Vacations Blog

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!

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]

This local perspective on Kansas City comes from Linda Szewczyk. Linda has lived in many cities and feels that Kansas City has something for everyone to enjoy. After reading through her terrific answers, I can see that she is right. Kansas City is a place full of surprises. For example, did you know that it is only 30 miles from the birthplace of Basketball and has more BBQ restaurants than anywhere else in the U.S.?! This last part could come as a surprise for all you Texans out there….myself included! I think that you will enjoy this glimpse into Missouri’s ‘finest city’.

1. Give five adjectives that you would use to describe the “feel” of Kansas City and its residents?

Beautiful, Surprising, Complex, Picturesque, and Sophisticated.

(It seems that those on the coasts are generally unfamiliar with the Mid-West. Having lived in many cities, I found Kansas City has something for everyone to enjoy.)

2. What is your favorite neighborhood/area of Kansas City?

The Country Club Plaza district, it is an area of majestic homes, towering trees, retail shops and restaurants. The architecture is styled after cities of the Iberian Peninsulaand is credited with being the country’s first shopping center.

3. Which cuisine do you think Kansas Citydoes best? What is the runner-up? (Feel free to share your favorite restaurants).

Kansas City was home to some of the country’s original stockyards and therefore is known for luscious beef. The city boasts many fine steak houses, including the Hereford House, The Savoy Grill, and The Majestic Steakhouse. They serve up terrific jazz along with their scrumptious steaks. Equal to Kansas City steaks is the barbecue! Of my favorites, Fiorella’s Jack Stack tops the list.

4. What is the best free thing to do?

Kansas Cityis home to Hallmark Cards. The Crown Center surrounds the Hallmark headquarters. Stroll three levels of shopping and dining at the Crown Center.You can visit Kaleidoscope a hands on art experience for children 5 to
12 sponsored by Hallmark. Enjoy free Friday Night Concerts and Flicks on the lawn outside Crown Center.

During the summers the Crown Center Square Fountain’s 48 water shooters perform a dancing water show synchronized by the Kansas City Symphony. During the winter, you can ice skate at the Ice Terrace in the square for a small fee.

The Coterie Theater, American Heartland Theater and Off Center Theater are located within the CrownCenterand offer shows for all ages. Tickets must be purchased for shows.

5. What is your favorite type of entertainment?

Kansas Cityhas the BLUES and all that JAZZ. Some of the greatest jazz players of all time started in the clubs of Kansas City. In the 18th and Vine and the Power and Light District fans can find many clubs,
bars, and music festivals.

6. List the best family friendly activity.

Family activities are abound in Kansas City. From the professional teams, the Royals baseball and Chiefs football and NASCAR, to the amusement parks of Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun, provide year-round entertainment for all!

7. What spot would you send a couple, looking for a romantic weekend?

The Country Club Plaza is a great choice! The Raphael, an elegant boutique hotel, is a wonderful retreat for a romantic weekend. Stroll the boulevards of the Plaza, dine at the Plaza IIIor just have margaritas on the patio at Baja 600. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride and admire the awesome array of the beautiful fountains which are abundant in Kansas City.

8. Describe the perfect day…one that captures what your area/city is all about– In three sentences or less.

Almost any day is perfect in Kansas City, despite or because of the true four season climate; there is always something to do, on the coldest winter day or the steamiest day in July. Visit the shops, restaurants, and other attractions and you are always greeted with friendly hospitality. I guess it’s the people I most enjoy.

9. Tell us about a place that you love to go whether it is in the guidebooks or not.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has an outstanding collection of artifacts from ancient times to modern day, and admission is free! Have lunch at the museum’s RozelleCourtRestaurantor picnic on the
scenic grounds.

10. What question did we not ask that we should have (and answer it, of course!)?

Little Known Facts:
-Kansas Cityhas the most extensive public display of European statuary and fountains in the country, with at last count over 200 fountains.
-Independence, part of the Kansas City metro area, was home to Harry S. Truman our 33rd President. His home and library are open to the public.
-The University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas located 40 miles west of Kansas Cityis home to the NCAA Champion KU Jayhawks and is the birthplace of game of basketball.
-The Kansas City Barbecue Society reports that KC has more barbecue restaurants per  capita than any other city in the country.

Do you have a city you would love to tell us about? Send us an e-mail or comment on this post and maybe you can become our next local expert!