I promised my eight-year-old grandson, William, a summer adventure. Just him and me. But Covid-19’s tight grip eliminated most options. Finally, in mid-August, we had a half-open window of opportunity: Springfield, Illinois called and we went. Springfield happens to...
Chicago Deep Dish Pizza: The Truth, The History & The Recipe
Anthony Bourdain struggled to call Chicago Deep Dish a “pizza.” For good reason, maybe. The late chef and culinary guru loved many things about Chicago: “…tall towers, hard corners, and sharp elbows. And, of course, food.” But that deep...
Solo Road Trip to Manistique, MI: A Beautiful Bargain
I confess: I was itching to get out again after nearly five months of sheltering-in-place. A solo road trip seemed like a good idea for several reasons: First, solo travel is my jam. Second, one’s own car is the...
Your Road Trip for One: Ready, Set, Drive! (Part 2)
“Road trip!” Magical words, aren’t they? And your road trip for one means you can go, stop, see, and stay as you please. In Part 1, you did the planning and prep work. Now it’s time to pack the...
Road Trip for One? Absolutely! (Part 1: Planning)
Buckle up, Buttercup! A road trip for one might be travel freedom at its finest. YOU set the itinerary, YOU drive when you want, YOU stay at each destination as long as YOU like. Sounds lovely? It is! Jamie...
Casey, Illinois: Tiny Town, BIG Things!
You probably wouldn’t give Casey, Illinois a second thought. It’s a very small town (population 2,635) not conveniently located in the East-Central part of the state. In fact, it’s a hundred miles closer to Indianapolis than Chicago. But Casey...
Seattle Space Needle: “Clearly” Improved!
The Seattle Space Needle is one of those icons that you’d think would hardly need more than a fresh coat of paint now and then. After all, why mess with a classic? At least that’s what I thought. I’m...
15 Travel Bloggers to Follow
Yes, TravelSmart Woman wants you to find other travel bloggers to follow. Just like in the movie “Miracle on 34th Street,” when Kris Kringle tells Macy’s shoppers where to find the perfect gift, I’m going to suggest some bloggers...
Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, NM: The “Multiverse” Awaits!
Trying to describe a visit to Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, NM, is like trying to describe “red” to a blind person: Impossible. Even the website can’t quite nail it. “Meow Wolf creates immersive and interactive experiences that transport audiences...
5 Reasons to Go to Albuquerque
Do you need reasons to go to Albuquerque, New Mexico? Probably. Although it’s the largest city in the state, it’s not the most glamorous. Except for its annual balloon festival, Albuquerque doesn’t usually draw the “oohs and aaahs” that...