The Fifty States: Connecticut

Skipping ahead a bit, this is the twelfth (12th visited in my lifetime) in a series of states, where I highlight my time spent in a state.  These are my own recommendations of restaurants and things to do, and I hope to share my perspective. I hope to visit all 50 states in my lifetime to see the sights and learn about each area.

Connecticut

Here I will link to a guest blog.  This is my experience in a nut shell of Greenwich, Stamford and New Haven.  http://www.rubberducksystems.com/jamesstopford/2012/02/26/greenwich-and-new-haven/

A few more notes to add:

In visiting different parts of Conneticut, I found it very upscale and elegant.  It seemed like many people were dressed up, and that this is the daily norm.  The Stamford Town Center is notable for the odd layout of floors and parking.  I enjoyed the Beineke Rare Book Library and walking around the Yale campus.  In every town visited, crowds are apparent. Areas are built up with high end stores and hoity-toity coffee shops. 

The Fifty States: Delaware

This is sixth in a series of states, where I highlight my time spent in a state.  These are my own recommendations of restaurants and things to do, and I hope to share my perspective. I hope to visit all 50 states in my lifetime to see the sights and learn about each area.

*As I review this area and those surrounding, my heart goes out to all affected by the recent hurricane Sandy.  Many landmarks and sights are now only memories to us across the east coast.  Below are my thoughts on what they once were and wish none were altered too drastically.

Delaware

Delaware was the first to become a state in 1787 by ratifying the United States Constitution.  It is the second smallest state; the smallest is Rhode Island.  If you drive too far, you'll get to Pennsylvania, Maryland, or the Atlantic Ocean!

Rehoboth Beach - In 2012, Rehoboth Beach was named one of the top 10 best beaches for families by Family Vacation Critic.  If coming from the north, head to Cape May, New Jersey and take the ferry over to Delaware to get to Rehoboth Beach.  You can drive your car right onto the ferry.  There is a nice clean boardwalk and many bed and breakfasts in the area.  Check out the Haunted Mansion ride in Funland.  It is not too scary, but sure is fun.

Christiana Mall - This is a large one story mall with a few high end stores and a Target.  No sales tax in Delaware, so buy it there!

Hagley Museum - Be prepared to walk all over these grounds.  There is a shuttle available, but the trail is nice to stop along the way for different views of the Brandywine River. Learn about DuPont's company history in a couple stories of the museum.  There are also changing exhibits here.  On the grounds, there is a black powder mill, a school, the DuPont family home (need to take the bus to get here), gardens and an organic cafe.  There are demonstrations and tours along the route.  This could take at least 3 hours to go through.

Soft Drinks

Why are soft drinks 'soft'?  I had to think about this one a bit, but had to revert to googling the answer.  It is because they are not 'hard' (Duh, right?), or a distilled alcoholic beverage.  It can be a carbonated or non-carbonated drink, but is most likely referred to as the carbonated type: a soda (also called pop, coke, fizzy or other variations).

Soft drinks are probably the unhealthiest drink because of its high sugar content and/or high fructose corn syrup in most.  It is alleviated through diet alternatives, but some, like me, would not prefer the taste.  Beware of the diet sodas; they create brain trickery!  It tastes sweet and your brain expects the calories to give your body energy, but it disappoints. This leads to more food intake to compensate for the empty feeling and is associated to causing obesity.1

Soda may not quench your thirst thoroughly, but it does leave you feeling good.  When I have my favorite pop in my belly and more in my glass or bottle, it promotes good vibes to my brain.  I don't think of the consequences, especially since I do not consume it that often.

The Consequences of a Coke:
Burp! (repeat)
Bad breath (see Burp!)
High sugar (Wheeeee!!!!  Wheee! Weaa..::crash::..wah)
Caffeine (WOOHOO  it's 3AM!)
High calories (50 minutes of jogging burns one bottle ~250 cal)
Yellow/bad teeth (I better use a bendy straw)
Thirsty (still thirsty! need more and more fizzies!)

The Benefits of a Coke:
High sugar (The Wheeeeee!!! part)
Caffeine (The WOOHOO part)
Delicious (AHH!)
Cold and refreshing ("milk was a bad choice")
A Party drink (popular for young and old crowds)
Can combine with liquor to become a hard drink (yes please)
Pairs well with a variety of food (a hamburger or pizza in particular)
Inexpensive (99 cents for a 2 liter Coke)
Convenient - (in vending machines and most food vendors)

Citations:

1. Diet sodas may confuse brain's 'calorie counter' By Janet Raloff

July 14th, 2012; Vol.182 #1 (p. 14) : Wednesday, June 13, 2012

The Fifty States: Maryland

This is fifth in a series of states, where I highlight my time spent in a state.  These are my own recommendations of restaurants and things to do, and I hope to share my perspective. I hope to visit all 50 states in my lifetime to see the sights and learn about each area.

Maryland

I think I am the rustiest on this state and will need an immediate revisit to up any sort of credibility here.

-Baltimore

95 and 83 are the main highways through this city.

The National Aquarium is great to visit.  It is expensive for a ticket; about $30 for adult, which you buy somewhat outside the site.  They do this so you can buy the ticket and then get in line to enter.  This place tends to get very crowded come lunch time on a weekend.  Go when it first opens and explore all of the tanks surrounding you in peace.  There is a dolphin show that is popular, and you'll need to line up to enter this as well.  The gift shop is noteworthy.

Around the Inner Harbor, where the aquarium is located, there are many shops, restaurants (mostly seafood), and museums. The Oriole Park at Camden Yards is nearby for a baseball game.  Babe Ruth's birthplace is a few blocks away from here.

Any suggestions of where else to visit within Maryland would be appreciated!

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FYI: Geographically located within the state is Washington DC, the capital of the United States, but it is not considered part of Maryland state!

The Fifty States: New York

This is fourth in a series of states, where I highlight my time spent in a state.  These are my own recommendations of restaurants and things to do, and I hope to share my perspective. I hope to visit all 50 states in my lifetime to see the sights and learn about each area.

New York

The best way into New York City is I-95 from NJ, PA or south of here.  The train is $30 round trip from Trenton. If you really don't have to drive, use the train or other public transportation.  The streets are crowded with mostly taxis, and the parking is expensive.

If you do not like crowds, I would not recommend going to downtown Manhattan after Thanksgiving through New Year's Day.  Not only is it crowded, it is cold, and there is a lot of walking around the city to get to place to place.  Your toes will be numb and face wind burn from the cold air, so bundle wisely!

I would go in the morning and during the day to get a head start.  Head up to the Empire State Building first.  The lines on a busy Friday or Saturday are very long, so be prepared to wait at least an hour or two.  See 360 degree views of the city with the sights of the Chrysler Building, the Statue of Liberty, and others.  A Statue of Liberty visit needs reservations to take the boat out to Liberty Island. These are sometimes booked up a few months in advance.  Be prepared to walk up many steps to get to her crown.

If you must see the holiday decorations around the city, start with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and join in the crowds for some fun events. The sites at night, such as Times Square and the Rockefeller Tree are particularly tourist worthy.  For night life, catch the Rockettes at Rockefeller Center or a Broadway show.

There is a huge celebration on New Year's Eve in Times Square.  This is a ridiculous gathering that rings in the new year by watching the ball drop on this main street of New York.

Do not miss these art and history museums: MOMA, Guggenheim Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Museum of Natural History.

Central Park could be a day's journey.  It contains a zoo, an ice skating rink, Belvedere Castle, Bow Bridge and other bridges, a Carousel, sports fields, playgrounds, conservatories, memorials, trails and more.

Take a moment to reflect and visit Ground Zero, where the World Trade Center once stood.

For restaurant ideas in Manhattan, try one of Gordon Ramsey's restaurants, such as The Maze at the London.  Pizza and bagels are New York City's staple foods.  Have a cupcake at the Magnolia Bakery.

Visit Long Island for the beach in the summer.

Fast Food Unraveled

I went on a local fast food tour. I wanted to understand what exactly you get for your money and to compare the taste and look of popular items against their competitors. I went to the top three burger joints in town, which are also the top food chains in the US. I went to the counter at each place and ordered, "A plain hamburger and small fries."

Plain Hamburger + Small Fries

                                                                                                                                                     

Jennie's Winner: Burger King
The BF's Winner: Wendy's

McDonalds - There is more bun than burger. There is one pickle and tiny diced onions along with ketchup and mustard.

Burger King - The juicy and charcoal taste stands out with this burger.  There are two pickles, no onions, ketchup, and a decent sized burger to go with the sesame seed bun.

Wendy's - This square shaped burger is thin but flavorful. There are two pickles, one onion ring, ketchup and mustard.




                                                                                                                                                     

It was hard to resist eating a fry or two during this project. My counts are based on all fries, including the tiniest bits.

Jennie's Winner: Burger King
The BF's Winner: Burger King



McDonalds -  Thin, long, lightly salted and soggy with grease
Count: 47

Burger King - Thick, crispy and lightly salted
Count: 45

             
         

Wendy's - Thin, crispy and heavily salted
Count: 46

 

 

                                                                                                                                                      

At the most expensive, Burger King was my best choice for both the hamburger and the fries.  It would be well worth it in the future, now knowing these are my favorites among the rest!

*WW points based on PointsPlus Values.  Click here for the calculator.

E-clubs: Do you like to dine out?

If you dine out often, sign up with these restaurants to get a deal! Click the restaurant name to link to the e-club website.

Restaurant	Birthday Deal	Sign Up Deal
Applebee’s	Free Dessert	---
Arby’s	Free 12 oz milkshake	---
Au Bon Pain	Free sandwich or salad	Free travel mug
Auntie Anne’s	BOGO Pretzel	---
Bahama Breeze	---	---
Baskin Robbins	Free one scoop of ice cream	---
Benihana	$30 gift certificate	---
Bertucci’s	Free Dessert	---
Bonanza	BOGO coupon for one free steak or buffet	BOGO coupon for one free entree
Bonefish Grill	Free order of Bang Bang Shrimp or Jen’s Jamaican Coconut Pie	---
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream	Free Sugar or Cake Cone when you buy a Waffle Cone	Free Sugar or Cake Cone when you buy a Waffle Cone
Buffalo Wild Wings	Free Chocolate fudge cake or scoop of ice cream with chocolate or caramel topping	---
Burger King	---	---
California Pizza Kitchen	Free Dessert	Free Small Plate
Chic-Fil-A	---	---
Chili’s	Free dessert of choice	Free Queso
Coldstone	Buy one get one Creation - any size	---
Corner Bakery Café	FREE Bakery Fresh Sweet, like our Baby Bundt Cake, Whoopee Pie or Fudge Brownie	Free Freshly Baked Cookie
Cosi	---	---
Cracker Barrel	---	---
Dairy Queen	Buy one get one medium Blizzard, $3 off a blizzard cake	---
Denny’s	Free Grand Slam Breakfast	---
Dunkin Donuts	Free medium coffee, latte, tea, Coolatta or hot chocolate	---
Eat ‘n Park	Free dessert with purchase of entree	10% off
Elevation Burger	Free Milkshake	---
Friendly’s	Free single cone with any Friendly's purchase.	---
Hooters	10 free Boneless Wings	---
Houlihan’s	Free entrée up to $15	---
IHop	Free Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity breakfast	Free Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity breakfast
JB Dawson's	Free Dessert	---
Joe’s Crab Shack	Free Appetizer	---
KFC	---	---
Krispy Kreme	Free Donut and Coffee or fountain drink	---
Longhorn	Free Dessert	Free Appetizer
Maggiano’s	$10 off	---
Margarita's (Tio Juan’s)	$10 off	---
Max and Erma’s	---	$5 off 20 or more
Miller's in Lancaster	Buy one get one dinner	---
Moe’s Southwest Grill	Free Entree with purchase of drink	Free Cup of queso
Noodles and Company	Free Noodle Bowl	---
Old Country Buffet	Buy one adult dinner and drink, get one adult buffet free	---
Olive Garden	---	---
On the Border	Free brownie sundae or queso	Bowl of original queso or sopapillas with the purchase of one entree
Outback Steakhouse	---	250 reward points
P F Chang’s	---	Free Lettuce Wraps
Panera Bread	---	---
Pizza Hut	Free Breadsticks or Cinnamon Sticks or Baked Cinnamon Sticks with icing on next online order	Free Breadsticks or Cinnamon Sticks on next online order
Ponderosa	BOGO coupon for one free steak or buffet	BOGO coupon for one free entree
Popeyes	---	---
Qdoba Mexican Grill	Free Burrito	Free Chips and Salsa
Quiznos	---	$1 regular or $2 large
Red Lobster	$5 off two adult dinner entrees	---
Red Robin	Free burger	Free burger
Rita’s	Free regular Italian Ice	BOGO regular Italian Ice
Romano’s Macaroni Grill	Free Dessert	Free Dessert
Ruby Tuesday	Free Blondie for One, or two Gourmet cupcakes	Buy one get one free entrée up to $10
Ruth’s Chris Steak House	---	---
Sonic Drive-In	Choice of free medium Tots, 14 oz. CreamSlush Treat, or a medium Soft Drink	---
Starbucks	Free beverage, buy something within 12 months of  Rewards Card registration, birthday postcard in mailbox in 3-7 days	---
Subway	---	---
Taco John’s	---	---
Ted’s Montana Grill	---	$5 off any $20 purchase or more
Texas Roadhouse	Free appetizer or sidekick of ribs with entrée purchase	Free appetizer
TGIF	Free dessert with purchase of an entrée	Free appetizer or dessert up to $8 value
The Melting Pot	Free Chocolate Fondue	---
Tijuana Flats	---	---
Uno’s Chicago Grill	$10 off $25 or more	---
Waffle House	Free Waffle	Free Waffle
Wendy’s	$1.00 off any Premium Combo	$1.00 off any Hot ‘n Juicy Hamburgers or Premium Chicken Sandwiches
Wings to Go	5 free wings	---
Zaxby’s	Free Nibbler	Free Meal Deal

If you know of any other restaurants or can fill in some of my blanks, leave me a comment, and I'll update! I am signed up for all of these, so some I have forgotten what was received for signing up.  

Here are some other non-restaurant deals:

Movie Tavern - Free Ticket for your birthday month, free popcorn for initial sign up

Luminosity - 35% Off

AC Moore - 250 points with a purchase of $5 or more

Hot Topic - $5 off $30 or more in birthday month
 

DSW - $5 off any purchase amount in birthday month

CVS - $3.00 in birthday month, must have extra care card, will print on your receipt or at the coupon center