Summer "Staycations"

Is your mind in “vacation” mode, but there’s no where to go? Maybe you’re willing to travel somewhere, but you are concerned that the trip itself may be canceled if you book right now. Or maybe you’ve got younger kids, and you’re just looking for a simple, yet fun-filled experience to help make some memories…

Change that “vaca” to “stayca” and you still have a plethora of options! 😊

What is a staycation? According to dictionary.com:

Staycation: Noun [stey-key-shuhn]

"a vacation spent at home or near home, doing enjoyable activities or visiting local attractions."

So today, I’m going to help you get your own creative juices flowing by recommending 6 of my favorite staycation ideas.

1. Hiking & Picnic: It’s always refreshing to get out and enjoy nature. Even if you aren’t big into exercising, I have found that hiking can definitely be fun if you pick out some unique scenery, take your time, and end your hike with a picnic.

a. Tips:

i. Favorite picnic snacks: cheese & crackers or peanut butter & jelly sandwiches 😊

ii. Be sure to pack some water, bug spray, and sunscreen on this summer adventure.

iii. Try to find some unique trails with waterfalls.

2. Fort/Movie Night at Home with Pizza: I’m 25 years old, and my hubby & I still have fun making a fort to watch a movie. Movie marathons are great if it’s a family activity, that way each kiddo can have his/her own choice.

a. Tips:

i. Food tips: support a local pizzeria/bar by ordering their pizza to go. If you are looking to save a little moolah – Aldi has 16" take & bake pizzas that are a great option as well. Probably wouldn’t hurt to make sure you’ve got some popcorn in the pantry… And don’t forget the extra butter 😉

ii. Movies: Some of my favorite kid-friendly movies: Mary Poppins, Moana, Dumbo, and Minions. Some of my other favorites for adults: Forrest Gump, Mamma Mia, The Blind Side, Crazy Rich Asians.

3. Take A Scenic Drive & Try A New Restaurant: this one is especially enjoyable if you have a roadtrip companion. Just drive the backroads or scenic route until you’re hungry and try out a new establishment.

a. Tip: One new staycation roadtrip I’d like to try is having an appetizer, entree, and dessert at different locations along the way. (A food-lover’s dream staycation of a progressive meal.)

4. Family Baking Day: break out the old family heirloom recipes, call up your family/friends, and have a fun baking day. This isn’t just for Christmas time with all those yummy goodies!

a. Fun fact: A recipe that was passed down in my family is cherry crisp... Although, I’m really on the lookout for some good homemade pie recipes, if you have any to share!

5. Camping/Lake Day/Fishing: Think bluegill fishing with the kids, a lake day with tubing, or family gathered around the campfire watching the lightning bugs fly by.

a. Tip:

i. If you’re going camping, invest in a pie iron. The possibilities are endless: pizza, burgers, dessert pies with marshmallows or Nutella or both!

ii. Don’t forget sunglasses & your camera!

6. Reading & Wine Day: This is especially enjoyable on rainy days. Grab a book and a glass of wine and just relax. If you want to get out and about… enjoy breakfast in bed while reading, and then go to a winery in the afternoon.

a. Tip: If you’re really missing traveling (like me), find books that take place in other countries/places of the world. I’m currently reading “We’ll Always Have Paris” by Sue Watson.

I’d love to hear what staycation you decide to enjoy. Have fun, be safe, and live in the moment- even when it’s at home or nearby doing local activities.

Love,

Blonde Ambition