Summer approaches as school doors close across Mifflin County. Families face a familiar question with new economic dimensions: Where to vacation?

Gas prices hover near $4 per gallon. Airfares have increased 30% since 2023. Hotel rates in popular destinations exceed pre-pandemic levels by 25%. These financial realities transform vacation planning from exciting to anxiety-inducing for many households.

Enter the staycation — a vacation spent exploring attractions near home without expensive travel costs. This approach offers more than budget relief; it provides opportunities to discover overlooked local wonders while supporting our community’s economy.

Why spend a day battling airport queues when you could hike the scenic trails of Reeds Gap State Park, feeling the cool spray of Honey Creek? Instead of costly theme park tickets, imagine the thrill of watching local drivers compete at Port Royal Speedway or the quiet satisfaction of casting a line into the Juniata River, renowned for its fishing. Our region offers these experiences, often for a fraction of the cost of an out-of-state trip.

Consider the simple pleasure of exploring downtown Lewistown, with its historic architecture, including the Mifflin County Courthouse and the Stone Arch Bridge, a structure dating back to 1813. Delve into local history at the McCoy House or reflect at Monument Square, home to a stone from Abraham Lincoln’s original tomb. These sites offer glimpses into our past, fostering a deeper connection to our area.

When residents choose to spend their leisure time and dollars locally, they ignite a chain reaction of economic benefits that ripple through our towns and countryside. For individuals and families, the most immediate financial advantage of a staycation is the substantial savings.

By eliminating hefty expenses like airfare, long-distance car travel, and costly out-of-town accommodations, residents can enjoy a refreshing break without draining their bank accounts. Imagine redirecting funds typically earmarked for a cross-country flight or a week at a pricey resort towards multiple local experiences: a delightful meal at a Lewistown restaurant, a visit to a Big Valley artisan shop, or tickets to a show at the historic Embassy Theater. These savings ease household budgets and free up discretionary income that can be spent within Mifflin County.

This local spending is where the broader economic magic happens. Every dollar spent at a Mifflin County business during a staycation has a multiplier effect. For example, a family enjoying a “locally sourced” weekend might buy produce from a farm stand for a picnic, buy fishing gear from a local outfitter to use on the Juniata River, and then dine at a restaurant that buys its ingredients from area farmers.

This interconnectedness means that money circulates within the community, supporting a diverse range of businesses. From the shopkeeper on Market Street to the staff at a local eatery, these enterprises are the backbone of our county’s economy.

Consider the impact on specific sectors. Our local restaurants and cafes see increased patronage. Retail stores, from boutiques to antique shops, benefit from residents taking the time to browse and buy. Even service providers, like local mechanics who might service a car for a series of day trips or guides offering local tours, experience an uptick in business. This increased demand helps businesses thrive, enabling them to potentially hire more local staff and contribute to job security within the county.

Events unique to Mifflin County, such as the annual Goose Day celebration in Lewistown, exemplify this economic injection. Such festivals draw local attendees and visitors from surrounding areas, all of whom spend money on food, crafts, and potentially lodging, further boosting the local economy. The Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau actively works to promote this type of economic growth through tourism.

The tax revenue generated from this local spending is significant. Sales taxes collected from purchases at local shops and restaurants contribute directly to county and municipal coffers. This revenue can then be reinvested into public services, infrastructure improvements, and community projects that benefit all residents. Choosing a staycation is an investment in the betterment of Mifflin County itself.

Beyond the financial advantages, staycations offer other compelling benefits. They eliminate the stress and exhaustion of long-distance travel. More time is spent enjoying; less time is spent in transit.

This accessibility allows for spontaneous adventures; a sunny afternoon can become an impromptu picnic at Greenwood Furnace State Park, where remnants of a 19th-century iron-making village tell stories of a bygone industrial era. Exploring these historical grounds, once a thriving company town, offers a tangible link to the people who shaped this region.

When local recreational areas, state parks, and historical sites are actively used and appreciated by residents, it underscores their value and can encourage further investment in their maintenance and development. This preserves these assets for future generations and enhances the quality of life, making Mifflin County a more attractive place to live and work.

Planning a successful staycation requires a shift in mindset.

• Be a tourist in your town: seek out attractions you might normally overlook. Visit the Belleville Livestock Market on a Wednesday, explore the Juniata River Valley Wine Trail, or discover a new hiking path like the Thousand Steps.

• Set an intention: Decide what you want from your time off – relaxation, adventure, cultural enrichment – and tailor your local explorations.

• Unplug and engage: Disconnect from digital devices to immerse yourself in your surroundings and connect with your companions.

• Support local: Make a conscious effort to patronize local shops, eateries, and services.

The Juniata River Valley brims with opportunities. Kayak or canoe its gentle waters, explore the scenic overlooks like Stone Mountain Hawk Watch for breathtaking views or learn about the distinct Amish communities in Big Valley. Many local parks and natural areas offer free or low-cost entry, providing beautiful settings for picnics, wildlife observation, or simply unwinding.

The rising cost of travel does not mean sacrificing the joy of discovery or the need for a restorative break. It invites us to look closer, to appreciate the familiar with fresh eyes, and to invest in the places and people around us.

This year, consider the wealth of experiences our region offers. You might find your most memorable adventure is waiting just down the road, a clear demonstration that sometimes the most rewarding investments are those made close to home.