Four days in Florida and no plans? Sure, and very few photos as well. Because swimming in the lazy river, consuming boat drinks, and playing cribbage didn’t seem photo worthy at the time.
But there was the giant ferris wheel at Icon Park. You would think riding a giant ferris wheel would be simple. But at Icon Park, it’s not. Before boarding, you have to navigate the many people who want to document your ride so they can sell you photos or try to get you to gamify your experience. All this, when you just want to stand around on the giant wheel and watch the surroundings. It’s exhausting.
And there was Celebration. I hear the governor is going to build a state prison on top of it. Pre-prison construction, it has a nice sushi restaurant and not enough parking.
I needed a brief vacation, and Montreal was a convenient place to meet a friend I hadn’t seen in far too many years. That’s how I ended up there for a long weekend, and while I normally would have spent the entire time wandering the streets, chasing interesting photographs, and sampling local food, very little of that happened this time. Aside from a pleasant Friday spent roaming Old Montreal, weather the rest of the weekend was cold and snowy and that made sipping bourbon on the sofa and talking into the wee hours far more appealing.
All that’s to say if you’re looking for a guide to Montreal, this is not your place. But I can offer my abbreviated greatest hits:
La Banquise, which is a classic stop for poutine, had a line out the door so we went across the street to Microbrasserie Pit Caribou (951 Rue Rachel E). They have local microbrews, including a tasty blond IPA, liquor, and charcuterie that featured ridiculously good bacon. It was packed, but the staff was friendly and we got a table quickly.
Montreal bagels are a thing. I don’t remember where we bought them, but I liked them and strongly recommend not thinking, “a bagel is a bagel,” because these are not what you’re used to eating, at least if you live in the US.
I have a Ferris wheel fetish, so we rode the La Grande Roux. The visibility was terrible and it was snowing, so our timing wasn’t great. But I was on a mission. If you’re in Montreal, pick a clear night and ride it.
One more travel note: This was my first trip with Global Entry, and bypassing the line made all the hassle associated with getting approved worth it. Step up to a kiosk, take a selfie, go straight to passport control. Easy.
I spent a few days at the AIM Expo in Las Vegas, where I scoped out a few motorcycles, enjoyed some excellent food, and did a bit of strolling around town.
My inner 12 year old demanded to go explore, so after knocking off a few tasks indoors I took the Tiger on a back road excursion to Pilot Mountain and back. It was a good day for scoping out the fall colors (and for heated grips).
