Is there anything wrong with tourist traps?

[scrhsa]

I lived for about 2 yrs in Alameda and we LOVED going into San Francisco to do the tourist stuff!!(though I hated going through the tube and over the Bay Bridge) I bought the best coat I ever owned in one of those shops!!! It was cheap with the San Francisco label on it and it has lasted forever!!! Shoot, its still good except for the elastic on one sleeve Going on 16 yrs

I am a tourist at heart and love the cheese

 

[ols386]

I think it really depends on what one defines as a "tourist trap." To me, it's not always a whole city but maybe one part of it. I'm thinking of places that sell CHEAP souvenirs and clothing that just has the name of the city on them. This is what I think of when I hear "tourist trap"...

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These are images from Wisconsin Dells. True, there are some fun things and even some really classy things (Sundara Spa, for example) in the Dells that you can't find elsewhere, but the main street shown in the picture is a classic example of a tourist trap. Generic stores, tourist experiences (Ripley's Believe it or Not, Madame Tussaud's, etc.), crappy motels, etc.

I would not call Disney World a "tourist trap" by my definition.

I was just in San Francisco last week and was really disappointed by Fisherman's Wharf - what a trap. There were lots of crappy tourist stores. We were not even impressed by Boudin's sourdough bread bowls filled with clam chowder (could NOT compare to Anchor Oyster Bar's!). At least there were sea lions!

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We went to Wisconsin Dells when I was around 10 years old. I loved it, but I would think most 10-year-olds would like it.

 

[ols386]

What is great about a tourist trap, is most of them know how to handle the crowds. I hate going someplace that doesn't know how to handle the crowds that come with a tourist trap.

When traveling anymore, I would't hit up an Olive Garden, but I will check out Yelp or the Travel Channel and see what they recommend.

This summer I have begged my DH to take me to Shipshewana, which is a huge Amish flea market and eat at the The Blue Gate. It is nothing but a pure tourist trap, but its been years since I have been there and I want to go back. Everytime I mention it he groans and says why.

I also wanted to go to Tuesday at the State Fair. I was begging anyone to take me and I was paying for everything. All you would have to do is drive me. Everyone told me its too tacky. Its $2 day so admission is $2 instead of the normal $12 and all the snack vendors have to offer something for $2 at their stands. I love it. We visit the booths and eat lots of things we normally wouldn't because its $2. DD finally said she would take me and we had a wonderful time. Our favorite was a Mac Daddy Grilled Cheese sandwich. Something I wouldn't try normally, but for $2 we gave it a shot. It was great!

I enjoy Shipshewana. Haven't been in a few years.

Have you been to Middlebury IN? It's smaller but similar. It's nice too. Has a B&B that's VERY nice. It's has quite a few rooms, and has 3 or 4 levels, and has a good size dining area with a great breakfast buffet. We also visit Shipshewaba at the same time, as it is close to Middlebury.

 

[MillauFr]

Not a fan AT ALL of the city.

You didn't enjoy the fine aromas wafting from the plaza in front of the Powell St. Bart Station? The scent was better than walking into a Lush store.

 

[bcla]

I love a good tourist trap, but I don't usually eat at them, as I prefer more off the beaten path or unique type of cuisine. For example, I like to walk around Times Square, as it is so different from where I am living now, but I would not want to eat at any of those restaurants.

I lived in D.C. for a few years, and I did get pretty sick of walking visitors around the monuments, Smithsonian, and cemetery though, they are awesome places, and I loved to see them, but it got pretty old going so often, and often at a pace that was completely different than I would have preferred.

We've ended up taking guests around and they generally want to go to the big tourist spots. If we take them to Fishermans Wharf, maybe we'll steer them to one of the local restaurants like Alioto's instead of Joe's Crab Shack. However, I don't even recommend eating in Chinatown any more unless it's just a quick takeout bite. Most of the best Chinese food in San Francisco has moved out to the more suburban parts like the Richmond and Sunset neighborhoods. If that's all we have time for, then maybe New Asia, since it's the last big room dim sum restaurant in San Francisco's Chinatown.

I'll just say what the place we went to was. It was Bubba Gump's at Cannery Row in Monterey. We were actually on somewhat of a budget. We didn't go to the aquarium but did go to a couple of the beaches in the area to just walk in the sand. No 17 Mile Drive, but Asilomar. We had our own picnic lunch, but for dinner I figured it would be more interesting to just sit down some place. But happy hour at Bubba Gump's was just too good of a deal to pass up. The menu said $5 for "beef sliders". We didn't really get a good handle on how much food that was, but it was two "mini cheeseburgers" with fries. And by "mini" each one was more like the size of an In-N-Out burger but with real cheddar on buns that were actually better. Throw in some nachos, plus separate chips and guacamole (my wife loves guacamole). And a premium draft beer pint for $3.50? About $20 for three people, and we came out full. We also tipped a little bit more since we knew we were getting a bargain.. I don't know if I would have felt the value in ordering a $19 shrimp entree, but this was a solid meal that we shared small plate style. And nobody there made us feel cheap because we didn't rack up a $100 tab. I've been to independently owned places where I might have been served by the owner who looked somewhat upset if I didn't order something more expensive.

We'd eaten on Cannery Row before. I think Bubba Gump's is the only chain (outside of Ghirardelli's) they have there for some reason. I guess the city has an aversion to chains on Cannery Row. We ate at some independent restaurant and didn't feel any kind of value. The service was rather indifferent. I know the big chains often get criticized for sameness, but there's something to be said for the efficiency and consistency.

 

[bcla]

You didn't enjoy the fine aromas wafting from the plaza in front of the Powell St. Bart Station? The scent was better than walking into a Lush store.

Powell isn't so bad. They hose it down often because tourists tend to use it. Montgomery is at a whole different level.

 

[gillep]

We've ended up taking guests around and they generally want to go to the big tourist spots. If we take them to Fishermans Wharf, maybe we'll steer them to one of the local restaurants like Alioto's instead of Joe's Crab Shack. However, I don't even recommend eating in Chinatown any more unless it's just a quick takeout bite. Most of the best Chinese food in San Francisco has moved out to the more suburban parts like the Richmond and Sunset neighborhoods. If that's all we have time for, then maybe New Asia, since it's the last big room dim sum restaurant in San Francisco's Chinatown.

I'll just say what the place we went to was. It was Bubba Gump's at Cannery Row in Monterey. We were actually on somewhat of a budget. We didn't go to the aquarium but did go to a couple of the beaches in the area to just walk in the sand. No 17 Mile Drive, but Asilomar. We had our own picnic lunch, but for dinner I figured it would be more interesting to just sit down some place. But happy hour at Bubba Gump's was just too good of a deal to pass up. The menu said $5 for "beef sliders". We didn't really get a good handle on how much food that was, but it was two "mini cheeseburgers" with fries. And by "mini" each one was more like the size of an In-N-Out burger but with real cheddar on buns that were actually better. Throw in some nachos, plus separate chips and guacamole (my wife loves guacamole). And a premium draft beer pint for $3.50? About $20 for three people, and we came out full. We also tipped a little bit more since we knew we were getting a bargain.. I don't know if I would have felt the value in ordering a $19 shrimp entree, but this was a solid meal that we shared small plate style. And nobody there made us feel cheap because we didn't rack up a $100 tab. I've been to independently owned places where I might have been served by the owner who looked somewhat upset if I didn't order something more expensive.

We'd eaten on Cannery Row before. I think Bubba Gump's is the only chain (outside of Ghirardelli's) they have there for some reason. I guess the city has an aversion to chains on Cannery Row. We ate at some independent restaurant and didn't feel any kind of value. The service was rather indifferent. I know the big chains often get criticized for sameness, but there's something to be said for the efficiency and consistency.

I love walking around Cannery Row and surrounding area and sampling all of the chowder!!!! I was just thinking about it early this morning, but will probably wait until it gets a little cooler to venture down there.

I don't have an aversion to many chain restaurants in general, I just prefer something with more local flair when traveling, I also tend to plan itineraries around food as much as I do around other attractions, as a lot of the time the food is just as much of a draw for me when I visit a place; our extended family on the other had doesn't really care about the food at all, and that's fine too, we just don't tend to travel together much, or I just change my expectations in order to go with the flow more.

 

[bcla]

I love walking around Cannery Row and surrounding area and sampling all of the chowder!!!! I was just thinking about it early this morning, but will probably wait until it gets a little cooler to venture down there.

I don't have an aversion to many chain restaurants in general, I just prefer something with more local flair when traveling, I also tend to plan itineraries around food as much as I do around other attractions, as a lot of the time the food is just as much of a draw for me when I visit a place; our extended family on the other had doesn't really care about the food at all, and that's fine too, we just don't tend to travel together much, or I just change my expectations in order to go with the flow more.

I've mentioned it before, but I remember reading this guidebook to the Big Island that my wife bought. We used it for all sorts of suggestions to go to places like the Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Garden and Akaka Falls. However, it contained a lot of bargain suggestions including getting a pizza at the Costco in Kona. We also bought one of those Entertainment coupon books and used it extensively during that trip.

 

[tvguy]

Well - I mean at the Fairfield brewery even the basic tour costs money. While we were there we saw other visitors waiting to go on the "Beermaster Tour". That was $30, but $10 for anyone underage. However, my kid was only 6 and not old enough for that tour. Again, I think it's something to do with the laws on free alcohol samples. A manufacturer has to charge at least a nominal fee to serve alcohol. They say the Beermaster Tour must be reserved, but I saw people just walking up. They apparently did get to keep a cap and a pint glass.
.

WOW! I didn't realize they had starting charging for the Budweiser tour! We took my son for his 21st birthday 9 years ago and it was free then. The basic tour is $5 now. DS is into craft beers now, and wouldn't step foot in the place, which is why I always ask when coming back from an A's game if he want to stop.

 

[Westcoastwild]

Pier 39 in SF is equivalent to the Seattle Waterfront. There are a couple decent places but most stores are junky stores selling poor quality t-shirts and crappy knickknacks. There are plenty of people shopping there though. I don't understand the draw at all.

Fresh air, sunshine, feeding French fries to the seagulls, people watching. Shopping does not factor into it at all.


The wharf gets a lot of hate on the travel forums, but I enjoy it. I will say that the "tourist traps" are never "must see's" for me and they're never the best of the best when I do see them.

 

[Squirlz]

I'll be in Gatlinburg next week! My best girlfriend owns a cabin up there so we'll go up for a few days randomly pretty often.

I assume you've been to the Aquarium? That's a must for us every time.

 

[bcla]

WOW! I didn't realize they had starting charging for the Budweiser tour! We took my son for his 21st birthday 9 years ago and it was free then. The basic tour is $5 now. DS is into craft beers now, and wouldn't step foot in the place, which is why I always ask when coming back from an A's game if he want to stop.

There are some strange laws having to do with free samples of alcohol. It's something like a max 1 oz of wine and a half oz of liquor. Not sure what the rule is on beer, but it sounds like it's a lot easier to get around all that by just charging a nominal fee.

Anheuser-Busch got in trouble when they sent employees to bars to buy patrons their product.

http://articles.latimes.com/1999/may/14/business/fi-37034

As far as beer goes, I enjoy lots of different kinds. I was going on a school camping outing with families from my kid's school. One dad worked at a local brewery known for a "premium" beer. He brought a case of Budweiser. I brought two bottles of Pliny the Elder. Anyone who wanted a can of Bud was welcome to take one, but we were sipping the Pliny like it was a wine tasting. However, he was talking about the Budweiser with a lot of respect. I've met him and other brewery workers, and they talk about A-B as a quality product. Making a beer in that volume that's consistent and free from off tastes is very hard to do - especially when there's not a strong primary flavor to mask any mistakes. They have the skills to make stuff that's close to many craft beers and some small craft brewers might use the big breweries for the occasional contract brewing.

 

[amberpi]

I assume you've been to the Aquarium? That's a must for us every time.

Yep! If its in the Smokey's I've done it. I can walk to there from her cabin. As you go into town, right across from Hillbilly Golf and the roller coaster thingie on the other side of the creek, is my friend's place. Been in her family for like 100 years. Love the Aquarium. So glad it didn't burn.

 

[dotfurio]

We enjoy tourist traps. Often we go FOR the tourist traps, like sightseeing in DC or SFO. This summer we took a side trip from a conference in San Jose to visit the Santa Cruz Mystery Spot. The girls had a blast there and spent hours after spectulating about the mystery behind it.

We used to tend to stick to chain restaurants because we could be pretty sure about quality, but thanks to Yelp we've gotten more adventurous trying local places with good reviews. That's allowed us to enjoy some unique and delicious foods!

 

[MillauFr]

Powell isn't so bad. They hose it down often because tourists tend to use it. Montgomery is at a whole different level.

They must of cleaned it up since the last time I was there.

Fresh air, sunshine, feeding French fries to the seagulls, people watching. Shopping does not factor into it at all.


The wharf gets a lot of hate on the travel forums, but I enjoy it. I will say that the "tourist traps" are never "must see's" for me and they're never the best of the best when I do see them.

Yes going to Ivars and the Aquarium are very nice. It just all of those junky touristy shops and that complete dump Miners Landing that should be leveled. At least they put in that ferris wheel that is kinda cool.

 

[NFLDERS]

Not if you do your research, and keep your eyes wide open!

I live between Toronto & Niagara Falls both very tourist attracted cities.

 

[perditax]

The only one I have a real problem with is "Margaritaville" and that whole idea of the drunken island lifestyle. I might have known (or possibly been related to) too many hardcore alcoholics in the Keys to find the idea remotely romantic.

 

[Mirielle]

No trip is complete until you've stopped at the infamous tourist "trap" known as South of the Border! Who's stopped there?

 

[Squirlz]

The only one I have a real problem with is "Margaritaville" and that whole idea of the drunken island lifestyle. I might have known (or possibly been related to) too many hardcore alcoholics in the Keys to find the idea remotely romantic.

That's a place I avoid in Key West. The Cruise Ship people flock to it. We prefer unique local fare.

 

[tvguy]

There are some strange laws having to do with free samples of alcohol. It's something like a max 1 oz of wine and a half oz of liquor. Not sure what the rule is on beer, but it sounds like it's a lot easier to get around all that by just charging a nominal fee.

Anheuser-Busch got in trouble when they sent employees to bars to buy patrons their product.

http://articles.latimes.com/1999/may/14/business/fi-37034

As far as beer goes, I enjoy lots of different kinds. I was going on a school camping outing with families from my kid's school. One dad worked at a local brewery known for a "premium" beer. He brought a case of Budweiser. I brought two bottles of Pliny the Elder. Anyone who wanted a can of Bud was welcome to take one, but we were sipping the Pliny like it was a wine tasting. However, he was talking about the Budweiser with a lot of respect. I've met him and other brewery workers, and they talk about A-B as a quality product. Making a beer in that volume that's consistent and free from off tastes is very hard to do - especially when there's not a strong primary flavor to mask any mistakes. They have the skills to make stuff that's close to many craft beers and some small craft brewers might use the big breweries for the occasional contract brewing.

Far cry from the Busch Gardens days in Van Nuys. I went there in the late 1970's, and there were huge pans filled with cans of Bud on ice all over the part, free for the taking. I have also toured the St. Louis Brewery, (and Grants farm). Back there, Bud isn't the big beer, Busch is.

I am familiar with Pliney the Elder. When DW and I went for the weekend trip to the Charles Shultz museum, DS insisted we stop and pick up a case of Pliney the Elder at the brewery in Santa Rosa.
We do a lot of wine tasting in Lodi. About half the wineries have free tasting, half charge about $5, that they wave if you buy a bottle of wine.