Back to the Madness!!

Sorry about the huuuuuge delay between posts.  It has been a busy couple weeks.  The wife got a new job and we're moving to a new house, and we have an awesome toddler running around the house, so the blog got sidetracked.  However, I will not let my March Madness bracket die.  Today we're going through four matchups to see the first four teams into my sweet 16.  Remember, the fate of who goes on is entirely subjective, and who moves on is ultimately going to be based on my travel preferences. Let's get back to it!

Kentucky Vs. Cincinnati 

The irony in this matchup is they are about 60 miles apart from each other.  So one could stay in either place and easily check both places out.  Kentucky may be a basketball powerhouse this year, but I honestly didn't think much of them in this bracket.  Cincinnati had a ridiculously easy round 1 game. Neither place is a top vacation destination in the U.S.  Lexington is in the heart of Kentucky Bluegrass country, and is known as the Horse Capital of the World.  Cincinnati is known for its own style of chili.  Lexington hosts the Breeders' Cup annually, while Cincinnati has their pro sports. They are home to both the Cincinnati Bengals and Reds.  The Reds play in a nice stadium that any baseball fan would enjoy visiting.  In Lexington one can ride the Lexington Dinner Train throughout horse country.  Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is a fun place to grab a bite to eat. Cincinnati is home to BB Riverboats which tour the Ohio River.  The heart of town is Fountain Square. Cincinnati is also home to some great museums including the Underground Railroad Freedom Center. So Cincinnati gets by this one in a close one.

Buffalo Vs. Maryland

Another great round two matchup.  Buffalo is the gateway to Niagara Falls, a huge tourist destination. While College Park resides in the Washington D.C metro area.  Buffalo is a much more interesting city than most give it credit for.  Most people just think of cold and snow here, but it is actually quite an interesting place.  Buffalo bars lay claim to inventing the famous Buffalo wing, so if you want the original, there isn't a better place to be.  Its city hall is also a famous example of Art Deco Architecture. Check out Anchor Bar  for a good place to eat. College Park is in the DC metro area.  So that means The White House, The Washington Monument, The Capitol Building, and numerous memorials are all within the city.  College Park also has some fun places to eat like The Jerk Pit and College Park Diner.  This one is actually a tough choice.  DC obviously has a ton of things to see and do, but Buffalo doesn't exactly lack for things to do.  I do not think it would be a very fun vacation staying in College Park and trying to see all the attractions in DC.  So, Buffalo gets by in overtime.

Butler Vs. Northeastern

Another interesting matchup in this second round.  We have a now revitalized city in Indianapolis against historic Boston.  Indy is home to the Indy 500, this year's Final Four, and GenCon.  It has the world famous St. Elmo Steakhouse that is a must stop if you are in Indy.  The city loves tourists and will make sure you enjoy your stay.  However it doesn't stack up to the power of history in Boston. The Freedom Trail is a must see for anyone visiting Boston, you can also visit cool neighborhoods like Acorn Street and check out the Back Bay Mansions.  Don't forget Fenway Park, one of the most famous baseball stadiums which is home to the Boston Red Sox.  Northeastern gets by easily.

Wichita State Vs. New Mexico State

The last matchup of the night is a fun one.  Wichita is the cultural capital of Kansas and has many museums to explore.  The Old Cowtown Museum is its most famous.  It is also home to Botanica, an awesome Botanical Garden in the heart of the city.  It is also home to some good BBQ.  Two Brother's BBQ is a must stop for anyone driving through.  The Prairie Rose Chuckwagon Supper is something that everyone should see once.  Las Cruces is located in south central New Mexico on the edge of the Organ Mountains.   The mountains offer lots of recreational activities for the outdoor enthusiast. It's also home to fun events like the Whole Enchilada Fiesta and Old Mesilla festivals. You can also visit nearby White Sands National Monument.  Wichita State keeps it close for a bit, but New Mexico State pulls away in the second half.

More of round two tomorrow! Thanks for reading.