South Bend "stay"cations save cash and stress

by Carolyn Manno (cmanno@wsbt.com)

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South Bend "stay"cations save cash and stress

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By WSBT Sports

Story Created: Apr 7, 2009 at 7:32 AM EST

Story Updated: Apr 10, 2009 at 6:12 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — Even though old man winter insists on hanging around our area for a few more weeks, summer is almost here. With the warmer weather, normally comes a desire to explore and getaway, but some are having a hard time finding the funds for a summer retreat. With the cost of gas, flights, and hotel stay in mind, more and more people are looking to stick around town.

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"Some people are looking at some of our day trips where we drive you," said TCU travel agent Teri Gordon. "We take you up to Brookfield Zoo, for instance, for the day. You don't have to drive, and who wants to drive to Chicago if they don't have to. So people are looking at those kinds of things this year."

Gordon helps organize "Stay"cations, which means staying at home and relaxing or taking day trips to area attractions. This style of vacationing has achieved high popularity in current hard economic times, when unemployment levels and gas prices are high.

Gordon suggests trips to the Brookfield Zoo, The Theater At The Center in Munster, or an excursion to Chicago to see Mary Poppins on Broadway as just a few cheaper alternatives to a pricey getaway. She offers prepay trips with transportation included.

If your close to South Bend you can check out the East Race Waterway on the weekends for just $4 a trip, or head to Potato Creek Park for some biking, fishing, or boating — and stay in a cabin that sleeps up to eight people for $100 a night.

As long as your willing to do some homework and keep an open mind, there is something for you this summer.

"A lot of people don't do anything in their own town, so it's interesting to look around at some of the sights that tourists would come to your town to do," said Gordon. "The College Football Hall of Fame, or the East Race Waterway, or some of the museums are great examples of that. That way, if friends come to town, you can tell about the great things your town has to offer and also have something fun to do."

"Stay"cation Travel Tips:

1. Stay in a nearby hotel. Tell them you're a local and they may give you a discount so that you'll recommend them to visiting friends or relatives.

2. Join your local museum to get on lists to identify when the best cultural opportunities are happening.

3. Pay attention to the local papers to see what festivals, flea markets, or fun activities may be coming up in your area.

4. Try something new.

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