Now that I’m on the road to recovery, it is marvelous to be able to plan and hope for the future. One thing I’m looking forward to most is traveling.

I’d love to explore some new places like Bulgaria, Tasmania, and Finland. But first I want to go to countries I’ve already explored that hold people I love dearly. Like Germany.

Of all the places I’ve traveled, Germany is the one country I return to over and over again, not only for its stunning beauty, fascinating history, and seriously good sausages, but because of the friends and family that have lived there. Just thinking about them makes me happy.

One of my favorite places in Germany is the Black Forest. I love it there any time of year.

Winter is a fairyland of falling snow, twinkling lights, and half-timbered houses that have me dreamy of wintry hikes in the woods and cozy nights around the fire.

Baden-Baden in WinterSpring is when I love hiking in the Black Forest. It’s not too hot or muggy and the woods are full of wildflowers and vivid green ferns. It’s not too hard to imagine fairy tales being lived out in a place like this.

hiking in the Black ForestSummer is wonderful for swimming in the lakes and eating copious amounts of ice cream while wandering through the many beautiful towns of the Black Forest. Baden-Baden may be a highlight for gorgeous architecture, spas, and shopping, but heading up into the hills to smaller villages is well worth the effort. Β Going from the airport in Frankfurt to Baden-Baden is easy and by train delightful. It is a great starting point for further exploration.

Baden-BadenAutumn may be my favorite time of all, for this is when the orchards and vineyards are overflowing with luscious produce. I love ambling through the markets and scoping out massive cabbages and huge baskets of apples. Going for drives up in the hills is sheer bliss, rolling past ancient castles and beautifully designed vineyards dripping with grapes ready to be turned into wine.

Black Forest wine countryIf you could plan a trip to visit people you love, where would you go?