The Attraction to the Midwest is the Simplicity

Nebraska is flat. Ohio is is depressing. Illinois doesn’t have good food - unless you are in Chicago. Vermont is too liberal. After spending several day traveling through these states, my response is to not believe the rumors. In fact, my insights are that none of them are barren, flat, boring, depressing or lacking in good food, and I don’t care about their political views.

While traveling the last month across the US, what I have noticed about the Midwest is the beauty and simplicity. For travelers looking for a destination, I suggest going to the Midwest

Simple Reasons to Travel to the Midwest

1. Green grass

The grass spreads on the ground like a carpet inviting bare feet and puppies. When people complain about having to mow the lawn in my town they obviously have never lived in the Midwest because there the lawns are 1–2 acres. I have never seen yards so large and manicured. Each meticulously landscaped and maintained.

2. Wine

Not only does another winery appear around every corner but an invitation to indulge and savor the nectar calls to every visitor. The owners of many of the wineries, offer samples. I interpret their offers are humble brags as they share their accomplishments. Any visitor who receives the offering must carry a bottle home. I know we did.

2. Water

From Great Lakes to the Finger Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, water is abundant on this side of the country. In our area, the Mountain West, a drought has plagued our existence. Here flooding is the concern. There is water everywhere. With the water comes water fowl, boats, boardwalks, and sandy beaches. Life revolves around the water.

4. Breweries

These breweries are not afraid of experimentation. We tasted many new flavors that tantalized our taste buds. The fun was in trying something new each time. Like the wineries, each host willingly provides samples so customers can identify the flavor that best fits their preference. The only drawback is many that I fell in love with are not available at home.

5. Green and water

Yes, I already mentioned both of these but when placed beside each other they communicate a life of energy and rejuvenation. Beautiful!

6. Wildlife

Wherever we traveled and whatever the mode of transportation, wildlife crossed our path. Deer entered the campsites. Rabbits ran beside walking paths. We often had to slow our golf cart as turkeys waddled past. Chipmunks and squirrels drove our pups crazy, but we enjoyed watching them play, jump and climb. Once when I looked out our RV window, a grey squirrel stared me in the eye.

7. Cornhole

We play the game at home in Idaho with friends but in the Midwest it must rank close to football. Every park, brewery, winery, and gathering spot hosts cornhole boards. Small tabletop games are available to purchase in most stores. Often the game board designs advertise favorite teams, probably providing more competition between the players. The game seems to symbolize the strong emphasis on connections and friendship.

8. Apples and donuts

The incredible result when the two are combined creates apple cider donuts. These are to die for. We ate a dozen donuts between us one afternoon. But to balance out the calories we picked some fresh apples off the trees of a nearby orchard and have been snacking on them for days.

9. Home cooking

Forget about Chili’s, Applebee's, and McDonalds for they hold no competition to the small restaurants that serve home cooked meals. The Amish diner’s food had us eating well beyond the point that our stomachs told us to stop. The owner operated restaurant in Ohio demanded we top our meal off with pie even though we should have stopped. We visited Chase’s eatery in Maine twice because once wasn’t enough. Franchises be gone when food that is hand prepared from fresh products iis available.

10. History

Every state has museum and visiting the capitals always provides information and opportunity to appreciate great architecture. However, even our stunning capital building and historical museum in Idaho doesn’t compare to the living history museums, the capitals built in the 1700’s and the forts of the Midwest. If possible surround yourselfwith the past to understand the present.

Traveling the U.S. allows us to identify the commonalities of our great nation. As we have crossed many boundaries from one state to the next, we have gained an understanding of why we are the United States. Though many differences exist, it is the similarities, often the simple elements of everyday life, that bring us together and remind us that we are one.