Roadtrip Details
For 40 days in January and February 2009, Corey and Liam traveled from Milwaukee to Los Angeles visiting Irish Fireside listeners and readers. They blogged, vlogged and photographed the entire trip… here’s what they came up with.
LISTEN TO A SEGMENT FROM THE ROADTRIP
READ THE ROADTRIP BLOG ENTRIES (remember they are posted with the most-recent first)
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ROADTRIP HIGHLIGHTS
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DAY 1 – Wisconsin
Our van, Fiona, gets a good wash before leaving Milwaukee and heading to Stevens Point, WI, where we meet up with our friend Tony.
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DAY 2 – The Twin Cities
Onwards to Minneapolis, MN, for a warm welcome at Kieran’s Pub on a very chilly night.
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DAY 3 – The Twin Cities
We experience A LOT of what the Twin Cities has to offer…Keegan’s Pub, the Center for Irish Music, Irish Set Dancing.
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IRISH SET DANCING
What a time we have learning all about Irish Set Dancing.
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DAY 4 – Iowa & the Gunder Burger
Tom Sweeney fixes a tasty breakfast, Liam shows his sour cream raisin pie expertise, and we head to Gunder, IA, to experience the Gunder Burger at the Irish Shanti.
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ICY ROADS IN IOWA
The roads were treachorous in northern Iowa, and we could hardly believe how many cars we spotted in the ditch.
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DAY 5 & 6 – Iowa & Soappouri
Despite the nasty roads, we managed to make Irish Oatmeal Soap with Cindy from Soapourri. Then it was off to the John Wayne Birthplace.
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DAY 7 & 8 – Texas & New Mexico
The weather started getting much nicer in Texas and New Mexico. Plus, we stopped in Shamrock, TX.
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DAY 9 – Tucson
We made our way to the Rex Allen Cowboy Museum before arriving in Tucson, AZ, for a session at the Auld Dubliner.
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DAY 10 – Ajo, AZ – Finding Charlie
Liam made an emotional return to Ajo, AZ, where his father once worked, and Susie O’Connor gave us a bit of a surprise.
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DAY 11 – Tucson
Bit Devine shared the connection between Celtic and cowboy music, and we did a little two-stepping. Then there was a stop at the San Xavier Mission before a hoolie at the Sanford home where we sampled a bit of Irish poteen.
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DAY 12 – Phoenix
The Phoenix Irish community came to life as we visited the Irish Cultural Center and Seamus McCaffery’s. Then it was time for some toe-tapping music at the Lis Doon Varna Pub where the McMorrows were playing.
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DAY 13 – Sedona & Flagstaff
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Liam and Corey take a break with what their friends in Ireland would call a Posh Day…relaxation, good times and pampering. All in Temecula Southern California Wine Country.
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DAY 18 – Shabu Shabu
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DAYS 19-26A – PALM SPRINGS
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DAYS 19-26B – PALM SPRINGS
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DAYS 27-29 – LA & Ventura
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DAYS 30-31 – Ventura to Lake Tahoe
This part of the roadtrip includes fields, fruit trees, a snowy mountain and a run-in with the law.
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Celtic Harp Music with Anne Roos Parts 1 & 2
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DAYS 32-33 – Nevada & Utah
We begin our eastward journey with some interesting sites in Nevada and Utah…including Thunder Mountain www.thundermountainmonument.com, the strangest stop on our trip.
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DAYS 33-34 – Utah & Colorado
We visit Liam’s old Colorado haunts, cross the Rockies and visit Buffalo Bill…and Dracula. All in one video.
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DAYS 35 & 36 – Colorado & Kansas
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DAYS 37, 38, 39 & 40 – Kansas to Wisconsin
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On the way back, it would be great if you just stayed on Route 66 and checked out Irish spots along that famous road. There are a lot of Route 66ers out there and I’m sure they’d be interested in following your travels.
Have a drink for me.
In Phoenix you need to visit the Irish Cultural Center with the Irish Cottage.
Go to 83rd Avenue and Bell and have a piunta Guinness at the Tilted Kilt. There are other Kilt locations, this is the best.
Also in Peoria, AZ (NW Phoenix suberb) be sure to see Lis Doon Varna Pub and Matchmaker Bar (same place). Believe me it’s just about the nicest (and biggest) pub I’ve seen anywhere in the U.S. or in all of Ireland and I’ve seen a few. If you happen to stop in Las Vegas Don’t miss Nine Fine Irishmen Pub at the New York, New York Hotel/Casino on the strip – really nice and authentic place with a great story about Famous Irish Patriots.
Visit http://www.LisDoonVarnaPub.com
Thanks for all the suggestions…they’ve been added to the wishlist map. The trip is coming together and in less than two days we’ll be on the road. WOW.
Have enjoyed your daily updates on your odyssey, especially the videos and accompanying music.
Try, if you can to give me an estimate of when you hope to arrive in Phoenix and what days you would like to stay with Betty and I. Anything else you would like during your visit. In the meantime, mind yourselves and drive safe. At least there are no sheep and cattle on the road – what a shame! Brendan Behan, who used to love to visit America, once said, “New York is my Mecca. It’s the one place you can least expect to be bitten by a goat.” Slan, Jim
Jim – Glad you are enjoying the blog.
We’re planning to be in Phoenix either Thursday & Friday OR Friday & Saturday.
No special requests…just some great craic.
Corey
Interesting trip. I can’t believe you would skip Frank O’Dowd’s Irish Pub in Galena, IL
http://www.theirishcottageboutiquehotel.com/
I’m afraid Frank O’D0wd’s was too far off our route this trip.
When you get back to Milwaukee, check out a little known
Irish Coffee House, “StarBucks” in the Gold’s Pick n Save
Pavillion.
I’ll look forward to seeing you there!
Glad you are having a fantastic trip with loads of hospitality.
Can’t wait to hear some new jazz music, if you know of any…?
Hey Boys!!!!! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my “Irish Gift”!!!!! (nudge, nudge, wink, wink—–say no more, say no more!)
Did you see me sing on Ellen?????
Love ya and miss ya!!!!
Katie