By Linda Lovely
In what now seems like a former life, I frequently traveled on
business throughout the United States and occasionally to Mexico, South
America, and Europe. Now I seldom venture beyond the Carolinas.
Yet I still
have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful and varied vistas as well as vibrant
urban areas. I also get to share the regional sights and delights with family
and friends on my “Staycations.”
My husband and I live on Lake Keowee in Upstate South Carolina.
That means people enjoy visiting our neck of the woods. From June through
September, the lake is warm enough for visitors to jump off our dock for a
swim. We’ve even had family (from Saskatchewan) take a dip at Thanksgiving! Year
round, we can enjoy the lake via our “geezer craft”—a pontoon boat—or for the
more athletic by peddling or paddling one of our kayaks.
But lakes are just one of our region’s charms. I recently
took a house guest from Germany peach picking at Chattooga Belle farm, which
offers gorgeous mountain vistas as well as peaches, grapes, apples and a
distillery. And the season for apple picking (or just enjoying the cider) in
the mountain apple orchards near Hendersonville, NC, has just begun.
There are too many mountain hiking trails to list. But, if
you prefer hiking/walking with a side of urban fun, there’s the Swamp Rabbit
Trail for walking and bicycling that runs from near Travelers Rest through
downtown Greenville. That means there are ample opportunities to take an ice
cream break or buy local honey for tomorrow morning’s biscuits.
Split Creek Goat Dairy, the inspiration for the fictitious Udderly Kidding Dairy, in my humorous, cozy Brie Hooker mysteries, also is a favorite with our company, especially in the spring when the baby goats are more entertaining than any human comediennes. 
Then there’s Clemson University’s Death Valley football
stadium. It looks as if I may be attending my first football game there with
family on September 7 when our great nephew will be on the field (playing for
Texas A&M, not Clemson). I don’t dare wear my Clemson earrings that day.
See, there are plenty of reasons our car is our ticket to
adventure and the cost is less than a tank of gas.
So, do you enjoy “Staycations”? What attractions do you show
off when you have visitors?
6 comments:
I live near The Columbia River Gorge so within 20 minutes I can take visitors to see Multnomah Falls, one of the tallest in the world. Another 30 minutes along I-84 east is Hood River which is a world-class wind surfing destination. An hour or two or three (depending on where you want to go) is the Oregon Coast aka the Pacific Ocean. And within Portland, there are also many sights, The Pittock Mansion, Art Museum, The Grotto. I'm also about ninety minutes from Mt. Hood but I don't even have to drive there. A block and a half is a bluff and from it, I've a perfect view of Mt. Hood (also one from my upstairs bedroom window). I totally agree with you Linda, we don't have to travel the world to have an adventure and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Judith, your neck of the woods sounds beautiful, too. Maybe we ought to trade houses someday!
Hi, Linda,
Your neck of the woods sounds wonderful!
We take visitors to lakes around the area, there are 30 with in an hour! One of the favorites is Paulina Peak which is really high and from that vista we can see both East and Paulina Lakes which are separated by a strip of land. There is the old Mill District. It use to be a lumber mill but now has lots of shops and restaurants and is right on the Deschutes River. There is a walking trail around the river. Billy Chinook reservoir is close by and very scenic. There is a place along the lake where there are old ancient Indian drawings. and there are a couple scenic towns close by. The Cascade Mountains are with in 1/2 hour and the desert is a 1/2 hour the other way.
In southern Maine, we have ocean and mountains within driving distance, as well as state and national parks (Acadia and Mount Desert Island - 3 hours away. The drive up route one with tons of oceans vistas, hiking, boating, quaint shops and restaurants with our famous lobster, but a few fun things along the way. Closer, are beaches and rocky coasts. Island to visit via ferry. Fall foliage in the western part of state, and ski mountains (all within a few hours drive.) Did I mention LOBSTER - okay, have to say that several times. 3rd week in September people come from every state and from overseas to our Common Ground Country Fair, local artisans, music, and foods, animals, environmental displays and workshops, etc. And just south of me is Portland, one of the best foodie cities in the nation with several James Beard chef-owned restaurants. Within blocks of my house is the Bowdoin Art museum with Wyeth paintings among many other exhibits, and the Artic museum (Both Perry and MacMillan went to the college.) Plus civil war, revolutionary war, and marine museums. I think I better take a few staycations this fall!
Diana and Deb--Your homes also deserve five-star ratings! While I understand wanderlust, enjoying what's near and dear to you is just as satisfying--and it doesn't involve packing, hotel rooms, airports or customs.
Just as there are good people everywhere, there are interesting things to do close to home. You just have to look harder in some places. I love to visit small town museums and stop at historical landmarks and state and county parks. It's amazing what you learn and enjoy close to home!
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