I don’t know about you, but this year seemed to fly by! Like any year there were ups and there were downs, but happily it was mostly ups! As far as travel is concerned I wasn’t sure I’d ever beat 2016, but with trips to, New Orleans, the American Southwest, and London as well as road trips throughout California, and extensive exploration of my home town Los Angeles I would say 2017 definitely gave it a run for it’s money.
Plane View
2018 is already filling up with plans for Atlanta, Georgia and possibly Austin, Texas early in the year. Both are places I’ve never been, and of course I’m angling to get in another trip to my beloved NOLA, maybe Spring Break? As for the rest of the year, its still open, but I’m excited to see what’s in store, and I’m confident I’ll work out plenty of fun adventures! Before I close the book on 2017 here’s a look back at some of the highlights:
January
We took a mini road trip to meet friends in La Quinta and along with a visit to Joshua Tree National Park it was the perfect way to get the year started!
Sunrise over La Quinta
The Joshua Tree National Park is located just over two hours from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. People come from all over the world to enjoy the park’s unique trees and alien like desert terrain. Hiking, camping, rock climbing and stargazing are just some of the activities available within the park.
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February
We’ve always loved Santa Barbara, and its close proximity to LA is a real treat! Quick trips just for lunch have even been known to happen!
Lifeguard Tower Santa Barbara California
Even closer to home, but still feeling like a world away is Malibu. One of our favorite “escapes” is Sunday brunch at the Malibu Farms restaurant, located at the end of the Malibu Fishing Pier, which overlooks Surf Rider Beach.
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Down under the Malibu Fishing Pier
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March
A record year of rainfall and the resulting flower super bloom prompted our March visit to the Anza Borrego Desert State Park. I had to see all those amazing flowers!
Anza Borrego Desert
Deciding to go on this little adventure at the last minute meant accommodation choices were somewhat limited, so we decided to stay on the coast in La Jolla, the Jewel of San Diego. So, two birds with one road trip… Desert and Coast.
Baby seals in La Jolla
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April
NOLA Again! In April, we visited NOLA for the sixth time. A day trip to visit the plantation homes was a highlight of our visit this year!
Oak Alley Plantation
As I write this I’m dreaming about 2018’s visit, because it’s definitely happening! If you haven’t been yet, consider making 2018 the year you finally go. It’s always amazing, but did you know that it’s the 300th anniversary of New Orleans? There’s sure to be plenty going on, so what are you waiting for? LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER!
The French Quarter
The Infamous Bourbon Street
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May
I already love all the lifeguard towers that dot the beaches here in SoCal, so imagine my surprise and delight when I came across this fabulousness during my morning ride! I’m so excited to say that the City of LA voted to make this wonderful statement permanent
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June
I admit that during my 8 years living in the Bay Area, I spent very little time exploring San Francisco’s many unique neighborhoods. We did our best to remedy that during our June visit! We chose to explore the vibrant Mission District, where we discovered delicious food, a fabulous park, and amazing street art! So in other words, my perfect day!
Mission Dolores Park San Francisco
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July
July’s found us on an epic 2000 + mile road trip through the great American Southwest! We made stops in Las Vegas, Zion, Bryce, Arches, Monument Valley, the Antelope Slot Canyons, and the Grand Canyon to name a few!
The Famous Las Vegas Sign
Zion National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
Arches National Park
Monument Valley Tribal Park
Upper Antelope Valley Slot Canyon
The Grand Canyon
Although I was initially apprehensive about driving so far on my own, as you can see from the photos above the trip was a success!
Historic Route 66
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August
To say I am a fan of public and street art would be an understatement! The idea of bringing a piece of it home a dream. Dreams can come true, and they did with the installation of this @bumblebeelovesyou’s piece in my own backyard!
Tim and I pictured with Bumblebeelovesyou
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September
Historically September has been a slow month for us, if you don’t count that one time, when we ditched work and school and set off for a road trip through Portugal and Spain! That was fun! However, like many before it, this September found us sticking close to home. Exploring Downtown LA and its many tasty treats was a highlight!
Bottega Louie’s Famous Macarons
Historic Angels Flight
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October
While I didn’t travel in the month of October, I had the best time playing tourist, or maybe I should say, tour guide, when friends flew in for a visit!
Downtown Los Angeles Art District
We hit the Hollywood Sign, the Bowl, Disneyland, Korea Town, Venice Beach, and Downtown LA to name just a few!
The Hollywood Bowl
Urban Lights Exhibition at LACMA on Museum Row
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November
Grateful for friends and family who travelled from both near and far to celebrate Thanksgiving with us, we were also grateful for the amazing Southern California weather, which allowed all 25 of us to eat outside!
Grateful for Family and Friends!
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December
Ending 2017 just as we started it, on a high note, we celebrated the winter holidays in London! My favorite city in the world! Highlights include: Ice Skating at the Tower of London, meeting up with friends, attending A Christmas Carol at Windsor Castle, Afternoon Tea, New Year’s Eve fireworks and more… I’ll be sharing our many adventures in the coming weeks. Stay tuned…
Wishing you and yours all the best in the coming year.
Happy New Year!
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