Sailing on Lake Michigan, a sweet treat in dairy country and authentic Chicago blues. Join host Oneika Raymond on a trip along the west coast of Lake Michigan for a refreshing spin on the Midwest.

We'll start our road trip off in the “Malibu of the Midwest”, Sheboygan, Wisconsin to learn about sailing from SEAS, a local organization that's making the sport accessible to all. There, we’ll speak to visually impaired local teen Mayah McWherter about how she takes to the open waters. 

Then, we’ll cool off at the oldest frozen custard stand in Wisconsin. Gilles Frozen Custard has been a family owned joint since the 70s. We’ll talk to owner Tom Linscott about the wonders of frozen custard, how it differs from ice cream and the way Gilles has brought generation after generation of families together.

Finally, we’ll make our way to Rosa’s Lounge in Chicago where the legacy of blues music runs deep. Bus driver by day and Chicago bluesman by night, musician Toronzo Cannon is the perfect ambassador for this storied venue and the iconic music scene that calls Rosa’s Lounge home.

Our road trip will end in Chicago, Illinois at the Sheraton Grand Chicago hotel. You’ll notice that this hotel is right on Lake Michigan and just steps away from Navy Pier and Millenium Park in the famous Streeterville neighborhood. Made the trip during the winter but still want to enjoy the Chicago River? You’ll have a beautiful view of it right from the hotel's heated swimming pool. You can book your stay at https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/chigs-sheraton-grand-chicago/.

Thanks to our guests on this episode for sharing their stories along the route. Check out the Sailing Education Association of Sheboygan’s website at 

https://www.seasheboygan.org/#boatingforeveryone

To learn more about their sailing classes. Check out Gilles Frozen Custard’s Flavor of the Day calendar at 

https://gillesfrozencustard.com/flavor-of-the-day/2021-09

Can’t get enough of Toronzo’s music? Find the rest of his discography at https://toronzocannon.com/.

About the Journey is a podcast produced by Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, AT WILL MEDIA, MNTRA, and Oneika Raymond. Listen and follow the show here.

To read full episode transcripts from About the Journey and see photos of each featured destination, head to About the Journey on Marriott Bonvoy Traveler. Starting this season, you can watch full videos of each episode on the Marriott Bonvoy YouTube channel.