Summer...the season of vacations. Whether you have planned one or not, you should seriously consider it. Every family and relationship can benefit from focused time. Maybe a week doesn't fit your schedule or budget, but how does a weekend sound or even a day trip? Most can do at least a day trip. Time alone with just family is a memory maker. You can relive moments of time spent together for years to come. Moments spark relationships onto deeper levels and leave lasting impressions of importance. Giving family undivided time signals they are your priority.

"With children, Love is spelled T-I-M-E."- Zig Ziglar (Cheryl, use a call-out quote)

You don't have to go far — just away, out of town a bit, leaving the norm behind. I do believe in staycations, but a little away is also important. Parents can turn off the "home burners" and truly leave responsibilities behind. Yes, this means limiting phone usage and Internet. Focus on your family. Share experiences. Look your children in the eye. Talk about things, even things of little to no importance: "What's your favorite....", "What do you like best about...", "What do you think about....". These prompts tell children they are valued and their thoughts and opinions matter. Imagine how this builds their self-esteem and your relationship with them; even a small amount of listening to their hearts gives you entrance in.

"We do not remember days, we remember moments." - Cesare Pavese

Here is an idea for a nearby get away: visit the Shenandoah Valley. There are lots of well-priced options and unique destinations. Plus, it is a beautiful setting with mountain ranges lining its edges. This is easily a day trip or a weekend away. Pick a destination from the list below, or find your own and make a plan; even a spur of the moment one suiting your time and budget. Don't forget to check campgrounds or AirBnB for cabins or rental RVs.

It's not really about where you go, it's that you do! We are not promised tomorrow. Now is better than later. Any amount of time is better than none. Snap a few photos, share a few stories, give attention to your family and enjoy being...away!

Elaine Stone, mother of three, lives in Spotsylvania County. Write: [email protected]

 

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Skyline Drive
Lots of hiking, campgrounds, overlooks

Caverns
Luray or Grand

Walton Museum- Schuyler, Virginia

Massanutten Resort
Indoor/outdoor water park, zip line adventure, summer tubing, climbing wall, kid's playland

Klein's Ice Cream - Harrisonburg, Virginia

Farmers Markets
Dayton market, near Harrisonburg, is a wonderful Mennonite experience complete with horse and buggies, great lunches

Virginia Safari Park
Virginia's only Drive-thru Zoo. A 180-acre park home to over 1,000 exotic animals from six continents! Feed the animals up close and personal

Frontier Cultural Museum - Staunton, Virginia

Route 11 Potato Chip Factory - Mount Jackson, Virginia

Hull's Drive-in (Movie Theatre) - Lexington, Va

Sunspots Studios & Glassblowing - Staunton, Virginia
Experience the magic of live glassblowing daily. Watch art happen