The Orchid Show Returns to the Chicago Botanic Garden

The Orchid Show at the Chicago Botanic Garden is an annual infusion of brilliant color and stunning orchids during the normally grey winter. During the event, the garden's three greenhouses welcome a variety of orchids arranged among the other plants. 

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Husky Heroes at Morton Arboretum Recap

Today, we visited The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois for Husky Heroes. Husky Heroes is an annual event showcasing huskies and highlighting adoption. The event includes dog sled demos and opportunities to meet huskies including some for adoption. We arrived a little bit before the demos, so were able to meet some of the huskies.

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5 Items I Can't Travel Without

I have seen some fun lists about what people can't travel without, so I thought I would share mine. These lists are useful for discovering new hacks for your next trip. Here are 5 items I always bring on a trip:

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January Degustabox Goodies Plus a Discount

Every month, a smile comes to my face when I see my Degustabox has arrived! The box is always full of culinary goodies -- some ready to go and some serve as meal inspirations. We always find something new to enjoy. Here is a look at what we received this month:

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Fresh Pizza Inspiration at SLYCE Coal Fired Pizza Company

**Disclosure: I received a complimentary meal in order to bring this review to you. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Pizza is a perennial favorite of many families. However, often we find ourselves in a pizza rut choosing from the same few places time after time. We learned recently of a new pizzeria opening up in Highwood that features a walk-up display kitchen featuring three coal ovens. We were excited to try SLYCE Coal Fired Pizza Company for the first time last weekend. Winter is the perfect time to explore warm comfort food -- a great reason to try SLYCE on a January day!

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Travel the Midwest and Beyond Facebook Group

Please join a new travel group sharing travel ideas and inspiration in the Midwest! I have set up a new forum on Facebook with Lisa Trudell of The Walking Tourists as a place where Midwest travel writers, CVBs and travelers can interact! It is a place to share Midwest travel stories, new attractions in the Midwest, events in the Midwest and more. It is also the best place to ask travel questions about the Midwest and bordering states. Please join us on this fun, new adventure! Please join us on Facebook at Travel the Midwest and Beyond!

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Celebrate Local at Mocha Lisa Coffee Shop in Racine, Wisconsin

During our visit to Racine, Wisconsin a couple of weeks ago, we had to make a stop at a coffee shop. In winter, coffee concoctions are necessary -- right? From the minute we pulled up, we knew that Mocha Lisa would be a fun little place and it certainly did not disappoint. I mean, look at the adorable license plate sign?

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Norge Ski Club International Winter Tournament January 27-28, 2018

Last year, we experienced the Norge Ski Jump in Fox River Grove, Illinois for the first time and now we are hooked! We had so much fun watching talented ski jumpers compete -- each jump a thrill! 

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Top Places to Snowshoe in the Chicago Suburbs

A snow wonderland is here in Chicago! I love snowshoeing in our preserves. Just something about the stillness while hearing the crunching under your feet is calming. Good thing we have plenty of places in the Chicago suburbs to snowshoe! Here are some ideas! **When planning a snowshoeing adventure, remember to bring your driver's license because you may have to leave it while renting. Also, call ahead to verify availability.** Snowshoeing does require between 4"-6" of snow on the trails and the required amount may vary by preserve.

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All Chocolate Kitchen in Geneva, Illinois: Chocolate Heaven

We have found chocolate heaven at All Chocolate Kitchen! All Chocolate Kitchen located in Geneva, Illinois is the creation of renowned Pastry Chef Alain Roby. Chef Roby developed his culinary art in Paris and has won numerous accolades. He has been featured on numerous Food Network Shows, The Martha Stewart Show and The Learning Channel as well as many publications. Chef Roby even holds several Guinness Book of World Records titles including the longest candy cane.

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Nada in Indianapolis

Two times in the past year, we have stopped at Nada while on the road for tacos. The first time we visited the Cincinnati location and the most recent time we visited the Indianapolis location. We loved it both times!

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XOXO An Exhibit on Love and Forgiveness: New Exhibit at Arlington Heights Memorial Library

XOXO: An Exhibit on Love and Forgiveness image courtesy of Children's Museum of Pittsburgh

The exhibits at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library are a true treasure here in the Chicago suburbs. Whenever I know one is ending, I get excited about the unveiling of the next one! On January 20, Arlington Heights Memorial Library will be opening its new exhibit for this winter: XOXO: An Exhibit on Love and Forgiveness.

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Elmhurst Art Museum

Last Friday, my husband and I took advantage of the Elmhurst Art Museum's Free First Fridays to explore the suburban museum's current exhibitions. On our visit, we were fortunate to enjoy the Hebru Brantley exhibit "Forced Field" towards the end of its run. "Forced Field" centered around Brantley's character Flyboy so it really spoke to children as well as adults.

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A Taste of Hoosier National Forest

During our French Lick, Indiana escape, we explored sections of Hoosier National Forest. The forest is 203,000 acres, so there are quite a few trails to be explored. We made a slight dent! What we experienced certainly indicates that the forest is worthy of more exploring!

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Garfield Park Conservatory in Winter

Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago is our winter oasis. Inside, we can remove our bulky jackets and enjoy brilliant blooms despite the normal bleakness this time of the year.

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Inspiration at the Racine Art Museum

Racine Art Museum located footsteps away from Lake Michigan in Racine, Wisconsin holds a truly impressive amount of art. We capitalized on a recent gray day to explore the museum. Since this was our second visit, we were quite surprised by how many different pieces from the museum's collections were on display. The museum was entirely transformed and ready to inspire us! We were fortunate to visit during the holiday season, so did enjoy the treat of viewing the tree!

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