STAYCATION IDEAS

What is it? It’s simple, stay close to home during your vacation!

We are hearing more and more about Staycation as the economy continues to worry us all. Regardless of what is being said as to we will overcome this recession, we also need to be mindful that times are hard and money is tight. Therefore it is also important to realize that with all the stresses in life we must also take time to relax and recharge.

I was surfing the web for places to visit here in Delaware at no cost or for a small fee and realized what I was missing. Although I was born and raised in the First State I was surprised at how many places I have yet to visit. I have to admit I saved some money during my staycation.

Here are a few suggestions to save you money on your staycation.

-Visit your local park- sit on a bench and enjoy the sceneries
-Read a book
-Have a picnic in your backyard with all the perks, blanket on the grass and a picnic basket, why not!
-Walk the malls –window shopping
-Plant a tree
-Take a ride to Lancaster PA, Amish country
-Walk around the neighborhood and meet some neighbors
-Redo a living space at home and enjoy it
-Visit Brandywine Zoo with the kids- no need to travel far.
-Go to a Blue Rocks game
-Attend a Citizens Bank Shipyard summer concert series- http://www.riverfrontwilm.com/
-Visit a nearby library check out their events calendar
-Check with the local and State parks for events and activities
-BBQ in your backyard
-Go camping
-Visit Killens Pond’s Water slides
-Visit a friend
-Go for a River Taxi Family Night- http://www.riverfrontwilm.com/
-Visit an Animal Shelter with the family, check their events calendar and volunteer your time
-Visit Nemours Theater http://www.theatren.org/
-Go to Newark for a great movie http://www.newarkfilm.com/
-Visit Christmas In Odessa for a self guided walking tour of homes built in the 18th & 19th century decorated for the holidays http://www.christmasinodessa.com/
-24th Annual Mushroom festival in Kennett Pike http://www.mushroonfestival.org/ in September
-Wilmington Hispanic Festival in September http://www.thelatincenter.org/
-Book a sail or tour http://www.kalmarnyckel.org/
-Visit Longwood Gardens for fireworks and beautiful fountain displays
-Visit Old New Castle’s Dutch house, Delaware’s early Colonial Gem http://www.newcastlehistory.org/
-Visit the First Grand Mansion in Delaware, the Amstel House http://www.newcastlehistory.org/
-Hauntings in History, evening walking tours through the town in October 2009 http://www.newcastlecity.net/
-Visit the Delaware Museum of Natural History for Deep Sea Treasures till October http://www.delmnh.org/
-Delaware History Museum at http://www.dehistory.org/
-Candlelight Ghost tours at the Fort of Delaware on September 11, 12, 25 & 26, visits to the most haunted areas of the fort http://www.destateparks.com/

The YWCA counselors encourage you to stay within your budget and start enjoying what you do have and not what you wish you had. You will start to see the savings add up and having peace of mind is worth so much more.


By Iris N. Donato, Homeownership Services Counselor