New York has the Statue of Liberty, San Francisco the Golden Gate Bridge and San Antonio the Alamo.
Churchill Downs? It’s all about the Kentucky Derby horse race. Augusta, Ga.? Why, the Masters golf tournament, of course.
Some sports teams and events are so intricately linked to their town that the two seem inseparable. These are the towns that live and breathe sports, where you can’t walk a mile without tripping over a sign, shirt or slogan for their teams.
They also happen to be some of the most fascinating places to visit. With that in mind, we asked our road warrior sports writers and columnists to give us a small glimpse into a few of America’s best sports towns. Here are their favorites (in alphabetical order):
— Ann Tatko Petersen
Boston
Home of the Bruins (NHL), Celtics (NBA), Red Sox (MLB) and New England Patriots (NFL)
One characteristic stands out about Boston as a sports town: Passion. Fans here are emotionally invested in their teams. At Fenway Park, the baseball player who crashes into a wall chasing after a foul pop-up wins as much admiration as the guy who homers over the Green Monster. A player’s bond with fans can last long after he leaves Beantown (just ask Nomar Garciaparra) — or sour quickly if he falls out of favor with the faithful (just ask Manny Ramirez).
WHERE TO STAY: The Marriott Long Wharf is minutes from TD Banknorth Garden (Bruins, Celtics) and walking distance to Quincy Market and other tourist spots; 296 State St., 617-227-0800. The Back Bay neighborhood has several hotels within walking distance of Fenway.
WHAT TO EAT: Walk up and down Newbury and Boylston streets for countless restaurant options near Fenway. For a casual atmosphere try the Purple Shamrock (1 Union St.), where you can’t go wrong with the lobster roll sandwich and cup of chowder; 1 Union St., 617-227-2060.
WHAT TO DO: Check out Boston’s many historical sites by land and the Charles River on the Duck Tour (www.bostonducktours.com, 617-267-3825) or by foot on the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile red brick trail that starts at Boston Common (www.thefreedomtrail.org).
— Joe Stiglich, A’s beat writer
Buffalo, N.Y.
Home of the Bills (NFL) and Sabres (NHL)
In autumn, the Bills are Buffalo’s heartbeat. On game day, the tailgating areas rival the best in the National Football League — no matter the weather. In winter, hockey’s Sabres take over, and with Canada just a short drive away, ticket-buyers are extremely knowledgeable. But even though Buffalo sports fans are opinionated and passionate, they’re also humble and fun. That’s what four Super Bowl losses (and two Stanley Cup finals defeats) will do to you.
WHERE TO STAY: The downtown Hyatt Regency is a mile from HSBC Arena and only steps from the West Chippewa Street entertainment district with several funky restaurants and bars (some with a 4 a.m. closing time); Two Fountain Plaza, www.buffalo.hyatt.com, 716-856-1234.
WHERE TO EAT: Duh. Where do you think Buffalo wings were invented? Hasten yourself to the Anchor Bar, where the kitchen has fried hundreds of them nightly since 1964; 1047 Main St., www.anchorbar.com, 716-884-4083. Many locals consider the Anchor to be a tourist trap and instead suggest Duff’s; 3090 Orchard Park Rd., Buffalo, 716-674-7212 and 3651 Sheridan Dr., Amherst, 716-834-6234.
WHAT TO DO: Buffalo has more Frank Lloyd Wright buildings than any other city except Chicago. One, the Darwin Martin House, is open for tours; www.darwinmartinhouse.org. The must-see visual treat is Niagara Falls, a 20-mile drive from downtown Buffalo.
— Mark Purdy, sports columnist
Chicago
Home of the Cubs and White Sox (MLB), Bears (NFL), Blackhawks (NHL) and Bulls (NBA)
President Barack Obama’s beloved White Sox ended an 88-year drought, winning the 2005 World Series. Although the Cubs haven’t won in 101 years, a couple pints of Goose Island and you’ll forget that little detail as you take in a game from the North Side at historic Wrigley Field, preferably in the left-field bleachers. And, let’s not forget, this is the town where Michael Jordan and the Bulls reigned in the ’80s and ’90s.
WHERE TO STAY: The Renaissance Blackstone, restored to its former glory, is adjacent to Grant Park and the Red Line El train; 636 South Michigan Ave., www.marriott.com., 312-447-0955.
WHERE TO EAT: Harry Caray’s is a classic spot for a steak, a hunk of lasagna or an order of toasted ravioli; 33 West Kinzie St., www.harrycarays.com., 312-828-0966. For the most authentic eating experience, head north to Skokie for a classic Chicago dog or dripping Italian beef sandwich at Herm’s Palace; 3406 Dempster St., 847-673-9757.
WHAT TO DO: If it’s a nice day, take advantage by jogging, biking or rollerblading along the scenic lakefront. Or visit Sue, the world’s largest T-Rex, at the famed Field Museum; 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., www.fieldmuseum.org., 312-922-9410.
— Andrew Baggarly, Giants beat reporter
Cooperstown, N.Y.
Home of the Baseball Hall of Fame
The word “idyllic” gets thrown around a lot, but Cooperstown pretty much defines it. Located in rural New York on Otsego Lake, this small village of 2,300 people became home to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939. Most homes are colonial or Victorian; many businesses stretch along the six-block Main Street, where the baseball museum and its adjoining library are located. Best times to visit are during the annual induction in late July or the peak foliage season in September and early October. Nearest major airport is Albany, N.Y., about 1½ hours away.
WHERE TO STAY: The town jewel is the stately 100-year-old Otesaga Hotel (135 rooms), where the Hall of Famers stay during induction weekend; 60 Lake St., www.otesaga.com., 800-348-6222.
WHERE TO EAT: A number of smaller family-operated restaurants dot Main Street. Cooperstown Diner claims to have the biggest burger in the smallest diner; 136½ Main St., www.cooperstowndiner.com., 607-547-9201. Danny’s Main Street Market is a great lunchtime deli; 92 Main St., 607-547-4053.
WHAT TO DO: The renovated and expanded Hall of Fame is an all-day experience; 25 Main St., www.baseballhalloffame.org., 607-547-7200. Author James Fenimore Cooper’s grave site is right next door. Also find the Fenimore Art Museum (ww.fenimoreartmuseum.org) and Glimmerglass Opera (www.glimmerglassopera.org) in town.
— Carl Steward, sports columnist
Eugene, Ore.
Home of the University of Oregon and world-class track and field events
On a football weekend here, you’ll find cars with Oregon Ducks flags fastened to the hood, Oregon fans crammed into every restaurant and green and gold plastered everywhere. Eugene loves its college football. The town also is nicknamed Track Town, USA, having produced stars such as Steve Prefontaine — whose name graces the annual track classic held here — and hosted the 2008 Olympic Trials.
WHERE TO STAY: On the bank of the Willamette River, Valley River Inn is a rustic-like resort just minutes from the university, good shopping and the artistic downtown area. A jogging trail runs along the river behind the hotel; 1000 Valley River Way, www.valleyriverinn.com., 541-743-1000.
WHERE TO EAT: Oregon Electric Station, converted from a 1912 train station, is known for its prime rib and seafood; 27 East 5th Ave, www.oesrestaurant.com., 541-485-4444. For a large sports bar with good food, try the Steelhead Brewery Company; 199 East 5th Ave., www.steelheadbrewery.com., 541-686-2739.
WHAT TO DO: Weather permitting, enjoy hiking, canoeing and biking. Or take in a show at the renowned Hult Center for the Performing Arts; One Eugene Center, www.hultcenter.org., 541-682-5087.
— Jonathan Okanes, Cal football beat writer
Green Bay, Wisc.
Home of the Packers (NFL)
A big league city with a distinctly small town feel, Green Bay is a delightful incongruity. The city (population: 102,313) is home to a small handful of Fortune 500 companies. But the region’s pride and joy is the Packers, the only publicly owned team in the league. As un-metropolitan as an NFL burgh can be, the city reeks of history and romance if you recall the days when Vince Lombardi’s charges were the class of pro football.
WHERE TO STAY: The Tundra Lodge, a few blocks from Lambeau Field, features suites, an indoor water park and a 70-game arcade; 865 Lombardi Ave., www.tundralodge.com., 877-886-3725.
WHERE TO EAT: Titletown Brewing Company offers an array of microbeers (like the Johnny “Blood” McNally red ale, named for a 1930s-era Packers stalwart); 200 Dousman St., www.titletownbrewing.com., 920-437-2337. To mingle with the Green Bay fan on the street (with a side of cigarette smoke), try Coaches Corner Sports Club and Grill; 501 N. Adams St., www.coachescornergb.com., 920-435-9599.
WHAT TO DO: Other than a Packers game? Try the Packers Hall of Fame; 1265 Lombardi Ave., www.packershalloffame.org., 920-569-7512. Or take a short day trip to scenic Door County; www.doorcounty.com., 1-800-527-3529.
— Gary Peterson, sports columnist
Lake Placid, N.Y.
Host city of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics
A remote village in upper state New York, Lake Placid offers a snapshot of Olympic history and plenty of hiking, biking, skiing and other outdoor activities. Hundreds of Olympians train here, so it’s not unusual to break bread next to a star bobsledder while dining at a local cafe. Tours of the 1980 Olympic venues are conducted by local folk heroes.
WHERE TO STAY: The High Peaks Resort is across from Mirror Lake and a few blocks from the arena where the U.S. hockey team secured its “Miracle on Ice” victory over the former Soviet Union; 2384 Saranac Ave., www.highpeaksresort.com., (518) 523-4411.
WHERE TO EAT: The Cottage, a Lake Placid institution, offers lakeside views perfect for happy hour; 77 Mirror Lake Dr., www.mirrorlakeinn.com/dining.-cottage.cfm, 518-523-9845. Or for a seriously good sandwich try Simply Gourmet; 1983 Saranac Ave. (also on Main St.), 518-523-3111.
WHAT TO DO: The High Peaks of the Adirondacks is a hiker’s and mountain biker’s paradise; the friendly staff at Eastern Mountain Sports can point you in the right direction; 51 Main St., www.ems.com., 518-523-2505. Or a few miles east on Highway 73 load up on authentic maple syrup at South Meadows farm, where you pay by the honor system; www.maplesyrup.net.; 800-523-9369.
— Elliott Almond, Olympics beat writer
New Orleans
Home of the Saints (NFL), Hornets (NBA) and Sugar Bowl
The Superdome is an American sports institution, where both the 49ers and Raiders have won Super Bowls. The loudest cheers I’ve ever heard were inside the Superdome in 2006, when it reopened after Hurricane Katrina. It was louder than the drag races, showing how a battered community can rally around a sports team. And New Orleans isn’t The Big Easy for nothing. You can dine, revel, get cultured — and more — here.
WHERE TO STAY: Rated the best French Quarter hotel by Conde Nast, the Saint Louis Hotel is completely renovated and has a beautiful courtyard; 730 Bienville St., www.stlouishotel.com., 504-581-7300.
WHERE TO EAT: Barbecue shrimp, oysters and other seafood are a must, as are a Mother’s po-boy sandwich; 401 Poydras St., www.mothersrestaurant.net., 504-523-9656. Also sample the beignets from Cafe du Monde, along the Mississippi River, open 24 hours a day (except at Christmas); 800 Decatur St., www.cafedumonde.com., 504-525-4544.
WHAT TO DO: Bourbon Street is packed with bars, but for ambience and a cocktail, try Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (www.atneworleans.com/body/blacksmith.htm), Napoleon House (www.napoleonhouse.com) or Gold Mine (www.goldminesaloon.net). By day, visit the art galleries in the French Quarter, discover down-home cooking in the Garden District or go on a swamp tour.
— Cam Inman, sports columnist
St. Louis
Home of the Cardinals (MLB), Rams (NFL) and Blues (NHL)
St. Louis fans burble with baseball intellect. They have the highest diamond IQ in the country and savor the nuances of every pitch — no ballpark gimmicks required. Only the damned Yankees (26) have more World Series titles that St. Louis’ 10. The city’s other teams have fallen on hard times, but the Rams electrified crowds as the “Greatest Show on Turf” starting in 1999 and the Blues made the playoffs for 25 consecutive seasons, 1980-2004.
WHERE TO STAY: The Union Station Marriott is a historic hotel adjacent to lots of dining and shopping; One St. Louis Station, www.marriott.com., 314-621-5262.
WHERE TO EAT: 49ers writers enjoyed their best meal of last season at the Lucas Park Grille, a charming steakhouse with a lavish wine selection; 1234 Washington Ave., www.lucasparkgrille.com.; 314-241-7770. Or skip dinner and head straight for a Ted Drewes frozen custard; www.teddrewes.com.
WHAT TO DO: Enjoy a claustrophobic tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch, the tallest national monument in the U.S. It’s just a short walk from Busch Stadium; www.gatewayarch.com.
— Daniel Brown, 49ers beat writer
Seattle
Home of the Seahawks (NFL), Mariners (MLB) and the University of Washington
Few cities afford one the opportunity to catch a major-league baseball game Friday night, a Division I college football game Saturday and an NFL game Sunday, with plenty of time in between to soak in first-rate sightseeing and dining in a city that fancies itself the San Francisco of the Northwest. Bring a jacket and plenty of money, though, because rain and cold are commonplace, and the good times aren’t cheap.
WHERE TO STAY: Seattle Marriott Waterfront, within walking distance and a short cab ride from Safeco Field (Mariners) and Qwest Field (Seahawks), features suites, an indoor/outdoor pool and a top-notch restaurant; 2100 Alaskan Way, www.marriott.com., 206-443-5000.
WHERE TO EAT: Metropolitan Grill is a must-go restaurant that features to-die-for steaks and seafood; 820 2nd Ave.; www.themetropolitangrill.com.; 206-624-3287. Wild Ginger is a fine blend of ambience and Asian dining; 1401 Third Ave., www.wildginger.net., 206-623-4450.
WHAT TO DO: Try Pike Place Market (www.pikeplacemarket.org) for organic foods, fresh seafood and homemade goods. Visit the Space Needle’s observation deck 520 feet above Seattle and revolving restaurant in the sky; 400 Broad St., www.spaceneedle.com., 206-905-2100. Take a relaxing ferry ride on the Puget Sound to see Seattle from a different perspective; www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries.
— Steve Corkran, Raiders beat writer
Boston: www.bostonusa.com, 888-733-2678
Buffalo, N.Y.: www.visitbuffaloniagara.com, 800-283-3256
Chicago: www.choosechicago.com, 312-567-8500
Cooperstown, N.Y.: www.thisiscooperstown.com, 607-643-0059
Eugene, Ore.: www.2chambers.com/eugene,_oregon.htm, 800-547-5445
Green Bay, Wis.: www.greenbay.com, 888-867-3342
Lake Placid, N.Y.: www.lakeplacid.com, 800-447-5224
New Orleans: www.neworleanscvb.com, 800-672-6124
St. LOUIS: www.explorestlouis.com, 800-916-8938
Seattle: www.visitseattle.org, 206-461-5840