No Surf in Cleveland? Sure, There is!

by Iva Skoch on

Having spent a good amount of time in Cleveland, Ohio (but never having heard Eric Carmen and the Euclid Beach Band’s “There’s No Surf in Cleveland,” which I’m assured is a real song), I was surprised at today’s NY Times article, “Yes, You Can Surf in Cleveland.”

Apparently, groups of die-hard Clevelanders can’t wait for the start of winter because that’s high time for Lake Erie waves. They work night jobs, and, during the day, grab wetsuits and big boards (Lake Erie is, of course, freshwater). And sometimes, the waves hit almost…10 feet.

The only real drawback for these guys: the nearest surfboard shop is on the coast of Lake Michigan, 285 miles away.

Hawaii, eat your heart out!

Hitch50 Comes to a Finish

by Adrienne Wilson on

Remember Scotty and Fiddy? They started off about two months ago on a mission to hitchhike their way to the state capitals of all 50 states in 50 consecutive days. (Yes, even Alaska and Hawai’i.) Erik gave them some link love early on in their adventure and now that they’ve completed their fantastic voyage from state-to-state it’s time to recap. On October 10, 2006 the two young men headed off into the cold, dark, unfriendly land we know as the United States… Okay, that’s not true. They did head off on October 10, 2006 and I’m sure part of the whole thing was not only set up to score some free travel, but to show that there is a little kindness in the hearts of Americans everywhere for two men with extended thumbs. Now, whether or not they stuck out their thumbs or just prearranged every single ride, you’ll have to find out on your own by visiting the Hitch50 site.

They did spectacular job blogging the whole shebang which includes photos and video. I kept tabs on the fellas by text messaging, hoping to give them a lift at some point in their journey, but they moved a lot faster than I imagined they would. Their mission was successfully completed the mission on November 28, 2006. Way to go guys!

Most Dangerous U.S. Cities

by Adrienne Wilson on

Here’s a news story I’d like to first dedicate to my father who seems to lose his wits any time I mention travel overseas. Sure the places I go aren’t always high traffic areas or flooded by tourists, but that doesn’t necessarily classify them as dangerous. What I’m really trying to say is you can be smiley and friendly anywhere you go, but just watch your back as well. And to my father who I’m sure will read this blurb at one point or another – perhaps it’s time to consider relocating. According to this CNN piece St. Louis has been officially named most dangerous U.S. City.

It was only a matter of time before St. Louis, Missouri took the number one spot. The city had been lurking in the top 10 for quite several years and with a surge in violent crimes this year it took the lead over other dangerous locals such as Detroit, MI in second, Flint, MI coming in third place and good old Compton, Cali right up there in fourth. As for St. Louie vthe murder rate jumped 16 percent from 2004 to 2005. That’s quite a hike in the wrong direction. At the moment I happen to be sitting in the confines of my hotel room in the second most dangerous city (Detroit) and yet all feels safe at this late hour, however I’m glad to know my present hometown of Tampa, FL didn’t make the top 10 dangerous city list. On the flipside it also didn’t make the top 10 safest either which include Brick, NJ in first; Amherst, NY in second; and Mission Viejo, CA in third.

So are there any Gadling readers out there residing in the top 10 of either list? Please share your thoughts and let us know if it really is all bang-bang, shoot em’ and kill or butterflies and roses.

To see the full story head to CNN.

Columbus Fish Market – Columbus, Ohio

by Adrienne Wilson on

My trip into the Columbus Fish Market was a last minute idea and a darn good one to boot. With only one day to spare in the Columbus, Ohio area I was desperately seeking out exciting things to do while in town as some of you may recall and with the rainy weather putting a cap on some of my fun the only thing left to do was find shelter and eat. A friend of mine lived pretty close to the spot and had heard very good things about it, so we were left to try it on our own. When we arrived around 8 PM the place was humming full of patrons. Fortunately my pal had made reservations as recommended on the website and we were shown to our cozy dimly lit booth.

Ordering at the Columbus Fish Market may take a few moments if you’re unfamiliar with the menu. If you really haven’t an idea of what to order the wait staff is very attentive to your tastes and does a marvelous job helping to select the perfect dish for you. I went with the Yellowfin Tuna Shang-Hai style, a signature preparation steamed with ginger and scallions, served with sticky rice; spinach and rice wine soy sauce. Mmm… To keep from posting one of my long foodie type tales I’ll just leave you with this: If you’re in Columbus, Ohio – GO!

The Columbus Fish Market is located at 1245 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43212. Ph. 614.291.3474. Lunch hours are M-F 11AM-4PM. Dinner hours vary throughout the week (see website). Prices range from $16-$35.

Photo of the Day (5/13/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on


For today’s photo I went flipping through my own camera for a shot taken from the road where I spent 6.5 hours wandering Ohio’s lesser explored routes by foot. After miles of seeing nothing on my way from Grove City, OH into Sabina, OH (a.k.a.The Eden of Ohio) I noticed this tiny tattered shack of sorts and found it rather comforting. (Even if the roof is falling to pieces.) Now if you’ll excuse me I’ll depart from this shameless photo plug and promise to post many more in the future – not because the photography or the subject is particularly spectacular, but because I want to take you along my walk across America. That’s only if you’ll let me, of course.