In 1875, Benjamin and Caroline Harrison relocated their family from downtown Indianapolis to the Old Northside. While campaigning for president in 1888, he gave speeches outside the house. After leaving the presidency, Harrison married Mary Lord Dommick after his first wife’s death and resided at the house until his death in 1901. Eventually, Mary Dimmick Harrison sold the house on the condition that it remain a memorial to her husband. In 1974, the Arthur Jordan Foundation renovated the house and opened it as a historic house museum. The home is now known as the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. Arriving at the museum The museum is at the intersection of North…
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Kissing the bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Few places come to mind as quickly as Indianapolis Motor Speedway when discussing motorsports. For fervent fans, visiting Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) is like a pilgrimage. However, even the casual fan can enjoy a visit to the historic track, its accompanying museum, and walk away with memories of kissing the bricks at IMS. Arriving at the speedway Entrance to the speedway for fans is between Turns 1 and 2 along 16th Street. Visitors drive through the South Tunnel before seeing the museum in front of them with parking on each side. Museum atrium The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum opened in 1976 and underwent a renovation in 2016. It currently has…
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My night with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows – August 24, 2019
The Tokyo Yakult Swallows play in one of the oldest professional baseball stadiums in Japan. Although Meiji Jingu Stadium lacks many of the modern amenities fans expect from a ballpark, fans regularly pack the park. The ballpark is part of Meiji Jingu Gaien, which is a large athletics complex with a futsal court, an indoor skating rink, tennis courts, and more. Arriving at the ballpark As with many ballparks in Japan, Meiji Jingu Stadium has multiple public transit stations nearby. Sendagaya and Shinanomachi stations, which are both on the Chūō-Sōbu Line, are the two closest train stations to the ballpark. It is a 13-minute walk (about 0.6 miles/1 kilometer) from…
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My night with the Seattle Mariners – August 6, 2019
In the days of corporate naming rights, ballpark names come and go. Whether you still call the Seattle Mariners home ballpark Safeco Field or whether you’ve adapted to calling it T-Mobile Park, the team has played its home games at the same stadium since 1999. Areas of the ballpark have been remodeled or renovated since its opening, but overall the park has remained the same. Arriving at the ballpark There are multiple parking garages and privately-operated parking lots near T-Mobile Park. Prices at the garages and lots vary typically depending on proximity to the ballpark. Sound Transit’s Central Link light rail line offers service via the Stadium Station, which is…
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My experience at the Best Western Lakewood
For my first visit to a Tacoma Rainiers in several years, I was looking for a mid-priced hotel within a reasonable driving distance to the ballpark (read about my visit to the ballpark here). The Best Western Lakewood fit the bill. It is about 15-minute drive from the ballpark or a 40-minute bus commute on Pierce Transit Route #2. The hotel is about a 20-minute drive to downtown Tacoma, but is only 14 minutes from Tacoma Mall. Additionally, it is less than 10 minutes to great outdoor spots like American Lake Park and Fort Steilacoom Park. 2 queen beds room Although I was traveling with my wife, we chose a…
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My night with the Tacoma Rainiers – August 3, 2019
The Tacoma Rainiers play in a ballpark that was originally built in 100 days prior to the 1960 season. Fifty years later Cheney Stadium underwent a major renovation and stands as a South Sound staple. The ballpark also affords fans the opportunity to see the highest mountain in Washington state, Mount Rainier. Arriving at the ballpark Cheney Stadium is approximately six miles from downtown Tacoma. It is close to the I-5 and Washington State Route 16 interchange, which makes it easy to access from several nearby cities. Parking in an adjoining lot to the stadium costs $5. Pierce Transit Route #2 runs from downtown to 19th Street and South Stevens…
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My experience at the Hampton Inn Seattle/Everett
For my visit to an Everett AquaSox baseball game, I wanted a hotel close to the ballpark and easily accessible from I-5 (read about my visit to the AquaSox game here). The Hampton Inn Seattle/Everett was a great match. The hotel is a five-minute drive or a 25-minute walk to Funko Field. Additionally, it is about half mile to Angel of the Winds Arena or Funko headquarters. Paine Field, which restarted commercial air service in March 2019, is a 12-minute drive from the hotel. King guest room Traveling with my wife Katie, we opted for a king guest room. It comfortably fit our two large suitcases, two carry-on bags, and…
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My night with the Everett AquaSox – August 2, 2019
The Everett AquaSox play in the oldest ballpark in the Northwest League. However, Funko Field at Everett Memorial Stadium has undergone several renovations and looks good for a facility that opened in 1949. A naming-rights deal between the Everett School District and local toy maker Funko signed before the 2019 has brought new life to the park, too. Arriving at the ballpark Funko Field at Everett Memorial Stadium is less than a mile from downtown Everett. The ballpark is also under a mile from an interchange with I-5. So, it is incredibly easy to reach the stadium from anywhere in the area. Limited parking near the team’s front office at…
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My experience at the EVEN Hotel Eugene
For my visit to a Eugene Emeralds baseball game, I wanted a hotel not too far from the ballpark (read about my visit to an Ems game here). The EVEN Hotel Eugene in the Harlow area was a great match. The hotel is a three-minute drive, a 13-minute bus ride, and a 20-minute walk from the baseball stadium. Additionally, it is a five-minute drive to Downtown Eugene and a six-minute drive to the Whiteaker neighborhood. Wellness king room Traveling with my wife, we chose a wellness king room. There is plenty of space for two large suitcases plus two carry-on suitcases and a pair of backpacks. The desk was a…
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My night with the Eugene Emeralds – July 25, 2019
College baseball teams and short-season Minor League clubs sharing a ballpark have become commonplace over the last decade. The University of Oregon Ducks and Eugene Emeralds are one of the first partnerships between a collegiate team and a Minor League club. The university built PK Park for a reborn Ducks baseball program, but the Emeralds have made their mark on the ballpark, too. Arriving at the ballpark PK Park is northeast of Autzen Stadium, home of the University of Oregon football team. The park is about a 10-minute drive from downtown Eugene. The parking lot is off Leo Harris Parkway. Parking costs $5 per vehicle, but pre-paid parking is available…
