The Tacky Tourist

08/24/2026

Ok, ok, I know yes..technically the last day of summer is September 22. However, most of us see it as Labor Day weekend. And even more have already moved on to Halloween!

Anyway, I needed a list to keep me on track to make the most of this beautiful weather and these final days. I'm also trying to keep things budget friendly as I always do, so everything listed is free or low cost.

Life is short! Make the most of every day 🌈

bucket list summer summer summervibes summertime summerfun summerbucketlist bucketlist bucketlistadventures vacation travel travelgram wanderlust adventure roadtrip sunset sunshine poolside exploremore photooftheday picoftheday instagood travelphotography igers weekendgetaway summereats makeitcount

08/24/2026

All signs point to a refreshing summer wrap up 🚦🛑🚸🚦🚗 🚧

Two weeks until Labor Day and I'm keeping that summer feeling high until then! Wrapping up 2026 on a bright note. ☀️

Who else to join but a bubbly can of Klarbrunn Sparkling Water 🫧

📍: Road Art Sign, Mount Vernon, Illinois
🫧: Klarbrunn Blueberry Passion Fruit 🫐

road trip klarbrunnsparklingwater
live to sparkle sparkling water everlasting summer life to the max

08/18/2026

08/14/2026

My husband has been watching Bold and the Beautiful from the beginning (it's over 9000! episodes). Season 4 featured a storyline of Jake from Madison, Wisconsin around 1991.
There were so many detailed references. They had to return to Madison from Los Angeles for a few of the scenes. While not actually shot in Madison, it was definitely written by someone familiar with the area.

References:
State Street
LeCreperie
A building that lights up (Capitol?)
Simpsons (department store but called a jewelry store in the show)
Dunns Marsh
Waunakee

My favorites are Jake's Bucky Badger sign in his room and "You'd tell a pack of lies from here to Waunakee!"

Episodes are available on Youtube. Highly recommend especially if you're into throwback style. It's great watching the fashion and interior design. And the drama!! The Madison storyline involves sexual abuse, so a warning there if you're interested in watching.
Season 4 Episodes 151 and 152, 228 have a handful of the references.

My red string cork board:
Did some digging and the original writers were from Chicago and vacationed in Lake Geneva. Their son, Bradley Bell, attended UW Madison but I wasn't able to find for how long. He didn't start writing on the show until after this storyline so maybe they were visiting him during this?
The Young and the Restless, a related show, is located in Wisconsin. We haven't watched it yet but will probably be next.
Trixie Mattel has a podcast called "The Bald and the Beautiful" and is from Milwaukee, WI. I think that is all coincidence, but don't have evidence either way.

08/13/2026

🌽 Grab a partner and get ready to shuck, eat & compete!

The Sweet Corn Festival Corn Eating Contest is happening Saturday, August 22 at the Family Stage! Whether you’re teaming up as a family or going for the win in our adult competition, we’ve got a spot for you.

👨‍👩‍👧 Wave 1 – Family Fun Round
Teams of 2: one participant 13 & under + one participant 14 or older. One person shucks, one person eats, and the first team to finish wins! All participants receive a prize!

🏆 Wave 2 – Adult Competition
Teams of 2 adults 18+ compete to shuck and eat the most corn within the allotted time. One team takes home the top prize!

📅 Saturday, August 22
📍 Sweet Corn Festival Grounds | Family Stage
⏰ Check-in: 1:30 PM | Contest: 1:45 PM

⚠️ Space is limited to just 6 teams per wave! Advance registration is encouraged.

👉 Register your team here: https://forms.gle/AicpBLrAHcS68TbS6