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Tuesday, 30 June 2026
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Written by Sheila D. Barker
When summer arrives, the pressure to plan an expensive getaway can feel overwhelming, especially when you're managing career, educational or family responsibilities, or career transitions. But what if the perfect summer break doesn't require a plane ticket, hotel reservations, or weeks of advanced planning? A staycation, a vacation spent at home or in your local area, offers an accessible, affordable alternative that can be just as rejuvenating as a trip to a distant destination.
The financial benefits alone make staycations worth considering. Without airfare, accommodation costs or dining out for every meal, you can allocate your budget toward experiences that truly matter to you. Beyond the budget, staycations offer flexibility that traditional vacations simply can't match.
There's no stress about missing flights, navigating unfamiliar locations or dealing with travel delays. You can adapt your plans spontaneously, extend an activity you're enjoying, or simply rest when you need to.
Perhaps most importantly, staycations encourage you to rediscover your own community. A staycation invites you to become a tourist in your own town, exploring local attractions with fresh eyes and renewed appreciation. Your hometown and surrounding areas hold more treasures than you might realize.
Many of us overlook local attractions, museums, nature trails, and historical sites because we assume we've already experienced everything nearby. Challenge that assumption this summer by approaching your community with a tourist's curiosity. Research local parks you've never visited, check out farmers' markets in neighboring towns, or explore hiking trails within a 30-mile radius. You'll be surprised by what you discover when you actively seek new experiences close to home.
Summer staycations offer the perfect window for skill development without the pressure of formal deadlines or grading. Choose a project or hobby you've been curious about but never had time to pursue. The beauty of a staycation is the flexibility to explore at your own pace, make mistakes, and discover what genuinely interests you without external expectations.
One of the most effective ways to maximize your staycation is by creating themed days that transport you to different places and experiences without leaving your region. Designate a 'Cultural Exploration Day' where you dive deep into a specific country or culture, cook traditional dishes, watch films from that region, listen to its music, and read about its history and customs. This immersive approach transforms an ordinary day into an educational adventure that broadens your global perspective. You might be surprised how much you can learn and experience without boarding a plane.
Plan adventure-themed days that push you outside your comfort zone. Try 'Outdoor Challenge Day' by tackling a difficult hiking trail, kayaking or paddleboarding, or geocaching in your area. Or organize a 'Culinary Adventure Day' where you attempt a complex recipe you've never tried, visit ethnic grocery stores to discover new ingredients, or recreate dishes from a restaurant you love. For those interested in arts and humanities, schedule a 'Museum Marathon' where you visit multiple museums or galleries in a single day, or a 'Literary Journey' where you visit locations mentioned in books set in your region.
Themed days work exceptionally well for families and friend groups, but they're equally valuable for solo staycationers. The structure provides purpose and anticipation, transforming what might feel like 'just another day at home' into something special and memorable. Consider themes like 'Wellness Wednesday' focused entirely on self-care activities, 'Throwback Thursday' where you revisit favorite childhood activities or places, or 'Learning Friday' dedicated to attending workshops or taking online courses.
The psychological shift from daily routine to vacation mode doesn't require a passport; it requires intention. The most successful staycations involve deliberate choices that signal to yourself and others that this time is different, protected, and devoted to rest and renewal. With thoughtful planning, your staycation can deliver the restorative benefits of any distant getaway.
Begin by establishing clear boundaries around your time. Inform family, friends and colleagues that you'll be unavailable except for emergencies. Set up email auto-responders, silence non-essential notifications and resist the temptation to 'just quickly check' on work or coursework. This boundary-setting might feel uncomfortable at first, but it's essential for creating the mental space that allows true relaxation.
Create vacation rituals that mark this time as special. Start each morning differently from your typical routine. Perhaps with a leisurely breakfast, a morning walk, or simply sleeping later than usual. Dress differently than you would for work or classes, even if you're staying home. Plan one 'anchor activity' each day that you genuinely look forward to, whether that's visiting a local attraction, trying a new restaurant, engaging in a hobby, or simply reading in your favorite outdoor spot. These intentional touchstones provide structure and anticipation that make each day feel purposeful and memorable.
Document your experience in ways that honor its value. Take photos of local discoveries, keep a staycation journal, or collect small mementos from your explorations. This documentation serves two purposes: it keeps you present and mindful during the experience, and it provides lasting reminders that meaningful rest and renewal don't require expensive trips or exotic destinations.
Remember, the value of any vacation isn't measured by distance traveled or money spent. It's measured by how it restores your spirit, strengthens your relationships, and renews your capacity to engage fully with your life and goals.
When summer arrives, the pressure to plan an expensive getaway can feel overwhelming, especially when you're managing career, educational or family responsibilities, or career transitions. But what if the perfect summer break doesn't require a plane ticket, hotel reservations, or weeks of advanced planning? A staycation, a vacation spent at home or in your local area, offers an accessible, affordable alternative that can be just as rejuvenating as a trip to a distant destination.
The financial benefits alone make staycations worth considering. Without airfare, accommodation costs or dining out for every meal, you can allocate your budget toward experiences that truly matter to you. Beyond the budget, staycations offer flexibility that traditional vacations simply can't match.
There's no stress about missing flights, navigating unfamiliar locations or dealing with travel delays. You can adapt your plans spontaneously, extend an activity you're enjoying, or simply rest when you need to.
Perhaps most importantly, staycations encourage you to rediscover your own community. A staycation invites you to become a tourist in your own town, exploring local attractions with fresh eyes and renewed appreciation. Your hometown and surrounding areas hold more treasures than you might realize.
Many of us overlook local attractions, museums, nature trails, and historical sites because we assume we've already experienced everything nearby. Challenge that assumption this summer by approaching your community with a tourist's curiosity. Research local parks you've never visited, check out farmers' markets in neighboring towns, or explore hiking trails within a 30-mile radius. You'll be surprised by what you discover when you actively seek new experiences close to home.
Summer staycations offer the perfect window for skill development without the pressure of formal deadlines or grading. Choose a project or hobby you've been curious about but never had time to pursue. The beauty of a staycation is the flexibility to explore at your own pace, make mistakes, and discover what genuinely interests you without external expectations.
One of the most effective ways to maximize your staycation is by creating themed days that transport you to different places and experiences without leaving your region. Designate a 'Cultural Exploration Day' where you dive deep into a specific country or culture, cook traditional dishes, watch films from that region, listen to its music, and read about its history and customs. This immersive approach transforms an ordinary day into an educational adventure that broadens your global perspective. You might be surprised how much you can learn and experience without boarding a plane.
Plan adventure-themed days that push you outside your comfort zone. Try 'Outdoor Challenge Day' by tackling a difficult hiking trail, kayaking or paddleboarding, or geocaching in your area. Or organize a 'Culinary Adventure Day' where you attempt a complex recipe you've never tried, visit ethnic grocery stores to discover new ingredients, or recreate dishes from a restaurant you love. For those interested in arts and humanities, schedule a 'Museum Marathon' where you visit multiple museums or galleries in a single day, or a 'Literary Journey' where you visit locations mentioned in books set in your region.
Themed days work exceptionally well for families and friend groups, but they're equally valuable for solo staycationers. The structure provides purpose and anticipation, transforming what might feel like 'just another day at home' into something special and memorable. Consider themes like 'Wellness Wednesday' focused entirely on self-care activities, 'Throwback Thursday' where you revisit favorite childhood activities or places, or 'Learning Friday' dedicated to attending workshops or taking online courses.
The psychological shift from daily routine to vacation mode doesn't require a passport; it requires intention. The most successful staycations involve deliberate choices that signal to yourself and others that this time is different, protected, and devoted to rest and renewal. With thoughtful planning, your staycation can deliver the restorative benefits of any distant getaway.
Begin by establishing clear boundaries around your time. Inform family, friends and colleagues that you'll be unavailable except for emergencies. Set up email auto-responders, silence non-essential notifications and resist the temptation to 'just quickly check' on work or coursework. This boundary-setting might feel uncomfortable at first, but it's essential for creating the mental space that allows true relaxation.
Create vacation rituals that mark this time as special. Start each morning differently from your typical routine. Perhaps with a leisurely breakfast, a morning walk, or simply sleeping later than usual. Dress differently than you would for work or classes, even if you're staying home. Plan one 'anchor activity' each day that you genuinely look forward to, whether that's visiting a local attraction, trying a new restaurant, engaging in a hobby, or simply reading in your favorite outdoor spot. These intentional touchstones provide structure and anticipation that make each day feel purposeful and memorable.
Document your experience in ways that honor its value. Take photos of local discoveries, keep a staycation journal, or collect small mementos from your explorations. This documentation serves two purposes: it keeps you present and mindful during the experience, and it provides lasting reminders that meaningful rest and renewal don't require expensive trips or exotic destinations.
Remember, the value of any vacation isn't measured by distance traveled or money spent. It's measured by how it restores your spirit, strengthens your relationships, and renews your capacity to engage fully with your life and goals.
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Tuesday, 30 June 2026
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Written by Rachel Heimann Mercader, CityView Today
The Fayetteville City Council voted 9-1 on June 22 to approve a $327.3 million spending plan, ending a turbulent budget season largely driven by Mayor Mitch Colvin’s insistence on keeping tax rates steady.
The final budget—paired with a $117 million capital improvement plan—maintains the city’s current property tax rate of $0.4495 per $100 of value.
“Passing a zero tax increase budget is a testament to what disciplined, community-focused leadership can achieve,” Colvin told CityView. “We kept taxes low while investing in our workforce, eight new police officers, public safety technology and continuing our commitment to sidewalks, bike lanes, and street infrastructure—that’s a win for every resident in Fayetteville.”
The council also agreed to raise the solid-waste fee by $10, the only fee change this year.
The city will release the full budget in the next few weeks, Communications Manager David Scott told CityView.
City Manager Doug Hewett proposed a $322 million budget in May that included a 3-cent property tax increase and a slate of “strategic investments.” But council members expressed their frustrations during budget meetings, saying the proposal failed to reflect the priorities they set in February.
Colvin was the sharpest critic. He said the proposal ignored the council’s directions and left elected officials “hunting for dollars” to avoid a tax hike.
“I felt like I wasted our time,” Colvin said earlier this month.
The council had planned to adopt a budget by June 8, but it quickly became clear that timeline was no longer feasible.
Over the next two weeks, Colvin emerged as the central budget architect by encouraging city staff to work within his political parameters.
On June 12, he presented what he called a consolidated “working list,” a package of cuts, restorations, and adjustments designed to avoid a tax increase while protecting high visibility services.
He repeatedly framed a no tax increase stance as both a political and moral imperative. Many residents are already strained by inflation and high poverty rates, he argued.
But several members questioned whether avoiding a tax increase was reckless.
Councilmember Stephon Ferguson argued for a 2 cent tax increase, calling it “fiscally irresponsible” to not fully fund critical needs public safety technology, bike lanes, and neighborhood connectivity.
Ferguson also criticized Colvin’s decision to bundle dozens of recommendations into a single vote, saying it “forces us to support items we really are against and go against things that we actually support.”
Councilmember Lynne Greene urged her colleagues to stay open to the idea of a tax increase. She said the city could otherwise struggle to maintain services.
“We can’t get where we need to be because we are outpaced, and so I think it’s important that we as a body keep that in mind,” she told the council.
Still, Ferguson and Greene voted in favor of the budget on Monday. Councilmember Shaun McMillan cast the lone no vote. He said the council’s process was rushed and unfair—both in how staff were treated and in how some major items, including ShotSpotter and employee pay raises, were not thoroughly debated in public.
“I am not supporting this budget as presented tonight, and that’s not against my colleagues, not against the good that is in this budget,” he said Monday night. “But it is a vote for process that is worthy of the people we serve and the staff who serve alongside us.”
U&CW Editor’s note: This article has been trimmed for space. To read the article in full, visit https://www.cityviewnc.com/stories/fayetteville-council-adopts-budget-avoids-tax-increase/
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