Well...If I were going 8 hours away, my better half was occupied happily without me, I would probably take my sewing machine and enjoy myself. I work long hours and I'm usually short on rest time so I wouldn't feel bad about staying in a motel and relaxing with my sewing machine. If I felt like roaming around I would but I wouldn't feel obligated just because I am in a new place. In other words, do whatever you feel like doing, no right or wrong there.