Midwest Travel

A respite from the burdens of daily life and distraction of technology, Sundara Inn and Spa in the Wisconsin Dells is a favorite spa retreat destination for couples, siblings, girlfriends, and mothers and daughters. Branded as a “hidden jewel in a family mecca,” Sundara is cleverly tucked away in a pine forest on the edge of The Waterpark Capitol of the World. This episode features an interview with General Manager Rick Duarte and Spa Communications Director Carla Minsky. Join me as I experience a purifying bath ritual and a warming glow massage; or just relax or energize your soul.

This episode of the Midwest Travel podcast features the city of Appleton, Wisconsin and the entire Fox Cities region. Learn how the area earned the tagline, Wisconsin's Shopping Place. Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau Marketing Communication Manager Mary Hirvela talks about what Appleton has to offer, including sustainable dining, sports, fine arts, museums, and outdoor adventures (no matter what the season).

A centrally-located destination for residents of many Midwestern and Western states, if you plan a road trip to Omaha, Nebraska plan to shift your Cornhusker State paradigm. Regardless of the interests and demographics of your group, Omaha has "something for everyone." From antiquing in the Old Market or a visit to the hip-and-trendy Dundee Neighborhood, the city targets families, art lovers, historians, and outdoor enthusiasts.  

Home to 26,000 the town of Fremont Nebraska is best known as the Northeast Nebraska Antique Capitol. The Omaha bedroom community houses a 20 block historic district with five blocks of antiques, unique shopping, coffee shops, and-what else-a steak house.

In this episode, we return back to Omaha, Nebraska for a visit to the Strategic Air and Space Museum located in Ashland, Nebraska on Interstate 80 between the cities of Lincoln and Omaha. The museum is home to a large collection of aircraft and spacecraft and is spread out over 330,000 square feet. The segment begins with an introduction from the Museum's director of marketing and public relations Angela Roeber and then leads into two different audio clips recorded on a tour of the facility lead by museum docent Terry Currey.

The first in a series of podcasts featuring Omaha, Nebraska, Episode 14 features an interview with historian J.R. "Jack" Atkins, co-author of the book "Cigars and Wires." In a 7.5 minute interview, Jack talks about his father and grandfather, both of whom were involved with bootlegging and prohibition in Omaha in the 1930s. His father, John Sr. was the dealer for Al Capone and Frank Nitti.

This week's Midwest Travel podcast features the Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center in Utica, Illinois.  In our interview with Director of Marketing Kathy Casstevens we learn about the geography of the region as well as the parks' various indoor and outdoor activities. We also learn that Central Illinois is not entirely flat!

This week's Midwest Travel podcast features the Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. We interview Lola Roeh, General Manager of the Four Diamond AAA resort located on the shores of Elkhart Lake in the heart of Wisconsin's Kettle Moraine region.

Episode 11 of the Midwest Travel podcast features the John Deere Pavilion in Moline, Illinois. We speak with museum manager Brigitte Tapscott about the regional influence of this free attraction and why it has "something for everyone."

Episode 10 of the Midwest Travel podcast features Elkhart County and the Amish Country of Northern Indiana. Learn about a trip to the region, featuring the Quilt Gardens, RV Hall of Fame, and family activities including camping, bicycle trails, and the county fair.