We have been on the road on and off this spring and summer experiencing a lot of fresh food, midwest history and adventure for years to come. The midwest holds many treasures with stories that are untold. We are working on finding as many stories as we can. Here are some of the highlights we have stumbled on the past few months.
EISENHOWER PARK & ROSE GARDEN: ABILENE, KANSAS
When you visit Abilene, Kansas, be sure to swing over to the rose garden. The garden area was peaceful and offered beauty that will be imprinted in your mind for quite some time.
I have no doubt that you can visit any time of year, and find a time of reflection. There’s something magical about a garden when it’s located in an area that showcases one of America’s presidents.
OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS: ARBORETUM & BOTANICAL GARDENS
Overland Park is home to an arboretum and botanical gardens that embraces train enthusiasts. Be prepared to walk and explore this beautiful area, as you can stroll all the way to an area for train lovers.
FUN CHARACTERS IN ELGIN, ILLINOIS
Who knew that Elgin, Illinois had so many fun characters? Trust us, as you walk into any coffee shop in Elgin, you will have a new friend or two. The Blue Box Cafe is where you will embrace Dr. Who and a laugh or two.
What’s not to like about being served a hot breakfast, a smile with a little Dr. Who in the area?
STEAK AT FRANCHESCO’S RISTORANTE: ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS
A nice dinner with live music was what we found at Franchesco’s Ristorante in Rockford, Illinois. Sara’s ears perked up when our waiter said, “Iowa grass fed beef.” When she hears her home state of Iowa, she pays attention quite quickly. How does this steak look?
Cooked to perfection with delicious sides. We both are counting the days until we return.
VISIT KENOSHA, WISCONSIN: MIKE’S CHICKEN & DONUTS
If you follow the two of us on our travels, you know that we enjoy a donut now and then.
Mike’s Donuts & Chicken is not to be missed when visiting Kenosha, Wisconsin.
FENELON PLACE ELEVATOR: DUBUQUE, IOWA
The Fenelon Place Elevator prides itself on being the steepest and shortest scenic railway, 296 feet to be exact.
Board the elevator for a view of historic Dubuque, the Mississippi River and three states. Tip: Visit different times of the year to get a different view. Iowa prides itself on the fact that they do have four distinct season.
This is a glimpse of where we have been this spring and summer. We continue to fill our calendars with more midwest destinations. The beauty of the midwest is that we have a variety of experiences to offer.. 24 hours is usually not enough time to explore a community. Several of these destinations warrant a 2nd or 3rd visit, as there’s so much to do.
Where have your 2017 spring and summer travels taken you? We’d love to hear about your travel experiences in the midwest.
