View of the Starved Rock overlook surrounded by brilliant orange, yellow, and green fall foliage with people gathered at the top, seen across the Illinois River on a clear autumn day.
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Hiking at Starved Rock State Park: Your Guide to the Best Trails, Views & Waterfalls

There’s something magical about hiking at Starved Rock—where sandstone canyons, seasonal waterfalls, and winding forest trails come together in one of Illinois’ most iconic state parks. Just under two hours southwest of Chicago, Starved Rock State Park offers over 13 miles of scenic hikes that wind past towering bluffs, hidden waterfalls, and sweeping river overlooks….

Sunlight glistens off the water as sailboats float in the harbor at Grand Marais, Minnesota, with a hazy sky and forested shoreline in the background.
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The Complete Guide to Minnesota’s North Shore Scenic Drive

The North Shore Scenic Drive in Minnesota is more than just a beautiful stretch of highway—it’s a classic Midwest road trip that winds along the edge of Lake Superior, past waterfalls, rocky cliffs, and storybook small towns. This summer, I drove the full route for the first time from Duluth to Grand Portage and let…

Rows of grapevines grow in a lush green vineyard at Purple Toad Winery in Paducah, Kentucky, with tall trees and a cloudy sky in the background on a rainy summer day.
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Purple Toad Winery: Touring Kentucky’s Most Popular Winery

I’ve sipped my way through plenty of small-town tasting rooms, but Purple Toad Winery in Paducah, Kentucky might just be the most fun I’ve ever had with a wine glass in hand. This Paducah winery is known for award-winning sweet wines, friendly folks behind the bar, and a no-frills experience that feels refreshingly down to…

Colorful historic buildings and shops lining Broadway Street in downtown Paducah on a sunny afternoon.
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Things to Do in Paducah, Kentucky: 15 Cozy & Creative Ideas for Your Next Weekend Getaway

The first time we rolled into Paducah, Kentucky, we weren’t expecting much, but what we found was something special: a riverside town bursting with creative energy, rich history, and more charm than a postcard rack in July. From the National Quilt Museum to a quiet walk along the river, there are so many memorable things…

Historic downtown New Harmony, Indiana, decorated with garlands and bows for the Christmas season.
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Things to Do in New Harmony, Indiana: A One-Day Itinerary Full of Charm, History & Art

Whenever someone asks me for things to do in New Harmony, I can’t help but smile. New Harmony, Indiana has always felt like a gentle exhale—the kind of place where time moves slower and the streets whisper stories from centuries past. My family started coming here when I was just 11 months old, packing up…