FOOD AND DRINK Free Food: Where a Veteran Can Get a Meal in the Quad Cities and Beyond This Veterans Day Posted on November 12, 2025August 30, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Every Veterans Day, restaurants across the U.S. thank service members with free meals and coffee. This year, my husband Steven and my dad made the rounds together, my son joined from Kansas, and my daughter celebrated from her ship in Italy. From Hy-Vee to Texas Roadhouse, these gestures show that gratitude still lives in small, sincere ways. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK Tired of Paying $7 for Coffee: How I’m Bringing the Cafe Home Posted on September 1, 2025March 15, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters I love cafe drinks any time of day—hot coffee, iced lattes, fruity sodas, or lemonade. But paying $6 to $8 each time feels crazy. So I’ve started making my favorites at home, from caramel lattes to dirty sodas, saving money while still enjoying the flavors I crave. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK A Table for One, Please: How I Learned to Love Eating Alone While Traveling Posted on August 18, 2025August 30, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters I used to avoid dining alone, hiding behind my phone or takeout. Traveling taught me to choose my seat, savor my food, and slow down without worry. From street stalls to window views, eating solo feels freeing—not lonely. Now I linger, watch, and enjoy every moment. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK How Brazil Coffee Tariffs Threaten America’s Love Affair with Coffee Posted on August 13, 2025December 20, 2025 By Stacey A. Peters President Trump’s 50% tariff on Brazilian coffee is disrupting a supply chain that provides 30% of U.S. coffee. Prices are rising, shipments are down, and small cafes face the biggest strain. Brazil is redirecting exports to other markets, risking America’s influence in global coffee trade and reshaping coffee culture nationwide. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK Cook Your Travels: 6 Simple Asian-Inspired Dishes to Try This Week Posted on April 28, 2025December 20, 2025 By Stacey A. Peters I’m a little bored in the kitchen. So, this week I’m cooking like I travel—with purpose, flexibility, and a hunger for flavor that reminds me where I’ve been. This week, I planned a full lineup of easy Asian-inspired dishes. I made a grocery list. I was halfway through the Commissary… Read more
FOOD AND DRINK The Truth About Tourist Trap Restaurants: 21 Tips to Avoid Them Posted on April 3, 2025July 23, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Nobody wants to be overcharged or have a bland meal, especially while traveling. Experiencing local cuisine is one of the best parts of travel, but not all restaurants have your best interests in mind. Can you identify a restaurant that caters to tourists? Today, we’ll discuss how to avoid tourist trap restaurants. We’ll cover location tips, menu warning signs, server tricks, and techniques for finding the most authentic local eateries. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK Why the Cafe Culture in Thailand Is So Popular Posted on March 6, 2025July 31, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Cafes in Thailand go beyond coffee—they are immersive spaces blending nature, creativity, and community. Chiang Mai, known for its lush landscapes and artistic culture, offers some of the most stunning cafes. From jungle retreats to bold architectural wonders, each spot tells a unique story, inviting visitors to experience something extraordinary. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK How to See the World Through Cafes: How These Spaces Quietly Shape Travel Posted on December 20, 2024July 31, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters There’s nothing better than discovering a small cafe while traveling. You’re walking through a foreign city when you spot one tucked into a corner. The smell of coffee pulls you in. Inside, locals laugh and sip their drinks, swapping stories like old friends. You order a cup, and for a… Read more
FOOD AND DRINK Let’s go to the Most Beautiful Cafes in Chiang Mai Posted on December 17, 2024July 31, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Discover 10 stunning cafes in Chiang Mai, perfect for coffee lovers and photographers. Each spot offers unique vibes, great coffee, and gorgeous settings, making them ideal for relaxing afternoons or capturing Instagram-worthy moments in Thailand’s northern gem. Read more