Tag: NORTH AMERICA

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

36 hours in Des Moines gives you just enough time to get a feel for the city. It’s only a 2.5-hour drive from the Quad Cities, which makes it an easy weekend trip. Spring and fall are the best times to go. The gardens are full of color, the air feels crisp, and the trails make it easy to slow down and enjoy your surroundings. The Capitol building is worth the time—it’s grand, detailed, and full of history. We went once in the dead of winter. It was cold, gray, and everything felt shut down. I wouldn’t go back that time of year. Des Moines has its charm, but it shows up best when the weather does too.

We didn’t plan much—just a quick trip to reset. But Naperville surprised us with peaceful trails, bold coffee, garden paths, and a long glass of rosé. From riverside walks to quiet moments in nearby towns, we found exactly what we didn’t know we needed: a little beauty and breathing room.