Every parent deserves a break now and then. Right? 

Gub and I are having one of those spells, which happen now and then, when she seems unable to stand me and Daddy can do no wrong. The last time this happened I was exhausted and decided I needed 24 hours to recuperate sans child and husband, while they enjoyed a Daddy-daughter weekend at home. I hopped on a train to Portland for a day and night of R&R alone. I am booking my next trip now.

The train ride is a relaxing little jaunt, and if you look for coupon codes on sites like retailmenot.com , you can find sweet deals on your fare. I found a working code for 25% off fares on the Cascade line, which runs from Eugene, Or. to Vancouver, B.C., as well as a buy one/get one deal from PDX to Seattle. Pack your favorite snacks and you'll feel better within minutes of leaving the station--the dining options onboard are meager. I hopped on the earliest train, which leaves King Street Station at 7:30 in the morn, after grabbing a coffee at Zeitgeist , and I was just ready for brunch when I arrived. I took a room at the new Ace Hotel , which is a walkable half-mile or so from Union Station. The rooms are clean and simple in this mod spot, and the atmosphere was casual--no business suits in sight. The location, a block from the gigantic Powell's Books , was ideal for a mama who yearned to read in peace. A full day and night away was just what I needed to refocus on the joys of parenting a toddler.

I can't wait to do it again, and I'll let you know how it goes this time. And where do you like to go to escape?

When she isn't writing about kids and families, Lilium Pierson can be found adventuring in Seattle with her young daughter, "Gub." Their favorite activities include library visits, Sundays at the West Seattle farmers market and exploring their neighborhood. Pierson's work has appeared in Seattle Business Monthly .

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