It’s been ages since I have traveled anywhere, but the last week in October my mom and I got away to upstate New York for a few days. We actually went because I got to participate in an art show with Beyond My Battle, a nonprofit to assist those with chronic illnesses and disabilities. This is the third year that I have participated in their annual art show, Art with Heart & Hope, but my first year attending in person. Because the event took place in Saratoga Springs, NY, my mom and I decided it would be great to turn into a mini getaway. And, believe me, there is no better time to see upstate New York than the week before Halloween! Not only was the foliage in full swing, but they really go all out with Halloween and fall decorations up there!

Traveling with a chronic illness is somewhat daunting—but I am pleasantly surprised with how smooth things went considered. In between adventures and little outings were lots of breaks, caffeine and car naps, but pacing myself enabled me to more fully enjoy the moments!

Day One: Lake George Area

Lake George was STUNNING!!!!!

The Adirondack mountains, especially in their peak leaf change, are incredible. While we were staying in Saratoga Springs as our home base, we only had to drive about 40 minutes or so north to get to the Lake George region. We spent that first full day meandering around the Lake, stopping at different towns or lookouts throughout. As we started heading back down to Saratoga Springs, we discovered a little nature trail that gave a gorgeous lookout of a creek and more bright trees. It was so peaceful and special. Again, I was so impressed with my ability to keep up and even walk some of it! Good thing I had plenty of car time to snooze and rest in between. We made our way back to Saratoga in time for dinner and I got one of the best gourmet hot chocolates of my life!

Day Two: Saratoga Springs Proper & Art Show

Saratoga Springs is a charming little college town that pretty much has everything you would need—quality coffee shop, a few bookstores, boutiques and lots of restaurants. There were also a few charming parks scattered throughout the town. For some reason I failed to make the connection between the name “springs” in the town’s title and the prevalence of natural spring water. Saratoga Spa State Park was, by far, my favorite feature of the town. I was shocked by this park’s sprawling size, diversity and attractions. We even got to try some pure spring water straight from the ground!

We made sure to meander through some of the town’s boutiques and got some delicious smoothies at Uncommon Grounds. After that, I camped out at the bookstore while my mom did some shopping, before heading back to the hotel room to nap before the art show that evening. The art show was extremely special and intimate. Not only was it very rewarding to participate, but it was also really inspiring to the beautiful art that other chronic illness warriors have created to cope with their symptoms. I felt honored to be a part of this event and thankful to meet some of these strong people as well as the founder of the organization.

The 2021 gallery is now live on their website and you can check it out here if you want!

Day Three: Hudson Valley

On our last day we slowly made the trip back down to Bucks County, PA, and stopped at a few different towns in the Hudson River Valley area. They were the definition of charming and festive, once again going full out for Halloween. The two biggest towns we stopped at were Kingston and Rhinebeck. I enjoyed a little shopping in Kingston, which definitely had a more artsy and bohemian vibe, but found Rhinebeck to be more charming. To top off our trip, we dined in the tavern at Beekman Arms Inn, which is apparently the oldest operating Inn in the nation! I had the most delicious turkey pot pie ever. As we made our way back to the car for our final drive home, the whole lawn of the inn was lit up with a series jack-o-lanterns, and many of the towns put purple light bulbs in their storefront lamps. Basically the town could have been straight from Halloweentown.

I cannot even tell you how thankful I am for this trip. I’m honestly not used to things going this smoothly at all, but everything worked out as well as it possibly could have. Beyond My Battle has is headquartered right in Saratoga Springs and hosts this art show there annually, so this may just become an annual tradition! If anything, I feel like we only just scratched the surface of upstate New York’s beauty, especially in the fall, and I am eager to go back and further explore.

I hope you enjoyed seeing a little scrapbook of our journey!