Five Ways To Take A Vacation In Your Own Town

My Facebook wall has been full of tropical vacation photos for several weeks. I even have a friend on a private yacht in the Caribbean. If this is the case for you too, it’s rather depressing, right? I mean, who doesn’t want to be on a yacht in the Caribbean?

If you’ve got cabin fever, I’ve got a solution and no, it’s not robbing a bank. It’s called a mini-vacation, and while I’m not promising that this outing will be as exciting as snorkeling in Grand Cayman or zip lining in Costa Rica, it will brighten your day.

1. Take a Walking Tour

Not every town has a guided walking tour, but you’d be surprised at how many towns have a printed version of a walking tour. They are usually available at your local visitor center, museum or at the chamber of commerce.

I once took a walking tour of Fort Collins, a town with which I am very familiar. It was a night walking tour, but it wasn’t about ghosts, but rather the town’s history. Despite having walked Fort Collins’ streets many times (even at night), during the tour I felt like I was in a brand new town.

2. Take Stock of the Art

In a previous HeidiTown article I encouraged readers to check out their town’s local museums. This time I’m encouraging you to check out your town’s art scene. I have discovered that a town’s art scene is often an expression of the town itself.

Art is also a great escape. There’s something serene about an art gallery and a visit to one can be a peaceful, albeit short, getaway.

3. Visit a Farm

Okay, I can hear your thoughts: “A farm visit is no substitute for having my toes in the sand.” However, I’m here to tell you that a farm visit can be a relaxing and truly grounding experience. And you don’t need a kiddo to enjoy a farm.

Agritourism is a growing trend here in Colorado and across the nation. There’s quite possibly a farm in your area where baby goats are being born and cheese is being made.    

It might not be the case for everyone, but spending time in a barnyard is therapeutic for me. Just make sure they don’t put you to work, because who wants to work on vacation?

4. Take a Spa Day

Nearly every town I’ve visited has at least one fancy spa, even small towns. Can’t afford a tropical vacation? Take a mini-spa vacation. And I’m not suggesting that you get a mani/pedi, I’m suggesting a dermal rejuvenation facial or a foot spa party or both. Take it from me, a day at the spa can do wonders for one’s disposition.  

5. Try a New Restaurant

We all get stuck in a restaurant rut. We know what we like and we tend to stick with it, but trying a new restaurant is a great way to take a mini-vacation in your own town. Part of the enjoyment of traveling is trying new things, so why not try something new in your own town.

Is the new place in town too pricey? See if they have a happy hour or just splurge. We justify splurging while on vacation, why not celebrate a mini-vacation in the same way?

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