When you think of taking a vacation, do you picture, tropical islands, grand tourist attractions and fabulous architecture? Or do you picture quaint vineyards, antiques, and relaxing getaways away from the hustle and bustle of normal life?
Let’s face it, for most of us taking a vacation is not something we can readily afford. Plain tickets, hotel, food, and incidentals all add up to = EXPENSIVE.
But have you considered looking for vacation ideas in your own backyard? Have you ever stopped and taken the time to visit YOUR STATE’S tourism website? I recently visited Indiana’s Tourism site and I learned that Indiana is more than just corn and, actually Indiana has GOT IT GOING ON!
From water parks and museums to underground caves and historic towns, Indiana has enough fun and interesting things to do that it would probably take years to see it all. And the best part is, we can drive there and save money all at the same time. We can have fun, explore interesting and educational places, and experience relaxation and rejuvenation right here in our own state. We can have a “state-cation”!
Holiday Inn is encouraging families to have “state-cations” and look at their own home states for great vacation ideas. Affordable, convenient and fun, your home state probably has hundreds of great things to see and do. With summer winding down and fall right around the corner, NOW is the time to enjoy a getaway – affordably.
Personally, my first choice for a “state-cation” in Indiana would be Amish Country in Shipshewana. I’d love to get a glimpse into their lifestyle, taste the great food, experience the culture and appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry that Amish Country has to offer. Shipshewana is a 2-1/2 hour drive by car for us (less than a tank of gas to get there and back) and 12 miles away is a Holiday Inn Express – convenient and affordable.
How about you? What attractions are in YOUR state that you are missing out on on? Have you considered that you can take your family on an affordable vacation that everyone will enjoy without even leaving your state?
I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Holiday Inn. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.
About Kim
This is a great idea, thanks for posting! It’s true, we do always seem to look further away when we want to take a break, but there are plenty of amazing places in our own backyard- we just have to open our eyes to them!
Well, Disney and Universal for sure, but we have only been here a month and I am sure once we get situated it will be a regular visit!
No, no, no. “Big City” nearby. The Budget Motel & Days Inn don’t have pools, silly. Sure you can come! They have free breakfast, and free Happy Hours during the week. :> The biggest attraction for this hotel, though, is that it’s a two story/loft room. The kids get the upstairs and we get downstairs.
There is so much to do in our area, we live just outside Disney World. One of our favorite events at EPCOT is starting in 2 weeks, the Food and Wine Festival. There are so many different kinds of foods, festivities, wines, musical acts, etc. We try and go at least 3 times a week. Here is a link to find out the info in case anyone is in the area during the festival from Sept. 25th through Nov. 8th:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/special-events/epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival/
I like Brown County. Nashville has great little shops with handcrafted items and candy and ice cream shops. It is beautiful in the Fall. Holiday World in Santa Claus is a great value in amusement parks. They have free parking, free sunscreen, and unlimited free soft drinks. Their food is reasonably priced and there is a picnic area adjacent to the park so you don’t even have to buy food in the park.
I have been to Nashville but we did all the usual touristy stuff. Dollywood, Grand Ole Opry, etc. I don’t remember exactly where it was, but I loved the Parthenon replica in the park. THAT was cool!
That’s were I wanted to go. Let me know when we are going.
Maybe soon. October.
A couple of years ago, we started taking a mini-vacation at the end of summer. We go to a nearby hotel that has rooms that are more like a condo, and petty much swim in the hotel pool. Then we have pizza delivered (the kids love that), then swim some more. We don’t really see any attractions, but the kids think it’s really fun.
That actually sounds like a lot of fun. Can I come?
Wait…WHERE is this hotel? “Nearby” scares me out there LOL.