When you live in an area as beautiful as Delmarva, staycations are hardly a compromise. With so many attractions and beautiful natural areas within driving distance, you can easily enjoy time off in the area. Whether you’re short on time for travel, trying to save money or just interested in exploring the local area, we have some staycation ideas for you!
Special Eats
When on vacation out of town, you almost always have a special meal out, perhaps sampling the delicacies of the area. Including a meal that isn’t within your normal weekly rotation can make it feel special enough for a staycation.
Fresh seafood
When tourists come to Delmarva, they look for restaurants serving fresh seafood. Consider all-you-can-eat crabs from a place like Hooper’s Crab House or Red Roost. You can also save a bit of money by ordering from a fresh seafood market and bringing the goodies home for your own backyard feast. Consider 1 Fish 2 Fish in Salisbury, Martin’s Fish Co. in West Ocean City or The Great Machipongo Clam Shack in Nassawadox.
Go out for breakfast
Something about going out for breakfast just makes us feel like we’re on vacation. It’s not something we can do every day with our busy work lives. In terms of meals out, breakfast also tends to be less expensive, meaning you can save money for more fun. We love The Riverwalk Cafe in Salisbury, The Point in Rehoboth and Crepes by the Bay in St. Michaels.
Cook something special at home
For those that love to cook, staycations offer the perfect time to conquer those recipes that take a bit more time and effort. We’re seriously considering making pasta from scratch for our staycation adventure.
Explore
An important part of a staycation is fighting boredom and resisting the urge to be productive. Painting the house and fixing the car don’t count as staycation activities. Instead, fill a staycation with things tourists would usually do in our area, like spend a day at the beach or go to the Boardwalk.
Visit a winery
For those that love wine, Delmarva has a lot of great options to explore. Bordeleau Winery in Eden, Nassau Valley Vineyards in Lewes and Harvest Ridge Winery in Marydel are just a few.
Explore a new park
We love exploring new parks on vacation, so naturally a staycation wouldn’t be complete without that experience. If you haven’t explored Savage Neck Dunes in Cape Charles, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Cambridge or Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Smyrna, we highly suggest you take the trip!
Take a boat tour
If you’re not a boat owner, taking a boat tour can be a fun way to get a new perspective on the area. You can see Ocean City whizzing by from the Sea Rocket or rent a boat to explore one of the deserted beaches in Virginia. See the local wildlife with an Assateague Island Pony Tour.
Find a Souvenir
Just because you’re vacationing near your home doesn’t mean that you don’t need a souvenir! Souvenirs are those special objects that remind you of a special time, or those indulgent items that you would never normally buy.
Edible Treats
Sure, these items won’t be around to remind you of your vacation forever, but they will put you in that vacation mindset. Fisher’s Popcorn and candy from Candy Kitchen or Dolle’s Candyland are great options.
Shells
Finding the perfect shell at the beach is a fun way to spend the day, and a great souvenir to bring home.
Trinkets
Visit any souvenir store and you’ll find some pretty hilarious items with the name of whatever city you’re in plastered all over it. Try to find the most ridiculous trinket to bring home. It’ll make you smile every time you see it.
Make It Special
The most important part of a staycation is making it special. Small moments and simple pleasures are key.
Sleep In
What is better than waking up naturally with the sun streaming in your window on a weekday, all the houses around you quiet and peaceful? Sleeping in, taking your time to get up and ready for the day, is indulgent. Extra points if you can arrange breakfast in bed.
See Sunrises and Sunsets
Most people have too much going on to see sunrises and sunsets every day. Make some time to enjoy them during your staycation.
Relax
Relaxation is what vacations are all about. Spend the afternoon lounging in a hammock under the shade, reading a good book. Sip a delicious drink slowly at a waterfront bar. Take a mid-afternoon nap. These days are yours! Make them exactly what your body needs.
