Author
Topic: Travelogues
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GopherRock · « **Reply #168 on:** June 23, 2022, 10:28:14 AM »

Quote from: MarqHusker on June 21, 2022, 09:41:48 PM

Some NYC travel tips. I like to take the PATH into Jersey (Hoboken/Jersey City stops) and then get out and cab it to Newark airport. Of course, I'm usually already downtown (financial district) so it is a matter of walking two blocks to the PATH and waiting about 2 minutes for a train. Otherwise, spot on GR, those tunnels and Newark can go to hell. LGA meanwhile has made some great progress on their renovations. Its still damn close to a 3rd world airport, but definite improvements, perhaps CV came at a good time for that.

Blocks indeed are 'short' north to south, but not the case E-W. The other tactical problem many will face, if you're on the eastern half of the US you might not have many NS choices to JFK. Of course the opposite is true, if you're on the West Coast, you *won't ever see a flight to LGA (runway length makes it a non-starter for transcontinental flights (larger planes).

I've regrettably flown a bunch here in '22 (worst year in my life for air travel by far), and NYC, with Boston and Minneapolis 2nd/3rd, are just not 'back' to the same buzz and activity that I'm used to seeing. I couldn't believe how completely dead downtown Minneapolis was on multiple beautiful weather afternoons and evenings in early June. North Loop/Warehouse were in good spirits though. SF was surprisingly lively, but I would caution, you get a few blocks west of the financial district (Union Square and west) and it is a disgusting mess of a city. Quite sad. We all (I think) know about the chronic homeless issues in the larger West Coast cities.

the least surprising statement: I was in Clearwater/Tampa/Orlando this past week. I see nothing that tells me there's been a pandemic. our resident FL folks know this of course, but they don't seem to have missed a beat (other than canceling flights , which isn't reserved to FL).

* LGA has a perimeter rule, which prohibits west coast flights (besides Denver which of course is not on the coast, and then some Saturday exceptions, I think Spirit has tried to offer a LGA/LAX Saturday flight)

SF was just like that when I was last there in 2014.

Downtown Minneapolis was hit hard by COVID and hasn't recovered. Unsurprisingly, the only parts of downtown that are doing well are also the areas that have substantial build-ups of residential spaces, such as the aforementioned North Loop and Warehouse District. I still think there is a major commercial real estate reckoning coming downtown, but that is pure speculation.

Let me know when you come here next.

Cincydawg · « **Reply #169 on:** June 23, 2022, 10:32:56 AM »

Downtown Atlanta is building up (perhaps just in time for a bust). There are some large projects just starting. Midtown is still going like gangbusters.

Filings: Centennial Yards high-rise hotel, apartments move forward | Urbanize Atlanta

In the grand scheme, Centennial Yards is expected to create a dozen city blocks, require the better part of a decade to finish, and cost upwards of $5 billion, as backed by a nearly $2 billion tax-incentive package.

bayareabadger · « **Reply #170 on:** June 23, 2022, 12:58:14 PM »

Quote from: GopherRock on June 23, 2022, 10:28:14 AM

SF was just like that when I was last there in 2014.

Downtown Minneapolis was hit hard by COVID and hasn't recovered. Unsurprisingly, the only parts of downtown that are doing well are also the areas that have substantial build-ups of residential spaces, such as the aforementioned North Loop and Warehouse District. I still think there is a major commercial real estate reckoning coming downtown, but that is pure speculation.

Let me know when you come here next.

It feels like spots that rely on offices/restaurants that cater heavily to office workers/hotels are running into a lot of issues, especially if parking is not convenient and good public transit is lagging