Peak Fall Foliage in Iowa & Illinois: Best Scenic Drives and Park Views
Alex Perry Alex Perry

Peak Fall Foliage in Iowa & Illinois: Best Scenic Drives and Park Views

Fall in the Midwest is short but spectacular! The air turns crisp, the trees ignite with color, and weekend road trips become a must. Whether you’re a leaf-peeper, hiker, or family looking for an autumn adventure, Iowa and Illinois offer some of the most stunning fall foliage in the country.

In this guide, you’ll find the best scenic drives, park destinations, and timing tips for catching peak color. Plus, how to bring that same golden glow home with QC Lights.

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Pumpkin Festivals & Oktoberfests: Midwest Fall Fun in Iowa & Illinois
Seasonal, Midwest Events Alex Perry Seasonal, Midwest Events Alex Perry

Pumpkin Festivals & Oktoberfests: Midwest Fall Fun in Iowa & Illinois

Nothing says fall in the Midwest quite like pumpkin patches, parades, and the smell of fresh cider donuts. From cozy small-town festivals to Oktoberfest celebrations packed with music and bratwursts, October is full of ways to celebrate the season.

Whether you’re road-tripping with friends or planning a family weekend, here are some of the best fall festivals happening across Iowa and Illinois, plus a few lighting ideas to keep your home festive and inviting for the season.

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Fall Weather in the Midwest: Allergies, Storms & Outdoor Prep for Iowa & Illinois
Alex Perry Alex Perry

Fall Weather in the Midwest: Allergies, Storms & Outdoor Prep for Iowa & Illinois

Fall in the Midwest is beautiful, but it comes with its own set of challenges. As the weather shifts from summer heat to crisp autumn air, families in Iowa and Illinois face everything from sniffly fall allergies to late-season storms and outdoor maintenance.

Here’s what to watch for this season — and how to keep your home and family prepared.

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Friday Night Lights in the Midwest: High School, College & NFL Game Day Traditions
Alex Perry Alex Perry

Friday Night Lights in the Midwest: High School, College & NFL Game Day Traditions

In the Midwest, fall isn’t just a season — it’s football season! From Friday night high school rivalries to Saturdays packed with Big Ten matchups and Sundays devoted to the NFL, families across Iowa and Illinois come together to cheer on their teams.

Here’s a look at what makes football so special in the region, the storylines fans are watching this year, and how you can bring the game-day glow home.

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2025 Back-to-School in Iowa & Illinois: Safety, Budgets, Dorm Hacks & FAFSA Reminders
Alex Perry Alex Perry

2025 Back-to-School in Iowa & Illinois: Safety, Budgets, Dorm Hacks & FAFSA Reminders

Back-to-school season is exciting, but it also comes with new routines, expenses, and responsibilities. Whether you’re a parent sending your child off to kindergarten, a teacher preparing for a busy semester, or a college freshman moving into a dorm, fall in Iowa and Illinois brings unique challenges — and opportunities.

Here’s your guide to making the back-to-school season smoother, safer, and more affordable.

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The Ultimate Guide to Permanent Track Lighting for Your Home
Alex Perry Alex Perry

The Ultimate Guide to Permanent Track Lighting for Your Home

When it comes to upgrading your home’s exterior, permanent outdoor track lighting is one of the smartest investments you can make. Homeowners across Iowa and Illinois are trading seasonal light setups for year-round curb appeal, improved security, and energy-efficient illumination.

In this guide, we’ll explore what permanent track lighting is, how it works, and why it’s quickly becoming a must-have for Midwest homeowners.

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Permanent Track Lighting vs. Seasonal Holiday Lights: How to Choose the Right One
Alex Perry Alex Perry

Permanent Track Lighting vs. Seasonal Holiday Lights: How to Choose the Right One

When it comes to outdoor lighting for homeowners in Iowa and Illinois, one big question resurfaces each year: should you rely on traditional seasonal holiday lights that come down every year, or invest in permanent track lighting that stays up year-round? Both options have benefits, but the right choice depends on your style, budget, and long-term vision for your home.

In this guide, we break down the pros, cons, and considerations of each system, so you can make an informed decision that suits your Midwest home.

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