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:
Table of Contents
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.
You might also be interested in: Day Trippers: Joshua Tree National Park
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
You might also be interested in: Exploring California from Sand to Sea
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
You might also be interested in: Day Trippers: The Plantations of River Road
You might also be interested in: 10 Things to do in New Orleans with Kids
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
You might also be interested in: 8 reasons Venice Should Top Your LA List
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
You might also be interested in: Postcards from the American Southwest
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
You might also be interested in: InstaLA! Part 3 Art Explosion!
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
You might also be interested in: The Sweet Tooth’s Walking Tour of Downtown LA
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
You might also be interested in: 5 Places to get your Groove on in LA
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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!
You might also be interested in: Thanksgiving Traditions
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!
Pin for later:
Streets of Nuremberg
Happy New Year to you and yours, Hilary!
Hilary
Happy New Year!
California Globetrotter
You’ve had a fantastic year of travel! Your American Southwest post was definitely one of my favs! It actually inspired me to explore that region one day! I also wrote a similar post! Happy New Year!! #FarawayFiles
Hilary
I did! I feel so lucky! Now just wondering what’s on the horizon for the coming year… what about you? Any big trips?
California Globetrotter
We have a few in the works and a big announcement coming eventually!
katy@untoldmorsels
So many amazing trip and photos for you last year Hilary. I loved reading about them all and hope you make it to Austin. That’s one city I would love to learn more about. #FarawayFiles
Hilary
It was a great year! Fingers crossed for Austin! Can’t wait to see what you have in store…
oregongirlaroundtheworld
What a fantastisk year you had Hilary! Can’t wait to see more about your London trip! Godt Nytår! Happy New Year from Copenhagen! Erin #FarawayFiles
Hilary
2017 wasn’t too shabby! Still working through the many London photos, but narrowing them down… happy New Year!
Baby Loves Travel
Your road trip through the American Southwest sounds amazing, I would love to do something like that #FarawayFiles
Hilary
It was pretty incredible! The US is so vast!
Allison
I love reading year end reviews. It sounds like you had a great year with lots of adventures both near and far. #farawayfiles
Hilary
Thanks! We sure did! I’m always surprised by how much we accomplish each year!
Clare Thomson
I’ve loved following your travels over the last year, Hilary, and it was so special to be able to spend time with you and your gorgeous boys recently. Really excited to see where 2018 takes you. Xx #FarawayFiles
Hilary
Thank you! I feel the same and we truly had the best time!
katherinefenech2017
Wow, you really did well in 2017! I really want to see Joshua Tree one day… it’s on my slowly growing list of things to see and do. Have fun in Georgia! I’ve already planned a trip to Canada for February and I’m so excited. Happy 2018! #FarawayFiles
Hilary
Canada in February sounds good and cold! Ha ha! Happy New Year!
fifi + hop
What an amazing year of travels! I would love to take a road trip through the southwest. I’ve been to some of those parks but years ago as a child. I find the landscape fascinating. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Austin too..there was mention of a girls trip there with some friends but not sure it will actually happen with this crew! Happy New Year! #farawayfiles
Hilary
I’m not sure my austin trip is working out either… maybe we should meet up there? Just throwing that out there… 😉
Ruth
What a wonderful year Hilary! I enjoyed reading about all your adventures and have to admit you have helped me to add several things to my bucket list. Glad to know 2018 is taking some good shape. I going to London on May. Hope to read some of your post about the city before then. #FarawayFiles
Hilary
So glad you found some good ideas! I could say the same about you as I know I’ve benefited greatly from reading your blog! I’ve already written a ton about London and will be adding a ton of new info in the weeks ahead…
Bryna | Dotted Line Travels
Amazing year of travel! I have admired so many of your beautiful photos from 2017 – especially the ones from the Antelope Canyons. I hope I can squeeze in a trip there for myself sometime this year! Looking forward to reading about your 2018 adventures!
Hilary
Thank you so much! The canyons were a dream come true!
Rachel ¦¦ A Nesting Nomad
You’ve been to some really cool places this year, and I’m happy to hear you had more ups than downs! The US national parks really do look out of this world, I’d love to visit one day.
Happy New Year, and here’s to an even better 2018!
Hilary
It was a great year in many ways, especially where travel was concerned! Hope you find your way to the NPs they’re definitely worth it!
Caity Pfohl | The Pamplemousse Papers
Love this recap, and omg that yellow house in New Orleans is the best! I’ve never been to NOLA and it might be time to finally remedy that! I feel like the LACMA light exhibit looks familiar from the movie No Strings Attached? Probably time for a chick flick weekend as it is currently FREEZING in NY! Happy New Year 🙂
Hilary
I LOVE New Orleans!! I’m not sure about the movie, but it’s definitely likely! Nothing like a good chick flick! Enjoy and I hope it warms up soon!
fromtoddlertotraveler
Happy new year! One of my favorite things about living in LA is the proximity of other great towns. You’ve given me some great ideas on how to explore this great city! Thank you. #farawayfiles
Hilary
Happy New Year! So glad you’ve found some fun ideas!!
Catherine’s Cultural Wednesdays
Wow what a busy year! Here’s to an action packed 2018
Hilary
It sure was! I’ve got a few ideas for 2018, but nothing big as of yet… you?