Sometimes I think ahead enough to plan a spring break trip. Sometimes I feel more like a housewife and want to enjoy my time at home with my family. But how do you make the most of spring break at home with the kids or a long weekend without big plans? My goal is to do something where I’m away from the screen and outside. Because that’s where I’m happiest! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy where you live.
Shop by the yard
1. Saddle up for a bike ride
We had some friends come to visit and we really wanted to take them on a local trip. While we have bikes, we didn’t have enough for everyone. We found a local man who rented electric bikes and left them with us at the trailhead! I love that you can rent bikes almost anywhere.
2. Go to a museum
Now, of course, there are art museums and history museums, but usually there is also a science center or a unique exhibition in the city. Our girls love Marbles, a local non-profit children’s museum that has activity centers, playgrounds and more.
3. Go on a day trip
Look for a fun destination within an hour or two and take a day trip. We like to go to the beach during the day. You don’t have to rent a house, you can pack food and go to the beach. Sometimes we make a trip to the beach such a big event, and you don’t have to! Six hours can be enough in the sun!
4. Go out for breakfast
Order something you wouldn’t normally make yourself, like Eggs Benedict, Sweet Potato Pancakes, or a Breakfast Platter. Breakfast outside is extra special when it’s midweek!
5. Go on a tour of your own city or town
We are fortunate that Raleigh has great places to visit like the Videri Chocolate Factory or the JC Raulston Arboretum. Pretend you’re a tourist and go to a local cathedral or historic site – you don’t have to wait to entertain guests. Bonus: Many of these tours can be free!
6. Start the feed carrier
Remember one of your favorite dishes and order it in several restaurants in the city in a few days. It’s your choice! Maybe it’s ice cream, maybe it’s sweet potato fries — maybe it’s Brussels sprouts (that’d be me). Pick your favorite foods and commit to trying a bunch that week.
7. Take your meal outside
A picnic in the park or by the water is always fun. Packing a lunch and eating out is like a vacation. Don’t forget to bring a frisbee!
8. See live music
Think beyond the big gig – there are often so many small, local shows that can be really fun and introduce you to new music. Whether you find a cover band in a small pub or a jazz band in an outdoor park, simply going to visit someone you’ve never heard of can be somehow so liberating. No pressure to be amazing!
9. Go to a matinee
While I don’t always enjoy dining theater (eating in the dark just isn’t my thing), my sister Victoria recently went to the Alamo Drafthouse. They have a custom lamp and button with each seat, which she loved. CinéBistro also has that experience, and I hear the food is good. Matneja takes up a lot of time in the day, which can be nice when you have a week at home.
10. Try an escape room
You’ll find escape rooms in many cities these days, and they’re worth the drive! Gather your family or some of your local friends. Discover the clues together in one hour. We had a great time doing this on our vacation last month.
11. Dress for dinner
I think it’s fun to go somewhere a little nicer for a dinner that requires dressing up. Don’t let tonight be another DoorDash night! Going downtown or somewhere elevated makes an ordinary day seem like a special occasion.
12. Go to the market
We are lucky to have a state farmers market nearby which is a really great experience (if you like lemonade, their freshly made ones are out of this world). But it’s also fun to go to smaller local farms and taste hot sauce or apples. My girls love to help pick out their favorite items.
Ok, I have another bonus tip that is a little more expensive, but can be a “staycation” of sorts. Look for a local hotel (especially one with a pool if you have kids!) and stay the night!
Recently, Chris and I had the opportunity to book an overnight stay at the beautiful Heights House in Raleigh. Whenever I’m packing to leave the house, my stress level is at an 8, but seriously it was at a 1 because we were still close to home. We went to the Downtown Raleigh Home Show. We went out to eat at a place we had never been. Everything was easy and so relaxing. That’s a sign of a good stay for me!
