Vacations – Page 6 – Traveling Tiger

20160903-GrunauerEntrance — The exterior

For our second day, we opted for a fairly low-key start as we had been traveling well into the night (not arriving in Kansas City until midnight), and we wanted to be well-rested for our Rennaisance Faire adventure plans the following day. Our hosts mentioned many restaurants but two really stood out, so we knew we had to make time for them. Grünauer and Jack Stack BBQ. For our first night, we opted for Austrian.

Grünauer was founded by an Austrian family, and is still run by the same family. The food is carefully prepared and presented, taking additional care to remain true to tradition. The menu offered a wide variety of options, so we made sure to try a few different things. We started the evening with drinks (a Racing Bird, similar to a spicy margarita), and ordered appetizers: a plate of Austrian meats and fried mushrooms served with tartar sauce.

Jausenbrettl: Hungarian salami, liverwurst, black forest ham, bierwurst, and mortadella

I was very pleasantly surprised by the drink, as I am usually not a fan of tequila, but the citrus flavors combined with the spicy salt (pepper and paprika were involved, I think) blew me away. The liverwurst was surprisingly delicate, while making sure you recognized its presence, and the real surprise was how well fried mushrooms went with tartar sauce. Two things I would -never- think of combining!

For entrees, we again wanted to try quite a few different options. I went with a traditional Austrian farmer’s meal (Bauernschmaus), while others had a Waygu-style beef Goulash, sirloin, Paprikahuhn, and crepes.

Bauernschmaus: Austrian Farmer's Dinner — Bauernschmaus: Austrian Farmer’s Dinner

Zwiebel Rostbraten: Center Cut Strip Loin

Paprikahuhn: Chicken Breast with Paprika with Spätzle

Though the farmer’s plate was described as having bacon, it was truly more in the vein of pork belly. Delicious! The sauerkraut had an excellent flavor and the acidity left meat (served on top of it) tender. My girlfriend and our friends all enjoyed our respective dishes. If you are visiting, you really should make it a point to stop by!

We wrapped up our dinner with a nice cup of coffee, with some of us ordering Melange (a spiced cappuccino) instead. Delightful!

Simple Black Coffee... — Simple Black Coffee…

Vacation Report: Kansas City, Renaissance Faire & Jack Stack BBQ

Kansas City: Arrival

Kansas City: Grünauer

Kansas City: Renaissance Faire & Jack Stack BBQ

The Renaissance Faire

Confession time – until this weekend, I had actually never been to a Ren Faire. Upon learning that it would be available, it was decided that we would be attending (after some needed recovery from the travel, of course) and rectifying this! This particular faire actually lasts for multiple weeks, with different events each week.

We took our time exploring the wares and outfits, admiring the craftsmanship of many of the items for sale. One of the merchants, Dwarf Mountain Knives had made some beautiful knives, and both my girlfriend and I saw one that we felt was perfect. It was very reasonably priced for a hand-worked blade, and felt well balanced (and solid!) in my hand.

We also came across a craftsman (Clay Images) who made quite a few incense burners and water fountains in the shape of adorable dragons. Unfortunately, I neglected to capture pictures of these creations, but I foresee one entering our house in the future…

Feeling a little peckish, I opted for traditional Faire fare: a turkey leg. Served hot, it really hit the spot!

Prior to leaving, we made our way to the puzzle-ring stand, and noted that they also sold pendants. I fell in love with one with Odin’s runes on both sides and purchased that as well.

The back of Odin's Pendant — The back of Odin’s Pendant

Information on Odin's Pendant — Information on Odin’s Pendant

More on Odin's Pendant — More on Odin’s Pendant

Dinner at Jack Stack

For those not familiar with Kansas City BBQ (admittedly, I was not familiar with it by name, but was in the underlying methodology), it involves a slow cooking process where the sauce is involved at multiple steps. This is different from Carolina or Texas BBQ, where sauces are added at different stages, or rubs prior to cooking, and so on. Jack Stack BBQ is one of the highest rated BBQ establishments of this style in the area, so we knew we had to pay them a visit.

We started the evening with fried mushrooms, onion rings, and burnt-ends (of ham and sausage, in this case) before ordering our entrees.

I opted for a sirloin with Parmesan broccoli with hickory smoked pit beans (with brisket!), with others ordering various combinations (lamb ribs and beef burnt ends… brisket and baby-back ribs… and more!), and salmon. The pit beans were a favorite all around – I can see why they are as popular as they are with regulars!

Vacation Plan: San Diego, CA

Ever on the quest for status, I am taking my girlfriend to San Diego for a week later this year. With some creative routing we will be taking four flights each way, so it’ll go a decent way in making sure I maintain my Diamond Medallion Status with Delta.

I also plan to take advantage of Citi Prestige’s 4th Night Free benefit to book my stay at the Hyatt Regency near Sea World. This will help me maintain my status with Hyatt as well as help me take advantage of their current promotion! Since all five nights are paid for, I’ll get points both from the initial stay as well as from the promotion.

I will also be routing us through DFW to take advantage of the Centurion Lounge there! Nothing like a free gourmet meal! 😀

Does anyone else have any similar runs planned?

American Airlines: Gold Status Offer

The Offer

A couple of days ago, I received an offer from American Airlines to enjoy Gold Elite Status through December 16th of this year. If I acquire 7,000 Elite Qualifying Miles in that time, I keep my status through January 2018! The icing on the cake is that this offer comes with 10, 500-mile upgrade certificates!

The Plan

I’m not 100% sure I’ll be able to take full advantage of this offer, but I signed up to be safe. I have a few routes that I’m throwing around in my head, but it comes down to if I can maintain Diamond status with only my work flights. I value maintaining Diamond substantially higher, since it allows me to confer Gold to my girlfriend for when she has to fly alone.

The Perks

Though Gold is the lowest level of status you can earn with American Airlines, the 40% mileage bonus and complimentary preferred seats are a nice touch. Main Cabin Extra seats are only available at the time of check-in, so it’s not terribly likely, but still a nice perk to have. Though my credit card allows a free checked bag as well as Group 1 boarding, Gold will offer quicker boarding when I’m traveling as well as another checked bag.

All in all, it isn’t a bad status to have! Since Delta requires 140 segments to maintain Diamond medallion, and American Airlines only requires 120 to maintain Executive Platinum, it is a tempting nudge to switch. The main detractor is the timing of flights for American when I leave Raleigh (to reach connecting cities), and the frequency of cancellations for the same. Delta’s operational record is what keeps me coming back for more, truth be told. In fact, the COO of American Airlines commended Delta for their record last year!

As I mentioned, though, if I need my Thanksgiving flights to maintain Diamond with Delta, American will be out of luck. Oh well!

Vacation Report: Stowe, VT, Day 5

Stowe, VT, Day 1: Arrival to Burlington

Stowe, VT, Day 2: Farmer’s Market!

Stowe, VT, Day 3: Cider Doughnuts & Cheese

Stowe, VT, Day 4: Mt. Mansfield & Montpelier

Stowe, VT, Day 5: Return to Raleigh

Flights

On my return from Stowe, VT I flew back from Burlington, VT (BTV). The first flight was from Burlington to Detroit, and then routed from Detroit to Raleigh.

The full route can be seen here, courtesy of the Great Circle Mapper.

I only managed to upgrade to First Class for the first segment, as the second was a popular flight. Even with Diamond Medallion Status, it’s a gamble when flying out of a Delta hub city! As with the flight up, I went for window seats.

Breakfast at McCarthy’s

My girlfriend’s family usually reserves McCarthy’s for their last morning in Stowe, as it was my last day, they made an exception. I had quite a nice breakfast with made-from-scratch corned beef hash, fresh 12-grain wheat toast, and an omelette with spinach, Feta cheese, and artichokes.

Menu cover at McCarthy's - no plastic is a common trend in Stowe — Menu cover at McCarthy’s – no plastic is a common trend in Stowe

Mediterranean omelette with freshly made corned beef hash

After breakfast, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to pose with the bears at the entrance. 🙂

Carrie and I with the bears outside McCarthy's — Carrie and I with the bears outside McCarthy’s

Back to BTV

The return drive to Burlington International Airport was smooth, even with construction on I-89, and the route to the airport was marked clearly. Avis was a breeze, as always – it is worth signing up for their Preferred program, and it’s free! As I saw on my arrival, Burlington does offer TSA PreCheck, which had my hopes up. Unfortunately it was the “lite” version, where you still have to remove toiletries and laptops from your bags. At least you don’t have to get undressed, so there’s that.

Vacation Report: Stowe, VT, Day 4

Stowe, VT, Day 1: Arrival to Burlington

Stowe, VT, Day 2: Farmer’s Market!

Stowe, VT, Day 3: Cider Doughnuts & Cheese

Stowe, VT, Day 4: Mt. Mansfield & Montpelier

Stowe, VT, Day 5: Return to Raleigh

Mount Mansfield

Mount Mansfield is the tallest mountain in Vermont, and one of its lower peaks is fairly close to Stowe. In fact, the Stowe resort has built a series of gondolas that will take you up! These serve a secondary purpose for getting skiers up to the top of the slope during ski season. Though it was almost 74 degrees Fahrenheit at the base, it was in the mid 60s at the top.

Smuggler’s Notch

Just beyond Mount Mansfield is the region known as Smuggler’s Notch. The many switchbacks and narrow roads make for very dangerous driving conditions. Certainly not something I would want to do in the winter! Lovely views to be experienced, however, and a popular destination for hikers and mountain climbers.

Montpelier

Montpelier is located roughly 30 minutes south of the Village Green at Stowe, so it was a very short drive. The actual distance is much shorter, but a lot of time is spent on surface streets given the location of the condos. For those that haven’t visited Montpelier, it is a surprisingly down-to-earth, especially for a capital. We grabbed lunch at the Three-Penny Taproom before doing some more gift-shopping. Most of the stores close at 5, so be sure to get there early in the day!

Vacation Report: Stowe, VT, Day 3

Stowe, VT, Day 1: Arrival to Burlington

Stowe, VT, Day 2: Farmer’s Market!

Stowe, VT, Day 3: Cider Doughnuts & Cheese

Stowe, VT, Day 4: Mt. Mansfield & Montpelier

Stowe, VT, Day 5: Return to Raleigh

A trip to Vermont is not complete without cider doughnuts, cheese, or chocolates… so we squeezed all three into one day! 😀

Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Our first stop of the day was Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Only 15 minutes from the Village Green condos, it made for a delicious start to the day. You are encouraged to sample their different ciders, apple butters, and spreads. They also make wonderfully moist cider doughnuts – the traditional size, so you don’t have to feel guilty about it, of course.

After putting our legs up for a bit, we made our way to Pete’s Green’s, where we were told we could see some alpaca! Though the alpaca didn’t want to be friendly, we did meet a very friendly sheep and an adventurous chicken who escaped the pen as we made our way to the car.

Cabot Annex, Smuggler’s Notch Distillery, and More

Located just south of Pete’s Greens is a strip-mall-esque location containing an annex for Cabot’s cheeses, as well as Danforth Pewter, Lake Champlain Chocolates, and Smuggler’s Notch Distillery.

We had to sample everything available here, so we took our time and explored what they had to share. My personal favorite at Cabot was their Lamberton cheese, which we picked up for our burgers. I also purchased a fifth of Smuggler’s Notch Litigation – a new offering of whiskey that I found quite tasty.

Though there is quite a lot of detail in the wares at Danforth Pewter, the prices are quite reasonable given the work put into the items, and it is an excellent option for souvenirs and gifts. This property is attached directly to the Lake Champlain Chocolate store, which made for a nice transition. Though the iced Americano was tasty, the iced brew from Scout & Co. in South Burlington was by and far better.

For lunch we traveled back to Waterbury and visited the Prohibition Pig.

Ben & Jerry

On the way back to Stowe, we had to visit Ben & Jerry’s headquarters.

Though we didn’t stay for the tour, we definitely had some ice-cream (Bourbon Brown Butter) and went to say hi to the cows on the way back to the car. Gotta thank the ladies for the delicious milk!

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Category: Vacations

Vacation Report: Kansas City, Grünauer

Vacation Report: Kansas City, Renaissance Faire & Jack Stack BBQ

The Renaissance Faire

Dinner at Jack Stack

Vacation Plan: San Diego, CA

American Airlines: Gold Status Offer

The Offer

The Plan

The Perks

Vacation Report: Stowe, VT, Day 5

Flights

Breakfast at McCarthy’s

Back to BTV

Vacation Report: Stowe, VT, Day 4

Mount Mansfield

Smuggler’s Notch

Montpelier

Vacation Report: Stowe, VT, Day 3

Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Cabot Annex, Smuggler’s Notch Distillery, and More

Ben & Jerry