Exploring the Midwest Episode 1 | Welcome to the Midwest
Last Updated on March 23, 2021 by Jody Halsted
Hello and welcome to Exploring the Midwest!
I am Jody Halsted and I will be your navigator as we explore the 13 states that make up the Midwest (as defined by the Midwest Travel Journalists Association).
These states are North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.
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Why NOW is the Perfect Time for Exploring the Midwest
Last year (2020) brought us new phrases – shelter in place, social distancing – and a lot of time spent at home.
Travel ceased completely for a few months and then, when it returned, it was a mere fraction of what it had been in previous years.
But, if a silver lining to this dark cloud can be found, it is in the fact that people began to look for places to visit where they could avoid crowds, get outside, and return to a feeling of normalcy.
To that I say: Welcome to the Midwest!
My goal as we explore the Midwest is to introduce you to places in the heartland you may have heard of but overlooked as you traveled to distant locales, discover quirky spots that you never imagined you could find in Middle America, and provide inspiration for your own Midwest getaways.
Join Me Weekly for Midwest Explorations
Exploring the Midwest is a videocast, broadcast live each Wednesday at 12:10pm CST on YouTube. The benefit of the live broadcast is that viewers can interact with myself and my Midwest guest – so tune in and ask your questions!
The live videos will remain on YouTube in the Exploring the Midwest playlist and will also be used to create both a podcast and a transcribed article here on Family Rambling. So no matter how you like to get your information – video, audio, or the written word- you'll find what you are looking for.
Midwest Topics This Year
April Quirky Museums
May Midwest Beach Getaways
June Midwest National Parks
July State Fairs
August Orchards, Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes
September Fall Foliage
October Made in the Midwest (gift giving ideas)
November Christmas Towns
December 2022 Midwest Highlights to watch for + Monthly Topics for 2022
Thank You for Joining Me!
Thanks so much for joining me for this episode! I hope you will return in the coming weeks for information about the 13 states in the Midwest. I know you will learn something new – and maybe even begin to plan a day trip, weekend getaway, or a full vacation!
For daily Midwest tips & inspiration join the Exploring the Midwest group on Facebook!