Is the Midwest worth visiting? It depends. This post explores the gap between marketing and reality, from gas station cafés to cultural blind spots. Written by someone who lives there—not someone passing through—it’s a candid take on what the Midwest offers, what it doesn’t, and why that matters.
Category: PLACES
Explore with DESTINATIONS with DuffelBagSpouse: Master the art of slow travel planning and uncover global adventures. Let your travels inspire joy, create lasting memories, and enrich your journey with carefully curated experiences. Discover the world at your own pace.
PLACES
Read more
Midwest Travel: 36 Hour Road Trip to Rockford, Illinois
I didn’t come to Rockford for the skyline or a famous landmark. I came because I was curious—and because at just under two hours from Rock Island, it was close enough to feel easy but far enough to feel like we went somewhere. Over the course of three days and two nights, we were pleasantly surprised. We explored some living history, thoughtful green spaces, and a few truly delicious meals.
PLACES
Read more
Midwest Travel: 36 Hours in the Illinois Valley
We spent 36 hours exploring Peru, LaSalle, Utica, and Oglesby in the Illinois Valley. From hiking at Starved Rock to wine tasting and small-town strolls, every moment felt full. This pocket of Illinois blends nature, history, and charm, and we barely scratched the surface of everything it offers.
PLACES
Read more
Everything You Need to Know About the Mae Sa Waterfalls in Chiang Mai
Mae Sa Waterfalls, just 19 km from Chiang Mai, offers 10 beautiful cascades surrounded by lush greenery. Perfect for hiking, swimming, and picnicking, it’s a serene escape into nature. Avoid weekends for a peaceful visit and enjoy nearby attractions like Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden and Mon Jam for a full-day adventure.
PLACES
Read more
Picture Perfect Paris Through My Camera Lens
Picture Perfect Paris Through My Camera Lens Paris is the world’s most visited city, with annual visits of over 45 million people. They come for the love of art and history because they love food, culture, and shopping. And they come for the love they have, the love they want,…
PLACES
Read more
Midwest Travel: 36 Hour Road Trip and Dutch Heritage in Pella
Pella, Iowa, celebrates its Dutch roots with windmills, pastries, and tulips. The Tulip Time Festival, held each May, transforms the town with parades, performances, and more than 300,000 vibrant blooms. Just under three hours from Rock Island, it’s an easy, culture-rich getaway full of color, history, and small-town charm.
PLACES
Read more
Ultimate Guide to the Best Temples in Kyoto Japan
Kyoto at first glance doesn’t appear to be a traditional city. Kyoto Station is modern and surrounded by other modern buildings… just like any other city. It has modern conveniences just like any other city. It’s one of the only places you’ll see women in traditional kimonos and no one stops to stare. It’s a land of a thousand temples and where traditions flourish alongside cell phones and everything else modern.
PLACES
Read more
Alt_Coliving Chiang Mai: Two Locations, One Built-In Community in Chiang Mai
Looking for a place to live, work, and connect in Chiang Mai? Alt_Coliving blends comfort, creativity, and community in two great locations. With private rooms, shared spaces, and zero setup stress, it’s ideal for students, solo travelers, or remote workers who want more than just a room with Wi-Fi.