Scenic Views, Nature and History Hiking Along Smith's Island Nature Trail
Smith's Island Nature Trail is a 1.2-mile loop near LeClaire, Iowa. The preserve is owned and managed by the US Corps of Engineers. While approaching the longest, forested portion of the trail, hikers will note views of the Mississippi River and Lock and Dam 14. We learned about Smith's Island while stopping at the Visitor's Center in LeClaire. We are so fortunate that we were directed to this spectacular nature haven!
Late Summer Amble Through North Park Village Nature Center and Walking Stick Woods Natural Area in Chicago
Some visitors to the Chicago area may be quite pleasantly surprised by all of the nature spaces we have in the region including within the city itself. North Park Village Nature Center and Walking Stick Woods Natural Area in the North Park Village of Chicago represents one of these treasures. Within its 46 acres, wanderers can find a nature mosaic of woodlands, wetlands, savanna and prairie.
Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs August 27-29, 2021
Get out there and enjoy this summer weekend! Here are my picks for this weekend. Please check with each location on COVID protocols before going. It has been HOT, so remember to stay hydrated and be sensible about outdoor time.
A recent late summer hike brought us to the 66-acre Dixie Briggs-Fromm Nature Preserve in Dundee Township, Illinois. The northeastern Illinois nature preserve features a rare dry prairie, a fen, sedge meadowlands, woodlands and more. Trails weaving throughout the preserves highlight different natural features and allow hikers to craft unique hikes on each visit.
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area along the shores of Lake Erie in Ohio welcomes visitors to truly walk among the birds. During our summer visit, we not only reveled in the sounds and sights of birds but also soaked up the lush flora of the preserve . As we embarked on the boardwalk through the marsh, we felt transported far away. The completely flourishing environment wrapped us in the greens of nature.
Ridley Creek State Park in Pennsylvania encompasses 2,606 acres of meadows and woodlands with 13 miles of trails. The preserve is located close to Philadelphia and Valley Forge, making it a wonderful natural add-on to many area vacations. When researching hiking locations for our trip, Ridley Creek State Park came highly recommended and it certainly lived up to expectations!
Discovering incredible Pennsylvania hiking trails near our starting point in Valley Forge was an easy challenge! The region offers so many trails to choose from. After our morning in Philadelphia, we opted to unwind in the afternoon with a hike exploring the Neal Thorpe Trail in Mont Clare near Phoenixville. The slightly over 2 mile trail loops off of the Upper Schuylkill River Trail.
Chicago Suburban Family Fun August 12-15, 2021
I hope that everyone is safe from the storms! It is has been a bumpy week! Fortunately, we do have some weekend fun ahead. Here are my picks:
Botanical gardens in America find roots in Bartram's Garden in Philadelphia. Philadelphia played such a pivotal role in the history of the USA, it is no shock that roots of early American scientific inquiry can be found in the city as well. Bartram's Garden easily fascinated us while delighting us with the joys of nature.
History and Nature Captivate and Washington Crossing Historic Park
Washington Crossing Historic Park represents a reminder to one of the most pivotal actions of American history. Perched on the striking Delaware River right where Washington crossed in 1776, you can really feel the moment. I have been visiting this spot since I was a child and it impresses every single time.
Part of the Cleveland Metroparks System, Berea Falls Enchants with Multiple Cascades
We are gradually collecting Ohio waterfalls! Ohio preserves have become treasured spots to stretch our legs on road trips between Chicago and Philadelphia. We have found quite a cache of gems not too far off of our route. On each trip, we try to explore a new spot so we were thrilled when we realized that Berea Falls was right on our route. Berea Falls is near Cleveland, making it an easy and enjoyable add-on to many Ohio trips.
Iryna Pantelyuk Guides Clients to Healthier, Happier Selves
I am sure most of you can feel when your body is off balance. Perhaps your shoulders feel curled in or you have a hip that is bugging you. If you feel like your posture is off or you have some nagging stiffness that you can't seem to release, you will want to try out pilates with Iryna Pantelyuk of Hidden Power Life Coaching & Pilates in Northbrook, Illinois.
The weekend is here, so it is time to think of fun! Here are my funtastic picks for the weekend. Please check with COVID restrictions as we are in a state of flux.
A Quilt of Ecosystems Including Prairies, Wetlands, Meadows and Woodlands Dazzle Hiking at Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton, Wisconsin
Exploring trails in and around Madison, Wisconsin led us to the spectacular nature refuge Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton. Upon embarking on our first hike at Pheasant Branch Conservancy, we immediately become enamored with the rolls of the trails and striking views.
