Category: Uncategorized (Page 68 of 174)

Many times on our quest to find the best adventures in the Midwest, we end up out in the middle of nowhere.  Surrounded by nothing but wilderness. While that type of trip is usually what I crave the most.  Every once in a while its nice to go on an adventure, without sacrificing comfort.

At Aerie’s Resort your treated to an incredible adventure with first class accommodations.   Whether you’re planning a romantic rendezvous for two, a fun retreat with friends, or a weekend adventure for the family, Aerie’s offers a variety of accommodations with something sure to fit your plans. If your looking for comfort, convenience, and the Best View in the Midwest, book your stay with Aerie’s.

This beautiful resort is also home to Grafton Zipline, which has 7 incredible lines totaling 2 miles in length. The ziplines range  from 300 feet to the longest line checking in at just over 1600 feet.  As is the case with any zipline course, its only as good as the views around it.  At Grafton Zipline you soar high above a lush forest  overlooking the confluence of the Illinois & Mississippi Rivers.

Aerie’s Resort and Grafton Zipline is so much more then just a beautiful resort and Canopy tour.  There is also an amazing winery.  The winery at Aerie’s Resort is the perfect choice for award-winning wines, fine dining, and live entertainment.

The Terrace at Aerie’s Resort is a unique venue for weddings, banquets, conferences, and corporate events.  The banquet room is gorgeous and has wrap around windows with panoramic views. There is also a 4,400 square foot outdoor deck overlooking  the lush green hillsides and rolling rivers.  Memorable events deserve an unforgettable setting and at Aerie’s Terrace you and your guests will have the experience of a lifetime.

Always expanding always Improving. Aeries Resort has recently added the Amazing Grafton Sky Tour. This thrilling ride is the first of its kind in the area, and is the perfect getaway activity for you and your family, friends, or significant other. Offering views of the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, and downtown St. Louis on a clear day, this spectacular ride is like no other!

If that wasn’t enough, Aeries is currently in the process of adding the first Alpine Mountain coaster in the state of Illinois. This thrilling ride will be the first of its kind in the state and will bring passengers on a stainless steel rail on a 3,000 foot decent through wooded hillside and along limestone outcroppings.

Some people visit for the heart pounding rush, others come to enjoy the fine dining and live music, others plan their trip for the award winning selection of wines, while some just come for the breath taking views surrounding the facility.  No matter what your reason is, we are sure you will have an amazing time at Aerie’s Resort and Winery.

Aerie’s Resort is located at 14 W Main Street in Grafton, Illinois. For more information or to book your stay call:   (618) 786-9477 or for more information, click here.

Nestled in the hollows of beautiful Wisconsin, Smokey Hollow Campground is the place for you and your family. From giant inflatables to jumping pillows to mini golf, you’ll find our campground filled with “stuff” and activities for kids of all ages. The campground is located at W9935 McGowan Rd, Lodi, Wisconsin. For more information, click here.

This gorgeous campground has OPTIONS! Tent Camping, RV Sites, Beach Cabins, Yurts, Covered Wagon Camping, Deluxe Cabins, Rustic Cabins, you can even spend the night in a Gazebo!

Hungry? There are numerous dining options as well. From snacks to meals, as well as a family style breakfast! Don’t forget fish-fry Fridays. There is even an onsite coffee shop!

“It’s all about the stuff!” is the moto of Smokey Hollow Campground in Lodi, Wisconsin and we can tell you Smokey Hollow does not disappoint! The campground is also located just a short drive from Devils Lake State Park. This is one of the most popular parks in the Midwest, with stunning views, excellent hiking, and a nice sandy beach.

This family centered campground is all about having fun things for families to do together throughout every day. There are inflatables, giant sized shopping carts to ride in, firetruck water fights, dance parties, sundae bars and the list just goes on and on and on.

This is a very popular private campground in Wisconsin that many families go to year after year.   Lodi, Wisconsin where Smokey Hollow is located has a Susie the Duck Day in August, a family festival with a lot of fun but most importantly rubber duck races!!

No matter what type of camping you enjoy, your sure to have an unforgettable time at Smokey Hollow Campground!

For more amazing camping and lodging options in Wisconsin, click here. For a list of nearby parks and amazing locations, click here. For the best family activities and adventures, click here.

Cummins Falls State Park is an idyllic, but rugged, 306-acre day-use park located nine miles north of Cookeville on the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River on the Eastern Highland Rim. Cummins Falls State Park is located at 390 Cummins Falls Lane in Cookeville, Tennessee. Cummins Falls State Park is located at 390 Cummins Falls Lane in Cookeville, Tennessee. For more information, click here.

Located in the Cordell Hull Watershed, the area has been a scenic spot and swimming hole for local residents of Jackson and Putnam counties for more than 100 years.

Photo credit goes to Antonio Del Real.

Cummins Falls is Tennessee’s eighth largest waterfall in volume of water and is 75 feet high.

Photo credit goes to Antonio Del Real.

The park is a perfect place for hiking, and photography, but its also a popular destination for swimming beneath the falls.

Photo credit goes to Antonio Del Real.

Access to the  gorge is only permitted with a permit. To check availability or purchase a day permit, click here.

Photo credit goes to Antonio Del Real.

No camping is allowed at Cummins Falls, however, cabins and camping are offered at Standing Stone State Park  and Edgar Evins State Park. Standing Stone is a 40-minute drive (23 miles) from the park and offers cabins and tent and trailer camping year-round. Edgar Evins is a 35-minute drive (27 miles) from the park and offers seasonal tent and trailer camping and condo-style cabins year-round.

Cummins Falls’ rich history includes a time when Indians used the area to track the numerous buffalo that wallowed in the river’s shallow areas. In the 1790s, Sergeant Blackburn, a veteran of the Revolutionary War and for whom the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River was named, was awarded the land in lieu of a pension. The land was acquired by John Cummins in 1825, and he used the land to build the first of two mills. Because of his growing clientele, a larger second mill was built in 1845. Local residents would visit the mills and the falls for both commerce and recreation.

Photo credit goes to Antonio Del Real.

For more parks and amazing locations in the area, click here. For the best nearby lodging and campgrounds, click here. For a list of family activities, click here.

Enjoy award-winning golf courses, a spa offering indulgent therapies, multiple dining outlets, private Haciendas and Villas, unique indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, and thrilling outdoor adventures in the Sonoran Desert, at Boulders Resort and Spa. This extraordinary desert hideaway sits on 1,300 acres in the Sonoran Desert foothills of Scottsdale, Arizona. The address is 34631 North. Tom Darlington Drive, Scottsdale Arizona! For more information, click here.

Nestled in the scenic Sonoran Desert, the Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Curio Collection by Hilton provides a luxurious hideaway. The tranquil atmosphere allows you to take in all this outstanding resort has to offer– ranked as a U.S. News & World Report Best Hotel in Arizona.

The surrounding desert inspired the design of the adobe Casitas and suites, which feature wood-burning fireplaces, Southwestern accents, wood-beamed ceilings, and natural stone showers. For more space and all the comforts of home, reserve a private, fully furnished one-, two- or three-bedroom Hacienda or Villa.

Make every moment count with activities to suit any mood. Explore acres of colorful desert on bike or horseback, work on your golf game, or go for a swim – the choice is yours.

Take a late-night dip in the 24-hour Lodge Pool and cool off in the Club Pool after a morning of golf. Four sparkling outdoor pools invite you to make a splash or curl up with a cocktail on a poolside lounger.

Challenge yourself on the sun-splashed terrain of the legendary Boulders Club. Listed among the finest in the United States, these two award-winning Jay Morrish-designed courses stretch across an enchanting desert.

Whatever your pleasure, the ancient landscape offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation – whether it’s rock climbing, horseback riding, a Grand Canyon air tour or stargazing with a professional astronomer.

At the spa you can revive body and spirit on a wellness journey in the sun-soaked Sonoran Desert. Indulge in some self-care with spa treatments, personal training, and group classes in the fitness center. 1.5-billion-year-old boulders form a backdrop to the spa campus that features 33,000 sq. ft. of facilities that include 24 treatment rooms, a spa café and learning center. Outside you’ll find a shamanic tipi, meditation labyrinth, pool and whirlpool, organic garden and reflecting pond.

You can conquer any craving at the on site restaurants and bars, offering flavors from casual bites to fine dining in striking settings. Innovative menus feature classic American, south-of-the-border, spa and southwestern-inspired cuisine, made from the freshest ingredients.

This extraordinary desert hideaway sits on 1,300 acres in the Sonoran Desert foothills of Scottsdale, Arizona. The address is 34631 North. Tom Darlington Drive, Scottsdale Arizona! For more information, click here.

Another weight class, that has very much held its own in recent years. From Bobby Telford, to Sam Stoll, to Tony Cassioppi, Iowa has fared really well at Heavyweight, and this year looks to be more of the same.

Tony Cassioppi

Cassioppi arrived in Iowa a 2x state champion, after going 100-0 his last two years in high school. He was also a 2x Junior Triple Crown winner, in 2017 and 2018. During his red-shirt season he went 20-2, and won four tournaments. After pinning his way to the title at the UNI Open, he was Named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week. His freshman year, he went 20-3 and was ranked 3rd in the nation, before the 2020 tournament was cancelled. Over the summer before the start of the 20-21 season, Tony captured the UWW U23 World Championship! Last season Tony was 19-4 and reached all-american status for the third straight time. With Gable Stevenson leaving college wrestling behind, the heavyweight title picture is wide open, and anything other than a National Title will be disappointing for Big Tony.

Easton Fleshman

Easton is a freshman from Inwood Iowa. Easton had an impressive high school career becoming a 4x state qualifier, and finally a state champion his senior year after posting a 53-1 record while scoring 39 pins. Ending his career with a 143-30 record with 98 pins.

Gage Marty

Gage is another freshman from nearby Solon Iowa. He was a 3x state place winner in high school, going 48-3 with 27 falls his senior year. His overall high school record stands at 134-26 with 63 falls. He will add depth and provide Tony with crucial practice partners in the room.

As you can see Iowa is set once again with one of the best heavyweights in the country! To see our preview of Iowa’s Upperweights 174-197, click here.