Staycation Ideas

Archive for the ‘Summer Staycation Ideas’ Category

You weren’t just buying a place to live when you purchased your house. You were buying your part of the American dream. It’s where you would make your home, raise your family and write your history. But how much do you know about your own home?  When was it built? What has it survived? Who has it comforted? Maybe its time to learn a little more about this place you call home.

How to Make it Happen

Start with the basics. Contact your county assessor’s office for information on when your home was built, who the previous owners were, and if/when there have been any additions to the original building. These records are often online. If online records do not go back far enough to identify the original owners, pay a visit to the assessor’s office for historical records.

If you live in an older home or neighborhood, you might be able to find information at a local historical society. Consult old newspapers or county records to provide cultural context for your home throughout its history. If you can identify the original owners, try to research how they came to your town, how they were employed, and what happened in their lives. Again, local historical or genealogical societies may be able to help with this research.

If you live in a newer house you have the honor of starting its history. Our homes acquire personality through our memories and shared experience. So write down the important events of your history in the house––the milestones and accomplishments your family shares in this home. Take before and after pictures when you renovate or redecorate a room. Save clippings of important local events or natural disasters that your house witnesses or even survives. Some day you can pass these memories on to your grown children, or leave it as a gift to the next homeowners.

Additional Activities

1. Research an historic site. (Idea #51)
2. Join a local historical or genealogical society.

Geocaching is a fast growing phenomenon that involves using GPS technology to locate specifically placed, but hidden containers, called geocaches. Think of it as a treasure hunt for adults, although children will enjoy this too.

How to Make it Happen

To participate in geocaching, you will need a GPS device and the ability to hike, sometimes in rough terrain. The website, www.geocaching.com, provides helpful tips on how to get started, the location of geocache, and reviews on GPS devices.

Active geocachers not only hunt geocache, they also place them and create hide and seek adventures for others. When you find a geocache, you sign the log left with the marker. You then get online and share your adventure—including stories and photos—of locating the geocache.

Geocaching.com claims there are almost 765,000 active geocache in the world: surely one of them is near you!

Additional Activities

1. Visit different geocache locations around the country.
2. Try orienteering. 
3. Go trail hiking in the mountains.

Not just for watercolors, modern art festivals offer everything from original paintings to sculpture to photography and even jewelry. These summer festivals are increasingly popular and are a great way to increase your personal art collection, collect an original piece, or just have fun on a summer day.

So grab a drink, stroll through the booths and admire other people’s talents. It may even inspire you to explore your own.

How to Make it Happen

Do an online search to locate major summer art festivals in your area of the country. You can also try contacting your area Chamber of Commerce or arts council for information on local exhibitions. Your state tourism website may also have a list of community art festivals.

Additional Activities

1. Create your own masterpiece 
2. Attend an exhibit of a local artist.
3. Check out a book on a favorite artist or one you want to learn more about.

Pack up the goggles and the sunscreen and take the family to the city pool for a day of wet ‘n wild fun. Any cold pool will do on a hot day, but if you’re up for more adventure, look for a city water park in your area with slides, fountains and waterfalls. Take a book and lounge poolside, but don’t forget to get in and play with the kids or you’ll miss out on all the fun.

How to Make it Happen

This one’s pretty simple. Pick the pool, pay admission, and enjoy. Call ahead to see if floaties or other water toys are allowed. If going to the pool might be a regular activity for your family, consider buying a season pass to save money.

Pack all the pool essentials in a carry-all bag:

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Visors
• Goggles
• Beach towels

Don’t forget some extra cash to treat yourself to a snack at the concession stand. It’s your vacation, so go ahead–indulge!

Additional Activities

1. Sign the kids up for swim lessons. If they’re all ready good swimmers, sign them up for a summer swim team.
2. Create your own backyard waterpark.

Fresh Strawberries

Fresh strawberries were a staple on my grandmother’s summer table. She picked them from her own garden and to this day I’ve tasted nothing better in the world. With so many meals coming out of cans and boxes, lifestyles today don’t always encourage eating fresh, and few of us still tend our own gardens. But Grandma’s garden is making a comeback—with a twist. Pick-Your-Own farms are increasingly popular and allow you to pick as much fresh fruit or produce as you want, usually paying by the pound. These farms allow you to reconnect with the food chain, as well as providing fresh, healthier produce without the commitment of tending your own garden. Cherries, berries and grapes are all popular pick-your-own farm staples.

How to Make it Happen

Finding a Pick-Your-Own farm is the trick. Look for ads or information in community parent magazines, web searches, or simply call your local Chamber of Commerce for leads. These farms survive on consumer use so they do advertise. Word of mouth recommendations and roadside signs are also good ways to find a popular farm destination.

Once you’ve found a nearby farm, plan your day and go. It is important to come prepared for sun and insects. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, bug repellent and gloves. Remember, berries stain! So don’t wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy. You can take your own sacks but most farms should provide baskets. You are usually charged by the pound and pay when you leave.

Additional Activities

• Learn how to make jelly with your fresh picked berries.
• Visit a local Farmers Market to support local growers and to supplement your fresh produce intake.
• Like eating fresh from the farm? Start your own small garden and commit to growing a few of your favorite summer foods.

Did you like this staycation idea?  It came directly from my book “101 Great Staycations” You can learn more about my staycation book here