This is an amendment to my first blog post, published back in 2011.

The more things change the more they stay the same. 1/15/2026

Things have evolved. There have been periods of time when I didn’t travel around Illinois. And I didn’t write. This was partially due to a global pandemic that necessitated a move out of state. There were also job changes. Grown-up responsibilities that demanded my attention. Of course, my workaholic tendencies always seem to get in the way. But something always brings me back to writing, photographing and storytelling. It just makes me happy.

I am a huge fan of every place I write about. If I don’t like a place, I don’t write about it. I don’t believe in bashing a business or place if I don’t personally have a good time. I have actively tried not to ever do this. There is quite enough unqualified opinions on social media. My personal philosophy on museum work might not align. The stewardship actions at a historic site I visit may not match my opinion. The interpretation might differ from my perspective on what should be done. But, I have done this work for a long time. I know that what the public sees when visiting a destination is just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more going on behind the scenes. Change happens slowly, thoughtfully and methodically. Change requires things like…funding, leadership, public support and alignment between staff and board. This is never as easy as it looks.

In my experience, criticism from the public is often ill-informed. These critiques come from people who do not know the whole scope of what is happening. They don’t know the mission or priorities of the organization. They don’t know about being short staffed. Or that difficult decisions are made behind the scenes to prioritize one program over another, or one repair over another.

So, you will never see a critique of the places I visit here. If you do, I hope you as a reader will engage and let me know. My sincere hope is that, at minimum you will travel along with me. Ideally, I hope you will be inspired to visit places in your own backyard.

Is there a place that you think is a “must see?” Shout it out! I am always looking for places to go!

Happy Travels!

Kelly (January 2026)

Original post 2011

Until a few years ago, I saved my vacation days. I would hop on an airplane and visit far away places whenever I had the chance.  I neglected all of the interesting things right in my own backyard.  I did not know what I was missing!

I love to tell people who visit the Hegeler Carus Mansion* about all of the wonderful places to see. These wonderful places are right here in our own back yard.  There is great history in central Illinois, and every small town has a story.  You don’t have to travel far to have a great time.  I spend a lot of time promoting tourist attractions–even when I am not at work.

Now, some people call me a work-aholic.  I prefer to say I am passionate.  That being said, I realize that I too need to take time to stop and smell the roses. I should revisit all of these wonderful places where I am always sending other people. I might even find some new places to go.  So, that is what I am going to do…and this blog is the accountability piece of it.  I plan to stop and see at least one new place each week in my own back yard. Then, I will write about it.

I hope you will join me. I hope this blog will inspire you to be a tourist in your own back yard too.

Most of these trips will take less than a tank of gas round trip.  Many will be historic locations, special events, and festivals. There will be kid-friendly trips because I have 5 adorable nephews. I also plan to visit places with my friends because they don’t stop to smell the roses enough either.

So buckle up, because here we go!

*I worked as Executive Director at the Hegeler Carus from 2010-2018. It is a glorious 57 room historic site in La Salle, IL. You should absolutely visit. It is spectacular! You will then understand why I was so passionate I found it difficult to take time off. 🙂