Summer Plans: Vacation or Staycation

The end of the school year in Forsyth County is just around the corner, and for many that means family vacation time is almost upon us. However, the nearly endless rise in gasoline prices may force us to alter our summer plans, if not the way we use our vehicles daily.

So are you still intending to pack up the car and take that long planned family “dream” vacation this summer or explore the newest alternative of staycationing?

I first heard the term “staycation” from Shawn Lovejoy, Pastor at Mountain Lake Church, who decided during the recent spring break to stay put and finally discover more of the local amenities available to us.

“It’s kind of fun to explore places we take for granted and drive past with regularity.” And why not, he adds, “I’m not exhausted from making an eight hour drive to get somewhere and can actually look forward to not having to make the same eight hour return trip. Staying local not only am I conserving fuel, but I’m saving a ‘ton” of money.”

Staycationing with all the local amenities we have in this area can be an enriching experience for the family as well. “I can actually spend time to re-connect with my kids,” he adds. “We got to see and do more things as a family, and my wallet isn’t hurting at the end of the day."

And then there’s Lake Lanier. If you’re not an active boater then you probably don’t know that marine grade fuel can average $1.00 to $1.25 per gallon higher than fuel at the local gas pumps. However as lake resident Daniel Hemming observes, the water levels on Lake Lanier are the best we’ve seen in years.

“I can see most likely people will be using their boats more, and will pay the higher cost in fuel, rather than making the expense of an extended vacation elsewhere. But that’s good for local businesses that depend on Lake Lanier for their livelihood," he said.

Sorry Florida and Europe, but it looks like some Forsyth residents have found a healthier and happier alternative. Maybe we’ll see ya next year!

So speak out Forsyth, with no end in sight to rising fuel costs--what plans are you making this summer?