Last Updated on July 26, 2021 by Jody Halsted Wrapping up ‘State Fair Season’ with the final state fair in the Midwest.Kansas State Fair begins after Labor Day – on September 10 in 2021- and runs for 10 days. My guest Ed Burger, Interim General manager for the Kansas State Fair, is going to share the history and highlights…

Last Updated on July 20, 2021 by Jody Halsted Continuing ‘State Fair Season’ with the Midwest state fair that runs the longest. The Indiana State Fair takes place from July 30 thru August 22 in 2021 – a grand total of 18 days, a week longer than most state fairs. My guest Sharon Smith, Director of Communications for the Indiana State Fairgrounds…

Last Updated on July 13, 2021 by Jody Halsted I am so excited to kick off ‘State Fair Season’ with the country’s most famous state fair! As the inspiration for the novel “State Fair” by Phil Strong, three motion pictures, a smash Broadway musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein, and loads of national accolades, the Iowa State Fair…

Last Updated on June 29, 2021 by Jody Halsted Perhaps the quirkiest museum ever with the most tongue-twisting name is the World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things, housed in the Roadside Sideshow Expo in Lucas, Kansas. Erika Nelson is the artist and creator of this once-traveling but now…

The Indiana Medical History Museum is a fascinating spot when visiting Indianapolis. Learn more about the museum + tips for visiting.

Last Updated on June 21, 2021 by Jody Halsted Not all museums are huge places with priceless works of art or historical revelation. Some museums begin with a passion and a collection. The Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum is one of those places. Karen Raymore, Executive Director for Explore Hocking Hills, provides details about…

The SPAM Museum in Austin, Minnesota is a highlight of any SE Minnesota road trip! Learn more about the museum + tips for visiting.

When you think about a coastal getaway you likely think of places on an ocean, or maybe the gulf. But Shelly Harms, Public Relations Director for Visit Sheboygan, is going to introduce you to the ‘Malibu of the Midwest’ – in Wisconsin!

Last Updated on May 30, 2021 by Paula Reece Plan a Midwest beach vacation at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. .Guest Heather Brown, Executive Director at Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitors Bureau, shares where to find a ‘beachy vibe’ plus tips on activities & accommodations. parasailing above Lake of the OzarksClick here…

Plan a Midwest beach getaway in Door County, Wisconsin! As a peninsula surrounded by Lake Michigan you’ll find dozens of beaches!

Last Updated on May 6, 2021 by Jody Halsted The final state focused episode of the Exploring the Midwest broadcast with guest is Matt MacLaren, Ohio State Tourism director. Ohio is a state that I have only passed through. It is the furthest Midwest state from me, and it’s a little more than a day…

Last Updated on May 5, 2021 by Jody Halsted My guest today is Amanda Weibel, Communications Officer at Travel Wisconsin Click here to save this to your Midwest Travel board on Pinterest! Wisconsin is Best Known For… Most people know Wisconsin for cheese. This way to cheese! Wisconsin produces 600 varieties of cheese, which is more than double the amount…

Last Updated on May 4, 2021 by Jody Halsted As you drive west across Kansas you begin to understand the sentiment the inspired Brewster Higley to pen ‘My Western Home’ – later known as ‘Home on the Range’. My guest today is Colby Sharples Terry, PR & Communications Manager for Kansas Tourism. Click here to add…

Last Updated on May 4, 2021 by Jody Halsted Unfortunately Illinois Tourism was unable to join me for this episode of the broadcast. So I recruited 3 fabulous Illinois travel writers to join me today. Cindy Ladage is a book author, blogger, and a farmer’s wife with 3 grown children and 2 grandchildren. Dig into…

Last Updated on May 4, 2021 by Jody Halsted Jody speaks with Stephen Foutes, the Director of the Missouri Division of Tourism. Missouri is interesting in that the 2 largest cities are located mid-state, on opposite sites, directly opposite each other. And, as a state that is ‘taller than it is wide’ Missouri seems to…