How to have the best staycation
Don’t have time or the energy to plan a big vacation? Sometimes a staycation is exactly what you need! A staycation is a mini vacation in your hometown. In the midst of COVID-19, a staycation can be a lot of fun when it is safe. A ton of hotels are offering specials and discounts right now for locals. My hometown is Memphis, so I’ll be using that as an example for these tips.
Central Station Hotel
Stay in a hotel or Airbnb. Memphis has been getting so much love from hotels recently. Most exciting (for me) is the Central Station Hotel (Curio by Hilton) and the Arrive Hotel both on South Main. Pick which part of town you want to call home for the weekend and get a nice place there! It doesn’t have to break the bank, but getting out of your house or apartment is what will make this feel like a true vacation. Conde Nast Traveler magazine ranked Hu. Hotel as the #1 hotel in the south. River Inn in Harbor Town ranked #19.
Do something new. I find myself frequenting the same bars, the same pilates studio, the same fun places every weekend. This is a time to try something new! If you don’t really do anything outdoors, maybe hit up a park (like Shelby Farms!) or the zoo. Rent a bike and bike downtown or along Riverside. If you typically don’t go out to bars or new restaurants, go somewhere trendy and try a new experience! There are also tons of classes around town. Check out Choose901 for a list of things happening that weekend! One of my favorite experiences with my boyfriend was a day when we got bottomless mimosas at Babalu, then brought airplane bottles of Bailey’s and Fireball and made spiked hot chocolate at the zoo. It was a cold day so most of the animals were really active and there was no one at the zoo. It was completely different than what we normally do and I will forever love that memory.
Try a new mode of transportation. Memphis is not a very walk-friendly city. Try staying somewhere like Downtown or South Main and ride the trolley, walk, bike, or ride an electric scooter around town! They’re fun, eco-friendly, and something new!
Be a tourist in your own city. Memphis is home to some INCREDIBLE museums. Rock n Soul, National Civil Rights Museum, Stax, Dixon Art Gallery, and Slave Haven are a few. If you haven’t been to any of these, I highly suggest you go! If you have, go again! Most of these are non-profits and need donations (in the form of ticket sales) so go and support your local museums.
Try a new restaurant. Memphis has been having so many new restaurant openings! Ditch your go-to Mexican joint and try a new cuisine. My favorites are: Slider Inn Downtown, Los Comales on Madison, Catherine & Mary’s, Bishop, SOB, Grecian Gourmet and Sekisui Midtown.
Relax! You’re on vacation! Book yourself a massage or a nail appointment and truly pamper yourself. Go on a walk and leave your phone in the room. Have a picnic on Mud Island. You owe it to yourself to relax.
Do you have any tips for the perfect staycation? Drop them in the comments below!