Pocono News Section

Staycations Set for Summer

Staycations Set for Summer - Friday, May 15, 2009 at 4:44PM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Friday, May 15, 2009 @ 04:44pm EST

BLOOMSBURG, COLUMBIA COUNTY -- When gas prices hit four dollars a gallon last year, the word "stay-cation" became a part of our vocabulary. And with the economy continuing to struggle, stay-cations are here to, well, stay.

That's why the Columbia-Montour Visitors' Bureau held an open house on Friday, to let people know what the region has to offer in entertainment on a budget.

"I'm looking for things in PA -- day trips with the girls during the summer, so we're picking up brochures," said Sheryl Davidson of Millville."

She says stay-cations replaced the traditional vacations away from home.

"They don't have the money anymore, until you buy the food and gas, you just don't have the money," added Karen Acornley of Lightstreet.

The visitors' bureau says our region is a destination for people living in different parts of the state.

"We have a lot of people that just plan day trips coming to our area and enjoy things here because a lot of them are free of cost," said Ingrid Barnes, Director of Marketing.

She adds the local economy gets a boost. Any money spent here, stays here.

"That's great to try to support them, try to support or local businesses to keep things growing right here at home," said Missy Willoughby of Danville.

If you want to learn more about opportunities in the Columbia-Montour region, paste the following link in your browser:
http://www. itourcolumbiamontour. com/Default. aspx