Traverse City Record-Eagle

Grand Traverse County

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    STAYCATIONS

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    STAYCATIONS
March 31, 2009

Spring break a 'staycation' for some

By LINDSAY VANHULLE

TRAVERSE CITY -- In theory, a spring break trip to the Grand Canyon would have been perfect.

Craig Braun would have taken his best friend and her 5-year-old twins to visit one of the most famous national parks, a place they had never seen.

But they didn't book a trip far enough in advance, so prices were higher. And Christopher and Charlie Corey, who attend Platte River Elementary in Honor, might be too young to appreciate its magnitude this year.

Time for Plan B.

"It was just as easy to stay here," said Braun, of Frankfort, who has been part of the twins' lives since they were born. "There's plenty to do."

"Staycation" is the new "it" phrase, entering the public lexicon to give meaning to those who, for whatever reason, opt not to travel too far for vacation.

The reference has become so common -- to some, regrettably so -- that it made Lake Superior State University's 2009 list of banished words.

However it's defined, the idea of keeping close to home has taken root, given today's dire economic situation. Many families across the region are trading tropical vacations for local day trips. If they travel at all.

Tim Pence brought his 12-year-old daughter to swim for free this week at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center pool. They planned to go for walks, watch movies, have snowball fights.

An information technology student at Northwestern Michigan College, Pence was injured about three years ago while working as an insulator. He isn't employed now.

A trip wasn't an option.

"Got to face reality," said Pence, of Traverse City. "It makes (staycation) look very attractive."

Some area hotels are hoping people haven't become weary of spending money, offering travelers discounted rooms and package deals.

The Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in Acme Township is offering weekday rates as low as $89 a night through next week, compared to $135 for a room on a regular weekday, spokesman J. Michael DeAgostino said.

Included is access to a health club, exercise equipment and a water park.

DeAgostino said people from the area have booked rooms, although he was unsure how many.

The Great Wolf Lodge in Garfield Township also reduced rates for spring breakers, starting at $189.95 per night, through April 18. Passes to its water park are included.

The specials don't stop with lodging. The State Theatre in Traverse City is offering free movies through Friday, and the Great Lakes Children's Museum in Elmwood Township will host learning activities beginning at 1 p.m. all week.

Anne Drake, a museum educator, said the number of children visiting Tuesday morning was about double the usual turnout.

Mark Witczak brought his three children, ages 4, 7 and 11, to the museum, after seeing a long line for the morning film.

He and his family stayed home this year, even as extended relatives left town, in part because inexpensive fun isn't too hard to find -- despite the draw of a warmer climate.

"We've been finding something to do every day," said Witczak, a Traverse City police officer. "Snow is snow. We're still going to do what we're going to do."

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