Escape for a weekend getaway
November 20, 2018
With summer behind us and the holidays in sight, a vacation might not be on your mind. But there’s no better time to plan a quick getaway to escape from the everyday stress of busy schedules and never-ending to-do lists. Options exist for families and couples alike. Here are some thoughts on how to sneak away for a quick, relaxing weekend.
Family escapes
Museum tours | Pick a city within four hours or so of home and look up museums that best match the interests of your family. You might find some specialty museums to entertain your family. The Air Zoo in Portage, Michigan, offers aircraft exhibits, rides and full-motion flight simulators for aspiring and amateur aviators alike. Want something bigger? Book a weekend to Chicago where you can pick from several large-scale museums, including the Field Museum of Natural History, Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Science and Industry and much more.
State parks | Summer isn’t the only season to visit state parks. Fall can be a perfect time of year to explore the outdoors and enjoy God’s beautiful creation. Enjoy the fall foliage as you take nature walks and hikes with your family. In the evenings, relax by the fire sharing stories and enjoying s’mores. Hocking Hills State Park in Logan, Ohio, features several hiking trails that lead to cliffs, falls, gorges and caves. Plan your visit at parks.ohiodnr.gov/hockinghills. If this destination is too far away, find a park nearby at www.stateparks.org.
Indoor water parks | Let your children splash and slide away some of their pent-up energy at an indoor water park. These popular destinations can be found in several big cities, so there’s sure to be one within driving distance.
Train adventures | Children love trains, but this outdated mode of transportation is not always top of mind when considering weekend activities. Find a local station near you and check out scheduled events. Some offer daytime adventures, while others offer extended tours to popular destinations. Plan ahead for some fun Christmas-themed rides, too.
Getaways for couples
Spas | What better way to relax than by visiting a spa? Enjoy facials, massages, manicures and so much more. Book a couples’ weekend and prepare for a rejuvenation experience to help you refocus. Several spa locations also include golf and other activities, so couples can plan the perfect amount of solitude and solidarity.
Cabins | Get in touch with nature while enjoying everyday luxuries by staying at a cabin retreat. Hike or fish by day and relax by the fireplace by night. Many cabins also feature Jacuzzis and other luxuries to make these stays peaceful and relaxing.
Bed-and-Breakfasts | Plan your stay and prepare to enjoy the personalized attention and deep history that many hotels lack. You may find that bed-and-breakfast rooms offer a better value along with their charm as each bedroom has its own unique character. Nestled in towns and cities throughout the country, your options are endless.
Beach getaways | Maybe you need more of an escape? Book a flight and enjoy a quieter-than-normal weekend at popular beach locations like the Outer Banks in North Carolina. You’ll be able to enjoy the usual attractions without the crowds. Visitors can take in quiet beaches, horseback riding and water sports.
If your schedule and pocketbook allow, plan your fall weekend getaway and make unforgettable memories with the ones you love.
If you travel somewhere this fall, don’t forget to take Benny along! We love to share the adventures Benny takes with our members. Email your photos to forum@gleanerlife.org. Mini Bennys are provided with each new Just For Kids® certificate.