Top 3 Summer Staycation Ideas
A few decades ago, Bing Crosby sang Ac-cent-tchu-ate the Positive. Great advice for all of us today. So when it’s time to re-think your summer getaway, think about an at-home staycation. With a bit of kitchen prep and imagination, you can make it happen. The positives: no time pressures, traffic jams, airport lines…no $$ spent on gas, lodging, restaurants, parking, tips, etc. We’ve got a few ideas to get you started, so read on. (Listen to Bing and the Andrews Sisters, 1944.)
Idea 1: Luxury “Me Time” at Home
Create a little 5-star ambiance at home. Clear your calendar and imagine how your day might go at a luxury resort.
1. Call “room service” for brunch.
Tropical Acai Bowl Creamy-cool/fruity/crunchy smoothie bowl is an artful assembly of healthy goodies.
PAIRS WITH: le Cadeau Semi-Seco Sparkling Wine
*Recipe Courtesy of McCormick & Company, Inc.
2. Pamper yourself with beauty – fragrant bath, facial, mani-pedi, yoga.
3. Tour fascinating locales virtually – here are 52 for starters
4. Cocktail hour!
Blood Orange Sangria – A gorgeous fizzy burst of citrus, Riesling and sparkling.
PAIRS WITH: le Cadeau Brut Sparkling Wine
Stone Fruit Sangria – Peach, apricot, nectarine and rosé are the stars here.
PAIRS WITH: le Cadeau Rosé Sparkling Wine
Strawberry Rosé Spritzer – Sweet strawberries and rosé, balanced with Aperol and lemon.
PAIRS WITH: Dusk 2019 Rosé
Recipes Courtesy of Bon Appetit.
Idea 2: Romantic Getaway at Home
Skip the routine (whatever it may be) and plan something special. Flowers, lanterns, music, great wine and entertainment.
1. A wonderful meal with fabulous wine
Sheet Pan Shrimp Scampi – Crisp scampi bathed in garlic butter with bright vegetables is divine. Best of all, it cooks in 10 minutes.
PAIRS WITH: Table White Wine
Roast Chicken with Potatoes, Olives and Greek Seasoning – From the chef at Lucques in LA comes this flavorful chicken with vegetables, olives and feta.
PAIRS WITH: Tatu Estates 2019 Petit Verdot
Citrus Herb Marinated Steak Salad – Fancy summertime salad comes together easily with grilled sirloin, oranges and avocado.
PAIRS WITH: Dusk 2019 Malbec
Herb Green Beans – Tender-crisp beans dressed up with butter, herbs and lemon.
PAIRS WITH: Dusk 2019 Evening Star
Greek Squash Ribbon Salad – Thin ribbons of summer squash drizzled with Greek vinaigrette and feta.
PAIRS WITH: Table Rosé Wine
2. Desserts
Lemon Tarts with Limoncello Blackberries – Lemon heaven! Even the crust, meringue and berries are lemon-kissed.
PAIRS WITH: Elance Cellars 2018 Chardonnay
Summer Fruit Tart – Summer peaches and blueberries with cinnamon and ginger make a simply perfect tart.
PAIRS WITH: Cloud Number Nine
Frozé Pops – Fruity flavored rose pops with creamy coconut milk tips look pretty and taste jazzy.
PAIRS WITH: Albion Cuvée Rouge
3. Go dancing (in your living room) or check out a comedy club (Netflix).
4. Sleep like a baby.
Recipes Courtesy of McCormick & Company, Inc.
Idea 3: Family Fun Backyard Campout
Take an electronics break and set up camp (day camp or an overnighter). Have a picnic, play games, tell stories and just appreciate one another.
1. Picnic
Mini Corn Dogs – Bite-sized dogs baked in a cheesy cornbread muffin batter. Make extra!
PAIRS WITH: Adagio 2016 Minuet
Pizza Turkey Burgers – No need to decide between pizza and burgers when you can have both.
PAIRS WITH: Dusk 2019 Evening Star
Smoky Chicken Wraps – Grilled chicken, Cheddar, bacon and onion wrapped in flatbread with a zippy sauce.
PAIRS WITH: Tatu Estates 2019 Petit Verdot
Grilled Corn with Cheesy Taco Butter – Taco-spiced butter, lime and Pecorino give this sweet grilled corn its dazzle.
PAIRS WITH: Terroir Cellars 2018 L’Ouverture
Roasted Barbecue Potatoes – These awesome sweet-savory potatoes can be roasted in the oven.
PAIRS WITH: Dusk 2019 Malbec
Zesty Corn and Cucumber Salad – Cumin, cilantro and lime bring a Southwestern flair to our crunchy corn salad.
PAIRS WITH: Table Rosé Wine
S’mores Dip with Spiced Chcoclate Ganache – S’more-inspired, this irresistible creation can be cooked in a skillet under the broiler.
PAIRS WITH: Glory Cellars 2017 Hero’s Blend
Recipes Courtesy of McCormick & Company, Inc.
2. Activity time—sports, games, swimming—your choice
3. Ice cream break for the kids (with perfect pairings for adults)
4. Naps
