Roadtripping through the AL Central

This time of the year, two things come to the mind of any baseball fan: play ball and road trip. If you're looking for a quick summer getaway, the Twins intra-division road cities provide something for everyone. Here is one fan's perspective on these four rivals:

Chicago

At U.S. Cellular Field, home of the Chicago White Sox, I was tempted to buy a shirt reading, "I STILL call it Comiskey." Opened in 1991, it can't compare to its neighbor to the north (Wrigley Field) and doesn't have the nostalgic feel of the newer retro ballparks but there is a very nice terrace area in centerfield and the hot dogs are top notch. You may want to avoid the upper deck because it seemed very steep when I was there. (333 W 35^th St, Chicago, IL 60616, 312-674-1000, www.whitesox.com)

I am spoiled by the Art Institute of Chicago because of my love for Impressionism. Opened in 1879, it is known for its extensive Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, including over 30 by Claude Monet alone. Many of the museum's priceless Monets are due to Bertha Palmer, a late 19^th century Chicago socialite who left them to the museum in 1922. The museum's famous entrance on Michigan Avenue is guarded by two bronze lion statues, and when a Chicago sports team makes the playoffs, they are frequently seen sporting the team's colors. (111 South Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, 312-443-3600, www.artic.edu)

Detroit

Unfortunately, I never got to Tiger Stadium before it closed. My trip to Detroit included a game at Comerica Park, the new home of the Tigers. They have done a magnificent job of highlighting the team's storied history, with five statues along the left centerfield wall honoring their greatest players and kiosks throughout the ballpark giving a decade-by-decade account of the team's history. It's more of an entertainment center than a ballpark and despite (in my humble opinion) being slightly overdone, it features unobstructed views of the action, a massive scoreboard in left field and a view of downtown Detroit. (2100 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, 313-471-2000, www.tigers.com)

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989, the Fox Theatre is across the street from Comerica Park and features an art deco façade which, when illuminated at night, can be seen from several blocks away. It is Detroit's top venue for touring Broadway shows, comedians, musicians and more. (2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201, 313-471-6611, www.olympiaentertainment.com/fox-theatre)

The Indians ballpark, renamed in 2008 as Progressive Field for the insurance company, remains a favorite. One of the first of the "retro" ballparks, I remember walking in for the first time and thinking, "Now, this is what a ballpark is supposed to be!" Very similar to another fan favorite, Camden Yards in Baltimore. Foodies, take note: the concessions are plentiful - with choices ranging from shrimp to donuts. (2401 Ontario St, Cleveland, OH 44115, 216-420-4487, www.indiansbaseball.com)

I'm not a huge music fan, but I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum on the shores of Lake Erie. Designed by famous Chinese architect I.M. Pei, it opened in 1995 and features multiple levels of permanent and temporary exhibits showcasing the history of rock and roll. (Hall of Fame inductees are honored in their own wing of the museum.) When I was there, one of the temporary exhibits featured John Lennon's handwritten sheets of music. (1100 Rock and Roll Boulevard, Cleveland OH 44114, 216-781-7625, www.rockhall.com)

Kansas City

Whenever people tell me they are going to Kansas City, one word comes to mind to describe this town six hours south on I-35: underrated. Even at 43 years old, the Royals ballpark, Kauffman Stadium, remains one of the most beautiful in the major leagues. You can't help but enjoy the majestic fountains beyond the outfield fence. I heard fellow Twins fans wandering around asking, "Is this a new stadium?" Also, the ushers and fellow fans were just so darn nice, welcoming us to Kansas City even though we were wearing Twins shirts. (1 Royal Way, Kansas City, MO 64129, 816-921-8000, www.royalsbaseball.com).