Greater Lafayette, Indiana, is two cities, and we didn’t come only for Purdue University. If we told you we were going to a place where people raise wolves, operate a 1920s farm, frequent a Triple X establishment, and spit crickets, you might question our judgment. But once you watch this episode your only question will be, when can I go there?

Austin MN is home to Hormel Foods’ world-famous SPAM Museum. But meat lovers like John McGivern also must stop at Knauer’s Meat Market and the Tendermaid Sandwich Shop. Nature lovers can’t miss the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. And if you plan to visit at the right times, you can be wowed by the Oaxacan basketball tournament or the Austinaires.

Marquette in Michigan’s U.P. is for everyone! Incredible views, adventure, White fish, Theater. And if you still don’t get the picture, you can get that too!

Decorah, Iowa, draws in many people with its charm. History lovers with Norwegian lineage come to research at Vesterheim. Students come to learn at Luther College. Gardeners come to be inspired at Seed Savers Exchange. What everyone finds are smiles!

Waukesha, Wisconsin, is known as Guitar Town because it’s where Les Paul was born. But it’s also home to so much more than that.

In Madison, Wisconsin, there’s a famous street that connects the State Capitol to the campus of UW-Madison. State Street has been a pedestrian mall since the 1970’s and is lined with very diverse shops, restaurants and art that make it the go-to place to experience the Madison vibe. John and Emmy love it!

Oak Park, Illinois, is only a short ride on the “L” from Chicago, but location isn’t the only good thing about this close-knit community.

Red Wing, Minnesota, isn’t named after the famous shoe company. It’s the other way around. See the world’s largest boot and do some shoe shopping, but also be sure to walk down to the Mississippi to watch the boats, spend time in charming downtown, climb Barn Bluff, and celebrate the return of the bison with the Prairie Island Indian Community.

Michigan City, Indiana, surprised John by having so many of his favorite things: Incredible sandy beaches and dunes, the Barker Mansion, beautiful local stores, large-scale manufacturing and of course, delicious food!

Grand Rapids, Michigan was once known as Furniture City. Now thanks to craft brewers, it’s self-coined as Beer City.

Davenport is the largest of the Quad Cities and the third largest city in Iowa. It’s where chiropractic began, and music is celebrated. Now it’s home to the most incredible Ethiopian food, a great art museum, and is where work vehicle seats are made. Who knew? It’s also a city John wants to visit again soon.

In Springfield, Illinois, you could spend a week just taking in all of the incredible Abraham Lincoln history. But then you’d miss the “new” Capitol, horseshoe sandwiches, the Route 66 experience, and cozy dogs. John McGivern and Emmy Fink didn’t miss any of it, so come along for their visit.