WARM DAYS, VACATION DAYS CAN BE A GIFT IN OUR DAILY LIFE
You may be surprised to find that there are many interesting activities in your backyard. Having fun activities to look forward to is like a gift to you and your family.
It is always nice when the temperatures start to rise and the winter chill is behind us. Getting out and exploring our area can be fun and enlightening. Often, when planning a vacation, we Google all there is to see in that area. Have you ever Googled your area? You may be surprised to find that there are many interesting activities in your backyard. Having fun activities to look forward to is like a gift to you and your family.
Look at your city or state as you would a place you plan to visit. Google museums, events, zoos, parks, restaurants, and interesting places to see. You may find that staying at home is the most relaxing vacation and one that can be done on your days off. Big win a vacation that doesn’t use vacation days!
I live in Jacksonville, so I did a Google search for a 7-day staycation in my backyard.
1. Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
This museum opened in 1958 and is the largest museum of art in Northeast Florida. It was established from the estate of Ninah M. H. Cummer, who was an art collector and garden enthusiast. The museum is located in the St. Johns riverfront home of the Arthur and Ninah Cummer. There are 2.5 acres of gardens to explore and nearly 5,000 pieces of artwork.
Exploring this museum will ensure a fun day. There is also a restaurant on-site to enjoy lunch.
2. The Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens
This park is full of trails to hike. There are 3 miles of walkways guiding you around the lake. Along this trail, there are 100 labeled plants for you to learn about and enjoy.
https://jacksonvillearboretum.org/
3. Jacksonville Center For The Performing Arts
This venue in downtown Jacksonville showcases many touring theatrical events. It is home to the Jacksonville Symphony and the Broadway series. Check out the website to find monthly events.
4. Fort Caroline National Memorial
This historic fort is situated on the beautiful St. John’s River. You can explore the fort, and hike trails.
https://www.nps.gov/timu/learn/historyculture/foca.htm
5. Fort Clinch
Here you can go back in time and envision the life of the Union soldier during the Civil War. Explore the many rooms of this fort. After exploring the fort, head to the beach area where you
may search for shells. Fort Clinch has a lot to offer, from camping, hiking, and enjoying a day at the beach.
https://www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch
Restaurants
1. Alhambra Dinner Theater
Enjoy a 3-course meal followed by a fantastic show. It doesn’t get any better than this! The food is always 5-star and the performances are unforgettable. Visit the website to find the perfect show or shows for you.
https://www.alhambrajax.com/about/
2. 90 Miles from Cuba
Serving delicious Cuban food. This place has great service and a friendly atmosphere. It is also very friendly to the wallet.
9938 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246
3. Old Soul Donuts
They have a wide selection of donuts, breakfast sandwiches, and the amazing CRONUTS. Cronuts are a must-have when you come to this place. They are only open 6:30 -1230.
11230 New Berlin Rd, Jacksonville
4. The French Pantry
If you are looking for a place with sumptuous desserts, amazing lunches, and delicious artisanal breads… this is your place.
6301 Powers Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32217
5. Catullo Italian
Catullo's Italian is a small restaurant that offers authentic Italian cuisine. If you want to enjoy a cozy Italian dinner, this is for you. Catullo’s is open from 5 pm-9 pm, Monday through Saturday. Come early to avoid waiting.
1650-2 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 ·
Living in Jacksonville offers one more unique staycation. (Well, kind of a staycation.) Jacksonville is home to a cruise port. You can do a quick getaway without a long drive or a flight. You can drive down the street in your city and hop on a cruise ship for the weekend.
Carnival Cruise Line offers 4 and 5-day cruises out of Jacksonville.
Norwegian Cruise Line, starting October 2025, will offer 3-to 12-day cruises from Jacksonville.
https://www.carnival.com/Offers
https://www.ncl.com/vacations?cruise-port=jax&Ntt[1]=,fl&Ntt[0]=jacksonville
Share in the comments below some exciting and interesting places you have found to visit in your area. This may help someone else out. Remember, this site is all about women helping women. Make every week a little gift for yourself and your family.