Summer “staycations” - DentalProductsReport.com

June 2009 | Modern Hygienist
Life: web exclusive

Summer “staycations”

Close to home, far from bankruptcy.

by Lauren Bryant

Photo: OJO Images/Getty Images

If the economic climate has you staying close to home this summer, don’t deprive yourself from the perks of a vacation. As one of the latest summer trends, that gained popularity last summer because of soaring gas prices, “staycations” allow you to enjoy your time off without having to go too far from home.

Modern Hygienist has put together a regional guide full of tips and suggestions that range from coast-to-coast.

Northwest

Seattle
Kirkland. Spend the afternoon or the entire weekend strolling the streets of Kirkland Township. Just minutes outside of Seattle, paralleling the small town charm of a vacation hot spot, Kirkland offers enchanting waterfront parks, first-rate dining, fantastic shopping and vibrant art galleries to explore. For more information visit: explorekirkland.com.

Seattle By Foot. Explore Seattle by way of one of its most famous exports, coffee. Seattle By Foot offers a Coffee Crawl, a downtown walking tour of Seattle’s coffee culture that offers coffee lore and tasting. Said to be a “whole latte fun.” Visit: seattlebyfoot.com.

Portland

The basics

Savyysugar.com offers a comprehensive “how to” list for enjoying your time at home. Here are some of our favorites:

Plan Ahead.
The site suggests budgeting for your staycation as you would any other vacation. Research summer festivals in your area and make a list of activities that you want to do accomplish; then be sure to purchase tickets or make reservations that you might need in advance.
Get Chores Out of the Way.
Do not use your “staycation” as an excuse for cleaning out the garage or repainting the kitchen like you’ve been meaning to do. Do your chores, errand running and “to do” lists a week before your staycation starts.
Resist Every Day Habits.
Eliminating any sense of routine will get you into a vacation mind-set, so set the DVR, ignore your email and get out of the house.
Consider Buying a Hammock.
You may not have an ocean breeze to enjoy while reading on a hammock in your backyard or porch, but it can be a relaxing change from your usual reading spot.
Get Out of the Restaurant Rut.
Use your staycation to ditch your usual spots and try new places. Adopt the same thinking for meals you cook at home and create some new and adventurous recipes.

Go to savvysugar.com for a complete list of summer “staycation” pointers.

Rose Festival. If you happen to plan your staycation in the beginning part of June, check out Portland’s famed Rose Festival. With a variety of activities and exhibits to attend, be sure to make a stop at the 2009 Rose Festival Fleet Week. Naval vessels from the United States Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and the Canadian Maritime Forces from around the world come for a four-day stay to the City of Roses. Ship tours are available daily to make your staycation feel adventures and fun for the kids! Visit: downtownportland.org.

Dragon Moon Festival. Held in Porland’s Old Town Chinatown district, the Dragon Moon Festival combines performers, street vendors and authentic Asian restaurants into a festival that will make you feel like you’re immersed in Asian culture abroad rather than in your own backyard. Takes place the first weekend of June, July, August and September. Visit: dragonmoonfestival.com.

SouthWest

Denver
Skyline Park. During the summer months, Skyline Park offers a series of free concerts featuring local and national acts during the lunch hour. Avoid your usual city stops and come out to enjoy the sunshine and free tunes. Visit: denver.org.

Coors Brewery. Open Monday through Saturday, Coors Brewing Co. offers free tours that will walk you through the steps of the brewing process. Visitors over 21 can enjoy three free samples of Coors products at the end of a tour. Nothing says vacation like an afternoon cocktail! Visit: denver.org.

Arizona
Grand Canyon West. Celebrating its third anniversary early this year, the Skywalk at Grand Canyon West is a glass bottom suspension bridge that is suspended 4,000 feet above the Colorado River on the very edge of the Grand Canyon. Experience a real vacation adventure close to home. The breathtaking views will have you exploring all day. Visit: arizonaguide.com for more Arizona staycation ideas or visit: grandcanyonskywalk.com to learn more about the Skywalk.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

1 of 2