Springfield, IL – Plan your trip to Always Legendary Springfield, IL to take part in unique special events during April and May. Maybe you’ll decide to run a half marathon dressed as Abraham Lincoln or walk your way through the Fat Ass 5-K. You can also sip wine and shop for art in historic downtown or learn about life on the Illinois prairie at the Clayville historical site. No matter what you choose, Springfield offers fun and educational … [Read more...]
Chicago’s finest attractions
Chicago, Illinois is one of America’s iconic cities and attracts just over 46 million visitors each year. This Midwest metropolis is the third largest city in the US and holds a wealth of attractions and activities whichever season you decide to visit in. Chicago dates back to the early 1800s and has built itself into one of the world’s most vibrant and beautiful cities. It’s in Chicago that you will find the world’s first skyscraper as well … [Read more...]
How Cuba Changed my Perception of Humanity and Restored Hope
I’ve taken a number of great vacations in my lifetime. Each vacation I’ve taken has left me with fond memories, valuable lessons, new friends, new-found knowledge and a new outlook on my surroundings and the world at large but one recent vacation, in particular, left me with more than I could ever imagine gaining from a week-long trip. I didn’t have to travel very far to this destination. In fact, I technically didn’t even have to leave the … [Read more...]
A Road Trippers Case for Traveling by Car
Taking a road trip is my favorite way to put "things" back into perspective. It's easy to let yourself get caught up in the trivialities of daily life and forget that this is bigger than the individual. A road trip can be just the thing to spark some creativity, break out of the mundane with some spontaneity or even deal with pain. There's comfort in seeing new things and the best way to challenge yourself and your views is by meeting new people … [Read more...]
Ten Finalists Chosen: 2012 Cintas’ America’s Best Restroom Contest
Ten Finalists Chosen For 2012 Cintas’ America’s Best Restroom Contest Public Voting Begins for 11th Annual Contest Will America’s next Best Restroom be the result of a multi-million dollar renovation to the nation’s largest natural outdoor amphitheater, and set against picturesque iconic Hollywood Hills? Or will Sin City’s most luxurious loo, a sprawling 2,000 square foot space inside Vegas’ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, earn … [Read more...]
Grandpa’s Town
My husband wanted to go to Germany, rent a car and travel the scenic southern area. He had a yen to visit small towns and villages instead of big cities, which we'd already seen on earlier trips. Ken planned to drive the secondary roads and stay off the autobahn. For people who had relied on tour guides in the past, this was definitely an adventure. In January, we started planning. I did multiple Google searches on hotels, restaurants, … [Read more...]
Cherokee Hills Byway features five fall foliage spots to catch the colors of the season
From recreation to cultural, Cherokee Nation spotlights five scenic points along the 88-mile stretch of highway to take in the fall colors TAHLEQUAH, Okla., (November 18, 2010) --- A brilliant kaleidoscope of autumn colors are set to light up the Cherokee Hills Byway as illuminated by an 88-mile stretch of fall foliage running through Sequoyah, Cherokee, Delaware and Adair counties. The curtain of turning colors for the drive-thru theater … [Read more...]
Come Have a Grape Stompin Good Time at the Chicago Marriott
Guests are invited to crush grapes at the Chicago Marriott's 2010 wine-making event Upon entering the lobby of a hotel, guests are expected to gather their bags, check in, and proceed to their room. Upon entering the lobby of the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, guests go through the motions before having the opportunity to de-stem and crush grapes that will be used to create signature wines served within the hotel bar and Harvest … [Read more...]
Alive & Well: Experience The American Automobile Industry Through Factory Tours
As everybody too acutely knows, the American automobile industry has been driving on fumes lately, along with the rest of the world economy. However, while some notable factories have recently closed, it would be a mistake to think that car-making in the United States is completely in the breakdown lane. While the industry may need a tune-up and a refilled tank (along with an electric battery or fuel cell), the great American tradition of the car … [Read more...]
Language Abroad: When Your French is Bad, An English-Speaking Stranger Can Become an Intimate Friend
It was five days into my research trip to Rennes-le-Chateau, a village in the French Pyrenean foothills, and I was lonely. Gathering details for my novel, I had hiked the hilly red dirt of the countryside dotted with helm oaks and dry broom, had walked the narrow roads of the village to the accompaniment of squawking roosters, and had admired the humble stucco houses. I stood in the rooms of the presbytery where my characters -- a priest and his … [Read more...]
