I used to think the perfect vacation was to spend a month in France or the winter in Costa Rica.
But now I feel that the best vacations are ones that allow me a quick getaway by car. A place where I know the language and the currency. I am not stressed about transportation, timetables and changing locations.
I just want to relax, as soon as possible and as often as possible. I want to come home feeling refreshed. And if at all possible, to be in the same time zone.
We just returned from our vacation to the beautiful seaside village of Lewes (pronounced Lewis) Delaware. It has everything that we love: a large beach, biking trails to a State Park, amazing gardens and historic homes, all within 1 hour and 20 minutes from home.
Lewes has always been a daytrip for us just to spend a day on the beach and eat at one of our favorite restaurants then drive home exhausted. So, this time we decided to spend 3 nights in a great VRBO overlooking the harbor on the river that divides the town of Lewes from its barrier island.
I am finding that my favorite vacations are not only closer to home but are for a shorter duration. The latter was initially due to wanting to get home to Graycie, our precious older cat. Now that Graycie is unfortunately no longer with us, I thought that I would want to go on longer trips, but I find that I want my own bed, my routine and my stuff within about 4 days.
There was a time that I dreamed of vacations to Europe or a tropical island for weeks, but now they seem like a lot of trouble, and they are. Researching the best VRBO or Airbnb, then figuring out the dates based on any number of things such as what is going on in my garden, commitments, weather, and even hurricane season.
That is just the beginning!! There is getting everything done before I leave, such as garden chores, laundry, and cleaning the house because I hate coming home to a dirty house.
Next, getting up early, after no sleep, (because who can sleep the night before you need to catch a plane) then to be at the airport 2 hours early, which is an hour away, just to wait for hours while watching the board for the delays and gate changes. If you are lucky, and how often does that happen with airline trips, you will leave on time and catch your connecting flight without running across an entire airport dragging your suitcase. Are you with me??
Then, you get to turn around and do it all over again to get home.
Don’t get me wrong, I am so glad that we took those European and tropical island trips, and I may take more, but we have become home bodies. I crave a routine. Up early, yoga, exercise, take a walk, breakfast, work (yard or blogging), make dinner, eat in front of the TV watching our favorite shows then off to bed. And, if I have trouble sleeping, I can curl up in my big, overstuffed chair with an ottoman and read until I fall asleep. The perfect day.
So, the last 2 trips we have taken were within a 3-hour drive. You may remember our trip to Mt Gretna last year. A short 3-hour drive through the Lancaster County Pennsylvania farmland and rolling hills.
I can fill my car with whatever I want, including my oh so important pillow, snacks and in the case of a beach vacation, my own chairs and umbrella!!
Lewes is now at the top of the list for the perfect getaway. There is a slower pace there. Everyone is friendly, especially during the shoulder season when it is not so busy.
Some of my favorite restaurants are located within walking distance of the home we rented. My 5 favorites are Nectar, for a great breakfast or lunch, The Station on King is also great for breakfast and lunch, Agava has a delicious Mexican dinner menu, and my favorite is Raas Indian restaurant. Raas even has a large vegan and vegetarian menu. Oh, and let’s not forget Notting Hill Coffee, which has not only delicious coffee, so my husband tells me, but also my favorite, a plethora of loose teas to choose from. Plus the best sticky buns I have ever tasted.
Breakfast at Nectar. This is their French Toast with a Pecan Bourbon Sauce and Butter Pecan Ice Cream on the side! Don’t judge! Everybody deserves ice cream for breakfast on their birthday.
We also like to take the ferry from Lewes to Cape May, NJ for a daytrip. Again, I can pack up the car with whatever I want including beach stuff and change of clothes and take the car on the ferry. It is about an hour and 10-minute ride across the Delaware Bay. Time to relax and enjoy the trip.
This year was an important milestone for us. Dudley proposed to me on Sunset Beach in Cape May 10 years ago. It was a lovely day.
Sunset in Cape May, New Jersey
This is where we stayed in Cape May 10 years ago.
One of the many “Lewes in Bloom” gardens
More Lewes in Bloom
The small downtown historic area only covers about a half square mile, so you can imagine the riotous color throughout the town. They are in large pots, hanging from light posts and planted in front of businesses. If I haven’t convinced you before, this should be the reason you visit Lewes. It is amazing!
I urge you to do some research in your area. Give yourself a 3-hour radius and find somewhere you would like to visit. Choose 2-3 nights. Depending on your hobbies, choose locations that will keep you as busy as you want or as relaxed as you need.
I would love to know where your favorite vacation spot is located!
Short trips close to home can be fun! We enjoyed a trip to the Finger Lakes! Because we weren’t flying we could bring back as much wine as we wanted !