CULINARY TRAVEL Inside Iowa’s Award-winning TYCOGA Winery & Distillery Posted on April 4, 2024June 18, 2024 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.
CULINARY TRAVEL QC Coffee & Pancake House Ultimate Rock Island Breakfast Posted on March 19, 2024June 18, 2024 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.
PLACES Blooms and Tradition: 83rd Tulip Festival in Orange City Posted on March 9, 2024June 28, 2024 Next week marks the 83rd Annual Tulip Festival in Orange City, Iowa. Since its humble origins in 1936, this annual event has attracted thousands of attendees from across the Midwest, gathering to honor and celebrate Dutch heritage. Wander the quaint streets, alive with the colors of thousands of tulips and the iconic silhouette of windmills. Experience the joy of parades, the rhythm of Dutch music, and the tantalizing aroma of traditional delicacies.
PLACES Living on Rock Island Arsenal: An Island Experience in the Quad Cities Posted on February 25, 2024July 12, 2024 Have you ever dreamed of living on an island? For me, that dream recently became a reality, albeit in an unexpected way. Our new home isn’t the typical tropical paradise one might envision. Instead, we’ve relocated to the Rock Island Arsenal, nestled in the heart of the Mississippi River between Rock Island, Illinois, and Davenport, Iowa.
PLACES The Waterloo Experience: A Weekend of Fun, Food, and Adventure Posted on February 20, 2024June 18, 2024 Cottonwood Canyon truly stood out as the gem of our entire journey. Nestled in a cozy neighborhood, this cafe welcomed us with open arms, offering a delightful array of specialty roasted coffee, mouthwatering desserts, and authentic Jamaican dishes like jerk chicken and savory meat pies. But what makes this place truly remarkable is Brian.
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES 30-Day Road Trip Across America in Marriott Hotels Posted on December 26, 2023July 4, 2024 Come along on our big trip across the U.S.! We’re hitting the road after living in South Korea for three years. For the next month, we’re crashing at Marriott Hotels everywhere. We’ll be checking out incredible landmarks, catching up with family, and finally settling down in the cornfields of Illinois. Please stick around for 30 days of stories from our journey, where Marriott is our home away from home at every pit stop.
CULINARY TRAVEL Exploring the Charms of Old Oaks Winery in the Quad Cities Posted on December 21, 2023June 22, 2024 Old Oak Winery is a beautiful spot on 400 acres of rolling hills. We just moved here, so we don’t know much about the wine region, Self-described as the Napa Valley winery of the Midwest, the winery prides itself on an array of wines blended with grapes from their own vineyard as well as from Napa Valley. Actually, I had no idea they even had a vibrant wine region here in Illinois. With that said, it turned out to be a great place to learn about Midwest wine and grab something good to eat as well.
PLACES Where to Stay During Your PCS to Rock Island Arsenal Posted on December 11, 2023July 19, 2024 While there are several hotels in the Quad Cities, especially if you are a Bonvoy Marriott member like us, we used our 14 days of permissive TDY to stay at three. As a result, we stayed at the Residence Inn Quad Cities in Moline, Illinois, and the Blackhawk and The Current, both Autograph hotels in Davenport, Iowa. Here are my reviews of all three hotels as a Gold Elite member with the Marriott franchise. However, you might be surprised by which hotel I recommend for relocating to Rock Island Arsenal. Furthermore, one of these hotels might work for you if you are preparing to move to Rock Island.