2022, A Year in Review

This year I started this blog with high hopes of documenting all of my travels but let's be honest I didn't do the greatest job of doing that! So let's take a look back at 2022; a year of growth, new discovery, and many a slice of pizza...

In 2022 we stuck to road trips throughout the Midwest; here is a glimpse at what our six notable road trips & weekend getaways included along with recommendations for each destination.

1. A Quick Trip to Billings

At the beginning of March, we decided to take a quick trip to Billings, Montana for some much-needed retail therapy. Since moving to Western South Dakota we've both realized that small-town life is not our favorite (and we also just miss Costco, lol). So we decided last minute to book an Airbnb in Downtown

Billings, hatch a plan for our shopping needs and hit the ice & snow-covered roads.

Highlights from this trip include breakfast at Bernies Diner, dinner at M.A.D. Pizza and shopping at the mall and some different thrift stores.

2. Sioux Falls ~ Wedding Planning

In early April we headed to Sioux Falls so we could meet up with friends and family. Highlights from this trip included asking my bridesmaids/ men to stand by my side, wedding dress shopping, eating at my favorite spots in Sioux Falls (All Day Cafe, and Phillips Ave Diner), and getting to hang out with our friend's dog, Rosie.

While Nate wasn't out golfing with his buddies we spent time walking around our alma mater, Augustana University's Campus, checked out the sculpture walk downtown, and grabbed a bite at JL Beers.

3. 48 hours Denver

Highlights from our Denver trip include an Oh Wonder concert at the Ogden Theatre, wedding band shopping at Sarah O. Jewelry, and eating at Ace Eat Serve. Interested in hearing more about our trip to Denver? Click here to read my 48 hours in Downtown Denver blog.

4. Father's Day Trip to Omaha

Although our original plan of attending the College World Series fell through we still managed to plan a fun weekend with our families to celebrate Father's Day. We stayed together at a cute Airbnb in the Bemis Park Neighborhood where we played games, enjoyed some pizza from Noli's Pizzeria, and just enjoyed the time together.

Other highlights included lunch at Block 16, an afternoon River Cruise, and a Father's Day brunch at Early Bird Brunch.

5. Lake Mille Lacs ~ August Wedding

In August we took a road trip to celebrate one of Nate's best friends' weddings at the cutest Airbnb along Lake Mille Lacs near Garrison, MN. We stayed at the nearby Grand Casino Mille Lacs but spent most of the weekend in celebration of Haley & Sam at the Airbnb.

Nate and I originally planned to go to Mille Lacs Kathio State Park while we were visiting but with the rainy weather we decided to just drive along the lakeshore and dream about owning a lake house together one day 💕. Although we didn't spend much time in Garrison we did stop and see the Giant Walleye sculpture before we headed out of town.

6. Our Anniversary Trip to Hill City & Keystone

Every year we try to take a trip around our anniversary in November. This year we opted for a relaxing weekend just a few hours away and booked a cute Airbnb located between Keystone and Hill City. We did most of our cooking at the Airbnb but did treat ourselves to a nice lunch at Alpine Inn in Hill City. The food there was so amazing that as we were leaving we were already trying to plan our next trip back.

While at the Airbnb we worked on some wedding planning, watched a few movies, and played the newlywed game. I love that we were able to get away for a weekend and take time to focus on our relationship, upcoming wedding, and future together.

Stay Tuned...

I already have some fun and exciting things planned for 2023! Not only will I be embarking on some fun trips, but I will also get to marry the love of my life, Nate 💕