You don’t have to go far to discover something new. Take a long weekend and be a tourist in your own city. Go to museums, attend an art show at a local gallery or visit historical landmarks. While you’re at it, eat infamous city cuisine (think Philly cheese steaks) or take in a ball game. Learn more about your city’s history and culture when you see the sights in your hometown.

Parents, get a sitter and revel in an afternoon at a distillery, winery or brewery of your choice. Book a tour online or over the phone and be prepared for an engaging experience. Typically, the venue provides a tour of the facility, information on how the beverage is made, a tasty lunch or dinner and samples of the spirit, beer or wine. You may discover a new favorite drink or enjoy the experience so much it gets added to the date-night rotation. 

It's safe to say we’ve all spent plenty of time indoors this year. So, do yourself and your family a favor, and take advantage of outdoor events and activities. One way to do so is to go online and check out your city or county park website. You can find a variety of family- friendly outdoor activities. Explore nature trails, ride a bike loop, take an interesting nature class or watch a movie in the park. You can find something for everyone.

A staycation is the perfect opportunity to try something new. Learn how to throw an ax. Face your fear and go ziplining or horseback riding. Surprise the family with a night of bowling or games and trivia an at entertainment center like Dave and Buster’s. Often on vacation, you find yourself at a restaurant where you would never normally go, or you take the wrong exit and end up in a trendy town you never knew existed. The same thing can happen on a staycation if you venture outside your usual spots.

Choose a theme for your staycation. Encourage everyone to get creative and get involved. For example, if your theme is Island Getaway, grab some tiki torches and decorative décor. Turn your backyard into an island oasis. As the kids run through the sprinkler and play in the sand box, fire up the grill (see mouthwatering recipes in this issue) and listen to festive music from the comfort of home.

Vacations are meant to be a time to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Removing yourself from work or school for a time to let your mind and body relax is important. But what if you rethink how you de-stress? Many organizations are accepting help virtually and in-person. Take a day or two out of your week off to do some good in your community. Whether you pitch in at a local animal shelter or organize a car wash to raise funds for charity, taking the time to give back will make your staycation a memorable experience.