As you have likely guessed, I really enjoy staying in AirBnbs when it makes sense to do so. The variety of AirBnbs and other home rental offerings is amazing to me. Check out this automotive-themed AirBnb in Rogers, Arkansas!

While Omaha has many new attractions and much to see, folks have been eagerly awaiting for the reopening of the newly expanded Joslyn Art Museum! I have been one of those people. The Joslyn has been closed for more than two years and I have dearly missed it. When the museum reopened in early September, I made sure to visit the first week. Since then, I have visited two more times, enjoying different parts of the museum on each visit. Join me as we explore the new and improved Joslyn together!

Prior to this past August, I had only been in Victoria British Columbia for a grand total of six hours, including two hours at Butchart Gardens, in 2013. That was just enough time to visit the gardens briefly, go to the Royal BC Museum, and have an ice cream cone downtown. After I got there in 2013, I realized that six hours was not nearly enough time to spend in Victoria. And in August of 2024, I got to go back! It was AMAZING!

In 2022 I when to Seattle with some friends and we took a tour with Lynn from Seattle Under the Radar Tours while we were there and it was fabulous! So when I went on my recent trip to Seattle in August, I contacted her for another tour. We wanted somewhere we hadn’t explored yet so she suggested West Seattle with one stop in Seattle along the way. It was a super suggestion!

Most folks know that state fairs are usually big events. But did you know there is a fair in Northwest Iowa that rivals many state fairs? It’s called The Clay County Fair and is held each year in Spencer, Iowa. I had a fun time attending this past Saturday, September 7, with two friends I’ve known since age 3. We had a blast! The fair continues until September 15, so there’s still time to go yourself!

Many of you know I enjoy art of all kinds. My favorite type of art, though, usually involves lots of color, a hopeful message, and a bit of unique whimsy. When I was recently in Seattle, I was fortunate to discover a tour for an artist that checks all those boxes. It totally made my day! See why!!!

In August 2024 I achieved a personal milestone (a.k.a. Bucket list) that I added to my to-do list in 2013 - more than 11 years ago. I spent one absolutely GLORIOUS full day at The Butchart Gardens near Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. To me, this place is like heaven on earth. See why!

As I have “acquired years and wisdom” (read between the lines), I have discovered that “tiptoeing through the tulips” is actually very beneficial for my well-being on multiple levels. I now LOVE gardens, particularly botanical gardens! Not only do they encourage me to get my steps in, the flowers, foliage, and trees enhance my mental health and feed my soul. The artwork inspires me. Listening to the birds sing and watching butterflies flit around calms and fascinates me. And I always learn something new. In short, spending time in a garden just makes me doggone happy. Maybe you can relate! 😁

Whether you grew up on a farm or have never stepped foot on a farm, you will LOVE your stay at Lucky Star Farm near Iowa City, Iowa. So much to do on the farm and so much to see within an hour’s drive in any direction. Come explore one of my “happy places!”

While I love road trips, sometimes driving for several hours makes this body ache a bit. My usual solution is to find a highly rated city, county, or state park to get in a quick walk.

As you have likely guessed, I really enjoy staying in AirBnbs when it makes sense to do so. The variety of AirBnbs and other home rental offerings is amazing to me. Check out this barn-themed AirBnb in Roger’s, Arkansas!

As you have likely guessed, I really enjoy staying in AirBnbs when it makes sense to do so. The variety of AirBnbs and other home rental offerings is amazing to me.

As many of you are aware, part of the United States experienced a total eclipse on April 8. The total eclipse cut a path diagonally through the US starting in Texas and finishing in the state of Maine. Because it will be 20 years before the next total eclipse in the US, I wanted to be sure to experience this eclipse in the zone of totality.

It’s hard to believe that around 13 or 14 years ago a co-worker had to explain to me what an AirBnb was. I had never heard of the concept and found it a bit odd. The thought of staying in someone else’s home seemed odd to me. Fast forward to 2024 and I have now stayed in 35 of them.

Lots of great locations, activities, and attractions to learn about on my blog this week!

If there were two things in this world that I love, they would have to be art and flowers. Good news! You can have both the same time at the Minneapolis Institute of Art this weekend. The event is called Art In Bloom and is an annual fundraiser for this wonderful art museum.

So much to tell you about this week! Take a look!