Need a stay-cation?

Starting from your own home each day doesn’t have to mean boring, By Amy Stewart With the excitement of summer quickly approaching, it is the time of year when people start planning their getaways. Although there are signs that the economy is picking up, many are forced to give up those week-long getaways for a less expensive options. With the right planning and enthusiasm, a stay-cation can be an exciting option rather than a dismal reality. The New Jersey parks and forests have plenty to offer. There are programs galore for families to enjoy. Some require a small park entrance fee, while others are free to the public. While driving, take note of historical marker signs on roadsides. A road trip traveling from sign to sign, stopping to read each one can be interesting, educational and free. Bring a camera and take pictures of each so that once home, Internet searches can reveal even more information. Look for museums — Sussex County has many scattered across its wide expanse. From the County Museum in Newton to the Barrett House Museum in Highland Lakes, museums are a good place to lose yourself in local history for a few hours. Planning a stay-cation during times when there are other events in the area, helps to fill days with exciting activities. The New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm and Horse Show, in Augusta, runs from August 6 through August 15. Start growing a windowsill/deck herb garden and become an exhibitor in the open vegetable show. All family members can become exhibitors. Each exhibitor will receive a free entry pass to the fair on opening day if preregistered by July 15. Saving money at the fair can be simple. Specials at the carnival are usually scheduled for opening day. Other than that, the general rule is to stay away from the neon sign and blinking lights. Pack a lunch and dinner and carry refillable water bottles. Budget some money for dessert — the 4H teen council booth near the horse show entrance is extremely affordable and backs a good cause. Across from the 4H ice cream shed is the Snook agricultural and antique building where for just a couple of dollars enough hard candy can be bought to last the day. Honey sticks by the cents are sold in the Richard’s Building by the beekeepers and will put a cap on any sweet tooth. The Sterling Hill Mine is especially good on hot days. Space Farms Zoo and Museum will entertain the kids, and the museum has grown into an attraction that all ages can enjoy. Splitting up for a few hours can work well for families of different interests. Paintball at Kittatinny Canoes (1-800-float kc) and local day spas can help to meet the needs of those with totally different interests. Mountain Creek, Tomahawk Lake Waterpark and Lake Hopatcong State Park are all places to cool off in the water. Affordable theater can be found at the Sussex County Community College which has productions in their arts center and free music on the green every Thursday night through the summer. Tri-State Actors Theater puts on productions for children and adults like. Lakeland Bus Company runs many tours and excursions including points of interest in New York City, Philadelphia, Atlantic City and many more. Don’t forget to plan some downtime during your stay-cation days. Time with a good book, magazine or to just relax can make all the difference. With the right planning and finding activities that the whole family can enjoy can make saving money the most fun ever.