Visiting Madame ZuZu’s in Highland Park

One of my favorite elements when traveling is making wishes come true. However small or silly they may seem. A good example is when I was in San Francisco a few years ago. Growing up, baby Mary dreamed of getting her picture in front of […]

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From Arsenal Island to Whitey’s Ice Cream: Day 4 in the Quad Cities

It was a happy Friday in the Quad Cities. I didn’t sleep as well as I would have liked but did wake up hungry. It was a good thing since I was excited about breakfast today. We began Tuesday in Iowa’s Bettendorf for dinner at […]

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Davenport & LeClaire: Day Three in the Quad Cities

Day three in the Quad Cities has just wrapped. Are you still with me? I hope because I have much more to share about this wonderful group of cities in Iowa and Illinois.  The morning focused on the art in Davenport, Iowa. Davenport is another […]

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A Full First Day in the Quad Cities (& Lots of John Deere)

Day two in the Quad Cities is in the books and what an adventure it was. We began in Rock Island, Illinois for breakfast at QC Coffee and Pancake House. The retro atmosphere might seem like your average diner but don’t be fooled. Chef Jose […]

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Arriving to the Quad Cities

The day finally arrived, folks. After nearly two years since I last traveled by air, I took my first post-pandemic flight. Although I’ve kept plenty busy with road trips since 2020, it has been strange to feel rather threatened? Afraid? Anxious? All of the above? […]

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A Summer Visit to Atlanta, Georgia

It was a hot and humid afternoon in Georgia. Atlanta, to be exact. By humid, I mean it. I was a sweaty mess as I walked to the botanical gardens and wondered, how the heck do the Georgia locals deal with this? I also wondered why I […]

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A First Time Visit to Flagstaff

Earlier this past spring I visited Flagstaff for the first time. Although the journey was brief, the Arizona mountain city left a lasting impression on me. Much like New Mexico, the Grand Canyon State has very powerful energy as you walk its parts. Think content, […]

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A Visit to Jule Fest in Solvang

I always remember my pit stop in Solvang two years ago. I’d been on a quick trip to the Central Coast and took my time driving home. It was chilly, grey, and beginning to sprinkle. As I walked down Copenhagen Drive, there was a particular […]

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Simon’s Secret Sauce Celebrates One Year at Stella Barra

(Editor’s Note: I was so excited to be invited to Stella Barra Pizzeria to celebrate Simon’s Secret Sauce’s one year anniversary. What’s a girl to do when she cannot make it? Send one of her best contributors, Julie Raelyn, of course! Thanks for a great […]

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Oceanside: San Diego County’s Hidden Jewel

I remember my first visit to Oceanside. North San Diego County’s pristine coastal town has some of my favorite ocean stretches of California. Back in 2011, I appreciated its beauty but felt it had more potential than it was being given. Since I’d never actually […]

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A Summer Day in Ventura

Summertime is winding down and honestly, it’s always bittersweet for me. Although I’m not a huge fan of triple-digit heat, I adore the light nights and escaping to the beach often. Since we’ve moved to Ventura County, Mabel and I are commonly doing three-mile treks […]

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It’s Hatch Pepper Season with Melissa’s Produce (& a S’mores Recipe)

Did you know it’s hatch pepper season? These irresistible spicy hots are native to New Mexico and available just six weeks out of the year. I was first introduced to hatch peppers during my adventures with the 2019 IFWTWA Conference. On my ten-day venture, I fell in love […]

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