No Memorial Day Getaway [PHIL-OSOPHY]

Memorial Day weekend is usually a busy time for trips to Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Normally, miles of traffic, backed up to and from the bridges, is a sure sign that the start of summer is here.

This year will be different, though, because of COVID-19 – but don't feel disappointed if you can't bolt for freedom. There are lots of fun things to do, and less expensively, by taking a staycation in your own backyard.

Get your favorites for the BBQ, be liberal with buying a lot of S'mores ingredients and pile up the campfire kindling. The Paleologos Hacienda Bar & Grille will be transformed into a backyard resort, and the kids will love it. A good old hose with plenty of cold water will keep them six feet apart. So will the water balloon free-for-all. Our freezer will be full of rocket popsicles and there'll be plenty of Mug root beer and ice cream on hand.

The searing fire in the outdoor fire pit will serve as a perfect backdrop for campfire stories and to top off the evening, we purchased a home theater projector that turns a large white sheet into a backyard drive-in, as the little tourists watch the movies from their blankets and pillows on the ground.

I admit, it's not the Great Wolf Lodge, but I'm willing to bet if the adults let their inner child out for a while, it will be just as amusing and fun.

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to either the season of get up and go – or chill out and stay.

Phil Paleologos is the host of The Phil Paleologos Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Contact him at phil@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @PhilPaleologos. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.