The Great Stampede Blue Super Bowl Roadtrip
by Brad Wells on Jan 28, 2010 8:31 AM EST
in Super Bowl Road Trip
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This is the journey, the pilgrimage (if you will) of a loud mouthed Colts fan as he drives 1,290 miles south from New York to Miami to cover his beloved Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl 44. These are his adventures along the way.
The Super Bowl is often an event fans do not get a chance to experience live. The old saying is the conference championship games are for the fans while the Super Bowl is for the media, NFL corporate sponsors, royal heirs to small European countries, etc. Well, with the slow but steady assertion of blogs like this one, fans writers are finally being given the opportunity to attend the Super Bowl and cover the event as press.
We announced on our podcast two nights ago that I would indeed be covering Super Bowl 44 live from Land Shark Stadium in Miami, FL. I will be there with fellow SB Nation mates Joel Thorman (who is covering for SBNation.com) and David Cariello, who is the head writer fro our Saints blog Canal Street Chronicles. However, even though the NFL is graciously opening its doors to fan blogs covering the game, the event that is the Super Bowl still feels a bit distant for many fans. It is something only viewed through the filter of TV.
Because of this feeling, and because so much that is Super Bowl week is essentially a gigantic media orgy that culminates in the playing of a football game that charges $3 million per ad spot if you want to run a commercial during one of its timeouts, SB Nation and myself felt that this was a wonderful opportunity to make this trip down to Miami a way of connecting fans to the Super Bowl experience.
Plus, it's a road trip, folks! Who doesn't love that!
Ideally, we'd have liked to have done the trip from Indianapolis down to New Orleans and then on to Miami. However, we don't have that kind of money. So, instead, the drive is NY down to Miami. Along the way, I will be stopping off in cities and towns, interviewing football fans and posting a journal of the experience. These are places like Fayetteville, Savannah, Lumberton, Roanoke Rapids, Yulee, Jacksonville, and Richmond. From 195 to 95 all the way south!
Basically, I'll be stopping off an visiting towns that Mike Tunison of KSK and Will Leitch of New York Magazine would never dream of going to because they are stuck up, urban snob douhebags who can't go a day without their cinnamon-sprinkled latte and cranberry flavored scones. OK, I only mention Will here because of this rather snooty article hating on Indianapolis. Overall, I love Will. But that article kind of made it hard for me not to view him as just another Manhattan snob sticking his New York, coke-crusted nose up at Americana. Tunison, on the other hand, is a fart stain and deserves any and all insult barrages levied at his fat, multi-chinned head.
After the jump, I'll provide a rough map of where I'm headed. If you are a Colts fan, or a football fan in general, and you live near the route I'm taking, shoot me an email (sbnationcolts at yahoo dot com) or use the comments here and please give me advice on where to do, places to eat, sites to see, etc. I'm being the typical Internet dork and using Virtual Tourist to plan the trip. Also, if you are a reader and want to meet up while I am moving my way south, let me know. I'll do my best to accommodate.
Pictures, interviews, and thoughts captured on the road will appear here and on SBNation.com. While in Miami, my SB Nation mates and I will provide podcasts, interviews, and other content as we gear up for Saints v. Colts in Super Bowl 44! It's a rare opportunity to experience a Super Bowl, and since the experience is so unique I felt that the journey down there should be unique as well. Check out the route after the jump.
Possible stop-offs to meet people, eat greasy food:
- Richmond, VA
- Roanoke Rapids, NC
- Raleigh, NC
- Fayetteville, NC
- Florence, SC
- Manning, SC (yes, it exists)
- Savannah, GA
- Jacksonville, FL (Oy!)
- St. Augustine, FL
- West. Melbourne, FL
- Port St. Lucie, FL
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As a transplanted Hoosier in the Carolina Piedmont, . . .
you have to stop somewhere and get some East Carolina barbecue. Not greasy, but damned delicious. As usual, look for the hole in the wall, Ma and Pa places. There are a million.
Can you suggest a few?
Just shoot me some names, if you can.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account so you can post a FanPost, make a FanShot, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.
Actually,
The I-95 corridor is a little bit out of my range. I’ve not exhausted the options in my area, Chapel Hill, so things east of Raleigh are a little fuzzy. When I took a trip out to Greenville a couple of months ago, this place was recommended to me, but I didn’t make it.
Skylight Inn Bar-B-Q
4618 Lee Street
Ayden, NC
252-746-4113
The other thing to do is just ask a local, wherever you are. It seems like most people – especially any old-timers – have an opinion about the best places.
Hey I work in RTP...
Nice to have other fans around the area. You at UNC?
"If me and King Kong went into an alley, only one of us would come out. And it wouldn't be the monkey."
"I don't really trust a sane person."
"I never met a man I didn't want to fight." The one and only Lyle Alzado
BBS...
Bullocks in Durham is pretty good…a little too far off 95 for you though.
"If me and King Kong went into an alley, only one of us would come out. And it wouldn't be the monkey."
"I don't really trust a sane person."
"I never met a man I didn't want to fight." The one and only Lyle Alzado
But well worth the trip
Bullocks serves the best BBQ in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area (IMHO). And then there are the hush puppies . . .
BBS – you’re a lucky bastard! Sounds like a great trip.
Bullocks all the way
…definitely worth the trip. Also, although it’s a chain, Biscuitville has delicious biscuits, though for the true biscuit experience (if that’s even a thing), go to Biscuit Sunrise in Chapel Hill. And both UNC’s and Duke’s campuses are worth a visit (though I am biased since I go to Duke…)
by DevilwithaBlueDress on Jan 28, 2010 12:17 PM EST up reply actions
yummmm...Biscuit Sunrise
haven’t eaten there in years. If you’re going to be in Raleigh and want breakfast anytime of day I’d suggest Gypsy’s Diner. Also, Bojangles, even though its a chain, it has the best sweet tea you can find. I
"I bet Eli doesn't even have one touchdown today, ... I'm the best Manning."
~ Peyton Manning
Wait folks, isn't this the same BBS who had fish and tofu for Thanksgiving?
And now you want to stuff him full of spicy, delicious, tender, smokey brisket? Oh my God, I have some drool to wipe up, be back in a minute.
I hate Joe Namath. That's how long I've been a Colts fan.
Tofu?
I had fish for Thanksgiving. No tofu.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account so you can post a FanPost, make a FanShot, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.
Pulled tofu is delicious
im sure…
(Actually, I eat a lot of tofu, and its quite good. But I dont think it can compare to some BBQ done proper)
Never doubt Peyton Manning, he’ll make you look silly
Joseph Addai is a good running back.
Im a douchebag, an asshole, and I'm rarely right.
(Atleast) one-time SBNation Comment of the Day Comment Maker Person!
Hello, Ladies!
Not much compares to BBQ done right.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: THE COLTS ARE IN THE SUPER BOWL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BBS...
like above..I am in NC…just north of Raleigh…you should plan to make a stop in the area. Watcha say????
"If me and King Kong went into an alley, only one of us would come out. And it wouldn't be the monkey."
"I don't really trust a sane person."
"I never met a man I didn't want to fight." The one and only Lyle Alzado
Raleigh
I plan to stop off a bit in Raleigh. Any places you can suggest to meet up?
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account so you can post a FanPost, make a FanShot, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.
If you're into Bar-B-Q
Stop off at Red Hot and Blue. 6615 Falls of Neuse Rd. Raleigh, NC 27615
I haven’t been to the Skylight, so I can’t compare, but it’s really good.
"If God had wanted us to vote, he would have given us candidates."
Jay Leno
by MarshallPlan on Jan 28, 2010 11:45 AM EST up reply actions
You guys are driving there???
From New York??? You have more balls than I do. I’d have flown. I might have just done it out of pocket. And I’m a freaking Sports Anchor at a Local TV Station. How long of a trip is it 72 hours?
"Pressure is something you feel if you don't know what the hell you're doing."-Peyton Manning
by P0RKINS2 on Jan 28, 2010 9:15 AM EST via mobile reply actions
I got lucky. I'm covering for my radio station
but gambled and bought flight tickets 4 weeks ago. Got 150 Round trip Indy to Fort Lauderdale.
Find me on Twitter- http://www.twitter.com/mixfmkyle
Stop in at Thai Esan of Spring Lake
Just outside Fort Bragg, NC – near Fayetteville. Best little Thai restaurant on the East Coast!
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/140/915135/restaurant/Fayetteville/Thai-Esan-Restaurant-Spring-Lake
DC love?
I guess its only 4 hours to DC from NY but if you are planning to make a stop in the area I got a bunch of great places.
list some
The Horses font feet have cleared the huddle and as time slows it is also time for the back feet to clear and for us to declare victory!!!!! GO COLTS!!!
previously known as (ANGELSFAITH)
by TheAngelsColts on Jan 28, 2010 10:45 AM EST up reply actions
DC haunts
Ben’s Chili Bowl: If you’re stopping in DC and can only choose one place – this has to be it. It’s an institution.
Horace & Dickie’s: Another DC Classic
Tune Inn: A great dive bar/restaurant on capitol hill
Millie & Al’s: Great Pizza and Beer in Adams Morgan
The Tombs: A Georgetown Staple (think St. Elmo’s fire)
I could go on, but these are the best – and they provide a true cross-section of DC culture.
The Ratskeller in DC
Forgive me if I get the name wrong, I may have been drunk at the time. Millions of beers from millions of places, at least when I was in college that was the deal.
I hate Joe Namath. That's how long I've been a Colts fan.
Ah yes! You mean the Brickskeller
Another great one. I can remember going there with my wife to name our dog – he’s a GSP so we wanted a good German name. Ran through several before finding an excellent Dunkler Bock – I can’t believe I forgot to list that one. Alas, several years and my move from DC to SF has caused my memory to wane (or maybe it’s all the beer . . . )
from DC as well!!
Well, technically Arlington. Ray’s the Steaks is a pretty cheap, good steak place that’s got them for reasonable prices! Rockville also has great Asian food – Joe’s Noodle House for Chinese, or Temari for Japanese.
Zaytinya is a great Mediterranean place, Hook has fabulous sea food though a little on the pricy side, Rasika has amazing Indian food though also pricy.
by flores salicis on Jan 28, 2010 8:44 PM EST up reply actions
I have family that lives in Miami
I could fly down and stay with them and have a beer with you.
But I don’t like you.
Never doubt Peyton Manning, he’ll make you look silly
Joseph Addai is a good running back.
Im a douchebag, an asshole, and I'm rarely right.
(Atleast) one-time SBNation Comment of the Day Comment Maker Person!
Hello, Ladies!
by SpazMo on Jan 28, 2010 11:44 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Welcome
Well as a born and raised Floridian and a lifelong Colts fan (Mother’s side from Baltimore), I’d like to welcome you to the Sunshine State. Seems that the Colts have more luck Florida than any of the local teams down here. 95 isn’t a bad drive when you get into Florida but take it from me that when you’re in Georgia you’re going to hate your life. Have fun. While I won’t be at the game (because i couldn’t sell one of my kidneys in time) I’ll be screaming from the comfort of my couch in Tallahassee.
not a bad drive??
the 360ish mile drive from Jacksonville to Miami is the most boring, suicide-inducing drive I’ve ever endured, and I like to drive.
Its the same thing for 5 hours. THey need to make like Sim City and place a random mountain in the middle of the state.
Never doubt Peyton Manning, he’ll make you look silly
Joseph Addai is a good running back.
Im a douchebag, an asshole, and I'm rarely right.
(Atleast) one-time SBNation Comment of the Day Comment Maker Person!
Hello, Ladies!
+1
I have done the drive from toronto to just north a west palm beach a few times… that is the most boring part of the road.
It has been a few years.. but a word of advice DON"T GET IN THE WAY OF THE MAIL TRUCKS. Those semis haul a$$ along that stretch and they don’t stop for anything.
An expert is someone who knows more and more about less and less until they know everything about nothing...
We dont need no stinking mountain..........
we have a few Mt. Trashmores along the way from Jax to Mia to break the monotony.
Psssssh
Try driving across Southern New Mexico/Arizona. Now THAT’S boring.
"Between the wish and the thing the world lies waiting."
— Cormac McCarthy (All the Pretty Horses)
by Addai Another Aday on Jan 28, 2010 2:27 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Agreed.
The most boring stretch of country in the US.
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Jan 29, 2010 11:51 AM EST up reply actions
Dry spot
… on 95 between Richmond and the RTP/Raleigh/Durham area, there is not a lot, so don’t plan to make too many stops there.
by DevilwithaBlueDress on Jan 28, 2010 12:18 PM EST reply actions
The real question is where do these men live and what do they like:
R- Scott Green 19
U-Undrey Wash 96
HL- John McGrath 5
FJ- Jeff Seeman 15
LJ- Ron Vernatchi 75
SJ- Greg Meyer 78
BJ- Greg Steed 12
Must track them down and pay them off or get blackmailable things on them.
Wish I was going or was located anywhere near this roadtrip. I mean why would Indiana be involved in a roadtrip for the Colts. :p
Scott Green?
serious non sarcastic bad feeling about it.
Never doubt Peyton Manning, he’ll make you look silly
Joseph Addai is a good running back.
Im a douchebag, an asshole, and I'm rarely right.
(Atleast) one-time SBNation Comment of the Day Comment Maker Person!
Hello, Ladies!
Is that fleur-de-lis in your mouth
or are you just happy to see me?
Yeah, Scott Green. I think he should be okay, better than some others. Did our Patriots game this year…
That really is a random ref.
It’s not one of the Italians, Irish or Walt’s for once:
Anderson, Coleman, Morreli, Corrente, Hochuli, Leavy, McAuley, Carollo. The old guard is gone.
EVH+DLR=BFFs........ God I Hope So!!
WAIT!
We can’t stay here. This is bat country!
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account so you can post a FanPost, make a FanShot, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.
great line from the book/movie
BBS, if you don’t at least stop at South Of The Border, you are probably not an American. Like Wall Drug in SD, it advertises itself on billboards for a good 100 miles before you get there. (Are billboards still legal? I haven’t made this drive since the late 80s and don’t recall seeing interstate billboards since about… then.) And when you do go… yawn, have some Mexican food, gas up, hit the john, and then keep driving.
I hate Joe Namath. That's how long I've been a Colts fan.
Mind if I ask a technical question?
What exactly is involved in ‘covering the super bowl as press’? Do you get into the media day? Press box access? Will you get interviews? Free beer? What’S the dealio?
Pretty interesting trip!
Had been to the SB XL in Detroit, thanks to a generous friend who decided to fall sick at the last moment. But having been to the FIFA WC in 2k6, all I can say is this: SB : overrated and Yanks don’t know how to party!! :D
Have a good trip BBS!
"Winning is not everything;the desire to win is" - Vince Lombardi
"Lomu's the Brent Spar with attitude. A figure who inspires hero worship among even those who think a fly-half is a glass of beer consumed when 'er indoors is looking the other way." - Robert Philip Daily
Not stopping in Baltimore?
I don’t blame you. I live 10 minutes south and the only place I dare venture is the Inner Harbor. The Power Plant, as it is called, has a good number of bars, an ESPN Zone restaurant, and you can take in the polluted greatness that is the Baltimore Harbor.
If the press credentials do allow you to interview players
and ask questions during the press confrences, try to get as many interviews as you can possibly get and for the love of god, ask them some real football questions. None of thet irrelavent or cliche crap.
BBS make sure if you can to interview Reggie Wayne he does a great interview from the ones I have seen :)
The Horses font feet have cleared the huddle and as time slows it is also time for the back feet to clear and for us to declare victory!!!!! GO COLTS!!!
previously known as (ANGELSFAITH)
by TheAngelsColts on Jan 28, 2010 6:43 PM EST up reply actions
BBS you have to try
Buzz and Ned’s BBQ in Richmond. It was featured on Thowdown with Bobby Flay and has some killer Q. Speaking of Bobby Flay…Mesa Grille in NYC is a HUGE disappointment
Are you going to dress in a wedding gown
And ask Peyton to marry you?
(Tom Brady SB reference on a previous media day)
Guess who my favorite team is...
by Indcolt18 on Jan 28, 2010 5:29 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Wish I could be there....
I am born n raised hoosier, but have spent the past five years in Tucson, Az….but have been a diehard Colts fan for over twenty years :)
Back when I was picking beans in Guatemala, we used to make fresh coffee, right off the trees I mean. That was good. This is shit but, hey, I'm in a police station.
You Should Have Jim Rome Interview You
that would be epic! Hang out with all the hot chicks on Radio Row, sounds like a plan. At TouchdownColts, I was an LDS missionary in Tucson several years ago. It was before your time, I’ve been back in Utah for seven years. Let’s have a nice Super Bowl. Colts or Saints, I don’t mind much as I like both teams. Thus, I’ll be happy regardless of the outcome.
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Jan 29, 2010 3:35 AM EST reply actions
Just make sure you, Dave and Joel stay out of trouble.
And there is “NO FOOTBALL ON THE BEACH” only bikinis.
I'll be your huckleberry- Doc Holliday to Ringo
Don't forget the South of the Border truck stop in SC
kidding. But you can’t miss the signs. They go on for about 300 miles. Same goes for Cafe Risque.
Sounds like a fun trip.
In Breesus' name we play
by Breesus Christ Superstar on Jan 30, 2010 11:10 PM EST reply actions
BBS - and Thai Food
We were disappointed that The Great Stampede went through NC on a Sunday. That’s the only day of the week our Thai restaurant outside of Fayetteville/Fort Bragg is closed. Wouldn’t a mattered yesterday at any rate – the snow/ice storm had the Mrs./the head chef stuck at the house!
Stop in on your way back North, guys!
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