Ballpark Reviews, Ballparks, Baseball, Travel

Ballpark Review: Rogers Centre (Toronto Blue Jays)

Rogers Centre, nestled in the heart of downtown Toronto, offers a distinctly urban baseball experience with its retractable roof, city skyline, and proximity to top attractions like Roundhouse Park. When the dome is open, the view of the illuminated CN Tower rising above right field adds a dramatic and unforgettable touch to the game-day atmosphere. While the stadium’s concrete-heavy design and steep upper decks can feel dated or cramped, it redeems itself with the lively and innovative Outfield District – a multi-level social space filled with bars, games, lounges, and even a DJ, Xbox consoles, and live music. Concessions are solid, with Dugout Deals stands providing affordable snacks and the adventurous poutine hot dog offering a uniquely Canadian twist. Outside, the Roundhouse Park area is a destination in itself, with spots like Steam Whistle Brewery and The Rec Room drawing big crowds and serving as the perfect pregame hangouts. While the fans were friendly and energetic – complete with chants, waves, and loyalty even in a late-game deficit – the stadium could benefit from better airflow, modernized concourses, and more visible team history throughout. Still, for a dome stadium, Rogers Centre delivers a memorable, uniquely Toronto ballpark experience.

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3D Prints, Cosplay, Decorations, Events / Parties, Projects

Artifacts & Appetites: A Night with Indiana Jones

Whipped up a 3D-printing adventure worthy of Indy himself, including several iconic Indiana Jones relics—the Golden Fertility Idol, Headpiece to the Staff of Ra, Holy Grail, and Cross of Coronado. Used them to set the stage for a wildly fun themed dinner with a rolling meatball over a sea of spaghetti snakes, some very bad dates, and a creepy Temple of Doom dirt cake that would make Short Round scream.

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Ballpark Reviews, Ballparks, Baseball, Travel

Ballpark Review: Progressive Field (Cleveland Guardians)

Progressive Field, formerly known as Jacobs Field or affectionately “The Jake,” has been home to the Cleveland Guardians since 1994. This retro-modern ballpark blends striking architecture, like its signature white vertical lights and open views of the Cleveland skyline, with an authentic local vibe that sets it apart. The energy in the stadium was electric during our visit – helped by $1 hot dogs, a Cardinals matchup, and the always-entertaining Hot Dog Derby. What stood out most were the impressive local concessions (some of the best we’ve seen in any park), the heritage-rich Hall of Fame, and the thoughtfully designed Kids Zone. This was our first time in Cleveland, and we were pleasantly surprised by how much there was to do nearby. From the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to the vibrant Flats, bustling East 4th Street, and a solid lineup of craft breweries, the area around Progressive Field makes for a fun and flavorful baseball getaway.

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Kaldi's Cupping Room
Coffee, Food

Kaldi’s Coffee Roastery Tour & Cupping Experience

Kaldi’s Coffee has been my favorite St. Louis-area coffee roaster since I moved here in 2009, back when I was first getting into coffee. But as my love for coffee has grown over the years, so has my appreciation for Kaldi’s and their mastery of the craft.

I’ve always wanted to visit the Kaldi’s Roastery and do a cupping and tour, which they do on Friday afternoons. Though they were put on hold for a couple of years due to the pandemic, I finally was able to attend one in February 2023. It was even more fantastic than I had imagined.

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