After some time at home for a conference, we were back on the road again the second week of March. We headed down to southern Illinois for just under two weeks. Last year we started our full-time travelling in southern IL because we wanted to see spring ephemerals. We should…
Giant City State Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering scenic trails through towering sandstone bluffs, lush forests, and unique rock formations. This guide covers everything you need to know- trail lengths, difficulty levels, parking info, and must-see sights, so you can plan the perfect adventure. Whether you’re after an easy…
Atlas Obscura has long been one of my go-to resources for travel planning. If you’re not familiar with it, the site is a treasure trove of weird and unusual places to explore. Both users and editors contribute entries, and you can create lists of places you’ve visited, plan to visit,…
When we hit the road full-time in our RV, one of the things we were most excited about was trying out Harvest Hosts. If you’re not familiar, it’s a membership program that lets RVers stay overnight at unique spots like wineries, farms, breweries, and even museums. Over the course of…
There’s something about abandoned places that pulls us in every time. Maybe it’s the history, the quiet, or just the sheer thrill of exploring something left behind. Over the years, we’ve tracked down some pretty cool spots in Illinois that are just waiting to be rediscovered—think old military bases, forgotten…
Cemeteries are often overlooked as places to explore, but we love visiting them not only for their rich history but also for the fascinating statues, monuments, and intricate headstones. Illinois is home to some truly remarkable cemeteries, each with its own unique character and stories. In this post, I’ll take…
We spent almost two months in Southern Illinois and the focus of our trip was hiking and exploring the region’s outdoor offerings. The landscape of this part of the state is so different from where we grew up in the north that it felt like we were in a different…
Looking for a fun and diverse getaway not too far from Chicago? Just 90 miles northwest of the Windy City lies Rockford, Illinois—a vibrant town brimming with unique attractions and activities. Whether you’re into exploring world-class gardens, delving into fascinating museums, or enjoying serene parks, Rockford offers something for everyone.…
Going to the Field Museum is always exciting, but our recent visit stood out. We went there with Josh’s colleagues for a meeting and got to see the temporary exhibit, Oceans Unseen. This exhibit takes you beneath the waves to discover the hidden wonders of the deep ocean. The exhibit…
Visiting the Field Museum is always an adventure, but our recent trip was particularly memorable. We were there with Josh’s coworkers for a meeting and had a chance to visit the Bloodsuckers: Legends to Leeches temporary exhibit. As we explored the exhibit, we learned about all sorts of blood-feeding creatures,…