Is "staycation" not the buzz word this summer? It refers to getting away on vacation by staying at or near home. Isn't that kind of an oxymoron like "peace missile" or "friendly fire"? A co-worker of mine laughed when I mentioned 'staycation' and said "Yeah, you mean 'Lousy Economy Vacation' in other words". (Actually, she didn't use the word "lousy" but an expletive which will remain anonymous. It meant the same thing.) It seems everywhere I go these days, I'm hearing this word and even though I'm sick of it already, I happen to like the concept of learning more about what there is to do not so far from home and saving a little money at the same time. So I asked a few folks around the office what they would recommend for a "staycation" and came up with a couple of ideas myself. I'm hoping you too will add to the list. Here are a few ideas:
1. Buffalo Trace Park- one mile east of Palmyra, IN. off of US 150, it's 147 acres of fun with a Frisbee Golf Course, a petting zoo, campgrounds and a 30 acre lake. My partner and I recently visited the lake on Labor Day (the end of swimming season) and spent the day on their beach, taking cool dips in the lake then returning to a great book we are reading right now called The Devil's Teeth about Great White Sharks off the coast of San Francisco. It was one of the most relaxing afternoons I've had in a very long while in a beautiful and clean setting. (There are no Great Whites in Buffalo Trace Lake btw!)
2. Sunny Acres Stables LLC- another gem off of US 150 near Greenville, IN. that offers Horseback Riding and other group activities. The farm is 225 acres with gorgeous trails and wild flower fields and well taken care-of horses. We took a two hour trail ride recently and totally enjoyed ourselves. However, unless you ride a lot, I would recommend a one hour ride. You're gonna be mighty sore either way!
3. Marengo Cave Park- about 25 miles west of Louisville towards Georgetown, IN. off of state road 64, is this fabulous park that is a U.S. National Natural Landmark. Program Director Stacy Owen of WFPK recently went there with her family and absolutely loved it. They have tours of the caves, canoeing and camping plus many other activities.
4. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail- From Frankfort to Bardstown, Ky. and lots of stops in-between this is definitely on my to-do list someday, especially with someone else driving! You get to visit many distilleries of "America's only native spirit" and see the beautiful Kentucky country-side at the same time. From the visitor centers of Heaven Hill to Makers Mark to My Old Kentucky Home State Park, it's a great way to see the central part of our state and taste it too!
Please add your suggestions to the list for things to do that are near and dear to your heart for the perfect "staycation" and thanks!
