I recently shared how it was easy to vacation in Branson, Missouri without breaking the bank.  Today I would like to share a roundup of Staycation ideas from all over the United States.  Almost every area of the United States is covered in this list, so there’s sure to be a Staycation destination close to you!

New England

Connecticut – Parenting Miracles
Boston, Massachusetts – ‎ Maven of Savin’
Manchester, New Hampshire – Common Sense with Money
Western Maine – Bubblegum and Lollipops

Mid-Atlantic

Erie, Pennsylvania – Growing Kids Ministry
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania – Somewhat Crunchy
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – Family Balance Sheet
Buffalo/Niagara Falls, New York – Coupons, Deals and More
New Jersey – Oh! Diane

Midwest

Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Indoor Garden Musings
Mansfield, Ohio – Live the Adventure
Cincinnati, Ohio – Savings Lifestyle~Cincinnati
Mount Vernon, Ohio – Living Better One Day at a Time
Dayton, Ohio – Savings Lifestyle~Dayton
Grand Rapids, Michigan – Kitchen Stewardship
Metro Detroit, Michigan – “Cents”able Momma
Oakland County, Michigan – Bargain Shopper Mom
Warren, Michigan – Saving Dollars and Sense
Grand Forks, North Dakota – Frugal Front Porch
Indianapolis, Indiana – Bargain Briana
South Bend, Indiana – Excuse The Mess
Kansas City, Kansas/Missouri – Kansas City Mamas
St. Louis, Missouri – The Pickledpigsfeet
Branson, Missouri – Getting Freedom from Debt
Springfield, Missouri – I Think I Can
Rochester, Minnesota – Everyday Notions
York, Nebraska – Heavenly Homemakers
Omaha, Nebraska – Mom Endeavors
Madison, Wisconsin – Many Little Blessings
Oshkosh, Wisconsin – A Little Bit of This and That
Chicago, Illinois – Chicagoland Homeschool Network
Champaign, Illinois – Chambanamoms
Black Hills, South Dakota – Little House on the Prairie Living

South Central

Checotah, Oklahoma – Blessed With One Income
Tulsa, Oklahoma – Lynn’s Kitchen Adventures
Gadsden, Alabama – Aint Mimi
Dallas, Texas – Funky Faith Girl
Dallas, Texas – Grocery Shop For FREE
East Dallas, Texas – Surviving The Stores
Fort Worth, Texas – Smockity Frocks
Austin, Texas – Stetted
Houston, Texas – Moms Travel Tales
McKinney, Texas – Wisdom Begun
East Texas – The Full Pantry
Murfreesboro, Tennessee – Life in a Barn
Nashville, Tennessee – The Country Chic Cottage
Mobile, Alabama – A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned
Birmingham, Alabama – iGoBOGO
Brunswick & the Golden Isles, Georgia – Teri Lynne Underwood
Alpharetta, Georgia – Cuponeando
Atlanta, Georgia – See Jamie Blog
Augusta, Georgia – Hyperactive Lu
Athens, Georgia and Mississippi – Tractors and Tire Swings
Little Rock, Arkansas – It’s Real Life

South Atlantic

Ft. Bragg, North Carolina – Military Wives Saving
Charlotte, North Carolina – The Carolina Clipper
Charleston, South Carolina – The Tween & Me
Greensboro, North Carolina – Mrs. Happy Homemaker
Jacksonville, Florida – Saving The Family Money
Orlando, Florida – Orlando’s Best Deals
Virginia Beach, Virginia – The Singley Fam Blog
Richmond, Virginia – Daily Dwelling
Hampton Roads, Virginia – A Home Made by Kiki
Charlottesville, Virginia – How to Have it All
Blackwater Falls State Park/Davis, West Virginia – Holy Spirit Led Homeschooling
Treasure Coast, Florida – The Cardamom’s Pod
Saint Augustine, Florida – Jypsie Visions
Lake Norman, North Carolina – Stretching Pennies Saving Dollars
Washington, DC – The WiC Project
Baltimore, Maryland – The Happy Housewife
Brunswick & the Golden Isles, Georgia Teri Lynne Underwood

Mountain

Tucson, Arizona – Saving with Pam
Phoenix, Arizona – Mom Endeavors
Albuquerque, New Mexico – The Chou Life
Kalispell, Montana – Our Family Adventures
Salt Lake City, Utah – Just the 2 of Us
Thermopolis, Wyoming – The McDonald Family
Denver, Colorado – Denver Bargains
Colorado Springs, Colorado – Colorado Springs Bargains

Pacific

San Diego, California – Life As Mom
Yosemite National Park, California -Handbook of Nature Study
Seattle, Washington – Queen Bee Coupons & Savings
Whidbey Island, Washington – Manning the Homefront
Olympia, Washington The Coupon Savant
Portland, Oregon – Frugal Living NW
Willamette Valley, Oregon – An Oregon Cottage

Frugal Vacation Tips

Vacation or Stay-cation: Eating without Busting the Budget – Eat at Home

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Year of the Staycation is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

The words summer and family vacation tend to thought of together.  If you are in a tough financial postition, and don’t want to miss out on the fun and relaxation of a vacation,  consider going on a fun-filled Staycation instead. Oftentimes we overlook the attractions in our own areas.

Southern Missouri is home to many interesting town and state parks.  Branson, although a few hours from our home in South Central Missouri, is a well-loved place for us to visit for many reasons. It is often known for it’s musical shows, amusement parks, and the hefty price tag that these attractions bring when taking out and entertaining an entire family.  However, Branson also has many other entertaining options that are FREE!

Free Branson Attractions

Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery and Lake Taneycomo

Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery

Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is a little known gem that is often forgotten among the hustle and bustle that is Branson. That doesn’t stop it from being a favorite amongst locals, though. The fish hatchery produces rainbow and brown trout, which you are also able to feed.  Make sure to remember your quarters and a cup to hold the fish feed!  They are open almost year around, and offer guided as well as self-guided tours.  Check out their website for more information.

Tablerock Lake

I don’t know about you, but when summer comes, you can’t keep my children out of the water!  Tablerock Lake provides a wonderful atmosphere to relax, cool off, and enjoy the summer sun!  Tablerock State Park has something for every member of your family!

Tablerock Lake is acclaimed as one of the best bass fishing lakes around.  In addition to fishing you can also enjoy picnicking, boating, canoeing, as well as hiking and bicycling trails. You might just want to snatch up a camp site {complete with showers and water for around $20 {price varies on services requested} pitch a tent and stay a while.

While you’re at Tablerock State Park, you can take a trail from the Marina to The Dewey Short Visitor Center which features three films that help tell a little about local history: “Taming of the Riviera Blanche,” “Where Eagles Soar,” and “The Expedition of Lewis and Clark, 1804-1806.”

Stone Hill Winery

Stone Hill Winery offers a free hour long tour that shows the wine making and wine bottling process.  While I’ve personally never been to the Branson, Missouri location of Stone Hill Winery, my husband an I have toured their location in Herrman, Missouri.  It was beautiful, kid-friendly, and their staff was there to please.

Edwards Mill

I just recently learned of Edwards Mill, although I’ve been in this area since I was a child!  Our local news station did a feature on College of the Ozarks {also known has Hard Work U}, which is where Edwards Mill is actually located. Edwards Mill is powered by a twelve-foot water wheel which is turned by runoff water from a nearby lake and is used to grind whole-grain meal and flour. They also create hand woven baskets and in their weaving studio  they use traditional looms to create rugs, amongst many other items.

If you plan to visit Edwards Mill, be sure to check out all of the other sites on campus such as the greenhouses {with exotic plants} the Keeter Center {with an amazing restaurant, I’m told}, and the museums. The extra neat thing about Hard Work U, is all of the work done on campus is by students, and the proceeds from the sales of their goods goes back to offset the price of tuition.  All students that attend Hard Work U never pay a dime–they instead work for their tuition.  Novel idea, if you ask me!

Branson Landing

Branson Landing is a scenic boardwalk along Lake Taneycomo. It includes shopping, dining, lodging, and a spectacular fountain show.  The Branson Landing Fountain is the first-ever to merge water, fire, light and music.

Other Branson Attractions

If you want to get in on all things Branson, there are a few shows and entertainment options that you won’t want to miss!  To get the latest deals, be sure to check out Groupon {Branson doesn’t have it’s own, but they do offer Branson Groupon’s for shows/restaurants through the neighboring Springfield, MO} as well as Half Price Ozarks.

Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City is  a fun place for all ages.  When you enter the park you step back into the 1880′s all with thrill rides, crafts, festivals, and lots of food! Our favorites?  Fire In The Hole, Powder Keg, and Thunderation.  The employees all dress in clothing of that time period, and you can step inside many quaint little stores, and see glass blowers and blacksmiths in action.

If rides aren’t your thing–visit Marvel Cave {which is what the entire theme park was built around!}, home to the Cathedral Room which is the largest cave entrance in the US.

You can find ticket pricing and discounts HERE.

*Frugal Tip* You are able to bring in your own food/drink.

Dixie Stampede

You receive a 4 Course Meal and entertainment all in one place with the Dixie Stampede.  We’ve been here twice now {one was a Christmas gift, and other time was a school field trip}, and both shows have been great!  While the ticket price is a bit steep, you won’t be bored or hungry.   Also, when purchasing your tickets they offer you discounts on other attractions like the Titanic and Ride the Ducks.

Are you planning a Staycation or a Vacation this year?

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Don't Feel Guilty About Dessert! Eat a Smart Sweet! Check out the 80+page Ebook from Kitchen Stewardship.

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Visit the Clever Housewife for Saving and Stretching a Buck.
Staycation Ideas for Branson, Missouri is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

Tiffany is a Homeschool mom of 4 kids, ranging in age from 17 to 6 years old. On her blog, Eat at Home she shares recipes and tips to help families put dinner on the table quickly and economically.


Staycations can be an affordable, relaxing alternative to going away for vacation. There’s no need to pack and you get to sleep in your own bed. On the other hand, if you’re really going to feel like you’ve had a vacation you are going to need to do a bit of planning.

Set a budget – Staycations can be very affordable, since you aren’t paying for transportation or lodging, but you do need to have a budget. Don’t forget to include ticket prices for activities you may want to do, gas costs for daytrips and food costs. Knowing ahead of time how much money you can spend will keep you from experiencing the stress of a high credit card bill later on.

Decide what your goal for the vacation is – Do you just need a break from the normal routines of housework, email, bills, running kids around or your day job? Do you want to be able to spend some time at home enjoying your own porch or maybe just sleep in and have a lazy breakfast? This might be important for someone who travels a lot for work. Maybe your goal is to do things together as a family, focusing on fun activities. Knowing your hopes for the vacation will help you plan a great time together.

Prepping for the vacation – No, you don’t have to pack but a little bit of prep work will go a long way in your enjoyment of the staycation.
- Try to clean your house before the staycation starts. It doesn’t need to be spotless, but if it’s reasonably clean and picked up you won’t feel the need to do that during your time off.
- Plan a menu. You might plan to eat out for some or all of your meals. If so, go ahead and think about where you’d like to eat so you can formulate a budget. If you’re planning to eat at home, find your favorite crockpot recipes or meals that can be prepared and popped in the freezer. You want to keep it simple, but still have it taste good.
- Consider having your mail or newspaper stopped. This may be more important for some people than others, but having a break from going through the daily mail can add to the feeling of “getting away from it all”.
- Agree on the amount of computer/phone time that you will spend each day. You might want to skip checking email and messages altogether or maybe you want to allow yourself a quick check each day. This tip is especially important for those people who have trouble unplugging.

Here’s a list of fun things to consider doing – Try to make some kind of plan for each day. This will keep you from sitting around wondering what to do and also give you a sense of anticipation for the week.
- Explore the free things available near your home. Many towns have special festivals and events during the summer. Whether it’s a street fair or movie night at the park, you might want to take advantage of these things.
- Explore the parks and arboretums within an hour from your home.
- Visit museums, zoos and aquariums, amusement parks or water parks that you enjoy or choose one you’ve never had a chance to visit before.
- Pack a picnic lunch and take a hike.
- Have a special treat: ice cream sundaes, smores, waffles for breakfast, etc.
- Do a “pajama run” for ice cream one night. This is fun if you have little kids. Get them all ready for bed and then announce a pajama run, pile them in the car and drive to Sonic or Dairy Queen for ice cream.
- Catch lightening bugs. Do some star gazing together.

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Don't Feel Guilty About Dessert! Eat a Smart Sweet! Check out the 80+page Ebook from Kitchen Stewardship.

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Visit the Clever Housewife for Saving and Stretching a Buck.
Guest Post: StayCations is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

Today is my 27th Birthday and my husband is off work, so we’re out of here and off to the lake for some frugal family fun! The following is the first part in a two part Frugal Vacation Series. Stay tuned next Friday for a post on Staycations. Thank you for your post, Tiffany!

Tiffany is a Homeschool mom of 4 kids, ranging in age from 17 to 6 years old. On her blog, Eat at Home she shares recipes and tips to help families put dinner on the table quickly and economically.

Frugal versus Affordable – I want to share with you some ideas that will help you save money on your vacations but that does not mean that the vacation will necessarily be affordable for your family. For instance, it is frugal to shop around for cheap flights, however flying to a destination will rarely, if ever be affordable for my family of six. For the first twelve years my husband and I were married, we did not take “real” vacations because we couldn’t afford them. Two or three times we were able to take long weekend trips with our kids, but it has only been in recent years that we could afford to go on week-long trips together. That is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s just the way it is sometimes. Hopefully, these ideas will get you closer to being able to take an affordable vacation.

Start with a Budget – Figure out how much your family can afford to spend on a vacation. It’s okay to do some dreaming about the type of vacation you’d like and if you have a budget already in place before the dreaming starts, you’ll be able to come back to reality quicker. You might even find that by making a few adjustments you can afford the vacation you really want.

Saving on the Big Ticket Items:

This post is linked to Frugal Friday.

Have you purchased your copy of the Home Management Binder yet? It's not too late!

Thank you for supporting our February Sponsors!

Don't Feel Guilty About Dessert! Eat a Smart Sweet! Check out the 80+page Ebook from Kitchen Stewardship.

{Mountain Rose Herbs}--Organic Spices, Herbs, Teas and Essential Oils {Plus MORE!!}

Visit the Clever Housewife for Saving and Stretching a Buck.
Guest Post: Frugal Vacations is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt