Making Milestone Memories
- L. Janel
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
In August, I was blessed with the opportunity to celebrate my 50th birthday. This year, 2026, has been a consequential one for me and my family. On top of my husband and I both turning 50, we've had multiple family weddings, graduations and college send-offs, and major trips both nationally and internationally to plan, attend, and enjoy. In the midst of all of the back-to-back excitement, I've barely had a chance to simply catch my breath and be still. So, for my birthday, I told my husband all I wanted was peace, beauty, and quiet. He delivered. With his support and a few bonus actions from other loved ones and friends, I was able to enjoy a relaxing weekend that started with a local day spa and ended with a stress-free road trip. In this edition of L. Janel Travels, I'll share three ideas and tips to create a peaceful and quiet long weekend of relaxed travel.
Book a new day spa experience in your town.
Yes, this is a travel blog but sometimes travel just means to go out and explore something new right in your hometown. For me, that meant traveling to South Baltimore and booking a facial and massage at a place I'd never been. I started my 50th birthday weekend by spending my Friday afternoon at Tranquil Traditions. The facial I received was amazing and the massage was so relaxing, I feel asleep—something that rarely happens when I'm on a massage table. Between treatments, I walked to nearby Cross Street Market in Baltimore's Federal Hill neighborhood and enjoyed a solo lunch. Sometimes, peace and quiet means sitting alone with some good food, people watching, and time for quiet reflection.
One of the best moments of the afternoon came when a security guard directly told me that I could not cut through a restaurant to exit the market because "students were not allowed" to come in during those hours. As I stood there ready to plead my case, I'm sure he finally saw the (disrespectful) gray hairs sticking out of one of my eyebrows and he suddenly shooed me in. Y'all, I'm not even going to be mad that on the eve of my 50th birthday, I was briefly mistaken as one of the high schoolers who'd just been dismissed from a nearby school, lol!
Tip: Look up reviews for a day spa near you and create your own pampered experience. Try a new treatment and stay present in the moment to relax.
Find restoration and refreshment in nearby nature.
That Saturday, my husband and I ventured on a short road trip to Kennett Square, Pennsylvania to enjoy the beauty and grace of Longwood Gardens. After skipping I-95 and taking a scenic route that wound through tree-lined and pastoral roads, we spent hours walking and sitting amongst the topiary and rose gardens; a bonsai courtyard; a blooming flower garden walk; multiple conservatories, and synchronized water fountains. We splurged and enjoyed lunch at an elegant onsite restaurant, 1906, and then ended the visit sitting by a lake. The perfectly blue, sunny, temperate day was exactly the quiet and reflective retreat I longed for my birthday. To avoid having to rush back home, we cashed in some hotel reward points to stay free at a nearby hotel for one night. Staying in the moment and off script, we found a diner to enjoy traditional comfort foods for dinner.
If you are ever in southeastern Pennsylvania, consider exploring Longwood Gardens and staying in the Brandywine Valley/Wilmington DE area to make the most of a long weekend.
A grand garden Outside a conservatory Inside a conservatory Giant water platters The start of a flower walk I love a winding path Plenty of places to sit and reflect Green, water, sky. At the 1906 restaurant, even the bread and butter is garden-themed. What's behind this entranceway? I felt like I was in Alice in Wonderland. A walk through the woods Italian water garden Imagine running through a meadow Quiet by the lake The grace of a single bloom
Tip: Join rewards programs and use them up for birthdays. I was able to enjoy free ice cream at Baskin Robbins and a free small cake at a local vendor all because I'd joined their rewards programs. Sometimes, the little treats make all the difference for your special day.
Discover a new walking path.
The final highlight of my birthday weekend came with a walk on a riverfront. On our way back home to Baltimore, we stopped at New Castle Battery Park in Delaware. Meandering a paved path along the Delaware River, I enjoyed this scenic walkway more than I anticipated. At the beginning of the walkway was green space where families and couples lay in the shade or sat at picnic tables. One family had a celebration going; another small group of people played music while stretched across a blanket. While my husband sat on a bench and absorbed the view, I ventured onto the start of the mile-long path. Tall reeds rustled in the wind to my right. Sailboats dotted the water to my left. Runners, bikers, and occasional dog walkers filed past as I strolled a short distance to a small grove dotted with trees. I sat on a bench alone and listened as a constant wind rushed over my ears and waves lapped the rocky shoreline. Some of my favorite moments of the entire weekend were sitting amongst those trees listening to my thoughts and God's creation. After we left, we drove through the quaint town of Historic New Castle. I would love to go back up there and explore the town a bit more. I found an ice cream window (yes, a window) and did indulge in a bowl of mint chocolate chip.
Green space. Scenic view. The start of the mile-long path. Mile markers show your progress. 
Listen.... A flower in the wild Peace. Quiet. Beauty.
The year 2026 has taken me so far to three countries and multiple states around the U.S. My birthday weekend road trip took me only an hour and half away from home. Here's to proof that you do not have to travel far to find a welcome, calming, beautiful respite. Go ahead and plan that quick road trip!
Tip: Plan your own weekend retreat starting right where you are. Take the scenic route. And eat ice cream.
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