Tag Archives: Travel

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”

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”

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”

Life Updates: New House and Baby on the Way

(PEORIA, ILLINOIS) — Tonight was the first time I’ve ever seen the Northern Lights in person. And I was in Peoria, Illinois! Who would have thought. It seems that this year more opportunities have come up for us Midwesterners to get a glimpse of the aurora borealis, whether it be just a sliver or theContinue reading “Life Updates: New House and Baby on the Way”

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!”

Wine Review | Scout & Cellar

(DALLAS, TEXAS) — I’ve enjoyed a decent amount of wine over the years. I started out as a sweet tooth. Moscatos, fruit wines, you name it. And while the flavor was always plentiful, the sugar always gave me a headache if I had more than one glass. Luckily, my palate has changed, and now IContinue reading “Wine Review | Scout & Cellar”