December Stops: Beaufort, SC & Red Bluff, CA

The holidays couldn’t have been better. The best part? Getting to spend quality with family and friends. Chaos ensued of course, but whose holidays don’t get a little wild?

The month was also full of travel for me, even more than the usual. I got to enjoy being in South Carolina with my boyfriend’s family for a couple weeks and then being in California with my family for a couple weeks. Regardless of location, we all packed in as much as we could.

I had never been to South Carolina before. I was totally charmed by all of the Spanish moss, historic downtowns, and quiet beaches.

We were in Beaufort which is roughly an hour outside of Charleston. The neighborhood is full of cute houses that were very festive for the holidays. I also loved how most of the residents had golf carts to zoom around the complex.

One of my favorite features was the community dock out on the wetlands where Connor and I took kayaks out for an afternoon.

We had a blast exploring the waters all afternoon, the surface was glossy and the birds were fun to tease. It felt a little funny kayaking in a sweatshirt and beanie though.

The sun was beautiful and kept us a warm even with the winter chill.

I had the best time with Connor’s family whether it was game nights, holiday fun, pretty adventures, or simply chilling together at home.

We did a bunch of the holiday activities right off the bat.

We all went to pick out the perfect Christmas tree and decorated it together.

It was dazzling in their house. I was so happy to be a part of the tradition!

We also went to a Christmas market of sorts. Downtown Beaufort closes its streets for the first Friday of the month for businesses to stay open later and have interactive booths out and about.

Since it was the first Friday in December, it was Christmas themed with all kinds of winter magic.

My personal favorite was the string quartet in the window display of the olive oil store, playing classic holiday music. The tree lighting was memorable too with bubble snow and a convincing Santa.

It was fun bustling about in the streets, going into the decorated stores and seeing everyone so merry.

I loved how all out the shops went with their decorations. The chilly air added to the ambiance, but when it did get too cold, we called it a night.

We went to downtown Beaufort another night days later to watch their Christmas boat parade.

On the Beaufort River, a dozen or more boats were wrapped with twinkle lights and playing holiday tunes as they circled around for viewers to see.

Each boat had different themed decorations, and it was so amusing to watch them all drive around.

On the first Sunday of the month, Connor and I got to meet up with one of my close friends in Congaree National Park!

It was so amazing getting to catch up with my friend who I hadn’t seen in at least a year.

Even better, we all got to explore the park for the first time while talking. Nature and quality time go hand in hand I think.

The park was really interesting as well because I had never seen trees growing out of deep sitting water before like I did as we hiked through bogs and swaps.

I feel like I had never truly seen bogs or swamps before either, but seeing the trees grow out of water instead of ground was trippy. The seven mile hike was pretty easy since most of the terrain was flat, but it was still seven miles so our legs were feeling it by the time we finished. We had had our lunch under the trees way out in the park, and didn’t have much time to hang out after we finished the hike because it was a far drive for both parties. The day went by too quick! We got extremely lucky with weather though with it being one of the only days without rain I experienced in South Carolina during winter. I’m so happy we got to hang out and catch up!

Then soon after, my birthday popped up! It was the perfect day too. I could go into every detail I loved, but we would be here for awhile. I woke up to a beautiful surprise of decorations and flowers from Connor which was lovely. I went to a yoga class to spend some time with my ever changing self, and then I enjoyed the rest of the day with family.

Connor cooked my favorite meal before the family went on a carriage ride through Christmas lights in the Habersham neighborhood.

I loved the lights and getting to have this memory and experience with Connor’s family.

That wasn’t even the end of the day either.

We cheersed a glass of champagne and went home to have a game night.

I love love playing games, so Connor set up a few different holiday party games which kept us laughing for hours. Note to self: I’m not the only competitive one in the group hahaha

Thank you to everyone’s birthday wishes who weren’t present as well. I feel so loved and lucky to be surrounded by amazing people.

And speaking of being lucky, I got to go to Kiawah Island to watch Connor’s mom finish a half marathon!

She’s done tons of races so it wasn’t a big deal to her, but I was blown away.

I had never gone to a race before and it was so much fun. I was so inspired by his mom that I signed up for my own half marathon with zero training behind me.

Now, one of my resolutions this year is to train for the upcoming race. Hopefully I can survive it in March.

The night before the race was really fun too though. We grabbed a yummy dinner where Connor tried oyster shots for the first time. Then, we bar hopped a little, listening to a couple different live bands. Our favorite was at Sand Dollar Social Club. It felt like a dive bar and the band was killing it. I don’t know how Mary got up in the morning to run a half marathon after we kept her up so late.

A big item on my check list to do while I was in South Carolina was to go to Charleston. I had always heard such great things about it, so I really wanted to check it out. I wasn’t disappointed, and a bonus is that one of my friends lives there now, so I got to see her as well! I loved spending time with her and her puppy. She showed us tons of great spots in the city from coffee shops, to outdoor markets, to main streets, and to the water. I loved walking along the Battery seawall even with the cooler temperatures.

If I lived there in the summer, I would want to be out there every day.

I was surprised by the massive mansions with staircases leading up past tall columns, all decorated in wreaths and garlands. They were amazing to walk past.

We walked through most of the city actually. The streets were fun and lively, full of people, dogs, and horses. Walking around everywhere was the perfect way to see it with all of its charm.

After the hours of walking though, we decided it was time to go across the bridge into Mount Pleasant to grab dinner.

We hung out at a sports joint called Red’s Ice House along the Shem River which was a blast. It was mostly open to the sky and water creating a casual indoor outdoor effect, and dogs were allowed.

Tons of people packed in to watch the Sunday football games with their dogs and brews. It was so great and the food was delicious. We hung out as long as we could there until the sun started setting and Connor and I had to head back. We said goodbye after a last walk down the Shem River boardwalk with them.

A location that was completely not on my radar was Hunting Island. I hadn’t heard of it until Mary mentioned wanting to take me there. I’m so so glad she did, and Connor’s sister came too! This was such a cool, interesting place full of beauty and uniqueness. It felt like I was walking through an art gallery set up on a white beach out in nature.

We walked out onto the pale beach littered with shells as far as I could see. This beach was quiet with very few people visiting which seems to be normal even during the summer months. It felt like a tucked away piece of beauty. We walked along it, talking and picking up shells, while enjoying the sunny day. After our walk, we went to another area along the beach where people can see large, coastal trees buried in the sand.

This was nature’s art installation, as I previously mentioned. The way the dark wood twists and crooks through the air creates fascinating shapes against the blue sky before being swallowed by the fine sand under our feet. Not only was it extremely unique and beautiful to look at, it was also jarring realizing a storm ripped these trees from the ground and thrust them into the sad. It feels unnatural looking at the roots of a tree as if those were its branches. I also expected the wood to be bleached white from the elements, but they were stark and dark. I loved walking around and looking at them all, and I’m so happy I got to visit this place with Mary and Mollie.

South Carolina was lovely and spending time with Connor’s family was amazing. I love them so much. I had the best time with them.

After that, I got all packed up to go home for the last two weeks of the year. I flew in a few days before Christmas and got to stay until January 2nd. I’m so thankful I got time at home. There’s no feeling quite like it, the family, the friends, the familiar roads, the starry nights, the cow pastures and the orchards, I could go on and on. Being around my family and in my hometown makes my heart feel so full.

I stayed with my grandpa to be close to him and around as much family as I could be. My cousins, sister, brother, and mom all traveled to join my aunt, uncle, grandpa, dad, and more in NorCal. There were tons of family meals and late night talks. We walked the dogs, baked together, and played games. It was amazing.

My dad and I had a warm breakfast at a nostalgic diner in Chico, and then went to our favorite bookstore together.

I had to keep my hands in my pockets so I wouldn’t buy anymore books.

My dad was sneaky and bought me a book I had been pining over, but surprised me with it as a Christmas gift.

My Dad’s birthday was December 31st, so we all went up to his house for breakfast to celebrate with him.

It was a beautiful day as we walked around the property together. I also got him some books from the bookstore for his birthday.

Most of the days were very rainy though. The haze made it hard to see the mountains surrounding Red Bluff like a bowl. I missed the snowy giants.

It made it hard to go on hikes as well which is one of the activities I love to do when I come home. Even so, I didn’t dislike the haze. It brought my focus more inward and kept my energy with loved ones.

Christmas was a magical day. A 15 person family brunch started off the day and the whirlwind continued from there.

Eventually we did presents in the evening with everyone packed into the living room around the table tree.

My cousin and I had proudly decorated the cute tree a few days prior, and I loved sleeping on the couch with its twinkle lights bathing the room in a soft glow.

Everyone loved their gifts while enjoying gifting to others.

The night wrapped up late into the evening, and my cousin and I stayed up cleaning the house as much as we could so it wasn’t a disaster in the morning.

Not too long after Christmas, we celebrated my sister’s 30th birthday! All the girls in the family and some of her friends went to Napa Valley for three tastings at Paradigm Winery, Nickel & Nickel, and Storybook Mountain Vineyards. Paradigm Winery was the perfect start to the morning with an intimate tasting where we got to learn all about the passion behind the wine, and we got to meet the founder and owner Ren. I highly, highly recommend adding this winery to your list if you are visiting the area. Nickel & Nickel had a very impressive wine cellar full of massive wine barrels which was very cool to witness. The tasting was paired with cheese and olives as well which was a plus. I liked Paradigm better than Nickel & Nickel though. Storybook Mountain Vineyards was my favorite overall, I mean as a writer, how could it not be? The tall redwoods, steep hills, and wine cave were endearing and whimsical. I loved the location even in the gray drizzle. I’m sure it is stunning on a sunny day. Everyone had a wonderful time tasting wine and spending time together. It was so fun.

The day after was also special because my mom brought home movies over to my grandpa’s to watch with family breakfast. Then, I played cribbage with my grandpa and cousin. The girls and I went shopping for a little to get out of the house too. We enjoyed a calm family day after all of the busy activities.

I was extra lucky this trip to see extended family and old friends too.

My sister and I spent a day in Sacramento with our godparents and godsister which was amazing. We rarely get to be together, so having everyone’s schedules align for the one day was perfect.

We spent hours and hours catching up in their home that feels like childhood to me.

I got my first permanent bracelet with my godsister, and I love it because it makes her feel closer.

We stayed for dinner and played games until it got too late to stay longer. We drove away after multiple round of hugs, and our godmother waving behind us with her traditional goodbye. I love them so much.

I had another heart warming visit with old family friends. They helped me as I grew up, and have always been an important part of my life. I love them so much too. I got to see them the day after Christmas which happened to be when their kids that I grew up with were visiting from out of town as well! It was so fun to be surrounded by all of them as we caught up for hours. I wish I could’ve stayed longer, but I needed to be back to my house for dinner. I gave them all hugs after eating my weight in Lynette’s Christmas cookies and headed home.

Prior to the holiday chaos, I got to see our old family friends who lived next door to my family. Their son was my age with a sister slightly older than him. I love getting to hang out with them and laugh about all the crazy life things we have gotten up to.

It was so fun getting to hear about what Ricky, one of my oldest friends, has been up to and getting to catch up with his mom. Always brings up great memories, I love them.

Ricky and I try to go on hikes whenever we are both in town, but as I mentioned, the weather wasn’t cooperating enough for that.

We were able to squeeze one in on the first of the new year thankfully.

We hike Iron Canyon Trail pretty much every year when we are both in town because it is only 15 minutes away from our places.

It’s also super pretty with lava rock, views of the Sacramento River, and scraggly trees I’m sentimental about from growing up in the area.

I’m so happy we got to go! Ricky brought his puppy girl June too, and she is adorable. The hike was awesome.

I finally got to meet up with one of my old friends from high school too who I hadn’t seen in a few years.

We talk on the phone, but it was so great seeing her in person.

It made me feel like we were both in high school again getting ready for a soccer tournament or about to play Just Dance on the Wii.

I seriously had the best time catching up with her over coffee at From the Hearth in downtown Red Bluff.

It’s so great to be with the people you love. I wish we could get together more often, but at least we are able to see each other over Facetime.

I caught up with another old friend over coffee in Anderson, and we hadn’t seen or spoken to each other in roughly eight years. It felt great getting back in touch and meeting up. I’m so happy her journey has gotten her to where she is today, and it was so great hearing about it face-to-face with her right across the table from me.

The last thing to wrap up the trip home, other than the hike on January 1st, was the New Year’s Eve Red Bluff Round Up Rodeo. It was my first year going, and I had so much fun! I had to borrow some cowgirl boots and a cow hide purse to complete the wild west vibe of the evening.

I already knew we were going to have a blast because we swung into the parking lot playing “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy” which is a top tier pump up song, especially for a rodeo.

We had a blast watching the bulls and broncs before the rodeo events wrapped up and the live band came on.

The band played till a little after midnight in the arena where we were all swing dancing.

At midnight, I Facetimed Connor to send him a kiss while showing him the pyrotechnics going off around me. That rodeo evening was a very fun way to ring in the new year.

Spending time with family, seeing amazing people, and doing fun activities pretty much makes up my whole December. I went coast to coast this month, fitting in as much love and joy as I could.

My heart is completely full and I couldn’t be more thankful, so I would say it went perfectly.

After flying back to South Carolina to pack my car and get on the road, Connor and I drove for two days to get to Boston. We stopped at my aunt and uncle’s place in Maryland overnight and finished driving the next day. We had to downsize to only one car this time which made packing quite difficult, but Princess loved having all of us together in the same car.

Princess Update:

With all of us being in the same car, Princess was less car sick and settled down a lot quicker. The travel was still hard on her though. She is recovering in Boston, and will hopefully be feeling back to normal soon! Connor had to take her to the vet on January 2nd because of a respiratory cold and a scratched eye. I was still flying back to South Carolina while he handled everything. I’m beyond grateful he caught it all early because the vet treated the cold and we are treating her eye at home. Send healthy, healing thoughts!