Updated in 2025 for easier navigation- relive the adventures of 2023 below
And just like that, it’s time to say goodbye to another year. I always find this season to be tender and reflective — a moment to look back on the year we’re leaving behind while also peeking ahead at what’s to come.
No matter what kind of year it’s been — good, bad, or somewhere in between — I always reach this point thinking, whew, what a ride! There were good days and hard days, unforgettable days and ordinary ones that quietly slipped by. So how do you even measure what kind of year it was?
For me, I’d say this one was pretty good — busy, to be sure, but full of growth and adventure. I graduated with my master’s degree in May, started a new role in the study abroad office, and stepped into teaching as an adjunct professor for international students. The class was fantastic, and I’m excited to teach it again next fall.
Between finishing school, starting new jobs, keeping up with family life and this blog, and trying to hold on to a little bit of sanity, it feels like I’ve been going nonstop. But what a rewarding kind of busy it has been.
This was also the year of long-awaited adventures. Trips that had been postponed finally came to life, and we traveled internationally more than we have in years. We also sprinkled in plenty of smaller adventures closer to home. All told, this year took me through 11 states and 6 countries.
As I look toward the next year, I can only hope for the same mix of adventure, growth, and joy — because if it’s anything like this one, it will be spectacular. So here’s a look back at where this past year has taken us…
By The Numbers:
- US States : 11
- Tennessee, Utah, Georgia, Missouri, Illinois, Arizona, Mississippi, Alabama, North Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky
- Countries : 6
- Canada, France, Belgium, Costa Rica, Austria, Germany
- National Parks : 2
- Banff, Yoho
- Milestones :
- Master’s degree earned, new job in education abroad & adjunct professor
- Pastries consumed : 1,482
Highlights & Favorites:
This year has been full of adventures, both near and far. So many delayed and derailed trips of last year took place during this year. While all of the places we visited were amazing, there were some that definitely stand out as highlights of the year.
Banff National Park
For the first time in years, we ran away just the two of us for a few days to Banff National Park. The Canadian Rockies are absolutely stunning. Winter hikes, frozen lakes, and wanders in town made this one of our favorite weekend escapes. Of all the things we did, hiking in the snow up through Johnston Canyon was the highlight.
{read the post: Ice Walk in Johnston Canyon- Banff National Park}
Visiting Paris
Finally our dream of seeing Paris came true. After this trip was canceled the year before, walking along the streets of Paris felt all the more magical. We loved getting to see the iconic spots around the city as we walked up and down the Seine. The day ended with macrons from the top of the Eiffel Tower- ah, perfection.
{read the post: Walks Along the Seine- A Day in Paris}
Phoenix Arizona
On a weekend trip with my friends, we explored around the Phoenix area. The days were filled with beautiful desert landscapes and lots of laughter of old friends. From towering saguaro cacti to holes in the rocks- there is no end of places to enjoy in this area. Just be sure to cool off from the summer heat.
{read the post: Ghost Town, Cacti & Desert Sun- A Weekend in Phoenix}
Birthplace of Elvis
A weekend escape to Tupelo was one of our favorite experiences. From the birthplace of Elvis to confederate graves- this area is full of interesting history. We loved seeing the humble beginnings of the music legend and learning that he never forgot where he came from. Tupelo would always be a special place to Elivs- and now for us as well.
{read the post: Confederate Graves, Elvis & Neon Pig- Take Me To Tupelo}
Christmas Markets in Salzburg
For years we have talked about experiencing some of the Christmas markets of Europe. And this year, were thrilled to dive in to the festive spirit. We visited markets in Austria and Germany, but our favorite were those markets spread around Salzburg. What a gift to be here for the holiday magic.
{read the post: Christmas Markets & Sound of Music in Salzburg}
Misadventures & Lessons Learned
- If you’re brave enough to go in an ice cave or ice slide, make sure you can also get out
- Walking across Lake Louise when it is frozen is a completely different perspective on the lake
- When camping at Big South Fork and the tent floods with rain in the middle of the night- just pack up and go home
- There is no hiding carrots from a hungry giraffe. They will reach in the car to find any carrots remaining.
- A crowded 5 hour long bus ride into Munich when the train breaks down is better than not going at all
Reader Favorites:
I always love to see what posts have been readers favorites over the year. Some of them are big sites and others are lesser known gems. But they have all had their special part in the year. Here are the favorite posts from my readers over this last year.
Sasquatch Museum
No matter where on the scale of believing in Sasquatch, this museum is a hidden gem. Those behind it have put their passion, knowledge, and experience into creating an interesting look at the elusive Bigfoot. It will have even the skeptic pausing to wonder about the possibility.
{read the post: Footprints & Sightings at the Expedition Bigfoot: Sasquatch Museum}
The Great Stone Door
Tennessee is full of great trails to hike. A visit to the Great Stone Door is sure to be a family favorite. There are beautiful views of the gorge to enjoy. And scaling the stone steps through the rock is like finding yourself in a story book, where the giant left the door slightly ajar.
{read the post: Hiking to the Great Stone Door- Savage Gulf State Park}
Children’s Eternal Rain forest
There is no end to the trails to hike in Monteverde Costa Rica. But of all of them, the Children’s Eternal Rain forest is a unique treasure. This entire rain forest is maintained and protected by thousands of donations of children from across the world. It says that even children can make a big impact.
{read the post: In the Children’s Eternal Rain Forest}
Appalachian Mountain Weekend
The Appalachian Mountains are full of wonder and beauty. There is no end to what you can experience there. On a weekend getaway we wandered through corners of different states seeing sites within the mountains. We hiked the trails and visited some lesser known places.
{read the post: A Weekend in the Appalachian Mountains}
Regensburg Germany
Visiting the medieval town of Regensburg is a delight. To walk across the bridge that saw hundreds leaving for the Crusades is amazing. The buildings are historic, beautiful, and incredibly well preserved. It will feel like you’ve stepped back in time being so surrounded by history.
{read the post: The Medieval City of Regensburg}
Looking Ahead to 2024
This year has been packed with adventures. I keep joking with my husband that we should try to see even more countries next year. I don’t know if that is going to happen.
We don’t really have plans yet in place for this next year. We are looking at another Christmas market trip somewhere. We have decided that is our favorite way to celebrate the holidays. But besides that, we are just open and ready for wherever this next year takes us.
I feel very grateful for where this year has taken me and the experiences that I have shared with family and friends. And I’m grateful for you, dear reader, for following along on these adventures and sharing your time and your comments here in my little corner of the internet. I hope that this next year brings you all good things. May 2024 give you love, light, joy, and many great adventures big and small.
Goodbye 2023- thank you for all you gave me and taught me and for the person you helped me become. Hello 2024- with anticipation and a little anxiety, I can’t wait to see what you have in store.
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