There’s a special kind of magic in discovering that the escape you’ve been craving doesn’t always require a packed suitcase, a boarding pass, or even a long drive. Some of the most restorative and joy-filled moments can happen right at home—when you intentionally shift your environment, your mindset, and your daily rhythm into something that feels like a mini retreat. As someone who lives in both worlds—helping clients create homes they adore and curating luxury vacations for travelers who crave unforgettable experiences—I’ve learned that the secret to a great staycation is borrowing the best elements of travel and infusing them into everyday living. When you do that with purpose, home begins to feel less like a place you simply live in and more like a destination crafted just for yourself.
A beautiful staycation begins with setting the mood, the same way a boutique hotel sets the tone from the moment you walk in. Lighting plays a bigger role than many realize. Soft warm lamps, a doorway candle, or even string lights on the patio can instantly transform the energy of a space. The scent of a favorite candle or diffuser can anchor your mind into relaxation mode before you even sit down. This is where the little home-design touches I talk about so often—cozy blankets, intentional décor, uncluttered corners, and calming color palettes—truly shine. Your environment becomes your invitation to slow down, breathe deeper, and enjoy being present in your own space.
One of my favorite parts of planning a luxury vacation is helping clients choose experiences that feel restorative, indulgent, or delightfully different from their everyday routines. You can recreate that at home by choosing one theme for your staycation and letting it guide your day. A spa-inspired retreat might mean fresh eucalyptus in the shower, plush robes, infused water, and a skincare lineup that feels luxurious. A culinary getaway could involve trying a new recipe, arranging a beautiful charcuterie board, or recreating a dish from a memorable trip. And a cozy retreat might be as simple as curling up with a book, staying in your favorite chair for hours, and enjoying a day with no schedule at all. When you give your day a theme, your home suddenly feels like a curated destination—one created entirely around what you love.
What makes a staycation truly powerful is the permission it gives you to unplug and step away from the never-ending to-do list. Give yourself the same grace you would if you were miles away on a beach or wandering a luxury resort. No work emails, no household tasks, no multitasking—just intention, rest, and small pleasures layered throughout your day. Maybe that means setting out a tray with tea and honey, turning on soft background music, lighting a candle that reminds you of a favorite place, or creating a quiet nook by the window where the sunlight naturally encourages you to pause. These tiny choices can transform ordinary moments into something beautifully meaningful.
The joy of a staycation also comes from exploring your own community with a sense of curiosity. Even familiar places feel different when you visit them intentionally. Start your morning with a stop at the River Raisin Coffee Company inside the historic River Raisin Trading Post, where the charm of the building and the warmth of the staff make it easy to settle into a slower pace. After coffee, the River Raisin Heritage Trail offers a peaceful stretch of nature perfect for walking, biking, or simply taking in the scenery along the water. There’s something grounding about being near the river—it creates the same calming effect many of us seek out during travel, just without the distance.
If indulging in good food is part of your ideal escape, Monroe County and NW Ohio offer wonderful dining moments that make a local day out feel special. Lunch at Public House can be a cozy mid-day treat, while dinner at Pete’s Garage has that charming neighborhood comfort that makes you want to linger a little longer. When you’re in the mood for waterfront energy, a quick trip to Toledo expands your options even more. Savoring a sunset meal at The Heights, with its panoramic views over the Maumee River, brings a sense of getaway luxury that rivals a weekend trip—especially when followed by a slow stroll through downtown or across the riverfront pathways.
Some staycations call for quiet, wooded moments, and that’s where our parks shine. Sterling State Park offers sandy beaches, boardwalk paths, and wide-open views that make it easy to breathe deeper and let the day loosen its grip. On the Ohio side, Wildwood Metropark and Oak Openings provide miles of trails, tall trees, and nature areas that feel surprisingly removed from everyday life. Whether you wander under a scenic canopy of pines or find a quiet bench beside the water, these spaces create the illusion of being far away without requiring luggage or long drives.
Designing a home that supports these moments is part of what I love most as a Realtor. A staycation becomes even more meaningful when your home feels like a retreat—when your bedroom brings the calm of a boutique hotel, your outdoor space feels like a private patio at a luxury villa, and your living areas encourage conversation, rest, and connection. These thoughtful design choices not only enhance your daily life but also help your home function as a place where you can reset whenever you need to. And when the time comes for a true vacation, that’s where the travel side of my world takes over, helping you find an escape that complements the beautiful life you’re building at home.
Staycations remind us that joy doesn’t always require distance. Sometimes the most nourishing adventures happen in the quiet comfort of our own homes and neighborhoods, where we can rest, reset, and reconnect with ourselves. They offer a beautiful blend of lifestyle, home design, local exploration, and personal well-being—four pillars that weave perfectly into the heart of Lifestyle Living with Jen. And if a staycation inspires you to dream bigger, whether it means refreshing your space, searching for a new home, or planning your next luxury getaway, I’m here to help guide every step.
