Japan captured my heart and senses in a way I didn't expect. This post gets into the aspects of food and Japanese culture that most impacted me during my 11 day summer trip to the country.

An overview of 29 breweries across the Chicagoland area that includes pictures and concise reviews of each brewery. Additionally, I cover 11 of my favorite breweries that I have visited across the United States during my travels.

This post covers 13 different two to three day road trips through Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. The locations featured are perfect for the outdoor enthusiast looking to take scenic hikes and walks. Picturesque scenic drives are noted as are state parks, specific hikes and breweries at which to get a craft beer.

Take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to experience the best part of Manhattan on foot. This post recaps my experiences making this trek.

Check out this list of thoughtful, instrumental cross genre songs you can listen to on repeat...... again and again forEver.

An overview of the ski and apres ski experience at Beaver Creek and Vail.

42 Thriller films made over the last 30 years from the best directors of all time. Movie poster images and film reviews included.

An overview of Midwest skiing in Wisconsin and Illinois.

20 inspirational quotes to take into 2026 to help with resilience when facing challenges and to inspire.

An overview of 22 of the most delicious foods from 22 different cultures with historical overviews and pictures of each dish.

An overview of top spots to visit in Milwaukee, Madison and Sheboygan.

This post includes some of the most memorable songs featured in films over the past 20 to 30 years.

This is part 2 of a 2 part series about South Dakota focused on State and National Parks.

This post highlights our favorite moments visiting National Monuments and Memorials during our recent trip to South Dakota and Wyoming.

Check out this post for an overview of some of my favorite parks and forest preserves in DuPage County to get out for a walk or hike.

History and food highlights with a primary focus on walking all around Boston during my family's recent 3 Days in Boston.

An overview of some of the top butcher shops in the Chicagoland area.

Enjoy this post that delves into hard rock music from the 80s and 90s with a particular focus on the amazing 2002 album Audioslave.

Cascade is well worth an extra hours drive if your considering Wilmot or Alpine Valley for a Midwest ski experience. No offense to those spots, but Cascade is probably a full 2 steps above Alpine/Wilmot and is more closely aligned with the ski experience at Granite Peak or Boyne. Located 2 hours and 40 minutes from Chicago, Cascade is a solid option for beginners, as well as being a really fun place for experienced skiers. This is one of only a few places I've been to in t

It's winter, and that means it's ski season. This post provides an overview of my favorite Midwest ski spot, Granite Peak.