midwest – Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

Hipmunk Hotels: Find convenient accommodation in Rosemont, Troy, Kansas City, and More

Published on September 24, 2016September 23, 2016 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle1 Comment

This post was originally published on Montenegro.comBlog – English on August 2, 2016.

Visit the City of Chicago and Stay in Rosemont, IL

Rosemont, Illinois has all the characteristics of a small community, but due to its excellent location, which means only five minutes from O’Hare Airport and twenty minutes from Chicago’s downtown, the place earned the reputation of a flourishing touristic and commercial place. Attractions in Rosemont such as the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, the Allstate Arena, Rosemont Theatre, the amusing district MB Financial Park, the new Fashion Outlets of Chicago, as well as extensive array of hotels and excellent restaurants accommodates 75,000 visitors on a daily basis. Hotels, like Chicago Marriott Suites O’Hare and Hilton Rosemont Chicago O’Hare, offer special deals on rooms starting from $79 per night. Why waste your time in traffic when you can be accommodated right next to major attractions like The Rosemont Theater, and for a competitive price?

Image via Flickr by Michel Curi

The Adventurous City of Troy, MI

Troy is known for a considerable number of summer camps and outdoor activities for all ages. Also, it is an attractive business district since many large companies like Bank of America, The Woodbridge Company, and SAE International have their central office here. Weekdays are the most requested period, and for obtaining a good price for hotel accommodation it is recommended to plan your trip ahead. The Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Troy and The Met Troy are always a good choice.

Image via Flickr by Dave Hogg

Outstanding Kansas City, MO

As the largest city in Missouri, Kansas City has plenty of available accommodations for every budget. The rich history of this town makes you want to explore all of the areas, from farmers’ markets to the Vine District, as well as the Spanish-styled architecture and upscale shops of the Country Club Plaza in the south. Best months for visiting Kansas City, due to outstanding deals, are from January to May or in October. We recommend places like the Capri Motel Kansas City northeast of downtown or America’s Best Value Inn and Suites Kansas City Downtown.

Image via Flickr by Brian Hillegas

Check Arrangements in Grand Forks, ND

Planning a trip to Grand Forks can be effortless if you know which hotel offers fantastic prices. Occasions for traveling in Grand Forks are various because this town is known for sports events, business, recreational activities, and concerts. In Econo Lodge Grand Forks and Red Roof Inn TownHouse – expect to find enjoyable rooms from only $43 per night. For a more upscale experience, check accomadtions at the Staybridge Suites. Hotels like Marriott Grand Forks and Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Gran give breezy arrangements from a starting price of only $79.

Image via Flickr by Victory & Reseda

The Fascinating Town of Columbus, OH

To experience the fascinating town of Columbus, in the best way possible and on a budget, choosing hotels in the center or close to fun attractions is a must. This city offers an abundance of suitable and modern accommodations at convenient locations. There are a variety of interesting things to apprise and explore here, starting from the famous Scioto Mile Fountain that was pronounced one of the world’s 15 most astonishing fountains. Also, another impressive thing to see is the Arch at McFerson Commons, which is a 100-foot red metal art sculpture. We also recommend visiting the historic German Village, or if you are a foodie, savor Katalina’s famous pancake balls or Harvest Pizzaria’s wood-fired pizzas. Hotels like The Courtyard by Marriott Easton-Columbus and The Blackwell offer proper balance of quality and price.

Image via Flickr by jpmueller99

HIPMUNK HOTELS: TOP HOTELS FOR YOUR FALL MIDWEST ROAD TRIP IN CHAMPAIGN, GRAND RAPIDS, AND MORE

Published on August 11, 2016 by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

This post was originally published on Live Learn Venture by Natasha on 6/16/16.

If you’re planning a fall road trip throughout the Midwest part of the United States, you’ll have a lot of things to consider during the planning process! One big choice is deciding what hotels you’ll choose to stay well-rested during your adventures. Luckily, there are many great Midwest hotel options to choose from. Keep reading to learn more about some of the top hotels in places like Champaign IL, Grand Rapids MI, Davenport IA, and more.

Champaign, Illinois

When spending time in Champaign, IL, you may be looking for a comfortable hotel with a bit more space, and the Homewood Suites by Hilton Champaign-Urbana is a great choice. This is a preferable option for those who are taking a road trip with their families. Suites are available in both studio and one-bedroom varieties, making it possible to have as much room as you need. Rates start at just $117, making it an affordable option for the entire family.

Champaign, IL: Image courtesy of Kevin Chang via Flickr.

Grand Rapids, Michigan

If you’re looking for an option that feels more like home while in Grand Rapids, the Staybridge Suites Grand Rapids-Kentwood is a good choice. Each room includes a full-functioning kitchenette with a microwave and refrigerator. Studios and suites are available in multiple bed options, which makes for a great option for families. Guests have free access to an airport shuttle and free daily breakfast. This hotel gives the comfort you need to feel at home after a long day on the road. Prices begin at $135 per night.

Davenport, Iowa

If you’re looking for a more affordable option and don’t want to sacrifice style or comfort, the Holiday Inn Rock Island may be a great fit for you as you make your way through Davenport, IA. Rates start at only $86, making it a cheaper option if you’re on a tight budget. There are 172 rooms, which are comfortable and have a modern style. Each room is spacious and includes a microwave and mini-fridge. Self-service laundry is available, and there’s an on-site restaurant, making this hotel even more convenient.

Branson, Missouri

If you’re looking for something truly unique in Branson, MO, The Branson House is a cozy bed and breakfast with unique rooms and a delicious breakfast. There are different sized rooms to choose from, each with its own charm. All guests can enjoy a daily breakfast. This bed and breakfast is nearby many shops, restaurants, and local attractions. Rates begin at $129 per night.

Branson, MO: Image courtesy of Louis via Flickr.

Schaumburg, Illinois

Are you headed to Schaumburg, IL? If your road trip includes business meetings, you may be looking for a more business and conference-friendly hotel. Wingate by Wyndham Schaumburg is a great option! This hotel includes a free printing and copying services in the 24-hour business center, conference rooms, and an on-site gym facility. This makes for a great place to stay if you need to rest between business meetings. Nightly rates start at $135, which includes a hot buffet breakfast.

As you can see, there are many great hotels in the Midwest. No matter where you choose to stay, you’re sure to have a fun time exploring these great cities. If you’re looking for a place to stay, Hipmunk hotels are a great resource to rely on.

Disclaimer: This is part of the Hipmunk Hotels campaign.

Hipmunk Hotels: Adventures in Lincoln, Saint George, Salt Lake, Park City and Milwaukee

Published on February 15, 2016 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle1 Comment

My America bucket list travel in the midwest continues with a jaunt through Nebraska, Utah and Wisconsin. All my trips have a list of musts; food, hotels, adventures and now architecture. This part of the country has some unique buildings. Styles you wouldn’t expect in America.

Lincoln, Nebraska

Lincoln, Nebraska is the state capital of Nebraska and has an interesting nickname for its capital building. How could you not want to stop and take titillating photos of what is affectionately referred to as the “Penis of the Plains”? The inside of the building is as interesting as the exterior. As someone who loves libraries, the capital houses a historical library with secret bookshelves and reading lights attached to the walls. I have to check it out.

Photo provided by Jen Barnason via Trover.com

Saint George, Utah

Named after the Church of Later Day Saints (CLDS) Apostle, Saint George, Utah sits in the Mojave Desert. The landscape with its red dirt and hilly mountains make this city an outdoor paradise. It doesn’t mean they don’t have some interesting buildings. One I have to check out is St. George’s Utah Temple. They CLDS built the Temple in 1871 and has a natural disastrous past. It’s been through unstable ground, they had to pack the swamp ground with volcanic rock for it to stand. The walls fell in 1872 after being struck by lightning in 1872 and a fire destroyed the temple in 1928.

Photo provided by C G Oakeson via Trover.com

Salt Lake City, Utah

Continuing on the CLDS tour, Salt Lake City, Utah, holy ground to the Mormons was founded by Brigham Young. While I may not agree with the religious practices of the Mormons, the Temple Square is an architectural and historical landmark built-in 1928. The architecture reminds me of the great cathedrals in Europe. The grounds are beautiful and evoke peace and spirituality.

Photo provided by TravelTess via Trover.com

Park City, Utah

When I think of Park City, Utah, extreme winter sports come to mind. The city is known for it outdoor activities from hiking, biking and skiing in the mountains to swimming and fishing in the beautiful lake. One of the must-see stops in Park City is the High West Distillery & Saloon. In 1914, the Begg family built a home. The Carriage house came later, but it was a private home up until 1997 when the city bought it. The Saloon and Distillery is known for its classic western food and handcrafted cocktails, which have you reminiscing of the old west.

Photo provided by Jen – Nealys On Wheels via Trover.com

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Last stop on the midwest tour will be Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee exemplifies the midwest to me. So, the ultra modern and ultra sleek Milwaukee Art Museum doesn’t fit the mold of conservative Milwaukee. The museum with its three distinct buildings designed by three award-winning architects. The War Memorial and the gardens are unique in their own right, but the Quadracci Pavillion is a post-modern that is a spectacular sight I can’t wait to see.

Photo provided by Andy Shears via Trover.com

Budget Hacks: Traveling in the Midwest for Cheap

Published on December 12, 2015December 10, 2015 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle1 Comment

I found a few more stops in the Midwest on my USA bucket list trip, and since I’ll probably need to watch my funds, I found some cool, inexpensive cheap activities that show me what each city is all about.

Wichita, Kansas

Any activity with the word “nature” in the title means cheap. In Wichita, Kansas, a visit to the Great Plains Nature Center offers an opportunity to get close to nature without running into any bears or anything that might kill you. The park offers programs for children as well as for adults and seniors. Each activity offers visitors a better understanding of our relationship with nature, in a safe environment. They have bird walks in the morning for the bird watcher or bird curious and a Full Moon walk in the evening for those vampire enthusiasts or if you like full moons.

Guided walks are available free of charge.

wichita

Image provided by Hannah Osland via Trover.com

Des Moines, Iowa

My favorite country to visit is England. My favorite things to tour in England are the castles. Now I don’t have to travel across the pond to get a feel for England, I can take a trip to Des Moines, Iowa. Built in the 1920s and modeled after the King’s House in Salisbury, England, Salisbury House captures the medieval and renaissance architecture of jolly old England. The castle provides self-guided and guided tours and hosts many programs and performances such as musical performances, recitals and book signings. Self-guided tours cost $8, but fork over an additional $2 for the guided tour and get access to rooms not available for the general public.

salisbury Image provided by Erik Rowley via Trover.com

Minneapolis, Minnesota

In the conservative Midwest, you don’t expect to find an architectural marvel like The Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum on the campus of the University of Minnesota. The stainless steel and brick building looks like the Tin Man’s residence. The famous architect Frank Gehry, known for his use of unusual materials and strange shapes, designed the building in 1990. The unique exterior houses a modern interior. The collection includes modern American art from artists like Georgia O’Keefee and Marsden Harley, along with ceramics and pottery from the 20th century. Admission to the museum in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is free.

The guided tours are free, too.

Minneapolis Image provided by Bradley Hanson via Trover.com

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Eating cheap is a must for traveling on a budget. In Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, I have to try Mutts Amazing Hot Dogs. They offer over 30 versions of hot dogs, and if one of their creations doesn’t appeal to you, they allow you to create your own. You can grab a Liberty Dog (spicy mustard & kraut) or a S’noran Dog (bacon-wrapped dog, chipotle ketchup, mayo, mustard, cheddar-jack cheese, sliced avocado, pico de gallo, pinto beans) with sides, all for under $10.

If hot dogs aren’t your thing, they have burgers and my favorite, corn dogs, too. My stomach’s growling just thinking about it.

Oklahoma Image provided by Tiffany Hawkins via Trover.com

Rosemont, Illinois

I had never heard of Rosemont, Illinois, before doing some research. It’s odd considering I used to live in Chicago, but if you’ve never heard of it, you might know it by its more common name, Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. Yes, the city has its own airport that just so happens to be the third-busiest in the U.S. Fun in this region starts in Rosemont, and there is no better, faster and cheaper way to get around than the O’Hare Airport Transit. From the airport, the transit system can take you anywhere in Northern Illinois.

O'Hare Transit Image provided by Ryan Goodwin via Trover.com

Hungry in the Midwest?

Published on October 22, 2015October 22, 2015 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle6 Comments

I’ve visited the Midwest, mostly on football trips, and eaten at some iconic places. Chicago, Cleveland, and Detroit have some great culinary traditions. While I’ve touched on the highlights, I always thought it would be fun to escape the big cities and take a tour of some of the lesser visited, less touristy hot food spots.

Akron, Ohio

If you’re looking for home-style, home cooking Akron, Ohio diner spots, you can find them in Akron, Ohio. Driving through town, you’ll see a diner on every street corner. You can find elevated food choices, too. I found Crave. Try the Thai curry lobster or the cinnamon sage waffles with buttermilk fried chicken. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

The food is pretty, too. Like Top Chef assembled with food tweezers pretty. If you are a fan of Top Chef, you will get that reference.

Crave would feel right at home in Los Angeles or New York City, but the fact that it’s in Akron, Ohio makes it even more of a cool destination dining experience.

Photo by Aaron Hervey via Trover.com

Omaha, Nebraska

When I think of Omaha, Nebraska, I think steak and potatoes. They have their share of steakhouses, but their culinary landscape is quite diverse. One area of Omaha is a must stop for foodies. Old Market is a historically inspired art and entertainment district in Omaha. The neighborhood has the feel of a European city in the middle of America. In Old Market, you can find Sushi, Tex-Mex, Italian, and Seafood. It also houses several breweries to get your drink on. It reminds me of the French Quarter or Georgetown in DC. It’s where the cool kids in Omaha hang out.

Photo by Cody Lee via Trover.com

Grand Forks, North Dakota

Grand Forks, North Dakota isn’t just a college town on the Red River. The city has a rich history and a cultural awareness. Never mind that it’s cold most of the year; the city has a lot to offer. This is the place where you go for down home, American style food. I found The Blue Moose Bar & Grill. It just sounds like North Dakota. Inspired by the pioneers of the city, Blue Moose has something for everyone. The menu is massive with dishes like Black & Bleu Balls, The Honey Clucker, and the Supercaliforniaextraordinarilydelicious Burger.

I love a menu with a sense of humor.

Photo by Tammy Pruitt via Trover.com

Ann Arbor, Michigan

This Michigan town has 100,000 people in it; 60,000 of them are college students at the University of Michigan. Ann Arbor, Michigan is a college town, but it has big city ambition.

Zingerman’s Delicatessen contributes to the laid-back atmosphere of this Midwest town. The comic-inspired menu adds to the fun atmosphere you are sure to meet at Zingerman’s. Even Oprah Winfrey has been a patron. The food is all natural and made in-house with love and care with recipes crafted in the 1300-square-foot restaurant with big flavor.

Photo by Julia via Trover.com

Grand Rapids, Michigan

You can’t get more American and Midwest than the hometown of Gerald and Betty Ford, Grand Rapids, Michigan. While the president’s favorite food was pot roast, his second favorite might have been sushi from Maru Sushi & Grill. The artistic expression in their sushi is impressive. I’ve had sushi in Tokyo, so I know what I’m talking about.

Photo by Steph@myQLE via Trover.com

What is your favorite culinary region of America?