Hi, I’m Shanna—a Midwest-based mom and art teacher with a love for small-town exploring. I created The Kindred Compass as a place to share thoughtfully planned weekend getaways filled with antiques, cozy coffee shops, and memorable meals.

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.