(CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, ILLINOIS) — We enjoyed a beautiful Labor Day weekend visiting new places, seeing amazing sights and experiencing wonderful things. The weather was absolutely perfect, so that was a huge plus! The general area we visited is commonly referred to as Champaign-Urbana, the home of the University of Illinois. But in our journey, we adventuredContinue reading “11 things to add to your Champaign-Urbana travel planner!”
Tag Archives: Tourism
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”
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”
Enjoy Estes Park: Where to eat/drink, stay & play!
(ESTES PARK, CO) — It was basically four years to the day since I had been in one of my favorite places in the United States. Estes Park, Colorado. The Colorado mountain town was the beginning of an August 2024 family trip, etching more fond memories in a town we visited multiple times growing up.Continue reading “Enjoy Estes Park: Where to eat/drink, stay & play!”
Travel Inspired to Pinemark Inn
(ST. CLAIR, MO.) — Have you ever seen billboards that say “DOES BILLBOARD ADVERTISING WORK? IT JUST DID” or something similar? Well rewind about six months ago, when my wife, son and I were on our way to Springfield, Missouri. We were driving down I-44, an interstate I’ve traversed a thousand times during my timeContinue reading “Travel Inspired to Pinemark Inn”
BBQ blog in Sarasota, Florida: Brick’s Smoked Meats!
(SARASOTA, FL.) — In the span of just a few minutes, I gained two new “favorites” just like that! 1: BBQ brisket 2: Fried okra On our recent trip to beautiful Sarasota, Florida, I came across Brick’s Smoked Meats on Main Street. Located right downtown, Brick’s aesthetic is modern Western, with a beautiful indoor diningContinue reading “BBQ blog in Sarasota, Florida: Brick’s Smoked Meats!”
Great places to eat near Starved Rock
(LASALLE COUNTY, Ill.) — While Starved Rock State Park and Starved Rock Lodge are a huge part of what makes LaSalle County such an attractive place to visit, there are many fantastic food and drink options nearby to round out a fantastic getaway. During our stay to Starved Rock (read the full article here!), weContinue reading “Great places to eat near Starved Rock”
Starved Rock: Where Peace and Adventure Meet
(OGLESBY, Ill.) — There’s a reason Starved Rock State Park and Lodge are consistently ranked as a top Illinois destination. Many reasons, in fact. The beautiful scenery of nature trails, canyons and waterfalls intertwined with the relaxing ambience of the lodge makes a perfect getaway for anyone. On Friday, we arrived to Starved Rock LodgeContinue reading “Starved Rock: Where Peace and Adventure Meet”
Pubs to visit while exploring Ireland
(IRELAND) — In April 2023, I had the trip of a lifetime. Since I was a young kid, my dad would talk about his lifelong goal of getting to Ireland. With a gift from my mom and travel agent-esque planning on my part, we made it happen. My Sheehan Irish lineage runs through County Limerick.Continue reading “Pubs to visit while exploring Ireland”
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”
Matt Sheehan Official 