Gem Finds, Hotels & Bucket Lists: A Summer Following Pro Pickleball
- Craig Johnson
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
After attending three Major League Pickleball (MLP) stops during the first half of the summer season—and heading out for my fourth this week in Chicago—I thought it would be fun to share some travel finds and tips I've discovered while on the go.
From the courts of Columbus, Ohio, to a return to the Big Apple, it's all been part of assisting with event stops for this amazing pro tour.
As I learned early on in my career, great event experiences aren't just about what happens inside the venue—it’s about the entire journey a fan takes to get there. Looking back at my MLP stops so far, here are three highlights I wanted to share for the like-minded pickleball or event traveller.
💎 Hidden Gem: Pickle & Chill (MLP Columbus)
This was my first time visiting Columbus, Ohio—roughly a six-hour drive for me from my home base. Tucked into an amazing location just before you enter the city core, it's the perfect dedicated pickleball facility featuring a great mix of both indoor and outdoor courts. Pickle & Chill's overall vibe and fantastic staff had the absolute best welcoming feel for an out-of-town visitor.
Travel Tip: Use Pickle & Chill as your anchor when visiting the region on your summer travels. Located just a short distance away is a great local main street, perfect for an evening stroll and an end-of-day chill after time spent on the courts.
🏨 Hospitality Win: NYC Hotel Find (MLP New York)
Visiting New York City is always a highlight, and finding the right hotel tied to the exact reason for your trip is the key to a great visit. This stay was focused on work—supporting the frontlines of the MLP New York stop with ticketing services. My goal was simple: stay as close as possible to Sportime Randall's Island.
Based on strong reviews, I locked in a stay at the Fairfield Inn by Marriott New York LaGuardia Airport/Astoria. It turned out to be a fantastic budget-friendly find. It is removed enough from the frantic pace of Manhattan, yet central enough to easily catch the train to get into the heart of everything. If you love to walk and explore, you are right around the corner from 30th Avenue—Astoria's hip, vibrant strip of incredible local restaurants and cafes—and just a short walk to the Astoria Boulevard subway line.
Travel Tip: If you need a hotel close to LGA, or if you're on a road trip and need a NYC hotel with seamless on-site parking, this spot is a major win! While it's a long hike, it is completely doable for an energetic morning or evening walk to Randall's Island—home of the John McEnroe Tennis Academy and the hosting venue for the hometown Brooklyn Pickleball Team. Crossing the Robert F. Kennedy (Triborough) Bridge on foot each morning was an incredible way to start the event day.
🪣 Bucket List: Beer City Open Experience (MLP Grand Rapids)
The ultimate summer pickleball experience, whether you are a dedicated player or a fan, has got to be the combo of the Beer City Open and MLP Grand Rapids. Taking place simultaneously, it is the perfect way to celebrate everything that makes the sport special. Beginning with the Beer City Open—an amateur tournament with over 1,000 participants of all skill levels—and matched with a mid-season MLP stop, the event attracts the best players and teams on tour with an absolute festival atmosphere.
Travel Tip: Entering the Beer City Open as a player relies on a lottery system that opens each year in April. Tickets to MLP Grand Rapids are also in incredibly high demand, as center court reserved seating is always a sellout. Plan early and follow both the Beer City Open and MLP social media channels for crucial registration and ticketing news.
🤔 What Will I Find in Chicago?
This week, the summer tour continues as I head out to the North Shore for MLP Chicago. Every stop on these trips has delivered a completely unique destination vibe—not to mention amazing opportunities as I continue to grow my sports business career in the pickleball space. I can't wait to see what the Windy City has in store. Stay tuned—the next travel report drops after my stay.
See you at the MLP ticketing gates in Chicago! 🎟️ 🍕
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