Midwest

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.

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My photo on a relaxing summer afternoon in Missouri

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.

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Admiring a waterfall in Missouri

Best 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.

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Iowa Weekend Getaways

Best Weekend Getaways in Iowa

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.

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Fall colors on a lake in Wisconsin

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.

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I took this photo of sunflowers in Kansas

Best 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.

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Minnesota Wild Flowers and Lake

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.

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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.

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Red Covered Bridge and Whitewater

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.

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Chicago on a warm, sunny day

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.

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Ohio Beaches

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.

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Lake Michigan lighthouse at sunset

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.

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Weekend  from Minneapolis, Minnesota

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.

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Best Weekend Getaway in Michigan

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.

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Beach near Chicago

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.

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Middleton, WI

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.

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Midway Village and Museum Center, Rockford, IL

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.

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Walking through Saginaw, MI

Things to Do in Saginaw, Michigan

Saginaw, Michigan has opportunities in abundance for both outdoor and indoor adventures for both locals and visitors alike.

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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.

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My photo of summer landscape

Best Places to Visit in Idaho

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

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Fish Creek, WI

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.

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Sunset in Illinois

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.

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Charlevoix, MI

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.

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Ema Bio
Hi, I'm Ema. I'm the face behind VacationIdea.com. My husband, son, and I spent 5 years on the road. Our mission? Discovering the best places to visit on a day trip or weekend getaway in the USA that every person can go on and enjoy! We base ourselves in a new place every 4 weeks weeks which has allowed us to experience each destination as a local. I love to chase unique experiences and revisit old favorites for a cool, fresh perspective. I'm also eager to learn from my fellow travelers to see what works for people and what doesn't. Whether you like great sunsets, hidden gems, places of mystery, famous attractions, or underrated experiences, here you'll find all of those recommendations from locals that won me over. Let's explore together! More about us.