After a quiet 2023 spent moving houses and getting settled into our new home (because let’s be honest, packing and unpacking boxes is its own kind of adventure), I knew 2024 needed to bring the excitement back. So, we tackled travel with a vengeance—road trips, hikes, quirky museums, international escapes, and everything in between. It was a year of saying "yes" to adventure, and I’m taking you along for the ride.
From cozy Midwest road trips to jaw-dropping destinations like Portugal and Mexico, this year was all about making memories and uncovering hidden gems. Let’s take a month-by-month journey through 2024’s highlights, and I hope it inspires you to plan your next great adventure in 2025!
January: Kicking Off the Year with Local Treasures
After the holidays.. we usually feel a bit of cabin fever and we knew that there were several off-the-beaten-path attractions we've been wanting to go see but have not because... we'd rather be outdoors. Winter to us is the perfect time to be indoors.... somewhere else! Enter DeMoulin Museum and Soul Asylum Museum (Exploring the Charm of Rural Illinois: A Winter Day Date Road Trip)
February: The Not-So-Hidden Gems in St. Louis
By February, cabin fever had hit full-on rage mode, and I knew it was time to escape the four walls of home and explore the gems hiding around St. Louis. First stop: the tranquil trails of Powder Valley Conservation Area—a perfect antidote to winter blues.
For a dose of quirky, small-town charm, I headed to Washington, MO (Your Guide to Washington Missouri Hidden Gems), where the Iron Spike Model Train Museum brought childhood nostalgia to life with intricate displays of model trains. Just a short drive away, the Missouri Meerschaum Corn Cob Pipe Museum added its own unique twist to the history of corn cob pipes—a surprisingly fascinating stop. Together, they make for the perfect day trip filled with small-town character and unexpected delights.
Another worthy nature/road trip we did was the Daniel Boone Home and Mastodon State Park. Odd that we are close to these places and never visited. (Unleash Your Inner Explorer: Mastodons, Boone, and Winter Things to do in Missouri)
I rounded out the month with two unexpected treasures: the Economy Museum (who knew economics could be so engaging?) and the stunning Samuel Cupples House, a Gilded Age mansion that’s as impressive on the inside as it is from the outside. And let’s not forget the National Blues Museum, where the stories of blues legends and toe-tapping rhythms brought some much-needed soul to a dreary winter day. (Missouri Bucket List: Things to do in St. Louis, Missouri)
March: Roman Ruins and Missouri Warm-Ups
Rome was the big international trip of the year, and let me tell you—it absolutely lived up to the hype. From wandering through ancient ruins like the Colosseum and eating pizza every day, every cobblestone street and pasta-filled meal was unforgettable. (Read about our Rome Travel Adventures)
Back home, we decided that adventure doesn’t have to stop just because there are no Roman ruins nearby. Since camping season was calling, we took a “shakedown” trip to Meramec State Park to warm up our camping muscles (Why you should always have a shakedown camping trip at the start of the season).
We even squeezed in a little cave exploring with friends at Rockwood Reservation, proving that Missouri has its own version of hidden wonders—no passport required.
April: Warming Up with Missouri History and a Splash of New Mexico
As the weather started to warm up in April, we decided it was the perfect time to explore a couple of Missouri’s historic gems. First up was the charming town of Arrow Rock Historic Site, where every street and building seemed to have a story to tell.
Next, we hit the road for Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site, and let me tell you—it’s worth the drive. This place is fascinating and feels like it should be bigger than it is. The house is a maze of rooms, staircases, and quirky surprises around every corner. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re exploring a hidden labyrinth, this is the spot for you. (Missouri's Hidden Gem: Historic Sites)
Of course, no month would be complete without a camping trip, so we packed up the gear and headed to Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and Historic Site. It’s the perfect combination of camping vibes and history, with trails to explore and a beautifully preserved woolen mill that takes you back in time. (History, Comfort, and Adventure: Exploring Watkins Woolen Mill State Park)
To round out the month, we took a quick trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico (Beyond the tourist traps: Weekend Travel Guide to Albuquerque), where the vibrant landscapes and chile-smothered everything brought a colorful end to April. It was the perfect blend of history, road trips, and Southwestern charm.
May: Museums, Parks, and a Sunshine Escape
May was a delightful mix of art, history, and spontaneous adventures. I kicked off the month exploring some of St. Louis' finest museums, starting with the Art Museum, where the Batisse by the Sea exhibit was a stunning feast for the eyes. Then, I nerded out at the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, a hidden gem that proves phones were way cooler before we started using them to scroll endlessly. (Top Must-Visit Museums in St. Louis)
Another highlight? Revisiting the newly renovated Gateway Arch Museum. If you haven’t checked it out since the makeover, it’s a must—an immersive look at one of Missouri’s most iconic landmarks (Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Gateway Arch National Park).
Just when I thought May couldn’t get any better, I decided to follow my wanderlust on a whim and ended up in St. Augustine, Florida. With its rich history, charming cobblestone streets, and sunny coastal vibes, it was the perfect last-minute escape. I explored centuries-old landmarks, soaked up the sunshine, and ate more seafood than I’d like to admit. Here’s my full guide to St. Augustine if you’re ready to pack your bags.
June: Historical Highlights and a Scenic Camping Escape
June was all about history and hitting the road for our first major camping trip of the year. We kicked things off close to home with a visit to the Missouri History Museum to see their special exhibit on the 1904 World’s Fair. It was like stepping back in time to an era of innovation and grandeur right here in St. Louis.
With our history fix satisfied, we packed up the car, hit the road, and set out on an epic camping adventure at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The long drive was half the fun, with plenty of stops and snacks along the way, but nothing beat finally settling into camp. Cuyahoga’s peaceful trails, rolling waterfalls, and dog-friendly vibes made it a perfect outdoor escape. We spent our days hiking, soaking in nature’s beauty, and just loving every second of camp life. Here’s the full guide if you’re planning a dog-friendly getaway.
July: Slowing Down but Still Checking Off the Bucket List
After our big camping trip in June, we decided to slow things down a bit in July. It was time to catch up on life around the house—you know, those little projects you keep putting off (looking at you, KEVIN).
But adventure is never far away, and we still managed to check off a bucket list item: canoeing the Missouri River. Let me tell you, it was definitely an experience! Between paddling, dodging the occasional log, and soaking up the sweeping river views, it was equal parts thrilling and serene.
August: Portugal Dreams Come True
Portugal was a dream: cobblestone streets in Lisbon, palace views in Sintra, and wine tastings in Porto. Traveling with the Wanderful Group added camaraderie to every sip and step. (Check out our Portugal adventures)
September: Scenic Escapes Close to Home
We’d been wanting to visit the Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka for ages, but somehow, we always seemed to prioritize faraway adventures instead. Finally, one weekend, we decided to make it happen—and let me tell you, it was so worth it. The tour was fascinating, giving us a closer look at these incredible animals and the conservation efforts to protect them. It’s a must-visit for nature and wildlife lovers!
Later in the month, we ventured a bit farther to the breathtaking Red River Gorge in Kentucky. This place was a special treat, with stunning rock formations that reminded me of Arches National Park—but closer to home. The best part? We got to bring Georgia along for the adventure, making it even more memorable. Nothing beats exploring jaw-dropping trails with your favorite furry companion by your side. Check out my guide to RedRiver Gorge here.
October: Ghosts, Giving Back, and Gorgeous Views
I kicked off the month by returning to the Missouri History Museum to see the Ghost Army exhibit. It was both eerie and fascinating, shedding light on the creative deception tactics used during WWII—think inflatable tanks and sound effects to mislead the enemy. Who knew history could feel this haunted?
The spooky vibes continued with a fun-filled night at Boo at the Zoo with Kevin’s nieces. Between the glowing pumpkins, adorable costumes, and candy overload, it was a family-friendly Halloween celebration that had everyone smiling.
Later, we hit the road for a getaway to Mount Magazine in Arkansas with Georgia. The crisp fall air, stunning views, and peaceful trails made it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Georgia loved it just as much as we did!
One of the most rewarding moments of the month was volunteering with the Red Cross in Asheville, NC. Helping those in need while surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains was a humbling and impactful experience that reminded me how important it is to give back.
Finally, we wrapped up the month with a family hike at Pere Marquette State Park in Illinois. The fall foliage was in full swing, painting the trails in vibrant shades of orange and red. Here’s my guide to planning a day trip to Pere Marquette if you’re looking for some autumn inspiration.
November: Sun, Nature, and Thanksgiving Traditions
November started with a much-needed cold-weather escape to the sunny shores of Cancun. Staying at the Iberostar Selection Coral Level was the perfect way to recharge, with its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and plenty of relaxation. Here’s my full guide to this dreamy winter getaway.
As Thanksgiving rolled around, we kept up our tradition of getting back to nature. This year, it was all about scenic road trips through New River Gorge and Shenandoah National Park with Georgia by our side. The crisp autumn air and breathtaking views reminded us how much we have to be thankful for. There’s something so special about celebrating the season surrounded by the beauty of the great outdoors.
December: Camping and Historic Gems in Southeast Missouri
We wrapped up the year with one last adventure—camping and exploring the rich history of Southeast Missouri. First on the list was Bollinger Mill State Historic Site, where a picturesque 19th-century mill and covered bridge transported us back in time. Next, we explored Fort D, a Civil War fort that offered a unique glimpse into Missouri’s military past.
We continued to Towosahgy State Historic Site, once a bustling Mississippian-era village. Standing on ancient grounds steeped in Native American history was truly humbling.
Finally, we stopped at Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site, a beautifully preserved antebellum home that felt like stepping into a different era.
Camping combined with history was the perfect way to close out a year of adventure and exploration.
Looking Back, Moving Forward: Here’s to More Adventures in 2025
From hiking trails and historic sites to quirky museums and international escapes, 2024 proved that adventure is always out there waiting—you just have to say “yes.” Whether it was camping under the stars, paddling down rivers, or savoring gelato in Rome, this year was packed with unforgettable moments.
As we turn the page to 2025, the question isn’t just “Where will I go next?” but also, “What memories will I make along the way?” Because let’s be real—travel is about more than just destinations. It’s about the stories, the people, and those little moments that take you by surprise.
Now it’s your turn! What were your top travel highlights of 2024? What’s on your bucket list for 2025? Share your adventures, tips, or recommendations in the comments—I’m always looking for inspiration for the next big journey. Let’s make 2025 our most adventurous year yet!
TTYL!
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