Savvy Tips for Summer Staycations
by Carla Beck
If you’re dreaming of faraway vacay hotspots, but your budget or schedule falls short this year, don’t despair. Stretch your vacation dollars and your imagination by planning the perfect summer staycation. Skip the airport’s long lines and complicated traffic interchanges, and opt instead for quality family time and local attractions close to home. Western North Carolina mom Alice Tallman appreciates making memories as a family “without the added stress and expense of travel.” With two active boys, the Tallman family seeks opportunities to inspire creativity and adventure. Last summer their staycation destinations included lake days, hiking trails, ice cream soda fountains, and even a nearby children’s museum. Tallman explains that “Staycations help teach my boys to find adventure and wonder in ordinary places and moments. They learn firsthand that having fun as a family doesn’t have to be complicated.” Add these staycation-savvy tips to your summer calendar today.
Opt Outside
The Carolinas offer magnificent outdoor recreation choices for all ages and skill levels. Consider low-impact kayaking around a nearby lake or check out a local greenway for an energizing family biking day trip. Discover the wonder of backyard camping with the magic of fireflies, campfire stories, and the deliciousness of s’mores, all while appreciating the conveniences of home. Plan a family outing to pick fresh blueberries for homemade ice cream or delicious blueberry pancakes. Beat the heat with a classic water balloon battle or embrace the shade while reading a book and relaxing in a hammock.
Shop Local
Intentionally plan a day of local “treasure hunting” where each member of your family selects one special treat. Independently owned boutiques, thrift stores, and even local farmers' markets offer a variety of one-of-a-kind gifts for savvy shoppers. Research the newest restaurants, coffee cafes, or ice cream shops, then make the time to visit those at the top of your list. For a bonus adventure, contact your local chamber of commerce for a list of nearby summer festivals, and add one or two to your schedule.
Go Global
Satisfy your palate and expand your pantry by diversifying your daily menu. Seek out new recipes online or from friends and family, and intentionally add a little flair to replace your typical choices. Whether you plan a themed dinner with foods from one specific locale, or you sprinkle a few exotic recipes throughout your menu selections for the week, you are sure to break the boredom of the usual daily fare. Pro-tip: If you live in an area with a wide variety of restaurants, you might also order several menu items to-go and offer a taste-testing to discover which new flavors best suit your family before preparing a full meal.
Create Memories
Invite friends over for a day or night of collaborative creativity! Challenge each other to see who is the best artist, or work together to design and construct a “masterpiece.” For a budget-friendly option, ask your guests to provide a few items for the party’s creativity toolkit. Online “how-to” videos will add technical expertise for those looking to master a new skill set, or simply search Pinterest for ideas to get you motivated. If you prefer in-person professional advice, book an appointment for a paint-your-own pottery studio lesson, or visit an art gallery or children’s museum to spark new ideas before you attempt your own creations.
Escape Reality
The best part of vacation is often the escape from the mundane chores of day-to-day life. A staycation can provide that same “magic” when carefully orchestrated. In the weeks leading up to your break, complete any mandatory to-do lists and carve out the time you will need to actually relax and have fun as a family. Step away from distracting digital devices, and move toward personal interactions with those people who matter most. If a totally off-the-grid lifestyle doesn’t match your family’s needs, then set aside a specific time each day for vital tasks before or after your staycation adventures. In the end, a staycation can be just as much of an escape as a vacation, but with all of the familiar sights and sounds of home. Make it your own, and have fun.
