About Prairie State Travels
Who We Are
Prairie State Travels is a husband‑and‑wife project created by Tabitha and Marshall Jozwick — two lifelong Illinoisans who believe the Midwest is far more interesting, flavorful, and storied than it ever gets credit for. We explore the Prairie State one courthouse square, one diner counter, and one quiet backroad at a time, documenting the places that make Illinois feel like home.
Sometimes our coonhound, Anakin, joins us on the trail — ears flapping, nose to the ground, and fully convinced every forest path is his personal hero’s journey.
What We Do
We travel across Illinois to uncover the stories behind its history, culinary traditions, and natural beauty. Our work blends:
- Narrative travel writing
- Restaurant and small‑town food reviews
- Local history deep dives
- Photography
- Road‑trip inspiration
- Hidden‑gem discoveries
Whether it’s a century‑old soda fountain, a forgotten Lincoln site, or a trail tucked behind a quiet state park, we’re here to bring Illinois to life.
Our Approach
We believe in honest storytelling. That means:
- If a meal, stay, or experience is self‑funded, we’ll say so.
- If something is sponsored, we’ll disclose it clearly.
- If we use affiliate links, we’ll explain how they work.
- And if a place isn’t great, we won’t pretend it is.
Our goal is to help travelers — locals and visitors alike — explore Illinois with curiosity, respect, and a sense of adventure.
Why Illinois
Because Illinois is more than Chicago (though we love Chicago). It’s river towns, prairies, orchards, immigrant food traditions, Route 66 nostalgia, college‑town energy, and the quiet beauty of places most people only see from the highway.
We want to show the Illinois we know — the one that’s layered, surprising, and deeply worth exploring.
Connect & Collaborate
Illinois has far more stories than two people can tell — and that’s exactly why Prairie State Travels is always looking to connect with others who love this state as much as we do.
We partner with Illinois restaurants, tourism boards, historic sites, small businesses, and event organizers to create meaningful, community‑focused storytelling. Whether you’re looking for photography, a feature, or a collaboration, we’re always open to working together.
We also welcome guest bloggers who want to share their own Illinois experiences, local history, hidden gems, or food discoveries. If you have a story that deserves a spotlight, we’d love to hear it.
To collaborate, pitch a guest post, or simply say hello, you can reach us anytime through our Contact page or visit our Work With Us section for more details.
