West Bend WI gets it. The name is also the location. The past and present coexist and continue to evolve as old buildings find new life. The many parks serve many purposes. The downtown has been revitalized, and the river walk is not just beautiful, it makes the city very walkable! John said it best. “West Bend is a perfect Wisconsin city!”

Ludington, Michigan Ludington, MI, was built on woods and water, and that legacy is alive and celebrated. Once the largest car ferry port on the Great Lakes, Ludington is still home to the largest and only coal-fired passenger steam ship in operation in the U.S. It’s also home to disc golf, museums, an energy plant you have to see to believe, and the list goes on! [dsm_text_divider header="Extras and Extended Cuts" _builder_version="4.24.0"...

Minnesota’s Northeast Minneapolis community is both old and new, and it
all blends perfectly in this neighborhood of Food & Art. Foodies know the ethnic and gourmet choices in “Nordeast.” Artists and art lovers know the 17 art buildings and 1200 artists who create something for everyone. All John and Emmy know is they love this neighborhood!

Spooner, WI, is not only up north, it’s up near the top of John and Emmy’s “love it here” list! Maybe that’s because of Spooner’s fascinating railroad past or the terrific outdoor recreation here now. It could be because John experienced his first rodeo in Spooner. But it’s probably top of the list because of all the Mayana Chocolate they ate!

Kokomo, Indiana, was born in a boom of natural gas that was plentiful and
free! Inventors and manufacturers flocked here and built a city that is, still
to this day, charming, industrious and inventive. We knew nothing when
we came, and in four short days we felt like the Beach Boys should have
been singing about this real place called Kokomo!

West Allis WI is the place to be – to be fed, to be nostalgic, to be happy! John thought he knew West Allis because of its Allis Chalmers roots and its new foodie vibe. He didn’t know he’d find military collectibles, tons of shops, a hub for artists and innovative manufacturers. This city should be renamed Best Allis!

Sturgeon Bay Wisconsin is well known as a Great Lakes shipbuilding hub. It’s also mistakenly known as the “gateway” to Door County. But when you’re driving up the peninsula to Door County and you get to the steel bridge in Sturgeon Bay, you made it! You’ve found fish boils, light houses, orchards and tranquil scenery. This IS Door County.

La Salle & Peru, Illinois La Salle and Peru are the twin cities of Illinois, and before we came, we just didn’t know. We didn’t know the important history that put these towns on the map. We didn’t know the downtowns are classic small-town USA with great restaurants. We didn’t know the redevelopment honors and revitalizes this area. But now that we do know, you will, too![dsm_text_divider header="Extras and Extended Cuts"...

To find the Cathedral Hill neighborhood in St. Paul, MN, just look for the 6th largest dome in the nation. It sits commandingly on a hill that overlooks the Mississippi River and the longest avenue of Victorian homes in the country. Once you’re there, you’ve got so many diverse options for dining, shopping and exploring. One day will not be enough!

Frankenmuth, Michigan Frankenmuth, MI, also known as Little Bavaria, has more than one reputation. Town with the best family dinners? True! Zehnder’s and the Bavarian Inn are icons. Christmas year-round? Check! The worlds’ largest Christmas store is open 361 days a year! Shopping destination for unique finds? Yes! Just walk down Main Street. Fun for all? Indeed![dsm_text_divider header="Extras and Extended Cuts" _builder_version="4.24.0"...

Cedar Rapids, Iowa Cedar Rapids Iowa strives for good. You can feel it everywhere:  The Kirkwood hotel where they train the future; Matthew 25 where they help people in so many ways; The Grant Wood studio where art is revered; the National Czech and Slovak museum where everyone’s story is welcome.  Cedar Rapids knows how to produce food and create community. [dsm_text_divider header="Extras and Extended Cuts" _builder_version="4.24.0"...

The Massachusetts Avenue neighborhood on the northeast side of downtown Indianapolis, Indiana is a vibrant blend of revitalization, transformation and preservation.

The Bottleworks district, Circle City Industrial Complex, and the whole
neighborhood right up to Monument Circle are hotspots of dining, creating and playing. And we didn’t even leave Mass Ave!