Chicago, IL to Grand Island, NE

July 21, 2018

Driving time- 8:45am-7:30pm

Breakfast

Another beautiful oatmeal breakfast by Jason today!

Here is the view from the camper into Seamus’s backyard. Bear finally felt comfortable and started exploring the space. He found the chickens and that kept him intrigued for quite some time! Maude came out and played with Bear and Patch so that was an awesome start to the day. We talked with Seamus, the Airbnb renter, for awhile and took our time packing the car up because it was misting outside. Seamus told us of a can’t miss farmers market that has actually been supporting local organic farming in the area because of the high demand for the product. He also said the church where this event takes place makes their own donuts 🍩 so Jason definitely wanted to try that out.

Before we left we said goodbye to the most adorable little camper out there!

Farmers Market

WHOA!! This little place was AMAZING!! It was raining at a pretty good clip when we got there but we definitely wanted to walk around and see what they had. This is a great way to get fresh produce as a vegan on a trip!

Check out the gorgeous colors that were just popping against the raining background! I’ve also never seen purple green beans so that was fun! Jason tried currants and we bought some cherries and the most beautiful plump blackberries! So fresh!!

Microgreens!!! We have been thinking about growing these at home. So colorful, flavorful, and healthy! We bought a variety of types to put on salads and add freshness to sandwiches. Soooo tasty! He also had this super cool axe like knife he used to cut the sprouts and I totally wanted one! Haha

These flowers were insane!!! I told Jason had we not been on a road trip I would have made him buy me all of them. The first set of flowers were called Sweet William, which was my grandfather’s name. Cool, right Mom?? I had never seen them before. Sunflowers 🌻 have a very special meaning to me because of my grandma too so seeing those brought back amazing memories of her. Little reminders that our loved ones are always with us, no matter what.

Homemade salsa, sauces, pickled items, and the biggest mushrooms ever rounded out the produce we saw. Jason and I said we need to start going to the farmer’s markets near our home so I hope we do!

The donuts looked incredible! They were not vegan so I couldn’t have them, but the story around them was worth sharing. The church hosts the farmers market every weekend. Each weekend they donate the sales of the donuts to a different charity!! Amazing! This weekend they were donating to a preschool that had been in existence for over 112 years!! Jason bought two (as he is not vegan) and donated extra money to the cause. We told the women we were teachers on a road trip and they we SO kind and excited for us!! We talked to grandparents who were babysitting their grandchild and brought him to get donuts. He looked so happy with the white powder all over his face! Definitely my favorite part of the trip so far!

We drove for awhile in the rain before it cleared up.

This random sculpture basically sums up the morning drive. It looked like a caveman with a pineapple? Not sure at all!

Lunch

Iowa was pretty, but definitely repetitive! Corn, soy, corn, soy!

We stopped to have lunch at what they call a “pocket park” which is just essentially a small field. Jason thought he found one on the map that was next to a pond, but when we started walking the path we didn’t find it. We did find beautiful flowers and unfortunately ticks 😩. I hate ticks. Here are some of the flower shots Jason took.

We turned right around and decided lunch would be on the go today. I had the best tofu from Whole Foods with my salad. Jason had spinach dip with chips. Simple and easy.

Car Trouble

What is a road trip without a little hiccup! In Chicago a nice man told us that our front headlight was out. Thankfully I had an extra one in the car and Jason was able to fix it. Easy peasy! Secondly, the most classic road trip thing ever happened!! We ran out of gas! 😂. We were 4 miles away from the gas station in Iowa and definitely thought we would make it when the car sputtered and we didn’t. We called AAA but even before they located us, the very nice Iowa State Trooper knocked on our window, setting Bear and Patch into a massive barking frenzy, and he told us he could drive us to the next station to buy a few gallons. All in all, we were back on the road in less than 30 minutes! We asked him if we could donate to a charity of his choosing in his name, and he declined. He just asked that the next time we see one of his brother officers that we pass on the thanks! 😭😭 Tears of course! How sweet!!

Back on the Road

We stopped to let the littles run around and have some fun. Jason of course found this tractor and we needed to have a photo shoot!

Love it!!

Grand Island, NE

We got to the KOA around 7:30pm. Long day today! We got the tent up quick and settled in.

There was an incredible sunset before dinner so I took some time to enjoy it.

Dinner

It was a ramen and steamed veggies dinner with a spicy sauce Jason found at Dave’s Market. I didn’t get a picture of what it was but I’ll try to find it again. Don’t use the flavor packets that come with ramen as they were not vegan. We cut up peppers, squash, carrots, zucchini, and celery. Awesome dinner by Jason once again.

Brewery

Is it really a road trip without beer? We’ve been very good and haven’t stopped for drinks at all the whole trip, but I found this place while searching online and really really wanted to go. Kinkaider Brewery in Grand Island, NE. Our waiter told us all about the history of the place and we were so impressed. They have brewed over 100 types of beer in one year! Most craft beers are vegan unless they use honey or milk in the process. One quick question asked and I knew I could have 11 out of the 12 types! We got the dirty dozen sampler and were both very happy. Dog friendly seating and good beer? Yes please!