John McGivern's Main Streets

In Springfield, Illinois, you could spend a week just taking in the incredible Abraham Lincoln history. But then you’d miss the “new” Capitol, horseshoe sandwiches, the Route 66 experience and cozy dogs. John McGivern and Emmy Fink didn’t miss any of it, so come along for their visit.

Davenport is the largest of the Quad Cities, and the third largest city in Iowa. It’s where chiropractic began, and music is celebrated. Now it’s home to the most incredible Ethiopian food, a great art museum and is where work vehicle seats are made. Who knew? It’s also a city John wants to visit again soon.

Grand Rapids, Michigan, was once known as “Furniture City.” Now, thanks to craft brewers, it’s self-coined as “Beer City.” The top tourist attraction is probably The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. But ArtPrize, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, the Amway Grand Plaza hotel and Max’s South Seas Hideaway make this city attractive!

Michigan City, Indiana, surprised John by having so many of his favorite things: incredible sandy beaches and dunes (so unlike Milwaukee), the Barker Mansion (very Downton Abbey), beautiful consignment and local stores (an addiction for sure), large scale manufacturing (so much to learn), and, of course, delicious food (yes, pierogies please)!

Red Wing, Minnesota isn’t named after the famous shoe company, it’s the other way around. See the world’s largest boot and do some shoe shopping, but also be sure to walk down to the Mississippi River to watch boats, spend time in charming downtown, climb Barn Bluff and celebrate the return of the bison with the Prairie Island Indian Community.

Oak Park, Illinois is only a short ride on the “L” from Chicago, but location isn’t the only good thing about this close-knit community. Famous past residents Frank Lloyd Wright and Ernest Hemingway are proudly claimed by this city, as are current favorites, like Maya Del Sol, Hole in the Wall Custard Shoppe, Addis Café and so much more!

In Madison, Wisconsin, there’s a famous street that connects the Wisconsin State Capitol to the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. State Street has been a pedestrian mall since the 1970s and is lined with diverse shops, restaurants and art that makes it the go-to place to experience the Madison vibe.

Waukesha, Wisconsin, is known as Guitar Town because it’s where Les Paul was born. But it’s also home to Carroll University, Chef Pam, an active civic theater, beautiful parks, and a main street that’s made for TV. But it’s the people with their hometown pride and giant hearts that make it shine.

Decorah, Iowa, draws in many people with its charm. History lovers with Norwegian lineage come to research at Vesterheim. Students come to learn at Luther College. Gardeners come to be inspired at Seed Savers Exchange. What everyone finds are smiles!

Marquette, the largest city in Michigan’s U.P., is for everyone! Want incredible views and outdoor adventure? Start at the Light House. White fish? Try Vierling’s. Theater? Lake Superior Theatre’s got you. The largest wooden dome in North America? NMU’s got it. And if you still don’t get the picture, you can get that too, at Lake Superior Photo!

Some of the best moments that happened while filming “Main Streets” this year didn’t make it into any episodes, but they do make a hilarious finale to the season. Uncover those miscues, interruptions and favorite things that didn’t make the final cuts of the episodes because, well, they shouldn’t!