SUMMER 2009 EDITION
MONEY»
Residents opt to vacation at home
Ben Dillon/STAFF
Patrons of Les Bourgeois Vineyards' Blufftop Bistro, just outside the historic town of Rocheport, overlook the Missouri River from the bistro's patio on July 15. Along with a tasting room and giftshop at the vineyards, the bistro is a popular destination for mid-Missourians and travelers on Interstate 70.
COLUMBIA — With the recession in full swing, a new type of vacation is emerging. And people who want to save money are taking advantage of it.
Euvena Carter of Mexico, Mo., used to vacation out of state more frequently. But lately, she and her husband, Mike, are choosing to stay closer to home.
"We bought a coupon book from our grandson, and it includes a bunch of places we would have never thought of to go," she said. "Every so often, we rip out a coupon and take a day trip."
Because of the economy, Missourians are taking vacations within the state to save money. Usually day trips or local excursions, these types of trips have been coined "staycations."
Carter and her husband recently visited Les Bourgeois Vineyards in Rocheport for a day trip of wine tasting. Mike Carter, who works at a cabinet shop since the plant he worked at shut down, took the day off for the trip.
"This is in place of going away for a long vacation," Euvena Carter said. "We take a fun little day trip every once in a while. Not often enough, but they're good breaks."
It's not only the recession that causes people to stay closer to home.
"Since we have family responsibilities, we need to stay close," Carter said. "And this lets us do that."
Marilyn Ellsasser, manager of the vineyard's gift shop, said more residents are coming to visit.
"I have people that live around here that are regulars that come here once a month," she said. "The vineyard isn't hurting at all."
Attached to the vineyard is Les Bourgeois Blufftop Winery and Restaurant. Raymond Nunnelly, the restaurant's human resources representative, said he is seeing more people "staycationing."
"People come out here and eat and then shop locally to save money," he said.
As staying at home for vacation becomes more of a necessity, people are beginning to treat it as a special occasion.
"Instead of wearing jeans and shorts, people dress up because they feel like they're doing something different, something nice," Nunnelly said.
Carter and her husband appreciate the option of a staycation.
"Times are tough, and we try to save money," Carter said. "Sometimes you realize it's been a long time since you've done anything."