I started saying out loud that I wanted to leave Ontario in early 2022.

Not casually. Not in a “maybe someday” way. In the kind of way where once the words leave your mouth, you can’t put them back. The kind of knowing that doesn’t shout, but also doesn’t let you rest. The truth is, I knew long before that.

Happy New Year! 2025 was quite the year. Whether you experienced challenges or successes, it feels like, as a collective, we were all ready to let it go. A new year is a clean slate. A fresh start for whatever intentions are most important to you. Even though January 1st marked the beginning of a new calendar year, those of us in the northern hemisphere are deep in winter, which is meant to be a slower season. So if you’re not quite feeling ready to jump into a new set of goals and ambitions, give yourself a little grace. Enjoy the slower season and the darker days. Use this time to reflect on how you want to feel and what is truly important for you to focus your energy on this year. 

Who doesn’t love a good road trip? One of the best things about Chicago is its central location, which makes it easily accessible to many great destinations across the Midwest. With several states within a reasonable driving distance, there is an endless number of places to choose from for your next weekend retreat or extended getaway. From charming lakeside towns less than two hours away to natural marvels in every direction, while we love our hometown of Chicago, we love to get away from it once in a while, too. Whether you’re a local or visiting, consider one of these memorable road trips for your next adventure.