It’s that time of year again when the need for a getaway starts to come on strong. Spring break was likely a bust last year, as Covid 19 began to spread across the globe just weeks before. This year, as vaccinations become more readily available and mitigation risks are more clearly defined, you may be itching to enjoy some form of time off and a chance to get away.
One of the perks of living in Norfolk, VA is being located just minutes from vacation-worthy sandy beaches, sparkling shorelines, lush parks, historical attractions and nationally-recognized museums. Whether you want to plan a day trip to the beach, an overnight camping trip with the family or a luxurious spa day at home, you can do it all this year. If you’re looking for simple tips to plan an epic spring break staycation, here are a few ways to help you get started.
Day Trip
When you can’t get away for a long vacation, it’s easy to plan a convenient staycation with endless day trip possibilities all around. Take a 45 minute drive to Williamsburg, VA and explore Colonial Williamsburg and the Jamestown Settlement. Pack a beach bag and head to the Chesapeake Bay in Norfolk’s Ocean View or to the Virginia Beach oceanfront.
Willing to drive further? Drive an hour and a half to Richmond for museums, parks and historical attractions. Or head south to the Outer Banks for a day exploring Jockey’s Ridge and the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
Beach Days
Norfolk, VA is surrounded by bodies of water in every direction, including a calming shoreline along the Chesapeake Bay and alongside the glistening waters of the Elizabeth and Lafayette Rivers. Just a short drive further takes you to the Atlantic Ocean in Virginia Beach, with miles of sandy beaches and bright sunshine. Spend your spring break outside or on the water with beach days you can cap off comfortably in your own bed.
Spa Days at Home
You don’t have to break your bank account or travel far to practice luxurious self-care. In fact, planning a spa day at home for you and your loved ones can be easy, relaxing and even fun. Prepare by stocking up on supplies that will help you to feel truly at ease, including a yoga mat, nail care and facial care products. Pamper yourself with masks, manicures and down time you need. Order your meals in, pop on a movie at the end of the day and treat yourself well all day long. You deserve it.
Go Camping
An easy way to get away without traveling far, exhausting your bank account or risking exposure to Covid is to pack up your family and head to a nearby campground for outdoor adventure. Take a weekend to camp at nearby Cherrystone or First Landing State Park, or plan an overnight at beautiful Kiptopeke State Park on the Eastern Shore. Your family will enjoy exploring together, and you’ll enjoy getting a breath of fresh air in natural surroundings.
Arts & Crafts Day
For some, the best way to get inspired and reset is to make something beautiful with their hands. Plan a day of complete arts and crafts fun for yourself, your kids or any of your loved ones this spring break, and be inspired by your own innate sense of creativity. Start with individualized art projects and end with a group painting project that everyone will enjoy. Stock up on molding clay, paint, glue, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, paper plates, glue guns, ribbon, yarn, watercolor paint, water buckets, hand paint, poster board, canvases and paper. Gather up items you already have on hand, and upcycle old clothes, plastic bottles or paper towel inserts and let the creativity flow!