Our Favorite RVing Destinations of 2016
We had an AMAZING 2016 filled with beaches, mountains, sand dunes, and city lights just to name a few. 2016 was our first FULL year of RV living and it did not disappoint.
We can honestly say it was one of the best years of our life and we are excited to see what 2017 has in store for our traveling family. The most popular question we get asked is, “What is your favorite place you have visited?” That’s always a tough question because every place we’ve visited has something new and exciting to offer in it’s own special way.
It’s been tough to narrow down our list, but after reflecting on 2016, here’s our faves:
Albuquerque, New Mexico
WOW! How do I even come up with the words to describe the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Held every year for 9 days in October, this event is the largest balloon festival in the world! Wake up each morning to see the fall October sky filled with colorful balloons that create a beautiful backdrop to the surrounding mountain landscape. Or close out the day to hundreds of glowing balloons creating a magical light show as the sun sets in the desert sky.
This amazing event was at the top of our must see list and it was one of the highlights of our year. It is just one of those things you have to see in person. Words and pictures can not begin to describe this spectacular site of over 500 balloons sharing the Albuquerque sky.
While you are in town, don’t forget to check out an amazing view out the Sandia Peak Tramway, the longest aerial tram in the United States. New Mexico also has some delicious cuisine included El Pinto and Sadie’s, where the Sopapillas are incredible.
New York City, New York
If you have never been to the Big Apple, it is an amazing site. For this country girl from Tennessee, I had never seen anything like it and after seeing it for the first time, I felt as if I had entered the Capital from the movie Hunger Games. It was sensory overload.
Not only is New York City full of flashing lights and skyscrapers, but it is an amazing part of American History that you can not find anywhere else. Visit the Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Central Park, Empire State Building, or talk a stroll on the Brooklyn Bridge to grab some incredible pizza. There is so much to do in the city that never sleeps!
Colorado
Okay Okay I know I did not specify a “place” Colorado like I did the others on the list. To be honest we LOVED everything about this state that we gave it the #3 spot. Colorado stole our hearts and we spent 2 months exploring this spectacular state. Colorado is breathtaking and once we entered the state it looks as if the mountains in the background were a painted canvas. It literally felt as if we had stepped into a Bob Ross painting.
Colorado has it all. You can climb mountain peaks, hang out at the lake, discover waterfalls, or surf enormous sand dunes. There is something for everyone and it’s beauty continued to amaze us no matter where we traveled in the state. Make sure to check out the 4 AMAZING National Parks in Colorado as well as many other National trails, forests, and monuments. After all that hiking, soak and recovery in one of many hot springs locates across the state. You will thank me later.
Austin, Texas
We spent or winter months as snowbirds in Texas this past winter and we had an absolute blast. One of our favorite cities was Austin. We fell in love with the place and we definitely kept it “weird” as they say. Take a dip in Barton Springs pool, a bike ride around Lady Bird Lake, or take a tour of the State Capital. Austin has incredible food, fun city murals, and believe it or not a park dedicated to graffiti. Austin is hip and with it!
So there you have it. Our list of favorite places in 2016. We had an incredible year and met some amazing people and created memories that will last a lifetime. Time to make our mark in 2017!