** This post is sponsored by Discover Boating but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. I have shared quite frequently that I love being on or near water. Turns out I am not alone in that: 142 million Americans go boating each year, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. And summer is the best time to spend on a boat! There's just something so relaxing about ... Read more
7 Favorite Things to Do in Chicago
Every summer that I've lived in Chicago I create a summer bucket list of things I want to do during the season. This year I am simplifying the process by sticking to just my favorite things to do in the city instead of trying to do everything. Completing my check list will be a bit more challenging with two kids, but I'm up for the task! My favorite things to do in Chicago: Standup ... Read more
Sunset Cruise on Lake Michigan
When I bought tickets for a Monday night cruise via Groupon, I had no idea what to expect. I wasn't sure if it was on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River, but I figured it would be entertaining either way. We boarded the Mystic Blue Yacht to see it's basically a club on a boat. There's a DJ and a bar on the top deck. People had already claimed the seats in the center, so we were left standing on ... Read more
Evening Architecture Tour on the Chicago River
Fourth of July weekend was one for the books. It began with some sightseeing with friends before embarking on one tourist activity I don't mind doing regularly: the architecture cruise on the Chicago River. We chose the 7:30 p.m. cruise on Friday to start our Fourth of July celebration. Instead of boarding on Navy Pier, which I was sure was insane packed, we chose the Michigan Avenue boarding ... Read more
Dolly Steamboat Cruise on Canyon Lake
Part of our anniversary weekend was cruising Canyon Lake on the Dolly Steamboat. As an outdoors enthusiast, I was excited about the possibility of seeing some animals along the 6-mile ride. It's quite a hike out to Apache Junction — it took an hour to get the the marina from central Phoenix — but it's worth the trip to check out another one of our state's gorgeous lakes. You'll drive through ... Read more