Here’s an idea. As Mower County residents prepare their spring and summer weekend and vacation plans, we encourage our readers to also take advantage of what we have to offer right here in Austin.

Even though it may sound like an April Fool’s joke, a “staycation” is a way to spend less on travel expenses, explore all that we offer here, while even perhaps helping out the local economy.

In her weekly column Sunday, Cheryl Corey of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau writes about the benefits of a “staycation” and why it’s an idea worth embracing.

“What could be lighter on the pocketbook or easier on the planning than taking a ‘staycation’ right here at home?” Corey asks. “Do the things you can never find time to do during a normal work week.”

Corey goes on to list a variety of local attractions and upcoming events that might appeal to residents and visitors, including the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, the Austin Public Library, the Spam Museum or planning a picnic at one of the area’s parks.

Sometimes we simply don’t have the time or the money to venture off on a cruise to St. Lucia or to Cancun, go sightseeing in New Zealand or depart for a month of castle tours in Scotland.

But a “staycation” costs little or no money and can be a nice alternative that can satisfy a need to relax and a way to enjoy the places we call home.