DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Road Trip to Kalona, Iowa: Amish Country Travel Guide and Things to Do Posted on April 26, 2026August 6, 2026 Take a short drive to Kalona, Iowa and step into a slower way of life. Walk through history, shop local goods, and taste simple food made nearby. This guide shares what to see, where to stop, and how to plan a day trip or overnight stay back in time. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK Beloit Wine Walk 2026: What It’s Really Like to Sip Through Downtown Posted on April 19, 2026August 6, 2026 I almost skipped Beloit, but I’m glad I didn’t. This wine walk moves through real shops, not vineyards, with 20+ stops and plenty of choice. Tickets sell out fast, so plan ahead. It’s easy, social, and worth the short trip, especially if you want something different without going far. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES A Leisurely Walking Tour of Muscatine, Iowa Posted on April 6, 2026August 6, 2026 Muscatine caught me off guard in a way I did not expect. I showed up thinking it would be a quick stop, but the mix of river views, local history, and small downtown spots keeps me coming back. Everything leads back to the river, whether I am walking along the path, sitting with a drink, or just looking out at the water. Each visit shows me something I missed before, and that quiet sense of discovery is what stays with me. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Spend 48 Hours in Burlington, Iowa this Spring Posted on March 8, 2026August 6, 2026 Plan the perfect fall weekend in Greater Burlington. Enjoy peaceful nature trails, rich local history, and cafes serving seasonal favorites. Explore the Mississippi River’s edge as the fall colors peak. Stay at Fairfield Inn & Suites for a convenient and comfortable base. Read more
MILITARY LIFE & TRAVEL Why Are Trump’s Top Officials Moving Onto Military Bases? Posted on November 17, 2025March 22, 2026 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. 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, 2025July 27, 2026 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
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES FAA Orders Flight Cuts Amid Government Shutdown: What Travelers Need to Know Posted on November 9, 2025July 23, 2026 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. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Galena’s Night of the Luminaria & Living Windows Posted on November 4, 2025April 20, 2026 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. Read more