What You Should Know About Knoxville Raceway Weather

By Sherry Gross

Knoxville is a very beautiful place that is located in the state of Iowa. It is a city in Marion County, to be specific, and is home to over seven thousand people. It is also the county seat of Marion County and is also known as the Sprint Car Capital of the World with the Knoxville Raceway weather.

There are so many places to visit in this said place where you can have fun doing various activities. The place boasts of a very well managed history center wherein you can learn all about the past of the place and you can get a glimpse of the life of the people during the days of the Civil War. History buffs are sure to enjoy the place and its neat and informative presentation of the rich events that the area has witnessed.

This city also boasts of its wonderful and equally breathtaking natural views, so it will be a crime not to bask in and get lost in the gorgeous spread before you. The city has its fair share of natural parks and wildlife every environmentalist is sure to enjoy. Taking a stroll along its tree lined streets is also a wonderful way to relieve stress that can lead to anxiety and depression.

Racing aficionados will also enjoy the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum. This very expansive building houses everything that is related to sprint car racing. It is dedicated to the preservation of the colorful history in this certain kind of racing. This includes valuable information on race achievers, press releases, list of poll winners and other related stuff throughout the years.

Sports fans will also love all the roaring action that never seems to go down in this city. Knoxville houses a very big sprint track called the Raceway. The ultra fast action brought about by all the racing cars have earned it the monicker Sprint Capital of the World. There is never a dull moment when you get in and see the fast paced action for yourself.

Knoxville Raceway is actually a semi banked dirt oval raceway that extends up to about half a mile long. It is located at Marion County Fairgrounds in Knoxville, Iowa. Races here are held on all Saturday nights of April down to September every year. There are also some events that are considered to be specials that they will start as early as Wednesday.

Regular events in the said track typically encompasses the 305 cubic inch, 360 cubic inch and 410 cubic inch sprint car races. The Knoxville Nationals is held every August. It is a paramount sprint car event that can be joined by any racer in the country.

The races held in the track seems to be a very old tradition that goes back to the first one held in the year 1954. It has also served as a sort of family night for families within the surrounding areas. Some just went to the Nationals out of sheer curiosity and was captivated by the adrenaline pumping action of the cars. They have been going ever since, and some even fly form various parts of the world just to witness it.

Since the arena is open to the elements, it would be quite a hassle if the race has to be held during the rainy season. It is for this reason that the schedule of the face offs are timed to the weather. Knoxville typically has 204 sunny days that are concentrated within the months of April to November. Months of July and August are most perfect for game viewing.

About the Author:

You can visit www.racersguide.com for more helpful information about Things You Should Know About The Knoxville Raceway Weather.

Read More »

Searching For An RV Resort

By Sherry Gross

If you still have doubts on where you should be having a vacation with your loved ones, then let this article enlighten you regarding that matter. You simply need to read the paragraphs which will be succeeding this one. After that, you can expect to be a wiser client since you already know how to screen your prospects properly.

First, you must be able to determine whether your prospects have websites or not. If you are not able to find a certain Williston RV resort online, then that only has one thing to say about their company. They have not bothered to conduct a promotional campaign that involves a functional site which means that their management is not effective at all.

Second, they should have a record for making all of their customers happy. If they often provide free amenities to their clients, then the better. Keep in mind that you do not often get to escape from your work. Thus, you must make the most out of the free time that you have so that you can have the happiness that you deserve.

Third, consider the ratings of your candidates. If they have been given with all the five stars by external reviewers, then that is another factor that you need to consider. Again, it is all about the quality of the spot which has been recommended to you. Its rates would only come secondary since you want nothing but the best for your family members.

If the resort has a wide park that you are free to use, then avail of that feature to your utmost advantage. If you are planning to bring your kids along, then space would certainly be greatest news that they would receive for the day. Thus, make sure that your prospects can provide you with the longest range of green grass that you have been craving for.

Walking trails are also another important factor to consider. If these things are being made available at your expense, then you simply need to see to it that they still exist. Some trails can easily be washed off by the rain. Thus, it is the responsibility of the resort staff to provide a remedy for that.

A huge lake will also be a nice thing to have. You can wash your hands in that body of water if ever you have been given the task to take care of the dishes of your whole family. Moreover, it can be among the most romantic sights that you will see when the night time comes.

If the site has all the space that you are looking for, then you already have nothing to complain about. Be satisfied with the features of the resort. You need to recognize a gem when you have already found one.

However, try not to take the name of the place literally. You do not need to possess an RV to make your reservation. Any type of vehicle will do.

About the Author:

If you are looking for information about a nearby Williston RV resort, pay a visit to the web pages online here today. You can see details at http://www.willistonvillagervresort.com now.

Read More »

How To Get The Best Propeller Governor Overhaul Tukwila WA Company

By Sherry Gross

Owning a plane can be very exciting as you can easily get to anywhere you want within a very short time. You can even use it for sightseeing, which is normally a lot of fun for most people. However, this comes with the challenge of ensuring that the aircraft is always in a good, working condition to ensure passenger safety. This requires that you get propeller governor overhaul Tukwila WA residents can count on.

Getting a technician is something that should not be handled lightly. You need to ensure that you get an individual that is well trained and experienced in plane repairs and overhaul. It is, therefore, advisable to get recommendations from organizations or private owners that have outsourced governor overhaul services in the past.

Check for FAA certification. The Federal Aviation Administration certifies those who have passed testing and training exams. With such a professional, you will be certain of getting your propeller governor replaced in addition to other services too. At no time should you ever hire a noncertified professional to maintain your plane.

Check your area for manufacturer certified technicians. Major manufactures normally deploy trained specialists in certain regions where they have many customers. Company training enables one to acquire specialized skills in the particular brand. Therefore, you will be getting the services from someone who has commissioned services and spares.

If the aircraft is faulty, then it can pose life-threatening hazards when flown. A reliable professional should always put safety first. They should check the plane after the repairs to ensure that it meets safety standards. If they have replaced the propeller, they should also test it for any possible related problems.

Get a company with an outstanding reputation. Check the business website for comments and feedback form past clients. This will give you an idea about the kind of people you are dealing with. If there are people from your area who have sought their services, then you can contact them and have them share their personal experiences with you.

Check the prices. Before you can have any gadget replaced, know the exact amount it would cost you. This should include the price of the item as well as the service fee. If you are looking for someone who will provide your maintenance needs in the future, then you could get a discount.

Ask about other services accessible to you. You definitely do not want someone who only specializes in propeller repair and overhaul. There are other things such as cleaning the internal parts, which will require dissembling and inspecting the engine for signs of corrosion, wear and pitting. A good company should also offer some advice on how to avoid or take care of small problems on your own.

Lastly, you should also consider availability. You need a technician you can call at any time of the day or night. It can be very disappointing to call a company and they tell you that they can only attend to you after two days. This would be an indication that they are not professionals.

About the Author:

You can visit www.swagvnr.com for more helpful information about Tips For Choosing Propeller Governor Overhaul Tukwila WA Professional.

Read More »

What To Expect From Sprint Car Dirt Track Racing

By Sherry Gross

Adults are typically moody and seem to be carrying the weight of the entire world upon their shoulders, and they probably are. They also tend to be a bit jealous of the little kids who can just play around with no worries. They wish they could be a child again and play with dolls or toy trucks. They wish they can go back to the days when they are still playing house and sprint car dirt track racing and just basically have fun.

When people get older, they forget what it is like to become like little kids. They stress about every single thing. Adults do not really know what it is like to live in the present as they are always worried about tomorrow. They forget how to have fun and as a result, they get moody and irritable.

If you want to win over the stress that seems to be domineering over your everyday life, it is recommended that you learn a thing or two from little kids about how to gain pleasure from everyday life. If you do not learn how to find the good things in life, then it will devour you whole and leave only the hollow shell of who you once were.

One obvious way is to play games. Yes, playing is not only for little kids. There are a whole bunch of games that even adults can play. You can spend a moment of your time for playing with your kids as a great bonding activity. You can extend your social circle by playing with friends and other people your age. You can even escape the pressures of work by allocating time for fun and games.

For those with an unquenchable thirst for thrill and adventure, then extreme activities are the perfect enjoyment exercise for you. You can get a high dose of adrenaline rush if you try out cliff diving, skydiving and free falling. You can also unleash your competitive side in a positive light by getting into racing.

If you think these activities are too dangerous to be fun, there are still other ways for you to enjoy while outside. Most outdoor games are group sports that you can play with friends. You do not only enjoy, you also get to widen your social circle and live healthier.

If you cannot go out or simply chose not to, you can still have fun in solitude. You can have a quiet and relaxing indoor game with a special someone. Or you can have friends come over to play good old board games with you.

There are also loads of games that one can can play over on the computer. One that is taking the gaming world by storm is known to gamers as dirt track racing. It is a very fun and addictive game that allows you to experience the thrill of driving on a dirt track.

Playing computer games is a very easy way to enjoy especially if you do not have so much time to spare. All you need to do is to sit down in front of your monitor and start playing. It can be very addictive, too, so one must play in moderation.

About the Author:

You can visit www.racersguide.com for more helpful information about What To Expect From Sprint Car Dirt Track Racing.

Read More »

The Truth About Quarter Midgets Racing

By Sherry Gross

The new generation is no novice to races and all things rushed. These people live in times where a million unexpected things and scenarios can happen simultaneously. People are used top juggling many tasks at hand, in order to do more in lesser amounts of time. The young professionals and other young people of today know what it is like to race after something or someone. This is perhaps the primary reason why majority of the populace is so fascinated with quarter midgets racing and other related activities.

Racing is a very old form of sport that has been around even as far back as the time of the ancient Greek civilization. Back then it was the most beloved sport of all, even with all the dangers and fatalities it presented. It is just an outlet for humans to be able to battle with each other in a test to see who is the swiftest.

Today, racers are by far more safe than their earliest predecessors. The mechanics of the sport, along with its primary objective, remains the same after thousands of years. From then until now, racing has remained to be a speed game wherein a racer must conquer the clock or best out all the other racers. It is a game where everything seems to be a blur and both competitors and spectators alike all experience that adrenaline rush that leaves you pumping and very much awake.

The world of racing can be very big, so they are categorized into different types. Horse races feature the said equine. Fans of this game can place their bets on their favorite four legged runner. Some race types rely solely on muscle strength. This includes running, which tests your endurance and the stability of your leg muscles, and swimming, which tests the strength of your lungs and your fluidity and other water related skills.

Races also come in several forms and can have varying elements that contrast them starkly from one another. For example, there are races that employ the need for an added element which is the horse. These can gradually turn into some sort of a gambling activity, because most of the time people place monetary bets on their favorite equine.

But, for one to really make it to the top when it comes to this industry, one has to start really young. Even the most famous F1 drivers have been karting when they were 10 years old, even younger. If your child has long cherished dreams of being a racing superstar, then you should allow him to embark on his career as early as possible.

There are also those that require the usage of vehicles. Motocross, for example, uses bikes that go through rough and possibly dangerous terrains. A motocross driver needs to have balance in order to finish the race. There are also those that entail the use of specially modified cars such as karts and F1 racing vehicles.

If you are worried that this sport is not exactly the safest for your child, there is absolutely no reason to be. The cars run around a wide track that is just about one fifth in length as compared to the tracks adults often drive in. The unique design of the car also serves as an added safety feature.

The competitions are often held in tracks that are only a fifth of the standard length. They also drive special cars that are only one fourth than those used by the experts. The earlier one starts, the more he stands a chance.

About the Author:

To gain more knowledge about quarter midgets racing, go to our related website for details. Find out all you need to know by reading the posted entries on http://www.racersguide.com now.

Read More »

Getting Started With Racing On The Dirt Track

By Sherry Gross

Many people of all ages love to experience how it is to drive on a track. Some try to join dirt track modified racing just to have the chance. However, this activity needs plenty of preparation tips and rules to follow. You cannot just join unarmed, you must be fully armed with money, yes, money and a good car.

You simply have to be ready for it. A lot of people decide the kind of race they want to join. But above everything, safety must be in your mind before trying. You must be sure of what will happen first before you can try and experience the thrill.

If you also would like to give this a try, you have to fully master all types of basics. If you have an old car for instance, you must search online to know the various tips of modifying the engine or anything that should be performed to get started. This depends greatly on the vehicle that you own.

You can choose a particular vehicle to drive onto the tracks but each has its own specific rules that must be followed. To find the nearest track, you can check the map online or just a physical map will do. Include in the search your city and state and it will just give you the list of tracks. Choose the most adjacent and then enjoy.

Visit the website and know the specifications to be followed when registering. The sites will give you their contact numbers but it is still better to visit their office personally to get direct answers when asking and inquiring. It is very important for you to be mindful of the things to be remembered before racing.

Make sure that you are well prepared before you experience the race. This type of activity is indeed expensive that is why money is important and if you think you have it then flaunt it. But if this is not the case then urge yourself to think once more. Fees will be given, those are not ordinary fees because they can be extravagant in a manner.

The engine should be well modified when racing that if it has to be modified for your safety. It is indeed dangerous when you fail to do so because its performance is likely to fail you. As long as you determine what to do to achieve the goal, you will be highly confident to reach the destination.

You need to see the big picture of everything when you decide to start and join the activity. You need to have sufficient money go make the vehicle run as good as it should be. Funds are indeed important, it is very essential for you to start. If you have someone to help you look for funds then the better. If your family or friends are supportive enough then the better as well.

If you think that everything will do you good then perhaps you will be confident as well to accept sponsorship. They will spend high amount of money for you so you know what to do. Do your part at least and they will do theirs. However, if you think this is not a good idea and would want to run for your own then there is no need for a sponsor.

About the Author:

You can visit www.racersguide.com for more helpful information about How To Get Started With Modified Racing.

Read More »

What You Should Know About Aircraft Ladder

By Ina Hunt

Many at times people might feel the need to reach heights that they are not able to reach while standing. This is where these ladders come in handy. The aircraft ladder is one which one which people can make use of so that they reach any part of the plane. There are some features that make them rate higher than others and this is why they are something all people should consider getting.

Just like their name suggests, they are the ladders which people use so that they carry out maintenance on the airplanes. They can also be used whenever people are to board the airplanes. This is why they are widely used by a lot of people. The one thing that people need to do is to find the best suppliers and they should be assured of the best ladders.

The safety of people is assured and this is good thing. People should know that there are various precautions that are taken so that there are never cases such as slipping off. The places in which people step are fitted with materials that even when they get wet, people still have a firm grip. This is a nice way through which safety is assured to the people that use the ladders.

Their heights vary and this is another good thing. Since people might need a ladder for different aircraft, it is necessary that they know the right height to go for so that they get the ones that will serve them best. This is why they are seen as a very reliable option which people can settle for.

They can also offer people services for a very long time. This is one of the things most people consider so that they get something they will make use of for a very long time. This will also mean that they incur less expense since there will be no need for people to replace what they have. This is the reason why are seen as something all people stand the chance to gain from.

The feet of the ladders are another part that guarantees the safety of the [people suing them. They are usually fitted with rubber and the sole purpose of this is to make sure they never move off the ground when people are using them. This is one of the things that make them stand out among the other designs that might be availed in the market.

People can also get the ladders of their choice readily since they are offered at a variety of stores. People should therefore take it upon themselves to get the best deals by finding the best stores. For instance, people can rely on the use of online stores and they have their ladders shipped.

In a nutshell, people should ensure they get the best deals so that they spend less while still getting the best ladder designs. The best part about all this is that all Tom, Dick and Harry can just gain from this. This tells why they are among the most sought after in the market.

About the Author:

You can visit locknclimb.com for more helpful information about Things To Note With An Aircraft Ladder.

Read More »

Factors To Consider When Wiring A Grand Turk Taxi

By Ina Hunt

Taxis are very important in any city since they help people to move from one place to another quickly and conveniently. There are many situations which warrant the hiring of these vehicles, these include being in an unfamiliar place where finding your way around would be hectic or maybe you need to attend a party and you do not want to drink and drive. Whenever you consider hiring these vehicles, consider the services of Grand Turk Taxi where your expectations will be surpassed.

One of the most important factors to consider before hiring any vehicle is to determine whether the driver has a valid license. The license is normally an indication of the competence and professionalism of the driver, which is a legal requirement. A good driver should be willing and ready to show his/her qualifications documents at your request.

As a new visitor in the city, there are some various places you would like to know such as popular hotels, bars and restaurants in order to access other services in the city. You should request the driver to show you this places as you drive through the city.

It would be discomforting to hire a car whose cleanliness is not properly checked. You should therefore inspect the car you are about to hire before you commit yourself to paying for it. Furthermore, the condition of the car speaks volumes about its driver and the company that owns it. A dutiful and caring driver would not use a dirty car to carry his passengers.

Commuter services can be sometimes very expensive and it would be therefore wise to save that extra coin whenever it is possible. It is wise to compare the prices offered by different companies and choose one that is suitable for you. A lot of caution should however be taken so that you do not save so much on cost while on the other hand you compromise on quality.

Living in social and friendly environment is so healthy and pleasing to everyone. Hiring a vehicle for transport services, one should consider using a one in which the driver is friendly and social in terms of communication. This makes the vehicle hirer and the driver enjoy having each other around and the joy of life becomes evident in the social life. With this company, customers happiness and pride in the services offered, is one of the key things that is emphasized.

Since you might not know anyone else in the city, your driver should be ready and willing to assist you book a hotel room from the best hotels available. This is to mean that your driver should become your friend besides offering his services to you and as such, you must ensure you get the best person for the job.

Lastly it is always good to know that whenever you get an efficient, effective and quality transport services, there is someones effort somewhere being put to make sure you enjoy the transport services. Because of this, it is always good to search for good transport service provider before hiring any. This is because if one happens to be offered poor services, then disappointments and frustrations will be available and hence developing hatred for the transport providers.

About the Author:

Read more about Factors To Consider When Wiring A Grand Turk Taxi.

Read More »

Handle All Your Travel Tips Like A Professional With This Advice

By Dewitt Klevene

Travel is an excellent hobby and many people have a passion for it. Whether traveling to a different country or state, it is your decision on where you roam. The world always has something new in store if you head out to find it. This article gives some great information about ways to enjoy traveling.

Pack your own pillow. If you have trouble sleeping away from home, try bringing your own pillow along. Some people find it difficult to sleep in a bed that isn't their own. Having a familiar pillow under your head can make a surprisingly huge difference. It could mean the difference between sleepless nights and being well rested for another day full of activities.

Only pack the essentials. The less you bring, the fewer things you are likely to lose or have stolen. Shoes tend to be larger and heavier than most objects in your suitcase. Reducing the number of shoes you bring can drastically reduce the weight of your baggage.

Remain calm and don't drown in stress. You can waste a lot of time looking for items scattered about your house, like your shampoo and conditioner, power cords and pillow. Buy a bin that can hold all of your travel items. A good container to get is one that fits neatly under the bed and ready to quickly grab whenever you go on vacation.

Enroll in the loyal customer club. These clubs reward you with a free night after you've stayed a certain number of nights at their participating locations. Even if aren't planning to stay with them again, enroll anyway. Being a member often entitles you to extra benefits--anything from drinks to internet access--during your stay.

Call the airport ahead of time to receive your seat assignment. Without a seat assignment there is a chance that you might be bumped from a flight. If this happens, you could find yourself stuck in the terminal waiting for the next flight. This could take several hours.

If you want to escape your daily routine and not have to worry about anything, you should consider going to a tourist resort. These resorts take care of absolutely everything for you and create a safe environment. It is easy to make new friends and keep your children entertained while you enjoy the beach and great weather.

If you are interested in international travel but you can't afford it, consider volunteering to work at with an international charity. Many charities will allow you to live for free at an overseas location, in exchange for your work at one of their facilities, such as a hospital, school or nursery.

When traveling abroad, make sure to take care of your health. Check to see if there are any vaccinations that you need before heading away, pack a good supply of any prescription medications you might need, and locate a hospital or physician near your destination, in case of an emergency. Staying healthy will allow you to focus on the scenery and fun, not being sick.

The tips and advice you just learned is a great place to start when thinking about better ways you can go about traveling. When you're actually out traveling then all you want to worry about is having fun, so be on the look out for more traveling tips that can relieve your stress when thinking about traveling.

About the Author:

Thanks for reading. This great guide to Spain was produced by Jeff from Zsanchez,

Read More »

Compass Furnished Apartments at Hamilton Crossing: The Superior Lodging Selection for an Extended Stay in Boston, Massachusetts

By Barry Zeger

I had to be in Boston, Mass. on business through the Memorial Day weekend. Rather than stay over at a regular hotel in a typical part of the city (Financial District, Seaport District, Back Bay, South End), I wanted to do something a tad more creative, inventive, and fun. I checked out a bunch of bed and breakfasts, but they were too quaint. "Hip" hostels were a possibility, but the reviews were all horrific. A furnished corporate apartment seemed like a cool move, so I looked into the available choices.

The corporate apartments of Oakwood Furnished Quarters, Churchill Corporate Housing, and Northeast Suites were nice, but on the sterile side. Since I'd be staying in the apartment for a span of time, I wanted something with character that was situated in a happening area. I then came across the site of the Compass Furnished Apartments at Hamilton Crossing, in the Downtown Crossing section of Boston. I clicked around the site, liked what I saw, and booked a room (details about the apartment below).

Downtown Crossing

Downtown Crossing is a small section of Boston that's on the rise, both literally and figuratively. It's located east of Boston Common and west of the Financial District. Way back in the day (between 1895 and 1917), Downtown Crossing was an upscale residential area as well the central focal point of department store shopping, where folks from all over eastern Massachusetts would visit such retail giants as Filene's, Jordan's, Kresge's, and R.H. White's. With suburbanization and competition from big box stores, retail business in the area dropped dramatically. Buildings went vacant, rents dropped, red light businesses moved in, and by the 1960s, Downtown Crossing had morphed into the seedy "Combat Zone".

But during the past thirty years, mammoth investment has been made in Downtown Crossing, and exciting stuff is going on. Major retailers are returning. Luxury apartments and condominiums are being built. Upscale eateries are opening up. It's where the stunning Paramount Theater and The Boston Opera House have relocated to. Shoppers and tourists fill the streets (many of which are closed to motor traffic) and there's bigtime energy and activity throughout the daytime hours and into the night. It seemed like quite the scene, and I was eager to check it out.

The Ride to Boston

Since I was planning to stay in an interesting Boston locale and reside at a novel lodging alternative, I decided that my selection of transportation to and from Boston should also be out of the ordinary. While searching for an option to the train and crowded economy bus services, I stumbled upon LimoLiner, and it was an excellent solution.

LimoLiner is a luxury bus service with many daily departures between NYC to Boston. The LimoLiner bus has only twenty eight seats, and they're all plush, first-class airline style, and extremely cozy. LimoLiner offers free Wi-Fi, free beverages, a free sandwich and snacks, power outlets, satellite radio choices, and free earbuds for every passenger. There's also clear cell phone reception with no dead spots, news on Direct TV, and a DVD movie presentation. The bathroom is clean, the service is attentive, and the vehicle is in great shape. Best of all, the journey took a little over 4 hours, which was approximately how long the train would have taken - but the roundtrip cost of the LimoLiner is a fraction of the one-way train cost, with a lot less hassle. LimoLiner is the most convenient and smartest way to travel between New York and Boston, and I kind of hope it doesn't get too popular - otherwise, it'll be really tough to grab a seat the next time I need to make the trip.

Compass Furnished Apartments at Hamilton Crossing

Organizing the details of my trip to Hamilton Crossing was very easy: my queries were answered quickly by the folks at Compass Furnished Apartments (they own Hamilton Crossing) and my special requests were taken care of without a problem. I was confident that the company's meticulous attention to customer care would result in a terrific stay for me at their building.

The building is located on Winter Street near the heart of the bustle of Downtown Crossing. It's right next door to a Starbucks, directly across the street from a well-stocked CVS, and a one-minute walk from the MBTA subway. The building is secure, modern, and pristine, and my spacious, energy-efficient furnished apartment's many impressive features included:

- An office nook with high-speed Internet, desk, chair, lamp, ethernet cord, surge protector, free WiFi, and free unlimited local/long distance telephone service
- 32" Vizio LCD HD TVs with HD cable
- Fully-equipped kitchen, including glassware, cookware, dishes, utensils, appliances, supplies, and an assortment of Jim's Organic Coffee and Bigelow Organic Teas
- Central a/c and heating
- 24-hour access to a washer & dryer (available on each floor)
- Bamboo hardwood floors & floor-to-ceiling windows with views
- Gorgeous and comfortable living room and bedroom
- Sleek & sizable bathroom
- Housekeeping

The apartment couldn't have been any hipper, and staying there - although briefly - made me feel more like a resident than a visitor. There's also no way that I could have felt the same sensation of being in the center of the vigorous Downtown Crossing action if I had chosen to stay in a hotel. Compass Furnished Apartments at Hamilton Crossing was the ideal h.q. for my Boston excursion.

Stuff to Do, Places to Eat, Etc.

Boston BID: Boston BID (Business Improvement District) is the ideal resource for learning what to do, where to go, and what's happening in Downtown Crossing. Their helpful "ambassadors" are available by phone and they also patrol the area, providing tips and ideas on how to get the most out of your downtown Boston journey. BID's colorful website offers helpful facts, recommendations, and inside info. I was lucky enough to connect with Marsha, a superb ambassador who directed me to all of the destinations that I eventually visited during my trip. If you're travelling around by foot (which I recommend), BID's maps of downtown Boston are all over the place, and they've very easy to decipher and navigate.

South Street Diner (7 minute walk from Hamilton Crossing): Built in 1947, South Street Diner is "the place to grab something to eat, hang out with friends, celebrity watch, and keep the party going". It's Boston's only 24 hour restaurant and attracts hipsters, workers (blue and white collar), and students from the area.

On a Saturday morning, I saw a counter full of sweaty CrossFit dudes and helmeted construction workers, tables of webbys and disheveled young couples with their children, and booths filled with families of grads and giddy tourists - all absorbing the genuine atmosphere and digging into their food. Three cooks (flat top, grill, fry station) worked in harmonious, non-stop motion, and meals were prepared and delivered fast.

I tried the Diner Special (three eggs, two flapjacks or French toast, home fries, and toast, with choice of bacon, corn beef hash, ham, or sausage) and the Chocolate Fantasy French Toast (double-thick slices of bread stuffed with chocolate chips, dipped in egg, and fried on the flat top). The steaming mini-mountains of food could have fed 3 people, and the Chocolate Fantasy French toast was messy, creative, and insanely indulgent. If you pull into Boston after-hours and are dying for a a solid meal, South Street Diner is most definitely the spot. The crowd will be entertaining, the price will be reasonable, and the food will be fantastic.

Boston Sports Club (four minute walk): Boston Sports Club is 30,000 square feet of fitness awesomeness. Check out the statistics:

- Ten different classes per day (Power Pilates, cycling, outdoor workouts, strength, ABS, kick boxing, yoga, UXF circuit training, and more)
- 3 fitness and exercise studios
- 125 bicycles and cardio machines
- Extensive free weights and strength machines
- Individualized personalized training, small group workouts, and sports massage

BSC is big, bright, and immaculate. The staff is friendly and helpful. The Club's facilities smack the crap out of the miniscule sweat closets - I mean, fitness centers - of most hotels, even top tier ones. On any given day, there are deals, discounts, and specials that are affordable and attractive (as well as contests and games with fitness-related prizes). For an efficient and wide range of challenging workout alternatives that's close to Hamilton Crossing, BSC is your best choice.

Boston Common Coffee (3 minute walk): If you require a fix of corporate coffee, Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts are everywhere. No really, they're everywhere. Ev-ree-where. But for a truly artisan and authentically local caffeine experience, you must try Boston Common Coffee.

BCC roasts their own coffee locally, their pastries are created in small batches and delivered to their stores across Boston every day, and their cafe menu items are prepared - fresh and from scratch - in-store. To savor a quality, hand-crafted cup o' joe, BCC is an excellent place to eat, sip, and cool out.

The Merchant Kitchen & Drinks (six minute walk): When I asked Marsha from Boston Improvement District for a recommendation of a slammin' eatery in Downtown Crossing, she said "you MUST go to The Merchant! It's new and it's so hot right now!"

The Merchant is housed in the former London Harness Company, which opened its doors in 1776 as a saddlemaker (Benjamin Franklin was a client), and is believed to be the oldest continually operating retail store in the U.S. (it's now located in Wellesley, MA). The Merchant took over the space and opened in early '14. The owners' ambitious vision was to offer high quality food and beverages with an emphasis on warmth, approachability, and integrity. The restaurant is immense and deep, with nosebleed high ceilings and a wide open interior. The original columns and deep brown wooden floors are still there, with many charming architectural accents and a dignified, upscale ambiance. But while the setting may seem majestic, the atmosphere is anything but. It's loose, friendly, and down-to-earth.

From speaking with Josh (the manager), Shane (a co-owner), and Nick (my most righteous server, who steered me to some amazing selections), I learned that The Merchant seeks a very high standard of quality for each element of their meals. For example, all of the produce is purchased from local farmers when available. Fish and seafood are caught wild and purchased that day (aka "day boat"). Their meats are all-natural and hormone-free, and their bacon and smoked meats are cured on premises. Their Sunday brunch bagels are baked fresh and in-house. (BTW, their beer selection - for which they're gaining a loyal clientele and respected reputation - is also quite extraordinary: 36 are on tap, and twenty-eight more are available in bottles and cans.)

My meal consisted of:

- Mixed salad with crispy onions
- A South Bay oyster and a Powder Point oyster
- Pan-seared day boat scallops with grapefruit and spinach
- Almond brown butter cake with mescat sorbet
- A glass of Gazzera pinot grigio
- A Southern Cooler cocktail, which was an artful blend of crushed watermelon, brandy, fresh peaches, Dolin Blanc vermouth, lime juice, and orange bitters

Each dish was beautifully plated and served, and the taste of everything was superb and memorable. It was one of the finest meals I've ever had the privilege to experience. A dinner (or brunch or lunch or drinks) at The Merchant is highly recommended, whether you're staying in Downtown Crossing or somewhere else in Boston.

***

There are endless places to see, delicacies to taste, and discoveries to make in Downtown Crossing and the nearby area. It's a lively neighborhood for extended stay visitors (business or pleasure), and Compass Furnished Apartments at Hamilton Crossing is a luxurious, stylish, and indulgent home base for your Boston expedition.

About the Author:

Barry Zeger is a travel writer who visited Boston's Downtown Crossing and was a guest at Compass Furnished Apartment's Hamilton Crossing property.

Read More »