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The Perfect Summer Drink Just Dropped: Sprecher’s Tropical Cherry!

(MILWAUKEE, WI.) — Wisconsin is known for a vast array of beer, and Sprecher Brewery is a large part of that. But while I do love Sprecher’s alcoholic beverages, there’s something they have that many breweries don’t. Introducing the Soda Lab! And the brand new Sprecher soda flavor: Tropical Cherry. Each time I’ve been upContinue reading “The Perfect Summer Drink Just Dropped: Sprecher’s Tropical Cherry!”

From Prime Rib to Fried Strawberries! Suite Fire has it all

(PEORIA, Ill.) — It’s not everyday you see a popular hotel chain and think “Man, I really wanna stop by their restaurant!” Well, I hope this article makes you think twice on that. Many central Illinoisans know about the Holiday Inn & Suites at Grand Prairie on N. Orange Prairie Rd. But next time youContinue reading “From Prime Rib to Fried Strawberries! Suite Fire has it all”

Rib Report KC-Style: Q39 Barbecue!

(OVERLAND PARK, KS) — If you’re a barbecue connoisseur like me, you need to make your way to Kansas City! I’ve enjoyed KC BBQ now three different times, and I’ve loved it every time. In 2017, we had Joe’s. In 2022, it was Jack Stack. This year? We headed to Q39 (Overland Park location). Let’sContinue reading “Rib Report KC-Style: Q39 Barbecue!”

Illinois Wine Tour: Water’s Edge Winery & Bistro

(PEORIA HEIGHTS, Ill.) — One of my go-to places on a weekend or when I have friends in town is Peoria Heights. Specifically, Heritage Square! In this area, you have any kind of food and drink option you’d need; plus it’s walkable! One of the newer tenants of Heritage Square is Water’s Edge Winery &Continue reading “Illinois Wine Tour: Water’s Edge Winery & Bistro”

Central Illinois Rib Report: BC BBQ!

(PEKIN, Ill.) — It was a rainy & dreary day, which called for some good ole barbecue. Tonight’s Rib Report took me to Pekin, Illinois to check out BC BBQ on 14th Street. I like the outside vibe of the place. Feels like an old gas station meets a saloon. The service was very friendly,Continue reading “Central Illinois Rib Report: BC BBQ!”

Central Illinois Rib Report: Whitey’s BBQ/Crusen 29

(CREVE COEUR, Ill.) — It’s never a bad day for some barbecue, especially when it’s as phenomenal as Whitey’s BBQ at Crusens Rt 29. As we get into the meaty spread we were served, I want to give a huge shoutout to Mike White, the owner/founder, for his hospitality. We loved our time at Whitey’sContinue reading “Central Illinois Rib Report: Whitey’s BBQ/Crusen 29”

Pure joy can come in the smallest forms

As Bennett turns 6-months-old, I’ve taken some time to reflect on what a whirlwind life has been. Before I get into my own life changes, let me give the biggest shoutout to my smokin’ hot wife Rachel who endured quite the time during her pregnancy. Nearly 9 months of morning sickness, followed by a 26-hourContinue reading “Pure joy can come in the smallest forms”

Illinois Wine Tour: Mackinaw Valley Vineyard

(MACKINAW, Ill.) — Surrounded by scenic central Illinois countryside sits the beautiful Mackinaw Valley Vineyard. The vineyards were planted in 1997 and the Hahn family opened the winery in 2003. Mackinaw Valley Vineyard is well-known across central Illinois for anything from good wine, hosting live music and weddings, to stunning views. The winery has aContinue reading “Illinois Wine Tour: Mackinaw Valley Vineyard”

Central Illinois BBQ Rib Report: Dac’s Smokehouse!

(MORTON, Ill.) — On the search for amazing BBQ ribs across Central Illinois, there are a few key things I’m really looking for. Meatiness, seasoning, and sauce (which all tie into flavor). My 2nd Rib Report at Dac’s Smokehouse in Morton, Illinois nailed all of these aspects. But before we get to the main dish,Continue reading “Central Illinois BBQ Rib Report: Dac’s Smokehouse!”

Biggest recent home sales on Hilton Head Island

(HILTON HEAD ISLAND , SC) — While Hilton Head Island was only first incorporated as a town in 1983, it has clearly become a must-see destination for tourists around the world. It was first sighted 350 years ago by William Hilton, an English explorer. “Over the centuries, Hilton Head Island’s natural beauty, spectacular seascapes, exceptionalContinue reading “Biggest recent home sales on Hilton Head Island”