Well, I've driven to just outside Indianapolis, and found myself too tired to drive safely. So, I found a Holiday Inn, and have stopped for the night. As I check my mail and get ready for bed, I've been reminded of a few things about my stay in Moline, and that was a certain bar I went to...
http://www.bier-stube.com/
BIERSTUBE!
yes. this place is that cool. They have foosball, and are cigar friendly. In fact, they have a sunday meeting for cigar swaps and smokes. They also have a pet day, where you bring your dog and sit out in the beer garden and commune.
I had an excellent bratwurst, and apple strudel for dessert. Oh, and beer.
This was a good time, and is something I'm looking forward to when I return to Moline for further training.
If this bar was within two hours drive of louisville, it would be a constant destination for roadtrips and long weekends. Anyway, I need to get to sleep so I can make the drive in early tomorrow. If I think of anything else about Moline, I'll be sure to post it. My next trip is in early May, so keep tuned!
Friday, April 27, 2007
Moline: in Review
Well, it's the morning of my last day in Moline, Il. I have to say, my reactions to this town are mixed. Since I'll be coming back here in six months or so for some more training, I went a little bit out of my way to find out a few good places to eat, and I found them. First off, Moline is the headquarters of John Deere. The man moved here some time in the mid to late 1800s and set up shop, and the rest is history. His house overlooks the river front from on top of a large hill, and it's a mansion. The town is under going a revitalization of the river front, and my hotel, the Stoney Creek Inn, is right on it.
The Stoney Creek wasn't my first choice, as the recommended hotel was the Radisson, which is just across a park. I found the Stoney Creek to be a nice hotel, with nice sized rooms, and very comfortable bedding. There is a nice indoor pool, and a bar with friendly service, and a nice screened in patio with a good view. The view, however, does include a large concrete bridge that crosses the river to an Army Arsenal. Apparently this is the last Arsenal that still makes howitzers and this sort of thing. While, that is pretty cool, it doesn't make for a nice view. My problems with the hotel? Well, the website led me to believe that there was a restaurant in the hotel, and THERE IS NOT. All the other guests that were in the same class as I was agreed that it was sort of misleading. There is a free breakfast, but it is the most basic continental I've seen. Enough to get the job done, and that's it. I've made a habit of grabbing a custard filled donut and a cup of coffee each morning and heading back to the room. They also have a substance that is labeled "Fresh Florida Orange Juice" but I assure you that the only thing correct in that label is that it is colored orange. It tasted more like bad Tang.
Then there is the bar. The bar was staffed by a different person each night I went there. They had an expected collection of bottled beers, and they claimed to have a full "hard liquor bar." I'm not sure why it was pointed out that it was a liquor bar, but maybe they were heading off potential trouble of people asking for salad. I guess that's right out. Anyway, the first night I asked them which Bourbons they had, and when the list started with Jack Daniels, I knew I was in trouble. She didn't mention Maker's Mark, which I only found out about when I spotted a bottle tucked away behind some boxes. So, I asked her for a Manhattan, with the makers mark, and I recoiled in horror as the drink was made. A proper Manhattan is made in a cocktail shaker, but in a situation like this, I was not surprised to see it mixed directly into a glass (I've made them this way in a pinch myself), but it obvious that the woman had read about the drink once, and was struggling to recall exactly how it was made. I stared to interject and that's when she quickly grabbed a bottle of sweet vermouth, sprinkle a bit on top, and then add soda water. She garnished it with a cherry and presented it to me with a bill for $5.00. Against my better judgement I took the drink, thinking it best not to upset her since I didn't know that she wouldn't be working again, and headed out to the deck to my work in private. I retired a little disappointed, but little did I know, there would be more to come. I didn't go to the bar the next day, but the following, there was a young man working, who thank the lord, simply said they didn't have the materials to make the drink properly. I just had a makers, and all was well. the next day (my final day ordering anything from the bar), there was a different woman working. I asked her for a makers and water... how could this get messed up, right?
wrong.
She proceeded to take a pint glass, fill it a 1/4 of the way with makers, and then fill the rest of it with water. The whole glass. she then turns to me and says, "I hope it's not too strong." I muttered to myself that I didn't think that would be a problem. I tried to explain to her that the drink wasn't acceptable, but she had it in her mind that she had made it too strong, and kept offering to put more water in it. I ended up getting a miller light. Enough is enough. Anyway...
I have found Moline to be a friendly town, with good people, and a lot of tractors and combines. I would stay at Stoney Creek again, but only if the Radisson was full. Next time I come, I'll be calling at least 4 months in advance to make sure I can get in at the Radisson, which has a TGI Friday's attached to it. There is a vibrant and healthy bar scene in Moline, and there is a definite German influence. I'll talk more about that another time, because there are definitely some bars worthy of notice here.
The Stoney Creek wasn't my first choice, as the recommended hotel was the Radisson, which is just across a park. I found the Stoney Creek to be a nice hotel, with nice sized rooms, and very comfortable bedding. There is a nice indoor pool, and a bar with friendly service, and a nice screened in patio with a good view. The view, however, does include a large concrete bridge that crosses the river to an Army Arsenal. Apparently this is the last Arsenal that still makes howitzers and this sort of thing. While, that is pretty cool, it doesn't make for a nice view. My problems with the hotel? Well, the website led me to believe that there was a restaurant in the hotel, and THERE IS NOT. All the other guests that were in the same class as I was agreed that it was sort of misleading. There is a free breakfast, but it is the most basic continental I've seen. Enough to get the job done, and that's it. I've made a habit of grabbing a custard filled donut and a cup of coffee each morning and heading back to the room. They also have a substance that is labeled "Fresh Florida Orange Juice" but I assure you that the only thing correct in that label is that it is colored orange. It tasted more like bad Tang.
Then there is the bar. The bar was staffed by a different person each night I went there. They had an expected collection of bottled beers, and they claimed to have a full "hard liquor bar." I'm not sure why it was pointed out that it was a liquor bar, but maybe they were heading off potential trouble of people asking for salad. I guess that's right out. Anyway, the first night I asked them which Bourbons they had, and when the list started with Jack Daniels, I knew I was in trouble. She didn't mention Maker's Mark, which I only found out about when I spotted a bottle tucked away behind some boxes. So, I asked her for a Manhattan, with the makers mark, and I recoiled in horror as the drink was made. A proper Manhattan is made in a cocktail shaker, but in a situation like this, I was not surprised to see it mixed directly into a glass (I've made them this way in a pinch myself), but it obvious that the woman had read about the drink once, and was struggling to recall exactly how it was made. I stared to interject and that's when she quickly grabbed a bottle of sweet vermouth, sprinkle a bit on top, and then add soda water. She garnished it with a cherry and presented it to me with a bill for $5.00. Against my better judgement I took the drink, thinking it best not to upset her since I didn't know that she wouldn't be working again, and headed out to the deck to my work in private. I retired a little disappointed, but little did I know, there would be more to come. I didn't go to the bar the next day, but the following, there was a young man working, who thank the lord, simply said they didn't have the materials to make the drink properly. I just had a makers, and all was well. the next day (my final day ordering anything from the bar), there was a different woman working. I asked her for a makers and water... how could this get messed up, right?
wrong.
She proceeded to take a pint glass, fill it a 1/4 of the way with makers, and then fill the rest of it with water. The whole glass. she then turns to me and says, "I hope it's not too strong." I muttered to myself that I didn't think that would be a problem. I tried to explain to her that the drink wasn't acceptable, but she had it in her mind that she had made it too strong, and kept offering to put more water in it. I ended up getting a miller light. Enough is enough. Anyway...
I have found Moline to be a friendly town, with good people, and a lot of tractors and combines. I would stay at Stoney Creek again, but only if the Radisson was full. Next time I come, I'll be calling at least 4 months in advance to make sure I can get in at the Radisson, which has a TGI Friday's attached to it. There is a vibrant and healthy bar scene in Moline, and there is a definite German influence. I'll talk more about that another time, because there are definitely some bars worthy of notice here.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Blogtastic Return
Well, I've returned to the blog world after a hiatus. This blog will be of a different sort then my previous. Where before I used my blogging platform to shout at the world of my general displeasure and feelings on things, I will use this blog to describe my trips I'll be taking, and my general displeasure and feelings on things.
Normally, I don't usually travel, but for some reason the stars have aligned to make this year something different... I'll be taking a great many trips, each more then a week, and to varied cities across our great nation (the United States, of course). The first two trips on my agenda are to Moline, Il, and then later to Washington DC. I'm currently in Moline, so this first series of posts will be more a review, and not so much a day by day accounting, a format I hope to achieve for my DC trip. I will be taking no fewer then 4 more work trips this year, and perhaps up to two vacations, all of which I hope to review for you.
Anyway, that's the deal with that.
What about me? Me personally? Well, since my profile is private, I'll give you a little back ground info. I'm a 30 year old male, from Kentucky. I'm doing most of my travel for business. I work for a small family owned business (of which I'm part of the family) and I am getting training and certifications for my job. I'm married, which makes traveling alone for these things not much fun at all, and my wife is a nurse, which means she works very long hours, and I don't get to see as much of her as I'd like anyway. I'm newly married, at that, with my first year anniversary coming up shortly at the time of this post. Seeing as I'm from Kentucky, I have a unique world view, as I come from a land that is both Northern and Southern, and I feel that I have many of the best traits of both.
There are three things about Kentucky to keep in mind through out my posts:
We make bourbon. Yup. It comes from my state. When I come into your bar, and ask you what bourbons you have, answering Jack Daniels and So-Co will not earn you points, but in fact will want to make me reach across the bar and smack you (more on this later). My favorite drink is a Manhattan, which while traditionally is made with a rye whisky, most people now drink it with bourbon, which is just fine with me. I find that the finest Manhattans are made with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, but that's just my opinion.
We grow tobacco. Yes, I know this one isn't as popular as it once was. I used to smoke 3 and a half packs of cigarettes a day, and it's a wonder that I haven't completely kicked it already. But I quit smoking cigarettes perhaps 6 or 7 years ago, and now only have the ocassional cigar. But this being said, I am not anti smoking or pro smoking. I'm neutral on the subject as far as the public smoking thing goes.. just as long as no one is telling me what I can and can't do at home. And also on this subject, if you allow smoking, don't give me a dirty look if I'm puffing on Padron. Deal with it.
We gamble. Ah yes, the ponies. What a great thing. The Derby is coming up, and it's going to be nice. In fact, I'll be drinking bourbon and smoking cigars at one of my friends house. What else could anyone want? We are a sporting people, we Kentuckians. The ponies. nice.
So, my glasses have a tint to them that isn't quite understood by the outsider. This, however, is part of my mission. I'll be doing my very best to let you know exactly what I think about the world outside my slice of heaven, and I intent to do so honestly, and with out grudge. We'll see how good a job a do on that. So, with out further ado, I bring you my blog. I hope you tack me into your RSS feeder, and keep up with me. Enjoy.
Normally, I don't usually travel, but for some reason the stars have aligned to make this year something different... I'll be taking a great many trips, each more then a week, and to varied cities across our great nation (the United States, of course). The first two trips on my agenda are to Moline, Il, and then later to Washington DC. I'm currently in Moline, so this first series of posts will be more a review, and not so much a day by day accounting, a format I hope to achieve for my DC trip. I will be taking no fewer then 4 more work trips this year, and perhaps up to two vacations, all of which I hope to review for you.
Anyway, that's the deal with that.
What about me? Me personally? Well, since my profile is private, I'll give you a little back ground info. I'm a 30 year old male, from Kentucky. I'm doing most of my travel for business. I work for a small family owned business (of which I'm part of the family) and I am getting training and certifications for my job. I'm married, which makes traveling alone for these things not much fun at all, and my wife is a nurse, which means she works very long hours, and I don't get to see as much of her as I'd like anyway. I'm newly married, at that, with my first year anniversary coming up shortly at the time of this post. Seeing as I'm from Kentucky, I have a unique world view, as I come from a land that is both Northern and Southern, and I feel that I have many of the best traits of both.
There are three things about Kentucky to keep in mind through out my posts:
We make bourbon. Yup. It comes from my state. When I come into your bar, and ask you what bourbons you have, answering Jack Daniels and So-Co will not earn you points, but in fact will want to make me reach across the bar and smack you (more on this later). My favorite drink is a Manhattan, which while traditionally is made with a rye whisky, most people now drink it with bourbon, which is just fine with me. I find that the finest Manhattans are made with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, but that's just my opinion.
We grow tobacco. Yes, I know this one isn't as popular as it once was. I used to smoke 3 and a half packs of cigarettes a day, and it's a wonder that I haven't completely kicked it already. But I quit smoking cigarettes perhaps 6 or 7 years ago, and now only have the ocassional cigar. But this being said, I am not anti smoking or pro smoking. I'm neutral on the subject as far as the public smoking thing goes.. just as long as no one is telling me what I can and can't do at home. And also on this subject, if you allow smoking, don't give me a dirty look if I'm puffing on Padron. Deal with it.
We gamble. Ah yes, the ponies. What a great thing. The Derby is coming up, and it's going to be nice. In fact, I'll be drinking bourbon and smoking cigars at one of my friends house. What else could anyone want? We are a sporting people, we Kentuckians. The ponies. nice.
So, my glasses have a tint to them that isn't quite understood by the outsider. This, however, is part of my mission. I'll be doing my very best to let you know exactly what I think about the world outside my slice of heaven, and I intent to do so honestly, and with out grudge. We'll see how good a job a do on that. So, with out further ado, I bring you my blog. I hope you tack me into your RSS feeder, and keep up with me. Enjoy.
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