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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

 

the front of a museum under a blue sky as a staycation idea

 

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

 

an old wooden house with large pumpkins out front in Historic Deerfield Home

 

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

 

the neon sign in the front of the Kessler Theater

 

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

 

the Belmont Hotel Dallas

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!

 

 

a child and a parent enjoying a park on a Family Staycation

 

Bio about Mary Meier Evans The Curious Cowgirl

 

 

 

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