Tag Archives: Travel

Explore a Magical Castle in Missouri!

(ST. MARY, MISSOURI) — When you hear that you can stay in a castle, you might think of European countries like Ireland, Italy, Germany or France. Well I’m here to tell you there’s a beautiful castle in Southeast Missouri (Ste. Genevieve County) – near the Illinois border. Twin Turret Farm & Castle is a stunningContinue reading “Explore a Magical Castle in Missouri!”

Illinois Winery Blog: Kite Hill Vineyards!

(CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS) — It’s been quite some time since we’ve done an Illinois winery blog! Happy to bring this back as part of our travels through Southern Illinois, specifically Carbondale, home of Southern Illinois University. We visited Kite Hill Vineyards, part of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. It was a beautiful mid-October day, with clearContinue reading “Illinois Winery Blog: Kite Hill Vineyards!”

7 places to add to your Southern Illinois itinerary

(CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS) — For the second year in a row, my wife Rachel and I made a mid-October trip down to Southern Illinois for a kids-free getaway. We’re very blessed and grateful to be able to spend quality time like this together, especially on our anniversary (October 16), but additionally thankful for the support theContinue reading “7 places to add to your Southern Illinois itinerary”

Enjoy a magical, comfortable stay at an affordable price near Disney World

(LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA) — It’s no secret that a trip to Walt Disney World® in Orlando, Florida can cost a pretty penny. You have the cost of park tickets, dining, transportation (both to get to Orlando, and once you’re there), Lightning Lanes, and then of course, lodging. My family and I just got backContinue reading “Enjoy a magical, comfortable stay at an affordable price near Disney World”

11 things to add to your Champaign-Urbana travel planner!

(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!”

Illinois BBQ Blog: Stringtown BBQ!

(WASHBURN, ILLINOIS) — From years of driving the Peoria to Starved Rock State Park route, to multiple followers highly recommending it, I finally made my way to Stringtown BBQ. The peaceful 45-minute drive to Washburn, Illinois is one of my favorite drives. It’s the scenic route, driving alongside the Illinois River paired with seeing herdsContinue reading “Illinois BBQ Blog: Stringtown BBQ!”

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”

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”