Vacations Blog

I’ve mentioned before, more than once, that Boston Massachusetts is one of my favorite cities. It’s hard to beat the combination of fresh seafood, architecture, and history of the place. Handily, there is one ideal location that combines all three, to provide you with an unforgettable experience on your next trip to Boston – The Freedom Trail.

The Freedom Trail is a three-mile walking tour along the heart of historic Boston, marked by a red line or red brick along the sidewalks. It begins in Boston Common (America’s oldest public park), and ends in Charlestown at the Bunker Hill Monument. Area maps can be purchased at the Information Booth near Park Street Station, and are also available at most area hotels.

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I happen to be a huge fan of Canada. HUGE. I have never had a Canadian experience that was less than completely positive. I love Canada so much that next summer I’m planning on hitting at least one of several points along the northern border of the U.S. that are great jumping-off points to get to Canada by car.

#1 Canadian Jumping Off Point – Boston, MA. Boston is one of my favorite places, and it’s right handy to Montreal (5 hours 20 minutes) and Quebec City (6 hours 30 minutes). My vision of a really great vacation is to start in Boston, stay a couple of nights and hit some of the sights (like Beacon Hill, or the Freedom Trail, or nearby Cape Cod), then drive up to Montreal for a couple of days, making sure to see the Pôle des Rapides. From Montreal the drive to Quebec City is two hours and 45 minutes, where I would recommend staying at the Hôtel Manoir de l’Esplanade and checking out the various boat tours along the St. Lawrence River.

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Boston Pops and Fourth of JUly

If you find yourself in Boston for the Fourth of July weekend, it is incumbent upon you to take in the spectacular yearly celebration at The Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade. Founded in 1974 by Boston-area businessman and philanthropist, David Mugar, the event was designed to breathe new life into the dying Esplanade concert series. Mugar approached famed Boston Pops conductor, Arthur Fiedler, and suggested that the Pops perform Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” with “a few added extras.” Howitzer cannons, church bells and fireworks were added to the concert “so that, in Arthur Fiedler’s own words, “All hell could break loose.”"

Now in its 36th year, the performance and fireworks welcome over 500,000 visitors from around the world and another seven million+ who view an hour-long special on CBS. This year, Grammy-award winning singer, Neil Diamond will perform some of his hits with the Boston Pops and, for the third year in a row, the live broadcast will be hosted by late night television host, Craig Ferguson.

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“Fenway Park, in Boston, is a lyric little bandbox of a ballpark. Everything is painted green and seems in curiously sharp focus, like the inside of an old-fashioned peeping-type Easter egg. It was built in 1912 and rebuilt in 1934, and offers, as do most Boston artifacts, a compromise between Man’s Euclidean determinations and Nature’s beguiling irregularities. Its right field is one of the deepest in the American League, while its left field is the shortest; the high left-field wall, three hundred and fifteen feet from home plate along the foul line, virtually thrusts its surface at right-handed hitters.”

–John Updike, “Hub Fans Bid Kid Adieu” (The New Yorker, October 22, 1960)

Fenway Park

Should you find yourself in Boston between April and October, a trip to Fenway Park is as much a requirement, nay a moral imperative, as walking the Freedom Trail, visiting the USS Constitution or sampling the fare at Ye Olde Union Oyster House. Regardless of your allegiances, Fenway Park remains a link to baseball’s storied past.

Fenway Park opened on April 20, 1912 and other than some additions over its 97-year history — the seats atop the Green Monster for example — the park is essentially unchanged and remains baseball’s oldest active ballpark. However, much like Chicago’s Wrigley Field, Fenway’s age does present some challenges as both parks have many obstructed view seats because of pillars supporting the upper deck. But, to much of Red Sox Nation, these seats, although a nuissance at times and the subject of much derision, are crucial to the park’s overall charm. Most “fans” have, at one time or another, found themselves craning their necks to the left or right to follow a play.

The Green Monster

In addition to the obstructed view seats, Fenway is home to many other quirky features that contribute to the park’s character. The Green Monster, soaring 37′ into the air, is both tempting and taunting to right-handed hitters, and is home to a manually-operated scoreboard. A little bit of trivia: on the scoreboard in Morse code are the initials of Thomas A. Yawkey and Jean R. Yawkey, who owned the Red Sox for some 60 years, 1933-1993. “Williamsburg” is the bullpen area located in front of the right-center field bleachers built for the benefit of Ted Williams (of whom Updike was writing in that article, by the way) to enable him to hit more home runs since it is some 23 feet closer than the bleacher wall. Speaking of The Splendid Splinter, the Lone Red Seat in the right field bleachers marks the spot of the longest measurable home run in Fenway, hit by Williams in 1946 and measured at an impressive 502 feet. Finally, not so much a quirk but a tradition, Neil Diamond’s classic, “Sweet Caroline,” can also be heard before the start of the bottom of the 8th inning. It started as a simple superstition when the Sox were ahead, but became a staple when new management took over in 2002.

If you’re looking for some pre- or post-game refreshments, the area around Fenway Park is loaded with good food and good beer. Boston Beer Works is a favorite of microbrew fans, with 16 beers on tap and located just across the street from Fenway. The Cask ‘N Flagon, whose sign you can see just over The Green Monster, is home to hundreds of black-and-white photos of Red Sox greats, walls lined with HD TVs and some of the coldest beer in Boston**. A new favorite of ours, The Bleacher Bar, lies beneath the bleachers in center field and has a garage-door-sized window looking directly onto the field. For those looking for more late-night entertainment, Lansdowne Street is loaded with clubs and bars: BIll’s Bar, Avalon, Axis and House of Blues are just a few of your choices.

Just a word of caution if you do decide to try and catch a game: Fenway Park currently holds the record for most consecutive sold-out games so make sure you check their web site for ticket availability. For those of you with an adventrous streak, there are plenty of scalpers in the area but buyer beware as scalping tickets is cough frowned upon cough by the local constabulary.

**It technically might not be the coldest, but it is when the temp reaches the upper 90s and you’ve spent four hours in the bleachers.

If you’re planning a trip, check out flights to Boston.

Growing up, the Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day meant donning Irish knit sweaters, kid-sized scally caps with a shamrock applique and then piling into the family car to head to South Boston, my father’s ol’ neighborhood, for the annual parade. We would arrive hours before the festivities started and make our way to the Peterson’s or the Golden’s or to the Shea’s, whoever was getting started early. The smell of food was always overwhelming, crock pots filling whatever counter space was available, while the dulcet tones of the Clancy Brothers, Tommy Makem, The Chieftains or The Dubliners filled the air.

Twenty-five plus years later these memories are still fresh in my mind – the parade was as much a part of our lives as a birthday or an anniversary. But, things change – people move, families change – and after a while we stopped going. Maybe someday I’ll go back with my new family so the kids can experience this celebration of their ancestry and how important the Irish are to South Boston. If you are so inclined, this year’s parade is Sunday, March 15 and starts at 1:00 p.m. at the Broadway MBTA (’T') stop and wraps up at Andrew Square. And contrary to what Darren wrote, New York’s parade is not actually the oldest – the first parade in the country was held in Boston in 1737. New York’s, however, has been held for more consecutive years, so I guess they got that going for them.

If you do find yourself in Boston for a spell, there’s really no shortage of places to stay or places to eat. I could start listing them out for you or even start naming some of my favorites, but we’d be here for days and you would never read anything I posted ever again, so I won’t do that to you or to me. But since we are near that holidays of holidays, St. Patrick’s Day, I will share with you some of my favorite Irish pubs in Boston and the surrounding environs. Now, I know a list like this is wholly subjective – there may be some pubs people agree with, there will be some pubs people will disagree with and there will be those who say, “Well, what about…?” and all I can say is, “Okay.” I’m sure there will be something on or off this list that even my own wife will ask what it was that I was thinking. With all those caveats, I give you my favorite Irish pubs in Boston and elsewhere.

The Black Rose (Roisin Dubh), Boston, MA

The Black Rose (Roisin Dubh), 160 State Street, Boston: From the pictures of Michael Collins, Eamonn deValera and other heroes of the Easter Rising hanging on the wall to the menu filled with such favorites as Shepherd’s Pie, Bangers and Mash and the old standby Fish and Chips, The Black Rose epitomizes the Irish pub experience in Boston. Located in the historic Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market area of Boston, The Black Rose offers up a diverse crowd of locals and tourists, all of whom are equally interested in a good time. In addition to properly poured pints (a proper pour takes 60-90 seconds and should never be rushed – this ain’t Bud you’re drinking), patrons are treated to live Irish music seven nights a week.

Mr. Dooley's, Boston, MA

Mr. Dooley’s, 77 Broad Street (Financial District), Boston: I’m partial to pubs in which I can actually carry on a conversation with whomever I’m sharing a pint with. Mr. Dooley’s is one of those pubs. Dooley’s is not like one of the “chain” Irish pubs that pop up in city after city. It has a comfortable, lived-in vibe common with the traditional pubs and patrons are often greeted by a bartender with a lilting brogue. The menu is filled with fish and chips and Irish sausages and bacon, but Mr. Dooley’s is also known for its authentic Irish breakfast – the cure for what ails ya. Friday through Sunday there is entertainment and patrons shouldn’t be surprised by an impromptu “Sessuin” – an informal gathering of musicians who come together to play some music, have a pint or two and socialize.

J.J. Foley's, Boston, MA

J.J. Foley’s, 117 East Berkeley Street, Boston: At one time, it was not for the faint of heart. This was always our “everything else is closing, will Jerry let us in?” late night bar. But, it’s been a while since I’ve been back here. I hear they recently renovated the location – new tin ceiling, newly shellacked wood paneling covering the walls – and are now offering a substantial pub menu. J.J’s, as it’s affectionately known, has been in opertion since 1909 and you can always count on the bartenders to be wearing white shirts and black ties, a nice throwback to a bygone era. And don’t be surprised by who you might run into while you’re there – I recall one night trading pints with a former mayor and his security detail.

Bad Abbot’s, 1546 Hancock Street, Quincy: Ah, my home away from home. Nine

Bad Abbot's, Quincy, MA

times out of 10, if we’re back in the Boston area for a weekend, a visit is not complete without a stop in at Abbot’s. I come here primarily for the Guinness as they have some of the smoothest and best poured pints around. My wife comes not only for the pints, but also for the curry chips (fries with a curry dipping sauce). The menu is filled with typical pub fare and patrons can enjoy live entertainment every weekend, as well as a traditional pub quiz during the week. Abbot’s also shows English Premier League games live as well as Scottish League, particularly when Celtic is playing. Spectators can enjoy a solid Irish breakfast during games. And for those fans of good hot fries and other fried foods, rumor has it that Abbot’s will be opening up a “chipper” soon.

Murphy's Twin Shamrocks, Quincy, MA

Murphy’s Twin Shamrocks, 425 Hancock Street, Quincy: One thing about Quincy, I think they have more Irish pubs and bars than Manhattan has Starbucks. Yeah, I know that’s impossible, but you get my point. The Murphy twins (get it? Twin Shamrocks) opened this neighborhood favorite in a former Chinese restaurant about 10 years ago. When it first opened it was dark and somewhat seedy, a perfectly fine mix, with great bartenders many of whom came over from the much lamented Tin Whistle. When I found myself back in the area a few months back, I was pleasantly surprised by the changes I encountered – it was much brighter, each booth had a small flat screen TV, new plasmas around the bar and on the walls – it had a more refined feel. The menu was still the same pub fare and the pints of Guinness were still refreshing. All in all, I’m never disappointed when I pop in for a pint.

NCAA March Madness Logo (photo courtesy NCAA.com and CBSSports.com)

Zero.  That is the collective number of college basketball games I have watched this season.  Yet, come next week, I’m sure that I will be counted among the millions of Americans contributing to the estimated $1.7 billion dollar productivity drain (thanks NCAA.com and CBSSports.com) during this springtime basketball tournament frenzy known everywhere as March Madness.

Selection Sunday is March 15 and opening round games are scheduled around the country beginning in Dayton, OH with the “play-in” game March 17.  The play-in game pits the 64th and 65th ranked teams against each other.  The winner of that game goes on to the regular tournament where in all likelihood they shall be soundly beaten by a far superior team.  That’s just how it works.

Here’s the tournament schedule at a glance.  Although tickets may be scarce, your best bet for seeing any of the games live would be the first and second rounds or the regionals.  Follow the city links below for lodging options in each of the host cities as well as interesting game alternatives while you’re there.

Selection Sunday March 15, 2009  6pm ET (CBS)

Play-In Game  March 17, 2009  7:30pm

Dayton, OH

Games will be played at the University of Dayton Arena.  As time allows, make sure to check out the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Stearman PT-13D Kaydet at the National Museum of the USAF (photo courtesy of Bud Hensley)

Rounds 1 and 2 Thursday and Saturday March 19 and 21, 2009

Greensboro, NC

Games will be played at the Greensboro Coliseum.  If you’re traveling with the kids, make sure to give them a break and head over to the Greensboro Children’s Museum for a fun filled, hands-on and interactive learning experience.

Kansas City, MO

Games are scheduled at the Sprint Center.  Allow some extra time to visit the Kansas City Zoo while you’re there.  It was voted one of America’s 60 Best in 2008.

Philadelphia, PA

Games will be played at the Wachovia Center of St. Joseph’s University.  No trip to Philly would be complete without a trip to Independence National Historical Park to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall where our Constitution was drafted.

The Liberty Bell in Independence National Historic Park (photo ushistory.org)

Portland, OR

Games to be held at the Rose Garden of the University of Oregon.  Again, I’m gonna send you to the zoo, the Oregon Zoo.

Rounds 1 and 2 Friday and Sunday March 20 and 22, 2009

Boise, ID

Games will be held at the Taco Bell Arena of Boise State University.  There’s plenty of family fun things to do in downtown Boise.

Dayton, OH

See above.

Miami, FL

Games will be at the American Airlines Arena of Florida International University.    Of course, Miami is a top Spring Break Destination so bring your trunks and floaties.  Hit the beach with your downtime.  That should go without saying.

Miami Coastline (photo courtesy visitusa.com)

Minneapolis, MN

Games to be held at the HHH Metrodome of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.  Two words:  Mall of America.  (Of doesn’t count.)  While there, make sure to see the world’s largest underground aquarium Underwater Adventures.

Regionals:  Thursday and Saturday March 26 and 28, 2009

East Regional–Boston, MA

Games will be held at the TD Banknorth Garden, home of the Bruins and Celtics.  While in Boston be sure to check out the Freedom Trail a three mile walk through downtown Boston that links 16 historical sites.

The Old North Church Steeple Boston, MA (photo courtesy oldnorth.com)

West Regional–Phoenix, AZ

Games will be at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Az.    I hear the South Mountain Park Scenic Drive is a great way to experience some of Arizona’s beautiful scenery and to boot–it’s free.

Regionals:  Friday and Sunday March 27 and 29, 2009

Midwest Regional–Indianapolis, IN

Games are scheduled at the new (in 2008) Lucas Oil Stadium.  The Children’s Museum of  Indianapolis ranks as one of the best in the country.  It’s a definite if you go to Indy with the kids.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis (photo via web public domain)

South Regional–Memphis, TN

Games will be held at the FedEx Forum.  No trip to Memphis would be complete without a visit to Graceland, even if you’re not an Elvis fan.

Final Four:  April 4 and 6, 2009

Detroit, MI–Ford Field

If your team has made it this far, congratulations.  If you’ve made it this far, congratulations again.  There’s much to see and do in the Motor City and while the games from here on out promise to be nothing short of spectacular make sure to take a break see some of what Detroit has to offer.

The Road Ends Here Detroit, MI 2009 NCAA Final Four

Oh, and coming off a perfect season (perfect 0 and 16, that is) I’m fairly certain you can get a pretty good deal on Lions Season Tickets while you’re there.

Let the games begin!

We’re no Mother of Presidents like Ohio, but it’s not too bad a showing.  I’m talking about the number of presidents that have called New England home. In fact, it only takes four of New England’s six states to match the eight presidents (that’s nearly twenty percent of them, isn’t it?) that the Buckeye State has given us. Here’s a rundown of who they are and what they’ve left behind for travelers to see.

Birthplace of John Adams

John Adams (2nd President)

The Adams Family (no, not that Addams Family) was the first political dynasty of America. Our second president was born in 1735 in Braintree, Massachusetts (which later became the town of Quincy in 1792). Adams National Historic Park in Quincy is a nearly 14 acre compound that includes the birthplace of John Adams and his later home with Abigail which they called Peacefield. Both homes and the surrounding gardens are open for tours.

Not only was John Adams the only one of our first presidents to have a son, but one of his sons also became president.

Birthplace of John Quincy Adams

John Quincy Adams (6th President)

How about having to live up to John and Abigail Adams as parents? John Quincy Adams was born in 1767 in Braintree, and was groomed for politics from a young age. His birthplace also stands in Adams National Historic Park.

Adams wasn’t known as a great president, but interestingly he held more federal offices than most presidents—President, United States Senator and Representative, Secretary of State, and Ambassador. He was, in fact, one of only two former presidents to return to Washington after his presidency to serve in Congress, and was elected to eight terms in the House of Representatives where did have an excellent reputation. Both John and John Quincy Adams along with their wives are buried in Quincy in United First Parish Church.

The Pierce Manse

Franklin Pierce (14th President)

The 1804 birthplace of fourteenth president Franklin Pierce in Hillsborough, New Hampshire is now under water. But at least they call it Franklin Pierce Lake and it serves his hometown as reservoir. The year Pierce was born however, the family moved to a new home which does still stand in Hillsborough as the Pierce Homestead. A later home of Pierce, the Pierce Manse, can also be visited in Concord, New Hampshire.

Pierce too wasn’t known as a great president, but there are some interesting facts about him. Like you might expect from a mid-nineteenth century Romantic, he associated with writers—one of his best friends was Nathaniel Hawthorne and another friend was Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. At least he had good drinking buddies. That’s probably why he died of cirrhosis.

Replica of Chester Arthur Birthplace

Chester Arthur (21st President)

Vermont calls Chester Arthur the other president born in the Green Mountain State. To me this assumes that people know at least one other Vermont-born president. I know all of us UpTake readers are smart, but Americans in general…not so much. (The tag also brings to mind “the other white meat” which is not, I think, what they were going for.)

Arthur was born in Fairfield, Vermont in 1829. There was some speculation at times though that he may have actually been born in Ireland or Canada—which would have made him ineligible to be president. His original birthplace in Vermont did not survive, but was reconstructed in 1950 and is a state historic site.

Childhood Home of Calvin Coolidge

Calvin Coolidge (30th President) 

That’s right, Coolidge is the president from Vermont. He’s also the only president to be born on the Fourth of July—in 1872. His childhood home in Plymouth Notch still stands and is actually the site where the thirtieth president was sworn in by his father, a Justice of the Peace. Vice-President Coolidge had been visiting his family when he received the news by messenger that President Warren Harding died on a speaking tour in California.

Coolidge was also one of the first presidents to have an official library. The Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum is found in Northampton, Massachusetts where Coolidge was once mayor and where he returned to reside after his presidency.

JFK Presidential Library and Museum

John Kennedy (35th President) 

Kennedy might be remembered as the most popular president from New England—and he had the accent to prove it. Just visiting Kennedy sites alone could make up a vacation.

Kennedy’s 1917 birthplace is in Brookline, Massachusetts near Boston and is preserved as a national historic site. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is nearby in the Dorchester section of Boston.

Beyond Boston, the Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port on Cape Cod served as the summer White House during Kennedy’s presidency. The six acre area includes several Kennedy family homes, but they are closed to the public. The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum however is open to the public. In Newport, Rhode Island, visitors can also enter St. Mary’s Church where John Kennedy married Jacqueline Bouvier in 1953.

Marker of the Birthplace of George Bush

George H.W. Bush (41st President) 

The first Bush in the office of president was born in 1924 in Milton, Massachusetts. The home is private, but a stone marks the site. Shortly after George’s birth, the family moved to Greenwich, Connecticut where George was raised. The family also spent much time at the summer home of Bush’s grandfather, Connecticut Senator Prescott Bush, in Kennebunkport, Maine.

Following service in the Army during World War II and college at Yale University in New Haven, Bush and his family moved to Texas where he still resides. Bush also still owns and visits the family home in Kennebunkport several times a year.

Childhood Home of George W. Bush

George W. Bush (43rd President)

Like his father, “W” is better known as a Texan. But he was born in Connecticut in 1946 at Grace-New Haven Community Hospital (later Yale-New Haven Hospital). Bush moved to Texas with his family in 1948, and resides there again following the recent end of his two terms as president.

There you have it—the Presidents of the United States with roots in New England. And even though they were born in four of the six New England states, Kennedy’s wedding and Bush’s summer home get in the other two.

Despite being six states, New England is a pretty compact area. It might be kind of interesting—especially to a presidential history buff (or maybe only to a presidential history buff)—to visit each of these sites. That could probably be done in just a few days time or it could take a couple of weeks if you take in other attractions.  But if you come, do it in the late spring, summer or fall. It’s still pretty cold and wet here for Presidents Day in February.

I would never suggest that you visit an airport with your children just for fun.  However, if you are stranded at an airport on your way home from holiday travel, let it be known that some of them have incredibly cool features that will help you kill the time and burn off the kids’ energy so they will pass out on the airplane.  Just don’t let them visit the ubiquitous airport candy store.

My holiday gift to you is a list, below, of links to the major US airlines and their hub airports.  Chances are, if you are traveling across the country, you may have to set foot in one of them, and you may even have to spend many of your precious hours there.  To all of our delight, I am sure, the city editors of Being Savvy, a guide for parents of preschoolers, have found interesting ways to kill time with children of all ages at many of these airports.

Do not be intimidated by the links.  Find your airline, then find the airport you where you will be sleeping changing planes.

Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines (AS) uses Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) where Being Savvy helps you locate the children’s play area, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Portland International Airport (PDX).

Music scape at the American Airlines terminal at Dallas/Ft. Worth

American Airlines: Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – (check out the terminal’s many cool larger-than-life sculptures), Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) (check out Being Savvy’s guide to O’Hare), Lambert-Saint Louis International Airport (STL), Miami International Airport (MIA).

Continental Airlines:  Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE).

Delta Air Lines:  Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) (here’s Being Savvy’s guide ),Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) with fully equipped children’s play areas on three concourses, Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

Frontier Airlines:  Denver International Airport (DEN) where Being Savvy found five fun frolics.  Until December 31st, 2008, kids under 12 fly, ski, and stay free in Aspen.

Jet Blue :  John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS) where Being Savvy visits the Kidport – Also, if you get a chance, show the older kids Logan’s 9/11 memorial.

The Kidport at Logan

Midwest Airlines:  Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) and Kansas City International Airport (MCI).

Northwest Airlines:  Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) where Being Savvy locates the family services and hits you with family travel tips, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), Memphis International Airport (MEM).

Southwest Airlines:  technically does not have hubs, but has main activities at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Chicago Midway Airport (MDW), Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL), Las Vegas’s McCarran International Airport (LAS), Houston Hobby Airport (HOU), and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).

Spirit Airlines:  calls their hubs “bases” which are at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) where Being Savvy finds you kid-friendly activities, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

United Airlines (UA) uses Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with its in-house aquarium!, Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – (check out the Being Savvy layover lifesaver ), Denver International Airport (DEN), and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

US Airways (US) uses Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (CLT), and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

[Photos courtesy of Dallas Ft. Worth International Airport and Logan International Airport]