In France, the entire month of August is vacation time for many families. Tourists arrive in Paris and the locals’ head to the countryside. It’s not that different in the United States.  Although summer vacation season is over and the kids are back in class this time of year is usually when I’m gearing up for a couple of weeks on the Garden Island of Kauai with the family.

 We’ve been doing it for about ten years now. This however will be the first year I’ve had without a vacation in a long time. Like many families, difficult economic times are taking its toll. It’s like the year without Christmas. No building anticipation and excitement, no stay over at our family friend’s beach house in Manhattan Beach, CA, no getting off the plane in Hawaii and smelling the fragrant and humid air with the comfortable trade winds blowing off the sea. None of those simple little pleasures that make going back to paradise such a joy.

 Instead it’s the year of the “staycation,” a vacation close to home. I don’t think I will even have one of those this year but I’m interested in hearing how many of you spent   “staycations”.  Colorado has a lot to offer as do neighboring states. What are some of the more enriching experiences you’ve had at near by destinations? Please feel free to comment and share your experiences!