Six Great Cities, Six Great Staycations

By: Jacinta O’Halloran (View Profile)
Given the tough economic times upon us, I was a little surprised by a recent study released by the Travel Industry Association. Apparently less than one in ten American travelers is planning to take a staycation, or home-based vacation, in the next six months. This represents a significantly lower percentage than expected by industry analysts and it worries me a little considering the rising fuel costs, airport delays, job insecurities, and other concerns weighing heavy on our light pocketbooks. It seems as if vacationing closer to home right now should be a no-brainer.

But perhaps we’re just so desperate to get away that the obvious vacation destination—right under our noses—is escaping our attention. Doesn’t not having to pack, pay, schlep, and stress our way to a relaxed state sound good about now? Forget the expensive trip and take advantage of these six great cities and the staycations recommended by knowledgeable locals. Even if you don’t live in these cities, this advice from locals will guarantee you a non-tourist-trap (and more budget-friendly) experience.

New York City
Everyone wants to “make it there,” but those of us who actually live there rush to sit in traffic to make it out of there come vacation time. It truly is the city that never sleeps, so maybe we’re too sleep-deprived to see what a good thing we have going on in our backyard. Then again, maybe we’re just overwhelmed by the variety of entertainment options and experiences for staycationers of any age and interest. From the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and Fifth Avenue to the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory and Central Park’s Shakespeare in the Park, one local’s staycation itinerary reminds us that old haunts can be seen with fresh eyes, new places are always waiting to be discovered, and there’s so much to see when you allow yourself to be a tourist in New York City … and finally look up.

San Francisco
Anyone who lives in or has traveled to San Francisco between June and August knows that Mark Twain wasn’t kidding when he said the coldest winter he ever spent was a summer in San Francisco. But those cool summer temps don’t keep millions of vacationers from flocking here every year during the peak travel months. Never fear, though, our local San Franciscan knows which tourist spots to hit (and which to miss), and more importantly, she recommends some off-the-beaten-path hidden gems. From her picks of the city’s best vistas to budget options for playing on the bay and from Alcatraz at night to a tasting tour of SF’s best burritos, her favorite staycation destinations will remind locals why we pony up the big bucks to live here in the first place and give tourists an authentic perspective of the City by the Bay.

Chicago
Ever live in a city for a while, but still feel unfamiliar with most of it? That’s how one San Franciscan-turned-Chicagoan felt about the Windy City until he went on Bobby’s Bike Hike, which took him away from the normal tourist attractions to explore some eclectic Chicago neighborhoods instead. In deciding to staycation in Chicago, with its lakefront, funky tours, festivals, bargains, and food (glorious food!), one local decided that he could afford to indulge in all the great experiences of his beloved city—in fact, he couldn’t afford not to.

Seattle
When the summer months hit, Seattle shakes off its gloomy, rainy persona and becomes a whole new city. The days are beautiful and the neighborhoods come alive with happy locals who are grateful for the sunshine. With a break from the rain, summer is the best time to experience what makes Seattle so great—aspects that, as a local, we might take for granted. (No, we aren’t talking about Starbucks or the Space Needle.) One Seattleite’s staycation recommendations run the gamut from a peaceful picnic in Gasworks Park to a fun night of karaoke at Venus Karaoke to a restaurant that she claims has “the best fish and chips on planet earth.” Seattle boasts an array of fresh seafood eateries, outdoor markets offering local goods, and new venues to explore—all of which, our local expert assures, won’t be brimming with tourists and fanny packs.

Denver and Boulder
Denver is the Gateway to the West and most locals are at that gate every year, packing up our vacation bags and heading into the mountains. But what about all the fantastic activities we leave behind in the city? Our local Boulder/Denverite came up with twenty staycation activities—from kayak lessons and jazz in the park, to gallery hopping and tubing Boulder Creek—and in the process, came up with twenty great reasons to stay put in Denver … and hope everyone else quits town so she has all the fun to herself!

Atlanta
Atlanta is a city teeming with culture, great shopping, affordable-but-tasty restaurants, and many charming neighborhoods worth exploring. But chances are—just like any great city—its locals have not slowed down long enough to appreciate its many gems. A staycation here could include a visit to Oakland Cemetery followed by a cold beer on a rooftop patio, shopping on the Westside followed by cheap eats, chilling with Coca Cola, hanging in the Botanical Gardens, or (heaven forbid) working up a sweat on the Silver Comet Trail. Our local Atlantan’s staycation plans showed her that she could stay in Atlanta but feel like she was a million miles away … without spending a million dollars to get there!

So it seems there’s no excuse to be a sorry statistic. Not only does it help us renew our appreciation for the places we’ve chosen to make our homes, but staycationing helps our carbon imprints, credit card statements, and local economies. What seals the deal for me is not needing to belabor what to pack!

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