Friday, May 22, 2009

Staycation for the Best Vacation Experience


Many people have used, and some have claimed to be the originator of the term "Staycation" as a reference to vacationing close to home.  The term is brilliant and the concept is genius.

Are you a "Staycationer?"

This is the first real posting in the new Gresham Blog Topics, but the concept is sound regardless where you live. I was born in nearby Portland and have lived all my life in East County (the last 20 years in Gresham) and I can't tell you how many local attractions I seldom visit and I'm embarrassed to admit how many I've never seen. I suspect I have plenty of company.

But let's change that, shall we?

In addition to this being placed in the Gresham topics, I am starting a new Staycation topic as well. It doesn't matter where you live - there will be opportunities for you to share your perspectives. For example, if you live in the greater Gresham, Oregon area, share your favorite Staycation locations and activities.  If you are outside the area, state, or country, please share your strategies, tips, and tricks on how you enjoy vacationing close to home. How do you get the most from your Staycation trips?

Here's a few Gresham-centric ideas to get the juices flowing:
  • Have you hiked the Springwater Trail from Boring (yes, you out-of-towners, that is the real name of a beloved local Gresham neighboring community) to the Willamette River in Portland?
  • Have you packed up the kids and made a day out of picnicking at beautiful Blue Lake Park on the shores of the Columbia River?
  • Have you ever driven to Hood River (either I-84 or the old highway has great views) and taken the Mt. Hood Railroad train and enjoyed the Sunday Brunch ride to Parkdale and back?  This is a great old train with cars ranging from an impressive dome car to an exhilarating open coach for a true outdoor experience!
These are just a few examples, but you get the idea. Here's your assignment, class:
  1. What other Staycation ideas can you offer, for those of us in the Gresham region?
  2. What experience-enhancing tips and tricks can you share with your fellow Staycationers?
Class dismissed!

Dave

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