The crisp smell of freshly cleaned ice, the sharp sound of wood hitting rubber, and the intense feeling of being invested, with half an arena full of people, in a team you know hasn't had the best track record. That was how my husband and I spent Wednesday, December 10. We went across the border, into Detroit, to watch our home team the Toronto Maple Leafs take on the Detroit Red Wings. It was cheaper to get a hotel room in Windsor, bus tickets through the tunnel, and tickets to the game for the both of us, than it would have been just for tickets to see Toronto play a home game at the Air Canada Centre. It's nuts! This was my husband's birthday present. I had offered to get tickets to a game in Toronto, but he didn't want that expense. So, instead, he opted for a cross border game, with a one night stay, and time to ourselves (thanks to my mom watching the wee one). I agreed, because it sounded awesome. We were not disappointed either. Getting to Windsor took 3 hours, we checked into our room, relaxed for a minute, then went to get our bus tickets (a ten minute walk away). We took out American money and came back to our room for some pre-game drinks (yes, I had the Somersby). We got the 6 o'clock tunnel bus and made it there in about an hour, having been stuck behind a tour bus at the border. But pretty painless. We followed the crowd through Cobo Centre and to Joe Louis Arena, where we were swarmed with enthusiasm and two groups of fans who are class acts. We never once worried about fighting, as everyone was in great spirits and there was more camaraderie than hostility. My husband had a couple beers at the game, I was lucky enough to have a cherry coke, YUM! We also got a tub of popcorn for $5.50 (better than you would get at the movies), which was refillable, and a pretzel. Was a great game, with Reimer having done his fair share of saves. Detroit out shot Toronto all night, but somehow Toronto managed to hold them off for a shoot out, which they then went on to win. Great to see our team win! The ride back seemed so long, having to wait in line for a bus for about 15 minutes, then getting on the bus and having a friendly older gentleman tell us his daughter's life story (super nice, also quite drunk). Pretty funny to see the difference between American border security and Canadian, American border had 10 or more agents, with questions about why you are entering, etc.; Canadian had three, just asking if we brought anything back. We were so glad to finally be dragging ourselves back to our hotel room, at midnight. We would have stayed, but we were hungry, so we called the front counter to see if there was somewhere open to eat in the hotel. We got lucky, Legends Sports Bar was still making food. We stayed at the Caesars Windsor Hotel, which was close to the bus station and the tunnel crossing. We got a great deal, 25% off for booking two weeks early. We were surprised by what we got for our money. Was elegant and big...really big. We had to walk through the casino to get to our 19th floor room. Great view of downtown Windsor, would have been nicer to look out on the water, but the elevator has a great water view (see above). The only problem, we had to show ID every time we wanted to go to our room, because we were passing through the casino. Great Christmas decorations out, loved the decor, were treated quite nicely by all staff, and even got valet parking. Was so fancy. The hotel also had a skating rink outside, which we had wished we brought our skates for, and too late realized they rented. We also forgot our bathing suits for the pool, but had a jet tub in our hotel room (which my husband made a bit too bubbly for a relaxing bath). We had great food on our trip. I don't think we regretted any decision we made. Since we waited so late for dinner, we shared one meal between the two of us...so we wouldn't be too weighted down before bed. At Legends we got Achin' for the Bacon - slow cooked pork belly, Canadian back bacon & maple bacon, bacon & garlic Aioli, pickled red onion & cheddar cheese on a brioche bun (with really good fries and a pickle). That's a LOT of pork, and it was delicious!!!!!!!!!!! Hit the spot.
The next day we wanted a nice breakfast/brunch. So, my husband looked for the highest rated place and it turned out to be Uptown Restaurant (a family owned restaurant, open over 20 years). The prices weren't cheap, but average according to brunch standards and it had a rustic old family charm, filled with Mediterranean flair. I got the peameal bacon eggs benedict (was sad they listed toast, but counted the English muffin that comes with the eggs benedict as toast). The home fries were home made, and quite good...had to make sure I ate all of them, so I saved one of my eggs benny for later (just couldn't fit another bite). My husband got the two eggs, with home made sausage (look at the size of those), home fries and rye toast (although he got whole wheat, oh well). He enjoyed his meal as well, saving one of the ginormous sausages for later. All in all, we had a great trip, and it was nice to reconnect as a couple...although we missed our little girl. We made it home on good time, even got most of our Christmas shopping done. Trip = success! Might do a few more of these mid-week, leaving early, couple day trips...next time including the little one.
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TeganThis blog is about being a stay-at-home mom. Includes photos, meals, crafts, thoughts, and tons of other fun stuff! Blogs I love:
Living, Loving, and Laughing in the Loo A Baked Creation Melanie Makes The Party Wagon Fellow Fellow Lemon Jitters Fia Lotta Jansson Family Feedbag Dinner With Julie How About Orange Archives
March 2019
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