From the Appalachian Trail to Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende, we have big plans for 2018.
“It seems like many people I know traveled to San Miguel de Allende and Mexico City in the past year. The Instagram envy was heavy—bougainvillea against ochre-colored walls, Colonial church spires, Frida Kahlo’s garden, tacos, tacos, and more tacos… Now I want to go, too, and thankfully, G&G has helpful city guides to both.” —Phillip Rhodes, Executive Managing Editor
Photo: Jody Horton
The grand exterior of the Centro’s Palacio de Correos in Mexico City.
“Now that my aunt and uncle live in Clayton, North Carolina, just outside of Raleigh, I’m determined to visit them and re-acquaint myself with the Triangle. I’ll use Cheetie Kumar’s “Eat Like a Local in Raleigh” as my guidebook—her Garland, as well as Poole’s Diner (finally!) and Brewery Bhavana, will be on my list.” —Amanda Heckert, Deputy Editor
Photo: Courtesy of Brewery Bhavana
The interior at Brewery Bhavana, a book and flower shop that serves microbrews and dim sum.
“Europe is usually where I like to spend my vacation days but this year I have my sights set on South America—Uruguay, Ecuador, or Chile. I’ve heard great things about each of those places and would love some adventure travel. South America is a lofty goal, and I’d have to be very lucky to get down there, so in the meantime I’ll be planning day trips in the outdoors around the Lowcountry.” —Margaret Houston, Associate Photo Editor
“I spent the first week of January in Mexico City, and I loved how easy it was to get around, how friendly and personable locals are, all the colorful markets, and the totally top-notch food. (Don’t miss Rosetta for a surprising and perfect Italian meal—and its charming sister bakery just a block away.) I’m hoping to visit Costa Rica this year too. I want to do a little adventure tourism—hiking and biking through all that natural beauty.” —CJ Lotz, Research Editor
“Living in Charleston is amazing—there’s nothing better than driving out to the beach for a sunset walk after a long workday. But being here also makes me miss the mountains of Virginia where I went to school, so in 2018 I’ll be making a few trips up to Lexington, Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley to get my hiking fix. I’m hoping I can get up there in late spring or summer to float the Maury River and hike up Devil’s Marble Yard, which is just a little ways off Route 11 near Natural Bridge Station. The area is also home to some incredible restaurants with great, down-home Appalachian cuisine and some fantastic breweries.” —Caroline Sanders, Editorial Assistant
“I want to explore southern sections of the Appalachian Trail. Springer Mountain in Georgia is on my to-hike list, along with parts of the trail that straddle North Carolina and Tennessee. I’ve never been on the southern reaches of the AT—only on portions in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and at Mount Katahdin in Maine—and am eager to see this part of the path.” —Chris Kraft, Digital Director
Courtesy of U.S. Forest Service
“A lot of my travel for pleasure usually revolves around fishing. This year, I’d like to catch a bull red in the surf at Cape Hatteras (which I’ve never done), and I’m itching to do some smallmouth fishing on the Pigeon River and French Broad. I’d also like to do something of a staycation and rent a place on Goat Island for a few days. It’s on the ICW just outside Charleston and accessible only by boat. Apart from fishing, I’m looking for any excuse to go back to New Orleans.” —Dave Mezz, Deputy Editor
“For me, 2018 is shaping up to be the year of the wedding—both my own in Atlanta and those of friends in Charlotte, Nashville, Florida, and beyond. With so much travel in the cards, I’m hoping to spend the rest of my days off getting better acquainted with Charleston. I’ve called the city home for one year now, but still it seems my to-do list gains a new restaurant, rooftop, or activity every day. At the top of the docket: eat my weight in oysters at Bowens Island; take a yoga and surf class on Folly Beach; and finally order the enormous Sunday-brunch-only Bloody Mary I’ve been eyeing at the Darling Oyster Bar.” —Dacey Orr, Assistant Online Editor/Producer
