The Retired Rahns: Stop #1 – Fredericksburg, Virginia

 One night. One fun adventure. One unforgettable launch to our new season of life.

Now that Don and I are both officially retired (finally!), it’s time to put our motto into action: Seldom a dull moment. We’re embracing spontaneous escapes, meaningful experiences, and as much family time as we can get.

So we kicked off our "Retired Rahns" tour with an easy overnight trip to Fredericksburg, Virginia, a  town full of history, heart, and a whole lot of flavor. Bonus? We got to spend it with Carleigh and Elisabeth, spending time with them in their happy place is always an added bonus!!

🏨 Where We Stayed: The Publisher Hotel

This beautiful hotel blends modern luxury with historic roots—and we were smitten from the start. The Publisher sits on the old site of The Free Lance–Star newspaper, and the building itself is part tribute to Fredericksburg’s legacy and part boutique retreat. Think: marble bathrooms with rainfall showers, cozy sitting areas, and balconies for morning coffee chats. The location couldn’t be better, right at the edge of downtown and totally walkable.

It felt like the perfect metaphor for where we are in life: honoring the past, leaning into the future, and enjoying the view from a new chapter. The Publisher Hotel

📚 Shopping, Strolling & Scoops

Fredericksburg’s downtown is made for wandering. We let curiosity (and Carleigh) guide the afternoon. https://fxbg.com/  Some of our stops included:

Riverby Books – A cozy shop filled with vintage titles, literary treasures, and the perfect used-bookstore vibe.

Anita’s Gelato – Because every adventure deserves a sweet reward. We taste-tested our way through the flavors—highly recommend the raspberry .

🦪 Dinner at The Port: Oysteria & Brewery

Dinner at The Port Oysteria & Brewery was the perfect way to wind down and escape the heat. It’s Fredericksburg’s first modern raw bar and brewery combo, and it totally delivered. Fresh oysters, creative small plates, and beer brewed on-site made for a delicious, relaxed meal. Elisabeth joined us for dinner after her workday ended, and we had a great time…lots of laughs, stories and catching up. The Port

 

🐐 Goats & 🏓 Pickleball (Post-Dinner Shenanigans)

You’d think we’d call it a night after that meal, but not us! Seldom a dull moment, remember?

We walked off dinner and we ran into GOATS.

Yes, actual goats, courtesy of The Good Steward Farm, working their magic at Old Mill Trail. These little landscapers were on a mission, clearing invasive brush from steep hillsides the eco-friendly way. It’s part of Fredericksburg’s eco-friendly landscaping initiative, and honestly? It was equal parts adorable and impressive. Who knew goat-powered lawn care could be so fascinating?

From there, we headed to Kenmore Park for some impromptu pickleball. Nothing fancy, just a few paddles, a lot of laughter, and some wildly inconsistent serves. But playing under the evening sky, together, made it one of our favorite moments of the trip.

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🍦 A Carl’s Classic

Our night ended the way all great Fredericksburg nights should, with a stop at Carl’s Frozen Custard. This family-run favorite has been scooping since 1947.  We pulled up just in time to grab shakes and ice cream before they closed, and stood under the iconic neon sign like locals. Classic. Creamy. Worth the wait. Carl's

🍳 Breakfast at FOODE

The next morning we headed to FOODE, a Fredericksburg favorite known for bold flavors and an even bigger heart. Housed in the historic National Bank Building, this farm-to-table spot is all about community and comfort. From the coffee to the omelets and breakfast sandwiches, it was all delicious. Foode

🏛 Final Stop: Chatham Manor

Before heading home, we made one more stop: Chatham Manor, a peaceful spot overlooking the Rappahannock River with deep historical roots. This is one of Carleigh and Elisabeth’s favorite spots for “golden hour” with beautiful views and lots of opportunity for solitude and nature.

Built in 1771 by enslaved laborers under William Fitzhugh, Chatham has stood through centuries of American history, hosting George Washington, serving as a Civil War hospital, and later being restored during the Colonial Revival movement of the 1920s. Chatham Manor

 

Why We Loved It

This trip wasn’t about going far. It was about going deep, into connection, conversation, laughter, and history. One night was all it took to spark stories, make memories, and remind ourselves why we travel in the first place. This overnight adventure had been a Christmas present from Carleigh and Elisabeth, and we are grateful for the time we spent in their hometown!

Let’s Be Honest…

Sometimes a one-night escape is all it takes. You don’t have to plan a big trip to make big memories.

Planning your own “big kid” getaway or parents’ escape? Let me help you Dream, Design, and Depart—whether it’s one night or your next bucket-list adventure.

📍 Next stop on the Retired Rahns Tour… coming soon!
Because life’s too short for boring weekends.

Which Type of Travel Planner Are You? Meet Louise, Violet, Denny, and Peter

 

Planning a vacation sounds fun... until the Google tabs multiply, your group chat spirals, and someone says, “Let’s just wing it.” Sound familiar?

Whether you are someone who loves the thrill of planning or secretly wishes someone else would just handle it, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to getting a trip off the ground. 

Some people thrive on spontaneity. Others won’t sleep until every museum ticket is pre-booked. Some dive headfirst into the dream destination, while others just want the when and where.

The truth is: how you approach vacation planning says a lot about you. Are you decisive and take-charge? A go-with-the-flow team player? A spreadsheet lover? A big-picture dreamer? All are valid. All are valuable.

This has been adapted from the Center For Leadership and Educational Equity, Compass Points: North, South, East, and West - An Exercise in Understanding Preferences in Group Work. The Illustrations were designed and drawn by my wonderful husband, Don Rahn.

Here’s the best part—once you understand your personal travel planning style, you can actually make the process more enjoyable, less stressful, and totally tailored to how you work best. As you identify the planning styles of those traveling with you, the DREAMING, DESIGNING, and DEPARTING process becomes a time for sharing, listening, collaborating and fun! Everyone is able to contribute in their own unique way.

So before your next getaway, let’s find out: Which type of travel planner are you?

Meet the four fabulous personalities that just might sound a little (or a lot) like you…

Let’s Go Louise

Are you the one in the group chat typing “Just book it!” while everyone else is still thinking? Do you have your eye on the goal and a calendar reminder set for 6 AM flight check-in?

You might be a Let’s Go Louise if:

• You thrive on action and making decisions fast
  
  

• You’re assertive, confident, and task-oriented
  
  

• You love a good itinerary and don’t mind taking charge
  
  

Louise is our leader—decisive, goal-centered, and always ready to roll. If there’s a problem, Louise has already solved it, packed a snack, and scheduled the Uber.

Visionary Violet

Your head’s in the clouds—but in the best way. You dream big, you think outside the box, and you’re always cooking up the next creative travel idea.

You might be a Visionary Violet if:

• You’re full of enthusiasm and spontaneity
  
  

• You value flexibility and freedom
  
  

• You get more excited about possibilities than reservations
  
  

Violet may not have booked the hotel yet—but she’s got a Pinterest board full of dreamy spots and a camera roll of screenshots that could inspire ten amazing trips.

Detailed Denny

If you're the one with the color-coded spreadsheet, multiple tabs open, and a backup plan for your backup plan—welcome to Team Denny.

You might be a Detailed Denny if:

• You crave structure, logic, and precision
  
  

• You’re focused, analytical, and organized to the core
  
  

• You take pride in researching all the options
  
  

Denny finds joy in the planning itself—and usually ends up saving the day with that crucial piece of info no one else remembers.

Patient Peter

You’re all about the journey and the people on it. You take your time, listen carefully, and want everyone to feel included.

You might be a Patient Peter if:

• You’re supportive, calm, and generous with your time
  
  

• You don’t love confrontation and prefer going with the flow
  
  

• You value the process more than the destination
  
  

Peter is the glue that holds the group together. While others are stressing over logistics, Peter is making sure everyone feels heard and no one gets left behind.

So, which one are you?

Or maybe you’re a mix! A little Violet sparkle with a Denny checklist? A Louise go-getter with Peter’s steady hand? No matter your style, knowing your strengths helps you plan (and enjoy) a vacation that feels just right for you—and your travel crew.

Because here’s the thing: every planner type has something essential to offer.

• Louise helps the family depart—keeping things moving, on time, and confidently headed out the door.
  
  

• Violet keeps the dreaming alive, inspiring fresh ideas and unexpected adventures you’ll be talking about for years.
  
  

• Denny makes sure the design phase is rock solid—organized, thorough, and full of well-researched choices.
  
  

• Peter ensures everyone feels included, heard, and cared for—making the entire process feel less like a task and more like a team effort.
  
  

In the Seldom A Dull Moment world, we believe planning a trip should be a family adventure in itself. When you honor the strengths of every style—whether you’re dreaming, designing, or departing—you set yourself up for a vacation that’s not just memorable, but meaningful.

Take the quiz to find out your travel planner type, then share your results and tag your travel buddies. Who’s your Louise? Who’s your Violet? And who’s in charge of snacks?

Let’s Dream, Design, and Depart—your way.

At Seldom A Dull Moment, we believe every vacation starts with a dream—and ends with a story worth telling. Let’s figure out how you plan, so your next trip is less stressful and more spectacular.

Ready to Dream, Design, and Depart? Let’s go.