A five-digit number for a headline? Yes, that’s pretty strange. But even the town’s newspaper puts that number in large font: it’s the zip code for the barrier island portion of Vero Beach.
It’s hard to imagine a better hotel than the Kimpton Vero Beach Resort and Spa. The staff is ultra-friendly; when the cleaning service didn’t appear one day, we received a $50 food-and-beverage credit. Complimentary wine is poured from 4 p.m.-5 p.m. Steps from the ocean is the restaurant Cobalt, whose filet mignon is what you’d expect from a fine steakhouse and whose bearnaise sauce is sensational.
Leave the hotel, and you’ll find plenty of upscale shops on Ocean Drive, such as Happy Girl Wine Co. The Lemon Tree is the perfect (and extremely popular) spot for breakfast. A 45-minute wait is not unusual.
Gotham City
Thoughts during a visit to New York City:
–United has the easiest WiFi to sign up for, though it’s hard to beat Southwest’s price of free.
–The taxi line at LGA is measured by how many baggage claims it passes. Amazing that the planners of the beautiful new Terminal B couldn’t ensure quicker taxi service.
–A hotel without a plastic laundry bag is a substandard hotel. Thankfully, The Lexington delivered.
–Touring the 86th and 102nd floors of the Empire State Building is interesting, but the World Trade Center observatory experience is better.
L. A. Confidential
Thoughts from a quick jaunt to the Southland:
— The Australian filet mignon at CUT inside the Beverly Wilshire is outstanding, justifying its high price. The service, as always, is impeccable.
–Manhattan Beach is always a treat, with big waves, beach volleyball and great restaurants. The blackened chicken sandwich at the Shellback Tavern is superb, and it’s a great place to watch sports.
— USC football is back, but the size of the crowd at the win over Washington State was disappointing.
— Breakast at S.A.L.T. at the Marina Del Rey Hotel continues to impress.
Howdy, Dallas
Three thoughts while visiting the Big D in the Lone Star State:
— If you go to an SMU football game on a day in the 90s, bring something to sit on. The aluminum benches will be on fire, and shorts do not help.
— Visit the George W. Bush Presidential Museum. It’s truly remarkable how many historic events, from 911 to the financial crisis, occurred during his presidency. Perhaps the funniest part was seeing about eight bobbleheads of various Presidents, all smiling — except Donald Trump, who is scowling.
— Watch out for Friday traffic from Love Field. Listen to Waze to try to avoid the worst of it. No one enjoys progressing a mile in 10 minutes.
Please Come to Boston
Random thoughts about Boston:
–Fin Point at the Hilton has a great atmosphere for a hotel restaurant.
–It’s a short drive into the city from Logan Airport but always a crawl.
–Celtics jerseys abound when the team is going for its first NBA title in 14 years.
–Hard to beat a beautiful spring evening by the water.
Washington Weekend in Review
Thoughts about traveling to Washington, D.C. on a warm weekend in May:
–Southwest Airlines is quite efficient at getting you to your destination on time, but then it’s usually a 20-minute wait for your bag.
–Metro still has the same flashing lights on the ground to announce incoming trains as it did 40 years ago.
–Fun to find out D.C. museums on the whole — from the National Gallery of Art to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — are free. And interesting to learn that James Smithson, whose munificence created the Smithsonian buildings, never visited the United States but left his fortune to the country.
–The Tabard Inn is still as cozy and charming as always. I lived there 40 years ago for two weeks while working for a Congressman, and I’ve always had a special fondness for it.
What I Discovered While Traveling to New York City
By David A. F. Sweet
Random thoughts as the pandemic ends and travel returns to normal in April 2022:
— Though American Airlines no longer requires masks, mask wearers comprised about half of the travelers in my unscientific survey at an American Airlines gate at O’Hare Airport.
— Chided myself for forgetting to charge my laptop, but with the help of a fellow passenger with better vision, found an outlet in front of us.
— American Airlines coffee is strong; tastes better than Southwest Airlines joe.
— La Guardia Terminal B is amazing – looks like a museum.
— Love the Sloan all-in-one sink, with soap, water and a hand dryer.
— The Warwick Hotel in Manhattan has Old World charm at reasonable prices. A bellhop will push your elevator button for you in the lobby
— Speaking of elevators, wearing a Cubs’ shirt in a New York hotel elevator is a good way to meet people.
— The Statue of Liberty doubles as a lighthouse.
Bull Market
Refusing the Silver Medal
Kenny Davis and his teammates will never accept the basketball silver medal after corruption marred the Olympic gold-medal game. Read more from Louisville’s Courier-Journal below and in my book Three Seconds in Munich. https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/2021/07/23/kenny-davis-still-refuses-silver-medal-from-1972-olympics/8004177002/
The Good Fight
Jack Sandner’s business accomplishments were colossal. But the Chicagoan’s devotion to his eight children and to helping others outshined even his market successes. https://lnkd.in/eJcpNb5 #notredame #und #cme #chicago#business #leadership
Welcome to the Sweet Spot 