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.
Tag: NORTH AMERICA
Discover the beauty and variety of North America. From national parks to vibrant cities, these guides share practical tips, scenic drives, and cultural experiences across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES
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Life in the Midwest: German-style Christmas Markets in America
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.
MILITARY LIFE & TRAVEL
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Why Are Trump’s Top Officials Moving Onto Military Bases?
Several top Trump officials, including Pete Hegseth, Kristi Noem, and Stephen Miller, have moved into military base housing once reserved for top officers. They say it’s for safety, but questions linger about cost, transparency, and what their relocation reveals about power, fear, and the growing blur between civilian politics and military life.
FOOD AND DRINK
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Free Food: Where a Veteran Can Get a Meal in the Quad Cities and Beyond This Veterans Day
Every Veterans Day, restaurants across the U.S. thank service members with free meals and coffee. This year, my husband Steven and my dad made the rounds together, my son joined from Kansas, and my daughter celebrated from her ship in Italy. From Hy-Vee to Texas Roadhouse, these gestures show that gratitude still lives in small, sincere ways.
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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FAA Orders Flight Cuts Amid Government Shutdown: What Travelers Need to Know
On November 7, 2025, the FAA ordered airlines to cut flights at 40 major U.S. airports due to the ongoing government shutdown. With staffing shortages, unpaid air traffic controllers, and mounting fatigue across the system, travelers now face widespread cancellations and delays. This post explains what’s happening, why it matters, and how we can stay informed—and help.
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES
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Galena’s Night of the Luminaria & Living Windows
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.
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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When the Mail Stops: How Trump’s Tariff Rule Cut Off Global Packages to the U.S.
Trump’s 2025 decision to end the *de minimis* exemption halted duty-free imports under $800, triggering global mail disruptions. More than 30 countries limited or paused shipments to the U.S. as postal systems adjusted to new customs rules. The policy added tariffs, raised costs, and strained everyday connections across borders.
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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The Decline of the U.S. Passport and What It Means for Travelers Like You & Me
The blog explores how the U.S. passport, once a symbol of global freedom, has lost influence due to shifting politics, stricter visa policies, and America’s declining global image. It reflects on how these changes affect travelers, especially slow travelers, and what this means for freedom, privilege, and the perception of the United States abroad.