Hi, I’m Shanna, creator of The Kindred Compass, where I share thoughtfully planned weekend getaways featuring charming small towns, local coffee shops, antique treasures, and memorable places to stay.

Through detailed itineraries, photography, and destination guides, I help travelers discover hidden gems and support local businesses across the Midwest and beyond.

I grew up in a small town and still live in one, so I’ve always been drawn to places with character, charm, and a slower pace.

For me, weekend getaways with close friends are the perfect kind of escape—they’re easy to plan, don’t require a huge time commitment, and somehow always turn into the trips we talk about for years. Between wandering antique shops, finding the best local coffee spots, and sharing great meals, these weekends are less about doing everything and more about enjoying the experience.

Here, you’ll find curated travel guides designed to help you plan your own perfect weekend. Each itinerary is built around real trips, with recommendations for where to stay, where to eat, and what not to miss.

Most of my guides focus on charming Midwest towns, with a few favorite destinations beyond the region as well—all with the same goal: simple, memorable getaways you can actually recreate.

Whether you’re planning a girls’ weekend, a mother-daughter trip, or just looking for a slower kind of travel, I hope this space helps you discover somewhere new—and enjoy every part of getting there.