Vacation? Work-ation? Staycation? No-ation?

To read an insightful American Management Association article about the role of, statistics on, and status of vacations for America's workers, read "Vacation, No Vacation, or Work-ation" by Shari Lifland.  

I'm old-fashioned.  When I take a vacation, I cease and desist from providing real time services for my employer.  I unplug, go off the grid, and this year, because of the generosity of a daughter, I am going far, far away.  Thus, I am on vacation until August 14th. You will continue to see a few new posts to this blog as I can write the posts early and schedule them to appear later.  Oh, the wonders of technology! 

Charmaine will be here to help you during our revised hours of operation (Monday through Fridays, 10 am until Noon; and 1 pm until 5 pm).

Don't have a generous daughter to help subsidize your vacation this year?  Don't feel that you can afford a vacation?  A low cost alternative to a vacation is a staycation.  A staycation can recharge your batteries as well - provided you don't check in about work. You're particularly blessed if you live in Beaufort County, South Carolina.  A staycation here means you can explore one of the richest, longest, and broadest local history chronologies in this country. (As Dr. Rowland says, "All American history begins in Beaufort, South Carolina.")

Visit one or more of our National Historic Register sites. Go to one of our local museums.

When it comes to natural beauty, Beaufort County is very hard to beat.  Our vistas of marshland are stunning. Plus, if you're a local, the smell of pluff mud is invigorating.  Nature is all around us in abundance. Go crabbing.  Go fishing.  Go kayaking.  Catch some rays at one of our beaches. Hunting Island is always fun.  Learn a little about our native flora and fauna.

The Art and Music scene is happening!  Take in a show.  Listen to a musical combo in a local night club. Catch a concert. Visit an art gallery. When it comes to the arts, Beaufort County has active groups!

April Dyckman, of the Get Rich Slowly blog, offers suggestions on how to identify interesting and inexpensive places and activities in your own backyard.  But, I'd like to add a little local spin:  
Eat Sleep Play Beaufort is a great website from which to identify local events and for restaurant reviews. 

50 Things to Do In Beaufort, Free Things to do in Hilton Head  or 101 Things to Do on Hilton Head (not all are free) and Bluffton SC Free Things to Do are good places to start.

Pick up one of the many free magazines and newspapers in the lobbies of the branch libraries.  They almost invariably have a calendar of events and programs.

And don't forget to use that Historical Markers Database.  Beaufort County has more historical markers than any other county in South Carolina.  You'll have plenty to visit.

Repeating:  While I am away, Charmaine is at the BDC Research Room desk to assist you 10 to Noon; 1 pm - 5 pm, July 23rd - August 13th.  The Research Room will be closed Noon until 1 pm for Charmaine to get her lunch.