DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Galena’s Night of the Luminaria & Living Windows Posted on November 4, 2025August 16, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Every December, Galena transforms into a glowing holiday village. More than 5,000 luminarias light up its hills and streets, while the Living Windows event turns shopfronts into festive scenes. Between the music, candlelight, and small-town charm, it’s a night that feels straight out of a Christmas movie—romantic, family-friendly, and completely free. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Discovering Galena: The Illinois River Town That Once Rivaled Chicago Posted on October 19, 2025August 13, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Explore Galena, Illinois—a historic river town once larger than Chicago. Climb its hillside steps, stroll streets marked with bronze plaques, and visit sites tied to Lincoln and Grant. From trolley tours to panoramic river views, Galena blends beauty, history, and endurance in a way few towns still can. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Oktoberfest 2025: What to do During the Weekend in the Amana Colonies Posted on October 5, 2025December 26, 2025 By Stacey A. Peters Oktoberfest in the Amana Colonies brings a taste of Germany to Iowa each fall. Between the food, live music, and laughter, it’s easy to forget you’re only an hour and a half from home. It’s not Munich, but it’s warm, welcoming, and worth the drive every single year. Here’s why. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Year-Round Guide: Where to See the Most Beautiful Flowers in South Korea Posted on September 29, 2025November 2, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Discover the best places to see flowers in South Korea, from spring cherry blossoms to summer sunflowers and colorful autumn flower fields. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Sicily Travel Surprises: From Geeps to “American” Pizza With Hotdogs? Posted on September 25, 2025December 20, 2025 By Stacey A. Peters Sicily surprises with quirks you won’t find elsewhere: geeps that can cost you your car, directions marked by fruit vendors and umbrella girls, illegal car parkers, and “American pizza” with hotdogs. From pistachio obsession to African influences and Etna’s shadow, Sicily is chaotic, gritty, funny, and unforgettable. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Enjoy Kid-friendly Amsterdam Posted on September 23, 2025August 17, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Amsterdam defies its reputation as a city of sin, offering families canals, bikes, world-class museums, and kid-friendly adventures. From Anne Frank’s story to Nemo Science Center’s hands-on exhibits, the city blends history, culture, and play. Discover how Amsterdam mirrors imagination—whether through freedom, art, or family exploration. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Busan by the Sea: Top Attractions You Can’t Miss in 2025 Posted on September 17, 2025October 18, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Busan always surprises me with new sights, flavors, and hidden corners. Each visit reveals fresh experiences—from secondhand book alleys to bustling seafood markets, from coastal trails to glittering night cruises. Mountains and sea surround the city, giving every adventure a stunning backdrop. Busan feels endlessly alive, layered, and magical. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Experience Taormina at Its Best: Gardens, Sea Breezes, and Ancient Ruins Posted on September 15, 2025August 17, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters My real estate agent is probably no different than any of the realtors here in Daegu. Real estate agents in the US, show you properties and once you select one, collect their fee and move on. But not here in Korea. He translates the mail, pays all my utilities for me and drink soju and dance to American rap classics. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES A Postcard from the Past: A Time Capsule in Busan Posted on September 10, 2025August 17, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Journey through time with a special postcard from Busan. This blog post shares an adventure of writing to the future, receiving the past, and reliving unforgettable experiences. Dive into a unique solo trip and be inspired to create your own time capsule. Read more