December 7, 2010

Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum - Pomona, CA

We paid a visit to the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in October 2006 with our friends Dave and Chris. Had a great time!

Learn more about the museum at http://museum.nhra.com and be sure to visit next time you're in SoCal.

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September 11, 2009

Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, Chandler, AZ

On a business trip to Phoenix I had the pleasure of staying at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa. Near Chandler, AZ, the resort is located on the Gila River Indian Community and its design reflects their heritage and culture.

It's really a very beautiful place, and very relaxing. The staff (many of them from the Gila River Indian Community) was extremely friendly... probably the friendliest I've met in my various travels. When one of them passed you in a corridor or met you on an elevator and asked how you were, they looked you in the eye and actually seemed sincere! Something that is all too rare these days. The food served at the resort was interesting and excellent as well. I enjoyed my stay there, despite the fact that I was cooped up in meetings during each day.

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September 9, 2009

Rusty Spur Saloon, Scottsdale, AZ

Ever been to Phoenix in June? It's HOT (but it's a dry heat!). I was there on a business trip in June of '08 and although it was 115 degrees during the day, what really made an impact on me was the fact that it was like 90 degrees at night... it was strange to feel that much heat without any sun.

Anyway, I got in early the first day and checked out Old Town Scottsdale. Needing lunch and a place to cool off, I happened upon an old fashioned watering hole called the Rusty Spur Saloon. Great place, lots of character, and believe it or not, live entertainment on a Monday afternoon. As I devoured a delicious guacamole burger and a margarita on the rocks, I imagined that I was a cowboy that had just ridden into town from the desert. The singer on stage sang the Johnny Cash hit Ghost Riders in the Sky, making the daydream complete.

It was a little empty when I was there, but everyone was friendly (I think the waitress even called me "honey" or "darlin" or something). I bet the place gets rockin' on the weekends in high season. Definitely worth the trip if you're in town.

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September 4, 2009

Prairie City SVRA

Traveled to San Jose, CA for a conference back in August '08 and took an extra day to visit my friend Eric who lives near Sacramento. Rode dirt bikes at Prairie City SVRA in the afternoon and had a blast. Just two Vermont kids and old friends hangin' out again... good stuff!