DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Spend 36 Hours in Pella, Iowa on a Midwest Road Trip Posted on April 17, 2025September 8, 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, 2025September 8, 2026 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, 2025September 11, 2026 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, 2025September 9, 2026 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
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Rock Island’s Sunset Park: A Riverside Spot Locals Love Posted on March 18, 2025September 9, 2026 Sunset Park in Rock Island is more than a park—it’s a place to pause. The river flows steadily, sunsets paint the sky, and time slows down. Whether you come for the view, the company, or a quiet moment alone, this is where you’ll find peace. You might even see me there. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Plan a Private Island Stay on Koh Munnork Posted on March 14, 2025September 11, 2026 Koh Munnork Private Island is a secluded paradise, home to the island’s only resort. Accessible only by boat, it offers air-conditioned bungalows, pristine beaches, and activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and trekking. With peacocks roaming freely and no crowds in sight, it’s the perfect off-the-grid retreat for true relaxation. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES The Ultimate Guide to Visiting House on the Rock Posted on March 13, 2025September 15, 2026 Step into a surreal world at Wisconsin’s House on the Rock. With a floating Infinity Room, the world’s largest indoor carousel, and endless quirky collections, this one-of-a-kind attraction defies explanation. It’s an unforgettable, slightly bizarre experience you won’t find anywhere else—and well worth the 2.5-hour drive from Rock Island. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Experience Riverside Trails in the Quad Cities Posted on March 1, 2025September 15, 2026 The Quad Cities, located along the mighty Mississippi River, offers many scenic riverside trails perfect for nature lovers, hikers, and casual strollers. These trails wind through lush landscapes, offering stunning river views and a peaceful retreat from city life. Whether you’re an avid hiker seeking a challenging route or a… Read more