Wednesday Weekend Windup {Memorial Day, Beer Garden, County Pop Con, Chalk Fest, Butterflies and More}

Memorial Day, Beer Garden, County Pop Con, Chalk Fest, Butterflies and More Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs May 24-28, 2019

We have a fabulous long weekend ahead! This weekend we celebrate Memorial Day and honor those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. There are many events throughout the suburbs to honor the fallen. In addition, there are many nature events, a beer garden and even a pop con! Take a peek at my picks:

Exploring Duluth Makers in Our Lincoln Park

Exploring Duluth Makers in Our Lincoln Park

We ventured to the Our Lincoln Park area of Duluth for a little bit during our getaway to amble about this up and coming craft district. The weather was beautiful and it was certainly time for exploring:

Nature Connects® Featuring Nature Inspired Lego® Art by Sean Kenney Returns to Morton Arboretum May 24

Nature Connects® Featuring Nature Inspired Lego® Art by Sean Kenney Returns to Morton Arboretum May 24 **Plus a Giveaway**

**Disclosure: Thank you to The Morton Arboretum for providing tickets for a giveaway. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Combining two easy childhood favorites, Morton Arboretum is welcoming the return of Nature Connects®: Art With Lego® Bricks By Sean Kenney on May 24! Lego sculptures in the exhibit not only craft nature scenes with Legos but also folds them into the natural landscape of Morton Arboretum.

History, Opulence and Awe at Glensheen in Duluth, Minnesota

History, Opulence and Awe at Glensheen in Duluth, Minnesota

**Disclosure: I did receive complimentary admission to Glensheen and the Great Lakes Aquarium in partnership with Visit Duluth in order to bring you detailed reviews. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Glensheen stands magnificently perched up above Lake Superior in Duluth. Constructed in 1905-1906, Glensheen was home to Chester Congdon who was a teacher turned lawyer that amassed great wealth in iron mining and banking. Upon entering the grand estate, a sense of awe quickly descended upon us as we measured the incredible landscape and architecture and were engulfed by the treasures of Congdon's wealth. Early one morning, we embarked on the General Tour which was a self-guided tour of 3 floors of the home.

Wednesday Weekend Windup {Lanterns, Butterflies, Murals, Chocolate and More}

Lanterns, Butterflies, Murals, Chocolate and More Weekend Fun in the Chicago Suburbs

We have another fun spring weekend ahead! Here are my picks for family fun this weekend in the Chicago suburbs:

Exploring the Parks of Duluth at Enger Park and Congdon Park

Exploring the Parks of Duluth at Enger Park and Congdon Park

**Disclosure: I did receive complimentary admission to Glensheen and the Great Lakes Aquarium in partnership with Visit Duluth in order to bring you detailed reviews. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Opportunities for hiking and other outdoor recreational activities abound in Duluth. At the beginning of our getaway, we escaped a bit up the Lake Superior coast to Gooseberry Falls. On the second day of our trip, we explored two of Duluth's incredible parks -- Enger Park and Congdon Park. Each park provides a unique perspective of Duluth.

Evoking Feeling and Crafting Lifetime Memories in Travel: Chicago's North Shore Annual Tourism Luncheon

**Disclosure: I was invited as a guest to Chicago's North Shore Annual Tourism Luncheon. However, I received no compensation. Opinions are 100% my own.

Evoking Feeling and Crafting Lifetime Memories in Travel: Chicago's North Shore Annual Tourism Luncheon

How is your destination evoking feeling and crafting lifetime memories? We honed in on this concept during Chicago's North Shore Annual Tourism  Luncheon. This idea explained by keynote speaker Joe Veneto of Veneto Collaboratory really spoke to me because this is truly what many small businesses strive to do every single day. When we work together to create these experiences in our towns and across our regions, we forge a wealth of meaningful adventures that connect visitors with a destination emotionally. Joe Veneto's keynote speech yielded many insights that anyone in tourism, hospitality and customer service can learn from in regards to this topic.

Hiking at Gooseberry Falls in Minnesota

Hiking to Stunning Cascades at Gooseberry Falls State Park in Minnesota

While visiting Duluth, we certainly had waterfalls on our minds! On our first afternoon, we traced Lake Superior until we reached Gooseberry Falls State Park.  Our nearly 3.5 mile hike greeted us with many vantage points to enjoy the falls and rapids.