After a horrendous day of endless chores, errands, and traffic, Marge loses her equanimity. She stops her car on the Springfield Bridge, blocking traffic in both directions. A long stand-off ensues and Homer is brought to the scene to talk to her. Marge emerges from the car and is immediately arrested. Fearful of alienating women voters, Mayor Quimby releases Marge to bring attention to the plight of the overworked housewife.

Marge sees a commercial for Rancho Relaxo resort and decides she needs a vacation alone. Leaving Bart and Lisa with Patty and Selma, she boards a train to relax. Marge lives it up at the resort while Lisa and Bart try to survive the perils of their aunts. At home, Homer's hands are full with baby Maggie.

In the middle of the night, Maggie crawls out of bed to look for her mother. the next morning, Homer searches all over the house, but cannot find her. Just as he leaves to go pick Marge up from the train station, Chief Wiggum shows up with Maggie. When Marge returns, the family vows to be more helpful in the future if she promises never to leave them again.