Why Summer & Savings don’t Always go Together
We are in the height of summer time! Have you been having a memorable summertime? Have you been getting out and making memories, or choosing to stay home to try and save a little?
With rising costs everywhere and an economy that is a little bit scary, a lot of us are choosing to stay home this summer and save where we can. While this may be smart from a financial standpoint, it can be hard on a family who just wants to get out and enjoy their time together. After all, we can only take so much of our kids yelling from the couch, “MOM! My tablet is DEAD and I want a SNACK!” Sometimes, summer feels like we have to choose between getting out and spending money, or staying home, saving, and going a little stir crazy.
While we love to celebrate all the things that are GOOD in our ‘hood, we went a little bit outside of our neighborhood to compile a list of “one tank trips”, affordable day adventures close to home! We also did some research on free events to attend or ways to save while you are out!
Silver Beach in St Joe, MI: Shopping on the bluff, ice cream shops and other delicious food, wine tasting, sun bathing & swimming, playground & a splash pad, hiking, kayak rentals, the iconic carousel, silver beach pizza and a sunset over the lake. It can be a perfect day for the entire family!
As far as events go, there is always something going on in St. Joe! Every Saturday until October 11th, there is a farmers market on the bluff. On July 12th there is the 63rd annual Krasl Art Fair, and on August 1st through the 3rd they are hosting “Chalk the Block” where professional and amature artists create their own chalk masterpieces. Each of these events are free to attend, some with suggested donations.
Holland/Saugatuck, MI: A bit of a further drive then Silver Beach, but absolutely worth it in our opinion! Most people only think about Holland during the spring time with their tulip festival, but they have year-round fun that should not be overlooked. Also, right next to Holland is Saugatuck, which is known for their thriving arts scene, numerous galleries, and studios. Both towns have beautiful beaches, wineries AND breweries, unique shops, and tasty food that you can enjoy while looking out over the docks.
There seems to be some sort of event almost every weekend in Saugatuck or Holland. There is live shows, art fairs, farmers markets, and so much more. In Holland, we recommend checking out the live music that happens every Friday and Saturday at Hops on 84 East or the public stargazing every Friday at Hemlock Crossing. Both are free to attend! You can see a full calendar of events at the Discover Holland Michigan website.
Shipshewana, IN: There is a surprising amount of things to do in the beautiful countryside of Shipshewana. Most people know about the massive flea market that they have there, it is the largest in the midwest! You can also stop by Yoder’s Shopping Center, Dutch Creek Animal Farm, go for a buggy ride or a guided Amish tour, or stop at any of the delicious restaurants that have food made with homemade ingredients. You can even catch a show at the Blue Gate Theatre or take a hike or bike ride at Pumpkinvine Nature Trail.
Of course, there is an incredible farmers market, called the Topeka Farmers Market, just south of Shipshewana, and it is every Thursday from noon to 7pm. I can only imagine how great the farmers market would be in Amish country.
Fort Wayne, IN: Fort Wayne is a great city to visit, no matter if you have small kids, big kids, or you are a big kid yourself. The city is saturated with unique dining, shopping, and fun things to do for children of all ages. The Fort Wayne Zoo is massive, with unique fun things like a stingray touch tank, giraffe feeding, elephants, and a variety of their own events. Be sure to check out their website for special deals and offers that happen! In Fort Wayne, you can check out the beautiful botanical gardens, take the kids to enjoy the hands-on Science Central Museum, or catch a Tin-Caps baseball game.
This one is extra special to us, because our partners at My Deals Fort Wayne have deals for several of these attractions! Check them out for deals on dining and other adventures when you visit Fort Wayne!
Chicago: Okay, this one might be a little more than a tank trip, but we would be remiss if we didn’t remind you of all the incredible things to do in Chicago. And if you know where to look, you can save more than enough money that will make up for that extra fill-up. You could even consider taking a train and eliminating the “tank” altogether!
There are plenty of attractions that are completely free, Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, or the Chicago Riverwalk. You could make a fun and exciting day from that alone! We would also encourage you to check out the Chicago City Pass, you can get discounts on one-time admissions on 5 popular attractions such as the Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum, the Adler Planetarium, & more!
Lesser known spots: If you are familiar with this area, you probably already had considered a lot of the options mentioned above. If that is you, we have more ideas for lesser known spots, one tank wonders that you may have never been to!
1. Fernwood Botanical Garden (Niles, MI): Tucked away in the woods, this peaceful spot has beautiful gardens, nature trails, and a small art gallery. Great for a relaxing stroll or picnic.
2. Spicer Lake Nature Preserve (New Carlisle, IN): Underrated nature preserve with quiet boardwalks, birdwatching, and a remote feeling despite being so close.
3. Dr. T.K. Lawless Park (Vandalia, MI): A dark sky park that’s also great in the daytime for mountain biking, kayaking, or hiking.
4. Bendix Woods County Park (New Carlisle, IN): Known for the “STUDEBAKER” tree planting (visible from the sky), but also a serene and often overlooked wooded park.
5. Wabash, Indiana: A revitalized small town with cute boutiques, murals, antique stores, and the beautiful Charley Creek Gardens. The Honeywell Center has occasional concerts and events.
6. Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail: A collaboration of quality-focused wineries located in the Lake Michigan Shore AVA (American Viticulture Area). Go hiking and enjoy scenic Michigan while tasting the best wine made local.
While we have our own hometown pride, we love to encourage getting out and seeing what the world has to offer. We can celebrate the good in our neighborhoods while also sharing the best of what is close to us! We are so lucky to have so many great destinations within driving distance for us, helping us feel like we are getting out without spending a fortune.
Let us know in the comments where your favorite one-tank destination is!