Where I Traveled in 2025
2025 was a wild ride. I finished writing another novel (see my author website for summaries & to read the first chapter of each!), became a Master Gardener (and volunteered more than 60 hours), got ordained to perform a marriage, renovated our house, enrolled remotely in the Royal School of Needlework, and still managed to close my Apple watch rings every single day. I read 70 books, worked on our landscaping, and spent more time with family. Of course, I traveled quite a bit, too (though less than normal years). Here’s where I traveled in 2025, along with my most repinned photos from each destination.
As always, please tag me in your travel photos @AnnieFairfax! I’ll hype up your photography, ask about your adventure, and get inspired by your journey!
New York City (February)
Once again, we started the year off in New York City for business. When I have more time, I want to write the 500 posts I have in my backlog about all the wonderful, touristy, and off-the-beaten-path things we’ve done in NYC. Living nearby has its perks!
Holland (April)
Tulip Time Festival is one of my favorite annual events. Millions of tulips bloom across Holland, so we try to enjoy them every year! Explore all the beauty of Holland.
Nantucket (May)
I’ve always wanted to visit Nantucket, but in past years we’ve traveled all spring, summer, and autumn long and simply haven’t had the time. This year, we visited for my birthday. It was everything I’d hoped for and more! We stayed at Faraway Nantucket, ate at Cru, Lola 41, Lemon Press & many more, visited Steps Beach, and rode bikes around Sconset. A week on Nantucket wasn’t enough!
Sconset (May)
A darling village on Nantucket, we spent two days here exploring the area. I was a bit early to see the famous Sconset roses, but it was beautiful nonetheless. Plus, hydrangeas were blooming everywhere!
Cape Cod (June)
We couldn’t get enough of Cape Cod. It’s the perfect place to road trip, and a great place to get a feel for New England’s coastal scene. We spent 10 days road tripping around Cape Cod, and I’m still not over how perfect our time there was. It’s romantic, adventurous, and fun-filled, no matter a person’s interests.
Chatham (June)
The beaches in Chatham were gorgeous. We were fairly certain we saw shark fins in the distance, so we decided to stay on the beach this time, collecting seashells and reading. Better safe than on the nightly news, as I always say! Haha.
Yarmouth (June)
Yarmouth, a charming village in the center of the Cape, is a perfect base camp for exploring the peninsula. The food is great, the inns are cute, and there are plenty of things to do nearby.
Provincetown (June)
An exceptionally welcoming & LGBT-friendly town right on the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is filled with incredible fine dining, art, music, nightlife, and fun things to do. We spent a weekend here with friends and had a blast bouncing between cafés and art galleries, downtown shopping, the beach, and meeting new people. It’s a great place for a long weekend or a romantic getaway.
Southwest Harbor (July)
Maine is my favorite state, so I visit as often as I can. Nothing makes me feel at peace like the extensive swaths of forest, pristine beaches, and amazing food, quite like a week away in Maine does.
Empire Bluffs (August)
One of my favorite hiking spots in Michigan, Empire Bluffs at Sleeping Bear Dunes, was extra beautiful when we went in August. It’s one of my favorite places in the Midwest!
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (August)
Another gorgeous spot in Michigan, this one in the Upper Peninsula, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, was one of the prettiest places to watch the fog roll in from Lake Superior.
Tahquamenon Falls (September)
We never visit Michigan without hiking Tahquamenon Falls. It’s a fantastic full-day hiking destination. Read all about our visit and the state park’s recent facility renovations.
Kitch-iti-Kippi (September)
Another fantastic Upper Peninsula destination, Kitch-iti-Kippi is both a state park and a historic site. This massive natural spring is more breathtaking than I could possibly describe in a quick summary.
Miners Falls (September)
I genuinely thought I was going to get stuck climbing back up from Miners Falls, but it was worth the risk. I definitely recommend wearing the right shoes, which thankfully I was, haha.
Petoskey (September)
We visited this beachside paradise on Lake Michigan as our last stop before returning to New England. The water was crystal clear, the sand white and soft, and the dune grass sang in the wind.
Newport (October)
We love visiting the restaurants & mansions in Newport!
Hudson Valley (November)
Hiking Hudson Valley is something we try to do once a year or so. I love this part of New York state!
Where I’m Heading in 2026
We’ve booked a few trips we’ve looked forward to for ages. We’re visiting southern Florida & the Keys, where some of our friends live. I’ve never been that far south in the United States, and I’ve heard amazing things about the area. Then, we’re exploring even more of our beloved New England. After that, Norway, Finland, Sweden, & Denmark are next on my itinerary. While I’m in the Nordics for eight weeks, I’m going to try to visit the Faroe Islands, too. I’ve always dreamed of visiting that Danish archipelago and its stunning landscapes since I was a child! Maybe I’ll finally see puffins!
Where are you traveling in 2026?
Explore more of my adventures in New England and the United States.
