Start early from Haymarket on I-95 South to I-16 East and plan on about 9.5–11 hours of actual drive time, plus fuel and food stops; with two kids, I’d leave around 6:00 AM so you’re not rolling into Savannah too late. A simple rhythm works best: breakfast on the road, a lunch stop somewhere in central South Carolina or near Macon, then push the last stretch into Georgia. Expect some heavier traffic as you get closer to downtown Savannah, so keep your arrival flexible and aim for an easy, low-stress check-in rather than trying to squeeze in much sightseeing before you settle.
Check into SpringHill Suites Savannah Midtown and take a real pause here — this is one of the better family-value picks in the city because the suite-style rooms give you breathing room, and it often lands around the under-$100 range on slower nights, though June can push higher. Midtown is practical for parking and quick access to downtown without paying historic-district prices. Once everyone’s reset, head to Forsyth Park in the Historic District for an easy leg-stretcher: let the kids run the open lawn, circle the fountain, and wander the shaded paths for about 45–60 minutes. If you’re driving, parking is usually easier along nearby streets in the evening than in the middle of the day, and the park is a short hop from Midtown by car or rideshare.
For dinner, walk or drive to The Collins Quarter at Forsyth, which is a good first-night choice because it feels polished without being fussy, and the menu has plenty of crowd-pleasers — think salads, sandwiches, fish, and kid-friendly bites in the roughly $18–$30 per person range. Try to go a little earlier, around 6:00–6:30 PM, so the kids aren’t flagging after the drive. Afterward, make one last easy stop at Leopold’s Ice Cream downtown for dessert; it’s a Savannah classic and a fun reward for surviving the road day, with scoops usually around $6–$12 per person. Keep tonight light and let the city come to you — this first evening is really about arriving, walking a little, eating well, and getting everyone asleep early.
After yesterday’s long haul, keep today soft and local: sleep in, then ease into the morning at SpringHill Suites Savannah Midtown. If you booked the right rate, this is one of the better-value family bases in town, and on a June weekday you can sometimes find rooms around $90–$100 before taxes if you book early. Take a couple of hours for pool time, a late breakfast, and a real reset — the pool and extra space help a lot with kids who are still adjusting to the road trip. Midtown is also much calmer for parking than downtown, so it’s a nice place to breathe before heading into the historic core.
Head downtown to the Savannah Riverwalk and start at the River Street level where the cobblestones meet the water. It’s an easy, stroller-friendly wander if you stay on the flatter sections, and the kids usually love watching the container ships and tugs slide by. From there, let them burn off energy at Rousakis Riverfront Plaza, which has plenty of open space, benches, and constant people-watching. This whole stretch is best enjoyed slowly — expect free access, a bit of walking, and a little humidity in June, so bring water and keep the pace loose. For lunch, stay on River Street and pick a casual seafood place with easy kid options; think fried shrimp baskets, fish sandwiches, hush puppies, and iced tea for about $15–$25 per person. If you want something reliable and unfussy, look for a waterfront table rather than trying to overplan it — the views do the work.
After lunch, shift to Emmet Park in the North Historic District for a quieter break. It’s a good place for the kids to run around under the trees, and it feels much less compressed than the busiest stretches of downtown. Give yourselves 30–45 minutes to sit in the shade, snack, and reset before dinner; it’s also an easy walk or short rideshare back toward the center if everyone’s tired. For dinner, book Vic’s on the River in the Historic District — it’s scenic without being stuffy, and a nice “treated” meal that still works for families if you go a little earlier, ideally around 5:00–6:00 PM before the dining room fills up. Expect $20–$40 per person depending on what everyone orders. If you’re driving, downtown parking is usually simplest in a nearby garage or metered street spot; otherwise, a quick rideshare from Midtown to River Street is often the least stressful move with two kids.
| Date | City | Plan | Church | Dinner | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027-06-12 | Savannah, GA | Start with a calm Saturday morning in the Historic District so the day feels unhurried. If you want Mass, arrive early at Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist — it’s one of the most beautiful churches in the South, and weekend services are usually busiest right before start time, so plan on being there a bit ahead. Afterward, keep the pace easy and walk down Broughton Street; it’s the best low-pressure downtown stretch for families, with plenty of shaded storefront stops, people-watching, and room to wander without committing to a full “activity.” From there, let the kids burn energy at Ellis Square, which is one of the easiest downtown spots for younger children thanks to the fountain and playground area. | Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist — weekend Mass or a quiet visit; arrive 15–20 minutes early for seating. | For dinner, book The Olde Pink House if you can — it’s a splurge, but it’s a classic Savannah supper and a great “special night” while you’re in town. Expect around $25–$50 per person, more with drinks or desserts, and it’s smartest to reserve earlier in the week. | After the square, make a relaxed coffee-and-snack stop at The Paris Market; it’s a good reset for adults, and the kids can do a pastry or treat while you sit for a minute. Later, head to the Savannah Belles Ferry for the short scenic crossing — it’s only about 20 minutes, simple with kids, and a nice way to see the riverfront without overplanning. If you still have energy after dinner, do one last slow walk past the squares before calling it a night. |
| Date | City | Plan | Church | Dinner | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027-06-13 | Savannah, GA | Spend the morning in the Historic District on foot, starting at Monterey Square for the prettiest kind of Savannah wandering: quiet streets, ironwork, and big live oaks that actually give shade in June. Keep it slow and let the kids lead a little; this part of town is best when you’re not rushing. From there, continue to Madison Square and then on to Chippewa Square for a classic Savannah photo stop before heading by car or rideshare to Midtown for a reset. | Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is the best Catholic option for the weekend if you want to attend or simply step in for a prayer visit; weekday mass times vary, so check the parish schedule the night before and plan for a 10–15 minute rideshare from downtown. | At Elizabeth on 37th, aim for an early dinner reservation around 5:30–6:00 PM so the kids aren’t worn out. It’s one of the nicer family-friendly splurges in Savannah, with seasonal Southern seafood and a calm dining room; expect roughly $25–$45 per person depending on what you order. | After your square stroll, stop at Savannah Coffee Roasters in Midtown for coffee, iced drinks, sandwiches, or pastries — a practical mid-day anchor with plenty of seating and easy parking. Then let the kids burn energy at Daffin Park, which is exactly the right kind of low-stress stop for a 4- and 9-year-old: playground, open grassy space, and room to wander. If you’re staying in the Historic District, plan on a 10–15 minute drive to Midtown, and use a rideshare if you don’t want to deal with parking twice. |
| Date | City | Plan | Church | Dinner | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027-06-14 | Tybee Island, GA | Leave Savannah early and head to Tybee Island Beach while the sand is still cool and the crowds are lighter; by mid-morning you can park near Tybrisa Street or use a paid lot close to the main beach access. Expect beach parking to run about $3–$4/hour near the core strip in summer, and bring a small wagon if you’ve got one — the kids will carry more shells than you think. After a few hours in the surf, stroll the pier for the breeze, then break for lunch, a kid-friendly science stop, and one last calm beach stretch before dinner. | N/A | The Crab Shack — casual, breezy, and very easy with kids; expect roughly $18–$35 per person depending on seafood choices and drinks. | Tybee Island Beach; Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion; Tybee Island Marine Science Center; Back River Beach |
Start at Tybee Island Beach as early as you can manage, ideally before 9:00 AM, so you get the best window for shell hunting, sandcastle time, and shallow water play. The beach access points along the main stretch are straightforward, but if you want easier bathroom access and more convenience, stay near the central beach area. Keep a cooler with water and fruit, because the sun gets serious fast in June.
After a few beach hours, walk or drive a few minutes to The Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion for a breezy reset; it’s an easy 45-minute stop, and the view gives kids a nice change of pace without overdoing the day. Then head to The Crab Shack on the Tybee Road side for lunch — it’s one of those classic low-country spots where nobody cares if the kids are sandy, and the outdoor setting makes it feel like part of the trip rather than a sit-down chore. From there, swing by the Tybee Island Marine Science Center for a quick, hands-on stop; it’s usually best for about an hour, and the smaller size is perfect for a 4-year-old and 9-year-old who still have energy but need something different from the beach.
After lunch and the science center, return to Back River Beach for calmer late-afternoon water and a slower finish to the day. This side of the island often feels more relaxed than the oceanfront, so it’s a nice place for the kids to wade while you take a breath and let the day wind down. For dinner, go to The Deck Beach Bar and Kitchen — it’s casual, easy, and works well after a beach day, with seafood, burgers, and simple kid-friendly options in the $15–$30 per person range. If you’re up for it afterward, do one last sunset walk near the water, then head back to your hotel before the island traffic stacks up.
| Date | City | Plan | Church | Dinner | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027-06-15 | Savannah, GA | After a slower start back in town, keep this as a gentle reset day and make the most of the South Savannah → North Savannah → downtown rhythm without rushing. If you’re staying somewhere like SpringHill Suites Savannah Midtown or a similar budget-friendly family hotel, it’s a good day to use the room, the lobby, and the pool between outings so the kids don’t get overstimulated. | No church stop planned today; save the weekend Masses for Saturday and Sunday. | Have a simple, kid-friendly lunch at Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pub & Grill in the Historic District; expect about $12–$22 per person, with easy options like burgers, chicken, and fries. For dinner, Crystal Beer Parlor in Midtown is a solid low-effort choice at about $15–$28 per person — go a little early if you want a calmer room. | Start with Bacon Park in South Savannah for playground time and open grass, about an hour, which is perfect for the 4-year-old to run off energy without a full-day commitment. Then head to Oatland Island Wildlife Center in North Savannah for a nature walk and animal viewing in a park setting; allow 1.5–2 hours and bring water, bug spray, and stroller-friendly shoes because it’s outdoors and shaded in spots. After lunch, drift downtown to Wright Square for a short, low-key stroll in the shade — it’s a nice “reset” stop, not something you need to overplan. Finish the afternoon with Savannah Children’s Museum in the Historic District, where the outdoor play areas and hands-on energy are ideal for about 1.5 hours; it’s usually best to go earlier rather than late afternoon so the kids aren’t done in by the heat. |
If you’re coming from Tybee Island today, plan on an easy 35–45 minute drive back into Savannah using US-80 W and Island Expressway. Leaving after breakfast usually puts you in town before the heat really ramps up, and parking is simpler if you head straight to Skidaway Island State Park. Expect a small gate fee, and bring water, bug spray, and closed-toe shoes for the kids. The nature trails here are perfect for a family-paced walk: enough boardwalks and shady stretches to feel adventurous, but not so long that a 4-year-old melts down by mile one.
After the trail time, continue to Wormsloe Historic Site for the classic oak-lined drive and a quick wander around the grounds. This is one of those Savannah experiences that still feels worth doing even when you’ve seen the photos, and with kids it works best if you keep it loose: drive in, stretch your legs, snap the tree tunnel pictures, and move on before everyone gets too hot. From there, head downtown to Plant Riverside District for a breezy riverfront stroll. It’s one of the easiest places for families to just exist for a while — open space, big views, restrooms nearby, and room for the kids to move without you constantly saying “don’t run into traffic.”
For lunch, make Zunzi’s your no-fuss stop. It’s casual, fast enough for families, and the sandwiches are big enough to split if the kids are grazing more than eating. Budget around $12–$20 per person, and if the line looks long, it usually moves quicker than it seems. Afterward, swing over to Forsyth Park and aim for the playground area in the mid-afternoon, when the trees give you the best shade and the kids can burn off the last of their energy. This is also a good time to slow down, let them play, and not over-plan the rest of the day.
Wrap up with dinner at The Vault Kitchen & Market in the Starland District. It’s a solid choice when you want something a little fresher and more local-leaning without feeling fussy, and it fits the “organic-friendly” request better than a lot of downtown spots. Expect roughly $18–$35 per person, depending on what you order. If you still have energy after dinner, the surrounding Starland streets are nice for a short after-meal walk; otherwise, call it a win and head back to the hotel early, because tomorrow is much more enjoyable if everyone sleeps well tonight.
| Date | City | Plan | Church | Dinner | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027-06-17 | Savannah, GA | Start with a slow wander through Telfair Square in the Historic District before the heat builds. It’s an easy, shady reset: think benches, oaks, and a very Savannah kind of morning where you can just let the kids roam a bit without a big agenda. From there, walk a few blocks to the quieter church grounds at The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, which is worth a respectful stop even if you’re not attending Mass. Go early if you want the calmest atmosphere; the grounds are typically open during daylight, and a short visit here pairs well with a stroller-friendly stroll through the surrounding streets. | The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist grounds — quiet reflection stop; if you want to catch a weekday prayer time, check the parish schedule in advance. | Mellow Mushroom — easy family pizza dinner, about $15–$25 per person; good for a low-stress sit-down meal. | After the square and cathedral, head to City Market for a relaxed mid-day browse. This is a good place to let the 4-year-old and 9-year-old stretch their legs in an open-air setting, peek into the little shops, and snack without committing to a big outing. Plan on 1 to 1.5 hours here, with plenty of shade breaks. Then take a short rideshare or drive over to Cafe M in the Starland District for lunch; it’s an easy neighborhood café where you can keep things simple with sandwiches, salads, and kid-friendly plates, usually $10–$18 per person. After lunch, make your way to the Waving Girl Statue on the riverfront for a quick photo stop and a breezy view of the water. It’s a small stop, but it gives the day a nice Savannah finish before you circle back for pizza and a calm evening. |
| Date | City | Plan | Church | Dinner | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027-06-18 | Savannah, GA | Start with a light morning on the Tide To Town Fitness Trail in the Southside so everybody can get moving without committing to a big excursion. It’s a nice, flat way to burn off kid energy after a few slower vacation days, and at around 1 hour you can keep it easy with a stroller, scooter, or just a family walk. From there, head to Lake Mayer Park for the playground and lake views; this is one of those Savannah parks that actually works well with younger kids because you can linger, snack, and let them run around without feeling pressed. If you’re using a car, the jump between both spots is short and straightforward, and parking is usually uncomplicated compared with downtown. | No church stop today, since this is a more relaxed South Savannah reset day. If your family wants a quiet prayer moment, it’s easy to save that for tomorrow’s weekend Mass and keep today unstructured. | For lunch, stop at Whole Foods Market Savannah near the Broughton area and keep it simple: salads, fruit, rotisserie chicken, sandwiches, and kid-friendly snacks usually land around $12–$20 per person. It’s also a good place to grab picnic items if the kids are happier eating outside than sitting in a restaurant. | After lunch, head to Sk8 City Savannah on the Southside for indoor roller-skating. Plan on about 1.5–2 hours total, including skate rental, and expect a very kid-friendly, slightly retro kind of fun; the 4-year-old may want more hand-holding or a push-assist, while the 9-year-old can usually get into the rhythm pretty quickly. Later, return to a Memorial Health / medical district area hotel for pool time, naps, or a full reset. This is the right moment to keep the afternoon loose: let the kids swim, nap, or watch a show, and don’t overpack the schedule. In the evening, go to Husk Savannah in the Historic District for a special dinner. It’s one of the best farm-to-table meals in town, typically $25–$45 per person, so it’s worth booking ahead and aiming for an early seating if the kids are fading. The vibe is polished but not stuffy if you come early, and you can get there by a short ride or drive from South Savannah. |
| Date | City | Plan | Church | Dinner | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027-06-19 | Savannah, GA | Start early with a weekend Catholic stop at Basilica of St. Peter, the Apostle on Congress Street so you can make Mass or a quiet visit before the day heats up; arriving around 8:00–9:00 AM is ideal, and it’s usually easiest to park in a nearby public garage or metered street spot and walk in. After that, head east for a peaceful wander at Bonaventure Cemetery where the old oaks and wide paths give everyone room to breathe. | Basilica of St. Peter, the Apostle | The Franklin — a solid riverfront dinner choice with enough variety for adults and kids, usually about $20–$40 per person; go a little earlier, around 5:00–6:00 PM, to avoid the dinner crush and make the most of the view. | Bonaventure Cemetery for a slow 1.5-hour walk, then lunch at Tharros Restaurant on the east/downtown side for Mediterranean plates, salads, gyros, and easy kid-sharing options in the $15–$30 range. After lunch, give the kids a shaded reset at Greene Square in the Historic District, then head over to Pounce Cat Cafe in the Starland District for a fun, low-key novelty stop; book ahead if you can, especially on a Saturday, and plan on about 45 minutes so the 4-year-old doesn’t get overstimulated. |
| Date | City | Plan | Church | Dinner | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027-06-20 | Savannah, GA | Keep today intentionally easy and kid-forward, using the city’s quieter green spaces and neighborhood pockets instead of any big-ticket outing. From most family hotels in Midtown or Southside—especially budget-friendly chains like SpringHill Suites Savannah Midtown, Best Western Central Inn, or Tru by Hilton Savannah Midtown when rates dip under $100–$140 in June—you can reach the north side in about 15–25 minutes by car, or 25–35 minutes depending on traffic if you’re bouncing between neighborhoods. | No church stop today; save the Sunday rhythm for a slower evening and let the family sleep in. | Keep dinner flexible and low-stress: if you want to stay out, Savannah Blue Beach Bar is an easy, casual choice with meals usually around $15–$30 per person; if everyone is tired, grab takeout and head back to the hotel pool. | ### Morning\nStart with Savannah Rapids Park for a picnic-style morning, playground time, and open space where the 4-year-old can run without needing a “destination” agenda. It’s an easy win for families because you can park, spread out a blanket, and let the kids burn energy before the heat builds; bring water, sunscreen, and snacks since shaded seating is better than full cover. \n### Lunch / Midday\nAfter that, head to Habersham Village in Midtown for a casual neighborhood wander. This is the kind of stop that feels local rather than touristy: quick snack run, maybe a pastry or fruit cup, and a little strolling without pressure. Then make The Sentient Bean in the Starland District your lunch anchor—order a coffee, iced drink, or simple lunch and expect about $8–$18 per person. It’s a good organic-leaning choice with a relaxed, artsy feel, and it works well if one parent wants something substantial while the kids do the “we’re done, can we leave?” routine. \n### Afternoon / Evening\nIn the late afternoon, do a slow scenic loop through Ardsley Park in Midtown. This is one of Savannah’s prettiest residential drives, with wide streets, mature trees, and big old homes that make for an easy, stroller-friendly short walk if the weather cooperates. Wrap the day with the simplest possible finish at the Bonaventure Road area river views in East Savannah for a low-effort sunset stop, then head back toward dinner and an early night. If you want to stay extra light, keep the final meal near the hotel so the kids can crash fast after a pool-and-rest evening. |
| Date | City | Plan | Church | Dinner | Activities |
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| 2027-06-21 | Tybee Island, GA | Get an early start so you’re on Tybee while it’s still cool and easy to park, then begin at Tybee Island Lighthouse before the sun gets high. The climb is about 178 steps, so pace it with the kids, and the views are best earlier in the morning before the heat and haze settle in. Expect roughly $12–$15 per adult and $10–$12 per child for admission, with the lighthouse grounds usually opening earlier than the nearby shops. From there, a short drive over to Fort Pulaski National Monument gives everyone space to roam, with wide trails, the drawbridge, and the big brick fort keeping the 4-year-old and 9-year-old interested without feeling crowded. | No Catholic church stop is planned for today; if you want a quiet prayer moment, the lighthouse grounds and fort area are both good low-key pauses before lunch. | Keep dinner easy and scenic at Bubba Gumbo’s in the Back River area, where the shrimp baskets, crab cakes, and fried fish fit a beach day without feeling fussy. It’s usually around $18–$35 per person, and sunset here is the move, so go a little early if you want a waterside table. | Between the fort and lunch, swing by Tybee Market for cold drinks, chips, fruit, sunscreen, and a few picnic snacks so you’re not paying beach prices later. After that, head to North Beach, Tybee Island for a couple of hours of shell hunting and relaxed sand time; this side of the island is usually calmer than the main beach stretch and gives the kids room to play without constant crowds. If the water and breeze are good, let them linger here and then finish with a casual bite at Sea Wolf Tybee for lunch or a late-afternoon snack — it’s a solid beach-day stop with sandwiches, tacos, and easygoing service, usually about $12–$25 per person. |
Arriving back from Tybee Island after a beach morning, give yourselves a gentle re-entry into Savannah and park once near Johnson Square or in a nearby public garage so you can do the rest on foot. Start with a relaxed square stroll here first while the light is still soft; it’s an easy 20–30 minute reset for kids, with benches, shade, and enough open space to let little legs unwind after the drive. From there, wander a few blocks through the Historic District to admire the exterior and grounds of the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters without committing to a museum stop — just the ironwork, tucked-away courtyard feel, and surrounding streets are worth the detour.
Head to The Coffee Fox on Broughton Street for coffee, cold drinks, and pastries; it’s a good fuel stop before shopping, and expect about $8–$15 per person depending on whether everyone wants breakfast or just a snack. Afterward, browse Broughton Street shops for last-minute family souvenirs, simple clothes, or candy-shop treats — this is one of the easiest downtown stretches for casual browsing because it’s walkable, lively, and not too fussy for kids. If you want a final outdoor reset before dinner, swing by the Forsyth Farmers’ Market area in Forsyth Park; if the market is open on your date, you can grab local peaches, baked goods, or picnic snacks, and if not, just do a long unhurried walk under the oaks and let the kids run around the fountain area for a bit.
Finish with a cheerful farewell meal at Poppy’s of Savannah in the Historic District. It’s a solid family-friendly pick for the last night, with a relaxed atmosphere and a menu that works for both adults and kids; budget roughly $18–$35 per person depending on drinks and extras. If you’re back near your hotel afterward, keep the evening simple: an early night, one last packing check, and maybe a short walk if everyone still has energy — tomorrow’s the kind of departure day that feels much easier when you don’t overdo the final evening.
| Date | City | Plan | Church | Dinner | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027-06-23 | Richmond, VA | Leave Savannah by mid-morning and treat today as a clean, practical travel day with one goal: get everyone into Richmond without a meltdown. If you’re driving, the easiest rhythm is I-95 North with a lunch stop somewhere around Lumberton or Fayetteville, then roll into the Richmond Airport area by late afternoon. If you’re flying, a morning departure from SAV should still give you time to reach the hotel, drop bags, and settle before dinner. For the overnight, Fairfield Inn & Suites Richmond Airport is the kind of family stop that works well here—usually around $90–$130 on a summer weekday, with free parking, quick check-in, and no-fuss rooms that are perfect after a long transfer. | No church planned today; save the weekend for a proper Catholic stop once you’re rested. | Keep dinner simple in Shockoe Slip: Mellow Mushroom if you want something kid-friendly and easy, or L’Opossum only if you’re feeling more adventurous and don’t mind a later, pricier meal. For a balanced family choice, Bottoms Up Pizza or Benny Ventano’s is the safer move, usually $15–$30 per person depending on what everyone orders. | After dinner, take a short leg-stretcher on the Canal Walk if the kids still have energy; it’s an easy, flat 20–30 minute stroll and a nice way to reset after all that sitting. Then head back to the hotel for pool time or room downtime, which is honestly the smartest “activity” tonight—aim for an early wind-down so tomorrow’s drive home feels much lighter. |
| Date | City | Plan | Church | Dinner | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027-06-24 | Haymarket, VA | Leave Richmond after breakfast around 8:00–9:00 AM and take I-95 North to I-495 and then I-66 West; with normal traffic, figure about 2.5–4 hours total. The cleanest kid-friendly move is to stop once for a rest-area picnic lunch or a quick highway café meal, then roll the last stretch home without trying to “make up time” on the road. Once you reach Haymarket, unload the bags first, then do the easy reset: laundry in one pile, beach stuff in another, and let the kids decompress before you attempt anything extra. | No church planned today; this is a travel-and-recovery day. | Keep it simple with a simple family dinner at home in Haymarket—something low-effort and familiar like pasta, sandwiches, or rotisserie chicken so nobody has to think too hard after the drive. | After lunch, let the kids watch a movie or play quietly while you do the final unload. If everyone still has energy, a short walk around the neighborhood helps shake off the car stiffness, but there’s no need to overprogram the afternoon. End the night with a slow evening unpack/reset so tomorrow feels normal again. |