Vacations don’t always have to be ‘big’ to be enjoyable

The Journey is the Destination is New Hampton’s theme for RAGBRAI and I have to say I agree entirely.I have been a traveler for many years now — taking off to Maine for two summers to work at a camp, visiting classmates in places like California and Florida and family vacations to new, exciting places every year.All these travels bring with them new experiences, which is what life should be about!After hearing Dan Kaercher, an author and Iowa Public Television host, speak this past week about hidden treasures in Iowa, it just fueled my excitement about spring and summer coming quickly.And it reminded me how much I’m ready to get back out on the road — seeing new sights and visiting places I’ve never been before.A person doesn’t have to travel out of state to do these things!I’m so lucky to have a group of girlfriends and a mother that are ready for an adventure any chance they can get as well!My mom and I have begun a tour of Iowa of our own checking out the tons of wineries that are located throughout the state — each unique and sampling the wines doesn’t hurt!A weekend trip is just what some of us need to get out of the workweek funk. A vacation doesn’t have to be a week long, sometimes a change of scenery for just a few hours is all we need.While I am greatly impressed with the number of events located right here in Chickasaw County, I am equally impressed by the many festivals held throughout Iowa yearly and visiting them, bringing back ideas to make our county’s celebrations bigger and better never hurts.So explore the area! And why am I on a kick right now? Possibly because I am sitting on a cruise ship somewhere right now on another amazing trip! Wish you were here!