By Edward P. Noga
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Destination: Naples, Fla. Destination: Naples, Italy. Destination: Staycation.
I have a new ceiling fan in my downtown apartment that can push the air down or draw it up, depending on the season, temperature and need. As an analogy, wouldn’t it be nice if, on our journey through life, a simple switch could help us with the ups and downs of everyday modern life?
The three title references above come from a recent conversation with Bud and Rita. We were talking about vacations over coffee one day. For over 50 years, I have been blessed to spend part of each year on the shores of Lake Huron with family and friends. Vacations – near or far, short or extended – give us the opportunity to kick back, reduce our stress and be grateful for family, friends and the wonders of the planet we live on. Big or small or in between, whatever works for us vacation-wise works!
I was blessed years ago to be able to visit my maternal grandmother’s hometown in Slovakia, and I had some wonderful experiences in Rome. I have also had some restful experiences on day trips to Oglebay Park in West Virginia, and I can’t forget some wonderful weeks at nearby Lake Milton. As mentioned, what works, works. We all have our list of rejuvenating vacation experiences –short, long or in between.
Well, as much as Bud and Rita love Naples, Fla., and Naples, Italy, they shared a wonderful experience right here in northeastern Ohio. There are travel experts who sometimes laud the benefits of staycations that take us away from our regular routine without putting hundreds of miles on our cars or causing us to stand in line waiting our turn at the TSA kiosks. Sometimes, it’s not the distance geographically but just distancing ourselves from our daily routine that can reinvigorate us, fill us with wonder and allow us to take in something different.
Ready? Bud and Rita decided to do a staycation on the weekend of the double concert (Y-Live) appearance of John Mayer and Tim McGraw several weeks ago. They invited some out-of-town friends who “stayed” with them. Home base was the downtown hotel.
This particular experience covered three days and two nights, but they also shared tales of some 24- to 36-hour experiences that have been fun, restful and enjoyable. Like any other vacation, the stay-at-home variety requires some calendar scheduling and research as to what might be happening at any given time in your location. For sure, the Y-Live weekend was the focus of what they shared with me over coffee.
Two great musical artists were certainly the main draw, but they shared the unique enjoyment of being able to walk to breakfast, lunch and dinners, take in some wonderful art at three local galleries, stroll through the peaceful gardens in front of the church on Via Mt. Carmel just north of downtown, listen to some patio music at a pop-up small parking lot turned into an outdoor music venue, walk through the beautiful landscape of an urban university and stop for a break at the local eateries.
Their friends from Cleveland were happy to share the experience and support the local economy. The two concerts were the main attraction, but they were quick to add that taking in several acts at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre or Covelli Centre has been a regular part of their “down time.”
Additionally, the proximity of these local events lets them enjoy more of the “right now” without the parking hassles, drive time and other expenses.
At this juncture, I must admit that their openness to being able to plan and enjoy the “stay” part of vacation was quite something. I think it’s always a nice surprise to realize that what is immediately around us can be as refreshing and nourishing as distant venues.
All of the above reminds me of another conversation I had several months back with some folks who reserve regular time slots at Ohio and Pennsylvania state parks. Again, as with Bud and Rita, looking at schedules and calendars of local activities can help fill a vacation slot with some great experiences and memories.
Based on our personality type, we all have our preferences as to what helps us relax, regroup or recharge. Maybe part of it is just realizing that the variety of human experiences – near or far – can allow us to be our own travel agents at times. That’s a good thing! Best of all, the planning is part of the fun.