DMBTraveler Tips - N

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Tail Of The Dragon Hotel

We are practically half frozen to death by the time we arrive at Phillips Motel in Robbinsville, North Carolina.

Running behind because of so many beautiful stops along the way we have just crossed most of the Cherohala Skyway, Highway 165/143 from Tellico Plains, Tennessee, shivering.

It is a cold clear night with a full moon lighting our path on 50 miles of a curving mountain highway.

I feel like Harry from the 1994 Dumb and Dumber movie, wishing I had brought a second pair of gloves. “Lloyd, I can't feel my fingers, they are numb!”. My hands are so cold I could barely write to register for the room reserved at Phillips Motels.

Bikers that have arrived ahead of us are camped around a bonfire on the front lawn of the motel enjoying it’s radiant heat and sharing stories.

We are tempted to join them but may have to jump in the fire to stay alive.

In the end, we are reluctant to escape the warmth of a comfortable room that comes equipped with a microwave, small refrigerator and a fly swatter for just $55.00 a night.

Operated by an elderly couple, Phillips Motel is located on Main Street and has a few buildings spread around the complex. Although prices are as low as $40 per night, I am told while making our reservations that the rooms upfront are worth the extra $15 per night.

Phillips Motel 290 Main Street Robbinsville, NC 28771. 828 479-3370 www.phillipsmotelonline.com

Phillips is not your typical standard chain hotel, it has a charm all it's own and is more than adequate as a place to spend a few nights while you explore all the great riding and scenery in the area. Restaurants, shops, a grocery store and even a McDonald's with free wi-fi are all close by.

I would certainly stay at Phillips Motel again but next time I will arrive early enough to stay warm by the bonfire.

Technorati Tags: Phillips Motel,Robbinsville North Carolina,Tail Of The Dragon,Tellico Plains,Tennessee,Cherohala Skyway,Dumb and Dumber,Highway 165,Highway 143

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Spectacular, Southern Fall Colors

Mention fall foliage in the United States and places like Vermont and The White Hills of New Hampshire come to mind.

Lake With Fall Foliage

However, parts of the South like Georgia, Tennessee and the Carolinas can be just as beautiful as in the Northeast and more affordable.

From Atlanta I take a journey on Georgia 400 North also known as 19 North then 60 North towards Tennessee 68 North.

Amazing Beautiful Fall Colors

Along some areas of the highway the median is covered with brilliant pink and purple flowers which provide a stark contrast to the bright reds, orange and yellows in the background.

Combined with hairpin curves and snaking roads I am thoroughly enjoying this fall journey on a rented Honda ST-1300 motorcycle.

Scenic Overlook

If you have an opportunity to visit this part of the country in the next week or two, do it!

You won't be disappointed.

Technorati Tags: Southern Fall Colors,Georgia Dome,Honda ST-1300,Vermont,The White Hils,New Hampshire,Tennessee,Northeast,South,Carolinas,Georgia 400,19 North,60 North,Tennessee 68 North

Thursday, October 14, 2010

A Mount Saint Helen Tostada, Muy Bueno!

Night is falling as I return west along Highway 504 from Mount Saint Helen. I am headed back to downtown Portland, Oregon.

I don't think I will make it unless I deal with an upset friend.

Long before I approach Interstate 5 my stomach has fired warning shots that tells me it is not happy that I have spent the entire day basically ignoring it. With so much to see and do in so little time, I knew it would be near the end of the day before I sit down for a full meal.

Although there are other dining options nearby, it is almost always difficult for me to resist the full culinary flavors of Mexico.

El Compadre located in Castle Rock, Washington on Highway 504 just east of Interstate 5 knows my weakness.

Tamale And Tostada Combo

Warm tortilla chips with a flavorful but not too spicy salsa turns my weakness into a victory. For $8.95, I am dining on a generous size tamale and tostada along with rice and refried beans.

Remove the other customers, rearrange a few pieces of furniture and I would swear the flavors tell me I am having dinner in a Mexican family home.

Now I might be delusional after a day of hiking and being outdoors in the Great Pacific Northwest but I am willing to bet you a taco you will have the same great dining experience at El Compadre.

Muy Bueno!

Technorati Tags: Mount Saint Helen,Portland,Oregon.Interstate 5,Highway 504,Tamale,Tostada,Great Pacific Northwest,El Compadre Restaurant,Castle Rock,Washington

Friday, October 8, 2010

Maryland, An October Surprise In Baltimore

After spending an early afternoon walking around downtown Baltimore, “The Charm City”, I end in the area of the National Aquarium.

Since I consider it too late in the day for a visit, I make a general inquire about the admission prices just in time to stumble on an October Surprise.

Cool Cow Fish

Celebrating it's 30^th Anniversary, The National Aquarium for the month of October 2010 has a fantastic deal.

Admission is only $5 after 5pm every Friday in October with the Aquarium staying open until 9:30pm on Fridays.

If you are in Baltimore and have the chance do not miss this opportunity, it is well worth your time. Tickets go on sale around 4pm which will normally allow you entrance before 5pm.

It takes at least 2 hours to view the aquarium and you will be given a set entrance time.

National Aquarium

I was able to purchase my ticket for a 4:30pm admission and had no wait time. However, leaving the National Aquarium around 6:30pm, I discover there was an extensive line for admission. I recommend you get there early to avoid the line and it might just be the best $5 you have ever spent.

Technorati Tags: Maryland,Baltimore,National Aquarium,Cow Fish,October Surprise,The Charm City

Thursday, September 2, 2010

See America The Beautiful For Pennies

As the first country in the world to establish a national park in 1872, national parks are one of America's hidden treasures.

Unfortunately, for unknown reasons, not many take the time to explore the gems of America's natural beauty.

Yellowstone Grizzly

For $80, just pennies a day, an annual pass from the National Park Service gives one good reason to set out on a National Treasure Hunt. From Yellowstone in the West, The Great Smoky Mountains in the East, Denali in the North and Big Bend in the South, you have a treasure map that would make any pirate adventurer proud. “X's” everywhere!

Your annual pass gives free access to all National Parks, Bureau of Land Management Areas, National Wildlife Refuges and or discounts to other park programs,

This applies not only to the card holder but also accompanying guests.

Grand Teton National Park

Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park

From Mt. St. Helens, The Grand Canyon to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia or Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you can truly get a sampling of America The Beautiful for a steal.

National Parks Information: www.nps.gov

Technorati Tags: Yellowstone National Park,Grand Teton National Park,Old Faithful,National Parks,National Park Annual Pass,America The Beautiful,Denali National Park,National Park Service,The Grand Canyon

Sunday, August 8, 2010

A Fun Airport Hotel In Tampa, Florida

In all my travels, The Best Western Bay Harbor Hotel Tampa located less than 15 minutes from Tampa International Airport (TPA) is by far one of my favorite airport area hotels.

With convenient airport shuttle, The Best Western is a refreshing break from ordinary airport hotels.

Although home to a “Crabby” guy name Bill this hotel offers the opportunity for FUN.

With three beach volleyball courts don't be afraid to jump in and show off your set and spiking skills.

On some nights games are played until 2am!

If you are not quite ready to show the world your volley ball talent, don't worry. You can demonstrate your Bean-Bag tossing or Beer curling skills at Crabby Bill's outside bar area.

Crabby Bill's is a “Fresh No Frills Seafood” restaurant and bar adjoining The Best Western.

Caribbean Mahi-Mahi with two sides is just $7.99 if you dine before 6pm. Complimented with a draft beer from America's Oldest Brewery, Yuengling for $2.50 along with the atmosphere it's a meal that's hard to beat for under $15.

Popcorn Shrimp

Besides Volleyball, Darts, Pool Table, Bean-Bag Tossing, Beer Curling and on property Jet Ski Rental ($95 per hour, a bit expensive), The Best Western has a great old fashioned pool.

Almost 9 feet at the deep end although with no diving, one family finds it a great place for tossing reluctant swimmers.

If you plan on staying at The Best Western Bay Harbor Hotel Tampa request an even numbered room for great views of Tampa Bay.

Dissipating summer evening thunderstorms usually produce nice sunsets which can be enjoyed from your balcony, patio or the hotel’s bay front beach area.

Besides Crabby Bill, I found the hotel staff to be courteous and friendly.

I even got to use the employee lounge microwave to heat up a plate of Florida Famous, Publix Fried Chicken for lunch.

Free computers and wireless internet along with the possibility of a late check out makes The Best Western Bay Harbor Hotel Tampa a bargain at around $75 per night.

For more info: www.bestwesternhoteltampa.com