Life on the Road: Vol. 2

6 Tourist Destinations for the Traveling Field Rep.

Several months ago, we published the first volume of "Life on the Road" - a travel itinerary with six destinations where ProVantage was currently working or had an upcoming project. Continuing in that tradition, we've compiled a list of six new project locations, each of which offers several tourist attractions.
 

Our hope is to inspire employees in the field to maximize their lives on the road. Of course, working at ProVantage can be a demanding and time-consuming profession. However, it would be a shame not to experience the beauty of this country during your time off.
 

In Volume 2, we'll take you from California to Florida and everywhere in between. You'll discover record-breaking waterparks, world-class museums, breathtaking national parks, oceanfront excursions, and much more. Without further ado, here are six project locations with countless tourist attractions to explore.

Current Job Locations

Ventura, CA

Lowe's, Sep 28, 2021 - Dec 24, 2021

Just north of Los Angeles, Ventura is a coastal city nestled along the Pacific Ocean. Known for its seaside views, Ventura boasts idyllic beaches, scenic overlooks, and wildlife adventures. But don't be mistaken, this California city is also a foodie's paradise.

1. Ventura Pier and Promenade

Courtesy of californiabeach.com.

If you're looking for a relaxing day in the sun, Ventura Pier and Promenade is the place to be. Stroll up and down this historic pier as you embrace the vast Pacific Ocean. And when you're ready to escape the sun, stop by one of the many restaurants or shops in the area.

2. Channel Islands National Park

Courtesy of tripadvisor.com.

Just off the coast of Ventura are five ecologically rich islands known as the Channel Islands. Not only do they offer challenging hikes and immaculate views, but the islands are home to thousands of seals, rare island foxes, and various seabirds. Plus, you have to take a boat from Ventura Harbor to reach the island, adding to the adventure.

3. Pete's Breakfast House

Courtesy of petesbreakfasthouse.com.

Pete's Breakfast House follows a simple recipe - delicious entrees cooked with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The result is a variety of breakfast and lunch items that are guaranteed to blow your mind. Take Guy Fieri's word for it, who raved about the restaurant's Homemade Chorizo Burger in season 14 of "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives."

Sandusky, OH

Wal-Mart, Aug 15, 2021 - Nov 19, 2021

Sandusky, Ohio, is the setting of Chris Farley's hilarious film, "Tommy Boy," but that's not its only claim to fame. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, this midwestern haven is known for its amusement parks, water parks, and museums.

1. Cedar Point

Courtesy of @cedarpoint.

With 17 death-defying roller coasters and a waterpark, Cedar Point is the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers in Sandusky, OH. Beyond its wild rides, Cedar Point also offers a vast selection of restaurants, shops, and hotels on its campus.

2. Kalahari Waterparks

Courtesy of kalahariresorts.com.

Water you waiting for? Check out the Midwest's largest indoor water park - 174,000 square feet - for a wet and wild time. Kalahari Waterparks is filled to the brim with slides and rides, ranging from lazy rivers for the family to extreme waterslides for the "big kids." The park also offers mini-golf, bowling, laser tag, escape rooms, and more!

3. Merry-Go-Round Museum

Courtesy of toursofcleveland.com.

Believe it or not, the merry-go-round has a long history, and it's all documented at the Merry-Go-Round Museum in Sandusky, OH. Here you can explore various artifacts from historic merry-go-rounds and learn about the ride's origins. However, the main attraction is a massive carousel, which the museum is constantly populating with different toy animals to ride from its collection.  

Sarasota, FL

Floor & Decor, July 29, 2019 - Dec 24, 2021

Just south of Tampa Bay is Sarasota, FL, a picturesque beach city on Florida's Gulf Coast. Once a winter getaway for the Ringling Brothers, Sarasota is a haven for people around the country looking to escape colder climates in the north. From unique culinary institutions to cultural history and aquatic sightseeing, Sarasota is an excellent destination for Field Reps. to explore.

1. Alpine Steakhouse

There's only one word to describe Alpine Steakhouse - epic. Not only does it offer a real-deal steakhouse experience, but it doubles as a deli and meat market. Best of all, Alpine Steakhouse is the home of the TurDucKen - a heroic Thanksgiving dish consisting of a chicken stuffed into a duck, which is then stuffed into a turkey. Sounds crazy, right? Watch this clip from "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives" to see it for yourself.

2. The Ringling

Courtesy of news.fsu.edu.

The circus is a magical experience, and that's in part thanks to seven American siblings - known as the Ringling Brothers - who created one of the country's largest circuses. Today, you can visit their massive museum, The Ringling, to learn about the history of the circus. But that's not all. Within the Ringling are several smaller museums and exhibits, including the official state art museum of Florida.

3. Mote Aquarium

Courtesy of mote.org.

Located at the Mote Marine Laboratory, the Mote Aquarium is home to countless aquatic creatures, including otters, sea turtles, manatees, and local fish species. One of their main attractions is a 135,000-gallon shark tank, known as the Shark Zone, where visitors can experience sharks first-hand.

Upcoming Job Locations

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Lowe's, Oct 31, 2021 - Jan 28, 2021

With a Lowe's project beginning on Halloween, Fort Lauderdale is an excellent location for Field Reps. to experience the Sunshine State. When you're not on the job site, explore Los Olas Boulevard, enjoy top-tier seafood, or take a dip in the ocean.

1. Las Olas Boulevard

Courtesy of sunny.org.

Las Olas Boulevard is the epicenter of shopping and dining in Fort Lauderdale. Soak up the sun as you explore 2.5 miles of palm trees, breezeways, shops, and restaurants.

2. Pirate Republic Seafood Restaurant 

Ahoy, foodies! Batten down the hatches because it's time for a feast. As featured on "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives," Pirate Republic combines a themed dining experience with authentic Caribbean seafood.

3. Fort Lauderdale Beaches

Courtesy of sunny.org.

There's not much to explain here; beach days are mandatory in Fort Lauderdale. With your choice of several pristine beaches, sink your toes in the sand as you take in the view of the Atlantic.

Pittsburgh, PA

BJ's Wholesale Club, Nov 29, 2021 - Dec 27, 2021

In the heart of America's Rust Belt, the City of Bridges is synonymous with many things; historic architecture, one-of-a-kind food, and Steeler's football, to name a few. The list of "must-do" activities here is endless, so we've narrowed it down to three local attractions for the ultimate Pittsburgh experience.

1. Primanti Brothers

Today, Primanti Brothers is a chain with 24 locations. But, the original location, founded in 1930, is a Pittsburgh icon. This historic deli is known for topping its sandwiches with french fries and coleslaw for an epic dining experience. Plus, it's open 24 hours a day.

2. Heinz Field

Courtesy of steelers.com.

You can't go to Pittsburgh and not experience one of the NFL's most historic stadiums, Heinz Field. Unless you're sitting in the rafters, Steelers tickets can get expensive. However, even just driving by the stadium to admire its glory is a pilgrimage every football fan should make.

3. Andy Warhol Museum

Courtesy of visitpittsburgh.com

Whether you're an art enthusiast or barely know your way around a brush, you've almost certainly seen Andy Warhol's most iconic piece, "Campbell's Soup Cans." Arguably the most renowned American artist of the 20th Century, you can see many of his masterpieces on display at The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh.

Lansing, MI

BJ's Wholesale Club, Nov 29, 2021 - Dec 27, 2021

Welcome to the capital of the Wolverine State - Lansing, Michigan! If you're working on the local BJ's project, spend your time off exploring this wonderful northern city. Enjoy mouthwatering barbequed meats, historic automobiles, and some of the world's most exotic creatures.

1. Meat Southern BBQ and Carnivore Cuisine

Traveling to the center of ice-cold Michigan seems counterintuitive when searching for authentic southern barbeque. But Lansing's beloved barbeque joint, Meat Southern BBQ and Carnivore Cuisine, is the real deal when it comes to tender, fall-off-the-bone meats. Don't believe me?  Guy Fieri melted over their savory disco fries on Season 27 of "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives." Not to mention, it was featured in an episode of the Big 10 Network's Campus Eats.

2. R.E. Olds Transportation Museum

Lansing may not be the Motor City, but it played a sizeable role in the booming automobile industry that once defined Michigan. The R.E. Olds Transportation Museum focuses on the work of Lansing's most notable automotive leader, Ransome Eli Olds. Witness everything from historic automobiles and engines to aviation prototypes and original models of the bicycle.

3. Potter Park Zoo

Courtesy of potterparkzoo.org.

Who doesn't love animals? At Potter Park Zoo, you can experience wild animals like never before. This world-renowned zoo is home to more than 100 species, many of which are endangered, including Black Rhinos, Siberian Tigers, Red Pandas, and Snow Leopards.