DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES 36 Hours in Naperville: 8 Reasons for a Weekend Visit Posted on May 25, 2025March 18, 2026 We didn’t plan much—just a quick trip to reset. But Naperville surprised us with peaceful trails, bold coffee, garden paths, and a long glass of rosé. From riverside walks to quiet moments in nearby towns, we found exactly what we didn’t know we needed: a little beauty and breathing room. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Make the Most of a Weekend in Rockford: Gardens, History, and Great Food Posted on May 19, 2025April 19, 2026 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. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Spend 36 Hours in Peru, Illinois Posted on May 8, 2025December 20, 2025 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. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Everything You Need to Know About the Mae Sa Waterfalls in Chiang Mai Posted on April 24, 2025November 15, 2025 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. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Spend 36 Hours in Pella, Iowa on a Midwest Road Trip Posted on April 17, 2025May 3, 2026 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. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Ultimate Guide to the Best Temples in Kyoto Japan Posted on April 15, 2025November 28, 2025 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. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Why Thailand Is More Than a Luxury Escape Posted on April 14, 2025December 20, 2025 While The White Lotus shows Thailand through a glossy, dramatic lens, my experience looked very different. From quiet trails to humble cafés, Chiang Mai offered something richer—peace, connection, and clarity. This is my personal story of Thailand, far beyond the screen, and why it keeps calling me back. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Is the Selena Museum Worth Visiting? Here’s What You’ll Experience Posted on March 20, 2025December 20, 2025 Watching Selena reminded me of our visit to the Selena Museum in Corpus Christi. In today’s divided climate, honoring her legacy feels even more important. Her music, passion, and cultural pride still resonate. That side trip gave me a moving look into a culture I deeply respect but don’t share. Read more