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.

Someday when I decide to slow down a bit, I want to learn how to quilt. I have said that for at least 20 years, so maybe someday I will actually do it. I just adore the artistic aspect of quilts. They are blank fabric canvases and you can create a thousand different masterpieces with them, depending on the pattern, the fabric and even the quilt stitch. The possibilities are endless. You can even tell a story with them, as folks did on the Underground Railroad.

While it’s true “There’s no place like home” there are certainly wonderful home rentals that not only feel like home, but also make you feel like you’ve been transported to a completely different world. That was my family’s recent experience while staying in a fantastic newer AirBnb in Topeka, Kansas for Father’s Day weekend.

As I was driving out of Sac City, Iowa yesterday a Freedom Rock captured my eye, surrounded by a tall circle of American flags. What is a Freedom Rock? It is a large rock painted on all sides with patriotic murals and tributes to those who have served in our armed forces in the U.S. These unique murals are painted by Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II. Many towns in Iowa have one.

Do you enjoy reading and browsing fun, unique stores? Are you looking for a summer getaway that’s something a little different? Maybe even a QUEST? 😲

I strongly believe that “great art” is in the eye of the beholder and not in the artwork itself. I can look at the same piece of art as 20 other people and it would “speak” to us in 20 different ways. With that thought in mind, I viewed lots of great art at the Des Moines Arts Festival today. I talked to a number of talented and friendly artists

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!

One of the things that I like best about the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha is the immersive nature of all the exhibits. Each area of the zoo is appropriately themed down to the animal buildings and enclosures. This includes one of my BRAND NEW favorite exhibits - the Hubbard Orangutan Forest.

Des Moines is a beautiful city with enough population to bring in major concerts, events, and restaurants, but small enough to feel like a large small town. I always enjoy going to Des Moines. One of the things I enjoy there is trying new (to me) restaurants.

I scream…you scream…we all scream for PIZZA!!! Well, most of us do anyway. 😉 I don’t know too many people who don’t LOVE pizza! And where is the best pizza, according to many folks? Italy!!! Mangia, Italia! 🫶

If you’re like me, you love to discover unexpected little gems when you travel, especially ones that are underrated or somewhat unknown. When you find a place like that, it feels sort of like you have opened a surprise birthday gift and are delighted. That was the way I felt when I visited the ESSE Purse Museum and Store!

I have enjoyed going to arts festivals for many years. I enjoy the art tents sitting side by side, with many types of artworks in the same small space. I enjoy the art festival atmosphere. It just feels like a big party!

When I travel I always like to try the local foods and participate in local cultural experiences. It could be a cooking activity or class. It could be a tour with local foods or customs. It could be meeting a family and sharing a meal with them or just visiting with them and trying to learn a few words of their language. In Milan, I chose to learn the art of making mosaics with Murano glass from Venice.

Hello my fellow, summer travelers! I just wanted to jump in and give you an update on Omaha-area and Midwest Summer activities this weekend.

I have to admit I was not prepared for the unbelievable beauty of the Exquisite Creatures exhibit. It was one of the best and most unique exhibits I have ever seen. The artist and naturalist, Christopher Marley, takes animals, fish, insects, and other creatures that have recently died and preserves them. While that itself is not so unusual, what he does with them is. He creates some of the most unique, gorgeous, and fascinating artwork I have ever encountered. REALLY.

Last summer I spent a week on my own in Milan! I stayed at an AirBnb with the most wonderful host and arranged some wonderful tours and activities while I was there. One of them was an exuberant tour in a classic Fiat! One of the places we went was called BAM: The Library of Trees. Join me for a quick tour and of BAM and information to plan your own tour!

Corgi races are really a “thing” in the Omaha area. I have wanted to attend the races since I first heard about them a year or two ago. After all, I have to cheer on my short-legged, spunky little friends. Join me for a front-row seat!

Last summer I spent a week on my own in Milan! I stayed at an AirBnb with the most wonderful host and arranged some wonderful tours and activities while I was there. One of them was an exuberant tour in a classic Fiat!

Salem, Massachusetts is a fascinating place both for its long and varied history and for the events that took place there - e.g. The Salem Witch Trials.

The Salem of today touts both in a big way. Not only is it a great place to learn about colonial history, it also has become famous all things witch and supernatural related. And don’t even get me started on the town’s Halloween Festival.