Staycation, All I Ever Wanted
It’s not always easy to get away for a vacation. Likewise, many residents are looking at options close to home this year as we socially distance and stay safe during COVID-19. Luckily for us, there are a lot of “staycation” opportunities right here in the greater Champaign County area! A staycation is a trip or visit to something nearby that you might do on a getaway vacation. Here are just a few ideas for a trip right in your own backyard!
Champaign County Area Beer Tour
If you’re a fan of local brews, take yourself on a little beer tour! Start at Riggs in Urbana, where ingredients are grown right on-site at their farm, then head over to 25 O’Clock Brewing where you can try incredible flavors and crafts. Finish things off at Triptych, who freshly canned a Blueberry beer fresh for summertime sweetness. Add more to your list from this collection of must-try summer beers from local breweries.
Outdoor Adventure in the greater Champaign County Area
We have a ton of Outside of Ordinary attractions for outdoor enthusiasts. Curtis Orchard and Pumpkin Patch recently opened for the season. While this is not prime apple picking time, it's a wonderful opportunity to see the farm in-progress and pick up a dozen of those mouth-watering apple donuts. Looking for more of a lakefront experience? River Bend Forest Preserve has you covered. This beautiful 280-acre site contains approximately 130-acres of clear water in two lakes, one of which is the county's largest lake. The area also includes 2.5 miles of forest along the Sangamon River as well as a 1-mile nature trail and a 1.2-mile multi-use trail. You can canoe, fish, hike, and have just about any sort of outdoor fun you can imagine here! Looking for a dip in the water? The Hap Parker Family Aquatic Center in Rantoul is open for business with COVID-19 guidelines in place for safe swimming and social distancing. One of the highlights of the center is the two amazing water slides that splash down into 350,000 gallons of crystal clear water. The zero-depth entry pool also features water toys for children, lanes for swimmers, and diving boards.
One thing is for sure, there's a lot to see and do for the nature-focused folks in our area!
Take a Road Trip in the Greater Champaign County Area
Last month, we detailed some amazing staycation opportunities in the form of road trips. Here are some of our handcrafted itineraries:
Monticello, Mahomet, and Rantoul
When visiting these businesses during the current COVID-19 situation in our community, please wear a mask and practice social distancing when possible. Be sure to visit websites and social media pages of each business as well for their specific guidelines and rules.
Local Bed and Breakfast Experience in the greater Champaign County area
We’re lucky to have a number of great bed and breakfasts in our area! The Zybell House has been transformed into a destination for travelers and events since its original building in the 1870s. Zybell House features four boarding rooms comfortably appointed for both individuals and families. Sylvia's Irish Inn in Urbana is also an eclectic space, mirrored after the elegance and historic stylings of Irish B&Bs.
Make this summer count in champaign county
This is just a glimpse at all the greater Champaign County area has to offer in terms of amazing staycations! If you’re taking a staycation this summer, tag us and use the hashtag #OutsideofOrdinary! We love seeing what you love about the greater Champaign County area.