As 2021 comes to a close, I like to reflect on the past year and look to the year ahead. Much like 2020, 2021 was another unpredictable year. There were highs and lows and then some more lows, though I prefer to focus on the positive. I snuck in a few vacations and flew for the first time since 2019 to attend Global Traveler’s GT Tested Reader Survey awards in Los Angeles.

South Carolina

Some of my favorite moments from 2021:

• Visiting new-to-me hiking trails in New Jersey, including Wells Mills County Park, Woods at Wenonah, Whitesbog Historic Farm & Village, Historic Smithville Park and Parvin State Park
• Winery hopping for my friend’s bachelorette party in Purcellville, Virginia
• A road trip to Charleston, South Carolina
• A friends trip to New York’s Finger Lakes
• Participating in our town’s annual Porchfest music festival
• Visiting Governors Island with friends
• Excellent dining experiences at Zahav, Laser Wolf, Pizzeria Beddia, June BYOB, Korshak Bagels and Sweet Amalia Market and Kitchen

Governors Island

I don’t have many set plans for 2022. And as many of us have experienced over the last two years, plans change. So far, my husband, friends and I plan to attend the High Water Festival in North Charleston, South Carolina. We had tickets for 2020, though the music festival was canceled and not held in 2021. In May, my husband and I will attend a family wedding at the New Jersey shore. Other than those two trips, I look forward to spending time with friends and family and exploring new places near and far.

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2022!

— Katie Skrzek, vice president/digital director

Pizzeria Beddia

Finger Lakes