DIS Dads Rust Belt Road Trip (2 UPDATES--1/18)

[Captain_Oblivious]

Trying! But the storm gave me lots of opportunities! For that one, there were about 20-some where I was too late and so they weren't saved.

It's definitely hard to be quick enough. Several times I thought I hit the button in time...but nuthin'.

We've played that game before. Sometimes you try snapping the shot as soon as you see a flash, and it ends up being too late. So then you try to randomly anticipate it, and get nothing. I think we've been successful in getting a lightning bolt on camera twice, but nothing as good-looking as that shot.

Enjoying the updates Captain! Especially sharing the particulars on the funiculars! Hope for your sake the Blue Hens are a little more spectacular on the football field this fall than their waterfall during "summer conditioning!"

Thanks for checking in, Marv! The Blue Hens made it all the way to the championship game last year and had a 16-0 lead entering the 4th quarter before choking the game away. So, um...I'd like to improve on that.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Heh. He said "Pooh". In any case, don't make me send a banana slug after you.

There is a high school in Northern Wisconsin that have the Hodag as a mascot. It's a mythical creature described in an 1893 newspaper article as having "the head of a frog, the grinning face of a giant elephant, thick short legs set off by huge claws, the back of a dinosaur, and a long tail with spears at the end". In other words, this little feller here:

Well, you can't really compare with Paradise, can you? But the Country Inn was a great place to stay. And a good friend helped us find a really great deal there.

Wow, wish I had friends like that.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

There is a high school in Northern Wisconsin that have the Hodag as a mascot. It's a mythical creature described in an 1893 newspaper article as having "the head of a frog, the grinning face of a giant elephant, thick short legs set off by huge claws, the back of a dinosaur, and a long tail with spears at the end". In other words, this little feller here:

You say it's mythical, but there's a picture RIGHT THERE!

 

[theduck619]

There is a high school in Northern Wisconsin that have the Hodag as a mascot. It's a mythical creature described in an 1893 newspaper article as having "the head of a frog, the grinning face of a giant elephant, thick short legs set off by huge claws, the back of a dinosaur, and a long tail with spears at the end". In other words, this little feller here:

Wow, wish I had friends like that.

Was that picture from a Sommer family reunion

 

[afwdwfan]

You say it's mythical, but there's a picture RIGHT THERE!

The official DIS Dads saying is "pictures or it didn't happen." He has a picture so it obviously did happen.

 

[Cinderella's Fella]

So many pictures,

so little time.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Was that picture from a Sommer family reunion

No, their kids are cuter.

The official DIS Dads saying is "pictures or it didn't happen." He has a picture so it obviously did happen.

Exactly.

So many pictures,

so little time.

(Afraid to say anything.)

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Why do we travel? Primarily, it's because we want to have an adventure. We want the thrill of discovering something new--breathtaking scenery, interesting cities, different cultures. We want to experience the exotic, moving from mundane routines into the out-of-the-ordinary. And we want to give our kids lifelong experiences, teaching them to open their minds and learn from the people of different regions/nations.

We also want them to broaden their tastes, and to have high standards. If my kids had their way, they'd eat at McDonald's for every meal. It is our job as parents to enlighten them, and educate them on what fine dining is truly all about. We adults can appreciate the work of a true gourmand, the delectable joie-de-vivre that infuses every dish, as it were. If we are to embrace new cultures, this includes the cuisine. As I research our travels, I try to find restaurants that embrace this spirit.

Also, it helps if they have a huge X-Wing fighter in the parking lot.

Ok, most of you know that I prefer a good diner or greasy spoon over a gourmet experience. I'd rather pay $15 for a steak at the Outback than $50 for 3 artfully-arranged lima beans at some French place I can't pronounce. Thankfully, Julie feels the same way, so it's not an issue at our house. (She once begged me to take her to the Waffle House on our honeymoon--true story.)

We have several sources we look to for eateries--mostly TV shows such as Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives on the Food Network or Man V. Food and Food Paradise (including the wonderful Bacon Paradise) on the Travel Channel. When I was researching this road trip and had our hotel booked, I went to the Bible of Greasy Spoons (Roadfood.com) to browse and see if there was anything nearby that looked appealing. And lo and behold, there in nearby Kent, Ohio, was Mike's Place. It appeared to have a huge menu with plenty of options. Then I saw the picture of the giant X-Wing fighter in the parking lot and told Julie, "That's where we're eating." She drew the line at wearing the Princess Leia danish hair-do, though.

I love the look on Sarah's face in this picture:

I know there's a lot of worry about our economy these days, but don't fret. The Rebel Alliance only buys American-made products:

If you prefer medieval battles to space dogfights, there's a castle with a catapult on the roof in the back.

The interior was just as...um...impressive. You can eat inside a boat, a tiki hut, or even a full-size bus:

Note the Star Tours bumper sticker. And you thought this TR wasn't Disney-related.

The menu was huge, and very fun to read. Here's the kids' menu. How many parents would want to order that last item, only to be discouraged by the price?

And here are the rules for eating at Mike's Place. I don't have time to type them all up, but here are a couple of my favorites:

• We serve breakfast all day because we don't know when your lazy butts got out of bed.
• We realize the ingredients are similar (water, grains and yeast), but you may NOT substitute beer for toast.
• Please flush the toilets. (the kitchen needs the water!)

If you go to their website, you'll discover that the restaurant even has its own obnoxious theme song. And the X-wing is offered for sale in its online store. However, there is no CarFax report available and you have to call for the price.

They also have an eating contest, so expect Adam Richman to show up at some point. You have to take on the "Mighty Stu-anator". It's a sandwich featuring 68 oz. of ground beef, onions, mushrooms, American, Swiss, lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard, mayo and topped with fries, curly fries and 3 pickles. Finish it in 30 minutes and you get a t-shirt, your picture on the wall, and your food is free. Who's in?

I had a chicken parmesan sandwich big enough to feed the San Diego Chargers. It even had a steak knife holding it together.

Truth be told, it was just ok. It was heavy on the chicken and light on the parmesan. Loading it up with that much chicken made it seem dry, and it could have used more marinara sauce. But not bad. Julie raved about her "Julius Cheezer" sandwich, which was cheese, bacon and tomato on grilled Texas Toast. Portions were huge all around. Even Scotty had trouble with his kids-size hot dog.

Well, I've held you off long enough. Time for the long-promised return of toilet jokes. At one point, I had to go to the bathroom. When I returned to the table, I informed Julie, "Honey--I'm gonna need the camera." With a look of trepidation, she passed it to me. Naturally, Dave immediately was curious and wanted to follow along. I simply wanted to document the, uh, decorations.

This sign was posted on the stall door. This would certainly make life difficult.

Dave got such a kick out of it that he decided to read me each and every sign. Then he decided he needed to use the facilities. When we returned to the table, I informed Julie that we now owed a $50 fine.

A little while later, Bob's son decided that he also needed to go. And eventually, Bob also confirmed that his son would be fined as well. But they really enjoyed their food as well, so they had that going for them, which was nice.

All in all, we had a great time. Most of the meal was spent giggling at the sheer outlandish-ness (is that a word?) of the place. Would we go back? Yes. Yes, we would. I would probably order something else on the menu, though. Maybe the pancakes with crushed Oreos in them.

Coming Up Next: The Pro Football Hall of Fame. Hopefully it won't be a bust.*

Horrible pun in honor of FreezinRafiki.

 

[jenb1023]

OMG - I don't even know where to start!

Can't believe Julie wouldn't sport the Princess Leia hair-do!

What a crazy (yet somehow interesting and cool) place! Love the Star Tours sticker, the menu rules and the bathroom signs.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Why do we travel? Primarily, it's because we want to have an adventure. We want the thrill of discovering something new--breathtaking scenery, interesting cities, different cultures. We want to experience the exotic, moving from mundane routines into the out-of-the-ordinary. And we want to give our kids lifelong experiences, teaching them to open their minds and learn from the people of different regions/nations.

I should be buying this?

We also want them to broaden their tastes, and to have high standards. If my kids had their way, they'd eat at McDonald's for every meal. It is our job as parents to enlighten them, and educate them on what fine dining is truly all about. We adults can appreciate the work of a true gourmand, the delectable joie-de-vivre that infuses every dish, as it were. If we are to embrace new cultures, this includes the cuisine. As I research our travels, I try to find restaurants that embrace this spirit.

Nope still not buyin’ in just yet

Also, it helps if they have a huge X-Wing fighter in the parking lot.

And… there it is! Now I’m on board.

I'd rather pay $15 for a steak at the Outback than $50 for 3 artfully-arranged lima beans at some French place I can't pronounce.

You mean something like: “joie-de-vivre”…
Actually we’d be drumming you out of the DDC if that weren’t the case.

Thankfully, Julie feels the same way, so it's not an issue at our house. (She once begged me to take her to the Waffle House on our honeymoon--true story.)

At a girl!

She drew the line at wearing the Princess Leia danish hair-do, though.

Imagine if you’d have asked her to sport the bikini instead.

If you prefer medieval battles to space dogfights, there's a castle with a catapult on the roof in the back.

You don't frighten us, English pig dogs. Go and boil your bottoms, you sons of a silly person. I blow my nose at you, so-called "Arthur King," you and all your silly English K-nig-hts.

The interior was just as...um...impressive. You can eat inside a boat, a tiki hut, or even a full-size bus:

Sold! I’ll be making a pilgrimage to this joint.

Note the Star Tours bumper sticker. And you thought this TR wasn't Disney-related.

Not to mention Hilton Head… That’s a well traveled bus.

We realize the ingredients are similar (water, grains and yeast), but you may NOT substitute beer for toast.

Awwwwwww.

When we returned to the table, I informed Julie that we now owed a $50 fine.

outlandish-ness (is that a word?)

I’d certainly use it (but then again my diction could be considered somewhat… ummmm… questionable)

Coming Up Next: The Pro Football Hall of Fame. Hopefully it won't be a bust.*

Horrible pun in honor of FreezinRafiki.

Horrible indeed

 

[afwdwfan]

We adults can appreciate the work of a true gourmand, the delectable joie-de-vivre that infuses every dish, as it were.

Ok, this isn't Mark, who's writing this????

Also, it helps if they have a huge X-Wing fighter in the parking lot.

Ok, there he is!

Ok, most of you know that I prefer a good diner or greasy spoon over a gourmet experience. I'd rather pay $15 for a steak at the Outback than $50 for 3 artfully-arranged lima beans at some French place I can't pronounce.

I'm right there with you!

(She once begged me to take her to the Waffle House on our honeymoon--true story.)

Impressive!

Then I saw the picture of the giant X-Wing fighter in the parking lot and told Julie, "That's where we're eating." She drew the line at wearing the Princess Leia danish hair-do, though.

She asked to go to Waffle House on your honeymoon and that's where she draws the line???

I know there's a lot of worry about our economy these days, but don't fret. The Rebel Alliance only buys American-made products:

That might finally be a Ford that I wouldn't mind owning.

If you prefer medieval battles to space dogfights, there's a castle with a catapult on the roof in the back.

Is it a working catapult?

Who's in?

Even Scotty had trouble with his kids-size hot dog.

That's a hot dog?????

Well, I've held you off long enough. Time for the long-promised return of toilet jokes.

That's a relief! The trip report is finally worth reading again!

This sign was posted on the stall door. This would certainly make life difficult.

Maybe it just means not to do it in the stall?

But they really enjoyed their food as well, so they had that going for them, which was nice.

Caddyshack

All in all, we had a great time. Most of the meal was spent giggling at the sheer outlandish-ness (is that a word?) of the place. Would we go back? Yes. Yes, we would.

I'll accept it as a word. I don't know if Webster's will or not though.

Definitely looks like the type of place I could go to and enjoy a meal.

Horrible pun in honor of FreezinRafiki.

You guys better quit stealing ideas from each other before Julie ends up pregnant.

 

[Flossbolna]

You truly are a master at road trip research!! What a perfect place for a fun dinner!!

Did any of the ladies check out the ladies room, was it decorated in a similar manner??

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Why do we travel? Primarily, it's because we want to have an adventure. We want the thrill of discovering something new--breathtaking scenery, interesting cities, different cultures. We want to experience the exotic, moving from mundane routines into the out-of-the-ordinary. And we want to give our kids lifelong experiences, teaching them to open their minds and learn from the people of different regions/nations.

For some reason, I envision you standing in front of a giant, slowly waving American flag as you speak this into one of those old timey microphones. Well said, sir. Well said.

Also, it helps if they have a huge X-Wing fighter in the parking lot.

You didn't choose to eat at this restaurant. The restaurant chose to bring you to it.

I'd rather pay $15 for a steak at the Outback than $50 for 3 artfully-arranged lima beans at some French place I can't pronounce.

Yes, but what if those lima bean are infused with a citrus-lime reduction and tempered over a broth of Western Chilean sea grass ... with, um...some kind of...dipping sauce...or something...

I have no idea what I'm talking about.

Thankfully, Julie feels the same way, so it's not an issue at our house. (She once begged me to take her to the Waffle House on our honeymoon--true story.)

Awesome! We honeymooned at an all inclusive resort in Aruba with several fine dining restaurants. But every day at lunch (and several dinners), Bambi and made a bee line to their snack bar for the chicken nuggets with sweet & sour dipping sauce.

It appeared to have a huge menu with plenty of options. Then I saw the picture of the giant X-Wing fighter in the parking lot and told Julie, "That's where we're eating." She drew the line at wearing the Princess Leia danish hair-do, though.

This place is not on my "must eat as list." And I'm pretty sure Bambi would force choke me if I even asked about the hair.

The interior was just as...um...impressive. You can eat inside a boat, a tiki hut, or even a full-size bus:

OK, you've twisted my arm. Breakfast, lunch and dinner at Mike's!

They also have an eating contest, so expect Adam Richman to show up at some point. You have to take on the "Mighty Stu-anator". It's a sandwich featuring 68 oz. of ground beef, onions, mushrooms, American, Swiss, lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard, mayo and topped with fries, curly fries and 3 pickles. Finish it in 30 minutes and you get a t-shirt, your picture on the wall, and your food is free. Who's in?

Ketchup and mustard? There's no way that would fit in my stomach. I'll have to bow out of this one.

Julie raved about her "Julius Cheezer" sandwich, which was cheese, bacon and tomato on grilled Texas Toast.

Food and a pun?!? Mark, I already I'd go. You can stop convincing me now.

Well, I've held you off long enough. Time for the long-promised return of toilet jokes.

All in all, we had a great time. Most of the meal was spent giggling at the sheer outlandish-ness (is that a word?) of the place.

Of course it's a word. It's on the Internet, and you can believe everything you read on the Internet.

Maybe the pancakes with crushed Oreos in them.

Now you're just showing off.

Coming Up Next: The Pro Football Hall of Fame. Hopefully it won't be a bust.*

Horrible pun in honor of FreezinRafiki.

Wow, first Brian, now you inserting horrible puns in my "honor". Geez, just when I thought this day couldn't get any worse. Then you go and do something like that...

...AND TOTALLY MAKE IT THE BEST DAY EVER!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

You guys better quit stealing ideas from each other before Julie ends up pregnant.

 

[glennbo123]

Any place that has a Banquet Hall/Dungeon has got to be good.

 

[Mrs. Knowitall]

And here are the rules for eating at Mike's Place. I don't have time to type them all up, but here are a couple of my favorites:

• We serve breakfast all day because we don't know when your lazy butts got out of bed.
• We realize the ingredients are similar (water, grains and yeast), but you may NOT substitute beer for toast.
• Please flush the toilets. (the kitchen needs the water!)

LOVE these!! Take time to read through them all!

If you go to their website, you'll discover that the restaurant even has its own obnoxious theme song. And the X-wing is offered for sale in its online store. However, there is no CarFax report available and you have to call for the price.

He's not joking. The song is REALLY bad.

Julie raved about her "Julius Cheezer" sandwich, which was cheese, bacon and tomato on grilled Texas Toast.

It was really, REALLY yummy!!!!

You guys better quit stealing ideas from each other before Julie ends up pregnant.

This is not funny.

Did any of the ladies check out the ladies room, was it decorated in a similar manner??

I eagerly went to the ladies room, but alas, there was nothing. NOTHING. Nada. Zilch. Just a door that opened normally, stalls with normal doors and a normal sink. I was very disappointed. In fact, this was the only thing that I found disappointing about Mike's.

You didn't choose to eat at this restaurant. The restaurant chose to bring you to it.

 

[Poolrat]

For finding the fun greasy spoon that actually had good food.

I tell ya, I never seem to have the guts to try those places. I may need to get some guts. Sounds like it was a great, memorable place.



I read all the rule. I think I like Mike.

 

[Flossbolna]

I eagerly went to the ladies room, but alas, there was nothing. NOTHING. Nada. Zilch. Just a door that opened normally, stalls with normal doors and a normal sink. I was very disappointed. In fact, this was the only thing that I found disappointing about Mike's.

Oh no, how unfair!!!

Seems like Mike needs a girlfriend to bring in some female humor... at least to the restrooms.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Can't believe Julie wouldn't sport the Princess Leia hair-do!

I know, right? And it's functional. You can use the icing to stick the cinnamon rolls to your head, and then you have a snack for later.

What a crazy (yet somehow interesting and cool) place! Love the Star Tours sticker, the menu rules and the bathroom signs.

It was a lot of fun. Sometimes the obvious tourist traps are worth the stop, just for laughs.

I should be buying this?

Nope still not buyin’ in just yet

Very astute. Couldn't quite buy my transition into snobbery, huh?

And… there it is! Now I’m on board.

A giant X-wing will get you every time.

You mean something like: “joie-de-vivre”…
Actually we’d be drumming you out of the DDC if that weren’t the case.

Great. Now I have to look up what exactly that means.

Imagine if you’d have asked her to sport the bikini instead.

Wouldn't even dream of it.

You don't frighten us, English pig dogs. Go and boil your bottoms, you sons of a silly person. I blow my nose at you, so-called "Arthur King," you and all your silly English K-nig-hts.

+1 Monty Python references are always appreciated!

Sold! I’ll be making a pilgrimage to this joint.

Hope you enjoy it. Nothing is worse than when you recommend something to a friend and then they end up hating it. I recommended a movie one time to a buddy and he ended up renting it. Later I asked him what he thought and he said, "It was awful. I turned it off 1/4 of the way into it." Awk-ward...

Not to mention Hilton Head… That’s a well traveled bus.

Wonder what the story is. It'd be cool if it actually drove to these places.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Ok, this isn't Mark, who's writing this????

Hey, I was serious about some of that stuff. I may have gone slightly over the top.

Ok, there he is!

Sorry about that. Technical difficulties.

I'm right there with you!

She asked to go to Waffle House on your honeymoon and that's where she draws the line???

I know. It seems like a very fine line between the Waffle House and Princess Leia costumes, but there you have it.

That might finally be a Ford that I wouldn't mind owning.

It probably gets terrible mileage, though.

Is it a working catapult?

According to the "rules", it's aimed at Bob Evans for a reason.

That's a hot dog?????

Well, who knows what they put in those things?

That's a relief! The trip report is finally worth reading again!

Again? When was it worth reading before?

Maybe it just means not to do it in the stall?

Hmmm...didn't think of that option. Maybe that's why the catapult is aimed at Bob Evans.

Caddyshack

+1

You guys better quit stealing ideas from each other before Julie ends up pregnant.

Well, we certainly don't need to take it that far. Hopefully we can still practice, though.

You truly are a master at road trip research!! What a perfect place for a fun dinner!!

Why thank you! It certainly beats doing work. And yes, it was a fun spot.

Did any of the ladies check out the ladies room, was it decorated in a similar manner??

Looks like Julie answered this one. It was certainly disappointing. Although if I had to guess, they probably couldn't find any signs to post there that wouldn't offend somebody.