Fresh Baked Sweet Treats at Three Tarts Bakery and Cafe in Northfiled, Illinois

A couple of months ago, we spotted Three Tarts Bakery and Cafe on a trip through Northfield. The adorable cafe setup beckoned us although we did not have time to visit upon our initial discovery. We finally had a free afternoon and popped in for some sweet treats this weekend.

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A Cabin in Hocking Hills, Ohio

The Hocking Hills region of Ohio is a stunning natural wonderland. So, it provides the perfect nature escape for getting away from it all. We savored our time in the region by enjoying a cabin for two days. Our cabin was set in a lovely wooded area with its share of wildlife visits. We had an incredibly peaceful stay in Nature's Pointe Trail Ridge Cabin!

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Hiking in Ohio's Hocking Hills State Park

After a few days in the Shenandoah Valley, we headed to the Hocking Hills in Ohio for more hiking. Hocking Hills served as an intriguing contrast to our Shenandoah adventure. Much of our hiking in the Hocking Hills threaded through canyons, gorges and caves instead of high up in the mountains. The geology of Hocking Hills State Park is incredibly breathtaking no matter which section you hike.

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An Afternoon in Annapolis

While in the Shenandoah area, we opted to venture out and explore Annapolis. Growing up in New Jersey, I definitely need to refuel with water views whenever I have the opportunity. So, I was excited to take some time walking along the Chesapeake Bay. We quickly fell in love with Annapolis' harbor and its colonial charm. So, I am now eager to go back and scratch more under the surface!

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July Degustabox: Full of Foodie Treats

Over the past year, I have had a blast checking out a new Degustabox each month. Each box is full to the brim with surprises! The boxes have been a mix of ingredients that spark creation, comfort foods, snacks and healthy food treats. This month's box was a yummy blend of old favorites and new items to try. Of course, I did receive some of my favorite snackables to bring hiking, too!

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Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park

The Shenandoah Valley was witness to a significant amount of action during the Civil War. Several of my ancestors fought in the area, so we took a little time to visit one of the battlefields and learn some family history. One of my ancestors fought at Cedar Creek in the 184th New York. So, we headed to Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park for a little exploration.

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Breathtaking Natural Creations in Shenandoah Caverns

Shenandoah not only has natural wonders above ground but also has plenty of breathtaking natural creations underground as well! One afternoon, we explored Shenandoah Caverns which not only delighted us with magnificent formations but also allowed us to cool off on a hot summer day!

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Incredible Hiking Trails and Views in Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park includes some of the most incredible views in the U.S.A. I first visited as a child and have been mesmerized every since. The park is full of incredible landscapes, views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, valleys below and a plethora of wildlife. On my first visit as a child, we encountered deer that virtually walked up to us. We had a similar captivating experience on our visit this year!

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Our Stay in Winchester, Virginia

For our recent road trip to the Shenandoah Valley, we stayed in Winchester, Virginia. The town is incredibly charming and historic. We stayed at The George Washington Hotel which is in the historic downtown and within walking distance of many eateries and attractions. The hotel was built in 1924 and maintains several interesting historic features. The hotel is gorgeous and afforded us the comfortable stay we needed each night after days of exploring!

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Wednesday Weekend Windup {Irish Fest, Renaissance Faire, Viking Ship and more}

My picks for local family fun this weekend:

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Summer Road Trip to the Shenandoah Valley and Hocking Hills

Blue Ridge Mountains of the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia

Our first road trip this summer was to the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia and the Hocking Hills in Ohio. We spent four days in the Shenandoah Valley and two in the Hocking Hills. The weather was amazing, so we spent plenty of time in nature enjoying the landscapes. Over the next week, I will be sharing our discoveries with you. Our base for the Shenandoah Valley was lovely Winchester, Virginia. The historic town is charming and we benefited from a hotel near the downtown area full of eateries and not far from museums.

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Falls of the Ohio State Park in Indiana

Falls of the Ohio State Park in Clarksville, Indiana is a must visit every time we are in nearby Louisville. The park is situated along the Ohio River and provides a unique opportunity to observe exposed Devonian fossil beds.

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Red Wing, Minnesota Eats

During our visit to Red Wing, Minnesota, we had some time to try several eateries and enjoyed each of them! Red Wing has a nice selection of restaurants thus adding to its appeal as a great long weekend getaway!

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Bobcats Backstage at Cosley Zoo in Wheaton, IL

A couple of months ago, we visited Cosley Zoo in Wheaton, IL and enjoyed visiting with their residents -- native wildlife and farm animals of Illinois. During our excursion, we learned about an interactive program at the Cosley Zoo -- Bobcats Backstage. Bobcats Backstage is a unique program that allows families an up close experience observing bobcat training.

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