Rental Car
Pick Up Your Rental
Pick upLas Vegas · Aug 11
Drop offAlbuquerque · Sep 20
Total miles11847 mi
Getting There · Step 1
Stay Tonight · Las Vegas, NV
Hotel
Las Vegas Overnight
Check-inTue, Aug 11
Check-outWed, Aug 12
First pitch10:05 PM ET
Book near downtown or the ballpark so your first-game arrival stays simple.
DAY 1
Tuesday, August 11
First pitch at 10:05 PM ET — Las Vegas Aviators vs. Sacramento River Cats at Las Vegas Ballpark tonight. Don't leave without The Las Vegas Lounge Burger.
Stop 01 of 23
Las Vegas, NV · Tue Aug 11
Las Vegas Ballpark
Las Vegas Aviators · AAA
10:05 PM ET
vs. Sacramento River Cats
Must Eat at the Park
The Las Vegas Lounge Burger
Half-pound smash burger with pepper jack, caramelised onions, and chipotle aioli.
Local Beer
CraftHaus Brewery Evocation Saison
CraftHaus is the most locally specific craft at Las Vegas Ballpark.
CraftHaus Brewery · Henderson, NV
The Aviators and the Improbable Baseball Market
Pilgrim Notes · Las Vegas Baseball History
Stay Tonight · Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas Overnight
Check-inTue, Aug 11
Check-outWed, Aug 12
First pitch tomorrow at 8:35 PM ET. Leave by 6:32 AM.
Thu Morning
When to Depart
Leave by6:32 AM
Drive to El Paso728 mi · 12.6h
Game time8:35 PM ET
Long drive — consider stopping overnight in Las Vegas overnight.
Worth the Detour · +10 min
World's Largest Thermometer — Baker
A 134-foot thermometer built to honor the 134°F record set in nearby Death Valley. Visible from I-15. The Alien Fresh Jerky shop next door is its own category of American roadside experience.
Baker, CA · 10 min detourLas Vegas → El Paso
728 mi · 12.6h · long haul
DAY 3
Thursday, August 13
It's a 12.6h haul from Las Vegas — plan to break this into two days or drive the night before. First pitch at 8:35 PM ET — El Paso Chihuahuas vs. Salt Lake Bees at Southwest University Park tonight. World's Largest Thermometer — Baker is worth 10 minutes off the highway.
Stop 02 of 23
El Paso, TX · Thu Aug 13
Southwest University Park
El Paso Chihuahuas · AAA
8:35 PM ET
vs. Salt Lake Bees
Must Eat at the Park
L&J Café Carne Asada Taco
Grilled beef, pico de gallo, guacamole, lime, cilantro in handmade corn tortilla. Since 1927.
Local Beer
Deadbeach Brewery El Chuco IPA
Deadbeach is the most locally specific craft. El Chuco is El Paso's nickname.
Deadbeach Brewery · El Paso, TX
El Paso Chihuahuas and the Border League
Pilgrim Notes · El Paso Baseball History
Stay Tonight · El Paso, TX
El Paso Overnight
Check-inThu, Aug 13
Check-outFri, Aug 14
First pitch tomorrow at 8:05 PM ET. Leave by 7:16 AM.
Sat Morning
When to Depart
Leave by7:16 AM
Drive to Round Rock656 mi · 11.3h
Game time8:05 PM ET
Long drive — consider stopping overnight in El Paso overnight.
Worth the Detour · +25 min
Waco Mammoth National Monument
24 mammoths who died together in a Texas flash flood 67,000 years ago. Still in place.
Waco, TX · 25 min detourEl Paso → Round Rock
656 mi · 11.3h · long haul
DAY 5
Saturday, August 15
It's a 11.3h haul from El Paso — plan to break this into two days or drive the night before. First pitch at 8:05 PM ET — Round Rock Express vs. Sugar Land Space Cowboys at Dell Diamond tonight. Waco Mammoth National Monument is worth 25 minutes off the highway.
Stop 03 of 23
Round Rock, TX · Sat Aug 15
Dell Diamond
Round Rock Express · AAA
8:05 PM ET
vs. Sugar Land Space Cowboys
Must Eat at the Park
Central Texas Smoked Brisket
Low and slow over post oak, no sauce. The Central Texas Hill Country tradition.
Local Beer
Austin Beerworks Pearl-Snap Pils
Pearl-Snap German-style Pilsner is the most crushable Austin craft option for Central Texas summer heat.
Austin Beerworks · Austin, TX
Stay Tonight · Round Rock, TX
Round Rock Overnight
Check-inSat, Aug 15
Check-outSun, Aug 16
First pitch tomorrow at 6:35 PM ET. Leave by Previous evening — overnight drive recommended.
Tue Morning
When to Depart
Leave byPrevious evening — overnight drive recommended
Drive to Norfolk1629 mi · 28.1h
Game time6:35 PM ET
Long drive — consider stopping overnight in Round Rock overnight.
Breakfast Stop · Round Rock, TX
Before You Hit the Road
Round Rock Donuts
The legendary orange donut baked in Round Rock since 1926. Texas-sized glazed donuts roughly 3x standard. Dell Diamond is 10 minutes away. This is a pilgrimage within a pilgrimage.
Original glazed orange donuts + coffee
Open 5 AM daily, sell out by 11 AM
Worth the Detour · +5 min
The Giant Peachoid Water Tower
A million-gallon water tower shaped like a giant peach on the South Carolina border along I-85. Featured in House of Cards. Debated endlessly for resembling something other than a peach.
Gaffney, SC · 5 min detourRound Rock → Norfolk
1629 mi · 28.1h · long haul
DAY 8
Tuesday, August 18
First pitch at 6:35 PM ET — Norfolk Tides vs. Nashville Sounds at Harbor Park tonight — Turn-Back-The-Clock Night #2 tonight. The Giant Peachoid Water Tower is worth 5 minutes off the highway.
Stop 04 of 23
Norfolk, VA · Tue Aug 18
Harbor Park
Norfolk Tides · AAA
6:35 PM ET
vs. Nashville Sounds
Must Eat at the Park
Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Cake
Picked blue crab lump meat, Old Bay seasoning, minimal binder, pan-fried.
Local Beer
Smartmouth Brewing Notch Sessionable IPA
Smartmouth is the most available local craft at Harbor Park.
Smartmouth Brewing · Norfolk, VA
Stay Tonight · Norfolk, VA
Norfolk Overnight
Check-inTue, Aug 18
Check-outWed, Aug 19
First pitch tomorrow at 7:05 PM ET. Leave by 11:16 AM.
Thu Morning
When to Depart
Leave by11:16 AM
Drive to Moosic366 mi · 6.3h
Game time7:05 PM ET
Long drive — consider stopping overnight in Moosic.
Worth the Detour · +15 min
World's Largest Glacial Pothole
A coal miner set off explosives in 1884 and accidentally uncovered a 38-foot-deep Ice Age hole. It held 140,000 gallons of meltwater. You can look straight down into the Earth.
Archbald, PA · 15 min detourNorfolk → Moosic
366 mi · 6.3h · regional run
DAY 10
Thursday, August 20
It's a 6.3h haul from Norfolk — plan to break this into two days or drive the night before. First pitch at 7:05 PM ET — Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders vs. Charlotte Knights at PNC Field tonight. World's Largest Glacial Pothole is worth 15 minutes off the highway.
Stop 05 of 23
Moosic, PA · Thu Aug 20
PNC Field
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders · AAA
7:05 PM ET
vs. Charlotte Knights
Must Eat at the Park
Anthracite Coal Pretzel
Coal-black soft pretzel coloured with activated charcoal, with sharp cheddar dipping sauce.
Local Beer
Susquehanna Brewing Company Black Bear Stout
Susquehanna Brewing, the Pittston PA craft brewery near Scranton.
Susquehanna Brewing Co. · Pittston, PA
Stay Tonight · Moosic, PA
Moosic Overnight
Check-inThu, Aug 20
Check-outFri, Aug 21
First pitch tomorrow at 6:35 PM ET. Leave by 2:00 PM.
Fri Morning
When to Depart
Leave by2:00 PM
Drive to Syracuse179 mi · 3.1h
Game time6:35 PM ET
Leave on time to allow for fuel, food, and parking.
Worth the Detour · +10 min
The Upside-Down Traffic Light
The only green-on-top traffic light in the United States. Irish immigrants on Tipperary Hill kept smashing the 'British red' above 'Irish green' until the city gave up and inverted it permanently.
Syracuse, NY · 10 min detourMoosic → Syracuse
179 mi · 3.1h · easy leg
DAY 11
Friday, August 21
The 3.1h drive from Moosic to Syracuse is straightforward — leave after breakfast and you're there. First pitch at 6:35 PM ET — Syracuse Mets vs. Worcester Red Sox at NBT Bank Stadium tonight — Salt Potatoes Power Move Weekend Night 1 — Fireworks tonight. The Upside-Down Traffic Light is worth 10 minutes off the highway.
Stop 06 of 23
Syracuse, NY · Fri Aug 21
NBT Bank Stadium
Syracuse Mets · AAA
6:35 PM ET
vs. Worcester Red Sox
Must Eat at the Park
Syracuse Salt Potatoes
Small potatoes boiled in heavy brine until salt crystallises on the skin, served with melted butter.
Local Beer
Middle Ages Brewing Wailing Wench
Middle Ages is the most locally specific craft at NBT Bank Stadium.
Middle Ages Brewing Co. · Syracuse, NY
Stay Tonight · Syracuse, NY
Syracuse Overnight
Check-inFri, Aug 21
Check-outSat, Aug 22
First pitch tomorrow at 6:35 PM ET. Leave by 2:04 PM.
Sat Morning
When to Depart
Leave by2:04 PM
Drive to Buffalo175 mi · 3h
Game time6:35 PM ET
Leave on time to allow for fuel, food, and parking.
Worth the Detour · +10 min
Big Metal Dragon
A fire-breathing steel sculpture rises from a field beside Route 20 near East Bethany. Private property, but clearly visible from the road and absolutely baffling.
East Bethany, NY · 10 min detourSyracuse → Buffalo
175 mi · 3h · easy leg
DAY 12
Saturday, August 22
The 3h drive from Syracuse to Buffalo is straightforward — leave after breakfast and you're there. First pitch at 6:35 PM ET — Buffalo Bisons vs. Lehigh Valley IronPigs at Sahlen Field tonight — Harry Potter Night — 25th Anniversary Banner Giveaway + Fireworks tonight. Big Metal Dragon is worth 10 minutes off the highway.
Stop 07 of 23
Buffalo, NY · Sat Aug 22
Sahlen Field
Buffalo Bisons · AAA
6:35 PM ET
vs. Lehigh Valley IronPigs
Must Eat at the Park
Buffalo Wing Plate
Anchor Bar buffalo wings — medium sauce, bone-in, blue cheese dressing. The source.
Local Beer
Community Beer Works Frank
CBW's Frank American Lager is the most approachable Buffalo craft option.
Community Beer Works · Buffalo, NY
The Bisons, the Drought, and the City That Stayed Loyal
Pilgrim Notes · Buffalo Baseball History
Stay Tonight · Buffalo, NY
Buffalo Overnight
Check-inSat, Aug 22
Check-outSun, Aug 23
First pitch tomorrow at 2:05 PM ET. Leave by 7:10 AM.
Sun Morning
When to Depart
Leave by7:10 AM
Drive to Toledo314 mi · 5.4h
Game time2:05 PM ET
Leave on time to allow for fuel, food, and parking.
Worth the Detour · +10 min
Big Metal Dragon
A fire-breathing steel sculpture rises from a field beside Route 20 near East Bethany. Private property, but clearly visible from the road and absolutely baffling.
East Bethany, NY · 10 min detourBuffalo → Toledo
314 mi · 5.4h · regional run
DAY 13
Sunday, August 23
Buffalo to Toledo is 5.4h — a solid drive, so leave early and plan a stop along the way. First pitch at 2:05 PM ET — Toledo Mud Hens vs. Iowa Cubs at Fifth Third Field today — Crayola Night today. Big Metal Dragon is worth 10 minutes off the highway.
Stop 08 of 23
Toledo, OH · Sun Aug 23
Fifth Third Field
Toledo Mud Hens · AAA
2:05 PM ET
vs. Iowa Cubs
Must Eat at the Park
Ohio Sweet Corn Elote
Ohio sweet corn served Mexican-style with cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and crema.
Local Beer
Maumee Bay Brewing Fallen Timbers Red Ale
Maumee Bay is the most locally specific craft at Fifth Third Field.
Maumee Bay Brewing · Toledo, OH
Stay Tonight · Toledo, OH
Toledo Overnight
Check-inSun, Aug 23
Check-outMon, Aug 24
First pitch tomorrow at 6:45 PM ET. Leave by 7:16 AM.
Tue Morning
When to Depart
Leave by7:16 AM
Drive to Durham579 mi · 10h
Game time6:45 PM ET
Long drive — consider stopping overnight in Toledo overnight.
Worth the Detour · +5 min
The Giant Peachoid Water Tower
A million-gallon water tower shaped like a giant peach on the South Carolina border along I-85. Featured in House of Cards. Debated endlessly for resembling something other than a peach.
Gaffney, SC · 5 min detourToledo → Durham
579 mi · 10h · long haul
DAY 15
Tuesday, August 25
It's a 10h haul from Toledo — plan to break this into two days or drive the night before. First pitch at 6:45 PM ET — Durham Bulls vs. Norfolk Tides at Durham Bulls Athletic Park tonight — Toros Bravos de Durham — Copa de la Diversión Night 1 tonight. The Giant Peachoid Water Tower is worth 5 minutes off the highway.
Stop 09 of 23
Durham, NC · Tue Aug 25
Durham Bulls Athletic Park
Durham Bulls · AAA
6:45 PM ET
vs. Norfolk Tides
Must Eat at the Park
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich
Eastern North Carolina vinegar-based pulled pork on a sturdy bun with coleslaw.
Local Beer
Fullsteam Brewery Paycheck Pilsner
Fullsteam is the most Durham-specific craft brewery. Paycheck Pilsner and Worker's Comp Saison are both available.
Fullsteam Brewery · Durham, NC
Bull Durham, the Crash Davis Effect, and the Real Baseball Town
Pilgrim Notes · Durham Baseball History
Stay Tonight · Durham, NC
Durham Overnight
Check-inTue, Aug 25
Check-outWed, Aug 26
First pitch tomorrow at 6:35 PM ET. Leave by 2:27 PM.
Wed Morning
When to Depart
Leave by2:27 PM
Drive to Charlotte153 mi · 2.6h
Game time6:35 PM ET
Leave on time to allow for fuel, food, and parking.
Breakfast Stop · Durham, NC
Before You Hit the Road
Dame's Chicken and Waffles
Downtown Durham, NC. The Bulls park is walking distance. Global-inspired waffle combinations — the Kaya (coconut jam and butter) and the Seoul (kimchi and sriracha) are the standouts. A genuine Durham institution.
Chicken and waffles + house sauce
Open 8 AM–3 PM daily
Worth the Detour · +5 min
The Giant Peachoid Water Tower
A million-gallon water tower shaped like a giant peach on the South Carolina border along I-85. Featured in House of Cards. Debated endlessly for resembling something other than a peach.
Gaffney, SC · 5 min detourDurham → Charlotte
153 mi · 2.6h · easy leg
DAY 16
Wednesday, August 26
The 2.6h drive from Durham to Charlotte is straightforward — leave after breakfast and you're there. First pitch at 6:35 PM ET — Charlotte Knights vs. Memphis Redbirds at Truist Field tonight. The Giant Peachoid Water Tower is worth 5 minutes off the highway.
Stop 10 of 23
Charlotte, NC · Wed Aug 26
Truist Field
Charlotte Knights · AAA
6:35 PM ET
vs. Memphis Redbirds
Must Eat at the Park
Carolina Chicken Sandwich
Fried chicken breast with Duke's mayo, bread and butter pickles, and mustard-vinegar coleslaw.
Local Beer
NoDa Brewing Hop Drop 'n Roll IPA
NoDa's Hop Drop 'n Roll has won GABF medals. Available throughout Truist Field.
NoDa Brewing Co. · Charlotte, NC
Charlotte Knights and the Stadium That Brought Baseball Back Downtown
Pilgrim Notes · Charlotte Baseball History
Stay Tonight · Charlotte, NC
Charlotte Overnight
Check-inWed, Aug 26
Check-outThu, Aug 27
First pitch tomorrow at 7:15 PM ET. Leave by 10:20 AM.
Fri Morning
When to Depart
Leave by10:20 AM
Drive to Louisville430 mi · 7.4h
Game time7:15 PM ET
Long drive — consider stopping overnight in Louisville.
Breakfast Stop · Charlotte, NC
Before You Hit the Road
Eggs Up Grill
Charlotte-based breakfast chain that does what it says. Consistent, solid, well-priced. The hangover hash and the egg white omelettes are the menu anchors. Locations near the Knights stadium corridor.
Hangover hash + coffee
Open 6 AM–2 PM daily
Worth the Detour · +5 min
The Giant Peachoid Water Tower
A million-gallon water tower shaped like a giant peach on the South Carolina border along I-85. Featured in House of Cards. Debated endlessly for resembling something other than a peach.
Gaffney, SC · 5 min detourCharlotte → Louisville
430 mi · 7.4h · regional run
DAY 18
Friday, August 28
It's a 7.4h haul from Charlotte — plan to break this into two days or drive the night before. First pitch at 7:15 PM ET — Louisville Bats vs. Gwinnett Stripers at Louisville Slugger Field tonight — Pat Kelsey Bobblehead tonight. The Giant Peachoid Water Tower is worth 5 minutes off the highway.
Stop 11 of 23
Louisville, KY · Fri Aug 28
Louisville Slugger Field
Louisville Bats · AAA
7:15 PM ET
vs. Gwinnett Stripers
Must Eat at the Park
Hot Brown Open-Faced Sandwich
Open-faced turkey sandwich smothered in Mornay sauce with bacon and tomato, broiled. Invented at the Brown Hotel in 1926.
Local Beer
Against the Grain Brewery — Full Tap Room
Against the Grain operates a full brewpub INSIDE Louisville Slugger Field — brewing on the premises. The only AAA park with an in-stadium brewery.
Against the Grain Brewery · Louisville, KY
Louisville Slugger, Pee Wee Reese, and the Bat City Connection
Pilgrim Notes · Louisville Baseball History
Stay Tonight · Louisville, KY
Louisville Overnight
Check-inFri, Aug 28
Check-outSat, Aug 29
First pitch tomorrow at 6:35 PM ET. Leave by 2:46 PM.
Sat Morning
When to Depart
Leave by2:46 PM
Drive to Indianapolis134 mi · 2.3h
Game time6:35 PM ET
Leave on time to allow for fuel, food, and parking.
Worth the Detour · +30 min
World's Largest Baseball Bat
A 120-foot, 68,000-pound steel bat leans against the Louisville Slugger Museum — an exact replica of one used by Babe Ruth. You can touch it. The factory tour inside is genuinely excellent.
Louisville, KY · 30 min detourLouisville → Indianapolis
134 mi · 2.3h · easy leg
DAY 19
Saturday, August 29
The 2.3h drive from Louisville to Indianapolis is straightforward — leave after breakfast and you're there. First pitch at 6:35 PM ET — Indianapolis Indians vs. Columbus Clippers at Victory Field tonight — WWE Night — Rowdie WWE Bobblehead tonight. World's Largest Baseball Bat is worth 30 minutes off the highway.
Stop 12 of 23
Indianapolis, IN · Sat Aug 29
Victory Field
Indianapolis Indians · AAA
6:35 PM ET
vs. Columbus Clippers
Must Eat at the Park
Indiana Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Breaded pork tenderloin pounded thin, deep-fried, on a bun it dwarfs by several inches.
Local Beer
Sun King Cream Ale
Sun King is the dominant local craft at Victory Field. One of the Midwest's most successful craft operations.
Sun King Brewing · Indianapolis, IN
Victory Field and the Best Minor League Park in America
Pilgrim Notes · Indianapolis Baseball History
Stay Tonight · Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis Overnight
Check-inSat, Aug 29
Check-outSun, Aug 30
First pitch tomorrow at 6:35 PM ET. Leave by 1:28 PM.
Tue Morning
When to Depart
Leave by1:28 PM
Drive to Columbus210 mi · 3.6h
Game time6:35 PM ET
Leave on time to allow for fuel, food, and parking.
Lunch Stop · I-70 E to Columbus, multiple locations
Midway Fuel-Up
Swensons Drive-In
An Ohio institution since 1934, born in Akron. Car hops still deliver to your window. The Galley Boy — a double cheeseburger with two sauce types — is the order. The onion rings are equally important. Classic American roadside culture.
Galley Boy + onion rings + milkshake
Open 11 AM–midnight daily
Worth the Detour · +10 min
Field of Corn (Cornhenge)
109 concrete ears of corn arranged in rows like Arlington National Cemetery outside Columbus. Each one weighs 1,500 lbs and stands 6 feet tall. There is no satisfying explanation.
Dublin, OH · 10 min detourIndianapolis → Columbus
210 mi · 3.6h · easy leg
DAY 22
Tuesday, September 1
First pitch at 6:35 PM ET — Columbus Clippers vs. Iowa Cubs at Huntington Park tonight. Field of Corn (Cornhenge) is worth 10 minutes off the highway.
Stop 13 of 23
Columbus, OH · Tue Sep 1
Huntington Park
Columbus Clippers · AAA
6:35 PM ET
vs. Iowa Cubs
Must Eat at the Park
Schmidt's Bahama Mama
Schmidt's Sausage Haus smoked red sausage with paprika-forward seasoning, charcoal-grilled.
Local Beer
Land-Grant Brewing Beard of Zeus IPA
Land-Grant, the Short North Columbus craft brewery. Beard of Zeus IPA is their flagship.
Land-Grant Brewing · Columbus, OH
Huntington Park and the Gateway to the Majors
Pilgrim Notes · Columbus Baseball History
Stay Tonight · Columbus, OH
Columbus Overnight
Check-inTue, Sep 1
Check-outWed, Sep 2
First pitch tomorrow at 7:35 PM ET. Leave by 10:55 AM.
Thu Morning
When to Depart
Leave by10:55 AM
Drive to Nashville416 mi · 7.2h
Game time7:35 PM ET
Long drive — consider stopping overnight in Nashville.
Worth the Detour · +10 min
Hug Me Jesus (Lux Mundi)
A 62-foot statue of Jesus with outstretched arms looms over I-75 near Monroe. The original 'Touchdown Jesus' was struck by lightning in 2010. This is the replacement. It was not struck by lightning.
Monroe, OH · 10 min detourColumbus → Nashville
416 mi · 7.2h · regional run
DAY 24
Thursday, September 3
It's a 7.2h haul from Columbus — plan to break this into two days or drive the night before. First pitch at 7:35 PM ET — Nashville Sounds vs. Louisville Bats at First Horizon Park tonight. Hug Me Jesus (Lux Mundi) is worth 10 minutes off the highway.
Stop 14 of 23
Nashville, TN · Thu Sep 3
First Horizon Park
Nashville Sounds · AAA
7:35 PM ET
vs. Louisville Bats
Must Eat at the Park
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
Fried chicken coated in cayenne spice paste, served on white bread with pickles. Order it medium.
Local Beer
Yazoo Brewing Pale Ale
Yazoo, Nashville's founding craft brewery since 2003.
Yazoo Brewing Co. · Nashville, TN
The Sounds, the City, and Baseball in Music City
Pilgrim Notes · Nashville Baseball History
Stay Tonight · Nashville, TN
Nashville Overnight
Check-inThu, Sep 3
Check-outFri, Sep 4
First pitch tomorrow at 7:05 PM ET. Leave by 12:52 PM.
Fri Morning
When to Depart
Leave by12:52 PM
Drive to Lawrenceville274 mi · 4.7h
Game time7:05 PM ET
Leave on time to allow for fuel, food, and parking.
Breakfast Stop · Nashville, TN
Before You Hit the Road
First Watch
Nashville-area locations of the daytime-only breakfast and brunch chain that started in Florida. The Chickichanga (breakfast burrito) and the Million Dollar Bacon are the reliable orders. Locations near the Sounds stadium.
Million Dollar Bacon + Chickichanga
Open 7 AM–2:30 PM daily
Worth the Detour · +30 min
Sloss Furnaces Birmingham
90 years of blast furnaces, preserved. Birmingham was the only city with ore, coal, and limestone in a 30-mile radius.
Birmingham, AL · 30 min detourNashville → Lawrenceville
274 mi · 4.7h · regional run
DAY 25
Friday, September 4
Nashville to Lawrenceville is 4.7h — a solid drive, so leave early and plan a stop along the way. First pitch at 7:05 PM ET — Gwinnett Stripers vs. Charlotte Knights at Coolray Field tonight — Xolos de Gwinnett Copa de la Diversión (Game 1) + Fireworks Friday tonight. Sloss Furnaces Birmingham is worth 30 minutes off the highway.
Stop 15 of 23
Lawrenceville, GA · Fri Sep 4
Coolray Field
Gwinnett Stripers · AAA
7:05 PM ET
vs. Charlotte Knights
Must Eat at the Park
Georgia Peach BBQ Pulled Pork
Slow-smoked pork shoulder finished with a peach-infused vinegar BBQ sauce.
Local Beer
SweetWater 420 Extra Pale Ale
SweetWater, the Atlanta craft brewery since 1997. 420 Extra Pale Ale is their flagship.
SweetWater Brewing Co. · Atlanta, GA
Stay Tonight · Lawrenceville, GA
Lawrenceville Overnight
Check-inFri, Sep 4
Check-outSat, Sep 5
First pitch tomorrow at 2:05 PM ET. Leave by Previous evening — overnight drive recommended.
Sun Morning
When to Depart
Leave byPrevious evening — overnight drive recommended
Drive to Memphis443 mi · 7.6h
Game time2:05 PM ET
Long drive — consider stopping overnight in Memphis.
Worth the Detour · +30 min
16th Street Baptist Church Birmingham
The church where four girls were killed in 1963, rebuilt and open. The park across the street holds the monuments.
Birmingham, AL · 30 min detourLawrenceville → Memphis
443 mi · 7.6h · regional run
DAY 27
Sunday, September 6
It's a 7.6h haul from Lawrenceville — plan to break this into two days or drive the night before. First pitch at 2:05 PM ET — Memphis Redbirds vs. Durham Bulls at AutoZone Park today. 16th Street Baptist Church Birmingham is worth 30 minutes off the highway.
Stop 16 of 23
Memphis, TN · Sun Sep 6
AutoZone Park
Memphis Redbirds · AAA
2:05 PM ET
vs. Durham Bulls
Must Eat at the Park
Memphis Dry-Rub Ribs
Paprika-heavy dry-rub ribs slow-smoked without sauce. Interstate Bar-B-Que operates at AutoZone Park.
Local Beer
High Cotton Brewing Midsouth Pale Ale
High Cotton is the most locally specific craft at AutoZone Park.
High Cotton Brewing Co. · Memphis, TN
AutoZone Park and the Minor League Cathedral Problem
Pilgrim Notes · Memphis Baseball History
Stay Tonight · Memphis, TN
Memphis Overnight
Check-inSun, Sep 6
Check-outMon, Sep 7
First pitch tomorrow at 7:38 PM ET. Leave by 7:41 AM.
Tue Morning
When to Depart
Leave by7:41 AM
Drive to Des Moines606 mi · 10.4h
Game time7:38 PM ET
Long drive — consider stopping overnight in Memphis overnight.
Breakfast Stop · Memphis, TN
Before You Hit the Road
Midtown Cafe
Midtown Memphis institution beloved by locals and food writers alike. Southern breakfast classics done with care — biscuits, fried catfish at breakfast, grits that are genuinely great. Far better than anything near the ballpark.
Catfish and grits + biscuit
Open 7 AM–2 PM daily
Worth the Detour · +15 min
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard Route 66
The Route 66 frozen custard stand held upside-down to prove its thickness since 1941.
St. Louis, MO · 15 min detourMemphis → Des Moines
606 mi · 10.4h · long haul
DAY 29
Tuesday, September 8
It's a 10.4h haul from Memphis — plan to break this into two days or drive the night before. First pitch at 7:38 PM ET — Iowa Cubs vs. Toledo Mud Hens at Principal Park tonight. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard Route 66 is worth 15 minutes off the highway.
Stop 17 of 23
Des Moines, IA · Tue Sep 8
Principal Park
Iowa Cubs · AAA
7:38 PM ET
vs. Toledo Mud Hens
Must Eat at the Park
Iowa Sweet Corn on the Cob
Iowa sweet corn in season with butter and salt — the most legitimately fresh simple food in the Midwest.
Local Beer
Confluence Brewing Des Moines IPA
Confluence, located on the Raccoon River (same river under the park), is the most locally specific craft option.
Confluence Brewing Co. · Des Moines, IA
Stay Tonight · Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Overnight
Check-inTue, Sep 8
Check-outWed, Sep 9
First pitch tomorrow at 7:37 PM ET. Leave by 1:04 PM.
Wed Morning
When to Depart
Leave by1:04 PM
Drive to St. Paul293 mi · 5h
Game time7:37 PM ET
Leave on time to allow for fuel, food, and parking.
Worth the Detour · +10 min
Jolly Green Giant Statue
A 55-foot vegetable mascot who will let you stand in his palm.
Blue Earth, MN · 10 min detourDes Moines → St. Paul
293 mi · 5h · regional run
DAY 30
Wednesday, September 9
Des Moines to St. Paul is 5h — a solid drive, so leave early and plan a stop along the way. First pitch at 7:37 PM ET — St. Paul Saints vs. Syracuse Mets at CHS Field tonight. Jolly Green Giant Statue is worth 10 minutes off the highway.
Stop 18 of 23
St. Paul, MN · Wed Sep 9
CHS Field
St. Paul Saints · AAA
7:37 PM ET
vs. Syracuse Mets
Must Eat at the Park
Walleye Fish Tacos
Beer-battered Minnesota walleye tacos with jalapeño slaw, crema, and lime.
Local Beer
Summit Brewing Extra Pale Ale
Summit, the St. Paul craft brewery since 1986, is the most locally specific beer at CHS Field.
Summit Brewing Co. · St. Paul, MN
The Saints, Bill Murray, and the Miracle of Independent Baseball
Pilgrim Notes · St. Paul Baseball History
Stay Tonight · St. Paul, MN
St. Paul Overnight
Check-inWed, Sep 9
Check-outThu, Sep 10
First pitch tomorrow at 6:45 PM ET. Leave by Previous evening — overnight drive recommended.
Fri Morning
When to Depart
Leave byPrevious evening — overnight drive recommended
Drive to Allentown1176 mi · 20.3h
Game time6:45 PM ET
Long drive — consider stopping overnight in St. Paul overnight.
Breakfast Stop · St. Paul, MN
Before You Hit the Road
Mickey's Diner
St. Paul's 24-hour diner since 1939 in an original O'Mahony diner car. On the National Register of Historic Places. The pork chop sandwich and the hash are the move at any hour. Twin Cities pilgrims go to Mickey's; the tourists go to the chains.
Pork chop sandwich + hash + coffee
Open 24 hours
Worth the Detour · +10 min
Big Metal Dragon
A fire-breathing steel sculpture rises from a field beside Route 20 near East Bethany. Private property, but clearly visible from the road and absolutely baffling.
East Bethany, NY · 10 min detourSt. Paul → Allentown
1176 mi · 20.3h · long haul
DAY 32
Friday, September 11
It's a 20.3h haul from St. Paul — plan to break this into two days or drive the night before. First pitch at 6:45 PM ET — Lehigh Valley IronPigs vs. Worcester Red Sox at Coca-Cola Park tonight — First Responders Night + TBA Giveaway + Fireworks tonight. Big Metal Dragon is worth 10 minutes off the highway.
Stop 19 of 23
Allentown, PA · Fri Sep 11
Coca-Cola Park
Lehigh Valley IronPigs · AAA
6:45 PM ET
vs. Worcester Red Sox
Must Eat at the Park
Philly Cheesesteak
Shaved ribeye, Cheez Whiz, on an Amoroso roll. The legitimate article.
Local Beer
Weyerbacher Brewing QUAD
Weyerbacher, the most acclaimed Lehigh Valley craft brewery. QUAD Belgian-style strong ale.
Weyerbacher Brewing Co. · Easton, PA
Stay Tonight · Allentown, PA
Allentown Overnight
Check-inFri, Sep 11
Check-outSat, Sep 12
First pitch tomorrow at 6:05 PM ET. Leave by 12:06 PM.
Sat Morning
When to Depart
Leave by12:06 PM
Drive to Rochester260 mi · 4.5h
Game time6:05 PM ET
Leave on time to allow for fuel, food, and parking.
Worth the Detour · +10 min
Big Metal Dragon
A fire-breathing steel sculpture rises from a field beside Route 20 near East Bethany. Private property, but clearly visible from the road and absolutely baffling.
East Bethany, NY · 10 min detourAllentown → Rochester
260 mi · 4.5h · easy leg
DAY 33
Saturday, September 12
Allentown to Rochester is 4.5h — a solid drive, so leave early and plan a stop along the way. First pitch at 6:05 PM ET — Rochester Red Wings vs. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders at Frontier Field tonight — Irish Night — Jersey Auction tonight. Big Metal Dragon is worth 10 minutes off the highway.
Stop 20 of 23
Rochester, NY · Sat Sep 12
Frontier Field
Rochester Red Wings · AAA
6:05 PM ET
vs. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
Must Eat at the Park
Rochester Garbage Plate
Two macaroni salads, two hamburger patties, meat hot sauce, mustard, diced raw onions. Nick Tahou Hots since 1918.
Local Beer
Three Heads Brewing Kind Pale Ale
Three Heads is the most widely available local craft at Frontier Field.
Three Heads Brewing · Rochester, NY
Stay Tonight · Rochester, NY
Rochester Overnight
Check-inSat, Sep 12
Check-outSun, Sep 13
First pitch tomorrow at 6:05 PM ET. Leave by 10:06 AM.
Tue Morning
When to Depart
Leave by10:06 AM
Drive to Worcester376 mi · 6.5h
Game time6:05 PM ET
Long drive — consider stopping overnight in Worcester.
Worth the Detour · +10 min
Big Metal Dragon
A fire-breathing steel sculpture rises from a field beside Route 20 near East Bethany. Private property, but clearly visible from the road and absolutely baffling.
East Bethany, NY · 10 min detourRochester → Worcester
376 mi · 6.5h · regional run
DAY 36
Tuesday, September 15
First pitch at 6:05 PM ET — Worcester Red Sox vs. Durham Bulls at Polar Park tonight. Big Metal Dragon is worth 10 minutes off the highway.
Stop 21 of 23
Worcester, MA · Tue Sep 15
Polar Park
Worcester Red Sox · AAA
6:05 PM ET
vs. Durham Bulls
Must Eat at the Park
Lobster Roll
Warm butter-split-top lobster roll with picked Maine lobster, melted butter, chives.
Local Beer
Wormtown Brewery Be Hoppy IPA
Wormtown, Worcester's own craft brewery. Be Hoppy IPA is their flagship.
Wormtown Brewery · Worcester, MA
Polar Park and the Youngest Stadium in Professional Baseball
Pilgrim Notes · Worcester Baseball History
Stay Tonight · Worcester, MA
Worcester Overnight
Check-inTue, Sep 15
Check-outWed, Sep 16
First pitch tomorrow at 7:35 PM ET. Leave by Previous evening — overnight drive recommended.
Fri Morning
When to Depart
Leave byPrevious evening — overnight drive recommended
Drive to Papillion1565 mi · 27h
Game time7:35 PM ET
Long drive — consider stopping overnight in Worcester overnight.
Breakfast Stop · Worcester, MA
Before You Hit the Road
Cheery Chicken
Downtown Worcester, near Polar Park. Southern-inspired breakfast in a city not known for Southern food. The chicken biscuit rivals anything in the South. Pre-WooSox game breakfast done right.
Chicken biscuit + hot honey + coffee
Open 7 AM–2 PM daily
Worth the Detour · +10 min
Big Metal Dragon
A fire-breathing steel sculpture rises from a field beside Route 20 near East Bethany. Private property, but clearly visible from the road and absolutely baffling.
East Bethany, NY · 10 min detourWorcester → Papillion
1565 mi · 27h · long haul
DAY 39
Friday, September 18
First pitch at 7:35 PM ET — Omaha Storm Chasers vs. Iowa Cubs at Werner Park tonight. Big Metal Dragon is worth 10 minutes off the highway.
Stop 22 of 23
Papillion, NE · Fri Sep 18
Werner Park
Omaha Storm Chasers · AAA
7:35 PM ET
vs. Iowa Cubs
Must Eat at the Park
Nebraska Beef Brisket Sandwich
Slow-smoked Nebraska beef brisket with Kansas City-influenced sweet and tangy sauce.
Local Beer
Nebraska Brewing Company Mélange à Trois
Nebraska Brewing — headquartered in Papillion, same suburb as Werner Park — is the most geographically specific craft brewery in AAA.
Nebraska Brewing Co. · Papillion, NE
Stay Tonight · Papillion, NE
Papillion Overnight
Check-inFri, Sep 18
Check-outSat, Sep 19
First pitch tomorrow at 3:35 PM ET. Leave by Previous evening — overnight drive recommended.
Sun Morning
When to Depart
Leave byPrevious evening — overnight drive recommended
Drive to Albuquerque885 mi · 15.3h
Game time3:35 PM ET
Long drive — consider stopping overnight in Papillion overnight.
Worth the Detour · +20 min
Cadillac Ranch
Ten Cadillacs buried nose-first in a Texas panhandle field since 1974. Bring spray paint — you are expected to leave a mark. Every car is repainted constantly. It looks different every single day.
Amarillo, TX · 20 min detourPapillion → Albuquerque
885 mi · 15.3h · long haul
DAY 41
Sunday, September 20
It's a 15.3h haul from Papillion — plan to break this into two days or drive the night before. First pitch at 3:35 PM ET — Albuquerque Isotopes vs. Salt Lake Bees at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park today — Final Fiesta — Mariachis Adult Jersey Giveaway (first 3,000 fans 16+) + Fan Appreciation Day today. Cadillac Ranch is worth 20 minutes off the highway.
Stop 23 of 23
Albuquerque, NM · Sun Sep 20
Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park
Albuquerque Isotopes · AAA
3:35 PM ET
vs. Salt Lake Bees
Must Eat at the Park
Green Chile Cheeseburger
Beef patty with roasted Hatch green chile and Monterey Jack cheese. Order it at least medium.
Local Beer
La Cumbre Brewing Elevated IPA
La Cumbre makes what many consider the best IPA in New Mexico. GABF gold medals.
La Cumbre Brewing Co. · Albuquerque, NM
The Isotopes, Homer Simpson, and the Best Minor League Name
Pilgrim Notes · Albuquerque Baseball History
1 of your selected parks couldn't be scheduled in this window:
• Sugar Land Space Cowboys — schedule didn't fit with your other stops
Try a longer window or a different month to include these parks.
What to Budget
Estimates only — prices vary by availability
Tickets · 23 games (avg $46)$414
Hotels · 40 nights (avg $155)$4,400
Fuel · 11847 mi at $0.18/mi$2,132
Ballpark food & drinks$690
Total Estimate$7,636
* Estimates only. Prices vary.
How This Trip Was Planned
Our Algorithm
We evaluate many stop orders (up to seven parks: every permutation; larger trips: smart samples plus nearest-neighbor paths from home) and keep the version that preserves the most ballparks on your list with the least driving between games, inside an expanded or standard date ...