Explore, Dream, Discover, and Love

I usually travel with my children, however I believe it’s important to have some time alone with your spouse. Here are some perfect destinations that I love to explore without the kids.

Carmel by the Sea, California

This town has an old European charm; no chain restaurants or stores are allowed on its major roads. Instead there are unique boutiques, restaurants and art galleries.
To get to Carmel, you can fly into Monterey and it’s a 15‐minute drive away, or you can fly into San Francisco, rent a car and it’s a 2‐hour drive. We stayed at the Pine Inn. The location is perfect as it is right in the middle of town. Pretty much everything is in walking distance from here. It has an old‐world feel to it, so if you prefer something more modern, I’d recommend another spot.

For dinner I have to suggest the Pacific’s Edge. It’s actually in a Hyatt hotel and a little ways out of town, but the views are magnificent. You could choose to stay here as well, but the location is not within walking distance to the town.

The famous Pebble Beach Golf Course is like no other. It would be amazing to play a round of golf here. They also have resorts that you can stay in, but again its location is not ideal. If golf isn’t your thing you could drive the 17‐Mile Drive to take in the views from the area. It’s $10 and has many places to stop and get out to explore.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

If you haven’t made it here yet, you are missing out. The food alone is worth a trip. American Airlines flies direct from DFW, however you can get here cheaper by flying to Albuquerque. We usually stay on the plaza at my favorite hacienda La Fonda. It’s an old hotel that has been remodeled recently. If you can get a Terrace room, it’s worth it. You have access to an outdoor private balcony with views overlooking the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi that is lit up at night.

Santa Fe has very unique stores and art galleries, which are fun to explore. Spend the day strolling around the plaza, walking into a gallery is like visiting a museum, there’s so much to learn. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs is deemed sacred by the Native Americans here. Time here would be such a blessing. VIsit http://www.ojospa.com ​for all the rejuvenating details.

There are so many wonderful places to eat in Santa Fe. Of all the restaurants, we have found Geronimo’s to be the best place for dinner. If you only have one night out for a nice dinner, you can’t go wrong by choosing this one. Café Pasqual’s for breakfast is not to be missed. The line can get long, so go early and if there’s a wait, it’s worth it!

San Antonio, Texas

If you’d like to stay closer to home, this city has tons of charm. In a short four‐hour drive you can really escape to another place. La Mansion Del Rio is a stunning old hotel on the river, yet has all the luxuries you’re looking for. It’s so dreamlike to walk along the river at night and just take it all in. Take a boat tour followed by a couples massage back at the hotel for the ultimate in relaxation.

I’d recommend a nice dinner at Biga on the Banks, followed by an after dinner drink at Swig on your way back to the hotel.

We get so busy with life and time flies by; we sometimes forget to focus on each other. Don’t say maybe next year. Plan it now. You won’t regret it! You can’t go wrong with any of these locations.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” –​Mark Twain

I wish you luck and safe travels! Tricia Schniederjan

Tricia Schniederjan is a Fort Worth girl born and raised, Tricia is a runner, scuba diver, snow and water skier, hiker and kayaker.  Her love of exploring has taken her on many adventures with her 5 children which has led to her becoming an expert at traveling with children. She is a UT Austin graduate, an optimist, peace keeper and enjoyer of life.