Staycations are the new vacations, saving time and money

PRIME June 2012 By Carley Dangona carley@thereminder.com Summertime has officially descended upon the Pioneer Valley, and the same concerns are on everyone's mind. People are ready for summer vacation but may find their trip planning stifled by the delicate balance of traveling within their budget. To this dilemma I offer a simple suggestion: staycations! This type of family fun saves on both gas and lodging, enabling families to take multiple excursions over the course of summer, rather than one vacation for a week or two. Personally, I prefer to take a day here and there to break up the monotony of life, rather than waiting an entire year to take one long extended trip; which, by then, I am so exhausted I just want to sit around and vegetate. In reality, staycations are a mature version of the fieldtrips from grade school. Having grown up just across the Massachusetts line in Connecticut, I was able to experience many of the happenings here in Western Massachusetts: spending sunny days walking through Forest Park and visiting its zoo; going to Symphony Hall to catch a play or concert; having a season pass to Riverside Park (Six Flags); and attending the Big E every fall. At this point, I find myself awash with memories — my family and I spent a great amount of time together in the area, so in way I feel like I'm back home. I have spent time in Cape Cod, Salem, Gloucester, Peabody and my absolute favorite — Beverly. Honestly, I've always been drawn to Massachusetts. While many of friends went gallivanting about New York City, I would head to Boston — taking time to marvel at the sea turtles at the aquarium, scope out the pieces at the Museum of Fine Arts, and eat dinner at the Hard Rock Caf . I'm content just walking through the streets listening to the sounds and gazing admirably at the historical architecture. Most recently, I spent the day at the Springfield Museums. My first stop was the Dr. Seuss Memorial because his books have long been a staple of my family. Until visiting the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, I didn't realize how much the city inspired his books. Actually, I didn't realize how many companies originated in Springfield — I had no clue Rolls Royce was a local company. Seeing the Indian motorcycle collection was a definite highlight. I want one! I also observed artist Patrick Dougherty at work on his "Stickwork" sculpture and cannot wait to see the finished piece — I for one, can't take two sticks and start a fire, but Dougherty has hundreds at his disposal and is truly creating something extraordinary. I also attended a Museums la Carte Lecture at the D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts, about the stained glass of Tiffany and John La Farge, which I found engaging. I thought the science museum and the Walter Vincent Smith Museum were interesting and very much enjoyed the exhibits. Admittedly though, I did find the T-Rex frighteningly lifelike. Overall, I discovered many photo opportunities both inside and outside. Just think — four museums in one day, in one city! The staycation possibilities in Western Massachusetts are endless and sure to provide enjoyable, affordable getaways, just outside your door.