Last weekend, two friends and I explored Le Mars, Iowa and visited/viewed two fabulous, larger-than-life holiday light displays. At both places you can park your car and walk through the displays.

I have so many fond memories of loading up the family in the car when my kids were young and heading out to spot Christmas lights.

One of the best things about travel is taking advantage of local special events. I got to go on a lovely holiday tour of homes recently in the Iowa Great Lakes area. The homes were all decked out for Thanksgiving and Christmas with many beautiful decorations.