Published: June 17, 2008 04:56 pm      

Pain at the pump? ‘Staycations’ could benefit regional economy

High gas prices got you grounded? The apparent big new trend this summer is a “staycation.”

In short, that means you take a vacation while staying close to home. The staycation concept, or the idea of vacationing in one’s own city or state, is being actively promoted by the Virginia Tourism Corporation. The agency has created a Web site promoting popular staycation travel destinations in the Commonwealth, including towns, cities, parks and other popular destinations close to home.

I just had a vacation a few weeks ago, and now I think I’m ready for a “staycation.”

While speaking last week with Margie Douglas, the economic development and tourism coordinator for Tazewell County, she shared with me a great staycation route that follows Virginia’s new Coal Heritage Trail while meandering across Tazewell County. Douglas told me an entire staycation package can be created along the Coal Heritage Trail — and possibly on a single tank of gasoline. That may be possible in smaller vehicles, but probably not in larger gas-guzzling vehicle like the sport utility vehicle I drive. Anymore, it seems like I’m sitting on empty after just crossing the state line between Bluefield and Bluefield, Va.

Nevertheless, the staycation concept is a great idea, and a great way to support our local towns and cities by spending money close to home.

The staycation package proposed by Douglas would begin in Bramwell or Pocahontas, and extend to the Historic Pocahontas Exhibition Mine. From there visitors can travel to Bluefield, Va., where they can stop at the historic Sanders House and the Tazewell County Visitor’s Center. There they can find a wealth of information about local and regional attractions at the visitor’s center. From Bluefield, visitors can continue along the Coal Heritage Trail toward the Historic Crab Orchard Museum in Tazewell as well as scenic Burkes Garden.

Douglas said many may take a detour into Burkes Garden for biking in the scenic valley. Continuing along the trail folks can visit the Coal Miner’s Memorial in downtown Richlands, or the Appalachian Arts Center in Wardell.

Douglas told me other possible detours along the Coal Heritage Trail include bird watching at the Sandyhead Ostrich Farm in Gratton and the Crittersville playground in downtown Richlands.

For those who would prefer a staycation in southern West Virginia, a host of other regional attractions also come to mind that won’t break your gas budget.

Historic downtown Bramwell of course is a great starting point, and it’s just a short trip down the road on U.S. Route 52. It’s also near Pinnacle Rock State Park, a fun destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

As we all know, Princeton is booming with new growth. The Chuck Mathena Center, which is opening next month, also is helping to bring welcomed new entertainment options to our own backyard.

And don’t forget other great local attractions that are just a short drive away, including Pipestem State Park, the Wolf Creek Indian Village and Museum in Bastian, Va., the Kimball War Memorial in McDowell County and of course historic Coalwood — the home of the Rocket Boys of McDowell County.

When you think a bit more regionally, Blacksburg and neighboring Christiansburg are other great communities to visit that are just a short drive down the road, and the same can be said for our friends in Beckley. It’s just an hour up the road and — as long as turnpike tolls aren’t raised — isn’t that bad of a ride.

When you stop and think about it, there is a lot to do right here at home and all within a day’s drive in southern West Virginia and Southwest Virginia.

And even with gas at about $4.05 a gallon, these local attractions certainly are not out of reach for those who are being overwhelmed by the pain at the pump.

Another good thing about a staycation is you don’t normally have to spend money on a hotel or motel, an airline ticket or a cab. You don’t even have to pack a suitcase or bring those extra pillows. You can get to your destination and all within a single day, and maybe with enough time extra time left at the end of the day to still get the grass cut. Not that you would really want to end a vacation, or a staycation, with the task of having to cut the grass.

Charles Owens is the Daily Telegraph’s city editor. Contact him at cowens@bdtonline.com.