Midwest

Rockford, Illinois - A Visitor’s Guide

What I love most about Rockford is the variety. You can wander through the unique Anderson Japanese Gardens, catch a show at the Coronado Theatre, or spend a day at the Discovery Center Museum. Every trip feels like discovering something new, and that’s why Rockford will always be one of my favorite cities.

Romantic Weekend Getaways in Ohio

For me, Ohio’s romantic escapes are some of the best in the Midwest. We've discovered unique destinations, favorite experiences, and underrated gems that are easy to love.

Places to Visit in Minnesota

What I love most is how versatile Minnesota is! There’s always something new to discover, and my every visit feels like the best kind of adventure.

Ohio fall foliage views with a roadside red barn

Best Places to Visit in Ohio

I think that Ohio is one of the best and most unique states to visit that always offers something new to experience.

Best Places to Visit in Michigan

Whether you are looking for outstanding scenery, best food, great family activities or gracious historic architecture, Michigan ticks all the boxes for an amazing vacation.

Things to Do in Iowa

For me, Iowa is one of the best Midwest states to explore because it combines unique culture, small-town charm, and underrated adventures that always leave me with new favorite memories.

Things to Do in Nebraska

Nebraska is the state of the prairies, the Great Plains, incredible towering Sandhills dunes and dramatic rock formations in the panhandle. Exploring this state has become one of my favorite ways to see a side of America many people overlook.

The sun rises over Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Places to Visit in North Dakota

From rugged badlands to charming small towns, North Dakota delivers the best mix of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences, often in unique and sometimes underrated places that make every trip memorable.

Places to Visit in Kansas

Kansas often surprises you in the best way. It’s not just one big open stretch of road, it’s a patchwork of small towns, college cities, prairie trails, and cowboy history.

Best Beaches in Ohio

From Lake Erie’s wide sandy stretches to hidden inland gems, Ohio delivers the best mix of relaxation, scenery, and fun, often in unique and underrated spots.

Kenosha Lighthouse View in Kenosha City of Wisconsin

Best Places to Visit in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is filled with some of the best places to visit in the Midwest, and it’s become one of my favorite states for a mix of outdoor adventure, small-town charm, and vibrant cities.

Best Places to Visit in Indiana

To me Indiana isn’t just about famous landmarks. It’s about the unique experiences, the favorite traditions, and the best underrated gems that make the state special.

Midwest Weekend Getaways

The Midwest is full of some of the best weekend getaways in the United States, and it’s become one of my favorite regions for a mix of small-town charm, vibrant cities, and natural beauty.

Best Places to Visit in Illinois

For me, Illinois isn’t just about its big cities. It’s about the unique destinations, the favorite traditions, and the underrated gems that make the state worth exploring.

Kansas Day Trips

For me, these amazing day trips in Kansas aren’t just about sightseeing. They’re about slowing down, enjoying unique landscapes, and finding favorite places where small details make a big impact.

Weekend Getaways from Minneapolis, Minnesota

I love how these trips offer the best mix of cozy small towns, outdoor adventures, and lakeside relaxation. You can go from the buzz of Minneapolis to a peaceful retreat in just a couple of hours, which makes every weekend feel like a mini-vacation.

Weekend Getaways in Michigan

Michigan is home to some of the best weekend getaways in the Midwest, and it’s become one of my favorite states for year-round adventures.

Weekend Getaways from Chicago

For me, weekend getaways from Chicago are some of the best and most unique escapes, underrated favorites that always deliver a memorable break.

Things to Do in Middleton, WI

Middleton, Wisconsin is known as the ‘The Good Neighbor City.’ It’s a small and inviting town with a strong cultural heritage.

Iowa Weekend Getaways

Iowa is home to beautiful scenery, a diverse choice of outdoor activities and unique attractions such as the Crystal Lake Cave and West Lake Okoboj.

Hotels & Resorts in Missouri

What makes Missouri so special is its variety. You can book a luxury resort overlooking the Lake of the Ozarks, enjoy a historic boutique hotel in St. Louis or Kansas City, or find an underrated lodge tucked into the Ozark Mountains.

Places to Visit in Missouri

For me, Missouri is one of the best places to visit in the Midwest because it combines unique landscapes, vibrant cities, and underrated small towns that always leave me with new favorite memories.

Things to Do in Charlevoix, Michigan

Charlevoix, Michigan is a small town of just 2,500 residents on the shores of Lake Charlevoix where it joins with Lake Michigan. It's one of the best places for a lakeside holiday.

Things to Do in Fish Creek, Wisconsin

Fish Creek, Wisconsin is one of the most unique and charming towns in Door County. It’s easily one of my favorite places to enjoy a classic Great Lakes getaway.

Best Places to Visit in Idaho

The best part about visiting Idaho is the variety: hot springs, mountain adventures, and charming downtowns.

Places to Visit in Iowa

For me, Iowa is one of the best states to explore because it combines natural beauty, small-town charm, and unique cultural experiences that always leave me with new favorite memories.

Romantic Weekend Getaways in Illinois

From Chicago’s vibrant skyline to the quiet beauty of the countryside, Illinois delivers the best blend of culture, charm, and natural scenery, often in unique and underrated places that make every trip special.

Hi, I'm Ema. I'm the face behind Vacation Idea. My husband, son, and I spent years on the road, basing ourselves in each place for one or two months at a time. This has allowed us to experience each destination as a local, and Im eager to help you with travel itineraries, weekend inspirations, and local tips. I'm eager to learn from my fellow travelers and I love to chase unique experiences and revisit old favorites, anything from great sunsets and hidden gems to places of mystery and underrated experiences. More about us.