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,…
Thinking about camping at Fort Massac State Park? We had a two-week stay, and we’ve got plenty to share. Nestled along the Ohio River in Illinois, this park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich history. In this post, we’ll dive into our experiences, provide an honest review,…
People warned us not to go to Cairo. But we did anyways. And yes, we found destruction and decay. But we also found hope. Hope from the people desperately trying to preserve their town and its history. This post has taken a while to write, because we haven’t been able…