Category
Long Weekend
The Art Institute of Chicago is an institution everyone should see at least once. Just don’t expect to see it all in one day! At around a million square feet, and with 300,000 pieces, you need to carefully pick and… Continue Reading →
The Dubuque Arboretum is a nice little surprise on the northern edge of the city. This free arboretum has a variety of gardens: rose, rock, prairie, annuals, confiders, formal and, of course, a nice Japanese Garden. The large koi pond… Continue Reading →
The Racine Zoo is a small but nice zoo located directly on Lake Michigan. They have the requisite big cats, bears, giraffes, cute penguins, kangaroos, and a petting “safari” where you can brush disinterested goats. You can easily see the… Continue Reading →
It’s often hard to find an excuse to wander around in some of the massive, elegant buildings in downtown Chicago. But the Harold Washington Library is open to one and all, and it is fabulous. Wander through floors of books,… Continue Reading →
Even if you’re not a hiker, Pikes Peak State Park is worth a visit for the breathtaking views over the Mississipi. A large overlook platform gives you a clear and panoramic view of the river. Strike out on the Bridal… Continue Reading →
Having visited both Crystal Lake Cave and Niagra Cave in one day, I can’t help but compare the two. Crystal River is a magnificent cave, but is still the poor relative to Niagra. The guides are young, inexperienced, and know… Continue Reading →
Niagra Cave is a large, well-kept and well-run attraction. The tour guides are articulate and knowledgeable, the upper grounds are quite attractive, and the cave itself has clearly been tended and protected. There are few signs of vandalism or damage… Continue Reading →
Big Bay State Park takes a bit of schlep to reach. It is located on Madeline Island, near the shore of Bayfield. A regular ferry can take you and your car across the bay in about 20 minutes. Arrive early… Continue Reading →
A truly one-of-a-kind business is always a pleasure to stumble upon. So many businesses are souless corporate chains, with no creativity and cookie-cutter products supplied from a central warehouse. Old Abe & Co. coffee is as unique as they come,… Continue Reading →
This magical trail starts in an inauspicious parking lot. The first section follows the road, but soon turns off into a gorgeous wooded area. Boardwalks go over and around marshy areas, which team with insects, fish and frogs. The trail… Continue Reading →
The Windmill Island Gardens do not disappoint. It’s an island, there are extensive gardens, and a massive functioning windmill. Like much of Holland, MI, the high-point of the year is during May for their tulip festival. Like other parts of… Continue Reading →
The western shores of Michigan are famously beautiful year-round. During summer, their sandy beaches are packed with vacationers. But they’re just as nice, albeit a bit chillier, in Spring or Fall. Saugatuck Dunes State Park has a stretch of open… Continue Reading →
There are two main areas at the Tulip Fest. The major draw is, obviously, tulips. With a number of tulip growers in the area, the town hosts a festival with tulips everywhere. There are mass plantings in parks, down the… Continue Reading →
Imagine if Disney’s Imagineers came up with a cheesy, but pretty, Dutch village to add to Epcot…then accidentally left it in a parking lot in Michigan. Nelis’ Dutch Village is a tiny fantasy of a lost (and probably partially imaginary)… Continue Reading →
A good bookstore is worth a bit of a drive. The Book Nook Java Shop (and wines, and food, and gifts…) is an hour north of Holland, MI in Montague. This little gem provides all the entertainment and goodies you… Continue Reading →
This was one of our holy grails of locations. Not because it is hard to get to, but because the garden is only open 1 hour a day, 5 days a week. Miss the 11am tour Tue-Saturday and you’re out… Continue Reading →