2011 Round-Up: The Best Outdoor Excursions

Below is a quick round-up of outdoor outing adventures that I enjoyed this year.  There are so many places we wanted to try to visit, but didn’t get a chance to.  A camping trip, local hiking, and Zion are high on the list for 2012!  Mark and I both enjoy photography, so grabbing our cameras and spending the day with nature can be loads of fun for us.  Check out the full gallery at the bottom.


Early Winter: Huntington Gardens

The Huntington Botanical Gardens are just insanely gorgeous.  I think my favorite area in the park is the Rose Garden.  I tried to choose a favorite between the Japanese and Chinese gardens, but they are both so gorgeous I just can’t decide!  I plan on trying to enjoy the Tea Room as well as the library and its exhibits on my next visit.


Spring: Epcot

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit Epcot at Disney World for the second time in my life this past April.  Experiencing it as an adult while with my boyfriend was a magical experience.  The “World Showcase” was easily our favorite part.  We visited each “country” and dined at great restaurants in both “Mexico” and “Morocco.”  

 


Summer: San Francisco Piers

 

We spent our Fourth of July in San Francisco for the fireworks (duh) and to celebrate our best friend’s birthday.  The pier is full of touristy shops, seriously amazing street style seafood, and all sorts of interesting things to do (see Mirror Maze pic in gallery below).


Fall: Indianapolis Brown County State Park

I got to experience a “real” fall this year in Indiana vs what we get in Southern California.  We visited Brown County State Park and the colors were absolutely breathtaking.  It’s the kind of place where postcard scenes throw themselves at your camera. The timing was extra special since the changing of the colors really only lasts a few days out of the whole year. I was beyond lucky.


Full Gallery Below:

 


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  1. Yayyyy, you’re back to blogging, my gorgeous friend! These pictures are too beautiful for words, and I’m so happy to vicariously live through and your gorgeous outdoor adventures this year. Hoping 2012 brings you so many more! (I’m also obsessed with your striped sweater!). xox

  2. Hoooooly! Fall in Indiana looks insanely gorgeous! I get so sad that we don’t get a real Fall here. The tea room in Huntington Gardens is so nice. They do a little buffet brunch with all their tea sandwiches & cakes & you can order different teas for pots at your table. I just love the rose garden & Japanese/Chinese gardens there. Did you notice a scene in the new Muppet movie filmed there? Where Animal was getting his anger management class? ;) Also {jeez long comment} Zion is totally on my list for 2012! Happy New Year!