FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Softball Dreams

by John Wroblewski

May 24, 2020

National Pro Fastpitch Cheri Kempf recently announced the 2020 NPF season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While it is understandable and not a surprise, it is still disappointing.

I have rarely missed a Chicago Bandits home game over the last six seasons. It’s more than just a softball game. It has become a day of fun including tailgating, connecting with friends, working our way through all nearby restaurants, mingling with the players and more. I will miss Bandit Nation this season, but I am already planning other options to help fill the void.

Monica Abbott

Cat Osterman

I first looked to the Team USA women’s softball team. Team USA started the “Stand Beside Her” tour after the postponement of the 2020 Olympics until 2021. Team USA was playing exhibition games all over the country. Unfortunately, Team USA officials just announced the tour was halted, but there is hope it will resume at some point. If the tour resumes, I assume Chicago would be a stop, but I will be ready for a road trip, too.

Taylor Edwards

Kelly Kretschman

The USSSA Pride (of Florida) and the Scrap Yard Dawgs (of Texas) are two independent pro women’s softball teams. Formerly in the NPF, these teams are reviving the “old school” barnstorming approach as they battle each other all over the country throughout the summer. I am friends with many of the players and am looking forward to catching a few games on their schedule.

Athletes Unlimited announced a new women’s pro softball league to be played entirely in Rosemont, Illinois, starting in August. The league would run for six weeks and have a unique scoring system, awarding players and teams for various achievements. I’m interested to see how the new approach works, but mostly I’ll be happy to see live softball.

Danielle Williams

Natalie Halvorson

My last hope for softball this year is Fall Ball at Northwestern and DePaul. The schools usually host three weekend tournaments in the fall. While the spring college seasons were halted, there has not been an announcement on Fall Ball yet. Still about four months away, I’m optimistic I will see the Wildcats and Blue Demons on the field. They might even add a few games.

Kacy Standohar

I will miss watching the Bandits, but I am enjoying “Bandits Candids,” an Instagram Live series featuring players interviewed by ace onfield reporter Kacy Standohar. I also am grateful for classic NPF games online. In the worst-case scenario of no softball this summer, I will defer to the classic Chicago adage, “Wait ’til next year.”

— John Wroblewski, online writer

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Nov 4, 2024

Have an Autumn Wine Soiree The SLO Way in San Luis Obispo

Yes, it’s harvest time — and that means great fall wine festivals, including the third annual Autumn Soirée The SLO Way Nov. 9 on California’s Central Coast. The event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Garden Courtyard at luxury boutique Hotel San Luis Obispo, recognized as a MICHELIN Guide One Key property.

Experience Next-Level Travel with Condor Airlines’ New A330neo Fleet

Condor Airlines completely renewed its long-haul fleet, featuring its new Airbus A330neo. Designed to elevate your travel experience, the A330neo is equipped with cutting-edge technology and offers unrivaled comfort, ensuring an exceptional journey for every passenger. With its striking signature striped livery, the A330neo not only promises a memorable flight but also enhances the start of your vacation from the moment you step aboard.

Daily
Nov 4, 2024

7 Hotel Restaurants Worth the Travel

Book a reservation at one of these hotel restaurants around the country, providing excellent dining experiences you won’t soon forget.

Slideshow
Nov 4, 2024

7 Reasons to Put Strasbourg, France, on Your Travel List

It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Strasbourg, France, with us.

United Airlines First to Purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel for ORD

Chicago O’Hare International Airport will soon receive sustainable aviation fuel, all thanks to United Airlines, which became the first airline to purchase SAF for use at the airport, one of the largest in the United States. Neste, a producer of SAF, will provide up to 1 million gallons of its Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The first supply arrived in August.

Daily
Nov 4, 2024

8 Must-Have (and Must-Pack) Perfumes for 2025

Still on the search for your next favorite perfume? Whether traveling, heading out to a fancy dinner or simply spending the day at home, finding the scent that works for you and lasts for hours is essential. These are our eight perfume recommendations for 2025:

Daily
Oct 31, 2024

Make The Londoner Hotel Your West End Base

In London’s arts-central West End district, The Londoner Hotel is an ideal spot to unpack for an active, experience-focused stay. Part of the Edwardian Hotels luxury collection, this swish property offers 350 guestrooms and suites, along with private screening rooms, a ballroom, meeting spaces, and six concept dining and bar selections. There’s also The Retreat, where guests can immerse themselves in a wellness journey featuring a pool; sauna; hydropool; steam room; tranquil cabanas; and a curated selection of holistic body therapies, massages and facials.

Remarkable Medellín

Visiting Medellín in Colombia: The Country of Beauty is like stepping into a fantastic story — literally, as the city in the Western Colombian Andes region inspired Disney’s Encanto. Here, valleys, the world’s tallest palms, vibrant communities, colorful houses, garden-like balconies and more prove reality is more picturesque than anything on film. And it’s especially more tempting following Medellín’s remarkable transformation, shedding its troubled past and reawakening as a city of innovation, art, cultural richness, modern infrastructure, thriving tourism and resiliency.

Daily
Oct 31, 2024

Ananda in the Himalayas Unveils New Deluxe Suites, Renovations

The Ananda in the Himalayas, a wellness retreat, recently debuted new additions to its luxury accommodations and a series of stylish renovations to its premier suites.