Staycations:  The Alternative to Travel

 

Summer is finally here and vacation season is upon us.  Even though fuel prices have dropped recently the cost to drive to a regional vacation spot take a flight to some far away destination can still be daunting.  With the logistical and financial challenges related to travel today more and more people are opting to give up vacations for so-called “Staycations” - taking time off from work to enjoy life at home and in your own area. 

 

In contrast to destination vacations you can feel like you are at home - a comfortable bed, familiar surroundings and a kitchen available 24 hours a day to make your stay enjoyable.  Those opting to stay home for vacations enjoy the freedom to do what they want whenever they want rather than feel compelled to go, go, go to get their money’s worth on a trip.  It gives others the chance to explore new surroundings or visit local landmarks, museums, shopping areas or attractions they’ve always been meaning to see, but never found the time. 

 

If you are interested in trying a ‘staycation’ this year the Kansas City area is replete with interesting things to see and do.  Not to mention pools and parks where you can choose to do little or nothing but enjoy.  A quick search of the internet turned up a variety of things to see and do locally including:

 

Nelson Atkins Museum of Art:  The buildings themselves are works of art with the new addition rated one of the top five most beautiful buildings in the world

Kemper Museum of Modern Art:  The soaring, contemporary lobby gives some insight in to the exhibits within

Nerman Museum of Modern Art:  The largest contemporary art museum in four states

National World War I Museum:  Recently rebuilt and designated as the nation’s official World War I museum. 

Boulevard Brewing Company:  The largest specialty brewer in the Midwest and Kansas City’s official beer. 

Arabia Steamboat Museum:  An amazing walk back through time in the City Market

Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun:  For the child in all of us

Schlitterbahn Water Park:  The newest area water park

18th and Vine District:  Negro League Hall of Fame, GEM Theater, Jazz Hall of Fame and great restaurants

Frontier Army Museum:  Fort Leavenworth’s role in westward expansion

Haskell Indian Nation’s University:  A cultural center and traditional art and artifact museum

Excelsior Springs Hall of Waters and Cultural Museum:  The famous water bar and Elm’s Hotel and Spa

Lakeside Nature Center:  Wildlife Education Center and programs, hiking trails, wildlife exhibit

Loose Park:  Urban park with wading pool, civil war markers and rose garden

Truman Library:  The area’s presidential library featuring historical exhibits from the Harry S. Truman era

The Money Museum at Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City:  Watch millions of dollars in the making

Sporting Kansas City:  The professional Soccer team and new world class stadium facility

Powell Gardens:  Featuring the new Jurassic Garden exhibit

 

After fighting airport security, crowds and an extended hotel stay during a trip I took this week I’m ready to stay close to home this summer and experience what our area has to offer, from downtown Parkville to the new restaurants on the West Side and West Bottoms. Last but not least my vacation spa services at Sonrisa, massage, facial. manicure, pedicure and summer highlights for my hair-sounds perfect