Living in the Quad Cities sometimes has us forgetting how great it is here. Today I want to look at some different spots inside and near the QC for vacations or just a quick fun weekend or day trip. One factor that you might want to consider while planning one of these fun-filled trips is planning it around the busiest times at your destination.

Avoiding popular vacation times can help make your trips better. For example, instead of doing your trip on Spring Break, do it slightly before or after to beat those crowds. Obviously, that is easier said or done, but maybe next year you can find a way to make it work!

Here are three categories of trips that might spike your interest and inspire your next vacation destination!

Category 1 -- Day Trips:

Quick day trips to huge attractions near the QCA might be a lot of work, but they are fun, quick, and will most definitely tire the kids out! Here are some great spots for huge day trips:

This is another pretty obvious one and a true staple of the Midwest. A great day trip for everyone! Lost Island has a great waterpark and an amazing theme park on the way if you want to make a stop for some rides.

Adventureland can also be more than just a day trip, with a theme park and waterpark, it's the perfect place to spend a couple of days. But wait, there's more! Right next to the park is their Adventureland Hotel, so once you and the family are exhausted from a day of fun, you're comfy and cozy beds are just a short drive or walk away. If you have a free weekend, this may be the spot for you!

This one is for the adults and would be a perfect trip for you and that special someone. Rhythm City Casino Resort is a casino and resort located in Davenport, Iowa. It's basically right down the road, making it a great weekend getaway.

  • Chicago

Another pretty obvious one. A great day, weekend, or week-long trip for the family, or just for the parents! It's not an awful drive, and there is a lot to do! A few spots worth staying could be these:

 

 

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Category 2 --The Mississippi River:

Sometimes we forget how much people love rivers. I know a large number of people who never had a chance to grow up next to a river, so to them, the Mississippi is a HUGE spot.

If you have a friend or a family member coming into town for some time, I highly recommended trying an activity on, or by the Mississippi! If you are both 21, check out the beer battle coming soon on the Mississippi River.

 

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Category 3 -- The Ultimate Meal

The Quad Cities has some amazing restaurants, and this idea can work for a couple or a family. Have everyone involved write down their favorite dishes from different restaurants, and then go through those lists and pick a dish from these categories at different Quad Cities restaurants to make the ultimate smorgasbord of a meal.

  • Main Dish
  • Side Dish
  • Extra Side
  • Drink
  • Dessert
  • Anything else extra you really love

Then, go buy those things and have the ultimate meal of all your favorite things. This idea works best for a "staycation." If you have a long weekend or over Summer vacation, this will make your day very special.

Hopefully one of these ideas can provide a new fun idea for your next vacation!

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Have you ever wanted to own your own island? Well here is your opportunity as this house in St. Paul Minnesota is on the market for $6,600,000. The private island house sits on Bald Eagle Lake in the suburb of White Bear Lake. With 5 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, and a 6 space garage, you'll have plenty of space on your own island. Worried about getting on/off the island? The home is accessible 365 days a year via boat/SUV and comes with a Hovercraft.

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