Maid-Rite drive-ins have been feeding the Midwest since 1926. That’s a lot of sandwiches.

The restaurant chain is headquartered in Iowa, but has additional locations in Nebraska, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and Ohio. Carry out beer is not available in all stores, but it should be.

There’s nothing better than good food on a family road trip. While the bigger chains are convenient and often necessary, it’s always nice to try someplace local. What are some of the regional favorites in your area?

This post is part of Uptake’s Tuesday Roadside Attractions Series. If you have a photo of an odd, funny or interesting roadside attraction that you would like to see featured here please submit it via the link in the sidebar with subject line: Roadside.

As far as I could tell, the instruments were for decoration.

Walking into the Crescent San Francisco Hotel is like walking into the den of hipster vampires. In a good way. They call it “a new interpretation of an original Victorian era.” I call it bold and haunting.

The lobby is bright and open and the staff is friendly and accommodating (although they were unable to provide me with a reputable tattoo parlor in the area after I stumbled in from the nearby Irish Bank Bar — actually, that’s probably a good thing).  Upon first impression of the hotel I was pleased and comfortable. Then things got different.

There is one small, quaint, and very old-school elevator that actually requires the rider to manually open the door — something that made me, and I hope assume other guests, stand there like an idiot for a moment too long. This isn’t a complaint mind you, just a PSA to any potential visitors. Learn from me, people.

And then there was the hallway. It was dark in the daytime and glowed with hues of red. Strolling the corridor alone I couldn’t help but feel that I was checking into my own private screening of The Shining. When I passed the very cool, very hip bar called The Burritt Room (named after the murder scene in The Maltese Falcon) I glanced at the bartenders and gathering patrons — none of them seemed to be ghosts, so I bellied up and had a pint(s). Read More »

Case de Benin art gallery

The wild and colorful images of Brazil’s Carnival celebrations stir up fond memories of my travels to the heart of Brazil’s rich culture, Salvador, Bahia.  Salvador’s carnival is arguably the most authentic of the non-stop street parties but the city also offers a real glimpse of  Brazil’s history and culture that you won’t get anywhere else in the country. Salvador was Brazil’s original capitol and it boasts so many historical places, monuments and people that you can literally visit one every 5 minutes. There’s also truckloads of tourists traps so here’s my list of  slightly less touristy activities:

1. Eating Moqueca at Iemanja Restaurant

I slurped this rich, coconut, fish stew down almost daily when I was in Salvador.  The sea goddess Iemanja is Salvador’s most popular deity and the restaurant plays proper homage with an interior covered in turquoise blue walls and sea shells.  The waitress wear long white gowns with blue accents and serene smiles. Bahian cuisine is the soul of Brazil and this is one of the best places to experience it.

2.Viewing The Eight Orixa Sculptures On  Lake Torroro

This dramatic spectacle is not to missed.  Rising out of a small lake, eight life-sized, fiber glass statues demonstrate Salvador’s spiritual heritage. The Candomble religion plays an important part in everyday Brazilian life and this stunning park sculpture shows just one of the ways.  The main deities are displayed with their symbolic effects, such as Xango with his ax and Oxum with her mirror.  They loom in brilliant color, almost blending in with the splashing waves, trees and fishing boats.

3.Strolling Through Salvador Museums

I’m an art freak. No trip is complete to me without a visit to at least one gallery or museum.  Salvador actually has scads of them clustered in Pelourinho and beyond.  I loved the City Museum, which displays contemporary Brazilian art  and Case de Benin,  which showcases artifacts from Benin, West Africa. The culture of Benin influences a large portion of Bahian culture through art and spiritual customs.

4. Visiting the Zumbi Palmares Statue

Zumbi  was a famous freedom fighter who represents African pride to many Brazilians. An imposing bronze monument was erected to honor his historical significance in Pelourinho Square in 2008.  He led rebellions at the end of the 17th century and 300 years after his death, Brazilians pay tribute with a national day of remembrance  on November 20.

A relaxation spot at Marriott Chicago

Although plying your date with Champagne and fine wine is a Valentine’s Day standby, changing the game with a beer making class may just earn you points for being original.  Surprise your sweetie with an intimate beer making class, topped off with a catered lunch and paired micro beer tastings at the elegant Marriott Chicago Magnificent Mile. Read More »