Hey Adventure Buddies, I think Iowa might be one of the most misunderstood Midwest states. If you just drive through, you could easily assume it's just cornfields. But if you know where to look you'll find yourself hiking through sandstone canyons, looking for geodes, wandering through a Dutch-inspired town, or reenacting one of the most famous paintings in American history. So, if you are looking for some fun and unexpected Midwest adventures, here are some Iowa spots worth adding to your...
11 days ago • 4 min read
Hey Friends, When they hear Illinois, I think a lot of people picture Chicago and cornfields and that is kind of it. Once you start road-tripping around Illinois, you realize the state is full of weird roadside attractions, beautiful outdoor spots, quirky small towns, giant random objects, and other hidden gems. So, if you are looking for fun family road trip ideas, here are some weird and wonderful Illinois spots worth adding to your list. Weird & Fun Places to Visit in Illinois Casey,...
18 days ago • 4 min read
Hey Friends, Nothing feels more Midwest summer to me than a state fair. There is just something about the rides, the lemonade smell of fried food, and the giant barns full of animals that screams "MIDWEST" to me. It is one of the most classic Midwest experiences there is. And then of course… there is the butter cow. It always cracks me up because apparently Midwesterners looked at butter and thought: “What if I sculpted that into a cow?” Check out the Midwest State Fairs below and make plans...
25 days ago • 3 min read
Summer isn't over yet... Usually when the weather starts getting crazy hot, I have a tendency to fantasize about fall and lock myself indoors with air conditioning. AND to make things worse, it is usually this point in the summer when my kids and I start getting restless with our lack of routine, I am running out of energy, and I am tempted to let my kids watch Crunchlabs on Netflix for longer than they probably should... However, we still have another 2 months of warmer temps and another...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hey Friends, In the last few weeks, we have visited Texas and Colorado. I can confidently say, I do not recommend Texas in July other than for the fact that it will make the heat here feel comparatively manageable. But Breckenridge, Colorado? It was sunshine and 70 degree days. Coming back to Midwestern heat and humidity was a challenge. Even if escaping the heat wasn’t reason enough to go to Breckenridge (it is), I was really impressed by all the family fun Breckenridge offered. I could hike...
about 1 month ago • 5 min read
Hey Friends, I think Missouri might secretly be one of the best states for weird family road trips. There are caves you can ride through, giant piles of elephant-shaped rocks, old mills hidden in the woods, mountain-style swimming holes, giant turtle playgrounds, and...an entire roadside attraction built around Uranus jokes. So if you are looking for fun and unique summer road trip ideas, here are some Missouri spots worth adding to your list. Ha Ha Tonka State Park Weird & Fun Places to...
about 2 months ago • 4 min read
Hi Everyone! Sometimes I want to get away, but don't have the time or budget to get away. That's why I came up with a list of my favorite day trips from Kansas City. There is so much to explore whether you want to stay in the metro area or go a few hours away from the city. I hope this email helps you find places you wouldn't have thought of before! Paddling on Smithville Lake with a kayak rented from Paradise Outfitters, Smithville, Missouri Day Trips from Kansas City Weston, MO Downtown...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Hey Friends, I think weekend trips are kind of magical. You get all the fun of a getaway without the big price tag, the complicated planning, or using any PTO. We take 1-2 weekend trips a month, because little trips keep my heart happy. (Let's be honest, all trips make my heart happy, I can just afford more little trips than big ones.) Kansas City is surrounded by destinations that can deliver a surprisingly memorable getaway in just two or three days. If you are looking for a quick getaway,...
2 months ago • 3 min read
Hey Friends, I genuinely think Kansas is one of the most underrated states for family adventures. People assume it is just endless flat roads and wheat fields… and then suddenly you are standing in front of giant rock formations in the middle of nowhere, biking a 4-person bicycle in a tiny Swedish town, touring Amelia Earhart’s hometown, or riding on an ancient carousel. Weird little roadside attractions and small towns are some of my favorite places to explore. They are usually cheaper, less...
2 months ago • 3 min read