TRAVEL MONEY & PLANNING Best Women-Owned Businesses in the Quad Cities (IA & IL) Posted on July 10, 2026July 12, 2026 Here, we highlight 27 amazing women-owned businesses that are making a difference. The variety and creativity of these businesses are truly inspiring. Admittedly, I haven’t been to all these businesses, and I will never need some. However, every last one is truly inspirational. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES 10 Breathtaking Natural Wonders to Visit in New York State Posted on June 29, 2026June 29, 2026 New York is more than a city—it’s wild, beautiful, and quiet in ways that stay with you. This guide shares 10 natural wonders that shaped my love for the state. From roaring waterfalls to peaceful lakes, each place invites you to slow down, look closer, and feel something real. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES 5 Coolest Midwest Getaways to Beat the August Heat Posted on June 28, 2026June 28, 2026 August gets hot around the Midwest, so I try to stay near the water. Lakes, rivers, shaded trails, and breezy islands help me enjoy summer without feeling miserable. I can hike, swim, or just sit by the water and relax. That’s how I make the most of August. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary for Visiting Muscatine, Iowa Posted on June 1, 2026June 1, 2026 What do a historic mill, a butterfly garden, and a splash pad have in common? They’re all part of the unique charm that makes Muscatine stand out along the Mississippi River. We’re heading out for another road trip. From sipping wine at a local vineyard to posing with the world’s largest watermelon, you’ll find some of the best attractions in Muscatine, which are quirky and fun. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Dubuque: 48 Hours of Fun in Iowa’s First City Posted on May 30, 2026May 30, 2026 Dubuque, Iowa, is the perfect weekend escape, blending history with modern flair. Established in 1833, it predates Iowa’s statehood by 13 years. Picture riverboats cruising the Mississippi River against stunning limestone bluffs. You won’t want to miss it! Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Midwest Travel: the Ultimate Weekend Guide to Minneapolis Posted on May 29, 2026May 29, 2026 Minneapolis, Minnesota, mixes Scandinavian heritage with diverse cultures, earning the nickname “Mini Apple.” Enjoy its blend of arts, nature, and city life, from the Prince Museum to Minnehaha Falls, for a memorable Minneapolis Weekend Getaway. Read more
BLACK WOMEN WHO TRAVEL Visiting the Legacy Museum in Montgomery Alabama: What You Need to Know Posted on May 27, 2026June 10, 2026 Visiting the The Legacy Museum and The National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama became one of the most emotional travel experiences I have ever had. Through powerful exhibits, historic spaces, and haunting memorials, the experience confronts America’s painful racial history in ways that feel impossible to ignore or forget. Read more
HOTELS A Weekend at The Merrill Hotel & Conference Center in Muscatine, Iowa Posted on May 26, 2026May 26, 2026 The Merrill is a polished riverfront hotel in Muscatine, Iowa that blends modern design, rooftop Mississippi views, and walkable small-town charm into one surprisingly relaxing Midwest getaway. Using Marriott Bonvoy points made the stay even better, but the real surprise came from how connected the hotel feels to Muscatine’s history, riverfront, and downtown atmosphere. Read more