Binghamton New York Staycation

If gas prices have taken a chock hold on you and your vacation plans this summer, it doesn't have to mean no fun for the family. You can still enjoy a Stay-cation for a song. I am focusing on Binghamton NY for my sample itinerary, but you can explore your own towns offerings.

First things first, you should sit the family down and explain why you aren't taking a traditional vacation this year. When I asked my kids if they would enjoy a Stay-cation and offered up some of the things we could do, they were all for it. They just care that I'd be home with them and that we could come and go as we please, just like we do on our "regular" vacations. Then it's time to tackle your pre-Stay-cation list to ensure a stress and worry free time.

Clean your apartment/house

Stop the mail

Record and out going message on your home and cell phone advising that you will be out of reach for a few days

Stock the fridge and pantry with snacks, bottled water and soft drinks

Pick up take out menus and keep them by the main area television

Hire a local teen to come by every morning or afternoon to do the dishes, empty the trash, make the beds and even leave mints on the pillows

Buy local postcards and stamps

Following the above list will insure that you aren't distracted by work, bills or an untidy home. It will leave you free to get into your Stay-cation mindset.

Below you will find a sample itinerary:

DAY 1

Enjoy breakfast at a local diner like Danny's on Main street or Chris's downtown

Take a walk to Recreation Park and take a ride on the free carousel

Bring you swim gear along and take a refreshing dip at the local pool, at .25 cents for kids and .50 cents for adults, this is an inexpensive activity that you can enjoy daily

Return to your "Home-tel" to shower and change and head over to Tully's in Vestal for dinner in an awesome sports themed restaurant

Send out a few of your postcards

DAY 2

Eat in for breakfast and remember to leave those dishes

Take a stroll down main street ending at the Price Chopper to rent a DVD from the new Red Box stationed out front (if its returned in 24 hours it will only cost a buck)

Spend the afternoon relaxing, watching a good movie and enjoying some popcorn

If the Binghamton Mets are in town, hit NYSEG stadium and snag a family four pack for $24, you get 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs and 4 sodas

DAY 3

Skip breakfast and instead enjoy a lovely brunch at the Greenery Restaurant at the Boscov's Department store on Court Street.

Stroll along State Street (walking distance from Boscov's) and visit all of the great art gallery's

Stop off at the Lost Dog Café for some coffee and dessert

Top the day off playing board games and enjoying some Chinese take out

Send out the rest of your postcards

DAY 4

Grab a quick break fast at Dunkin Donuts and head off to some garage sales

Pack a picnic lunch

Visit the Ross Park Zoo, Prices are $6 for adults and $ 4 for children (open till 5pm)

DAY 5

Get in a round of golf at the Ely Park Golf Course - $10-$15 Per cart/18 holes

Spend the afternoon at the Oakdale Mall shopping

Have some seriously wonderful soul food at Theo's in Johnson City

Catch a movie at the Regal Cinema's on Front Street

TIPS

Remember to bring your camera along to all of your outings

No matter how tempting, do NOT check your voice mail or email

Do not tackle any household projects

Be clear to friends, family and co-workers that you would appreciate no one stopping by as you are on vacation

And most importantly, stay in a vacation mindset.

There are of course, hundreds of things to do in the greater Binghamton area. The above is just a list of suggestions to show that you can have a vacation close to home.

Some other possibilities:

Giggles Comedy Club

Roberson Museum

For $8 take a ball room dance lesson at the Fun & Dance studio in Vestal with a dance party afterwards

Take a short drive to Syracuse for a day trip

Enjoy a half or full day at a local Spa

It all depends on your budget and personality, but the ideas are endless. And remember, with all the money you will be saving on airfare and hotel fees you can splurge each day and still not break the bank.

The most important things to remember is that though the outings are fun and nice, the memories are made when you spend uninterrupted time with your loved ones. And really, that is the goal of all vacations.

Happy stay-cation!