Author: jilldutton

Jill Dutton is a travel writer who seeks out locally celebrated foods, outdoor activities, and liquor trends. She’s passionate about telling the stories of those she meets on her travels and recently launched Global Plates: The People We Meet, The Food They Eat (syndicated column), and Global Journeys with Jill Dutton (podcast). Jill is a Kansas City expert as well as a train travel expert. Readers of her stories have come to expect an intimate look at authentic travel experiences.

9 Things To Do On A Layover At Chicago’s Union Station

During my first train trip from Kansas City to Washington, D.C., I arrived in Chicago’s Union Station on my first layover with several hours to fill before departing. It’s a massive train station — nearly the size of 10 city blocks — and I felt lost. After grabbing my luggage from the train, my first…

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Discover Virginia by Train on the Northeast Regional

From Prince William County to Hampton, explore a variety of history and food in these five Virginia cities. Amtrak’s Northeast Regional train runs daily from Boston to Washington D.C., and south of D.C. through Virginia. With multiple departures daily, it’s an ideal mode of transportation to visit several Virginia cities along the route. Begin your…

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Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, 4-Day Itinerary–Enjoy a Nature, Spa and Relaxation, and Fine Dining Getaway

 Experience warm, sunny days and cool evenings in one of the Midwest’s loveliest lake towns. On this four-day itinerary for Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, you’ll enjoy luxury dining, relaxation, and nature outings. Luxury Dining: Dine around and be delighted with the culinary selections. Fine and delicious dining includes imaginative seasonal ingredients and eclectic menus – this…

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2 Weeks Traveling Virginia by Train – Itinerary

Follow along as I travel through Virginia on Amtrak’s Northeast Regional train with stops in Hampton, Williamsburg, Fredericksburg, Ashland, and Prince William County. I’ll travel for two weeks researching several articles including Amazing Virginia Foods and Where to Find Them for Travel Awaits, Best Virginia Wineries for Chilled Magazine, a Hampton Getaway for Bass Angler…

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Weekend Getaway to Hermann, Missouri

All aboard the Missouri River Runner train to Hermann, Missouri where you’ll discover wineries, German food, shopping, and a unique glamping experience in a tree house. “I need to get away for a few days,” my youngest daughter, Tara, announced. Her statement came at the perfect time as I had just been offered a chance…

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Into the Zone

What is “the zone,” or, as some call it, “the flow”? In Wayne Dyer’s book, Real Magic, he termed the phrase, “Getting to Flow.”   The zone, or flow, refers to a point in the creation process when efforts come with ease and spontaneity. It’s that magical moment where an artist or other creative (and…

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Local Wine, Beer, and Spirits in Door County, Wisconsin

It’s a nostalgic ride driving through Door County, a Wisconsin peninsula situated between Green Bay and Lake Michigan. This 70-mile finger of land houses cities with quaint names like Egg Harbor and Fish Creek. Time seems to slow as you pass through Ephraim where nearly all the houses are painted white, an ordinance originated by…

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