Flying Into West Palm Beach for Playoff Game This Weekend
Oct 6th, 2003, 01:27 PM
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Flying Into West Palm Beach for Playoff Game This Weekend
Here's the scoop:
We're a couple in our early 40s and we're flying into West palm Beach airport this Saturday night. We get in close to midnight. Our return flight is EARLY Monday morning. So basically all we got is Sunday. We have tickets for the Cubs-Marlins game at 4:00 Sunday afternoon at Pro Player Park. Should we stay at a hotel near the WPB airport? Seems like a good idea considering our arrival and departure times. We want to be at the park about 3. Neither of us has been to Miami before. What should we do in the am and early afternoon? Drive along Ocean Drive or something like that? Also, where should we go after the game on a Sunday night? Not big on partying, but would like a nice restaurant where we can go in jeans. We love Pacific Rim cuisine, but I guess that may not be too popular over there. Any suggestions about anything would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
We're a couple in our early 40s and we're flying into West palm Beach airport this Saturday night. We get in close to midnight. Our return flight is EARLY Monday morning. So basically all we got is Sunday. We have tickets for the Cubs-Marlins game at 4:00 Sunday afternoon at Pro Player Park. Should we stay at a hotel near the WPB airport? Seems like a good idea considering our arrival and departure times. We want to be at the park about 3. Neither of us has been to Miami before. What should we do in the am and early afternoon? Drive along Ocean Drive or something like that? Also, where should we go after the game on a Sunday night? Not big on partying, but would like a nice restaurant where we can go in jeans. We love Pacific Rim cuisine, but I guess that may not be too popular over there. Any suggestions about anything would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Oct 6th, 2003, 01:42 PM
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I should have added that if the playoff series is over in 4 games, we'd have the entire day to do whatever. (Our tickets are for Game 5.) In that unlikely case, should we go to the Everglades or what? Thanks!
Oct 6th, 2003, 03:09 PM
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Skip staying in West Palm and head out to the beach. I would check out staying on Singer Island. There are some very quaint 'motels', shops, dining, and marinas that line the back side of the island facing the mainland. Don't discount these 'motels' as they have multi-million dollar yatchs parked in front of them.
You do realize Miami is a good hour and a half drive from W.Palm Beach?
You do realize Miami is a good hour and a half drive from W.Palm Beach?
Oct 6th, 2003, 04:57 PM
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Dittos on the Singer Island suggestion. I prefer the south end of the island, know properly as Palm Beach Shores. GoTravel also gave you good advice on the "old-timey" motels. They can be great.
Restaurants are abundant - you should have no problem with finding a few great meals. You might want to consider seafood or even Cuban cuisine for great local flavor.
Wish you had more than one day!
Here's a site to get you started:
http://www.singerisland.com/
Restaurants are abundant - you should have no problem with finding a few great meals. You might want to consider seafood or even Cuban cuisine for great local flavor.
Wish you had more than one day!
Here's a site to get you started:
http://www.singerisland.com/
Oct 6th, 2003, 05:34 PM
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You need to be at the ballpark by no later than 2:00 for the 4:00 game. 1:00 would be even better. I arrived for the Marlins 1:00 game on Saturday at noon and didn't get to a seat until the 4th inning. These games are sold out. If you are flying all this way for the game, you don't want to miss a minute. Hey, wait a minute. If you are flying all this way you must be Cub fans! I take it back. 3:00 is no problem. 3:55 would be fine...
Oct 6th, 2003, 07:24 PM
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LOL Keysmom... Hey, give the Cubs a break, they've been waiting a century for this opportunity! Have a heart, huh?? I'm a Marlins fan, but I like a good game and this will be a good one!
Cats -- allow PLENTY of time to get to the game. I live 15 minutes away from ProPlayer and remember a 1-1/2 hr trek for sold-out Dolphins and Marlins games. After the game, head south on University Drive (it's on the side of the stadium opposite the Florida Turnpike and runs parallel to it.) When you get to Pines Blvd there are several restaurant possibilities (Hooters, Outback, etc.) And if you want to get away from some of the crowds, head west (left) on Pines Blvd and you'll run into more restaurants.
PS: I'll be watching the game in my air conditioned home because my hexes on the Cubs will work better that way. And don't laugh -- how do you think we beat the Giants??? LOL
Cats -- allow PLENTY of time to get to the game. I live 15 minutes away from ProPlayer and remember a 1-1/2 hr trek for sold-out Dolphins and Marlins games. After the game, head south on University Drive (it's on the side of the stadium opposite the Florida Turnpike and runs parallel to it.) When you get to Pines Blvd there are several restaurant possibilities (Hooters, Outback, etc.) And if you want to get away from some of the crowds, head west (left) on Pines Blvd and you'll run into more restaurants.
PS: I'll be watching the game in my air conditioned home because my hexes on the Cubs will work better that way. And don't laugh -- how do you think we beat the Giants??? LOL
Oct 6th, 2003, 09:04 PM
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I did a little research about the distance from Singer Island to Pro Player Stadium and here's what I figured out. Mapquest says it will take about 1-1/2 hrs to get to the stadium...UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS. That means you need to allow at least an extra hour travel time and then, as Keysmom said, allow another 1-2 hours to park and get through the crowds to your seats. Oh heck, just get the stadium at 9:00am and beat the crowds! LOL
All the directions on Mapquest say to take I-95 to the stadium, but you should transfer over to the Florida Turnpike (you can do this by taking the I-595 West exit and that will take you quickly to the Turnpike). Just follow the signs to the stadium, they have their own exit.
If you want to eat in the area of Pines Blvd and University Drive (27th Avenue), you can head east to catch the Turnpike or I-95 to head back north to Singer Island or Palm Beach.
Happy Traveling!
All the directions on Mapquest say to take I-95 to the stadium, but you should transfer over to the Florida Turnpike (you can do this by taking the I-595 West exit and that will take you quickly to the Turnpike). Just follow the signs to the stadium, they have their own exit.
If you want to eat in the area of Pines Blvd and University Drive (27th Avenue), you can head east to catch the Turnpike or I-95 to head back north to Singer Island or Palm Beach.
Happy Traveling!
Oct 7th, 2003, 08:19 AM
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Wow, thanks for all the help guys! 
I liked your suggestion, GoTravel, but unfortunately the "male part" of this equation wants to stay next to the airport given our arrival and departure times. That Hilton looked nice on Singer Island; alas, we'll be at the Crowne Plaza next to the airport.
Paul, thanks for the link. Nice site!
Keysmom, LOL, you gave me a good laugh!!! And thanks for your travel time suggestions.
And Heartburn, thanks for ALLL that information! I'm going to print it out and take it with.
Gosh, if I hadn't created this thread, we might've missed the entire game! Well, at least half of it! We were very surprised about your comments about how much time to allow to get to our seats. But, thank you!! We will now just get up and go to the game. Nothing else.
As for after the game, we haven't decided where to go yet. We know we don't want to eat at a chain restaurant if we can help it.
Thanks again everyone!
P.S. As a life-long Cubs fan, I should know better than to look too far ahead, but I'm really hoping for a Cubs-Red Sox World Series! Of course, I'd "settle" for a Cubs-Yankees Series. LOL (No offense to you WONDERFUL Marlins fans who have helped me out here.)
I liked your suggestion, GoTravel, but unfortunately the "male part" of this equation wants to stay next to the airport given our arrival and departure times. That Hilton looked nice on Singer Island; alas, we'll be at the Crowne Plaza next to the airport.
Paul, thanks for the link. Nice site!
Keysmom, LOL, you gave me a good laugh!!! And thanks for your travel time suggestions.
And Heartburn, thanks for ALLL that information! I'm going to print it out and take it with.
Gosh, if I hadn't created this thread, we might've missed the entire game! Well, at least half of it! We were very surprised about your comments about how much time to allow to get to our seats. But, thank you!! We will now just get up and go to the game. Nothing else.
As for after the game, we haven't decided where to go yet. We know we don't want to eat at a chain restaurant if we can help it.
Thanks again everyone!
P.S. As a life-long Cubs fan, I should know better than to look too far ahead, but I'm really hoping for a Cubs-Red Sox World Series! Of course, I'd "settle" for a Cubs-Yankees Series. LOL (No offense to you WONDERFUL Marlins fans who have helped me out here.)
Oct 7th, 2003, 06:50 PM
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I've stayed at the Crowne Plaza several times for meetings and conferences. It's a good hotel and has a shuttle to the airport, which is convenient. However, the service in their restaurant is extremely slow, so I'd suggest eating at the breakfast buffet or hoofing it next door to Burger King. The hotel is very nice and convenient, and the rooms are good, clean and have all the amenities you'll need. It's also very easy to find off I-95.
As far as places to eat after the game, you need to realize it will be at least 9:00pm by the time you get out of the ballpark. Finding a restaurant that is open late might be difficult.
Here is what I suggest:
Head north on the Turnpike to I-595 and then head WEST on I-595 and take the University Drive exit (approx 2 miles). When you get to the light, go left (under the I-595 overpass) and at the 2nd light past the intersection turn left into TOWER SHOPPES. In this plaza you will find the Davie Ale House (good food, many choices.) Lefty's Wings & Raw Bar is also in this shopping center and they have great wings, burgers, etc. One of these two places should be open later in the evening as they are sports bars/restaurants.
When you head out of the plaza, reverse your steps and take I-595 EAST to I-95 NORTH and you don't have to get off the highway until you get back to your hotel (approx 1 hr drive.)
As far as places to eat after the game, you need to realize it will be at least 9:00pm by the time you get out of the ballpark. Finding a restaurant that is open late might be difficult.
Here is what I suggest:
Head north on the Turnpike to I-595 and then head WEST on I-595 and take the University Drive exit (approx 2 miles). When you get to the light, go left (under the I-595 overpass) and at the 2nd light past the intersection turn left into TOWER SHOPPES. In this plaza you will find the Davie Ale House (good food, many choices.) Lefty's Wings & Raw Bar is also in this shopping center and they have great wings, burgers, etc. One of these two places should be open later in the evening as they are sports bars/restaurants.
When you head out of the plaza, reverse your steps and take I-595 EAST to I-95 NORTH and you don't have to get off the highway until you get back to your hotel (approx 1 hr drive.)
Oct 8th, 2003, 05:22 AM
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Catsmeow, are you sure you want to make this trip? You have to leave work early on Friday, fly in a crowded plane with no food, get to your unexciting but (hopefully) clean hotel at midnight (or later). Get up, eat at the Burger King, drive 1 and 1/2 hours to the stadium. Hang out there for 2 hours, watch the game in the blazing sun surrounded by hostile Marlin fans, eat overcooked hotdogs and drink overpriced beer. Drive another 1 and 1/2 hours. End up eating at taco bell because you are tired and everything is closed. Not sleep because you have to get up for that early flight. Surely, a better plan would be to go to a Pacific Rim sports bar in Chicago and watch the game with friends. Oh, you have the game tickets already? I can help with that.....
Seriously, you are going to have a great trip - I'll be at the game,too (I'm the one in the Marlin's T-shirt.)
Seriously, you are going to have a great trip - I'll be at the game,too (I'm the one in the Marlin's T-shirt.)
Oct 8th, 2003, 01:20 PM
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I work a block away from WPB airport. It is located in a business/inductrial area. Theree is a Holiday Inn directly across the street right next to I-95. The airport is about 2 miles from downtoen West palm beach (Clematis Avenue) and about 1 3/4 miles from City Place a nice outdoor urban like shopping center with trendy restaurants and bars. You would also be about 2 miles from Worth Avenue. From WEP it will take you about 1 hour 15 to 1 40 minutes to get to the ballpark (depending on your route and traffic).
Oct 8th, 2003, 05:07 PM
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mrt -- have you ever been to a playoff game at Pro Player?? The traffic is H*LL! You sit on the Turnpike for almost an hour just to get to the parking lot if you don't go early. That's why we are telling them to leave early and hang out at the ballpark. Lots of people take lunch and have a nice little tailgate party. They could grab a cheap cooler and some subs, chips, drinks & ice at the nearest Publix and have a little party. They just have to sit around all those Marlins fans as they watch them like a vulture watches an injured animal...LOL!!
And BTW, I use my index and pinky of my right hand to hex the players. My hexes aren't working tonight. The Cubs just keep scoring. But it's only the 2nd inning. Anything can happen! Good luck to the Cubs, may the best team win!
And BTW, I use my index and pinky of my right hand to hex the players. My hexes aren't working tonight. The Cubs just keep scoring. But it's only the 2nd inning. Anything can happen! Good luck to the Cubs, may the best team win!
Oct 10th, 2003, 04:53 PM
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LOL Keysmom! Unfortunately, that's not even all of it. We have to drive 300 miles to get to the airport (there's a closer airport, but I'll drive 300 miles to save $600!!) And now I hear it's supposed to rain Sunday night. Oh gosh, I guess I'll just go with the flow and hope for the best. The Cubs better appreciate this! ;-)
Heartburn3, I checked out some Miami restaurant site and it had Davie Ale on a Top Ten list for good cheap eats. And it's pretty close to the park too. I think we may end up going there after the game. Thanks for recommending it!
Thanks all for your help. Here we come, Miami! GO CUBS! ;-)
Heartburn3, I checked out some Miami restaurant site and it had Davie Ale on a Top Ten list for good cheap eats. And it's pretty close to the park too. I think we may end up going there after the game. Thanks for recommending it!
Thanks all for your help. Here we come, Miami! GO CUBS! ;-)
Oct 10th, 2003, 07:26 PM
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OMG -- WHAT A FANTASTIC GAME TONIGHT! My Mom was in the ER waiting for tests and to be admitted to the hospital and they let us turn on the game. Staff kept coming in to find out what was happening. LOL!!!
Just wanted to let you know that when you leave the game, you might accidentally end up on University Drive/27th Avenue. If this happens, just head north and stay on that road until you get to Nova Drive, go past that light to the next one and turn right to get into Tower Shoppes.
Have fun at the game!! I'll be thinking of you and KeysMom and wondering where you guys are.
Okay, we are tied, let me go back to my hexing!
Just wanted to let you know that when you leave the game, you might accidentally end up on University Drive/27th Avenue. If this happens, just head north and stay on that road until you get to Nova Drive, go past that light to the next one and turn right to get into Tower Shoppes.
Have fun at the game!! I'll be thinking of you and KeysMom and wondering where you guys are.
Okay, we are tied, let me go back to my hexing!
Oct 10th, 2003, 08:53 PM
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Thanks heartburn...I've taken note of your directions. You're the best!
I hope everything is okay with your mom!!! I'm sorry to hear about that. Things like that kind of put things like baseball games in perspective.
I probably won't have another chance to post here before leaving, so just want to once again thank everyone for their suggestions. You guys helped A LOT! I'll post again when I get back.
P.S. Keysmom, I'll be the one in the Cubs shirt. ;-)
I hope everything is okay with your mom!!! I'm sorry to hear about that. Things like that kind of put things like baseball games in perspective.
I probably won't have another chance to post here before leaving, so just want to once again thank everyone for their suggestions. You guys helped A LOT! I'll post again when I get back.
P.S. Keysmom, I'll be the one in the Cubs shirt. ;-)
Oct 14th, 2003, 03:57 PM
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I'm back! Given the same results (Cubs losing the 5th game), I'd do this weekend again in a heartbeat. WHAT A BLAST!!!
Quick (or maybe not-so-quick) recap:
Flight fine and on-time arrival. Rental car place had one person working and that took an hour! But we paid for an economy car and got upgraded to a PT Cruiser (in "Cubs blue"!!) Hotel location was PERFECT (2 blocks from rental car loacation). Crowne Plaza was nice and had all we needed.
Next morning we decided we HAD to see the water and took off on Southern Blvd over to the coast about 11:00-11:30am. Drove down A1A (Ocean Blvd?) down past Boca Raton to Deerfield Beach and then crossed over to the Turnpike. We made one 15-minute stop along the coast to take pictures on the beach. Oh, I love that Turnpike...nice and fast, and it takes you RIGHT to the stadium. We arrived at Pro Player Stadium at 2:00pm and got really lucky and were parked amongst a bunch of other Cub fans. When we pulled into the parking lot, my jaw dropped open. One HUGE tailgate party! WOW!!! WAY COOL!!! Cubs fans had tents set up, banners, flags, you name it! We met so many people from all over the country. I can't believe how many Cub fans got tickets at the last minute to fly there. Not only that, some of these people went through h*ll to get there (flying standby, getting bumped and having to take a flight to a different destination which posed additional problems, etc, etc.) But everyone was glad to be there, even those of us in the birds-eye view seats! (Like someone asked in an article I read: "Do birds go that high?" LOL) I guess all the Cub fans bought the last few seats up for sale because our section and the ones on either side of it were all Cub fans. It was bizarre! I saw patches of Cub fans throughout the stadium, but these 3 sections had almost NO Marlins towels swirling around...just Cubbie Blue. Everyone had so much fun, and it almost ( I said ALMOST) didn't even matter that the Cubs lost. Before the game, in the concourse near where our seats were inside the stadium, there were a ton of Cub fans gathered and we all started cheering and singing. I heard more than one Marlins fan say, "I can't believe there's so many Cub fans here." But everyone got along fine and was just having a good, fun time. I never heard one ugly or nasty comment from any fan from either team. Very friendly environment! Employees at the park were super-nice too. It was all good (except for the final score!)
So, afterward we just followed the traffic and ended up on the Turnpike. Followed your excellent directions, Heartburn3, and made it to Davie Ale House okay. It was kind of funny; we got seated in a booth section that was all Cubs fans. Not sure if that was by design or by accident. I got grilled chicken (good) and my companion got some fried seafood combo dish (those fried clams are the best!) We also got an order of Zingers (very good) and for dessert we shared that AWESOME Oreo Cookie ice cream cake. I know you all must be thinking we're pigs, but we hadn't eaten all day except for sharing an ice cream at the park before the game! LOL! We made it back to the hotel, no problem. We made a wise decision and returned the car that night. Saved a day's rental and took the hotel shuttle to the airport in the morning...in the earrrrrrly morning! Flight back was full but I slept the whole time, so it seemed fast.
Like I said earlier, given the same results, I'd do this weekend again in a heartbeat. Thanks, all, for your help and suggestions. They most certainly DID help!!
P.S. Heartburn3, is your mom doing okay?
Quick (or maybe not-so-quick) recap:
Flight fine and on-time arrival. Rental car place had one person working and that took an hour! But we paid for an economy car and got upgraded to a PT Cruiser (in "Cubs blue"!!) Hotel location was PERFECT (2 blocks from rental car loacation). Crowne Plaza was nice and had all we needed.
Next morning we decided we HAD to see the water and took off on Southern Blvd over to the coast about 11:00-11:30am. Drove down A1A (Ocean Blvd?) down past Boca Raton to Deerfield Beach and then crossed over to the Turnpike. We made one 15-minute stop along the coast to take pictures on the beach. Oh, I love that Turnpike...nice and fast, and it takes you RIGHT to the stadium. We arrived at Pro Player Stadium at 2:00pm and got really lucky and were parked amongst a bunch of other Cub fans. When we pulled into the parking lot, my jaw dropped open. One HUGE tailgate party! WOW!!! WAY COOL!!! Cubs fans had tents set up, banners, flags, you name it! We met so many people from all over the country. I can't believe how many Cub fans got tickets at the last minute to fly there. Not only that, some of these people went through h*ll to get there (flying standby, getting bumped and having to take a flight to a different destination which posed additional problems, etc, etc.) But everyone was glad to be there, even those of us in the birds-eye view seats! (Like someone asked in an article I read: "Do birds go that high?" LOL) I guess all the Cub fans bought the last few seats up for sale because our section and the ones on either side of it were all Cub fans. It was bizarre! I saw patches of Cub fans throughout the stadium, but these 3 sections had almost NO Marlins towels swirling around...just Cubbie Blue. Everyone had so much fun, and it almost ( I said ALMOST) didn't even matter that the Cubs lost. Before the game, in the concourse near where our seats were inside the stadium, there were a ton of Cub fans gathered and we all started cheering and singing. I heard more than one Marlins fan say, "I can't believe there's so many Cub fans here." But everyone got along fine and was just having a good, fun time. I never heard one ugly or nasty comment from any fan from either team. Very friendly environment! Employees at the park were super-nice too. It was all good (except for the final score!)
So, afterward we just followed the traffic and ended up on the Turnpike. Followed your excellent directions, Heartburn3, and made it to Davie Ale House okay. It was kind of funny; we got seated in a booth section that was all Cubs fans. Not sure if that was by design or by accident. I got grilled chicken (good) and my companion got some fried seafood combo dish (those fried clams are the best!) We also got an order of Zingers (very good) and for dessert we shared that AWESOME Oreo Cookie ice cream cake. I know you all must be thinking we're pigs, but we hadn't eaten all day except for sharing an ice cream at the park before the game! LOL! We made it back to the hotel, no problem. We made a wise decision and returned the car that night. Saved a day's rental and took the hotel shuttle to the airport in the morning...in the earrrrrrly morning! Flight back was full but I slept the whole time, so it seemed fast.
Like I said earlier, given the same results, I'd do this weekend again in a heartbeat. Thanks, all, for your help and suggestions. They most certainly DID help!!
P.S. Heartburn3, is your mom doing okay?
