In 2017, I traveled to more than 15 states, discovered nearly a dozen new world’s largest things, and drove more than 10,000 miles in my little blue Honda Fit.Continue Reading…
Olio in Iowa’s Best of 2017
It wasn’t until I started looking back on Olio in Iowa’s best of 2017 that I realized how many new places I’d explored in the last year. It’s always interesting to see which posts resonate most with my readers, and this year is no exception.
In 2017, you enjoyed reading about the unexpected places I visited, delicious things I ate, and essentially everything I shared about Kenosha, Wisconsin. As always, it’s interesting to see where the commonalities emerge each year. So, without further ado, I hope you enjoy revisiting Olio in Iowa’s best of 2017:Continue Reading…
Experience the History of the Hog at Milwaukee’s Harley-Davidson Museum
Disclosure: As part of my ticket to the Women in Travel Summit, I received a free admission to the Harley-Davidson Museum courtesy of Visit Milwaukee. However, all opinions are my own.
When it comes to motorcycles, my experience is admittedly limited. I’ve only ridden as a passenger a handful of times, and when I did, I clung to the seat for dear life. So when I discovered we’d have the opportunity to tour the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I didn’t quite know what to expect.
I think it’s safe to say that I was blown away. I’ve been to a lot of museums, but Harley-Davidson’s is a truly beautiful collection of the company’s history and expansive memorabilia. With an impressive collection of vintage motorcycles and documentation of the company’s legacy, this museum has something for everyone.Continue Reading…
See the Spooky Side of the City with Gothic Milwaukee
Disclosure: We received free tickets for Gothic Milwaukee‘s classic historic walking tour. However, all opinions are my own.
When it comes to ghostly phenomenon and spooky attractions, I’m a pretty big baby. So when some friends suggested that we check out Gothic Milwaukee‘s classic ghost tour of downtown, I was a little hesitant.
But this incredible walking tour experience eclipsed any otherworldly fears I may have had. Gothic Milwaukee delivered the most hilarious and informative ghost tour (or really any tour, for that matter) that I’ve ever taken. Continue Reading…
Sips: Lakefront Brewery in Milwaukee, WI
Disclosure: As part of my ticket to the Women in Travel Summit, I received a free tour of Lakefront Brewery courtesy of Visit Milwaukee. However, all opinions are my own.
If you ask pretty much any random person on the streets of Milwaukee for something fun to do, chances are they’ll recommend you check out the Lakefront Brewery tour. In fact, in the short time I had to explore Milwaukee, the experience was recommended so many times that I knew I needed to check it out. And the locals are right—Lakefront Brewery does not disappoint.Continue Reading…
Exploring Milwaukee Public Art: Black Cat Alley & Beyond
John Kowalczyk
Working in a contemporary art museum means I spend a lot of time surrounded by art. So it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that when I travel I often seek out arts and cultural attractions. Earlier this year I spent some time in Wisconsin and was surprised to discover that Milwaukee is home to a vibrant public art scene. Wandering the streets of Milwaukee, it seemed like every corner or unassuming alleyway burst with color and unexpected inspiration.
If you’re headed to the city anytime soon, I highly recommend you explore Milwaukee public art from one of its newer epicenters in Black Cat Alley and beyond. There are tons of incredible murals I didn’t have time to see, but a few of my favorite places to experience the city’s public art are below.
Olio in Iowa’s 2017 Bucket List
I have a confession: I did a horrible job checking locations and attractions off of my 2016 bucket list. Of all the attractions I hoped to see this year, I only made it to one.
But looking back at all of the places I did travel to in 2016, it’s hard to be too disappointed. So when I sat down to plan out my 2017 travel bucket list, I decided to be slightly more realistic. Not only did that mean seeking out some new places to explore, but it also meant working trips I’m already planning into the mix.
Iowa
Field of Dreams…Again (Dyersville)
Even though I’ve been to the Field of Dreams twice since moving to Iowa, it looks like I’ll be heading back again in 2017. Organizers at the Field of Dreams movie site announced in October that for the first time tourists will be allowed inside the lower level of the farmhouse in this Iowa classic.Continue Reading…