3 Family Staycation Ideas for End of Summer

Posted August 10, 2018

3 Family Staycation Ideas for End of Summer

Those of us who live in the Seattle region are spoiled when it comes to summer time — not only are the dog days of summer a beautiful time to enjoy Puget Sound’s natural beauty, but we can almost always count on summer lingering well into September. Sometimes you need a vacation, but don’t want to pay for the expense of airfare or a long drive. No worries. McCormick is close to all kinds of amazing places, making staycations—vacations where you stay close to home—an appealing way to get away from it all. Get away for a single night or a weekend or a week and enjoy some much-needed relaxation because before you know it, the rain will be back and many of us will hibernate indoors. So before that happens, get the most out of living in this unique place — get out with the family and enjoy some R&R.

Here are some staycation ideas on the Kitsap Peninsula and (slightly) beyond to get your search started.

Get a Taste of the Country Life

Take a break from the noise and the high rises and get a taste of the country and visit a working farm. You’ll take home some fresh produce and maybe even some eggs. The Kitsap Peninsula has some of the most beautiful, old-fashioned rural family farms around Puget Sound. And many are working farms that are open to visitors, where you can see animals and buy local produce. They don’t get any better than homegrown on a local farm.

Make a day (or two) of it at the Kitsap County Fair & Stampede. You can “Stirrup Some Fun” Aug. 22-26 with activities like a petting zoo, a carnival, sheriff’s K-9 shows, entertainers from magicians to hypnotists and local bands, and lots and lots of food, exhibits, competitions and more. There’s even a mustache and beard competition!

The Kitsap Fair harkens back to the slower-paced days of the farming lifestyle. But if prefer to keep your staycation fast-paced, just add the rodeo to your visit and watch some real cowboys in action. For a real nail-biter, check out the Xtreme Bulls, an adrenaline-packed event that pits cowboys against raging animals (and each other for prize money).

Enjoy the Good Life on Hood Canal

Described as Washington’s “wild side,” Hood Canal is an idyllic getaway for those who love a mix of adventure (like SCUBA diving, kayaking or sky diving) and scenery. The scenic drive along Hood Canal is relaxing in itself as you pass through a quiet shoreline dotted with waterfront homes.

One of Hood Canal’s towns, Union, is a renowned vacation spot, and even a few of the region’s famous families are rumored to have their summer homes here. If you’re day-tripping it, this is where you can come and chill for a few hours with a backdrop of the Olympic Mountains.

For an overnighter, Alderbrook Resort & Spa is a popular destination — but be careful, you’ll never want to leave. Those who prefer to rough it out under the sky will find various campgrounds instead, especially in Hoodsport.

Explore Port Townsend

Any destination on the Olympic Peninsula is worth at least a week but if you only have a day or two, head to Port Townsend. This seaport community has retained its Victorian charm and mixes an artsy vibe with a coastal lifestyle and historic setting.

Make Fort Ward Park a mandatory stop on your staycation itinerary. This iconic spot includes a historic Victorian-era fort and a beach complete with a lighthouse. Chetzemoka Park is another gem — by day, enjoy views of the Cascade Mountains and take a hike; by night, check out an open-air production of a “Hamlet” adaptation by the Key Public Theatre though Aug. 26.

These are just some ideas to help whet your appetite before summer gets away from you. Whatever your travel style — car, RV, boat (or plane perhaps?) — you’ll find an unlimited supply of staycation possibilities once you start digging. And we promise you’ll find yourself coming back to this side of the water for more.

Of course, living in McCormick makes staycationing in the gorgeous Olympic Peninsula region quite convenient. If you’re in a market for a new home, this is a good time to check out our new homes. We even have a few left on the golf course — talk about staycationing in your own backyard!