Backyard Vacations Backyard vacations in Minnesota have all the appeal of any other vacation. Take a frugal vacation in Minnesota and get acquainted with close to home attractions in your own backyard.
All it takes is a change of mindset and a spirit of adventure to see vacation opportunity in your own home state.For those of us who live in Minnesota, it’s easy to think we’ve been everywhere and done all that there is to do in our own backyard. The truth is that most of us really haven’t. We live in a state where millions of people come on vacation yet many times fail to take advantage of what we have--right in our own backyard. We have been Minnesota residents all of our lives and have yet to see hundreds of Minnesota attractions. Even before gas prices began to soar, we made a commitment to spend more time exploring our own, beautiful, Minnesota backyard. With the economy making vacations more of a challenge it makes more sense than ever to experience the joys, and savings, of a backyard vacation. Our list of places to visit in Minnesota began with the many little-known "hidden gems" in our state. We'll never get to every wonderful vacation spot in Minnesota so we've created a page where you can share your favorite Minnesota vacations spots by going to the Minnesota Forums Page and offering tips about close to home getaways.
If you are not a resident of Minnesota, we hope you will visit! However the tips that follow for backyard vacations, and how to have fun without leaving town, can apply no matter where you live.
A Backyard Vacation in Your Home TownHere are some tips that will help you have a backyard vacation no matter where you live:
A "One Tank" Backyard VacationOne secret to a successful backyard vacation is to find ways to have the same relaxing and fun experiences you would look for in any vacation. Some people think "beach" when they think vacation. Others think "great food" or "beautiful scenery." Make a list of the things that you want from a vacation and then surprise yourself by finding them near to home. Start your one-tank backyard vacation by geting a map of the state and deciding where you can go from where you are on half a tank of gas or less. (The other half is for getting you home.) In Minnesota you could:
Vacation In Your Own Backyard--LiterallyWhen I hear the words, backyard vacation, the first thing that comes to mind is setting up a tent in our backyard as a child and spending the night out there with my friends. Sleeping under the stars as a family can be a new and unique experience. Do some of the same things you would do if you were camping in a campground:
In many small ways we can enjoy the benefits of a vacation without spending the money and time that a cross-country or global vacation requires. Instead, spend a bit on creating a stress-reducing atmosphere in which you can relax at home. You can take short day trips to beautiful locations nearby. You can pamper yourself with some time at a local spa or lying on the beach. Visit local Farmers Markets. Turn off the phone, the TV and the computer and spend the day with a good book. Speaking of good books, get to know your local library.
This summer, give yourself permission to take a vacation in your own backyard. It’s affordable, family-friendly, and you’re guaranteed to think afterwards: "I had no idea there was so much to do right here in Minnesota."
Have A Great Backyard Vacation Idea?What close-to-home vacations have you enjoyed? Tell us about them! Related Links Minnesota Vacations Minnesota Vacation Spots Cheap Family Vacations Staycations Advertise With Us From Backyard Vacations to Visit Minnesota Home Page
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