J. Lee Recommends

Each month, J. Lee will recommend something he has experienced.  If you have a topic you want J. Lee to address, send your suggestion via the contact page.

Frisbee golf, aka disk golf, aka FROLF. The course is likely to be paved with tie-dye shirts, tattoos, long hair and medicinally legal products, but it’s also frequented by the nicest people, many of whom can throw a Frisbee over 500 feet. The game itself is a great way to get outside and exercise, especially if you don’t have the time for a round of golf.  Plus, it’s free.  

I’ve had the opportunity to visit a lot of places over the years, especially in the United States. My wife and I perfected the “weekend getaway” before kids and work has brought me all over. In total, I’ve been to roughly 25 different cities across 21 states the past six years.  Below are some of my favorites and why:

Portland, ME
The lobster is amazing, the AA Seadogs baseball team is a blast and the beautiful views of the water are breathtaking.  Plus, all the lighthouses are really cool and the world’s largest rotating globe (in Yarmouth) is only about ten miles north.

Scottsdale, AZ
If you’re into warm weather, golf and friendly people, Scottsdale gives you the whole package.  I don’t recommend a summer visit, but I’m here to tell you there’s nothing like teeing off on December 31st in shorts and a polo.

St. Augustine, FL
There’s a little bit of history buff in us all, and there’s something about saying I saw the oldest European-established city in America that I found appealing.  Combine that with oceanfront restaurants and tons of recreational activities and it’s a winner. 

Portland, OR
What a cool mix of quirky people and good beer.  Seriously, the microbrewery scene hype is well-deserved.  The area also offers a lot of outdoor hiking, sports and events.  I stayed in Beaverton and hiked a small mountain every day – not something us Midwesterners get to do a lot.  I wasn’t a huge fan of the famous Voodoo Doughnuts, but judging by the lines to get in the joint I was in the minority. 

San Francisco, CA
From the tourist-driven Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghirardelli Chocolate to the historical Haight-Ashbury district, San Francisco offers a ton of diverse things to enjoy.  My favorite was Alcatraz, a very powerful (and frightening) place, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t secretly enjoy seeing the “Full House” row of houses as well.