Hello, I was hoping I could ask for some help? So I thought I’d check in with the Texags locals regarding an upcoming vacation but mostly softball trip to Midland. I’m bringing 7 adults and 16 teenage kids from Orlando for the ASA Nationals the first week of August. Here’s what I know up to now. We're staying at the Midtown Hotel, W. Wall St. and S. Powell, is it ok or no go?. I got some great restaurant info on the thread below, but no best BBQ/Chicken Fried Steak recommendations. What about entertainment for 16 teenage kids? Petroleum Museum? Rockhounds? And the last question, does everybody hate it when the softball teams are in town? Thanks for your help. ‘Class of 82 Wooahhhh@gmail.com

[This message has been edited by Wooahhhh (edited 7/16/2011 10:40a).]

[This message has been edited by Wooahhhh (edited 7/18/2011 8:03a).]

Glad y'all are coming to town. I would imagine most people (especially business owners) like it when the softball teams are in town. I have never stayed at that hotel, so I can't really comment on it.

As far as BBQ goes, Midland is pretty lacking in really good BBQ for whatever reason (or I just haven't been turned on to some of the good places). KD's BBQ just on the corner of I-20 and the Garden City Highway is good sometimes, but pricey. I also like Sam's BBQ at 1113 East Scharbauer Drive, particularly the sausage.

For chicken fried steaks, Clear Springs Cafe at 5707 Andrews Hwy. is pretty good. In fact, there food generally is good and they can seat large groups. The Bar at 606 West Missouri Avenue has really good food, including a great Chicken Fried Chicken.

Those should be enough to get you started, and hopefully someone else will jump in with some other suggestions. I don't have children and didn't live here when I was younger, so I will let someone else suggest things to do for the girls.

I like clear springs and they can handle a large group.

Don't recommend the museum for kids. I love museums and struggle to enjoy it. The rockhounds would be good. Bowling lane on loop 250 as well. Assume putt putt is still there too.

Never cared for kd's.

Michaels is another option if you are looking for burgers with a twist

KD's is by far the best bbq in midland! They have room for lots of people and you get to see the meat before you choose it. Clear springs is alright, just your typical american place, pretty good onion rings and nothing I've gad there is bad. Also seats large groups.

When and where is the tournament? I haven't been to a softball game in years...i played high school baseball, sister played high school softball, love both games. Good luck in the tourney!

And kd's is not that pricey, you pay for the meat by how much food you get, and usually the person that puts the near on your plate gives you a lot, so don't be afraid to ask them to take some of it back our else it will be as pricey as like $11. That's the most I have paid for a meal there and it was my first time and I took what they gave me

Thank you very much for the info. Between this thread and the restaurant thread, I've gotten a bunch of help! I was really hoping to get some info on the Midtown Hotel, whether it was nice or not? It's an old Ramada Inn at the corner of Wall St. and Powell Street.

We're playing at the 9 field complex at Ulmer Park and the 6 field complex at Hogan Park. Play starts Aug 1 and goes thru Sat. Aug 6th. The championships will be Saturday at Ulmer Park. There should be some great softball to watch, they are all 14u teams, meaning, they're the best HS freshman club teams in the nation. Last year there was 150 teams at ASA Nationals, but with the economy, I doubt they will get to 100 this year.

All of the BBQ is very similar IMO. Big movie theatre on Loop 250. Drive in on Business 20 going west to Odessa. Chain restaurants on Loop 250. Get on the MUGS Softball website for more recommendations. Good Luck! What is your team name? My daughter plays softball in HS, so we will probably be over watching.

Looks like a nice hotel. the safest part of town is the north side fyi, unsafe is southeast

Thanks. I can see from Google that we'll have plenty of chain restaurants to choose from. Thanks for all of your help, I can't believe I'm saying this but I'm looking forward to Midland, lol. The team name is the Orlando Aftershock. Just ask anybody which of the coaches is the Aggie on the team, they'll know. Thanks again for your help. Definitely found the MUGS website, that will be the home for online info from here on out, pool games, brackets, etc.

[This message has been edited by Wooahhhh (edited 7/18/2011 8:07a).]

If you have a Friday/Saturday night open, I might recommend Summer Mummers at the Yucca theater for some entertainment. It's got more 'adult' humor, but it is very entertaining and one of the entertainment highlights of the year.

It might be difficult to get enough seats in the house and impossible to get pit tickets, but seats in the balcony are readily available.

Also, I grew up in Orlando, and I can vouch for the fact that you're either going to love or hate the complete lack of humidity here.

Don't forget that even if you are not sweaty that you are sweating. I grew up in Katy so the difference is very dramatic. Drink lots of water.

There is a new indoor driving range out between Midland and Odessa on the north service road of 191 (Andrews Highway) going west if you exit at 1788 (airport exit).
http://therangeclub.com/

Where is the tournament at in Midland?


[This message has been edited by LoudestWHOOP! (edited 7/18/2011 3:52p).]

Hotels are pretty full right now with the oilfield going crazy. Don't know anything about your hotel. Hotels on the loop are newer and might be a better choice. HI express, La quinta, Hampton, Courtyard Marriout, etc.

Have your girls ever been to a Drive In movie? I bet they would love that if they haven't. The Big Sky Drive In shows current movies and I think it's $5 a person.

Thanks for the additional help. I may be bringing you some rain from Florida after all with TS Don on the way. Hopefully our caravan beats the weather, although it will just be rain by the time it hits Midland.

Have heard some more about the heat and how to keep the girls hydrated, thanks for the tips on that. I think the Florida girls may have an advantage because we do practice in 95 degrees. And we always discuss hydration. We have to.

Learned something new today from a batting instructor who played in Midland and wanted to confirm with you guys. Will a hard hit ball to the outfield fly further because of the lighter (less humid) air?

And for the one Ag that asked, the Orlando Aftershock will play Monday at 11am and Tuesday afternoon at 5pm at the Ulmer Park in Midland. The 9 field complex. This appears to be the main venue for the tournament. The tourney goes till Sunday the 7th. Ask anybody on our side which coach is the Aggie, they'll know. Thanks Again, Class of '82. Huslin' One.

[This message has been edited by Wooahhhh (edited 7/27/2011 10:42p).]

Whooahhh,

We are back from D.C. and hope your trip is going well. How did the girls do in the first game? There is a Confederate Air Force Museum out at the airport about 7 miles West of town, I think. Girls may not like it, but I bet you would. Best of luck with the tournament. My bet is that the "big friendly man" coaches his team to victory.

Sams BBQ

Gig Em

yes, dry and hot air (less dense than cool or dry air) offers less wind resistence.

Also check out the McLaren Playwright festival on Saturday afternoon if you'd like a comedic break from the heat.

(come vote for my show while you're at it...Larry's Best Friend).

made it back from Midland with two professional long distance drivers in 22 hours this morning. We had a great trip, thank you for making it a success. Barn Door and the people of Midland/Odessa were a hit. Leave it to Floridians to find a stocked pond in a public park. The lady at Walmart thought we were nuts buying fishing poles and worms. We chased a dust devil like we were Jim Cantore on the Weather Channel. The heat didn't bother us but we did drink legendary amounts of gatorade and water, I'm talking legendary amounts. Probably finished near 40 out of 103. Went 3-3 for the week. Slugger hit .409, the OU coach watched us. No sign of Jo Evans (tear). Kentucky coach watched us spank a Louisville team. That was a bunch of fun. Gig'em. Thanks for the memories, Midland/Odessa!

[This message has been edited by Wooahhhh (edited 8/7/2011 1:10p).]

Glad you enjoyed it!