PLACES Explore the Best in the Midwest: Road Trip to Galena from the Quad Cities Posted on April 11, 2024October 25, 2024 Are you in search of an excellent road trip destination close to Rock Island Arsenal? Today, we’re embarking on a scenic journey to Galena, a quaint Midwest town that’s more than just a dot on the map. Nestled among rolling hills and historic landscapes, Galena offers a glimpse into a world where the past and present merge seamlessly. Read more
PLACES Where to See the Total Solar Eclipse in America Posted on April 8, 2024October 13, 2024 On April 8, 2024, a rare astronomy event unfolds in North America: a total solar eclipse visible in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada. The path of totality, where the moon covers the sun, spans from Mazatlan to Canada’s Atlantic Coast. Depending on the weather, catch a partial eclipse locally, or journey to the path for the full experience. Discover prime viewing locations as the country plunges into darkness. Read more
CULINARY TRAVEL Inside Iowa’s Award-winning TYCOGA Winery & Distillery Posted on April 4, 2024June 18, 2024 At Tycoga Winery & Distillery, it’s more than just about the drinks; their pizza is pretty good, too. Thirty minutes from our door to theirs, we stepped into a place buzzing with life. Despite the crowd, the manager spotted us right away, treating us like VIPs and ushering us to the bar. That warm welcome set the stage for an experience we won’t forget, savoring standout pizza and wine in the heart of Iowa. Read more
CULINARY TRAVEL Explore the Best in the Midwest: QC Coffee & Pancake House Ultimate Rock Island Breakfast Posted on March 19, 2024October 25, 2024 As the snow fades, and determined to brave the chilly morning weather, we decided to explore QC Coffee & Pancake House—a cherished spot in Rock Island. Renowned for its hearty diner-style breakfast and lunch, it promises an inviting aroma of coffee and classic comfort food fare. Furthermore, the warm ambiance adds to the overall dining experience. Read more
CULINARY TRAVEL Lunch at The Market: Road Trip to St. Joseph Posted on March 16, 2024June 18, 2024 This blog post takes you to the charming village of St. Joseph. It’s a beautiful stop between New York and Illinois. The Market isn’t just a food hall; it’s a mix of different food spots, a brewery, wine shop, farmers market, and coffee shops. Here, the thrill of finding new tastes blends with the peace and beauty of the surroundings. Food halls aren’t just making the dining scene better every day; they’re also expanding our choices on the road. Read more
PLACES Explore the Best in the Midwest: Blooms and Tradition: 83rd Tulip Festival in Orange City Posted on March 9, 2024October 25, 2024 Next week marks the 83rd Annual Tulip Festival in Orange City, Iowa. Since its humble origins in 1936, this annual event has attracted thousands of attendees from across the Midwest, gathering to honor and celebrate Dutch heritage. Wander the quaint streets, alive with the colors of thousands of tulips and the iconic silhouette of windmills. Experience the joy of parades, the rhythm of Dutch music, and the tantalizing aroma of traditional delicacies. Read more
MILITARY RELATED Living on Rock Island Arsenal: An Island Experience in the Quad Cities Posted on February 25, 2024October 31, 2024 Have you ever dreamed of living on an island? For me, that dream recently became a reality, albeit in an unexpected way. Our new home isn’t the typical tropical paradise one might envision. Instead, we’ve relocated to the Rock Island Arsenal, nestled in the heart of the Mississippi River between Rock Island, Illinois, and Davenport, Iowa. Read more
PLACES The Waterloo Experience: A Weekend of Fun, Food, and Adventure Posted on February 20, 2024June 18, 2024 Cottonwood Canyon truly stood out as the gem of our entire journey. Nestled in a cozy neighborhood, this cafe welcomed us with open arms, offering a delightful array of specialty roasted coffee, mouthwatering desserts, and authentic Jamaican dishes like jerk chicken and savory meat pies. But what makes this place truly remarkable is Brian. Read more