A Month-by-Month Breakdown

MARCH

Our first trip of the year was to Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, followed by a long weekend in Dallas, Texas.  We had a family wedding in Dallas and when I realized we would be “only” four hours away from Hot Springs National Park, we decided to visit on the front end of the trip.

Bathhouse Row, Hot Springs National Park | March

We didn’t know what to expect as this is a small park with not much written about it.  Well, we really enjoyed our time here!  Hot Springs was given national park status to protect its historical significance, different from other national parks with epic vistas and amazing wildlife.  The town of Hot Springs provided a fun time for us.  First, we loved our stay at The Reserve at Hot Springs, a lovely B&B.  Second, we dined at some unique places while in Hot Springs, such as an old gangster hangout, The Ohio Club, and the Superior Bathhouse Brewery, the world’s only brewery that uses thermal spring water. 

Flight of beer at the Superior Bathhouse Brewery | March

We hiked a few trails, walked Bathhouse Row, and soaked in the hot springs water at Quapaw Bathhouse.  

Our weekend in Dallas was mostly centered around the wedding, however we did attend a Dallas Stars hockey game and visited the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.

APRIL

April was spring break for us, in fact it was our “last” spring break with Ava being a high school senior.  We headed to the island of St. John, one of the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean for a week of fun in the sun. 

Trunk Bay, St. John, USVI | April

While here, we spent a day on a boat tour of the islands, swam and snorkeled many beaches, dined at some great restaurants, and explored Virgin Islands National Park.  We also took a day trip to the British Virgin Island of Virgin Gorda, swimming at the famous Baths beach.

The Baths, Virgin Gorda, BVIs | April

MAY

We were home in May as our calendar was packed with local events and happenings, including attending the 150th Kentucky Derby! 

The 150th Kentucky Derby | May

It was our first time attending the Derby, even though we are locals and we have lived in Louisville for over a decade.  We had a fun two days at Churchill Downs, attending both Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby with friends and family.

JUNE

Our big summer trip this year as a family was to the regions of Bavaria Germany and Tyrol Austria.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany | June

We stayed in the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, enjoyed three days of Alpine fun in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, enjoyed the magic of Mozart in beautiful Salzburg, visited the somber Dachau Concentration Camp, and toasted our time in Germany at Hofbrauhaus in Munich.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany | June

EARLY JULY

The 4th of July is always spent at our family’s lake house in Michigan and this year was no different. 

Sunset on the lake in Michigan | July

While here, we relish swimming, boating, water skiiing, fishing, and so much more.  It’s our favorite time of year!

LATE JULY

We were home for a few weeks and then back to NYC for Ava’s dance troupe’s annual trip to the Big Apple. 

New York City | July

In between dance classes and Broadway shows, we visited The Edge, Central Park, shopped in SoHo, and I spent a day at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which was amazing!

SEPTEMBER

To kick off our new phase of life as empty nesters, Mike and I spent over a week in the Canadian Rockies. 

Moraine Lake, Banff National Park | September

We started off in Banff National Park, followed by a two-day train trip on the Rocky Mountaineer from Banff to Vancouver.  The beauty of the region was incredible and we loved hiking the trails.  Riding the train was also a fabulous experience!

The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada | September

OCTOBER

October was a busy travel month for us.  At the beginning of the month, we spent a few glorious days at the beach in Florida, thanks to dear friends! 

Seaside, Florida | October

Just about a week later, Mike had a work trip to Canada and I was able to join for the Toronto portion, spending just 24 hours in the city.  Toronto is a great city to explore, so much so that I compiled a list of Ten Great Things to do in Toronto and also shared my One Day Toronto Itinerary.

Toronto, Canada | October

To close out the month, we then visited family and friends in Minnesota and Michigan, enjoying the great northern fall.

Marquette, Michigan | October

DECEMBER

Visiting New York City as a family during the holiday season has long been on our bucket list. We spent a few days in the city, visiting all the must see holiday sites. 

Ice Skating at Rockefeller | December

Ava and me by the tree while skating | December

The highlights were seeing the Rockettes perform at Radio City Music Hall, touring the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in Brooklyn, and skating at Rockefeller Center.  

Radio City Music Hall, decked out for the Christmas Spectacular | December

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2025…

We have some big trips planned for 2025.  Mike and I like to travel over our birthdays, doing something memorable or visiting a great destination to celebrate our special days.

In January, for Mike’s birthday, we will be heading off on our biggest trip yet:  Australia and New Zealand!  And in the spring, over my birthday, we will visit Amsterdam.  We are planning on a few more trips, however are still working out those details.  We will continue to share our travels on Instagram and Facebook as well as recap in our quarterly newsletter.  Be sure to follow us on social media and sign up for the newsletter!

Until then, we hope you have a happy  and healthy New Year, filled with adventure!