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10 Things to do in Northwest Chicagoland!

(McHenry, Illinois) — If you’re looking for a Midwestern getaway, here’s an article for you. Maybe you’re in Chicago and are looking to get out of the city for a little, hopefully this spurs on some ideas for your next weekend adventure. We were home-based in McHenry, but through this article we’ll stop by VoloContinue reading “10 Things to do in Northwest Chicagoland!”

The Ultimate Phoenix/Scottsdale Travel Guide!

(ARIZONA, USA) — We experienced a few “firsts” in our February 2025 trip to Arizona. First time traveling as a family of four. It was my first time ever visiting Arizona, and it was also Mattie’s first time flying in a plane. We managed to do so much during our 5-night stay, everything mostly* basedContinue reading “The Ultimate Phoenix/Scottsdale Travel Guide!”

STL Barbecue Blog | Expat BBQ

(St. Louis, MO) — St. Louis is known for its world-famous barbecue. There’s a reason “St. Louis Style Ribs” are on BBQ menus around the world. Now, you can experience flavors from around the world in St. Louis! Introducing Expat BBQ, by Niche Food Group. Located in the City Foundry STL, Expat features three storiesContinue reading “STL Barbecue Blog | Expat BBQ”

11 Things I’d Like to See Come to Peoria

(PEORIA, ILLINOIS) — It’s a new year. And I’ve got some extra time on my hands as I wrap up paternity leave, with my sweet angel baby just snoozing away. I love to vision cast. I look at the world around me and constantly think about what improvements I think could be cool to see.Continue reading “11 Things I’d Like to See Come to Peoria”

2024 | The year of growth, joy and patience

(PEORIA, ILLINOIS) — Happy New Year, everyone. I think the last few years I’ve said the year prior was always the best of my life. There’s a continuing factor in that equation; being married to my beautiful wife, Rachel. Our lives the last couple of years have been nothing less than whirlwinds, in a goodContinue reading “2024 | The year of growth, joy and patience”

Welcome to the family, Mattie Marie Sheehan

(PEORIA, ILLINOIS) — 2025 is just days away. We had a whirlwind Christmas. You could call this year the gift that keeps on giving, since we still have to celebrate with the other side of our family. But the greatest gift of 2025 was the birth of our sweet daughter, Mattie Marie Sheehan. Her dueContinue reading “Welcome to the family, Mattie Marie Sheehan”

8 things to do in and around Galesburg, Illinois

(GALESBURG, ILLINOIS) — In working in local TV news for five years, I traveled to Galesburg, Illinois for a handful of stories. Fast forward to present day, and there are some other times I will go to the city in a professional setting. The only time I’ve really gone to the area for leisure wasContinue reading “8 things to do in and around Galesburg, Illinois”

Reconnect with nature at Wildlife Prairie Park

(HANNA CITY, ILLINOIS) — Imagine a place you can wake up in the morning to bison in your backyard. Wildlife Prairie Park, a 1,800-acre zoological park in Hanna City, Illinois — offers just that, plus a lot more. Here’s your “What-To-Do” list, Wildlife Prairie Park edition. Where to stay: There are 7 ways to stayContinue reading “Reconnect with nature at Wildlife Prairie Park”

Hartline Hill Cabin | Where nature meets luxury

(MAKANDA, ILLINOIS) — If it’s one thing I love, it’s log cabins. My family and I have stayed in log cabins ever since I can remember. Always in Colorado, though. Their rustic vibe joined with the rustic outdoors, it’s a spiritual experience. I’ve seen the Milky Way sitting outside of a log cabin before. I’veContinue reading “Hartline Hill Cabin | Where nature meets luxury”

8 things to do when visiting Southern Illinois

(MAKANDA, ILLINOIS) — Let’s be honest. There are two major things people think of when they think of Illinois. They both start with the letter C. 1: Chicago 2: Corn fields I’m a Midwesterner through and through. I grew up in St. Louis, lived my college years in Springfield, MO – and have been inContinue reading “8 things to do when visiting Southern Illinois”