A red bard with forest behind, often seen on a family farm vacation.

Staying on a Working Farm – A Family Farm Vacation

This post was most recently updated on May 6th, 2022What is there to do if you are feeling the need to get away, but you are not quite ready to go away?  Are you feeling the call of nature? Feeling nostalgic for a simpler time? […]

A view down Chicago streets, during 3 days in Chicago.

Things to do in Chicago – A Chicago 3 Day Itinerary

This post was most recently updated on May 17th, 2022Chicago is more than hot dogs, deep dish pizza and bitterly cold winters. It’s a city of mesmerizing architecture that’s best seen on a boat cruise and has a pace that’s less intimidating than other major […]

Three dogs in front of a Route 66 mural, Driving route 66 road trip, driving the Mother Road.

A Route 66 Road Trip

This post was most recently updated on June 17th, 2020 The Great American Road Trip has probably spurred fantasies in the heart of every American with a wandering heart, and every person from around the world who has ever dreamed of driving through the wide […]

Rustic hideaway cabins near the gorgeous Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest of Southern Illinois.

Hideaway in the Shawnee National Forest

This post was most recently updated on October 9th, 2018 Hideaway Cabins in Shawnee National Forest are a perfect base for adventures, including Giant City Stables, Giant City Lodge, and the Garden of the Gods! Sometimes we all just need a quick escape, a way […]

Hiking adventure on the interpretive trail of giant City State Park, for an exciting and educational get away.

Beautiful Giant City State Park

This post was most recently updated on October 23rd, 2017 Need some time away? Down in Southern Illinois, in Makanda, Illinois,  near Carbondale, there rests an incredible State Park with an astounding  4,000 acres. Lying within the Shawnee National Forest  is Giant City State Park. This park is full of […]

Front of the Superman Museum, as wonder women visit superman.

Wonder Women Visiting Superman

This post was most recently updated on June 24th, 2018 Recently, my best friend and traveling companion, VerNessa, and I needed a quick getaway.   As it happened, the home of Superman,  Metropolis, Illinois, was exactly the right place.   VerNessa has a fascination for […]

Abraham Lincoln Homestead, in New Salem village, prior to his life in politics.

Visiting New Salem State Park

This post was most recently updated on October 9th, 2018 Being born and raised in The Land of Lincoln, you would think I would have visited New Salem Village many times.  I have been fortunate to take school field trips to the location where Abraham […]

Matthiessen Lake, Matthiessen State Park

Adventure at Matthiessen State Park

This post was most recently updated on August 17th, 2018 Whenever we are craving some adventure, we hop into the car and head to Matthiessen State Park.  Sometimes the whole family goes, and sometimes we go when Mom is at work, and we guys are […]

Lincoln Homestead, prior to his life in politics.

Glorious US State Parks, Beautiful Budget Travel

This post was most recently updated on October 9th, 2018 The National Parks of the United States are well known around the globe, but what is not as commonly known is that the country also boasts an amazing network of US State Parks.  An astonishing […]

Olde English Faire, a Renaisance Faire, at Wildlife Priaire Park.

Olde English Faire- A Renaissance Fair

This post was most recently updated on July 10th, 2017 The Olde English Faire is an annual Renaissance Fair held in central Illinois. I attended the Faire with Brittany, Cash and Jaxon, who you can read about on our Traveling Companions page. If you are […]