STAY-CATION

A vacation may not be your financial plans. What can you do in your area? You might be surprised how many things are free.

*Check your newspaper community pages, which often highlights parades, free concerts, even Shakespeare in the park.

* Take advantage of the ordinary. Pack a picnic lunch and go to the park.

* Play tourist. Google what is free in your town. In my town, several museums, botanical gardens are free on certain days.

*Plan to go to a theme park. Check for special deals. Many offer two for one during the week, and early in the season.

*Have school age children, take advantage of all the library has to offer with book clubs and events.

*Try bowling or putt-putt golf. There are often Groupon or Living Special for your area.

*Does your area have a water park or a hotel with a waterpark? It’s better than the beach.

*Find a Drive-in. Many public pools are offering movies at night called Dive-in movies where people can float while watching the movie.

*Many theatres often matinees for children in the summer for a low price or sometimes free.

*Try something new. Go to the Farmer’s Market. Take a dance lesson. Many studios offer the first lesson free.

*Have a Christmas in July party at your house. Watch Christmas movies in the dark. Serve cookies and hot chocolate.

*Camping can often be a cheap way to get away too.

*Check out state parks for a low entry fee, you can visit  pioneer villages, hike, climb, canoe, and even go caving.

*The whole point of a vacation is to relax. Put off the chores, read a book, sleep late.

*Visit an exotic restaurant. Remember lunch is always cheaper.

*Spend the day at the zoo

*Have a cookout with your friends.

*Go to a flea market

*See if there is a Ghost or history walk in your town.

*Take advantage of street festivals and local fairs.

You’ll be surprised there is so much to do in your town.