Your Weekend Getaway is Closer Than You Think

Short road trips are underestimated. You don't need to leave the country to have a successful and memorable trip. So much of wanting to get away is just relaxing or seeing new sights, which you can do in just about two hours' time without the airline hassle.

We were back at the Catskills for our most recent trip in Barryville, N.Y.

While looking up activities to celebrate my son's 13th birthday we found Kittatinny River Trips. Depending on the size of your group and the amount of time you're willing to dedicate to the water activity you can reserve something as big as a raft or as small as a donut tube. Be mindful of the trip times you're reserving. Once you're on course you have to make it back to base camp with your raft since there are no midway exits. You can however make a stop along the way on any public areas to picnic or take a break. Be sure to bring a small water proof bag/cooler to store your food, phone, or any other items you're unwilling to get wet.

Short break from paddling for some picture taking and picnicing.

We were lucky enough to have a partly sunny forecast during our trip. Honestly, we probably would have struggled a bit more otherwise. If you're booking ahead of time and aren't sure of the weather it's safer to wear a quickdry top or swimsuit that covers your shoulders, sunscreen for other exposed parts, and swim shoes are highly recommended.

The sights are beautiful and vast, so take it all in. If you are at all worried about the rapids like I was, the trip down the Delaware River was pretty mild with the occasional bumping into rocky spots. If you can afford a few passengers that can't put in the paddling work feel free to bring the kids and the dog along too.

Just 25 minutes away from our Kittatinny adventure was our 4 bed 2 1/2 bath Airbnb reservation on 20 acres of greenery. It's a charming and comfy home, but best of all

pet friendly! Most of you know it's not an actual family trip for us unless my fur son can attend. Fang loved it and even spotted some deer early mornings.

Stay up and play a boardgame with your crew (we actually got to finish a game of Monopoly for once!) and get a clear crisp view of the night sky. There's an enclosed porch if you get the late night creepies.

The weathered barn is a beautiful backdrop for IG worthy picture taking, but so are many other areas around the house.

For some close by good but inexpensive grub visit Back to Bakers. With a group of 9 we had most of what was on their menu and we all loved our picks (don't miss out on the Irish Nachos appetizer...still craving more). There's outdoor seating available where Fang got to make friends with some local four legged buddies too!

We planned on doing one more activity before heading home and found a little gem on google maps, but made a pitstop for breakfast at Stewie's first. If you're traveling with your fur child there is also outdoors seating here. Again, no complaints at our table. Everything was delicious and our server Diana was the best!

Just a few minutes away is Grey Towers Historic Site, a French chateau-style mansion

built in 1886 with stunning architecture and beautifully manicured lawns. No, weddings are not held here (we asked for you) but it's open to the public for free. Guided tours within the mansion itself require a fee.

There are picture worthy moments literally at every turn.

I love sharing my road trips with you! Are you inspired to hit the road? Leave me any questions or ideas of your own in the comments below!