The New Vacation Destination (Part 1)

The New for Vacation Destination (Part 1) — Your Own Backyard

If you've got a backyard, side yard, or even if you only have a front yard, we're sure you'll like a few of our backyard vacation destination ideas on how to turn it into a staycation spot without leaving home. In this article, The New Vacation Destination (Part 1), which is the first of our two-part series, we'll give you some fun ideas on how you can turn your outdoor living space into a vacation experience, which will require a low-to-moderate investment. For those who have larger budgets and want to add more significant additions, stay tuned for The New Vacation Destination (Part 2).

Gather and Party, or Relax and Renew

This might seem like a no-brainer, but having a cozy spot to lounge and a welcoming dining area is key to enjoying a staycation in your own backyard. To give your outdoor living area that vacation vibe, consider these:

For Party People

A Mexican Fiesta themed party can take you to far-away-places right in your own backyard.

• Host a backyard cookout party with a fun theme and menu to match (for example: a tropical party). Serve tropical foods and drinks and play steel drum music. A few tiki torches can add to the atmosphere. Surround your lounging and dining areas with potted tropical plants that can be taken indoors when the colder weather begins.

• Invest in a portable bar on wheels and keep it stocked with your favorite libations.

• If a rustic, nature-inspired gathering is your preference, have a fire pit party. Invest in a portable fire pit and roast hot dogs, S’mores, and anything else that you can cook over an open fire. Tell old-fashioned ghost stories around the fire (but not too scary if there are little ones around). Pass out hot apple cider and cinnamon and have simple snacks available.

• For a family party, create a sand pit for the little ones and give them beach toys to play with, and play beach party music. Invite guests to wear their tackiest Hawaiian shirts and serve beverages in coconut glasses—complete with colorful, old-school umbrellas.

For People Looking for Some R&R

Here's a nice addition to your backyard, if your idea of a perfect vacation is being outside in nature, doing nothing but swaying lazily on a hammock listening to the birds (or crickets).\

• Hang a reading chair in a cozy spot in your backyard nestled in nature, or right on your concrete patio.

• Purchase a hammock and let it lull you into that relaxing vacation feeling while playing your favorite tunes. Add a portable, solar-powered fountain, so there's always the sound of trickling water while you sway.

• Turn your backyard into a relaxing yoga retreat and invite your friends. Spread out some yoga mats, put on some meditation music, add a few singing bowls, or play a recorded guided meditation. Pass out warm face towels beforehand and cool drinks after the session. Burn incense during the day and/or candles in the evening.

  
  

If You Have a Pool (or not) – Turn on the Water Works

Who needs a swimming pool to have some fun splashing around with family and friends?

Whether you have pool or not, you can still take advantage of bringing water to your backyard vacation on a hot summer day. Here are a few fun ideas:

• Make a DIY slip and slide for watery family fun.

• Cool off by purchasing a pool, whether it's a small wading pool or an above-ground pool and stay cool for the entire warm weather season.

• Turn on the music and have a sprinkler dance party.

• Bring out the squirt guns for the kids (and adults too). Set up an obstacle course throughout your yard require each person to circle each one 2 times with no time to hide. There are all sorts of fun rules you can add to the game and even one for the driest guest!

Have an Outdoor Movie Night

Why not spend balmy summer nights outdoors with a movie night right in your own backyard. Here are a few tips:

• Invest in (or rent) an outdoor projection system and use a heavy-duty white sheet to use as a screen.

• Arrange chairs as if you're in a movie theatre or spread out several large blankets on the grass and use tons of cushy pillows for comfort.

• Bring a large-screen TV outdoors (following electrical safety guidelines) and play a family movie. Invite the neighborhood kids and tell them to wear their pajamas...parents too!

• Don't forget the bug repellent, popcorn, snacks, soft drinks for the kids (or whatever adult beverage makes you happy).

Add Backyard Lighting for Ambience

Your outdoor living space will come alive at night with outdoor lighting.

• Hang strands of string lights across your outdoor living space.

• Surround your patio with bamboo tiki torches.

• Scatter candles and lanterns around your backyard for a relaxing (even romantic) setting.

• Install solar-powered lights on the border of walkways.

• Run rope lights under your deck rails for an overall subtle glow.

  
  

Have a Campout Adventure

If you already have a tent, that’s great. But, if you don’t own one and are short on funds, you can always borrow a tent from a friend or family member. Or if you’re a DIY person, you can construct your own makeshift tent using items you may already have. If you'd like to breakaway from a traditional sleeping-bags-and-flashlights campout, here are a few ideas on how to add a little creativity to your backyard adventure:

• Before dark, have a scavenger hunt, limbo contest, frisbee toss, lawn games, and even a family talent show.

• Invest in a store-bought tent or get creative and make your own.

• Make sure to have a crackling fire going, whether it's in a fire pit or an outdoor chiminea.

• Light up the inside of your tent with battery-powered fairy lights for a magical glow.

• Visit a dollar store and buy glow necklaces and bracelets for the kids.

• Lay down yoga mats or inflatable mattresses under traditional sleeping bags to make sleeping in the ‘wild’ more comfy.

  
  

The New Vacation Destination (Part 2) article offers inspiration, if you’re considering making an investment in the construction of a new custom concrete patio, concrete pool deck, or other spaces in your outdoor living area. You'll find inspiration for making the most of your backyard vacation space by adding a stamped concrete patio and/or swimming pool deck, installing a custom outdoor kitchen, adding an outdoor fireplace for chillier nights, installing a masonry fire pit, and more. Whether you have a modest budget or are in a position to invest in an elaborate outdoor living space, we hope this two-part backyard vacation ideas will inspire you.

Conclusion

Wherever your backyard vacation takes you, the most important thing is to remember is to have fun and making new GOOD memories of this time while being together as a family. If you're ready to kick your backyard up a few notches, Gruttadaurio Masonry can transform average backyards into incredible outdoor living spaces. Give us a call to learn how we can make your backyard a vacation only steps away from your home. And, don't forget to read Part 2 of our New Vacation Destination.

Call 315-310-7193