The first time I took a staycation, it was so spontaneous that I almost missed it. What if my daughter needs me? There is no plan! But my parents were there to watch and bond with my daughter and there is this amazing thing called Hotels Tonight. Goodbye, boring Saturday — hello, Nashville! I booked the Dream Hotel in downtown Nashville because: 1 It's in a prime location close to all the action, 2 the vibes seemed on point, and 3 it was available.
From deciding to go to handing the valet the car keys took maybe two hours. We hung out in our room, and the next morning we lingered in bed before going to a coffee shop where we sipped instead of gulped. We just hung out. It was glorious. The best part was that there was no stress — no arriving two hours before your flight, rushing out the door, hoping you had everything you needed.
There was no loading up the car and no long drive. It was a relaxing way to relieve the chaos of daily life, and I cannot recommend it enough. For those hoping to experience it themselves, here are my top tips for the perfect staycation. The hotel is key. As my colleague Chamindae Ford says in her staycation itinerary in the Rockaways , you want to find somewhere where you only want to leave if you want a change of scenery.
I also recommend booking in an area of town you want to explore. Nashville is an ever-evolving tourist magnet, so there are always cool hotels popping up. Again, the first time I staycationed, we just walked down the street and ducked into a place that looked good and had open seating.
It was fine. But this is the perfect chance to make reservations at those places you just never seem to make it to. On one staycation I went to all my favorite restaurants in Nashville in one weekend.
