WITH THE SCHOOL YEAR BEHIND US and summer fast approaching, families all across the nation are eagerly anticipating a well-earned vacation. While some will soon embark on flights or road trips to far-flung destinations to experience entirely different cultures, activities, and scenery, others are opting for a decidedly more local experience.
Owing to a variety of factors— with the escalating costs of gasoline, air travel, and lodging being high on the list—more and more families are choosing to substitute local daytrips for the traditional family vacation.
Why stay local?
“Local getaway” might seem like a contradiction in terms, but vacationing locally offers a myriad of benefits that you simply can’t enjoy when traveling. For example, you don’t have to pack anything other than what you might need for the day (or backtrack too far when you’ve forgotten something); worry about lost luggage; wait in interminably long and dehumanizing airport security lines; fret about bedbugs or the cleanliness of bed linens in a hotel or motel; or lose a significant portion of vacation time just traveling to and from your destination. What’s more, you’ll have the option of inviting friends and extended family to participate in all the fun activities you have planned. Try doing that when you’re vacationing in Aruba!
Planning your local getaway Though daytripping requires minimal preparation, you shouldn’t leave things completely to chance. You need to make a solid plan. Start by actually scheduling your getaway on the calendar just as you would a traditional vacation, and stick to your schedule. Research the different attractions and destinations that are in your immediate area or close enough for a reasonable daytrip, and create an itinerary for each day. Let co-workers and clients know that you’ll be on vacation and unavailable during that time. Also, make sure any unavoidable chores—such as mowing the lawn and paying the monthly bills—are finished ahead of your “departure” date so you can start relaxing and enjoying family time as soon as the alarm clock sounds that first morning. Of course, if any of the local activities you’d like to enjoy require reservations or tickets purchased in advance, be sure to take care of that ahead of time, as well.
Local summer getaway options What can Toledo-area residents do to keep a family occupied and entertained when vacationing close to home? Actually, you’ll discover a surprising diversity of local recreational opportunities if you give it just a little thought.
Of course, there are the major must-see Toledo attractions, including the world-class Toledo Zoo, Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo Mud Hens baseball, and Imagination Station. But that’s just scratching the surface.
If your staycation won’t be complete without sun and surf, there are several state parks with beautiful beaches that might just fit the bill, such as Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon, East Harbor State Park in Marblehead, and Sterling State Park in Monroe. Several great water parks are located within close driving distance, as well. Of course, Put-in-Bay is just a short ferry ride away for those who want the feel of Key West much closer to home.
Families with an educational bent will want to incorporate visits to nearby historical attractions such as Sauder Village in Archbold and Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn. Or how about spending a summer morning delving into the much more distant past at the Fossil Park in Sylvania?
For a more calming, contemplative experience, visit Toledo Botanical Garden, immerse yourself in nature at one of our many local Metroparks, or go cycling on our many area bike paths. On the other hand, if you prefer to take a walk—or, more accurately, a drive—on the wild side, you’ll want to add to your itinerary a visit to the African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton. For thrill-seeking families, a day at Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky is a must. If you’re really feeling adventurous, schedule the whole family for scuba lessons and hit the local quarries, such as Portage Quarry in Bowling Green, White Star Quarry in Gibsonburg, and Gilboa Quarry in Ottawa, for a little underwater exploration.
And, don’t forget to treat yourself and your family to a few indulgences. By vacationing locally you’ll save significantly on the cost of gas and eliminating the need for lodging, airline tickets, rental vehicles, etc., so it’s okay to pamper yourself a bit in other ways. Enjoy some of the fine dining our area has to offer, schedule a soothing spa day, get a makeover, or shop for a luxury item or two.
Then again, you can do a lot of relaxing right in your own home or yard. Plan a backyard barbecue complete with a badminton, croquet, or lawn darts tournament. Gather around a blazing fire pit to share conversation, roast marshmallows, and make s’mores. Schedule family pizza and movie nights. Do a little stargazing and see who can identify the most constellations. Or, just take some time to lounge around the garden that you’ve worked so hard to create but seldom have time to enjoy.
The list of possibilities goes on and on. Remember, your family’s local summer getaway can be whatever you want to make of it. Just because you aren’t leaving the local area doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the same benefits that you would on a conventional vacation. With a little prior planning and creativity, you can still go back to work rejuvenated and re-energized. ✲
