DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES The Perfect Downtown Davenport Walking Tour: Food, Art & River Views Posted on July 19, 2026July 24, 2026 Downtown Davenport isn’t a huge downtown, and that’s part of its appeal. You can easily walk between historic buildings, local restaurants, public art, unique shops, and the Mississippi River without feeling rushed. This self-guided walking tour highlights some of my favorite stops and shows how much you can see in just a few hours. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK 5 Pretty Cafes and Coffeehouses in the Quad Cities Posted on January 12, 2026July 24, 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
FOOD AND DRINK Free Food: Where a Veteran Can Get a Meal in the Quad Cities and Beyond This Veterans Day Posted on November 12, 2025December 21, 2025 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. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK TYCOGA Winery: The Best Day Trip in Iowa Posted on April 4, 2024December 20, 2025 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
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Breakfast at QC Coffee & Pancake House Surprised Us in the Best Way Posted on March 19, 2024December 20, 2025 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