DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES What You Need to Know About Wat Ban Pong Pagoda Before You Go Posted on July 31, 2025July 31, 2026 Wat Ban Pong is a quiet hilltop temple near Chiang Mai, known for its 900-step forest climb and peaceful setting. Built over 19 years, the temple offers wide views, simple beauty, and a break from city crowds. A small café at the base makes the visit both reflective and relaxing. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Manhattan in a Weekend: Old Favorites, New Stops, and One Tough Puzzle Posted on July 28, 2025April 12, 2026 Each visit to Manhattan, Kansas, brings something new. My son Malik is a senior at Kansas State University, so we’ve spent many weekends here. We’ve done the campus tours, the football games, and even axe-throwing. But this time, we slowed down. We leaned into the quieter side of the “Little… Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Frankfort to Copper Harbor: The Best Northern Michigan Road Trip Posted on July 21, 2025January 14, 2026 This Northern Michigan road trip looped from Frankfort to Copper Harbor, with stops for hikes, beaches, cafes, and lakeside views. We skipped the rush and leaned into quiet mornings, local food, and open skies. Each stop gave us something different—and reminded us to slow down and take it all in. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Spend a Awesome Weekend in Cedar Rapids, Iowa Posted on July 3, 2025February 16, 2026 Looking for an easy weekend escape from the Quad Cities? Cedar Rapids offers art, history, markets, and museums—all within 90 minutes. Whether you’re strolling through Brucemore or sampling food at NewBo City Market, this Iowa city packs just enough charm and culture to make the drive worth it. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Starved Rock Reveals Its Story One Step at a Time Posted on June 29, 2025December 21, 2025 I’ve hiked a lot of trails, but there’s something about Starved Rock State Park that keeps pulling me back. Just under an hour from my front door, it feels like another world since Rock Island is so flat. The 2,630-acre park in LaSalle County, Illinois, is located along the Illinois… Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Why Starved Rock Is One of the Best Hiking Trails in Illinois Posted on June 19, 2025December 20, 2025 Starved Rock State Park offers real trails, not just walks in the woods. Climb to sweeping river views or hike into French Canyon for a waterfall reward. Just an hour from home, it’s the kind of place that makes your legs burn and your heart feel full—all in one afternoon. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Make the Most of 3 Days in London: Culture, Food, and Famous Sights Posted on June 15, 2025December 20, 2025 London has survived fire, plague, war, and time itself. In just 3 days, you can explore London’s iconic landmarks, sip tea like a local, and stand where kings once ruled. This guide shows how to make the most of a short trip—and why London belongs on your list. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Life in the Midwest: Romantic Destinations for Couples Posted on June 12, 2025December 20, 2025 Let’s be honest—traveling as a couple isn’t always candlelight and matching robes. Sometimes it’s one of you getting hangry, missing the turn for the scenic overlook, or arguing over who forgot the wine opener. But in between all that, there’s magic. A shared laugh on a quiet trail. That first sip of local wine with your feet up. The way everything slows down when the only sound is lake water and wind through the trees. The Midwest may not shout, but it knows how to show up—with quiet beauty, easy charm, and the kind of romantic moments that deliver in the most unexpected ways. Read more