7. Do a craft or Pinterest project you’ve been thinking
about trying. There’s no time like a staycation to learn a
It’s so tempting to treat vacation time at home as “catch cool new skill or make some new homemade decor!
up” time for all the chores, projects and errands you
8. Plant an herb or vegetable garden. Its known some
have been putting off because of your busy schedule.
plants actually grow better when started in the fall and
I have been guilty of it time and time again. If you’re
not careful, you’ll spend your staycation deep cleaning winter months. This can also help you save money the
rest of the year.
the oven, cleaning out cabinets/storage, catching up
on laundry and watching TV. None of that is what the
9. Throw a winter party with your friends. Wine,
staycation is about.
fondue, and funny games are always a crowd pleaser.
This is also great for those without close family nearby
Avoid the temptation to do house work while you’re
on vacation as well. You can help avoid this by cleaning during the holidays...sort of like a Friendsgiving, but
your house before your vacation starts. Some people do without the turkey.
this when they take a real vacation because it’s so nice
10. Go to a local sporting event. Basketball and hockey
to come home to a clean house and it’s a good idea to
season are both during the winter months. UCF
do the same for a staycation.
(University of Central Florida) has an amazing campus
and is seasonably decorated with lights and even an ice
15 Winter Staycation Ideas
rink which gives you all the winter feels without the
cold uncomfortable weather.
1. Explore your local State or National Parks. Some
of our beautiful Florida Springs offer a “boat” load of
11. Find some indoor fun like bowling or
activities suitable for many.
miniature golf. Wanna stay out of
the heat? Indoor activities like
2. Visit local museums or historical societies. Due to
SkyZone(trampolines) are an amazing
its touristy reputation, the Orlando area is FULL of
way to entertain kids without having to
unique places to check out. Orlando Science Center,
Orlando Museum of Art, The Orange County Regional apply sunscreen in December.
History Center, Wycliffe Discovery Center, even
12. Go to your local botanical garden. There
Ripley’s Believe it or Not!
are several around central Florida worth
visiting such as Mead Botanical Garden, Harry
3. Try new recipes. You can make gourmet coffee
P Leu Gardens, and the Central Florida Zoo &
recipes at home for leisurely breakfasts, make some
Botanical Gardens.
gourmet meals, or try a new ethnic dish. Market to
Table here in Winter Garden offers kitchen staples like
marinades, bone broths and butters at farmers’ markets 13. Try a new restaurant you’ve had your eye on. Use
deal sites like Groupon and Living Social for ideas.
and Plant St. Market to help give you that extra Chef
edge.
14. Visit a theme park. We don’t have a shortage of
those around, here do we? Our local theme parks are
4. Go to the beach! Sounds simple enough, right? The
ocean, salt air, and fresh dose of vitamin D are the best always adding new attractions and are fun for the
entire family.
recipes to help cure any cabin fever!
A Staycation is Not a time for Chores
5. Stock up on some books from your local library
you’ve been wanting to read.
6. Splurge on a visit to a local spa for a massage, or a
day lounging in the hot tubs and saunas. If you live
close to a nice hotel or casino, keep in mind that these
places often have lush pools and spas for their guests.
You can often buy a day pass for under $50!
15. Go Glamping! This is a new trend that is popping
up all over the place. Its glamour and camping. Most
have amenities and, in some cases, resort-style services
not usually associated with “traditional” camping.
But most importantly, cherish the time you spend with
family and friends, regardless of what plans you end up
making!
NOVEMBER 2017
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WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE
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