How to Take an NBA Dream Vacation on the East Coast

For the serious sports fan with hoop fever, what could be better than a trip along the Atlantic, taking in NBA games at every stop along the way? The following itinerary will take you from the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston all the way down to Miami Beach to enjoy the Heat.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Start off in Boston, where 16 championship banners hang in the rafters. After the Celts game, head to Faneuil Hall for some beer and baked beans.
2. It’s off to New York City next, where the world-famous Madison Square Garden is home to the New York Knicks, another legendary franchise. If the schedule works out, try to make it across the river for a New Jersey Nets game at the Izod Center.
3. Just a few hours’ south you’ll come to the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, where the 76ers’ storied history includes former stars like Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Moses Malone and Charles Barkley. Win or lose, celebrate at McGillin’s Old Ale House on Drury Street, a Philly staple since 1860.
4. Our nation’s capital is the fourth stop on your journey, so arrive in DC early if you haven’t had a chance yet to see all the countless landmarks and attractions here. When evening arrives, take in a Wizards’ game at the Verizon Center, then head into the handsome old Georgetown district for some of the best bar-hopping in America.
5. The NBA’s newest franchise, the Charlotte Bobcats, are next on the slate, coincidentally playing their games at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena. If time allows, feast on the tremendous seafood at LaVecchia’s Seafood Grille on 6th street before the tip-off.
6. The longest driving stretch of your expedition now takes place, the 10-hour haul from Charlotte to Miami. It will all be worth it when you arrive in Florida’s liveliest city to watch the Heat in action at AmericanAirlines Arena; make sure to hit South Beach after the game for some awesome bars and nightclubs.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid some potentially rough driving, consider aiming for October/November or March through May to skip the snowy season.
• Purchase your tickets in advance to ensure decent seats.
• If you do make the journey during the winter, make sure to check the weather reports, especially for the Northeast and the Mid-Atlantic.