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Can you believe I visited three states in seven days during Spring Break? I started my journey on April 1 with a flight to Portland, Maine. I ended my journey on April 7 in Wichita, Kansas. I crossed off two states on my 50 State Challenge list. Five states left.
I signed up for a study with L&E Research. However, I did not participate in the study, but I earned a virtual gift card. Instead of selecting a Visa card, I chose a $125 Southwest Gift Card. After I received the confirmation email, I immediately booked a roundtrip flight to Maine for $385. I then redeemed the gift card to offset the cost of my flight. Although I want to participate in additional research opportunities with L&E, I have not found another project as I write this post. My goal is to fund or partially fund one flight every three months.
When I was ready to book, two Hilton brands had sold out. However, I was happy to reserve a room at Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront. During my layover at BWI, I called Hilton Reservations to redeem my free night reward. When I arrived at the property, I received an upgrade as a Diamond Member to a room on a higher floor and a view of the waterfront. If you like to walk, Canopy is the perfect location to see the downtown area on foot.
Even if you are staying at a different hotel, Salt Yard offers a tasty, affordable breakfast selection, including tea and coffee. I could be biased because I receive a $15 Food & Beverage Credit. Are you looking for lobster? I tried Highroller Lobster Co. and Scales, two very different restaurants. My meal at Highroller was $33, and Scales was $67. Although I enjoyed my meal at both restaurants, I preferred eating a softer buttered roll and perfectly cooked lobster at Scales. If you want dessert, support small businesses. Dean’s Sweets offers a selection of chocolates, including dark chocolate. If you are looking for your favorite childhood candy, stop by Old Port Candy. I could not resist buying a Chick-O-Stick and long boys. Finally, try a potato donut at the Holy Donut. My next stop is Nashville, as I travel to three states in seven days.
The last time I was in Nashville, I saw the Chicago Bears beat the Tennessee Titans in a preseason game. I saw a flight for $49 each way on Southwest and booked. Yes, my school district was on Spring Break. When I arrived at Midway, I called Reservations to book a room at Hyatt House Nashville Convention Center and redeemed my free night. I was given the option of a king bed with a partial city view or a studio with a kitchenette. Of course, I chose the studio.
Sometimes, I regret reading customer reviews. I dined at Martin’s on my last trip. I walked to Jack’s Bar-B-Que for lunch on this trip. The staff was friendly. The server suggested I try the brisket and pork shoulder. He also added two St. Louis-style ribs to my order. Do not look for plates and silverware. Seating on the first floor was at capacity; I enjoyed my meal on the upper level. If you want tender brisket, pork shoulder, and ribs, dine at Jack’s. I selected the cucumber salad and green beans for my sides, and I am still wondering if that was cornbread or cake with my meal. Because the portions were large, I had leftovers. There is a refrigerator and microwave in the studio. By the way, the reviews I read did not align with my dining experience.
If you are in Nashville and like a good Old Fashioned, I encourage you to stop by H Bar at Hyatt House. Before I headed to the airport, I enjoyed a complimentary breakfast: bacon, grits, scrambled eggs, and French toast sticks. BNA is a lounge desert. However, Minute Suites are available using a Priority Pass membership, but my stomach started growling. I walked over to 400 Degrees and ordered Nashville hot chicken strips and a frozen cocktail. I needed the cold drink for the heat from the strips. Nashville was fun, and I enjoyed my second trip on my way to visit three states in seven days.
I booked my room using the Marriott Bonvoy app and redeemed my free night award for a room at Ambassador Hotel Wichita. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle (Escalade) to and from the airport. I received an upgrade to a corner room facing Douglas and Broadway. Did you know there was a speakeasy in the basement? Dockum specializes in serving exquisite cocktails. I ordered the Leadslinger and fried pickles. I enjoyed the smokey taste of my cocktail, and the thinly breaded pickle spears were tasty. If you plan on visiting, check the website for hours. Dockum is not open daily. You do not have to be a hotel guest to patronize the speakeasy.
Of course, I walked around Downtown Wichita. I stopped at Home Grown for lunch. My table faced Naftzger Park. I ordered Carrot Cake Pancakes with turkey sausage and bacon. I tasted shreds of carrots in each bite of pancake, and the caramelized syrup was delicious. If you are looking for something different to eat, this is the place.
ICT is a lounge desert. I stopped by River City Brewing for a cup of chicken soup and a salad before boarding my flight to St. Louis. I checked into Wingtips for my 2.5-hour layover when the plane landed at STL. Although there are plenty of places to wait for your flight, I prefer sitting in an airport lounge away from the crowds. I enjoyed complimentary preflight snacks and cocktails while sitting in the lounge.
Although I spent Spring Break in three hotels and logged more flying time than some pilots, I crossed Maine and Kansas off my 50 State Challenge list. If you are wondering why I did not book multi-flights, it was too expensive. Yes, it was cheaper to fly from Chicago for each flight. I spent less than $800 on flights and accommodations. If you want to read more about my travels, visit my website.
