Brandon Patch Picks: Budget-Conscious Staycations

As we head into the summer many families start thinking about vacations. But you don't have to head to the airport or travel out of state for a good time. Here are five great ‘staycation' ideas that won't leave you in the red.

GO CAMPING

Spring is the perfect time to plan a day or weekend at one of the many local parks and camp grounds in the Brandon area. Before we start getting Africa hot and are invaded by every flying bug known to mankind, plan a trip for you and your family to the great outdoors.

"If you enjoy being outdoors and love nature this is the place for you," said Bryan Hughes, park manager at Lithia Springs Park. A special draw for campers is that they get to experience the park at night and not just during daylight hours as most of us do. "We also have swimming here so that's popular with people as well," Hughes added.

Among nearby local parks with camping facilities are:

• Lithia Springs Park: The 160-acre park on Lithia Springs Road offers varied plant communities, river cypress swamps, hardwood hammocks and high sand hills that provide terrain not often seen in Hillsborough County. The park’s major attraction is the natural spring that provides an excellent swimming experience since the water temperature remains at 72 degrees year around. In addition to swimming, there is a bath house, playground and picnic facilities. Lithia Springs is also a popular camping spot with 40 sites and two shower houses. The campground office always closes one hour earlier than the remainder of the park, so please arrive no later than one hour prior to closing time in order to have the best chance of securing a camping spot.

• Edward Medard Park:  This Plant City area park, formerly known as Pleasant Grove, is located on a reservoir operated by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The reservoir is one of the most popular freshwater fishing spots in Hillsborough County, and the improved boat launching facilities easily handle the flurry of county anglers. Medard also includes camping, picnic areas, equestrian trails, and a fishing pier/boardwalk that leads to an observation tower on a small island within the reservoir. The park is 1,281 in acres.

• E. G. Simmons Park: Located near Ruskin on Tampa Bay, the 469-acre park and preserve has been a popular area for outdoor enthusiasts since the mid-60’s. The park has picnic areas and a campground with a waterfront view. A public beach provides visitors with a perfect setting for sunning or swimming, while a boat launch provides access to saltwater fishing and boating. The park also has fishing piers and areas for bank fishing. Bird watching is also a popular pastime among the shallow waters of the surrounding mangrove swamps.

WEEKEND HOTEL GETAWAY

Tired of waking up 6 a.m. on a Saturday morning to the sounds of a neighbor cutting the lawn with a mower whose motor he pinched from an F-16 fighter jet? A weekend away at a local hotel or bed and breakfast just might be for you. There are plenty of small and large hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts in the Brandon area to pick from.

• “We have a lot of local people who just want to get away for the weekend,” says Caroline Yoss of , 1400 Viola Drive, Brandon. The early 19th century "salt box" home features the early New England feel with Amish inspiration. “Many of our visitors are looking for something private and quiet that is authentic historic.”

• Brandon Patch reported on the Rotary Club of Brandon South’s annual Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Feb. 27, at Cross Creek Ranch in Dover, at 12950 East Wheeler Road. The event took place in the Carriage House Stable, which sits on the ranch’s 10 acres, which features also a French Country Inn, winding stream and grand oak trees.  Billed as a wedding, reunion and retreat getaway, Cross Creek Ranch also hosts parties and receptions, intimate candlelight dinners, “stress-free getaways” and other special occasions. Overnight lodging is available in a bed and breakfast inn.

• Looking to combine a little time at the beach with their weekend getaway, checkout a listing from our sister publications in Clearwater, Gulfport and downtown St. Petersburg.

ROADTRIP: HAVE CAR, WILL TRAVEL

 While you may want to look around to find the first, our area holds plenty of places to explore on the cheap. Fill up the tank, figure out how far that will take you and divide by two. That's your travel limit to make it there and back.

Next, check the calendar at our nearby Patch.com websites, which always have the most extensive listings of fairs, festivals and events in their area. A word of advice from veteran road-trippers: load up on breakfast and think about taking a picnic. It will save you money on meals during the day.

A DAY AT THE FAIR

The 2011 Bay Area Renaissance Festival runs through April 17 and may just be the break you need if you want to get away from the stress of modern life and step back in time a centiry or two. Events include longbow archery, horseshoes, and meatball eating competitions, beer tastings and more. Price: Adults $17.95, Children $9.95

Brandon has plenty of where you can treat yourself to a little "me" time. A couple of days of professional pampering and relaxation could be just what you need to transition into summer.

For those looking for a free weekend spa treatment, Brandon Patch is part of a nationwide Patch Spa-liday Sweepstakes  in which one grand winner will be whisked away to their choice of a New York City or Los Angeles location for a weekend of rest and relaxation, including a day of pampering at a premier spa.