Eight years ago now, I stumbled across a YouTube Channel called Homemade Wanderlust run by female hiker/backpacker/traveler, Dixie. From the moment I “met” Dixie, I wanted to be just like her. At that time, Dixie was backpacking the Pacific Crest Trail (a 2,600 mile trail spanning from Mexico to Canada following mountain ridges through California,…
As an avid roadtripper, I have driven through Springfield, Illinois dozens of times and frequently commented that one of these days, I needed to spend some time there. So, when I had a free night at an IHG hotel with an upcoming expiration date, I decided Halloween weekend was the time to check it out!…
Living in southern Wisconsin, Chicago is just a short jaunt down the interstate and thus the perfect weekend getaway. Chicago offers endless opportunities for exploration, from its glittering skyline, myriad of museums, bustling neighborhoods, restaurants, and entertainment venues. I’ve been to Chicago dozens of times and have yet to see and do everything! In fact,…