Hop on the bike to join friends for brunch!

Day 1 Friday

Morning: Take a walking tour of the nearest city led by locals who know the best-kept secrets and scandals from a city’s past. Search online for “walking tours of [town].”
Afternoon: Enjoy tea at a specialty tea room or a posh hotel. It’s a surprisingly relaxing ritual, and so out of the ordinary that it’s romantic, too, says Marsh.
Evening: Check your newspaper’s calendar for gallery openings—a fun way to meet new artists and friends, says Marsh.

Day 2 Saturday

Morning: Explore an offbeat library, museum, or monument. Check local travel guides for ideas.
Afternoon: Go creative and try a craft at an arts center, maybe batik or even fused glass jewelry making. Or go shopping for ethnic food and housewares. “Every town has some strong immigrant roots that linger in their deli cases,” says Marsh.
Evening: After all that art, it’s time for fun: dinner and a movie. But not just anywhere. Watch in comfort at one of the new luxe theaters that boast full lounge chairs and wait service. (One option: ipictheaters.com) Alternative: “Brewery tours are always fun and interesting,” adds Assistant Editor Megan Rohrer. “Some cities even have buses that will shuttle you between multiple breweries so you can make an evening of it.”

Day 3 Sunday

Morning: Bicycle with friends to a favorite brunch spot, or put out an Italian-style spread of favorite cheeses and meats. “I like to spend my staycation catching up with friends,” says Post Comptroller Tamatha Crist.
Afternoon: Volunteer to plant trees or spruce up trails at a city or state park.
Evening: Experience a gourmet meal. To make it a fun and surprising choice, download the Urbanspoon app, enter your location, select $$$ or $$$$, and “shake.” Make a reservation at the first restaurant that comes up. Been there before? Spin again. Sure it’s a splurge, but think about all the money you’re saving on hotel and airfare.

Day 4 Monday

Morning: Enjoy a panoramic view. Every big city is proud of its highest building, and spring is 
a great time to take in 
a skyline, says Marsh.
Afternoon: Play classic board games (Farkle, dominoes, and Clue), or newer favorites from local retailers (Things, Ticket 
to Ride, and Ruckus).
Evening: End the day with an in-home couples massage. Ask friends for recommendations or check out spafinder.com.

For more staycation ideas from Betsa Marsh click here.

Your Next Staycation The Saturday Evening Post

You don’t need to go far to enjoy a fun vacation. Take cue from this 1949 John Falter cover illustration and relax with an evening picnic.

Paris, Kentucky, will never be Paris, France, no matter how great the Kentucky Horse Park and Bluegrass Bourbon may be. But you do score some undeniable bonuses with close-to-home travel: No airports, no TSA, no exchange rate, and no translation.

Part of the joy of blooming where you’re planted is the spontaneity of flipping open an atlas or speed-dialing a GPS and heading off whichever way the wind blows. If something piques your interest, you can go down a country lane or make a fresh turn into an undiscovered part of the city. You’re an explorer in your own land, digging deeper into the history and culture of an area you thought you knew. For starters, here’s a dozen ideas to mix and match after checking local city guides for details. (And remember, you’ll always have Paris—be it Kentucky or France.)

Sunup

1. If you’re a sports fan, grab your favorite treats from the concession stand and root for a minor or major league team at a stadium you’ve never visited before.
2. When flowers are in glorious bloom, stroll through outdoor sculpture parks, gardens, and zoos that are proud of their gardens, too.
3. Pull on a life jacket and hop on board a riverboat or lake cruiser to explore a new body of water. Some cities have amphibious duck rides that plunge you right into the waves.
4. Weather permitting, pack a picnic with foods from a deli or market you’ve not yet tried. Check out city or state parks within an easy drive, and again, try one that’s new to you.
5. Book a matinee at a regional theater, then the evening will be free for a special dinner together.
6. Look into local historical societies, and explore a noteworthy house museum or a quirky local landmark. Some areas were famous for making glass, fine furniture, or farm equipment, and dedicated curators have saved the best for later generations to enjoy.

Sundown

1. Make a reservation to dine by a lake or river. Twilight’s magical on the waves.
2. Be brave and hop into a pub or tavern for karaoke night. Brush up your “Jeopardy!” skills with trivia night at the pub or sports bar.
3. Travel for your stomach. Search for regional favorites wherever you go: Maybe it’s Cincinnati chili, Milwaukee beer and brats, or a Maine lobster bake.
4. Find the oldest tavern in town and taste a bit of history. Order up the signature drink that’s been pleasing locals for generations.
5. Scan university music and theater programs for some of the best productions (and prices!) in town.
6. Break out of your pizza rut and try a new regional style—every town has its favorite twists on the best pie.

Staycations: Less Stress, More Fun! The Saturday Evening Post

Water Fight by Thornton Utz

Water Fight
Thornton Utz
June 30, 1951

First on the agenda is to start an all-out water war with the neighborhood kids. Artist Thornton Utz knew that any of these munchkins would fight a bath, but tackle them with hoses and the game is on. Your report will say you coordinated neighborhood activities. The adults clearing the sidewalk may not be especially fond of this particular activity, but your report won’t reflect that. This cover is from 1951.

Watering Father by Richard Sargent

Watering Father
Richard Sargent
June 4, 1955

“I thought of eco-friendly ways to help keep everyone cool,” your report will state. The shower will invigorate Dad, right? This 1955 cover shows why Dick Sargent was one of our favorite artists. What it doesn’t show is what happens seconds after this scene, for which we are thankful.

Bicycle Tricks by Thornton Utz

Bicycle Tricks
Thornton Utz
June 18, 1955

Your teacher will be impressed you made time for healthy exercise. You may need to click on the cover for a close-up, but basically, people are clearing a path for Hurricane Harry—not that he’s giving them much choice. But your report will show you took proper safety precautions—for yourself. In this 1955 cover, at least he’s wearing a helmet. It’s the safety of everyone else that is in question.

Dog Days of Summer by John Clymer

Dog Days of Summer
John Clymer
June 25, 1955

And it’s really nice you took time out on a lovely June day for watching the youngsters. This beautiful cover was by John Clymer, who dressed up dozens of Post covers with gorgeous landscapes. Thoughts of school are as far away as the farthest blue hills in this painting. But keep up the notes. Free babysitting will look good in your report.

Boy in Inner Tube by Eugene Iverd

Boy in Inner Tube
Eugene Iverd
August 1, 1936

“I kept it ‘green’ by finding uses for old items,” you’ll note. In this case, an old inner tube becomes a flotation device. This is from 1936 by artist Eugene Iverd, who did wonderful paintings of boys. For more of his great covers, enter “Iverd” in the search box. “Not only a serious student of art,” the Post noted in an August 2000 feature on the artist, “Iverd was also a teacher of art, first to wounded soldiers after the first world war and then to high school students.”

Piano Practice by George Hughes

Piano Practice
George Hughes
June 11, 1960

“I faithfully kept up my music lessons,” your report will proudly conclude. It probably won’t mention that your mind was on swimming as you went through your Mozart exercises. Sure, Mozart had mastered minuets by the age of 4, but did he have a swimming pool waiting for him on a hot day? I think not. Practicing in your swim gear still counts.

Classic Covers: How I’ll Spend My Summer Vacation The Saturday Evening Post

History Highway

The Historic National Road

In 1806 Thomas Jefferson approved federal funding for one of the first interstate road projects. Known today as the Historic National Road, it stretches 824 miles through six states, from the East Coast nearly to the Mississippi, following the modern I-70 for much of its length.

As befits the route that made the westward migration possible for thousands of settlers, the Road is strewn with sites of historical interest. From the eastern terminus near Hollins Market, the oldest of Baltimore’s public markets and centerpiece of the artsy Union Square neighborhood (market open Tuesday-Saturday; www.union-square.us), you’ll pass Casselman River Bridge State Park, as well as historic inns and tollhouses. From Maryland, the Road swings west through southern Pennsylvania, with a stop at the Fort Necessity National Battlefield, site of the first battle of the French and Indian War. The Old Petersburg Tollhouse, built from native-cut stone, still stands along the roadside.

On the National Road, Maryland's Casselman River Bridge was once the longest of its kind in the U.S.
Photo: Lardner/Klein Landscape Architects, Jim Klein

Passing through a corner of West Virginia, the Road continues into Ohio, where you can ponder the changes in American transportation at the Aviation Heritage National Historical Park in Dayton (www.aviationheritagearea.org). Cut across the entire breadth of Indiana, taking in the famous “Antique Alley”—an extensive loop encompassing more than 900 shops and dealers; it’s the ultimate destination for any fan of collectibles (www.visitrichmond.org). The Road ends in Illinois, the land of Lincoln. Leave time for visits to the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site (www.lincolnlogcabin.org) as well as the Lincoln School Museum in Martinsville (open Sunday afternoons through the summer, 217-382-6666).

Tracing a Path

The Natchez Trace Parkway

Following what is perhaps the oldest continuously used travel route in the U.S., the Natchez Trace Parkway—
a 444-mile stretch of two-lane blacktop running south-
by-southwest from Nashville to the banks of the Mississippi—began as a dirt trail used by the earliest European traders and missionaries, and by local Native American tribes for centuries before that. Travel here was once so hazardous that the trail was called “The Devil’s Backbone.” Today, the Parkway offers the natural beauty 
and rich cultural heritage of the South. Note: Because it sits on mostly high ground, only a few areas of the Parkway were impacted by the flood waters that hit the Nashville area earlier this year. While the entire Parkway is expected to be passable by summer, it’s always a good idea to call ahead and confirm your itinerary.

Also known as "Nutt&rquo;s Folley," the octagonal mansion at Natchez&rquo;s Longwood Plantation was never completed due to a turn of fortune.
Photo by Dennis Adams

On the Parkway, two wheels are as good as four, as the entire road is a designated bicycling area. Along the way, there’s boating and fishing at Laurel Hill Lake in Lawrenceville, Tennessee (931-762-7200), and hiking, camping, and nature trails at Tishomingo State Park in Mississippi (662-438-6914). Or simply stop to smell the wildflowers tracing the trail.

The Parkway is rich in Native American historical sites. In Tupelo you will find the ceremonial Emerald Mound, the Grand Village of the Natchez, and the Chickasaw Village and Fort. You can also pay homage to “the King” at the Elvis Presley Birthplace (www.elvispresleybirthplace.com).

At the Mississippi Crafts Center in Ridgeland, you’ll find artwork and housewares from regional crafters working in traditional and contemporary forms (www.mscrafts.org). Finally, surrender to the charms of old Natchez and view gracious antebellum homes in the city’s historic district (www.natchezms.com).

Rolling on the River

Great River Road National Scenic Byway

The mighty Mississippi is, in a way, the original interstate highway, used for ages to transport goods and passengers downriver. Trace that epic path on the Great River Road National Scenic Byway—a route following the course of the Mississippi through 10 states and over 2,000 miles, from the headwaters to the delta, from St. Paul to New Orleans, straight through the heart of America.

Spend a week or two following Old Man River downstream—through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and finally, Louisiana—and you’ll sample a great swathe of the American experience. Along with unparalleled views of the “Father of Waters,” there are ample stops for bird and wildlife watching, outdoor recreation, shopping, historical sightseeing, and more.

Beautiful old cypress trees surround a natural fish hatchery at Reelfoot Lake State park in Tiptonville, Tennessee.
Photo by Amie Vanderford.

Music runs deep along the river, and many festivals and performance series are held along the route, from Wisconsin’s Riverfest (June 30-July 4, www.riverfestlacrosse.com), presenting dozens of musical groups on six stages, to the annual blues and jazz fests in Davenport, Iowa; from the St. Louis Municipal Opera—this year featuring live outdoor performances of Beauty and the Beast, The Sound of Music, Damn Yankees, and more—to the renowned jazz clubs of New Orleans (www.riverroads.com).

Hit the Road! The Saturday Evening Post

After steering the car for three days during the steep climb toward Point Lookout, Dad remains more than vexed by his little ones’ complete disinterest in “looking out”—a moment immortalized by Post artist Richard Sargent in 1953…

Illustration by Richard Sargent © 1953 SEPS.

Fast forward 50 years: The scene remains unchanged with technology advancing everything—except the kids’ interest in looking up.

Illustration by Richard Sargent © 1953 SEPS.
Image editing by Amy Tackitt.

Road Trips: Then and Now The Saturday Evening Post

Whistle Stops The Saturday Evening Post