Staycation

A staycation (or stay-cation, or stacation,or staykation) is a neologism for a period of time in which an individual or family stays at home and relaxes at home or takes day trips from their home to area attractions.

Staycations have achieved high popularity in the financial crisis of 2007–2009 in which unemployment levels and gas prices are high. The term was added to the 2009 version of the Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. (Wikipedia)

Just four places/events that is within a few hours drive from Toronto:

Niagara Falls - the most common staycation destination but still one of the the best places to see. The falls is not the only attraction, there is Clifton Hill, the Butterfly Conservatory /Botanical Gardens, Maid of the Mist, and a lot more. My choice is still Niagara-Along-the-Lake.

Midland, Ontario - a mere 3 hours drive. You can stop by the Martyr's Shrine, enjoy the beaches of Huronia, or shop at Cookstown Outlet Mall.



Stratford, Ontario - if you prefer Shakespeare and a little culture in your life.

Downtown Toronto (just a subway ride away) where a lot of choices await. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) has the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit until January 3, 2010. Admission tickets are discounted on some days. The Canadian National Exhibition (The Ex) runs from August 21 to September 7. Toronto Buskerfest at the St. Lawrence neighborhood will be from August 27-30. Be amused by street performers as they show off their skills.

Royal Ontario Museum

No matter where you are, a staycation is always possible.