Alison Major 9/12/25 Alison Major 9/12/25

Foodie Stops in Chicago: A Cruiser’s Guide to Local Eats

From deep-dish pizza to ethnic neighborhoods bursting with flavor, Chicago is a foodie’s dream—and Loopers can taste it all without straying far from the dock.

Alison Major 9/10/25 Alison Major 9/10/25

Chicago by Boat: What You Need to Know Before You Arrive

Cruising into Chicago is a highlight of the Great Loop—but it takes a little prep. From marina reservations to timing your run down the Chicago River, here’s what Loopers need to know before arriving in the Windy City.

Alison Major 9/8/25 Alison Major 9/8/25

Top 5 Things to Do in Chicago as a Looper

Chicago is one of the biggest milestones on the Great Loop, and it’s worth slowing down to enjoy. From deep-dish pizza to world-class museums and a stroll down the Magnificent Mile, here are five must-do experiences for Loopers visiting the Windy City.

Alison Major 9/5/25 Alison Major 9/5/25

Island Time on Beaver Island

Beaver Island is one of the Great Lakes’ most unusual cruising stops. Once home to a self-proclaimed king and now a haven of Irish heritage, it’s quirky, remote, and endlessly charming—a true “island time” detour for Loopers.

Alison Major 9/3/25 Alison Major 9/3/25

Sleeping Bear Dunes by Boat: How to Visit on the Loop

Towering sand dunes, turquoise waters, and a legend that gives the place its name—Sleeping Bear Dunes is one of Michigan’s most breathtaking stops. Here’s how Loopers can plan a visit by boat.

Alison Major 8/29/25 Alison Major 8/29/25

Beyond the Fudge: Mackinac Island’s History and Hidden Gems

Mackinac Island may be famous for fudge and carriages, but its history runs far deeper. From Native American roots and fur trading posts to Victorian tourism and tucked-away corners most visitors miss, here’s how to discover the island’s quieter side.

Alison Major 8/27/25 Alison Major 8/27/25

Mackinac Island for Families: Kid-Friendly Fun by Boat

Mackinac Island is a dream stop for cruising families. From safe biking paths and horse-drawn carriage rides to hands-on blacksmithing and endless fudge tastings, kids light up in this car-free wonderland. Here’s how to make the most of your family visit by boat.

Alison Major 8/25/25 Alison Major 8/25/25

A Looper’s Guide to Mackinac Island: What to See and Do by Boat

Mackinac Island is a highlight for many Great Loopers, offering a blend of history, natural beauty, and one-of-a-kind experiences. From docking tips to family-friendly activities (yes, even fudge-making and horseshoe blacksmithing!), here’s what cruisers need to know before they drop anchor at this iconic stop.

Alison Major 7/25/25 Alison Major 7/25/25

Staying in Touch While Cruising: Tools for Email, Messaging & More

Cruising doesn’t mean going off the grid entirely. Here’s how our family stays connected with email, messaging apps, video calls, and offline tools—whether we’re at anchor, underway, or out of cell range.

Alison Major 7/23/25 Alison Major 7/23/25

How to Use Starlink on a Boat (and When It’s Worth It)

Starlink has transformed how cruisers stay connected—but it’s not always plug-and-play. Here’s what to know about setup, usage, and whether the cost is worth it for your cruising lifestyle.

Alison Major 7/21/25 Alison Major 7/21/25

Offline Cruising: Best Apps for No-Signal Zones

Cruising off-grid? Here’s a curated list of the best offline-friendly apps for boaters, from charts and weather to books and entertainment.

Alison Major 7/4/25 Alison Major 7/4/25

Cruising Canada with Kids: Favorite Stops & Surprises

From splash pads to historic canals, Canada’s waterways are full of family-friendly surprises. Here are our favorite stops, snack breaks, and nature escapes while cruising north with kids.

Alison Major 5/30/25 Alison Major 5/30/25

Family Fun on the Hudson River: Historic Sites, Parks, and Hidden Gems

Cruising the Hudson River with kids? Discover the best riverfront towns, parks, and museums that are actually accessible from your boat—plus a few hidden gems worth planning for.

Alison Major 5/23/25 Alison Major 5/23/25

Family Locking: How to Involve Your Kids Without Losing Your Cool

Locking through with kids aboard? It can be a fun and rewarding experience—if you go in with a plan. Here’s how to safely involve your kids, avoid chaos on deck, and make each lock-through a family learning moment.

Alison Major 5/16/25 Alison Major 5/16/25

Gratitude on the Great Loop: What This Trip Teaches You About Enough

Cruising the Great Loop shifts your relationship with space, stuff, and the pace of life. Here’s how living on a boat taught us to notice the little things, appreciate simple joys, and redefine what “enough” really means.

Alison Major 5/14/25 Alison Major 5/14/25

Why We Had the Kids Journal on the Great Loop (and What I’d Do Differently)

Journaling helped our kids remember and reflect on our Great Loop adventure—but it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Here’s what worked, what didn’t, and why I created prompt journals to make it easier for other families.

Alison Major 5/12/25 Alison Major 5/12/25

5 Simple Prompts to Help You Remember Your Great Loop Journey (Even if You’re Not a Journaler!)

No time for journaling? No problem. These five short prompts make it easy to capture your Great Loop adventure—whether you’re writing in a notebook, app, or one of our kid-friendly travel journals.

Alison Major 5/9/25 Alison Major 5/9/25

How to Connect with Other Cruising Families on the Loop

Cruising the Loop is even better when your kids find other boat kids. Learn how to spot family boats, use tools like NoForeignLand and AGLCA, and make kid-friendly meetups part of your cruising life.

Alison Major 5/7/25 Alison Major 5/7/25

Top 10 Kid-Friendly Stops on the Great Loop

Cruising the Great Loop with kids? These 10 stops are packed with museums, playgrounds, treats, and adventures your crew will actually remember—plus a few bonus detours worth the miles.

Alison Major 5/5/25 Alison Major 5/5/25

Boat Schooling on the Great Loop: How We Made It Work

Curious how to homeschool while cruising full-time? Here’s how we approached boat schooling on the Great Loop, with flexible routines, a patchwork curriculum, and a whole lot of learning from the world around us.