Yesterday The Husband and I embarked on an old-fashioned road trip, just him and I — no kids!! — for our 12th anniversary.
Of course we couldn’t get started without some fuel.
DD before getting on the road. Look closely “The Husband” fans. ;)
From our house to the resort we were staying at in Vermont, was about 470 miles away.
We’ve got a LONG way to go.
It’s quite a hike!
The map view.
Within an hour we crossed our first state border…
Welcome to DE!
…threw them some money and then entered our third state.
Welcome to NJ!
We actually drive the NJ Turnpike a lot. The Husband’s office is outside Trenton, we go to the shore at least yearly, and I drive to NY quite a bit.
Pistop on New Jersey Turnpike
As the planes landed and took off, The Husband and I had yet another discussion about his fear of flying.
Husband plane freakout
Part of me wishes he’d just “get over it,” but I know it’s not that easy. Plus I don’t mind road trips. We have a lot of fun, spend time together and see lots of things.
Driving Past NYC
We made it to New York painlessly — not one bit of traffic!
Welcome to NY!
We could have easily made it to Albany on one tank of gas in our beat-up 2000 Honda Civic, but we decided it was time to fill up.
Pitstop in Upstate NY
We were really having a blast chatting and hanging out together, alone, like we used to before kids.
6 Hours on the Road!
Don’t get me wrong, having kids is GREAT! I wouldn’t change my family for the world, but parents need time to themselves. They just do.
I convinced Mr. Fast Food Junkie to try something different for lunch, and we discovered Bar-B-QSA just a mile off the highway.
PJ’s Bar-B-QSA
It. Was. Awesome!
Lunch at PJ’s Bar-B-QSA
Even The Husband thought so!
The Husband Quit Happy with the Lunch at PJ’s Bar-B-QSA decision
Back on the road and getting closer. I believe this is a view of Lake George.
View of the lake
We drove alongside it for over an hour.
Driving past Lake George
It was a beautiful and quite hilly ride. I wasn’t sure our old Civic was going to make it!
But we did!
Welcome to Vermont
The last hour of the trip seemed to drag on forever. It took a total of 9 hours. Not bad with 3 stops!
The Essex Sign – We Made it!
I was awed driving in. We never stayed at a resort like this before.
Driving in to the Essex in Vermont
We strolled around the grounds scoping everything out.
The Spa at The Essex
And caught a gorgeous sunset.
Sunset in Essex Junction
The resort looked so pretty at dusk.
The Essex Culinary Resort and Spa at Dusk
We decided to stay on site and grab a quick dinner at The Tavern.
The Tavern at The Essex
It was a great way to end our day.
Enjoying a Beer at The Tavern
Today I’ve already gone for a run and right now the Husband is playing golf. Later, I’m heading to the pool.
Tomorrow we’re taking a cooking class, visiting the Ben and Jerry’s Factory and possibly going shopping. I didn’t realize there’s a rock wall climbing place right next door, I’m hoping to check that out as well. Overall, we are just relaxing with no real agenda. It’s just nice to be out of the daily grind and experiencing something new.
More later!
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Jessey
May 2, 2013My in-laws live the next town over to the Inn at Essex - we've been to a few weddings there. We looked at getting married there, but ended up getting married in Stowe instead. Have a wonderful trip!
Sheri J
May 2, 2013Thanks for the update. So glad you both are having a great time. We love road trips too! Getting there ALWAYS feels like it takes longer than getting home. Must be the anticipation!
Erin
May 2, 2013Good for you getting away without the kids. I need to take the leap and leave them for some time away with the hubs as well. We haven't been anywhere alone since our daughter who is 5 1/2 was born!!!!
Rachel
May 3, 2013So jealous of your weekend away!! My hubby & I big fans of road trips as well and are looking forward to when our 6 month old can be left for a weekend with grandma! VT is one of my favorite states (you would love Brattleboro) and we stayed at the Essex a few years ago for a dear friends wedding. One of our favorite trips!! Enjoy!!!
Aimee
May 3, 2013How wonderful! I've always wanted to go to the Essex. My husband and I love Vermont. The air smells cleaner and I always feel calmer when I am there. We don't live too far so I get to visit at least a couple times of year. Have a great time.
Patty
May 6, 2013Love road trips! What a fabulous place :)
Alison
May 6, 2013Roni, do you have any suggestions for a fairly newlywed couple (four years!) who can't seem to have a good vacation together? I noticed you and your husband did a few things by yourselves- is that how you make it work? My husband likes to sit in the hotel room and sleep or watch TV while I like to go out and do things! Whenever we go do things together be complains and hates being around crowds. Just trying to figure this out... I don't want to go on another vacation with him until we figure it out. I should ENJOY being on vacation why my hubby, right? Because right now, I do not. At all. Thanks for any tips you or anyone else might have :)
Jen
May 7, 2013Hey Alison, I could not help but comment on your question. My husband and I (also only married 3 years) also go away once a year without the kids. Some vacations are great, and some were not. We both do make it a priority to do this because we need to reconnect. We each have a "bucket list" that we work off of. He has his things that he loves to do and I have mine. One year he will pick something to do and the next I will . I always know what he will pick because he is very predictable. Most of the time I am not real excited (aka..nude beach) about his choice but I do it anyway because HE wants to do it. Another suggestion I would say is to make it short. Sometimes just a weekend adventure is enough and the most fun. If you need any suggestions on trips, let me know. I have a few fun ones up my sleeve...:)
Alison
May 8, 2013It's hard to reconnect when you're not enjoying your time with the other person. *sigh* Glad it works for you guys!
Kristen
May 8, 2013Saw you guys on Church Street but was too starstruck to say hi! Hope you had a great time in the Green Mountains :)
A Day in Burlington
May 8, 2013No WAY! You should have said hi! I just posted about that day too! A Day in Burlington… http://theunworldlytravelers.com/2013/05/a-day-in-burlington/
Roni
May 8, 2013Alison - I sure will post about this! I have some thoughts, just give me a few weeks. It's a crazy time there.