This year, summer fun found at home
'STAYCATION' | High gas prices mean fewer will travel
WEST CHESTER, Ohio -- Jenny Schwarz's shopping cart was loaded -- a plug-in cooler, new cushions for her outdoor furniture, toys for the backyard pool.
All for a ''staycation.''
That's what you call a vacation when you stay home or don't go far. With gas prices still climbing in a belt-tightening economy, the Schwarzes are among many Americans expecting to spend a lot of time in their backyards this summer.
Retailers are promoting low-cost activities and seeing more interest in small ways customers can make their houses nicer places to spend the season.
Wal-Mart has launched an ''American Summer'' campaign, featuring tents, grills, coolers, wicker furniture and inflatable pools, saying a summer getaway is ''as close as your own back yard.''
Rivals Target and Kohl's are cutting prices on swimwear, patio sets and other summer merchandise.
Rand McNally says two-thirds of people surveyed plan to shorten or cancel summer road trips .
Schwarz, who stocked up on summer supplies at Wal-Mart, said that with five children, her family expects to focus on activities close to their home in West Chester, Ohio.
They usually make a couple of trips to Lake Cumberland in Kentucky, but this summer, they're planning to make just one trip packed with a lot of sightseeing stops.
''We're definitely condensing trips,'' she said. ''We're also talking about getting Kings Island passes and making that our vacation.''
Ellen Humphrey of West Chester is looking forward to hosting frequent cookouts for her family, including five grown children and stepchildren.
''Ultimately, it's probably going to cost us a little more this summer, because we'll be feeding the family,'' she said with a chuckle. ''But we like that.''
AP