This started as a way to plan trips with my wife, and it became the place I keep every itinerary, route, and venue list in one structured format. The pages here are the real plans, published the same way the rest of this site is built.
Destination Evaluation Methodology & 100-Point Grading Rubric
Every candidate destination is evaluated and scored against verified travel preferences and logistical constraints anchored at Cudahy, WI 53110:
30 Pts Max
Culinary & Beverage: High density of craft microbreweries (>=4.3 stars), artisan pizza and Italian dining, and chef-driven restaurants. Commercial chains and tourist traps incur a -5 pt penalty.
Culinary & Beverage: High density of craft microbreweries (>=4.3 stars), artisan pizza and Italian dining, and chef-driven restaurants. Commercial chains and tourist traps incur a -5 pt penalty.
25 Pts Max
Sights & Unique Activities: Iconic natural landscapes, national parks, coastal bluffs, architectural landmarks, and distinctive experiential depth.
Sights & Unique Activities: Iconic natural landscapes, national parks, coastal bluffs, architectural landmarks, and distinctive experiential depth.
20 Pts Max
Logistics & Friction: Transit feasibility from Cudahy, WI: regional drive <= 400 miles (18-20 pts), non-stop flight from MKE (16-18 pts), or non-stop flight from ORD (14-16 pts). Connecting routes capped at 10-12 pts.
Logistics & Friction: Transit feasibility from Cudahy, WI: regional drive <= 400 miles (18-20 pts), non-stop flight from MKE (16-18 pts), or non-stop flight from ORD (14-16 pts). Connecting routes capped at 10-12 pts.
15 Pts Max
Lodging & Walkability: Pedestrian-friendly historic or downtown core (0-8 pts) and boutique hotels, luxury lodges, or upscale suites with kitchenettes (0-7 pts).
Lodging & Walkability: Pedestrian-friendly historic or downtown core (0-8 pts) and boutique hotels, luxury lodges, or upscale suites with kitchenettes (0-7 pts).
10 Pts Max
Seasonality & Climate: Historical weather comfort (60-80 F, low rain/humidity) during target calendar dates. Severe freeze or extreme heat (>95 F) incurs a -5 pt penalty.
Seasonality & Climate: Historical weather comfort (60-80 F, low rain/humidity) during target calendar dates. Severe freeze or extreme heat (>95 F) incurs a -5 pt penalty.
+5 Pts Bonus
Dog Friendliness: Driveable destinations comfortably accommodating 4 dogs on outdoor trails, park grounds, and outdoor dining patios.
Dog Friendliness: Driveable destinations comfortably accommodating 4 dogs on outdoor trails, park grounds, and outdoor dining patios.
TIER 1 (90-100 Pts): Flagship Priority
TIER 2 (80-89 Pts): High-Value Selected
TIER 3 (70-79 Pts): Secondary Candidate