Pictured above is a view of the Cleveland skyline.

During the summer time, vacations are usually on the minds of those wanting and needing a break. The beach, good weather and entertaining destinations are all things that are often sought after in the summer months. However, planning and actually going on vacations are getting more stressful and expensive, which has made “staycations”—vacations spent at or near home – more popular.

There are plenty of hot spots all around Northeast Ohio, most not even two hours away. Kent State Associate Professor Barbara Scheule, Ph.D., from the Hospitality Management program, shares some economical, yet fun, summer “staycation” ideas.

For families who enjoy recreational, historical and culture-rich places, Amish country located in Millersburg, Ohio, is most ideal. With plenty of shopping, dining and lodging options to choose from, visitors will never feel like there is nothing to do.

“It’s a great family weekend getaway because of the variety of things to do,” Scheule says. “All you need to do is ask yourself what you want to do and there will always be something.”

When visiting Amish country, visitors should check out the Yoder House. It is an entertaining and interactive way to learn about how the Amish live and experience their culture.

“Camp, stay in a bed and breakfast or a hotel —there is so much to do, and Amish country is just beautiful and rich in character,” Scheule adds.

To find more information about the accommodations that Amish country has to offer, visit www.visitamishcountry.com.

For those interested in city and night life, Cleveland would make a great and affordable trip!
With some of its museums free of charge, Cleveland has a wide variety of art culture to be discovered. After checking out the museums head over to Little Italy and feel as though you are in another country just by stepping out of your car.

Most of the attractions are a walking distance from each other or a quick cab ride away. At night, experience the night life by seeing a show at the local comedy club or a concert at the House of Blues. All located on East Fourth Street.

If you are interested in seeing a Broadway show, check out PlayhouseSquare to see what is playing during your stay. There is also The Cleveland Orchestra in the spectacular Severance Hall.

Scheule also suggests making a trip to the new Horseshoe Casino if visiting Cleveland. With Cleveland being less than an hour away from the Kent Campus, it would be easy for those wanting to visit to make it a day trip, or even two.

If you would like to learn more about attractions in Cleveland, visit www.positivelycleveland.com.

For those interested in relaxing, nature-rich vacations, Geneva on the Lake in Ashtabula is perfect.
Located about an hour and a half from the Kent Campus, Geneva offers so much. From wineries to hiking and bike rides, there is always something to do.

With many lodging options from campgrounds to relaxing lodges, Geneva offers accommodations for every budget.

Make sure to check out the historical covered bridges that are located throughout Geneva and the surrounding area.

If families cannot get away to any of these places, there are other activities to choose from that are more local.

Andrew Lepp, Ph.D., associate professor in the School of Foundations, Leadership and Administration, suggests checking out the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which is only eight miles from the Kent Campus.

“The park has lots of summer programming for families, including a “music in the meadow” series, which brings live music to the park and is a great venue for picnicking and family fun,” Lepp says.

For more information about the park’s activities, visit www.nps.gov/cuva/index.htm.

No matter what interests you, there are plenty of options for “staycation” trips that families or individuals can choose from this summer.

Do you have any fun “staycation” recommendations to add to this list? Email them to einside@kent.edu by July 10, and they might be published in a future issue of e-Inside.