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…
Last time we were in the Spring Green area, for a spring break trip back in 2018, we missed the opening of the Taliesin season by one day. So when we were looking at camping in a nearby town, I was super excited to finally get a chance to visit.…
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…
While staying at Calumet County Park, on Wisconsin’s Lake Winnebago, we made a trip over to visit High Cliff State Park. Besides the hiking trails and natural wonders, this park is full of oddities and history. We saw an old general store, climbed an observation tower, walked among effigy mounds,…
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.…
Nestled in the rolling hills of Highland, Wisconsin, Blackhawk Lake Recreation Area offers campers a serene escape into nature. Our campground guide will provide everything you need to know to make the most of your stay at Blackhawk Lake. We share detailed information on how to camp at Blackhawk Lake,…
Nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River, the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Blackhawk Park in De Soto, Wisconsin is a hidden gem for campers seeking a peaceful retreat in the great outdoors. During our 13-day stay in August 2024, we were fortunate to secure a prime riverside campsite,…
We finally made it to the last part of our Croatia trip! I’m combining the rest of Day 13, Day 14, and Day 15 into one post because it’s mostly festival stuff and then traveling home. We had an amazing time on this trip. The group we were traveling with…
Day 12 of our trip was the big day- our festival performance in Zagreb! For Day 13 of our Croatia trip, we spent the morning visiting the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum and then in the afternoon we watched the kids in our group as part of the tamburica festival combined…