2025 Recap

 In 2025, I...

• took a solo quick one-nighter to a very touristy town not far from where I live. Winter during the week is definitely the time to go...it was like a ghost town. I stayed in a place where I've always wanted to. I rarely spend the night in Pigeon Forge since it's so close to home. You can read about the experience here.
  

• went on my first solo road trip. I drove 2 days from Knoxville to my first stop: Temple, TX. I reconnected with some cousins and a friend, learned some TX history, visited Shiner Brewery, visited some Painted Churches, and got in touch with my heritage. (Post coming soon!)

Definitely worth the stop!

• took yet another trip to Ireland, this time with 1 of my sisters who wasn't able to go last year. I visited some places I had already been, as well as some new places. I used to be "anti-tour", but Vagabond has changed that perspective! Small groups, wonderful lodging, and "off the beaten path" sites make it a wonderful experience. This was my 3rd Driftwood Tour through Vagabond. (Post coming soon!)

  

  I finally made it to the oldest bar in Ireland!

• took a quick pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama (near Birmingham). I was able to reconnect with a friend of mine from when we lived in SC.

• added 2 new countries to my list: Greece and Turkiye. This was through a pilgrimage (In the Footsteps of St. Paul) with Select International. (Post coming soon!)

Holy Monastery of St. Stephen, Meteora, Greece

Ephesus, Turkiye

• began planning a big semi-solo trip for 2026, so stay tuned!

*As you can tell, I'm way behind on my travel posts for this year. As in, I haven't even started! Check back for posts on The Painted Churches, Ireland, and Greece/Turkey.