Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Visit Salina and its partners. All opinions and photos are mine.  In Salina, Kansas, immersive adventures provide travelers with unforgettable experiences. Like me, you’d instead pick the grapes before drinking the wine or create art rather than admire it. Take your pick from many hands-on activities, from creating artwork to feeding wildlife.  OBSERVE WILDLIFE IN ACTION AT ROLLING HILLS ZOO Rolling Hills Zoo (625 N. Hedville Rd.), which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, is a place I always look forward to visiting. During a recent tour ..read more

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Grow Ellsworth County, Live Lincoln Kansas, and its partners. All opinions and photos are mine.  Just when I thought I’d traveled to most corners of Kansas, I happily uncovered new gems in Ellsworth and Lincoln counties, and surrounding towns. A preview of the 2024 Big Kansas Road Trip, I hit the highway searching off-the-beaten-path destinations and to-die-for eateries. Post Rock Scenic HighwayELLSWORTH COUNTY STATE PARKS Ellsworth County is home to state parks that guarantee stunning scenic views no matter the season. Do you have a $25 Kansas State ..read more

Isn’t it nice when someone else does the cooking for you? If you’re seeking a place to dine in Wichita, Kansas, that serves health-conscious menu items made with fresh ingredients, this list of restaurants checks all the boxes. I’m a native Wichitan who has dined at each of these locally owned eateries, and I can vouch for their menu selections, customer service, and overall value. 10 Places to Dine in Wichita, Kansas, If You’re Seeking Healthier Menu Options Meddy’s Fans of Mediterranean cuisine rave about Meddy’s (4 Locations) for its menu of entrees prepared fresh daily. Their shawarmas fil ..read more

Disclaimer: My experiences were hosted by Fredericksburg Convention & Visitor Bureau during a Geiger & Associates press trip.  All opinions and photos are mine.  There is something special about Fredericksburg, Texas. It’s a feeling you get the moment you arrive in town. The Hill Country town, founded in 1846, is deeply rooted in its German heritage while remaining true to modern life. Award-winning restaurants, an almost endless winery trail, boutiques, and picture-worthy lodging make the town visit-worthy. After a first-time visit, you may not want to leave. WHAT TO EXPECT ..read more

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Visit Shawnee Kansas. All opinions and photos are my own except for a few courtesy photos. Make Shawnee, Kansas, your next shopping spree destination. An afternoon strolling locally-owned stores in Downtown Shawnee is fun, and the district’s walkability is convenient. You can park your car and walk to most of the stores on this list. So, grab your wallets because you have purchases to make ranging from fresh flowers and fine chocolates to books and bath products. You’ll enjoy strolling to many of these shops, and the public art and historical markers dotti ..read more

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Cozy in KC. All opinions and photos are mine. I chose the travel itinerary’s points of interest. I never pass up an opportunity to explore downtown Shawnee, Kansas, so I was eager to stay the weekend at Cozy in KC’s Tumbleweed Airbnb, a two-bedroom apartment located within walking distance of excellent dining, breweries, and retail shopping. The ideal accommodation for travelers seeking a beautiful vacation rental that sleeps four people or a business traveler who wants more space and comforts of home than a hotel provides, Tumbleweed is the ideal ch ..read more

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. I’ve stayed in countless hotel rooms and each one varies in its amenities. Over the years, I’ve relied on a handful of products that guarantee a comfortable hotel stay. Don’t leave home without packing these five essential, affordable items. SLEEP EASY A good night’s sleep is imperative for an enjoyable vacation or business trip. No amount of caffeinated coffee will keep you energized the next day if you miss out on sleep. Mack’s Earplug’s Bang! Boom! Sometimes fellow hotel guests ar ..read more

Disclaimer: This post was done in partnership with Friends of Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. All opinions are mine and photos are mine.  The dust kicked up behind the car’s tires as we made our final approach to Maxwell Wildlife Refuge (2565 Pueblo Rd) in Canton, Kansas. Male elk rested on a hill silhouetted in the distance. An adult bison grazed in the foreground. Our adventure at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge’s Old-Fashioned Christmas on the Prairie was going to be the perfect outing. The elk keep a safe distance from the bison during feeding time during the first tram tour of the day.ABOUT MAXWELL ..read more

Is there any better visual than a table covered by a full spread of Mexican food? Towering bowls of warm tortilla chips. Platters of tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. Steaming bowls of pinto beans. Each culinary delight waiting to be devoured between sip of a salty, lime margarita. Use my list of recommended Mexican food restaurants in Kansas as a taco trail, a bucket list to cross off as you journey from one eatery to the next. By no means does this list reflect all the must-stop Mexican restaurants in the state, but instead restaurants that I’ve dine at in the last couple of years. WICHITA L ..read more

If you’re in the Kansas City area, take a day trip to one of these communities that offer incredible food and drink experiences. I’ve done the homework. Each of the mentioned-below restaurants and bars is worthy of your patronage, plus I’ve included bonus activities to experience in each town. OLATHE, KANSAS Follow the winery, brewery, and sweet treats trail in Olathe. The northeastern suburb near Kansas City offers visitors plenty of places to sip and savor. If you love coffee and pastries, palate-pleasing wine, craft beer, or barbecue, you’ll love Olathe. Start the day at Sweet Tee’s Coffee ..read more