Quick Getaways Make a Vacation-less Summer Exciting

I tend to be a homebody with wanderlust; a bit of a contradiction in terms, I admit, but as a woman, I reserve my right to be complicated. By my very nature, I enjoy being in my own home. I'm one of those once in the house, I stay in the house types of girls. While difficult with two children, I do my best to get things done while out the first time. It isn't uncommon for me to change into something relaxing (i.e. pajama pants and over-sized tee shirt) in the late afternoon. Of course, I can plant myself on the sofa with my laptop or spiral notebook and write for hours, so it's not laziness. It is the comfort of being in the home I've made, knowing where everything is and being perfectly content surrounded by my family.

At the same time, I love to travel and see new places. I am frequently searching the Internet for deals on last minute getaways, my favorite being beach destinations. I am happiest with my feet buried in soft sand and the sound of waves crashing filling my head. Last month, I discussed my treasured Beach Thursdays and the once-a-week mini vacation they provide.

Last year we took a big trip to Disney World, which meant there would be no big, extended vacation this summer. However, there is no way that the wanderlust inside me will sit still for an entire summer, so quick getaways were the answer.

And We're Off! 

Our first getaway was to Cleveland, OH over Memorial Day weekend. We'd never been there and living in upstate, it was a short distance away that we could drive for a weekend. We visited the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, toured the house from A Christmas Story (my husband's all-time favorite movie), went to the Cleveland Zoo and found some of the most amazing eateries a city could offer. Thanks to Groupon (which I swear by) the trip was very inexpensive and a lot of fun.

Our next journey was to Saco, in southern Maine for the weekend before the Fourth of July. My husband has family there, so we were able to stay with them. A very relaxing weekend included trips to Old Orchard Beach, 360-degree fireworks on a jetty on the Maine coast, and outlet shopping in Kittery.


Still to Come...

My final getaway of the summer is yet to come, next week actually. My daughter and I along with my very good friend, will be taking a trip to Atlantic City where we are staying at a beautiful hotel on the boardwalk and plan to enjoy the beach, great food and outlet shopping. My daughter and I went a few years back and this year she proposed the girls' getaway. Definitely looking forward to relaxing before getting back into the chaos of school, sports, clubs and this year...college applications.

How did you spend your summer?