Staycation in PA?

Okay, I know it is only the beginning of March, but soon you’ll be thinking about summer …and about what you’ll do. Of course, you’ll also check out the price of gas that keeps going up and maybe wonder if you want to spend your money just getting somewhere!

Well, some people are planning a “staycation” — that’s where you stay at home but do some fun things either at home or close by.

You can check out a lot of places that are close by — you know, those places that other people travel from THERE to YOUR area to see, but you’ve never gone to? Look around your area…make a list of places you can visit.

Maybe you can just plan some special days off — and do fun things at home. Plan a show with the kids for the grandparents or other friends; create a backyard carnival, take a train ride, go camping at a state park, visit a zoo or aquarium, go bowling, play laser tag, invite friends for a backyard picnic…there are tons of things to do, you just need to do a little planning.

Here are some other ideas for a staycation:

Free Money finance

Family Education

Staycation ideas

Don’t forget – Pennsylvania has 120 state parks! They are inexpensive – and you’ll find plenty of outdoor things to do.

And – check back to see how our “field trip” ideas grow! You might find something there to go to!

Groundhog Day

It’s almost that time of year again, and Pennsylvania has Punxsutawney Phil to tell us if we’re going to have an early spring! On February 2 he will either see his shadow or not, leaving us with cold or hopes of warmer weather.

Here is the “Punxsutawney Phil” website you can visit.

The story of how this all came about can be found here. Scroll down to the story.

Visit GROUNDHOG to discover the official website of the Groundhog club and tells of all the events planned for that weekend in the town of Gobblers Knob.

Here’s The Shadow Report that tells which years he did see and which he did not.

Phil Souvenirs – if you’re interested.

~Wendy

Horseshoe Curve

This is an interesting place to visit, especially if you (or your children) enjoy trains.

Horseshoe curve

The Farm Show

Those who live close to Harrisburg know about The Farm Show. First, it is a huge building that often holds various conventions (like a PA homeschool convention). But it also is a “farm show”…where those involved in agriculture meet and share their knowledge – sell animals, see new tractors and other equipment, watch competitions, taste food (!) and lots more.

This is from the site: Visitors have the chance to see nearly 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 270 commercial exhibitors.

One thing I remember from living around the Harrisburg area — it seemed that the week of the Farm Show often had inclement weather — so be sure to check the weather reports.

The Farm Show
~ Wendy

Synchronized Christmas lights

Here’s a sight that has some great music and synchronized Christmas lights — you know — the kind you admire and love to watch, but are really really glad you don’t live next door to!

Steel City Christmas

ENJOY!

~Wendy