Let’s face it. There’s never enough time for vacations. A week here, a week there…maybe a long weekend sprinkled throughout. But, it’s for sure, all of us could use a few more vacations! Or, at a minimum, a reason to get out of our own home and see something besides our own Living Room! But how? Today, let’s talk about 5 Ways to be Tourist in Your Home Town. Staycation Ideas for Couples and Staycation Ideas for Families… right in your own back yard!
Updated May, 2021
5 Staycation Ideas: Be A Tourist in Your Home Town
Tip #1: Find a Museum and Spend an Hour There
I don’t care if you live in NYC, or the tiniest town in America….there’s a museum nearby that you have never seen.
Why Visit a Museum??
- I know that some of you are not “museum people” and that’s OK. Still go!
- First of all, you are doing something new, which is never a bad idea.
- Second, you might actually enjoy yourself. It’s for sure you will see some things you never ever see in your daily life, and that’s so good for your soul! Expand your mind a little. Who knows….you might have so much fun, you will want to become a member of that museum, or even plan to see another one!
Tip #2: Walk Through a Historic Neighborhood
When traveling, I love to drive or walk through historic neighborhoods.
What’s So Exciting About A Historic Neighborhood?
- It’s fun to imagine what the city looked like when it was first settled.
- An added plus to this activity would be to do a little on-line research about the area. Even local libraries can be an excellent source of historic information about a particular neighborhood.
- You might even find a Historical Society that has information on-line….or an actual person you could talk to about the history.
- Bonus points if you can arrange a walk with a local historian!!! After your walk, you will probably be hungry, which brings us to the next tip.
Tip #3: Enjoy a New Restaurant
Probably the easiest activity to accomplish of all the staycation ideas, but how many of you find yourselves eating at the same restaurants over and over again? Yeah…me too! But lately, as Official Empty Nesters, we have started making an effort to try one new restaurant a weekend.
Tip #4: Take in a Play or Musical
It’s almost a given that when visiting NYC, tourists make time to see a musical or a play. And why not? NYC is the cultural center of the world!!!
But what about your home town? Again, regardless of the size city or town you live in, there’s going to be a live theater performance somewhere nearby! Be a tourist and go see something!!!! This is a fun staycation ideas for families or for couples! There’s just nothing like live theater, and in this age of digital entertainment, and following the year-that-shall-not-be-named (a.k.a. 2020) I worry that we are all losing touch with the ability to appreciate live performances.
I also feel strongly about supporting local artists! My husband and I recently attended a concert at The Kessler Theater, and neither of us had been to this cool old theater-turned-concert hall. I joined a group of friends for a series of Dallas Theater Center plays. The first play we attended was “Steel Magnolias” which of course we all know from the 1990’s movie….but seeing it on stage was a completely different experiences. The actors interpreted the characters differently than the movie, there was only one set the entire play, and I saw a familiar story in a entirely different way. Well worth my time!
Tip #5: Do An Overnighter
Ideas for Couples OR for Families
PC: Belmont Hotel
My final suggestion is find a cool hotel, and book a night there! I don’t know what it is, but just simply being in a hotel can make you feel like you are in a totally different city. New views, new sounds, new surroundings. An overnight out of your home dials in all those great vacation “feels.” In Dallas, I’m dying to stay at The Belmont Hotel. Built in 1946, this hotel has a very cool midcentury vibe that I love….plus killer views of the Dallas skyline!
I hope these Staycation Ideas are helpful! In the comments below, share with me you favorite “staycation” activities!
Tags: Art Museums | Spring Break | Staycation | Summer Vacation | Travel | Travel with Kids
I LOVE this blog post Mary. You are spot on with these hometown travel tips!
The Belmont Hotel is so good and the restaurant next door is one of our favorites. It’s called SMOKE. http://smokerestaurant.com/
xoxo – Tanya 🙂
Awwwww….thanks friend! And we love Smoke too….but it’s been a while! I think we all need a date-night together!
Love this post!! I definitely guilty of sometimes over looking the interesting things on my own backyard!!
You are MUCH better than I am!!!!
I have become a HUGE fan of home town tourism. We live on the outskirts of Atlanta, and there’s no end to all the cool stuff you can do there.
I’m so glad!!! Atlanta is a great city! So much history there!
I never thought in this way. But these are really great ways.
I just moved to Palm Desert and need to follow your advise! I’ve been feeling like a couch potatoe lately.
I love your post and I agree, often we forget our home town. I live in Toronto and there is loads to see and experience. Thanks a lot for the tips.
Such a cool idea! I moved to the city not long ago, and despite living so close to everything, I have barely seen anything. This is the perfect post for me 🙂
Oh my goodness what an amazing idea!!! I instantly started thinking of local places like these that I have yet to do! I always think of doing things outside of town so I haven’t been to a lot of local places, etc. Thanks!
I love your idea of spending time in the museum. It is the great way to learn about things and I think an hour is not enough, I usually spend more than an hour!
That’s a great idea! People always find me weird when I do to the museums and other historical landmarks in my hometown (which is also my permanent residence). Like why?
These are some great ways! It is so important to check out your town and see what things your town has to offer. I love being a tourist in my home town.
Wow, nice post and you give me an idea to do this things in my home town probably doing this with my husband and kids.
I’m so glad!
Ahh so many good ideas! Sometimes we are all looking forward to the next extravagant vacation that we miss all the amazing things right under our nose 🙂
I agree!!!
its always good to wander in your own backyard. never know what you’ll find
I love this! It’s surprising how much we miss in our own hometowns. I was raised next to a ski resort as a child and can’t believe I never stepped foot inside.
I agree with trying a new restaurant, every time I feel like traveling but I can’t I try a new place and I bring my laptop and spend the day there
Absolutley love all those ideas!!!! wow! I need to try this!
Thank you!
Such a great blog post, my friend. Have you discovered the Samari museum in downtown Dallas? And, it’s free!!! It’s small, which is awesome for “non” museum types or little bitty kiddo, although my 25 year old thought it was “totally cool, mom”
Thank you friend…and NO! GREAT tip! Thank you for keeping me in the know!!!
Really great ideas, Mary!!! Although, I am anxious to RELLY start traveling again!
Thank you! And I know we ALL are!!!!