Aah, isn't this better, my friends? Just last week I wrote a column berating the month of February. What a difference seven days can make! Now February is over, and I find that my mood has improved exponentially. After all, as one faithful reader pointed out, St. Patty's day is less than two weeks away - in and of itself a reason to be merry.
Well, sadly, I had big massive plans to reintroduce my series of articles on World War II this week. Unfortunately, due to some personal scheduling conflicts, I was not able to obtain some necessary information. Thus, the highly anticipated series shall once again be put off until next week. Folks, I promise you, the wait is worthwhile. Recently I had the pleasure of speaking to a number of individuals in our community, each with his own unique perspective on an often-overlooked chapter in American history.
In the meantime, I could not help but notice a list of America's top 10 most miserable cities, posted online at MSN.com. The list includes such prominent dungeons as Detroit, Nashville and Atlanta. Taking the cake at No. 1 was Washington, D.C. Joking ... our nation's capitol is NOT the most wretched conurbation on the list, but it ought to be. Heck, I'd be feeling a bit suicidal if I was out there right now!
What shocked me the most about this list was the fact that it did not actually include America's most miserable and depressing city. I know what you're thinking, my friends, but I am here to tell you that no, Seattle is NOT on the inventory! I have been to Seattle twice. The first time I was in grade school, and memorably rode in an elevator with Axel Rose and Slash, from Guns and Roses. The second time was just two years ago, when motorcycle riding compatriot Stewbert and I passed through on our annual cross-continental bike trip.
Now, I have heard firsthand testimony from trustworthy sources that Seattle is, in fact, a nice city. Well, I just simply have never felt it. On both visits I remember a cold, cloudy drizzle, graffiti in excess, and the dreary abandoned feeling of road construction that never gets completed. Seattle felt like a city that once was hip, popular and trendy, but did absolutely nothing to maintain its mojo. Who writes these lists, anyway?
You know, the thought just occurred to me - why does everything have to be so damn depressing? Just at a glance, the MSN website lists America's most lifeless cities, the most shocking deaths in sports, and something about Brittany Spears' tour, all of which makes me want to grab myself a bottle of vodka. What about the good news? What about hope and change - when did that promise get snuffed? By the way, what is the deal with Brittany's tour? The last time I checked, she was bald.
Well, my friends, have no fear. For the remainder of this article, I am going to focus on my FAVORITE American cities; the types of places that may or may not get the acclaim they deserve. In no particular order, let's head east, to North Carolina:
Asheville looks like little more than a pit stop on an East Coast road trip, but don't be fooled - book an extra day here to check it out. Nestled in the Appalachians, the city feels calm and cozy on the surface, but has a lively and upbeat college nightlife atmosphere. Notably, check out Kanpai Sushi Thai for unique sushi rolls that rival anything I've ever tasted, anywhere else. Just down the street, within walking distance, is a groovy psychedelic trip known as the "Mellow Mushroom," featuring pizza, appetizers and, get this, more than 70 beers on tap! I started with the Apricot Ale, and promptly lost track.
When it comes to white sand beaches, Pensacola, Fla., takes the cake. My visit to Pensacola first introduced me to steamed crab legs, and beaches so clean they squeaked when you walked on them. It is too bad that California and the eastern seaboard get all the attention - well, maybe not. The shift of focus leaves Gulf spots like Pensacola, Panama City Beach and Sarasota with a laid-back and unrushed feel. These are the perfect places to grab a Bahama Mama and just chill out.
For history buffs who also enjoy a good chill-out session, Norfolk, Va., is a great rest stop. Only here are the best of both worlds so beautifully intertwined: On the one hand, Norfolk abounds with spectacular beaches and upbeat restaurants and nightlife. On the other hand, historical Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown, and the USS Wisconsin all add a sense of timelessness and authenticity to a stay here.
Well, my friends, time is getting short. Since there is no place like home, I think I'll conclude with a shout to our very own Green County, Wis. There is an underrated utopia that exists when you can run all your weekly errands, and know everyone with whom you do business with by name. Where else can you go, and not have to overly worry about having to lock your doors? Plus, stop to consider the variety we enjoy in this small community - whether you are wearing work clothes and in a hurry, out for a relaxed and contemporary lunch, or dressed to impress, you need not travel to the mountains, or coast, to feel out of place. Plus, the beer and live music is to die for.
And if you still don't believe me, at least we're not Seattle!
- Dan Wegmueller is a columnist for The Monroe Times. He can be reached at dwegs@tds.net.
Well, sadly, I had big massive plans to reintroduce my series of articles on World War II this week. Unfortunately, due to some personal scheduling conflicts, I was not able to obtain some necessary information. Thus, the highly anticipated series shall once again be put off until next week. Folks, I promise you, the wait is worthwhile. Recently I had the pleasure of speaking to a number of individuals in our community, each with his own unique perspective on an often-overlooked chapter in American history.
In the meantime, I could not help but notice a list of America's top 10 most miserable cities, posted online at MSN.com. The list includes such prominent dungeons as Detroit, Nashville and Atlanta. Taking the cake at No. 1 was Washington, D.C. Joking ... our nation's capitol is NOT the most wretched conurbation on the list, but it ought to be. Heck, I'd be feeling a bit suicidal if I was out there right now!
What shocked me the most about this list was the fact that it did not actually include America's most miserable and depressing city. I know what you're thinking, my friends, but I am here to tell you that no, Seattle is NOT on the inventory! I have been to Seattle twice. The first time I was in grade school, and memorably rode in an elevator with Axel Rose and Slash, from Guns and Roses. The second time was just two years ago, when motorcycle riding compatriot Stewbert and I passed through on our annual cross-continental bike trip.
Now, I have heard firsthand testimony from trustworthy sources that Seattle is, in fact, a nice city. Well, I just simply have never felt it. On both visits I remember a cold, cloudy drizzle, graffiti in excess, and the dreary abandoned feeling of road construction that never gets completed. Seattle felt like a city that once was hip, popular and trendy, but did absolutely nothing to maintain its mojo. Who writes these lists, anyway?
You know, the thought just occurred to me - why does everything have to be so damn depressing? Just at a glance, the MSN website lists America's most lifeless cities, the most shocking deaths in sports, and something about Brittany Spears' tour, all of which makes me want to grab myself a bottle of vodka. What about the good news? What about hope and change - when did that promise get snuffed? By the way, what is the deal with Brittany's tour? The last time I checked, she was bald.
Well, my friends, have no fear. For the remainder of this article, I am going to focus on my FAVORITE American cities; the types of places that may or may not get the acclaim they deserve. In no particular order, let's head east, to North Carolina:
Asheville looks like little more than a pit stop on an East Coast road trip, but don't be fooled - book an extra day here to check it out. Nestled in the Appalachians, the city feels calm and cozy on the surface, but has a lively and upbeat college nightlife atmosphere. Notably, check out Kanpai Sushi Thai for unique sushi rolls that rival anything I've ever tasted, anywhere else. Just down the street, within walking distance, is a groovy psychedelic trip known as the "Mellow Mushroom," featuring pizza, appetizers and, get this, more than 70 beers on tap! I started with the Apricot Ale, and promptly lost track.
When it comes to white sand beaches, Pensacola, Fla., takes the cake. My visit to Pensacola first introduced me to steamed crab legs, and beaches so clean they squeaked when you walked on them. It is too bad that California and the eastern seaboard get all the attention - well, maybe not. The shift of focus leaves Gulf spots like Pensacola, Panama City Beach and Sarasota with a laid-back and unrushed feel. These are the perfect places to grab a Bahama Mama and just chill out.
For history buffs who also enjoy a good chill-out session, Norfolk, Va., is a great rest stop. Only here are the best of both worlds so beautifully intertwined: On the one hand, Norfolk abounds with spectacular beaches and upbeat restaurants and nightlife. On the other hand, historical Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown, and the USS Wisconsin all add a sense of timelessness and authenticity to a stay here.
Well, my friends, time is getting short. Since there is no place like home, I think I'll conclude with a shout to our very own Green County, Wis. There is an underrated utopia that exists when you can run all your weekly errands, and know everyone with whom you do business with by name. Where else can you go, and not have to overly worry about having to lock your doors? Plus, stop to consider the variety we enjoy in this small community - whether you are wearing work clothes and in a hurry, out for a relaxed and contemporary lunch, or dressed to impress, you need not travel to the mountains, or coast, to feel out of place. Plus, the beer and live music is to die for.
And if you still don't believe me, at least we're not Seattle!
- Dan Wegmueller is a columnist for The Monroe Times. He can be reached at dwegs@tds.net.
