How did Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania become the Weather Capital of the World? Well, it just so happens that this rural Pennsylvania town has a pretty big claim to fame. Now, I’m not a person who gets particularly excited about rodents (of any kind). But this small town just happens to be the home of Groundhog Day and the famed Punxsutawney Phil — even though the iconic movie was filmed in Woodstock, Illinois. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. While we didn’t visit during the right time of y ..read more

Kick off your adventure on the Mother Road with a photo at the Historic Begin Route 66 sign in Chicago, Illinois! Whether you’re driving the entire route or taking a shorter adventure, this is an essential photo op for any roadtripper. Technically the official starting point of Route 66 has moved several times since the road was commissioned. But today travelers can mark the start of their journey near the junction of E. Adams Street and Michigan Avenue. The starting point of Route 66 has moved several times. The 1926 alignment was at Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue near the Art Inst ..read more

When anyone asks what we did on our trip to New Orleans earlier this year, my response often begins with the things we ate. This isn’t because we didn’t see or do anything else worth talking about — I promise we did — but because in the three days we were there, we ate an incredible amount of delicious food. Whether you’re planning a trip of your own or you just really like to read about fantastic food, here’s a list of some of our favorite places to eat in New Orleans. Restaurants & Bars in New Orleans Acme Oyster House While I’m not a big fan of raw oysters, a number of people cl ..read more

When it comes to Midwest adventures, the winter is no excuse for travel to slow down. Sure, it may require a few extra layers and a hand warmer or two. But there are still so many incredible things to do in Iowa during the colder months. In fact, I recently headed north to the Cedar Valley to discover all of the things to do in Cedar Falls, Iowa during the winter. From local festivals to delicious eateries to historic hotel properties, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the Cedar Valley. We had a great time getting to know the area, indulging in some truly tasty food, and taking ad ..read more

If you like to explore off the beaten path, there is no shortage of things to do in north central Kansas. So pack your suitcase, load up your car and get ready for a road trip that’s sure to surprise and delight. From historic hotels and natural wonders to roadside attractions and offbeat art installations, this region of Kansas is teeming with quirky places to fill your itinerary. Whether you like obscure military history or enjoy sampling new craft brews, you’re sure to discover something unexpected as you crisscross the region’s backroads and delve deep into its rural communities. So th ..read more

The days of travel by prairie schooner may be long gone. But the World’s Largest Covered Wagon is still a great stop on any road trip through Illinois. Located along Route 66 in Lincoln, Illinois, the World’s Largest Covered Wagon was built by local resident David Bentley in 2001. The project initially began as something for Bentley to do while recovering from heart surgery. He crafted the Railsplitter Covered Wagon by hand using steel and locally sourced Illinois oak. Ultimately, he completed the project to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Route 66. But the quirkiness of this roadside ..read more

There are a lot things that unexpectedly delighted me about Wichita, Kansas. But the city’s blossoming arts scene is easily one of my favorite surprises. No matter what part of the city you’re in, everywhere you look, there is incredible public art in Wichita. From bronze sculptures to large-scale murals, there are all sorts of ways to appreciate art around the city. Every time I find myself in this Kansas community, I devote time to tracking down some of the city’s coolest murals and basking in these little bursts of inspiration around every turn. In the same way that I love the city’s ro ..read more

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