something I'd do too often.
It was neat see the spot JFK was shot, but if that's the shining point of your tourism industry, the city wasn't particularly fun as a quick visitor. But we did gamble at the largest casino in the world
Place: Bentonville, AR
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| The First Wal Mart. |
Grade: B
I pictured Northwest Arkansas to be a dumpy, run-down area. It surprisingly was not that. Obviously being hosted by Andrew Lee was helpful. And the fact I was within a stone's throw of Kansas, one of the few states I had yet to step foot in. But at large, Bentonville wasn't terrible.
The tinder pool was indeed limited. I can't disagree with that. But the town was nice. Wal-Mart has put a lot of money into sprucing up Bentonville. The Crystal Bridges Art Museum was one of the best designed art museums I've ever been to. The Wal Mart Museum was cool, the town's food was good as well. Northwest Arkansas even had a good outdoor concert venue, the Wal Mart Amp. And everything was pretty cheap there.
I wouldn't get Bentonville confused with actual tourist destinations, and I certainly wouldn't go out of my way to see it, but overall, Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas was pleasantly surprising.
Part V: Mid-Atlantic
Place: Philadelphia, PA
I pictured Northwest Arkansas to be a dumpy, run-down area. It surprisingly was not that. Obviously being hosted by Andrew Lee was helpful. And the fact I was within a stone's throw of Kansas, one of the few states I had yet to step foot in. But at large, Bentonville wasn't terrible.
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| @ Crystal Bridges Art Museum |
I wouldn't get Bentonville confused with actual tourist destinations, and I certainly wouldn't go out of my way to see it, but overall, Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas was pleasantly surprising.
Part V: Mid-Atlantic
Place: Philadelphia, PA
Dates: July 13-15
Grade: A++
Okay, I actually don't think Philly is an A++. To be honest, it'd be lucky to get a B. Boo Eagles. Boo Nick Foles. Boo Sixers. Boo Embiid. In my eyes, Philly is pretty much a wannabe Boston.
I was in the Philly area to attend Nora and David's wedding. I can honestly say your wedding was the most fun wedding I've ever been to.* The venue was flawless, the food was delicious, the ceremony was quick and entertaining, and the reception and party was so fun. I mean, seriously, the suprise appearance and speech by the cop that busted the party that you two first met at several years ago? Priceless.
*It's also the first wedding I've ever been to. But shhhhhhh.
I can only imagine all the work you both put in to make it such a grand experience for everyone. It was truly an exceptional experience that I was grateful to be a part of.
While the wedding experience was truly fantastic, what's obviously more important is that Nora and David truly are an A++ perfect match for each other. David is one of the most selfless guys I know, and although I don't actually know Nora so well, from my limited interactions she is (at least) on par with David's selflessness. Everyone, myself included, can aspire to more be like y'all and find a fit as perfect as you are for one another.
Congrats to Nora and David. A fantastic celebration and a perfect exclamation point on my trip.
Okay, I actually don't think Philly is an A++. To be honest, it'd be lucky to get a B. Boo Eagles. Boo Nick Foles. Boo Sixers. Boo Embiid. In my eyes, Philly is pretty much a wannabe Boston.
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| The old 1019 15th gang (+James) w/ the newlywed! |
*It's also the first wedding I've ever been to. But shhhhhhh.
I can only imagine all the work you both put in to make it such a grand experience for everyone. It was truly an exceptional experience that I was grateful to be a part of.
While the wedding experience was truly fantastic, what's obviously more important is that Nora and David truly are an A++ perfect match for each other. David is one of the most selfless guys I know, and although I don't actually know Nora so well, from my limited interactions she is (at least) on par with David's selflessness. Everyone, myself included, can aspire to more be like y'all and find a fit as perfect as you are for one another.
Congrats to Nora and David. A fantastic celebration and a perfect exclamation point on my trip.
Part VI: Home
Place: Atlanta, GA
Date: July 18
Grade: A-
I leave for 6+ weeks and I'm awaited at home by a new puppy and a newly opened Hattie B's (my favorite place to eat in Nashville) about a mile from my house. And I bought a car that I love so far. What more can a guy ask for? Well Felix barks and poops and pees all over the house. So I'd ask for less of that. But other than that, look how cute he is!!
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| Hattie B's in ATL is Open! |
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| Felix. |
Closing:
Two thoughts I had, to close this post out.
Two thoughts I had, to close this post out.
1) I've always been pretty good at this, but this summer I realized more than ever how important it is to select your timing wisely when you decide to travel. In fact, the time of year (and time of week, and time of day even) is crucial in determining your overall experience in different destinations.
Chicago, Portland, Seattle, Vancouver... what do they all have in common? They're fantastic summer cities! Would I have been as likely to enjoy them as much in January instead of June or July? Well, since I like 70 degree and sunny weather more than 40 and rainy or -5 and snowy, probably not.
That said, there is a value in visiting somewhere when it is NOT the prime season to visit, particularly if you're seeking some good nature. This is why I've most enjoyed evening hikes (when people are less likely to be out) or visiting during the offseason. To this day, I'd say my favorite National Park experience was at Arches National Park in a November because the crowds were so thin. I had close to an hour, all by myself, soaking in the view from a usually tourist filled spot.
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| This view, all by yourself for an hour? Yes please! *Arches National Park, Nov. 2014* |
2) Here's another thing I realized this summer. These are the following things that I genuinely enjoy: Ultimate, hiking, camping, cycling.
Do you know what I also noticed about these hobbies of mine? They're predominately hobbies of white people.
Seriously, there's a disproportionate number of people of color in all of my above listed hobbies. There are barely any POC in ultimate. I'm surprised when I cycle and see a non-white cyclist on the roads. I rarely saw people of black or hispanic descent while hiking, and recall barely any non-asian minorities in the campgrounds I stayed at this summer.
This is of course most ironic as most of my waking time is spent educating primarily black students in Downtown Atlanta. Wouldn't it be cool to somehow get more people of color out to participate in these objectively awesome hobbies? Maybe a non-profit or educational program that enables people of color easier access to these awesome activities? Why aren't there more POC out there?
But hey, I'm starting an ultimate team at my school this year. (I'm actually looking for coaches... so hit me up if you're interested!) So I'm starting something.
Just spewing thoughts out now. I had a great summer. Cheers to the new school year.
Thanks for reading,
- JTF
