My 2022 in Review
đź“Ť New Orleans, Paris, Montreal
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Oh, 2022! What a long strange ride it’s been. Yet, I’m incredibly grateful for all the ups and downs! This year has been about exploring new destinations and making memories with old friends. I’ve also had a few reminders not to squander the present because the future is never guaranteed. While that’s not the most common mindset for a healthy 30-something, it’s a mantra I have brought into 2023. But first, I would love to end the year with a quick recap of my life from month to month. Please feel free to join my 2022 in review.
January: Rang in 2022 on 30A
2022 began with a bang on a foggy New Year’s Eve on 30A. This pristine stretch of sand along Florida’s Emerald Coast is an absolute hot spot during the summer. In the winter, including the holiday season, it’s much quieter and has a hint of chill in the air. It was the perfect spot to unwind with friends before a hectic year ahead.
February: List to my Inner Child at Disney World
Before this spontaneous and short trip to Disney, I couldn’t remember the last time I visited. It was a mainstay activity during the summers while I grew up, but it wasn’t where I found myself in adult life. We met with friends for less than 24 hours and made the most of it. The lines and crowds were insane, but I couldn’t help and feel like a kid during the trip.
March: Work Events in Wisconsin and Utah
March may have been my busiest month of all! Following a visit from my in-laws, I almost immediately hopped on a plane for back-to-back conferences in Wisconsin and Utah. All in all, it was about a whole week on the road. Trust me when I say that I probably slept for nearly 24 hours when I got home. Well, not quite. Meeting new people and seeing new places is my favorite, but it is all incredibly exhausting.
April: First Return to NOLA Since 2019
After nearly three years away from my favorite city, I couldn’t be happier to make a triumphant return to New Orleans in April. It was a wonderful trip to perfectly balanced old haunts and new additions. It was a real reminder of why NOLA means so much to me. I know what it means to miss New Orleans.
May: 10 Days of Bliss in Paris and Provence
Our biggest vacation of the year was, of course, our visit to France. The days in Paris and the Provence region perfectly blend our two travel styles. The hustle and bustle of Paris, filled with miles of walking and endless museums, spoke to the city dwellers in us. At the same time, the road trip through Gordes, Saint Remy de Provence, and Avignon reminded us to slow down and love the journey as much as the destination. It’s going to be so incredibly tempting not to have a repeat visit to the incredible country in 2023.
June: My 31st Birthday in NYC
Another year around the sun, another incredible birthday spent in New York. In true Manhattan fashion, we spent the weekend at some of my favorite cocktails, dinner with friends, and a long walk through Central Park. I know there have been a lot of negative things said about NYC recently, but this city is charged, alive, and will forever feel like home.
July: A Quiet Month at Home
July was by far my quietest month, but the cleared schedule was incredibly welcome. The weather in Florida was too hot even to want to go outside, but we still managed to take advantage of Florida’s off-season by visiting some new spots in St. Pete. Think of it as one final reprieve before a very hectic last half of the year.
August: Friends Trip to NYC and the Hamptons
Towards the end of the month, we hopped back up to New York to celebrate our friend’s birthday. One night was spent in the city, followed by a restful weekend in the Hamptons. Their home is absolutely gorgeous, but the real treat was brunching at the newly opened Canoe Place Inn. This hotel is stunning and definitely a place I’m looking forward to visiting again this summer.
September: 24 Hours in Nashville
One last work trip of the year! Before a conference brought me to Murfreesboro, I snuck away to have a girls’ night in Nashville. The Graduate is incredible! The Dolly Parton-inspired hotel is filled with stunning patterns and bright colors. It’s genuinely an interior design lover’s dream. The real treat was their rooftop pool and bar, with endless country music playing (of course). Also, this month, I celebrated my best friend’s wedding bliss, and we went to Miami for a quick weekend.
October: Mother-Daughter Trip to Las Vegas
In truth, the very beginning of October began on a stressful note from Hurricane Ian. While The worst of the storm thankfully spared David and me, our hearts broke for our neighbors in the southern counties. The light at the end of the tunnel was treating my mom to a Las Vegas girls’ weekend. Although I’m not a gambler, I had so much fun hopping from casino to casino, eating at incredible restaurants, and seeing one of Elton John’s final performances.
November: Whirlwind Weekend in NYC
November led to another trip to New York, and it wasn’t even our last of 2022. I was able to get reservations at the Polo Bar, a miracle unto itself, and we celebrated our friend’s new engagement. The next day, we took the train to Connecticut to escape the city and spend a little time in coastal New England.
December: Winter Wonderland in Montreal
The holidays are always wildly busy, and this year was no exception! We had a quick visit to Manhattan, followed by a train ride to Vermont, where we just raced ahead of the winter storm. After a few days snowbound, we spent time in Stowe and Montreal with family. This was my first time in Canada, and I loved our wintery visit to this historic city. The big finale for the year 2022 was one more journey to Palm Beach to ring in the new year with friends and warmer weather.
With each and every step along the way, I’m so thankful to have David along for the ride. He is always open to joining me on my impromptu trips and is the perfect partner. I’m so excited to share another round of travel adventures and more in the year 2023!
Love from 2022,
Katie
As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.
