Sports Filled Summer Vacation: Not Just Another Ball Game
If you are starting to plan a summer trip why not make it the best of both worlds. No I’m not talking about just taking the kids to the ballpark or playing some ball with buddies. If you are planning another ball game outing why not add some extra innings or a little overtime to the journey. It’s a trip within a trip. This sports summer vaction plan is all about paying homage to the nostalgia and inspiration of athletics by including a visit to one of the many hall of fames or museums dedicated to the preservations of sports. Heck, what’s the rush. Might as well toss in one of sports most memorable movie sites.
This vacation plan is simple, inexpensive, and is the perfect day trip for the family guy or the single sportsman still wearing his Dr. J, Barry Sanders, or Reggie Jackson throwback jersey.
So get up off the couch, program the TiVo for ESPN (or ESPN Classic), and start planning your trip with a little help from this quick sports summer list:
*National Baseball Hall of Fame-Cooperstown, New York
It doesn’t get any better than this. The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown is the pinnacle for players, managers, owners, and those who influenced our national past time. Hey, without baseball America would just be apple pie and hotdogs. Who wants that? Certainly not Abner Doubleday. Opened in 1939 and paying tribute to the likes of Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, and Walter Johnson, the HOF is getting ready to recognize another group of honorees this upcoming summer. For a more enjoyable summer vacation, plan your trip around the July 28-31 Hall of Fame induction weekend ceremony or other summer time Hall events. It’s the chance to be truly part of the game.
*The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame-Springfield, Massachusetts
This is a must for hoops heads. The Naismith Memorial Basketball HOF has recognized accomplishments in basketball since 1968 when the hall opened its doors. From college to the pros and stops in between, this Hall promotes the game invented by James Naismith in 1891. Where else will you find Larry Bird, Lute Olsen, and the history of the New York Rens all in one stop? Although tickets for September 8ths enshrinement are sold out, it is still worth the trip to Springfield. Single tickets and group packages are always available and the Hall is complete with shops and a restaurant. Don’t miss tip off. Schedule your trip to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame now.
*Pro Football Hall of Fame-Canton, Ohio
I’m taking my own advice on this one. My summer trip to the Pro Football HOF is already booked and the shoulder pads and helmet are nearly packed. Canton has honored gridiron heroes since 1920 and you can do the same with your trip to visit the bronze busts of Johnny Unitas, Barry Sanders, and Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch. Save the date August 5th: John Madden, Troy Aikman, the late Reggie White and other football greats will be inducted into the HOF this year and it’s only fitting you be there to share the moment. I smell road trip. If you can’t make it then, remember special admissions discounts is a good way to go.
*Negro Leagues Baseball Museum-Kansas City, Missouri
Once you have been to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, remember to visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to honor more baseball legends. This non-profit is dedicated to preserving the glory of African American baseball before integration and the barnstorming years that followed. Founded in 1990, the NLBM is rich in history and honors baseball during a time when only the ball was white. Remember the forgotten. The Negro Leagues is more than just Jackie Robinson. Stop by on your trip and learn about the Homestead Grays, Rube Foster, the Kansas City Monarchs, and Cool Papa Bell to name a few. The museum is open daily except Monday. Play ball!
*Field of Dreams Movie Set-Dyersville, Iowa
“If you build it, they will come.”
The man speaks the truth. Set on a 91-year-old family farm, the Field of Dreams movie set recalls Kevin Costner’s 1989 mid life crisis in search of Shoeless Joe Jackson. Twenty-five miles west of Dubuque, Iowa, The Field of Dreams is open from April to November and is free to the public. Why stop there? Grab some peanuts, Crackerjack, and a seat on the wooden bleacher. The Field of Dream ghost player’s game is played the last Sunday of each month and is a chance to recount history nine innings at a time. “This isn’t heaven, it’s Iowa.” But after your trip to, you will swear it was heaven.
*International Boxing Hall of Fame-Canastota, New York
Go twelve rounds at the International Boxing Hall of Fame by visiting this non-profit boxing haven. Around the early 1920’s boxing was more popular than basketball and football. That’s hard to believe in today’s era. But here in Canastota boxing is still king (or Don King to some). Pay tribute to profiles of past inductees like George Foreman, Jim Braddock, Jack Johnson, and writer and boxing historian Bert Sugar among many. Better yet, June 8-11 is the 17th annual Hall of Fame induction. It’s your chance to see some boxing greats and remember the pureness of boxing.
*Hockey Hall of Fame-Toronto, Ontario Canada
We can’t forget Canada on this road trip. It’s summer there too. Make a weekend or extended vacation out of it with travel packages available (visit the HHOF website), which includes a Maples Leafs game and a chance to visit the Hockey Hall of Fame. Summer hour’s range from June to September and the exhibitions are endless-NHL Milestones, NHL Today, NHL Retro.
Game on!
