✈️ From the Bayou to the Northeast
Traveling with family always adds a layer of joy—and a bit of chaos. The kids grandmother, Mamere, was a trooper, flying with us from Louisiana to New Jersey, where the fall air greeted us with a crispness we hadn’t felt in months.
Saratoga Springs welcomed us with charm and history. We stayed in a cozy rental just outside downtown. When we arrived at our VRBO, we unpacked, explored, and settled down to a friendly tradition of playing our favorite card game, Shang-Hi Rumy. It was the perfect way to unwind and kick off our time together in Saratoga Springs.
We added a unique adventure to our itinerary: the Rails to Sails experience, combining scenic rail biking with a steamboat cruise on Lake George.
After settling into Saratoga Springs, we took a short drive to Hadley for the Rails to Sails tour—a collaboration between Revolution Rail Company and the Lake George Steamboat Company. The day began with a two-hour rail bike ride along the historic Hadley Run, where we pedaled across the breathtaking 500-foot Sacandaga Railroad Bridge, surrounded by vibrant fall foliage and sweeping mountain views.
Following the ride, we headed to Lake George for a relaxing one-hour cruise aboard the Mohican, one of the oldest continuously operated tour boats in the U.S. The crisp air, shimmering water, and panoramic views of the Adirondacks made it a serene contrast to the morning’s adventure.
This combo tour was the perfect way to experience the region from two unforgettable perspectives—by rail and by sail. It’s offered on select dates in the fall and is ideal for families, couples, or anyone looking to soak in the beauty of upstate New York in a truly memorable way.
The next day, we spent a full afternoon at Ellms Family Farm, soaking up fall fun with over 40 attractions and delicious seasonal treats.
Ellms Family Farm in Ballston Spa was the perfect follow-up to our Saratoga Springs adventure. Just a short drive away, the farm offered a full sensory experience of autumn, especially for families. We started with the Corn Maze, winding through tall stalks and laughing at each turn. The kids raced down the zip lines and tackled the low ropes course and enjoyed the scenic hayride through the property’s wooded trails.
And of course, the food was a festival in itself. We indulged in hot apple cider, and their famous homemade apple cider doughnuts—warm, sugary, and impossible to eat just one. There were also hearty options like BBQ sandwiches, soft pretzels, and local maple treats that made lunch feel like a picnic feast.
Ellms Farm was more than just a stop—it was a celebration of fall, family, and the kind of joy you only find when you’re chasing pigs on a racetrack or sipping cider under golden leaves.
🌅 A Sweet Farewell to Saratoga
On our last morning before heading home, we treated ourselves to breakfast at Sweet Mimi’s Café—a cozy spot known for its lemon ricotta pancakes and locally roasted coffee. The café was bustling, but the staff was friendly and the food was worth the wait. After breakfast, we wandered through downtown Saratoga Springs, soaking in the charm one last time.
Michelle squeezed in a jog through Congress Park, weaving past the whimsical statues scattered throughout the gardens. The crisp air and quiet paths made it a perfect send-off.
Before long, we were packed up and back in the cars, making our way to Saratoga National Historical Park. Unfortunately, we didn’t time the visit quite right—we had to leave earlier than planned to catch our flight, which meant we only got a brief glimpse of the park’s beauty and history. It was a reminder that even the best-laid plans sometimes leave room for a return trip.
💬 Reflections
This trip reminded us how travel isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the people you share it with. Every moment felt like a celebration of connection, laughter, and the joy of discovering new places together.
Family 50 Quest 
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