Home

Midwest

Whether you're drawn to lakeside escapes, national parks, charming small towns, or soulful cities like Chicago or Minneapolis, these posts reflect the Midwest I came to know. It’s a place that grounds you, steadily, softly, and without a rush. It's why I keep coming back year after year.

Great Midwest Destinations

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.

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.

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.

Iowa Weekend Getaways (my absolute favorite stops!)

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.

Places to Visit in Illinois (that wowed me!)

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.

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.

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.

My photo of fall foliage on our road trip in the Midwest

Places to Visit in the Midwest

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.

My photo of spring tulips in a Wisconsin botanical garden

10 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.

Things to Do in Nebraska

From wide-open prairies to historic towns and dramatic natural landmarks, I think that Nebraska offers some of the best and most unique attractions, many of which feel surprisingly underrated.

My photo of flowers on the trail in late Minnesota summer

Places to Visit in Minnesota (My Most Unique and Exciting Finds)

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.

Hi, Welcome to VacationIdea.com! I'm Ema. While my home is in Texas, I've lived in many different places months at a time researching vacations. On this page, I share fresh, dreamy vacation ideas. I love to chase unique things to do near me 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! Click here to find my Youtube channel @VacationIdea. I'm not associated with any other YouTube channels, networks or marketing companies (especially those using the terms "vacation ideas", "vacation idea", "dream travel", "dream vacation", etc). Ema Kisel has received many awards and media mentions, including: abc6 Morning Show, UMich, 7News, WA State Department, and many others.