Our Nomadic Summer
Since COVID-19 struck, my husband and I have been looking for new, creative ways to socially distance. After the first few months of strict stay-at-home orders gave way to slightly less restrictive social distancing measures, we’ve been on the hunt for an interesting (albeit remote) change of scenery. However, being our budget-conscious selves, we knew we needed to get creative.
We started our hunt for some remote vacation spots in West Virginia, our home state. Simply leaving Philly for WV felt like such a relief amidst the pandemic craziness, and since we’ve been back we’ve found countless remote hiking and camping spots that really feel like a vacation spot. Sandstone, WV, for example, is home to some of the most gorgeous mountains and waterfalls I’ve ever seen. Seriously, LOOK at it:
Sandstone Falls, WV — *Image Courtesy of National Park Service
While in WV, we talked with our family about a place we could *all* go to get a change of scenery while staying safe (since most of them had been in WV this whole time, after all), and we settled for a beach location. Luckily, one of the cousins in our family happens to own a beach house in Duck, North Carolina (which is smack-dab in the Outer Banks!)
The Outer Banks of North Carolina have been another perfect spot to socially distance; they’re far more remote and far *less* populous than popular tourist beaches (like Myrtle Beach, SC), and by leveraging the use of a family home (and splitting other costs between family members) we’ve been able to stay on-budget while we explore the remote light-houses, go “crab hunting” on the coast, and generally chill out in the sand by the ocean.
Who knows where we will end up after OBX? As I write this, my husband and I are wracking our brains for other safe yet welcoming change-of-scenery locales to spend time while we continue to work remotely due to COVID-19.
So, what are you up to this summer? I’m a firm believer that even on a tight budget you can make camping, couch surfing, or the like an adventurous (and budget friendly!) vacation, even during a pandemic. Preferably pick somewhere you can drive to (like a national park or national seashore) and camp or stay on the cheap. If you’re able to swing it, it’s worth it just to get out for a while and explore the great outdoors. If you ask me, it’s the best way to do social distancing.