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 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 8/22/25 Alison Major 8/22/25

How to Provision for Remote Cruising on the Loop

Planning to cruise the remote sections of the Loop? Here’s a guide to provisioning for longer stretches, including what to stock, where to pick up fresh items, and how to prepare for fewer services.

Alison Major 8/20/25 Alison Major 8/20/25

Favorite Small-Town Stops in Georgian Bay (On Our List!)

We haven’t cruised Georgian Bay yet, but here’s a list of small-town stops that Loopers love—and that we’re excited to see someday.

Alison Major 8/18/25 Alison Major 8/18/25

Top Anchorages in the North Channel Every Looper Should Visit

The North Channel is a Looper favorite, with stunning anchorages like Baie Fine, Covered Portage, and the Benjamins. Here’s your guide to the must-visit spots.

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 5/9/25 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.

Alison Major 5/2/25 Alison Major 5/2/25

Looping with a History Buff: Visiting America’s Capital by Boat

If you’re cruising the Great Loop with a love of American history, the Potomac River leg offers more than just access to D.C.—it’s a winding journey into the heart of the nation’s story. Here’s why this stretch is a must for history buffs afloat.

Alison Major 4/30/25 Alison Major 4/30/25

Free & Family-Friendly: Smithsonian Museums Worth Docking For

Washington, D.C. is packed with incredible, free museums—but if you’re cruising in with kids in tow, where should you go first? Here are our top family-friendly picks worth the trip up the Potomac.

Alison Major 4/28/25 Alison Major 4/28/25

Side Trips Worth Taking: Cruising the Potomac River to Washington, D.C.

If you’re cruising the Great Loop and debating whether to detour up the Potomac River—this is your sign to go for it. From national treasures and quiet anchorages to bustling waterfronts and historic neighborhoods, the trip to D.C. by boat is packed with unforgettable moments. Here’s what we loved and what you should know before heading upriver.

Alison Major 1/17/25 Alison Major 1/17/25

Healthy Diet & Staying Hydrated While Living on a Boat

Fuel your Great Loop adventure with healthy meals and stay hydrated on the water! Discover easy meal prep tips, boat-friendly recipes, and hydration hacks to keep you feeling your best. From smart storage ideas to quick snacks and local flavors, learn how to eat well and stay energized while living on a boat.

Alison Major 1/15/25 Alison Major 1/15/25

PODCAST: Navigating the #1 Boating Adventure

Join me on The Boater’s Lounge podcast as I share the story of my family’s unforgettable Great Loop journey! From navigating the Erie Canal to tackling seasickness in the Gulf of Mexico, I dive into the highs, lows, and lessons learned along the way. Tune in for tips, inspiration, and the story behind Loop Life Academy—a resource hub for families dreaming of this iconic boating adventure.

Alison Major 1/13/25 Alison Major 1/13/25

Exercises & Routines for Small Spaces

Stay active and healthy while living on a boat with these easy exercises and wellness tips for small spaces. Get ideas for bodyweight workouts, mindfulness routines, and creative ways to stay fit on the Great Loop.