Chicago is known for its cold, blustery winters and humid summers. So when the weather breaks, Chicagoans from near and far flock to the beach to dip their feet in frigid Lake Michigan. Ohio Street Beach next to the Navy Pier And on this late March day, the temperatures rose above 60, and tons of Chicagoans came out in droves. They packed the Magnificent Mile and … [Read more...] about Chicago’s Magnificent Shoreline
Midwest
Skewered Shaokao in Chicago
Haven't been to Chicago in ten years, so it's time to discover new food. A cuisine that originated from Northern China and gained popularity in Flushing is shaokao or Chinese BBQ. The barbecue skewers can be ordered chewy and spicy in Friend BBQ Chinatown. Lamb Skewers When I think of BBQ, I'm thinking Char Siu Pork or Peking Duck. But this BBQ meat is not typically … [Read more...] about Skewered Shaokao in Chicago
Louisville’s Galt House-by the Bridge
It's called the Galt House, and the walls are brimming with nostalgia. The legendary British author Charles Dickens stayed here and spoke highly about the lodging and hospitality. “We slept at the Galt House. A splendid hotel and we were as handsomely lodged as though we had been in Paris.” Then there was the storied murder of a Union Army General. The infamous William … [Read more...] about Louisville’s Galt House-by the Bridge
Indianapolis
When I think of Indy, I think of NASCAR and speedways. What doesn't come immediately to my mind is Memorials and parkways. This capital city on Indiana is a little big town that despite what pundits would say, has a huge wartime heritage and a lot of fun-loving things to do. Lately Indy has gone through major revitalization and young people are moving back in … [Read more...] about Indianapolis
ST Lou – Gateway to the Midwest
There's something special about St. Louis. No, it's not Anheuser Busch beer. It's the Gateway Arch, a 630 foot monument clad in stainless steel- the largest arch in the world and the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere - the Gateway to the Midwest. And in 2018, it got a full renovation called CityArchRiver. The best place to get an incredible view of … [Read more...] about ST Lou – Gateway to the Midwest
A Home in Joplin
It couldn't have come any sooner. After weeks on end of school and mind-numbing web design, I was ready to head west on my cross-country bus trip, leaving behind my website and all my worries. The bus journey which would take me through the heartland of America, would seem interminable - four brutal days and sleepless nights. Could I tolerate the … [Read more...] about A Home in Joplin