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2025 Upper Midwest
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2025 Upper Midwest

Summer of 2025 will be spent exploring the areas of the Upper Mid-West... Read more
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  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    We made it! 🎉

    June 17, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 79 °F

    Hello, Worlds of Fun Village! Smooth sailing all the way—and lucky us, we missed the storm. It was a-brew’n all around us, but somehow we slipped right through the cracks. Let the fun begin!

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Quiet Market, Bold Flavors

    June 18, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    Today’s first stop: City Market! 🏙️🛍️
    It may have been a quieter day at the Market—weekends are when it really comes alive with vendors—but we still had a blast exploring the shops. From international foods to handcrafted treasures, there was plenty to see.

    One of our favorite stops? A Middle Eastern grocery filled with spices that filled the air with delicious, exotic aromas. 🌶️✨ After soaking it all in, we hopped on the streetcar to see what other adventures the city had in store! 🚋🌆    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Staring Up Like Tourists

    June 18, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    Union Station—first impressions!

    The streetcar dropped us off right across from the National WWI Museum (which looked amazing, but time said nope). Union Station? A total showstopper—the architecture is stunning. We caught ourselves staring up like tourists… which, to be fair, we totally are. 🤷‍♀️😆

    So much to see, so little time—but stay tuned, because we made the most of it!    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Signed, Sealed, Historic

    June 18, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    Mail it and make it grand by snail mail! 📨✉️🐌

    Tucked inside Union Station is a real, working post office—and right next to it? A fascinating tribute to the golden age of rail mail. From “Send, Sort, Transfer & Deliver” to several exhibits (like “Pro in Action,” pictured here) and the electric baggage wagon. We got a peek at how mail used to move. It’s functional, historic, and set inside some seriously beautiful architecture. Not your average stamp stop! 💌Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Down we go!! Chug-a chug-a choo choo!!

    Stilwell… As in Our Friends?

    June 18, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    Oh look—The Stilwell Room!

    We spotted the sign and had to check it out… any relation to Cody and Andrea!?! Downstairs we went and found a beautiful boardroom labeled “Arthur Stilwell.” Naturally, we asked: Who is that?? Time for a quick history detour…

    Turns out Arthur Stilwell was a railroad visionary and entrepreneur who founded over 20 different railroads—including the Kansas City Southern Railway. He had big ideas, claimed he was guided by “voices,” and helped shape the growth of Kansas City. A little mysterious, a little brilliant—seems fitting he has a room named after him!    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
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    Waves, Wood, and One Tall Dude

    June 18, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    Record-Breaking Finds on the Way!

    After checking out the Stilwell Room, we kept wandering and stumbled onto a few fun (and free!) surprises just outside the Science of Guinness World Records exhibit. First up: some wavy, color-shifting light sculptures that totally pulled us in. Then came Plane Loco—a jaw-dropping locomotive made entirely of matchsticks! And just around the corner? The life-sized figure of the tallest man who ever lived. Talk about larger than life!

    And we hadn’t even gone in the exhibit yet… stay tuned—we were just getting warmed up! 😄📏✨    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Game On, Guinness Style!

    June 18, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 77 °F

    Inside the Guinness World Records exhibit!

    We jumped right in, creating our own avatars and seeing how we stacked up against some of the world’s craziest records! From block stacking to memory games, we had an absolute blast competing against each other—and the record holders. Let’s just say… things got very competitive! 😄🏆🧠Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Brisket, Burnt Ends & Belly—Oh My!

    June 18, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 73 °F

    Fueled by BBQ and Victory 🏆🍖

    After all that record-breaking competition, we were famished—so we headed to Q39 for what’s rumored to be the best BBQ in town… and wow, it did not disappoint!

    We started with the Smoked and Grilled Pork Belly—served atop apple slaw and topped with bacon-onion marmalade and Dijon aioli. Mmm mmm mmm… to die for! 😍

    Then we shared the Certified Angus Beef Brisket—perfectly smoked slices and burnt ends—drenched in classic BBQ sauce. For sides? Their from-scratch Mac and Q (five-cheese mac with herbed breadcrumbs) and a pile of perfectly crispy fries.

    It was all insanely good—so much food we had leftovers… and were way too stuffed to even think about dessert 😩.

    Probably for the best, because choosing between the Salted Caramel Cookies & Dark Chocolate Brownies and the S’mores Sundae (Nutella, toasted marshmallow, graham crumble, vanilla ice cream) would’ve been impossible. Sweet, sweet torture.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Not quite done yet! 😳

    Night Drive & Bridge Dreams 🚗🌉

    June 18, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    After dinner we skipped the walk and hit the road—first up, Rock Island Bridge. Don’s been reading about it, and though it’s not open yet, it’s slowing shaping up to be a restaurant-on-a-bridge experience spanning Missouri and Kansas! 😲 Currently under construction, this 1905 railroad bridge (once used for freight and livestock) is being lifted and rehabbed to eventually host dining, bars, shops, live music, and even kayak docks ~40 ft over the Kansas River. 🛶🍔🎶

    Next, we cruised past Hy‑Vee Arena 🏟️ (formerly Kemper Arena), now a massive multi-level sports and fitness complex. Think basketball, pickleball, volleyball, an indoor track, food spots, and more. 🏀🏓🥗

    Then we wandered through town, spotting some historic buildings, before making our final stop at Chicken & Pickle 🐔🏓. We hoped to jump in for a game—but most of the venue was reserved for retirement parties. I know, I know… we thought about crashing them! 😂🎉    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    😎☀️ Pickleball at the River! 🏓💦

    June 19, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    We got a late start this morning but made it to the E.H. Young Riverfront Pickleball Courts just in time for some fun. The courts were pretty quiet at midmorning, so we warmed up with a dink game and a round of singles.

    Soon after, Sandra and Paul from San Diego wrapped up their match and invited us to play. They were right at our level—competitive, friendly, and a blast to play with!

    Before we packed up, Beth noticed a group of three and asked if they needed a fourth. They were waiting on someone, but kindly let her jump in. Turns out, they were new to the game and using indoor balls, so Beth handed them an outdoor one and gave a quick crash course—scoring, kitchen rules, and serves. They picked it up fast—no surprise since Pebe’s a former Division I tennis champ, her dad Jim has a solid game, and Josh held his own too.

    We wrapped up with one more singles game. Hats off to Don—your shot placement is really improving, and your game is leveling up! 👏🏽🎾💪🏽

    Next stop… (well, you’ll just have to wait and see 😄)    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Glad we got here early and got a parking spot!

    Trail & Taps: An Afternoon Ride 🚴‍♀️🚴

    June 19, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F

    Now that we got our pickle on, we’re ready for some fresh afternoon air—so we headed over to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to park and ride the Rock Island Trail. And wow!! That parking lot is HUGE. 🅿️😲

    While the trail wasn’t particularly scenic, it featured a few eye-catching bridges, a tunnel, and even some wildlife (spotted on the return leg). 🦌

    On the way back, we stopped at the old Raytown Depot, now home to Crane Brewing—perfect for a cold drink in the heat. 🍻 The rustic taproom right on the trail was such a cozy gem.

    This out-and-back ride looped around both GEHA Field and the Kauffman Stadium-adjacent area. We ended up riding a solid 30 miles (Beth) and 31 miles (Don—overachiever alert!). 🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Laundry Takeoff—or Crash Landing? 🧺🚀😳

    June 19, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F

    Before heading out tomorrow, we went up to catch up on laundry and were met with this—a washer sounding like it was about to take off… or fall apart. 😳 Possibly both.

    Who knew clean clothes came with a side of suspense? 😂
    We survived. The washer? TBD.

    On top of that, someone else’s laundry was left in all the machines. They never came back when their loads finished—leaving everyone else stuck in limbo. Thank goodness staff showed up and bagged the abandoned clothes so the washers could be freed up for us and others.

    And yep—their laundry was still there when we moved ours from the washers to the dryers! 😳

    Laundry day, folks. The challenges of life on the road.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Blown Away in Iowa 🌬️🌽

    June 20, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 95 °F

    The wind’s a blowin’ big time out here! Zoom in and you’ll see the crops and grasses practically laying on their side. 🌾💨 It’s mesmerizing to Don—he’s totally entranced as we cruise up I‑29 through Iowa.

    WAKE UP, DON! We’ve still got miles to go! 😆🚐    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Next Stop: Nebraska! ✅

    June 20, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 99 °F

    Crossed the Missouri River and BAM—hello Nebraska! 🌉💥

    That river view was worth slowing down for (don’t worry, just for the pic 😉). We’re in state #3 and still rolling strong. Bring on the prairie vibes and whatever’s next! 🚐🌽📸Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Hot Wheels at Lake Cunningham 🔥🚴‍♀️ 🚴‍♂️

    June 20, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 99 °F

    We made it to Lake Cunningham (just outside of Omaha) and got all set up! 🎉 Even though it’s hotter than H-E-double-hockey-sticks 🔥, we decided to hop on the bikes for a quick spin around the park.

    The scenery? Lovely.
    The temperature? 🔥🔥
    The wind? Absolutely howling. 🌬️

    As we crossed the ridge (which might also be a dam? still unsure), Beth was pretty sure she was going to get launched right off the trail. Hang on tight out there, folks—this ride came with a side of adventure!    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Sun setting at 8:30 and still 90 degrees!

    Jack Says Good Day & Good Night 🐾💤

    June 20, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 90 °F

    Today was a travel day, and Jack handled it like a pro—by doing what he does best: napping! 😸💤

    He didn’t help with directions, snacks, or playlist decisions… but he did stay calm.

    Now he’s crashed in the co-pilot’s seat… Good day, good night—from our favorite little road cat. 🐾❤️Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Heartland of America ParkDo you see the swing?Pedestrian bridge to Lewis and Clark LandingSwing benchesUrban beachDiscovery playgroundBob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge in the distance ... 3,000 feet long.

    Hot, Bothered & Pretending It’s Fine

    June 21, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 90 °F

    Omaha, we made it! Just in time for the College World Series championship—had to snap a pic at Charles Schwab Field, because baseball-stalking is basically a requirement here.

    Then it was off to the riverfront for a sweaty-but-scenic stroll through Gene Leahy Mall, The RiverFront, and Heartland of America Park. We crossed the pedestrian bridge to explore Lewis and Clark Landing—complete with an urban beach, swing benches, a discovery playground, and even more fun we didn’t have time to check out.

    Temps were pushing 100°, and the wind wasn’t helping—it felt less like a breeze and more like walking into a hairdryer on full blast. Before trekking back, we ducked into the Kiewit Luminarium for a quick look—and, let’s be honest, a desperate blast of A/C.    Read more

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