Top 5 Las Vegas Sports Books

From @aoltravel : Top 5 Las Vegas Sports Books: The Best Places to Catch March Madness http://dlvr.it/KNbrQ 

I prefer Aria out of these 5.

Travelocity.ca "Mancations" page

Finally, one of the major travel sites gets that there is a huge market for men's vacations. From Vegas, Spring Training baseball, to March Madness, there are massive amounts of cash being spent on "men's" trips.  I think this page is awesome! http://leisure.travelocity.ca/Promotions/0,,TCYCA%7C6571%7Cvacations_main,00.html

PS yes I do have a business interest here but would not have own page on topic if not a passion.

Guide to the SEC Tournament in Atlanta

Welcome to Atlanta! Home of the SEC tournament.

Some basics for the visitor to the city.

World of Coke is kinda cool

The Georgia Aquarium is real cool

Both are close to the Georgia Dome and worth a visit especially if with family.

If with the wife or you like antiques then the Red Baron spring auction is a must this weekend.

OK now on to the party scene.

There are a few good spots downtown and one of the better sports bars in town is right down by the Dome called Stats at 300 Marietta Street. But unfortunately Downtown is pretty slow so plan on hopping into a cab to go out for drinks.

In nearly every part of the town are Taco Macs. These sports bars have some of best wings in town and huge choice of beers on draft and bottle.

Buckhead's famous block of college bars has been built over. It still has a good mix of clubs but not the over the top slam dunk party of old. Tounge and Groove is a good choice for the club scene in Buckhead.  The Buckhead Bar and Grill is a little more upscale and has good steaks. Fado's Irish Pub is in a new location and little nicer but still a great pub stop.

Midtown has also grown a night life around the many condo high rises in that section of town. Cosmopolitian and Lavo  is one joint option in this part of town. My choice would be Front Page News at 1104 Crescent Ave. Opera night club is right across the street if clubs are an option and The South City Kitchen is right next door for great southern style food. You can park right here and have several options for the night. 

For another great option with multiple bars and clubs to choose from, I would recommend one night in the Virginia Highlands section of town (if over 25 years old). You can start at Neighbors at 752 N Highland Ave and walk up and down Highland Avenue till you find a place that fits your style. If the weather is nice, Neighbor's patio is also awesome.

As for the Gentleman's clubs, The Cheetah is still considered tops in town. It is in Midtown so close to the Dome. Also a ticket from any same day sporting event is good for your admission. Pink Pony NORTH is considered the city's other "best" club.

Spring Training

70 and sunny in Atlanta makes my thoughts turn to baseball. The pitchers and catchers have been in camp for days now. Chipper Jones is taking grounders on his rebuilt knee and Prince Albert is answering contract talks. John Kruk has a tour bus for his trip to spring training, while we are left to hop a flight or pile into the car with family and friends.  Spring Training fans are an eclectic mix of  "old timers" (a compliment for spring training), families, guys trip- think the movie Hangover, and spring breakers. This mix leads for a fun mix where you can find someone to hang out with as everyone seems happy too!

ESPN has an awesome page to get you ready for your trip. http://espn.go.com/mlb/springtraining

Thanks to mlb.com for the below graphics showing where the camps are located and also posting a schedule of all the games. The Phillies start the season this Thursday!

A major secret to most people is a day at spring training at one of the camps in Florida is a great way to break up the day after day visits to see the mouse or young Mister Potter. Kids always love baseball and spring training makes dad feel like a kid again.

ESPN has an awesome guide to both states' spring training travel.

http://sports.espn.go.com/travel/news/story?id=6084093

http://sports.espn.go.com/travel/news/story?id=6084092

My choice is still the Tampa area as base for exploring camps and still getting the right amount of beach time. You can use the Yankees, Phils, and Braves as the core of your schedule. Big fun crowds at all three although tickets may cost a bit more.

Kid Rock says: Man I love Kentucky!!

Looks like Kid Rock and Fred Noe had some good Red Stag whiskey in Kentucky.  Bourbon trail is great trip and the KY Bourbon Festival in Bardstown is great event.http://www.kidrock.com/news/85ecd5-man-i-love-kentucky/

10 great events from around the world to cheer - USA Today

Good article on sporting events you need to see from around the world

10 great places to cheer with the crowd

Posted 7/8/2010 7:30 PM | in USA Today

Some travelers will cross continents to watch a game. Robert Tuchman understands. The author of The 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live (Benbella Books, $17.95) says visiting a famous venue and attending a legendary competition can be a thrill of a lifetime. He shares some favorites with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

Tour de France France:

A few decades ago, many Americans would have scratched their head at this choice. But that was before Lance Armstrong brought the three-week bicycle race into the mainstream. Spectators often wait hours just to watch cyclists whiz past, but Tuchman says it's about the experience and the beautiful setting, from the Alps to the finish on the Champs-Elysées in Paris.

Chicago Cubs game Wrigley Field:

"It's not about seeing the Cubs," says Tuchman. "Rarely or never are they a good team. It's really about taking you back in time." The Chicago neighborhood stadium feels out of the 1920s, with spectators watching from surrounding rooftops and neighborhood bars packed with fans. 773-404-2827

Ironman World ChampionshipKona, Hawaii:

This grueling triathlon covers spectacular scenery on the Big Island of Hawaii. The competition takes place in Kailua-Kona Bay and across lava fields, leading to the big finish on Ali'i Drive in Kona. Tuchman says it's not made-for-TV drama. "It's real athletes and a real sport."

National Baseball Hall of Fame InductionCooperstown, N.Y.:

 Every professional baseball player dreams of joining the sport's elite in this quaint upstate New York hamlet. Few ever make it. "It's a great little town that's all about baseball, and it just comes alive during induction weekend,"

Michigan vs. Ohio State college football gameAnn Arbor, Mich.:

Every other year, the University of Michigan plays host to its Big 10 rival at Michigan Stadium, or the Big House, as die-hard Wolverines call it. Ann Arbor is packed with fans, and there's electricity in the air, Tuchman says. "If you can attend one college football game a year, this is it."

U.S. Open Tennis Tournament Queens, N.Y.:

Tuchman suggests going to early matches at the nation's premier tennis competition, which allows spectators a chance to sit up close and watch the best players in the world. "The atmosphere is different than your typical tennis event. It's in New York, and it's kind of rowdy."

Midnight Madness at the University of Kentucky Lexington:

 College basketball practice can't start until a designated day in mid-October, so players once took the court at midnight. Now, because of NCAA regulations, the action starts about 9 p.m. In Lexington, the event attracts more than 20,000 fans. "Kentucky does it better than any other school," Tuchman says. The Wildcats invite back former players for a huge pep rally and dunking contest. "It's something kids camp out for. If you do it as an adult, it will be one of those throwback nights to college."

Daytona 500Daytona Beach, Fla.:

The kickoff of the NASCAR season, offers a great excuse to visit Florida in winter. You'll never forget the 168,000 screaming fans, but Tuchman says Daytona itself is a reason to come. Prior to the February faceoff, the track hosts Speedweeks, a series of races, parties and activities leading up to the big day. "If there's one racing event, this is it."

Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs hockey game Toronto:

 Tuchman says hockey is one of the most exciting sports to watch live, and nowhere more so than in hockey-crazed Canada's largest city. Toronto and Montreal are rivals in politics and culture as well as sports, so you can feel the tension in Air Canada Centre, especially in the upper-level seats. "When you put together teams from two cities that live and breathe hockey, you walk in and feel the emotion."

Nathan's Hot Dog Eating ContestConey Island, N.Y.:

Don't laugh. Tuchman insists this annual July 4 faceoff is a legitimate sport, requiring training and even garnering coverage on ESPN. More than 30,000 fans pack the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues to watch the masters of competitive eating. Could you down 68 hot dogs in 10 minutes? For a more traditional thrill, stroll down the block to the Cyclone roller coaster.

Beer Festivals in the Southeast from the AJC

Nice work by Blake Guthrie from the AJC putting together Southeastern beer fest schedule for spring

Southeastern Roundup: Spring beer fests

By Blake Guthrie

For the AJC

Spring is when craft beer festivals blossom in the Southeast along with the flowers.

A craft beer fest differs from a traditional fall Oktoberfest in that it usually is a tasting event where many different brews are sampled rather than downed in huge quantities from massive beer steins.

Tasting festivals are relatively new, most having been around for a only few years. In some cases they came about as a result of changes in local laws allowing for craft beers with higher alcohol content to be sold and distributed. These festivals celebrate the art of the brewing process and, most importantly, its end result.

Charlotte Craft Beer Week

March 11-20, Charlotte.

In just its second year Charlotte Craft Beer Week actually stretches beyond a week and occurs at different venues throughout the city. Local and regional microbreweries are spotlighted with tastings of rare and exotic beers at various taverns and restaurants around town. Food and beer pairings are another highlight. Ticket prices vary for different tastings and events and will be available at the host locations. http://www.charlottecraftbeerweek.org/

Myrtle Beach Beer Festival

March 25-26, Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Valor Park in the Market Common, a master-planned, urban-style village in Myrtle Beach, is home to this festival. The live-work-play community is a popular shopping, dining and entertainment spot for tourists and locals. The festival is free to attend, but if you're going to be sampling the nearly 100 beers available you must purchase a tasting glass. Live music and plenty of food vendors help round out the event. http://www.myrtlebeachbeerfest.com/

River City Brewers Festival

March 26, Memphis.

This festival takes place at Handy Park on Memphis' Beale Street, a legendary blues destination, so you can bet there will be plenty of live music to go along with the suds. The River City fest is divided into two four-hour sessions, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Separate tickets are required for each session. More than 75 craft beers will be available for tasting. Ticket proceeds benefit the Autism Society of Mid-South Tennessee. http://www.rivercitybrewersfestival.com/

Zapp's International Beerfest

March 26, Baton Rouge, La.

The Louisiana-based potato chip company known for its Cajun-infused flavors is the sponsor of this festival. Along with a large assortment of international beers, the Zapp's fest also will include an array of home brew selections to sample. Lots of jambalaya will be served, as well live zydeco music from the Bayou Boys. Louisiana State University's expansive open-air Rural Life Museum is both the site and benefactor of the festival. http://www.zappsbeerfest.com/

Classic City Brew Fest

April 10, Athens.

As beer festivals in the South go this one is a granddaddy, having been around since 1995, pioneer days for America's craft brewing renaissance. The grounds and historic buildings of the Foundry Park Inn, steps away from downtown, will be the setting for this year's fest. The location also includes the popular Melting Point music hall. Purchase your tickets early, because only 750 are being sold. It also might be a good idea to book a room at the inn so you won't have to worry about transportation when the festival is over. http://www.classiccitybrew.com/

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival

May 7, Charlotte.

Small-batch bourbon and pit-smoked barbecue will be available for tasting along with the beer at this festival, making it a quintessentially Southern event. Plus there's the Best Beer Belly Contest, where the contestant with the best bulging midsection is crowned the winner. Rock, blues and bluegrass music will be featured on the main stage, and master distillers, brewers and pit bosses will share their secrets during seminars in the Tasting Theater. www.beerandbourbon.com/north-carolina/show-info

BrewRidge Music Festival

May 7, Pembroke, Va.

Virginia-based microbreweries such as Blacksburg Brewing, Jefferson Street Brewery and Williamsburg Ale Werks are spotlighted at the BrewRidge Music Festival, which places just as much focus on the music of the region. The Appalachian mountain lakeside location at an altitude of 4,000 feet might make this the highest beer festival in the Southeast. Mother's Day is the next day and a special package is being offered by the Mountain Lake Hotel (where the movie "Dirty Dancing" was filmed) that includes admission to the festival and a Mother's Day brunch. http://www.mtnlakeconservancy.org/

Of Ale and History

May 7, Middletown, Va.

The Belle Grove Plantation, a National Historic Landmark sitting on more than 200 acres in the Shenandoah Valley, is the site for the 16th edition of this afternoon festival focusing on ales from the new and old worlds. The antebellum manor and estate will be open for tours and a rugby tournament will take place on the front meadow. The plantation has English and German heritage, so beers from those countries will be featured prominently. http://www.bellegrove.org/

Jacksonville Craft and Import Beer Festival

May 20, Jacksonville.

The third annual Jacksonville Craft and Import Beer Festival happens on a Friday evening at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, near downtown and the St. Johns River. More than 200 beers from 35 different breweries will be available. Some favorite smaller breweries represented will include Dogfish Head, Stone Brewing Co. and Georgia's own Terrapin Beer Co. Unlimited food sampling from area restaurants is included in the ticket price. http://www.beerfestjax.com/