When you think of a weekend getaway in Iowa, Clinton might not be the first destination that comes to mind, but it definitely deserves a spot on your list! Located along the Mississippi River in eastern Iowa, Clinton is full of unexpected places to explore. We're talking wineries overlooking the river, scenic hiking trails, historic castles, seasonal festivals, unique restaurants, and even a chance to go troll hunting! Chris and I spent a weekend exploring the area, and I was

Sometimes you just need an excuse to get dressed up and enjoy a really good meal! Whether you're visiting Kansas City for the first time, celebrating a special occasion, planning a date night, or simply treating yourself, the metro has some incredible restaurants worth checking out. From elegant steakhouses and creative cocktails to intimate dining rooms and memorable menus, I've rounded up some of my favorite spots for a fancier night out in Kansas City. And don't worry, you

Puerto Rico is one of those destinations that offers a little bit of everything. Beautiful beaches, colorful historic streets, tropical landscapes, incredible food, and plenty of opportunities for adventure. Whether you're looking for a relaxing Caribbean getaway or a trip packed with activities, there's so much to explore on this island! I visited Puerto Rico a while back and had such a great time experiencing the destination. Now that I'm planning to return for my bachelore

There are some trips you plan down to every last detail, and then there are trips where you visit a friend and somehow end up road-tripping through some of the prettiest places in New England. This was definitely the latter. I visited during the fall, which meant colorful trees, crisp weather, coastal towns and basically every drive looking like it belonged on a postcard. We explored Portsmouth, New Hampshire, made our way up the Maine coast through York and Ogunquit, and spe

Japan had been on our travel list for years, and in April 2026, we finally spent two weeks exploring the country! 🇯🇵 Over 14 days, we experienced everything from the nonstop energy of Tokyo to the mountains of Takayama, temples and traditional streets of Kyoto, and the food-filled neighborhoods of Osaka. We even squeezed in a quick stop in Hakone and ended the trip back in Tokyo — including two nights sleeping in a capsule hotel! This itinerary is meant to be a high-level l

Chicago is one of those cities I keep finding my way back to. I’ve visited for family vacations, New Year’s Eve trips, concerts and work—and I even spent a summer living in the suburbs during an internship. At this point, I’ve honestly lost count of how many times I’ve been! So instead of a typical weekend itinerary, I’m rounding up my favorite Chicago finds from over the years—from iconic stops and places to eat to hidden gems, unique stays and things you might not find on e

Springfield, Missouri might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a weekend getaway, but there’s a lot more here than you might expect. From unique roadside stops and outdoor adventures to local restaurants and some seriously impressive attractions, Springfield makes for an easy Midwest road trip with plenty to fill a weekend. Whether you’re passing through on Route 66 or planning a trip specifically to explore the area, here are some of the best things to d

Branson is one of those destinations I grew up visiting, but I’ve found a whole new appreciation for it as an adult. What I once thought of mostly as a family vacation spot has become one of my favorite easy getaways in Missouri — especially when I can spend as much time as possible outside and on the water. Between Table Rock Lake, the Ozark scenery, restaurants, shows, unique stays and plenty of things to do beyond the traditional Branson Strip, there’s a lot more here than

Looking for a fun long-weekend road trip from Kansas City? Minneapolis had been on our list for two very specific reasons: Mall of America and the Minnesota State Fair. So, over Labor Day weekend, we packed up the car and headed north for a weekend built around shopping, fair food, and a little time exploring downtown Minneapolis. This definitely wasn’t a “see everything in Minneapolis” kind of trip. We spent the majority of our time at Mall of America and the Minnesota State

Omaha is one of those Midwest cities that deserves more than a quick drive through. From the historic streets of the Old Market to local restaurants, unique food and drink experiences, and attractions that connect two states, there’s plenty to fill a weekend here. I spent a weekend exploring Omaha and finding some of the best places to eat, things to do, and stops worth adding to your own itinerary. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or adding Omaha to a Midwest

Colorado Springs is one of those destinations where you could fill an entire weekend without ever running out of things to do outside. Between mountain views, unique hiking trails, scenic drives and some of Colorado’s most recognizable landmarks, there’s a little bit of everything within driving distance of the city. I put together 10 of my favorite outdoor things to do in and around Colorado Springs, including a few stops that require a little extra driving but are absolutel

Planning a trip to Kansas City? As a KC local who spends a lot of time exploring my own city, I’ve put together some of my favorite ways to experience it—from local sports and outdoor adventures to museums, entertainment, food and a few experiences you might not expect to find here. This guide is designed primarily for visitors, but if you call KC home, you might find a few ideas to add to your own weekend plans too! Catch a Kansas City Game One thing I always do when traveli

Bentonville, Arkansas is one of those places that packs way more into a weekend than you might expect. Between incredible art, miles of trails, unique coffee shops, great places to eat, and a downtown that’s easy to spend an afternoon exploring, there’s a little bit of everything here. One of my favorite things about Bentonville is how easily you can mix outdoor adventures with food, art, and more laid-back stops. You can spend the morning on the trails, walk through a park f

Bella Vista ended up being one of my favorite stops on a mother-daughter trip through Northwest Arkansas! Just a little over three hours from Kansas City, it makes for such an easy weekend getaway with a mix of outdoor adventures, good food and places where you can actually slow down and enjoy the scenery. My mom and I spent our time exploring trails, checking out local spots, eating by the lake and staying at a beautiful home tucked away in Bella Vista. Whether you're planni

Dubuque, Iowa completely surprised us! Sitting along the Mississippi River, this historic city makes such a fun Midwest getaway with caves, hiking, river views, local restaurants and some pretty unique attractions. We spent our trip exploring both Dubuque and a few spots within driving distance, so I definitely recommend having a car and giving yourself time to venture outside of downtown. Here are some of the places we stayed, ate and explored during our Dubuque getaway! Sta

If you’re planning a trip to Madison, Wisconsin — or even just passing through — you’ll be surprised at how much this city has to offer. Nestled between two lakes, Madison blends college-town energy with local charm, great food, and beautiful outdoor spaces. During my recent visit, I rounded up seven spots that stand out for their atmosphere, uniqueness, and overall experience. Olbrich Botanical Gardens If you’re visiting Madison, Wisconsin, add Olbrich Botanical Gardens to y