August: Carving Out Couple Time a Short Drive From Home


Our Couple-Time Sojourn to Saratoga Springs

Carving out time for the 2 of us

Rich and I plan a getaway for the two of us any time Teen Traveler is away on her own. This summer she had the opportunity to spend three weeks in Estonia (later this fall). We had big ambitions but all we managed to make time for was a quick four-day sojourn right before she was due home.

We didn't want to worry about weather or airline technical problems (hello, Delta!) delayng our flights on such a short trip. And we didn't want to spend more than a half day driving each way. And, we wanted someplace new. Tall order!

So, where did we go?

We found everything we would want in a romantic grown-ups weekend in Saratoga Springs, about a five-hour drive from NYC.

We went to a legendary local café to hear live music, spent an afternoon at Saratoga's festive racecourse and even soaked in the town's famous mineral water. We relaxed at our hotel, which was nestled into a lovely and large state park.

Better still, we had really, really good meals, including dinner at a stylish wine bar that would have no appeal to a teen. We came home feeling relaxed and like we'd made the most of our limited time. And the price tag was reasonable for the quality of hotel, restaurants and activities.

Read: Bet on this plan for a great couple's weekend in Saratoga Springs, NY

For more ideas: 11 easy and fun getaways from NYC
And 10 ways everyday couples found time for kid-free getaways

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Eileen Gunn is a native New Yorker, consumer journalist, fearless world traveler and mom of one. She’s written a career-advice book that took lessons from extreme sports, climbed a volcano in the pitch black, gone kayaking in a typhoon. She\'s traveled to more than 35 countires and has taken her now-teen to 19 countries on four continents. She launched FamiliesGo! to give parents the best tools and information to plan memorable vacations quickly and easily. She loves to connect moms and dads with travel and consumer brands that understand what parents need and want on their family vacations.

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