My 2021 in Review
📍 Boca Grande, Harbour Island, New York City
Oh, 2021! What a long strange ride it’s been. Yet, I’m so incredibly grateful for all of the ups and downs! This year has been about exploring new destinations and making wonderful 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-year-old, it’s a mantra that I will bring with me into 2022. 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 on my 2021 in review.
January: Polo Match on St. Pete Beach
Although January was a quiet month, there were still some incredible moments. Namely, attending the annual polo match on St. Pete Beach. In truth, polo is not a sport that I’ve ever remotely followed. I won’t pretend like I know the full rules or lingo for a second. Still, this polo match was a great opportunity to spend some time at the iconic Don Cesar Hotel. It was fairly cold and cloudy, at least by Florida standards, but it made for a beautiful backdrop among the surf and sand.
February: Long Weekend Escape to Gasparilla Inn
In 2020, we fell in love with the Gasparilla Inn. It’s a place that we can return to again and again, especially since we know it’s just an hour away. In February, we had a long-weekend escape to this quiet corner of the Sunshine State. Even though we’ve been on several trips, this may be a favorite. The weather was perfect, and we were able to truly relax. For whatever reason, Boca Grande is the one destination where I can tuck away my electronics and not give them a second thought. In the new year, I highly recommend finding a destination that has the same effect on you.
March: Celebrating One Year of Working Remotely
March was another fairly quiet month, but it was a nice reprieve before a very on-the-go Spring and Summer. The most notable thing was that I celebrated a year of working remotely. While it started in 2020, when I was still a classroom teacher, I had the pleasure of joining the team of Kids Discover, an educational publisher for Grades 3-8. I cannot say enough nice things about my company, the people I work with, and how much I love my job! It will still be remote going into the New Year, but I know that doing so has done wonders for my mental health!
April: A Week on Harbour Island
The Bahamas was the big trip of the year and such a highlight for obvious reasons! After years of loving the pastel cottages and pink-sand beaches, we finally booked our ticket to Harbour Island. We stayed for a week, but I only wish it was longer. Each day began with working remotely, but ended with romantic walks on the water and an endless number of Goombay Smashes. We came back to the states feeling so refreshed. The only question is how soon can we return and when can we invest in a vacation home?
May: Visiting Friends in Denver
One of our dearest friends moved to Denver a few years ago. We try and visit as often as possible, but he’s trying to convince me to move out West. Sorry to report, but I know I’m such an East Coast/Gulf Coast Girl and wouldn’t do well in a land-locked still. Regardless, we had the best time in the Mile High City: exploring Downtown Denver and a day of hiking in Golden. Even though I won’t be a Coloradan any time soon, I can’t wait to visit often!
June: My 30th Birthday in NYC
With the help of several friends, I celebrated a new decade in New York. My 30th birthday was, in a word, perfect! From spending the morning at the MET, lunch at JG Melons, and late-night cocktails at Bemelmans, it’s a batch of memories that I will always treasure. It was also our first time back in the city since we moved away, and the world stood still. It was an obvious reminder of how much this city means to me. Now, I’m at a point where I just can’t be away for too long!
July: Escape to Vermont and Basin Harbor Inn
Immediately from New York, we made our way to Vermont for a long over-due visit with David’s family. This was my first time seeing Vermont as anything besides a Winter Wonderland. I now have a complete understanding of where the nickname ‘Green Mountain State’ comes from. After a peaceful Fourth of July holiday at the Lake House, we celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary at the Basin Harbor Inn. I think this is New England’s answer to the Gasparilla Inn, and I am in love!
August: A Break from Social Media
August was another quiet month, and I’m very thankful for it! I decided to take a break from all social media for the month. I took a look occasionally, but it was just the detox I needed. Going into 2022, this is something I may begin to prioritize more. While I love writing and making content, it’s not something to fully stress over. I will listen to my body and use this past month as a good template for feeling refreshed and recharged. Don’t worry. Orange to Apple isn’t going anywhere! In fact, I already have a full schedule of posts that I’m just so excited to share!
September: A Last Minute Trip to the Hamptons
When a trip to the Hamptons calls, you answer! I am so thankful for our amazing friends in NYC and that they opened up their new home in Hamptons Bay for us to visit. We started this impromptu weekend with 18 hours in Manhattan, a treat in its own right. Afterward, we took the train out east and had a few days that were almost off-the-grid. We lounged in the sun, drank, and laughed like I hadn’t in a while. It was another mental refresh that I didn’t know I needed!
October: David’s College Reunion in Rhode Island
Another trip I will never turn down is an excuse to visit Rhode Island. I think in another life, I must have lived in New England because Newport just really speaks to me. While the main focus was David’s college reunion at the University of Rhode Island, I took full of an excuse to have an extended long weekend. We ate at some of my favorite restaurants (especially White Horse Tavern), visited the iconic Breakers Mansion, and daydreamed of what a move to RI would look like. While nothing is currently in the works, who knows what the future holds!
November: Another Gasparilla Inn Weekend
After a busy October, I didn’t even mention my work trip to Salt Lake City, we began November with one last trip to the Gasparilla Inn. This one was just an overnight trip, but exactly what the doctor ordered! It was another opportunity to tuck away our electronics and enjoy each other’s company. The views of the Gulf of Mexico and piña coladas certainly don’t hurt, either! Recently, Gasparilla Inn has gotten a bit of a facelift. If you’ve never seen it yourself, I cannot recommend this destination enough!
December: New York City to Vermont to 30A
Wow! What a way to end the year! From NYC to Vermont and back to Florida for a week on the beach along 30A. It’s hard to pinpoint a clear favorite because they each have their moments! In Manhattan, it was visiting the Costume Institute at the MET and karaoke with friends until 3 in the morning. While in Vermont, the highlight was spending another holiday with David’s family, especially his grandma, who will turn 90 in 2022. We’re still in 30A, but I can’t wait to share all of the details in the new year. Stay tuned!
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 2022!
Love from Florida and Happy New Year!
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.