Wintertime Cabin Fever? Try a Staycation!
If you live in a cold climate during winter, you understand the feeling of cabin fever. Don’t get me wrong - I love a cozy weekend indoors. But sometimes you just want to get out! Staycations are one way my family gets to explore our great city without too much time, planning, or money. Being a tourist in your own town not only creates a great sense of community appreciation, it also is an easy way to have some winter fun.
Here are my Top 5 Favorite Ways to Staycation:
Rent a local AirBNB in a new neighborhood.
Check out Airbnb and search your city or towns nearby. There are so many unique stays close to home! Many Airbnb’s have fun amenities such as hot tubs, saunas, gardens, game rooms, movie rooms, or specialty spaces. If you like interior design, it’s a different way to see the creativity of others. While you’re there, maybe try a restaurant that’s within walking distance you wouldn’t normally visit. Or get something delivered!
Hotel night with a pool
Similar to the Airbnb night, but with a special twist if you have kiddos. Telling my boys we’re going to go swimming in the middle of winter is always a hit! Look for nearby hotels or resorts that offer indoor pools. You’ll spend all day splashing and having a blast in the water! Maybe choose a hotel that has a spa service for some relaxation time for yourself in the evening?
All-Day Movie Day
Sure, you could stay in your living room and watch movies all day - but nothing beats movie theater popcorn! If there’s winter weather in the forecast, grab your comfy clothes and head to your nearest theater for some back-to-back movies. There are theaters that have full-blown restaurants, so staying all day is easy! Go with a friend and each pick a flick you’ve been wanting to see.
Museum Day
For history buffs and forever-learners, a museum tour around town is the way to go. Try to find smaller museums you’ve never heard of or look for exhibits of new artists. Maybe you have a favorite museum that you haven’t visited in a while. Map out your route - how many museums, what time of day, what exhibits are showing. You’re sure to be inspired and educated!
Foodie Crawl
This one is always a hit! Pick 4-5 new restaurants around town. They can be in the same area or all over. Map out an efficient route and get hungry! We like to just get 1-2 appetizers (not a whole meal) at each location so we have the stomach space to try all the things. But you can always split an entree or go all out too. You can set a theme to this excursion - Mexican restaurants, best ice cream, or weirdest pizza toppings. However you’d like, you’re sure to have some tasty treats.
If you’re itching to get out for some fun, but a vacation isn’t in the cards, try a staycation. It’s all about your mindset. Create excitement around the experiences and tell your family you’re going on an adventure. Trying new things and exploring new places encourages playfulness and joy - wherever you are!