Our next stops were in the great state of Texas, where everything is bigger. By the end of a week we would have driven across the entire width of the state, and endured temperatures as high as 110 degrees (key to survival: don’t get out of the car). Though I didn’t have a lot of time to explore I did find a few memorable experiences that you can certainly look out for on your next adventure. To me, Austin has always been associated with the University of Texas and obnoxious Texans. While UT is definitely still there (and so are the Texans) what lies underneath Austin’s cover is much more unique. You’ve got a modern downtown area featuring luxury hi rises and dive bars on Dirty 6th Street. Small neighborhoods filled with food trucks and hipsters. BBQ visionaries building smokers in converted mobile homes (the lines start at 9am for lunch, so it must be good). The result is a wonderful balance between conservative and liberal, modern and classic, city and country. Austin is a city on the rise, as seen by the number of tech business growing there. The city doesn’t give off a cutthroat vibe though. It’s very apparent that this generation of Texans are focused on a life outside of the office. I wish we had more time to visit, so my only real recommendation as a visitor is to get there. Go, eat, drink, and enjoy the fact that you’re in a progressive city in Texas. Eventually your mind will be blown. Work put us back on the road, and with Austin in the rearview we headed down I-35 to San Antonio. Though only 80 miles away, it was like we entered another world. San Antonio takes a huge amount of pride on their predominately Hispanic heritage, and you immediately notice it in the architecture. We did have a good visit, but San Antonio is a hurting town. Many of the buildings and neighborhoods are tired and run down, which is tough to see. The Alamo (remember?) is an underwhelming monument that has been dwarfed by tourist traps. Nightlife is sparse, and finding food that isn’t Tex-Mex is a struggle.
Here are my recommendations for San Antonio, if you ever find yourself in town for a few days: Do: Go to the Riverwalk for drinks. The River Walk is San Antonio’s best offering for nightlife, and it delivers on being the most unique setup I’ve ever seen. It’s a short stretch of the San Antonio River situated under the city streets, so you’re free to walk and check out the best local bars and restaurants. It’s nice because it’s a quiet spot, but gives you enough options to go on a bender with your friends (if that’s your style). Don’t: Go to the Alamo. At most, just walk or drive by it. The Alamo is way smaller than expected, and while the museum is surely interesting it doesn’t excuse the fact that this is a tourist trap. Trashy chain restaurants and museums litter this area trying to steal a few extra bucks from you. Save your cash and just stroll by and take a picture, that’s what I did and I don’t regret it for a second. Overall, a busy trip to Texas. Austin is the type of place I could see myself living in for years. San Antonio is a place where I wouldn’t be upset about taking a business trip to, but wouldn’t voluntarily go back. If I had a few more days I could have done the full run down, but the road was calling my name.
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This summer has been about massive change in my life, and as someone who is risk-averse it has gone surprisingly well. I've encountered a lot of unknown situations and new working experiences that have tested my attitude. My job now mainly consists of transporting our gear from city to city and then running operations for our events on the big day. In case you didn't know, this is the truck I'm driving all summer: Yes, that would be 7 parking spaces needed to park this sucker. Let's just say I didn't have a ton of training before we hit the road. Nor was I incredibly excited to leave a "safe" desk job to essentially become a truck driver. As the days go by, however, the truck has grown on me. It's been easier to maneuver and the trips have gotten shorter. There are absolutely bumps and bruises (and flat tires) on the road, but they've been teaching me great life lessons.
The first thing I noticed driving on long stretches of two-lane highways is the art of passing. When I first started driving, I hugged the right lane at 65mph out of pure fear. I had no idea what I was doing and didn't dare pass a single vehicle. Clutched the steering wheel until my knuckles were white. And it took FOREVER to get to my destination (thank you to my trusty co-pilot for her patience). With time and experience comes a familiarity with the task. Now I can drive faster (still within the speed limit...sorry I'm boring), and I can take one hand off the wheel and hang it out the window. And now I can pass cars and trucks that aren't moving fast enough. With that said, I'll still follow some people in the slower lane until the time is right. Being comfortable and confident doesn't mean you can floor it for your whole journey. This is a lesson our generation misses constantly. We're surrounded by 20-something millionaires and BILLIONAIRES who have achieved an incredible level of success at such a young age. By the time we graduate from college we're ready to move out of that slow lane and kick the crap out of life. The only problem is we move too fast initially to conform to society's image of "success" when in reality it would be best for us to slow down and follow for a while. I spent two years at a job that helped lay a great foundation for my professional career, but required some 24/7 effort that really burned me out. All that time I felt that if I took on more work I would have a breakthrough and become truly "successful". I failed to see the value of moving slowly and watching those ahead of me. Obviously there are a lot of other factors that matter when determining a career and what makes you successful, but no matter where you're going there's a great value in making patient and calculated moves. Whether you like it or not we won't all be millionaires, but we will all have a chance to move up in our chosen fields. Only you will know when the time is right, but for now recognize the value of preparation and observation. They're valuable skills that will help you navigate the unknown. Music City USA gets some hastily made grades To all of my dedicated readers: I'm sorry. I've been on a brief hiatus after my first two weeks on the road to recharge. Before my brief break we rolled into Nashville for a few days to take in the sights. In case you've never been to Nashville before, here are my grades of the most important parts of the city. Location: Nashville is located directly in the center of Tennessee. Easy to drive to from the surrounding Southern states, it serves as an epicenter for the region. We drove up from Miami and passed through Chattanooga, which could easily be another stop on your trip. Grade: A Attractions: Nashville definitely earns it's title as the Music City. They've definitely branded themselves as the home of country music, and it works. Within 3 blocks you have the Country Music Hall of Fame, CMT headquarters, and about 20 country-themed bars. You can also check out an NHL game and NFL game in the same area, so there's plenty to do. I've loved country for years, but with that said the lack of diversity in Nashville's Broadway neighborhood is tiring. You can venture off to spots like Centennial Park (which has a full scale replica of the Parthenon), but there isn't quite enough to break the country mold. Wouldn't hurt to add some other hotspots downtown to attract the eclectic residents who are scattered around the city. Grade: B- Food: Here's where things go south momentarily. Nashville is located in the BBQ Belt, but fails to distinguish itself from other hubs like Kansas City and Memphis. We went to a restaurant called Rippy's, which was described as "very Nashville". To be honest I could've made equivalent BBQ at my house. Goo Goo clusters, the local candy of choice, does some redeeming for the food scene. If you're ever offered one, take it. Grade: C Nightlife: There is a singular quality about every establishment in Nashville: live music. No exaggeration, there is live music in EVERY bar and restaurant so you best be prepared. At certain locations the music is too loud and will drown out your conversations, but for the most part I found the entertainers endearing. There are hundreds of musicians looking to make their break in Nashville, and they're all talented. They love to interact with crowds as well, so you can get a more authentic concert experience for a fraction of the price. Though the country theme gets worn out, the live music scene is a unique atmosphere to anything other city I've ever seen.
Grade: B Local's Only: Though smaller, Midtown Nashville is the best off the beaten path neighborhood in town. Close to Vanderbilt University, this area has a nice mix of college bars and alternative restaurants. We ate at a Woodstock/Jamband themed pizza restaurant (complete with a visit from the Allman Brothers former manager), and there were a handful of other rooftop patios that looked worthy of a visit. If this neighborhood was a few blocks bigger (and had a better turnout from the Vandy students) it would be a legitimate game-changer. Grade: B+ Overall: I had heard a lot of good things about Nashville, and there is definitely a lot to like. Overall it wasn't my favorite city to visit. If you love country music and you want to put a whole weekend toward that theme, then Nashville is your place. If you're looking for a more eclectic city that's really digging into it's cultural creativity, you may want to look elsewhere. Grade: B You guys might be thinking that my life is all leisure these days. Traveling to big cities, staying in fancy hotels, and eating out. We’ll I’m working too! I’m lucky enough to be working for an event called Brew & View sponsored by Samuel Adams. We’re on a 21 city tour this summer bringing the drive-in movie experience to your city. We set up an awesome festival area in a local park filled with lawn games, food trucks, and plenty of Sam Adams beer! We’re screening Wedding Crashers (have your Mom pack your own meatloaf), and it looks amazing on our giant inflatable movie screen. Here are some photos from Brew and View Nashville: Pretty awesome right? We’ve had two so far and they’re only going to get better as the summer goes on. We’re definitely coming to a city near you and we’d love to see you at the park. If you have any questions about the event let me know, or you can always check out our website:
www.samadamsbrewandview.com And our full list of cities and dates: MIAMI · 5.10.14 NASHVILLE · 5.15.14 AUSTIN · 5.29.14 SAN ANTONIO · 5.31.14 SAN DIEGO · 6.5.14 SAN FRANCISCO · 6.14.14 PORTLAND, OR · 6.21.14 SEATTLE · 6.28.14 DENVER · 7.5.14 MINNEAPOLIS · 7.12.14 MILWAUKEE · 7.19.14 CHICAGO · 7.24.14 CINCINNATI · 8.2.14 D.C. · 8.7.14 BALTIMORE · 8.9.14 MANCHESTER · 8.14.14 PORTLAND, ME · 8.16.14 JERSEY SHORE · 8.21.14 PROVIDENCE · 8.30.14 PHILADELPHIA · 9.4.14 NEW YORK CITY · 9.6.14 Thanks for your support…come see me at the beer tent! Come for the beaches and palm trees, leave because you sweat too much. I’ve always wondered why Will Smith devoted an entire 90’s chart topper to Miami, and last week I finally got my chance to check out to South Beach. It was snowing back home in Colorado, so 90 degrees with a little humidity wasn’t so bad.
What We Liked: I’m a big fan of an “urban” feel to a city, and Miami has an endless supply of hi-rise buildings. You can get lost in the jungle of 40 story condos and offices, but each is unique and gives a modern feel to the city. We stayed in downtown Miami, but if you’re visiting find a way to stay in South Beach. It’s worth a couple extra bucks to be able to walk to the beach. Lincoln Road Mall is a great place for shops and food, and is right down the street from the beach. It reminded me a lot of some European cities (for those who have been to Barcelona, think Ramblas), and the restaurants are very nondescript in a good way. You can stroll on that street for a few hours and duck into any restaurant based off the menu on the street (eliminating Yelp reviews, thank God). What We Didn’t Like: Miami is VERY congested, so be prepared for traffic. And car horns. They honk. All day. All night. 7 days a week. Guess that comes with the urban vibe I love? What We’ll Do Next Time: Given our proximity to Cuba I was looking forward to some good Cuban food and neighborhoods. We had an authentic Cuban dinner at Islas Canarias, and if you go you have to get the baked plantains and ham croquetas. Great food, but next time I’ll be heading to Old Espanola Way in South Beach. We only drove by, but from what I saw it looked like an old world Havana street. Need to get back there to get some salsa dancing in. Also on my next visit I’ll be practicing my Spanish. No question about it Spanish is the primary language in Miami. Don’t want to look like a Gringo anymore. All in all a good, albeit sweaty, visit to Miami. Maybe next time I’ll run into Lebron (he'll probably flop). A few days in the River City will cure your blues. The first stop on our tour happened to be one of my favorites in the sweet southern gem that is Memphis. It’s certainly not the easiest place to get to (we struggled through 150 miles of backwoods Arkansas road to get there), but if you can find a flight cheap enough I highly recommend a weekend getaway.
We stayed in a local suburb and had easy access to the city, but if you want to stay downtown I’d recommend the famous Peabody Hotel. It’s in the heart of downtown Memphis, and their known for a duck parade around an indoor fountain every day at 11am and 5pm. That’s right, ducks walk around in the hotel. The South is a very unique place. Memphis is known for blues and barbecue, and you can find both in abundance around the city. If you’re planning a trip I’d recommend doing it around a Grizzlies game or a Redbirds (minor league baseball) game. Both stadiums are a few blocks from the city center and will ensure great crowds at the bars on Beale Street. Oh Beale Street. Memphis’ most famous rue. For those Chicagoans reading, think of a 2 block stretch of Wrigleyville with blues clubs, and you’ve got a perfect image of Beale Street. We visited mid day on a weekday, but I can assure you there’s plenty going on after hours. If sports isn’t your cup of tea go for a blues show at B.B King’s flagship location, followed by some cheap drinks at Silky O’Sullivans (they have one of the bigger outdoor patios I’ve ever seen). The Beale Street/Riverfront area is also home to the Memphis in May Festival, which is an annual celebration of music and food with an international partner. If you ever get a chance to go…do it. The defining moment of any Memphis trip is of course the barbecue. For me, that wasn’t inside the city, but a short (and well worth it) drive out of town. The spot is the Commissary in Germantown, TN, and if you’re going there you better know what to look for. A Memphis institution since 1981, the Commissary lives by the promise that their BBQ is “so good y’ull slap yo mama”. And if my Mom was there, I probably would have (sorry Mom). A couple of pulled pork sandwiches with homemade sauce are heavenly, but do not leave without trying the banana pudding. I could eat it by the gallon, and that’s no exaggeration. If you’re looking for a new trip off the beaten path, I definitely recommend flying or driving into Memphis for a weekend of Southern charm. Nothing there is too expensive, and you’ll leave feeling satisfied from your adventure, and with a full belly. I shall be telling this with a sigh Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-- And that has made all the difference. This is my chair. Don’t get me wrong, I love this chair. It’s comfortable enough to sleep on, and I love the way it feels when I kick my feet up. This chair is also slowly killing me. A few months ago, decided to leave my job. I knew I needed to try something new, but I had no idea what that would be. For someone who is so used to being in control, it was terrifying. I had no plan, enough money to last me a few months, and a nagging itch to be happy. As a young professional in flux, I did what a lot of us do: I hid. I used my chair and my nice apartment as a safety net to hide from my problems. Not the problems of money and and shelter, but the problem of what I wanted to do with my life. I’ve always taken the path directly in front of me, and for the first time I didn’t feel like it was enough. If you’ve ever been in that situation you know the equal parts of satisfaction and uncertainty from recognizing your desires, but then knowing how far outside of your boundaries you’ll have to go. This website is the first step in my new path. I’ve always dreamt of exploring my creativity, and for the next four months (and hopefully beyond) I’ll be conducting my own creative experiment. I felt called to go on a trip, and through the graciousness of some very special people close to me I have a chance to road trip across the entire United States for the summer of 2014. Thus, the Man on the Road was born. I created this site to share my story, but more importantly I want the content to inspire you to take a new path in your life. I have lots planned, but I promise to keep this site consistent with the following goals:
My goals are simple, but I’m a simple guy. I want to show you that when we get up out of our chairs and chase our dreams, we can turn simple into amazing. To do that we must heed Frost’s advice, and take the road less traveled. It will make all the difference. On May 5th, 2014 my adventure begins. My only question is, are you coming with? |