DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Spend 48 Hours in Burlington, Iowa this Spring Posted on March 8, 2026August 6, 2026 Plan the perfect fall weekend in Greater Burlington. Enjoy peaceful nature trails, rich local history, and cafes serving seasonal favorites. Explore the Mississippi River’s edge as the fall colors peak. Stay at Fairfield Inn & Suites for a convenient and comfortable base. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Let’s Spend a Relaxing Spring Weekend in Galesburg, Illinois Posted on March 4, 2026August 6, 2026 Galesburg feels small, but it makes a big impression. Just an hour from Rock Island, it’s packed with cafés, parks, vintage shops, and outdoor spaces coming alive in spring. I spent the day exploring quiet streets, fresh blooms, and finding the kind of charm you miss in bigger cities. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK 5 Pretty Cafes and Coffeehouses in the Quad Cities Posted on January 12, 2026August 9, 2026 Embarking on our first coffeehouses in the Quad Cities, Steven and I chose Vibrant Coffeehouses and Kitchen as our destination. Housed in a spacious warehouse-style setting, the coffeehouse offered a delightful array of coffee, desserts, salads, and sandwiches. The reasonably priced avocado toast, priced at $4.95, stood out on the menu, and the experience of ordering in the States without breaking the bank was a pleasant surprise. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Life in the Midwest: German-style Christmas Markets in America Posted on December 27, 2025August 10, 2026 Have you been to a German-styled Christmas Market in America? You should, it’s one of the things I miss most about living in Germany. The joyful spirit, brightly colored stalls, one-of-a-kind goods gifts and treats, has immigrated to the New World. Christmas Markets in are springing up all over America. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Where to Find the Best Holiday Markets in the Midwest Posted on November 20, 2024July 31, 2026 I love a great Christmas market. We went to dozens of them all over Europe. I was thrilled to discover theThe Midwest transforms into a festive winter wonderland each holiday season, offering a variety of Christmas markets that capture the spirit of the season. From traditional German-inspired stalls to local artisan vendors, these markets… Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Spend 36 Hours in Dubuque, Iowa on a Midwest Road Trip Posted on September 7, 2024December 20, 2025 Ready for an adventure? Start exploring downtown Dubuque, where history, art, and charming cafes await. Dive into this “Masterpiece on the Mississippi” and uncover the stories that make Dubuque an unforgettable destination. Discover what makes this city truly special! Read more