tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18530967788109428372024-03-28T15:40:45.181-05:00A Little Time and a KeyboardEmpowering families to travel while showing off hidden gems and small businesses of Chicago's suburbs, the Midwest and beyond.Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.comBlogger2298125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-48548754141035526292024-03-28T09:19:00.001-05:002024-03-28T09:19:33.526-05:00Weekend Windup {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs March 30-31, 2024} Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs March 30-31, 2024The weekend is upon us! Here are my picks for this weekend:Ongoing:February 10 - December 21 Saving the Fabyan's Legacy: The Darlene Larson Story, Geneva History Museum, learn how the Fabyan estate and Japanese garden were saved, see website for admission information and times.February 10 - March 24 The Orchid Show of Wonders: Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-38787418145128071902024-03-25T10:22:00.005-05:002024-03-25T10:23:00.566-05:00Quick Solo Getaway to Alabama Gulf Shores Recently, I experienced a short little escape to Gulf Shores, Alabama for a solo vacation full of restoration, peace, and spectacular nature. Upon returning from my adventure, I felt quite revitalized. The time alone enjoying nature was just what I needed.Stunning white sand beaches and dunes along the Gulf of Mexico during a smoky sunset at Gulf Shores, Alabama.The Lodge at Gulf State ParkMel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-62653897368924256202024-03-21T21:04:00.002-05:002024-03-21T21:04:19.225-05:00Weekend Windup {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs March 23-24, 2024} Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs March 23-24, 2024The weekend is here! Check out my picks for family fun in the Chicago suburbs:Ongoing:February 10 - December 21 Saving the Fabyan's Legacy: The Darlene Larson Story, Geneva History Museum, learn how the Fabyan estate and Japanese garden were saved, see website for admission information and times.February 10 - March 24 The Orchid Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-8150052784162726662024-03-14T09:08:00.003-05:002024-03-14T09:09:20.640-05:00Morning Hike at Big Foot Beach State Park in Lake Geneva, WisconsinBig Foot Beach State Park is a picturesque 271-acre forest preserve nestled along the shores of Geneva Lake in Wisconsin. Hikers will find a range of natural and mowed grass trails through woodlands and meadows. Big Foot Beach State Park is certainly a favorite Lake Geneva hiking location and ideal for adding to any Lake Geneva getaway.Natural trails traverse the winter woods at Big Foot Beach Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-48670710530423005222024-03-07T08:38:00.000-06:002024-03-07T08:38:07.136-06:00Weekend Windup {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs March 9-10, 2024} Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs March 9-10, 2024The weekend is here! Check out my picks for family fun in the Chicago suburbs:Ongoing:February 10 - December 21 Saving the Fabyan's Legacy: The Darlene Larson Story, Geneva History Museum, learn how the Fabyan estate and Japanese garden were saved, see website for admission information and times.February 10 - March 24 The Orchid Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-65027679704956842102024-03-04T07:50:00.010-06:002024-03-04T09:18:33.894-06:0011 Top Chicago Area Hiking Spots for Spring WildflowersSpring Wildflowers in the Chicago SuburbsThe season for spotting wildflowers is upon us! After many years exploring our Chicago area forest preserves, I have a number that I prefer when looking for spring wildflowers. I love to see the progression of the wildflowers throughout the season. Wildflowers are certainly little treasures! Here are some ideas for your spring wildflower adventures:Hope Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-37321010411157854832024-03-01T08:10:00.005-06:002024-03-01T08:11:10.778-06:00Weekend Windup {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs March 2-3, 2024} Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs March 2-3, 2024Here are some ideas if you are looking for family fun this weekend:Ongoing:February 10 - December 21 Saving the Fabyan's Legacy: The Darlene Larson Story, Geneva History Museum, learn how the Fabyan estate and Japanese garden were saved, see website for admission information and times.February 10 - March 24 The Orchid Show of Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-37976967107951179042024-02-23T10:35:00.001-06:002024-02-23T10:35:20.868-06:00Weekend Windup {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs February 24-25, 2024} Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs February 24-25, 2024The weekend is here! Here are my picks for fun in the Chicago suburbs this weekend:Ongoing:Through February 29 Cantigny Skating Rink and Oak Lodge, see website for informationFebruary 1-29 North Shore Restaurant MonthFebruary 1-29 February Flavor Festival, Lake CountyFebruary 10 - December 21 Saving the Fabyan's Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-75771580223265682112024-02-22T09:06:00.005-06:002024-02-22T19:41:11.197-06:00Conservation, Bald Eagles, and River Views at Nature at the Confluence in South Beloit, Illinois Nature at the Confluence provides a much needed nature respite in South Beloit, Wisconsin while representing a remarkable and continually developing environmental restoration effort. I have had this preserve on my list for quite awhile. A recent sunny day offered the perfect excuse for exploring this wonderful preserve. Enjoy a little peek:Lovely water views captivate in all seasons at Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-36546713572188406302024-02-19T20:54:00.014-06:002024-02-20T07:35:55.951-06:00Writing and Recharging Getaway Near Chicago at The Abbey Resort A Top Work Retreat Getaway Near Chicago at The Abbey Resort in Fontana, Wisconsin**Disclosure: Thank you to The Abbey Resort for accommodating my stay and services so I could bring this review to my readers. No other compensation was received. Opinions are 100% my own.The Abbey Resort in Fontana, Wisconsin welcomes visitors to one of the best Chicago area getaways offering a haven where youMel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-87708832397675637002024-02-16T08:18:00.000-06:002024-02-16T08:18:57.165-06:00Weekend Windup {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs February 17-18, 2024}Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs February 17-18, 2024The weekend is here! Enjoy my picks for family fun this weekend:Ongoing:Through February 29 Cantigny Skating Rink and Oak Lodge, see website for informationFebruary 1-29 North Shore Restaurant MonthFebruary 1-29 February Flavor Festival, Lake CountyFebruary 10 - December 21 Saving the Fabyan's Legacy: The Darlene Larson Story, Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-75437442976568860862024-02-12T08:44:00.011-06:002024-02-20T17:59:42.557-06:00 The Orchid Show of Wonders: Chicago Botanic Garden's Brilliant Blooms Dance Under The Big Top The theme of Chicago Botanic Gardens 2024 Orchid Show -- The Orchid Show of Wonders delights guests with whimsical and even at times daring floral designs inspired by the circus and carnivals. The Orchid Show of Wonders engages visitors in a different way than in previous years with playful arrangements inviting curiosity. Come one, come all to my little preview of this year's show:A tower Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-31422127454161628132024-02-08T09:05:00.002-06:002024-02-08T09:05:24.507-06:00Weekend Windup: {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs February 10-11, 2024} Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs February 10-11, 2024A super sweet weekend is ahead! Here are my picks for fun in the Chicago suburbs this weekend:OngoingThrough February 29 Cantigny Skating Rink and Oak Lodge, see website for informationFebruary 1-29 North Shore Restaurant MonthFebruary 10 - December 21 Saving the Fabyan's Legacy: The Darlene Larson Story, Geneva History Museum,Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-46687305125764134172024-02-06T08:34:00.007-06:002024-02-10T13:22:59.241-06:00History, Revitalization of Nature, and Peace at Mellody Farm Nature Preserve in Lake Forest, Illinois Mellody Farm Nature Preserve in Lake Forest, Illinois entices visitors with a blend of nature and history. The preserve offered me the perfect little getaway on a winter's day. The 50-acre Mellody Farm Nature Preserve rests adjacent to the larger 514-acre Middlefork Savanna Preserve. Despite its small size, Mellody Farm Nature Preserve quickly envelopes visitors in a fantastic nature and Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-59989586990561123692024-02-01T08:53:00.002-06:002024-02-01T08:54:50.661-06:00Weekend Windup {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs February 1 - 4, 2024} Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs February 1 - 4, 2024Here comes the weekend! Here are my picks for family fun this weekend:OngoingThrough February 29 Cantigny Skating Rink and Oak Lodge, see website for informationJanuary 19 - February 4 Naperville Restaurant WeekThursday, February 1February 1-4 Groundhog Day events in Woodstock including prognostication on Feb 2, walking Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-73621383830571749912024-01-30T09:41:00.013-06:002024-02-13T09:47:28.386-06:00Illinois Bald Eagle Watching at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center and McKinley Woods Situated near the confluence of the Des Plaines River, DuPage River, and Kankakee River as they flow into the Illinois River, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center opens up incredible avenues for nature learning and exploration. Located in Channahon, Illinois, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center and the surrounding McKinley Woods Forest Preserve welcome visitors to quite aMel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-1864001424895784902024-01-25T20:01:00.001-06:002024-01-25T20:01:28.392-06:00Weekend Windup {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs January 26-28, 2024} Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs January 26-28, 2024The weekend is here and there are some really great events! Here are my picks for the last weekend of January:OngoingThrough January 31 Cantigny Skating Rink and Oak Lodge, see website for informationJanuary 19 - February 4 Naperville Restaurant WeekFriday, January 26January 26-27 Alpine Fest at Buffalo Creek Brewing, Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-34125358483850672672024-01-22T20:44:00.003-06:002024-02-05T13:54:34.641-06:0010 Unique Valentine's Day Date Ideas in the Chicago SuburbsTime to start thinking about how to surprise your sweetheart for Valentine's Day! If you are looking for a unique adventure, here are my picks for the best Valentine's Day date ideas in the Chicago suburbs:Patterson Glassworks - Make a glass heart with your sweetheart during one of Patterson Glasswork's Open Houses January 27-28 or February 3-4. Reservations are recommended. After visiting the Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0Arlington Heights, IL, USA42.0883603 -87.98062650000001413.778126463821152 -123.13687650000001 70.398594136178843 -52.824376500000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-73647553802070777482024-01-18T21:42:00.004-06:002024-01-18T21:42:32.238-06:00Weekend Windup {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs January 20-21, 2024} Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs January 20-21, 2024Happy weekend! Here are my picks for weekend fun. Please remember to double check to make sure outdoor events are still happening given the cold. Have a great weekend!OngoingThrough January 31 Cantigny Skating Rink and Oak Lodge, see website for informationJanuary 19 - February 4 Naperville Restaurant WeekAs long as there is at leastMel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-84124491414747062452024-01-16T08:55:00.009-06:002024-01-16T09:02:10.933-06:00Top 5 Chicago Suburban Museums for a Winter Adventure Winter is the perfect time to visit some of our local Chicago suburban museums. We have quite a collection and the depth of exhibits here in the suburbs can be quite impressive. Here are five of my favorites for exploring this winter:Arlington Heights Historical Museum: The Arlington Heights Historical Museum features a complex of historic buildings. Buildings include the Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-28307162588606771552024-01-11T10:51:00.006-06:002024-01-11T10:55:00.688-06:00Weekend Windup {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs January 13-15, 2024 and the Best Places to Snowshoe in the Chicago Suburbs} Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs January 13-15, 2024 and the Best Places to Snowshoe in the Chicago SuburbsThe weekend is here and it looks like a snowy one! Please be sure the events are still going on before attending in the event of snow. Here are my picks for family fun in the Chicago suburbs this weekend:OngoingThrough January 31 Cantigny Skating Rink and Oak Lodge, see website Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-29319558546990588862024-01-09T09:11:00.007-06:002024-01-24T17:22:26.471-06:0012 Chicago Area Forest Preserves with Interesting Historic StructuresDiscover Intriguing Historic Structures Within Chicago Area Forest PreservesOver the years while on Chicago area hiking trails, I have noted quite a few historic structures nestled right in nature. I have compiled a list of some of my favorites which together do paint quite an interesting picture of the history of the region. While not a comprehensive list because our preserves hold so many Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-51424086811707373472024-01-04T20:58:00.002-06:002024-01-04T20:58:41.883-06:00Weekend Windup {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs January 6 - 7, 2024} Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs January 6 - 7, 2024Here comes the weekend! Check out my picks for family fun in the Chicago suburbs:OngoingSeptember 9 - January 7 Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dreamworld, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, creatures from Mexican folklore that are composites of multiple animals, free exhibitSeptember 9 - January 7 Picasso 50 Years Later, Elmhurst ArtMel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-14518978178791134582024-01-01T15:09:00.017-06:002024-01-10T10:57:59.391-06:006 Favorite Places to Eat in Albuquerque Albuquerque, New Mexico is known for its culinary experiences. New Mexican cuisine shares a distinctive blend of Native Pueblo, Mexican, and Spanish flavors. While we did explore tasty New Mexican dishes during our trip, we also sampled other cuisines and loved what we discovered! Here are our 6 best Albuquerque restaurants from our adventure:1. Duran's Central Pharmacy: Duran's offers Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853096778810942837.post-76249080783388207552023-12-29T08:02:00.001-06:002024-01-16T09:58:26.005-06:00Weekend Windup {Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs December 29, 2023 - January 1, 2024} Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs December 29, 2023 - January 1, 2024I hope that you have a very Happy New Year! A lot of holiday shows are ending this weekend, so make sure you catch the ones going before they are gone. Here are my picks for family fun this weekend:OngoingSeptember 9 - January 7 Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dreamworld, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, creatures from Mel S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13172756129777510377noreply@blogger.com0