Chicago is one of those large cities that feel very small. The neighborhoods are filled will great architecture, restaurants, shops and museums, and each has their own feel. With so much character and Midwest charm, celebrating in this beautiful city on the lake seemed like a great place to bring in the new year!

Spending a day antiquing in the historic town of Lafayette, New Jersey was a great way to usher in the holidays. Founded in 1845 and named after Marquis de LaFayette (Hamilton fans know who he is), the town centered around the three-and-a-half story grist & feed mill that operated until the Great Depression.

Indianapolis is one of those large cities that feels small. Quaint pocket neighborhoods are tucked throughout and the city is incredibly walkable. There is just so many great things to do you can’t possibly cover everything in a weekend, but I will hit some highlights to give you a taste of what this city offers.

Cliffs and sand beaches, rock formations and waterfalls, quiet inland lakes and thick wooded trails, and a powerful lake as far as the eye can see, this diversity can be found all in one place in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or a city dweller, Pictured Rocks is accessible for everyone.

My husband and I have been to the cute town of Lake Placid on two occasions and it has so many great things to see and do that we may have to go back a third time! 

There is a magical place in Michigan that not even many native Michiganders have heard of. An shoreline of 36 islands, crystal clear waters, antique wooden boats and bright blue skies. Where is this undiscovered paradise? It is at the eastern end of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and became a popular destination at the turn of the last century when families from Chicago and Detroit built summer homes on these islands along the shore of Lake Huron.

Yosemite is a pretty magical place, full of adventure and beauty. Our family spent part of a week in this national park and the memories we made won’t be forgotten. You really could visit multiple times and see something different every time. The highlights of our trip included short day hikes in the mornings and evenings and swimming since it was so hot.

Anyone not from the west coast may not know how to pronounce La Jolla (as in Luh Hoya). The town may derive it’s name from the Spanish word “joya”, which translates to Jewel. This town and stretch of coastline certainly are a jewel in the San Diego area.

By this time of year in the Midwest a lot of us are dreaming of soaking up some sun and warmer destinations. There does seem to be a yearly migration to Florida and our family was no exception. Our destination was Ft. Myers Beach and this cute town didn’t disappoint.

During this month my Chinese friends are celebrating the lunar New Year, so I thought I’d share about the fascinating city of Hong Kong. I had the chance to visit and it is full of surprises.

Several years ago this month, I surprised my husband with a birthday trip to the one place in all the world he wanted to go: Ireland. You would think that January isn’t a month to go to Ireland, but I would disagree. It was surprisingly a great month to go.

Not everyone loves a big city or crowds, but I love to explore and even in NYC there are places off the beaten path, little back streets and neighborhoods that make you stroll and look and linger.