Our Staycation…Staying Close to Home for School Break

Now, I’ll say it upfront…I may be a bit jealous of my friends and family who are posting pics of their amazing Spring Break trips to beautiful beachside villas or dramatic snow-capped ski resorts.  But this year we decided to stay close to home and go on a staycation.  And we were not alone.  For reasons of not having enough days off or enough money in the bank, staycations are becoming a bigger trend these days.  And we’re all doing it with no regrets.  People are finding that there is really so much to see and do within a short drive of home.  Not only can you enjoy some amazing spots and support local businesses much more conveniently, but you can do so for a fraction of the cost…and some for free!

Now Britt and the girls did get away to the Spring Break mecca of Gray, Georgia for a few days…where they visited close family friends at their amazing home that sits on 100 + acres of land.  The kids ran around getting dirty, building forts, sloshing around in creeks, exploring the surrounding woods, and literally getting “red-necks” from the sun…having the times of their lives.  Really…as it should be.  And it only cost us a tank of gas and a 1.5 hour drive from home.  Not only did the kids have an amazing time, but Britt was able to reconnect with a friend who she longs to see more of…and now she has.  And there was also just something so special and calming about being able to do so in the comfort of a dear friend’s home.

While my three lovely ladies were away, I was able to get some work done, as well as do some projects in and outside of our home that I just hadn’t found the time to do…and now I have.  Yet another advantage of our taking a staycation.

Then yesterday, when the four of us were all back together, we loaded in the car and drove a short 20 minutes away to Smith-Gilbert Gardens…a “hidden gem” that we wouldn’t have likely found had we not stayed home.  Somewhat off the beaten path…in Kennesaw, Georgia, Smith-Gilbert Gardens offers 16 acres of paths to leisurely stroll through and enjoy being outside.

The girls loved going on a scavenger hunt of sorts searching for some of the 30+ outdoor sculptures.

Being the “plant guy,” I was inspired by the 3000+ species of plants…certainly encouraging me to further “redeem my ground” at home. And Britt, being the wonderful mom that she is, just soaked in the added family time together.  And to think, I’ve lived in Atlanta for 20+ years…and Britt all her life, and we didn’t even know this place existed…and now we do.  We look forward to our next staycation where we can find yet another local “hidden gem”…while staying in the comfort of our own home…and being able to use what money we didn’t spend on something else.

Now don’t get me wrong…we look forward to our next vacation to some beautiful beachside villa, but this Spring Break we’re thankful that we stayed close to home.

What have you done or what close to home places have you found the last time you took a staycation.  I look forward to hearing about it.

Take care,