Stay-cation In My Own Backyard
I love summer! And I love traveling in the summer. There is nothing more exciting to me than spending a week on a beach under an umbrella with a good book and a pina colada! But one of these summers, I need to slow the pace down a little and remember that there are many things to do right in my own backyard! I’ve heard that stay-cations are nice, so I have tried to wrap my head around it. Let’s see what I can do without jumping on an airplane.
So if I do decide to experience what it’s like to just relax in my own city, I would need to get prepared and make a list of what to do and what not to do.
My List of Do’s and Don’t’s
#1 Disconnect
First on my list is to turn my computer and cell phone off! I have a habit of checking work emails while on vacation. It makes sense to me. I reason with myself that I won’t be quite so busy once I get back to the office. But that defeats the purpose of vacation, and work life balance! Even if I can’t make myself turn the phone off, I need to turn emails off.
#2 No Housework
No housework is next on the list. Would I be doing housework if I were on the beach? Then why would I do extra while staying in my own hometown for my stay-cation?
#3 No Yard Work
No yard work either. This might be hard to accomplish. I love being outside. Every winter I count the days until the breeze starts becoming a little bit warmer and the buds on the trees start showing. So, I might have to block off a little bit of time outside in my yard and still call it part of my stay-cation.
#4 Find Something New
Do something new that I have never done in my own hometown. There are places to explore that I never take the time for. Maybe find a new restaurant or drive to the new outlet mall.
Here we go…..
Louisville Area
Kentucky Derby Museum
Churchill Downs
Historic Locust Grove
Louisville Palace Theater
Louisville Slugger Museum
Frazier History Museum
Louisville Glass works
Louisville Zoo
Speed Art Museum
Muhammad Ali Center
The Highlands
Strolling around the Highlands on Bardstown Road is one of my favorite relaxing pastimes while at home in Louisville. The eclectic shopping and restaurants there will never bore me.
Our favorite restaurants are Ramsi’s Cafe on the World, with it’s diverse international menu and atmosphere as well as Wick’s Pizza Parlor. For Irish Cuisine there is O’Sheas Irish Pub and Molly Malone’s and the best sushi in town is found at Sapporo Grill & Sushi.
Bardstown Kentucky
Stephen Foster Story
My Old Kentucky Home State Park
Bardstown Civil War Museum
My Old Kentucky Home Dinner Train
Maker’s Mark Distillery
Local Theme Parks
Lexington Kentucky
Kentucky Horse Park
The Thoroughbred Center
Kentucky Horse Farm Tours
Short Drive from Louisville
I live in Louisville, KY, 25 minutes from Bardstown, KY. I am in the heart of Bourbon country and I have not yet done the Bourbon Trail!
There are also wonderful nature preserves. We could visit Bernheim Forest or Jefferson Memorial Forest.
State parks in Kentucky are abundant. Around Louisville are The Falls of the Ohio, which is a 10 minute drive across the river and Tom Sawyer Park is also right down the road.
I Just Need To Relax
So, I should really grasp the concept of a stay-cation eventually and remain in my own backyard, remembering what my own home town has to offer.
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16 Comments
Shirley
When I drove from NC to Indiana, I drove through Kentucky and saw the Bourbon Trail. That would be fun!
Louise
Love your pictures. I love staycations. Good info.
Lisa Manderino
I think it is awesome to learn about different places because even though it is a stay-cation for you it could really helps someone traveling through!
We're Taking the Kids
Great reminder that we forget what we have in our own backyard! I love your rules though, it would be much more relaxing that way!
Tricia Snow
I loved staycations. When I was working in the corporate world sometimes it was nice just to be home.
Miss
I love staycations!!! Thank you for the tips and places to visit.
Jen
A staycation sounds amazing right now.
Heather
There is something to be said for vacationing in our own back yards. There is so much do, we just need to pretend we are a tourist and seek it out!
Lori Nielsen
Great rules for staycations! It makes it really feel like a vacation and not just a day activity!
kmf
I’m all about the beach vacations also but learning to appreciate the adventures in my own backyard – so that’s what I’m doing this summer. I’ve been to Louisville once and it was so beautiful. My best friend from college lives there…now I have more reasons to visit.
Shannon
And you must do the Bourbon Trail!
Jennifer | Me and My Traveling Hat
Glad to hear about Lexington. I actually have never been, but I’d like to visit. Great tips on how to not clean or check your computer even though you are at home on a stay vacation.
Leeanne
I also add no cooking to my staycations. I might put some ready made meals in the freezer that we can have but if I was on vacation I wouldn’t cook. So I don’t want to do that if we stay home on vacation. I also love just checking out new places at home.
Hera
I always need a staycation after a vacation, ha! So true though to not forget about all the amazing places that you have locally.
Pat Wathen
Staycations ARE restful, especially if you do absolutely nothing but dine out … there is NO RULE you have to leave your home or yard. My pleasure this summer will be catching up on all the Forever Delaney posts I’ve missed in past year. Have a refreshing time!!
Shannon
Thank you!!!!!