Ten Fun Staycation Ideas

Hi there! Assistant Director Kaitlynn here, I just got back to the office after a wonderful Staycation here in Gallia County! The plan for my vaca was to relax and watch all the movies and TV I had been adding to my list. However, my problem is that I get antsy if I sit too long so I grabbed my friends and hit up some of my favorite Gallia spots. Check out a few of my favorite staycation/vacation ideas and a couple that I have in mind for my next staycation.

1. Take a Class

BoardRoom46

I always love to learn something new or create something while on vacation.  If you like to paint, check out BoardRoom46 to create a sign perfect for your home or visit the Artisan Shoppe & Studio to learn how to make stainless glass art, learn to knit, blacksmithing, and more! Both BoardRoom46 and the Artisan Shoppe & Studio are kid friendly and can coordinate private classes. And if you're feeling bendy try yoga at the Bossard Memorial Library.

2. Downtown Shopping

Lucky Cat & Potted Edge

Serendipitous Creations

 Downtown Gallipolis has the CUTEST and most UNIQUE stores. Great antique and furniture stores, clothing boutiques, and specialty shops! My friend and I hit up just about all of them starting with The Homeplace Mercantile where we found everything from home decor to antique jewelry. We hopped over to Court Street and it was my first time visiting Serendipitous Creations (right photo). They sort their clothes by size and I found a beautiful vintage scarf! Be sure to check out these other great shops when you're in downtown Gallipolis!

• Charm Boutique 
• Lucky Cat 
• Potted Edge
• BoardRoom46
• River City Leather
• Once Again Consignment
• Next Level Gaming Center
• The Artisan Shoppe & Studio
• The Rogue Crusade 

3. Farmers Market

The Raised Around Rio Farmer & Artisan Market is held in the village of Rio Grande every Wednesday and Saturday along College Avenue. I love to get fresh produce, goat milk soap, fresh bread, cheese and it's a great place for special gifts from handmade jewelry to aprons, bags, and more! I also love to grab dinner at the market with their various food vendors that change week to week.

4. Trail Walks

Whether you are trying to be healthy or just want to enjoy nature, Gallia County has several trails to choose from. The Holzer Hike and Bike Trail is perfect for an easy stroll or ride. Click here for a full trail listing.

5. Art Galleries

Artisan Shoppe & Studio Gallery Show

I love exploring art galleries. I never know what I might see that could stir up some creative ideas. The French Art Colony and The Artisan Shoppe and Studio each have galleries throughout the year.

6. Drive the Serpent Bones

Sarah Guthrie, creator of the Serpent Bones

One of my favorite summer pastimes is just jumping in the car and taking a drive in the country. The Serpent Bones is a trail designed with two-wheel enthusiasts in mind but four-wheels do just fine. There are several routes that run through Gallia County and into neighboring communities.

7. Take the Passport Challenge

Do you like to win prizes? Of course, you do. The Passport Challenge is the GCCVB's summer program where participants visit specific locations get their special passport sheet stamped or take a selfie as proof. From local shops, to historically significant spots the locations on the Passport Challenge are a fun way to explore Gallia! Download yours here!

8. Visit a Vineyard

Want to kick back and relax with a locally crafted wine? Gallia County has two lovely wineries, Merry Family Winery and Twisted Vine Family Vineyard. Follow them on social media to be sure to catch their special events including live music, painting classes and more!

9. Kayak and Canoe Tours

This one is at the top of my list for my next staycation. Raccoon Creek Paddles and Oars located in Rio Grande offer several options for Kayak and Canoe tours. If you don't own a Kayak or Canoe, no worries you are able to rent them! I definitely want to try Kayaking!

10. Eat ALL of the Food

When I go on vacation I like to be served dinner and last week I hit up several of my favorite Tuscany Cuccini, McClure's Family Restaurant, Bob Evans, to name a few. Because what good is a vacation without good food? And of course, don't forget dessert at Sprinkle & Pop!

For more staycation/vacation ideas, explore our website at visitgallia.com

National Plan for Vacation Day

Every year more than half of Americans (52%) fail to use all their time off, creating a stock pile of 705 million unused vacation days, up from 662 million days the year before.

“National Plan for Vacation Day is an opportunity for Americans and for America. And who better than the travel industry to help plan the perfect vacation?” said Roger Dow, President and CEO, U.S. Travel Association. “America offers something for everyone, whether you prefer a sunny day at the beach or a snowball fight in the mountains.
We encourage every American to plan their time off to explore our great country.”

The most effective remedy for American workers who want to use more vacation days is better planning. Yet just over half (52%) of households set aside time to plan the use of their vacation time each year.

“The Gallia County Convention and Visitors Bureau is celebrating National Plan for Vacation Day because we want to encourage Americans to take their well-deserved time off,” said Kaitlynn Halley, Assistant Director. “And what better way to take a day than to travel? By committing to planning on January 29, Americans can all reap the benefits of taking a break while giving yourself something to look forward to.”

Research shows that planners have a distinct advantage over non-planners: They use more of their time, take longer vacations, and are happier.

·         53 percent of planners took all of their vacation time vs. 43 percent of non-planners.

·         Planners are also more likely than non-planners to use all or most of their time off to travel (33% to 18%).

·         More planners report they are “very” or “extremely” happy with their personal relationships (81% vs. 68%), health and well-being (56% vs. 43%), company (57% vs. 50%), and job (56% vs. 48%) compared to non-planners.

To help employees get their vacation days on the calendar, U.S. Travel Association created a vacation planning tool. By simply entering the number of days off earned, users can plot out their trips or vacations for the year, export to their work or personal calendar, and share with their family and co-workers.

National Plan for Vacation Day is celebrated the last Tuesday in January as a day to encourage Americans to plan their vacation days for the rest of the year at the start of the year. 

Be sure to mark your calendar for the Discover Appalachia Travel Expo on March 16th, 2019. Held at Gallia Academy Middle School in Gallipolis, OH the expo gives visitors the opportunity to learn about travel destinations and businesses of Appalachia. For more information visit, www.discoverappalachiatravelexpo.com. We hope that you will let us help you make summer 2019 the BEST! 

French Art Colony’s 2018 Summer Camps and Classes

The French Art Colony, regional multi-art center, in Gallipolis, Ohio, is thrilled to announce its 2018 multi-arts programming for youth. The FAC will be offering a variety of classes in the fine and performing arts for children, 5-18 years old, through the end of August.

Join in on the fun, beginning in June, with the following camps: “Around the World” art theatre camp, “Coco Day Camp”, and “Center Stage” dance camp. Followed by the following July and August camps: “Fairytale Creation” art and theatre camp, “Little Inventors” science and art camp, “Broadway Bound” theatre camp. Each camp is focused on a different age group and range in time from 9am-2pm. Taught by Executive Director, Maggie Jackson, these camps will guide children through new techniques and skills while allowing them develop their own artistic expression.

Along with the themed camps, the French Art Colony will be teaching weekly classes in Art, Dance and Theatre on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, beginning June 19th through August 7th. Sign up for the full 8-week session at a discounted rate or drop into classes, when available, for $15.

The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with State tax dollars, to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. All French Art Colony classes require advance registration, and have minimum and maximum registration requirements. Complete class details can be found at www.frenchartcolony.org, or by calling 740-446-3834.

The Little Red Hat Project

Did you know that 1 in every 100 babies are affected by heart defects?

February is national heart month which raises awareness of heart disease and congenital defects. The Gallia County Convention and Visitors Bureau and Farmers Bank of Gallipolis are collecting red knitted or crocheted hats for newborns that will go to Holzer Health Systems for all newborns in the month of February. This project is inspired by but not associated with the American Heart Associations, "Little hats, Big Hearts" program.

The red hats may be any shade of red and may come in varying sizes because no two babies are the same. For anyone looking for a particular pattern visit the American Heart Association website for recommended newborn patterns for knitting and crochet. We also ask that the hats be simple with no buttons or bows because they may be dangerous to little ones. Hats should be dropped off to either Farmers Bank in Gallipolis or the Gallia County Convention and Visitors Bureau by January 29th.

For those who would like to help but cannot knit or crochet, we will accept yarn donations which will be given to our volunteer knitters who will create the hats. Any questions may be directed to Kaitlynn Halley at the GCCVB 740-446-6882 or kaitlynnhalley@visitgallia.com

From the American Heart Association

December Gallia Events

                               Events for December 2017  

 

50^th Anniversary Silver Bridge Collapse

December 15

11:00am & 5:00pm

6^th Street location of the bridge

Point Pleasant, WV

There will be a 50^th Anniversary of the collapse of the Silver Bridge on Friday, December 15 at the 6^th Street location of the bridge in Point Pleasant, WV at 11:00am.  A heated tent will be set up to provide seating for 500.  Following the ceremony, a reception will be held in the Trinity Methodist Church Community Bldg. across the street.  At 5:00pm the evening of the 15^th at the time of the collapse of the Silver Bridge there will be an evening event different from the one held earlier in the day but at the same location.

Silver Bridge Collapse 50th Anniversary Memorial

December 15

5:30pm

Bossard Memorial Library

7 Spruce Street

Gallipolis, OH 45631

This event is in memory of the individuals who lost their lives during the Silver Bridge Collapse. Please join us for an evening of remembrance. For more information, please call the Gallia County CVB at 740-446-6882 or online at www.visitgallia.com 

Visit with Santa at the Medical Shoppe

December 15

6:30pm – 7:30pm

Medical Shoppe

Jackson Pike

Gallipolis, OH 45631

Stop in and sign up for our Christmas Giveaway. To sign up participants must bring in a new, unused and unwrapped gift to be entered our drawing for a Free Lift Chair. (Gift Value $5 Minimum) Deadline to drop off gifts and to enter the Christmas Giveaway will be December 9th at 1pm. Winner will be drawn by Santa between 630pm-730pm.

Christmas Bazaar

December 16

10:00am

River City Fellowship

252 Third Avenue

Gallipolis, OH 45631

Join Local Business women as they bring you the opportunity to do some last-minute Christmas Shopping! We will be hosting: Lipsense, Scentsy, Plunder, Lularoe, DoTerra, Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple, Trades of Hope, Edible Art with Samantha, Fresh cut Pine wreaths and grave blankets and more.

Color Me Happy – Adult Coloring Class

December 16

10:00am

Bossard Memorial Library

7 Spruce Street

Gallipolis, OH 45631

740-446-7323

Adults, please join other coloring enthusiasts for Bossard Library's Color Me Happy: Adult Coloring program. Enjoy conversation, soothing music, and light refreshments.

Coloring sheets and pencils/pens will be provided. Please feel free to bring your own supplies if you would like. This event is free and open to adults ages 18 and up. For more information, please call the library at 740-446-7323.

Santa Experience

December 16

10:00am – 2:00pm

French Art Colony

530 First Avenue

Gallipolis, OH 45631

With a little magic sent from the North Pole, The French Art Colony has been transformed into Santa’s Home for the Holidays! Come take part in the Santa Experience:

As you step through the front door into Santa’s world, first stop by the Elves’ workshop, where kids can create a Christmas gift or even do a bit of Christmas shopping with goods from local Artisans. Next, travel to the world of miniatures with the Riverby Mini-Crafters’ Miniature Christmas display! Followed by a picture with Santa himself and a sweet treat from Mrs. Claus’ kitchen. The magic will then take you outside to climb into Santa’s Sleigh where you might get a peek at Santa’s gifts ready for delivery! This exhibit is for all ages to enjoy! There is even a chance to take a piece of the North Pole home! Raffle tickets will be available to win a Santa Dollhouse completely decorated for Christmas. Tickets are $1 for 1 or $5 for 6, chances to win!

The Santa Experience Admission is by Donation for a walk through, and $5 for Children participating in the craft and picture with Santa.

For more information, call the French Art Colony at 740-446-3834

Pictures with Santa Paws Fundraiser for FGCA

December 16

12:00pm – 4:00pm

The Artisan Shoppe & Studio

300 Second Avenue

Gallipolis, OH 45631

Please join us at The Artisan Shoppe & Studio to help fundraiser for the Friends of Gallia County’s Animals! We will have Santa here for your lovely animals to get pictures with. Professional photographer, Mike Thompson, is kindly donating his services for the day.

The $10 fee will cover pictures of your pets with Santa and digital copies of the pictures. You will be able to order your own prints with those digital copies. Please come out on Saturday, December 16th between 12pm and 4pm to help support and raise funds for the Friends of Gallia County’s Animals.

Voices of Christmas

December 16

7:00pm

Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Centre

426 Second Avenue

Gallipolis, OH 45631

740-446-2787

Enjoy Christmas favorites and holiday standards featuring the Piano, Vocals & Strings with Special Guests to be announced. The annual Voices of Christmas includes an audience Holiday Sing-a-long that’s a favorite of both young and old! General Admission tickets to this festive concert are $10. Tickets available online at www.arieltheatre.org 

Naughty Kids Christmas Party

December 16

7:30pm

$5 Cover

Colony Club

418 Second Avenue

Gallipolis, OH 45631

The good girls and boys get gifts for Christmas, but what do the naughty kids get? A party - Live Music, an ugly sweater contest and more! $5 - Cover. We will also be collecting toys for those less fortunate than us. Come out and celebrate the season with us and our friends.

Tall Porch Sign Painting at Boardroom 46

December 19

6:00pm

Boardroom 46

46 Court Street

Gallipolis, OH 46531

740-794-1046

Come and join us for an afternoon of painting!

*Must Sign up 3 days prior to event for personalized sign*

*Personalized sign choices will be cut off 3 days prior to event. Bookings will be closed the day before the event, so we can send for the materials to be made and wood to be cut. *

Reminder: Only Names, Dates, and Places can be changed on our Personalized stencils. We cannot change other words, phrases, or overall designs.

This workshop is for adults 21 and older

You will get to choose your own paint and stain colors to match your personal home decor. You will also be able to personalize your sign for yourself or a love

one. We will walk you step-by-step through the entire process of making your own one-of-a-kind sign creation!

Browse through our gallery and choose the sign you’d like to paint. We have new signs every month! While registering, please be sure to include the name of the sign that it shows online. If you wish to personalize your sign, please give us the first and/or last name, initials, etc. you want – we will use this information to make sure your materials are ready for your scheduled workshop.

Paint the Perfect Gift at Boardroom 46

December 22

6:00pm

Boardroom 46

46 Court Street

Gallipolis, OH 45631

740-794-1046

Come and join us for an afternoon of painting!

*Must Sign up 3 days prior to event for personalized sign*

*Personalized sign choices will be cut off 3 days prior to event. Bookings will be closed the day before the event, so we can send for the materials to be made and wood to be cut. *

Reminder: Only Names, Dates, and Places can be changed on our Personalized stencils. We cannot change other words, phrases, or overall designs.

This workshop is for adults 21 and older

You will get to choose your own paint and stain colors to match your personal home decor. You will also be able to personalize your sign for yourself or a love

one. We will walk you step-by-step through the entire process of making your own one-of-a-kind sign creation!

Browse through our gallery and choose the sign you’d like to paint. We have new signs every month! While registering, please be sure to include the name of the sign that it shows online. If you wish to personalize your sign, please give us the first and/or last name, initials, etc. you want – we will use this information to make sure your materials are ready for your scheduled workshop.

Panting for Pooches Fundraiser for Friends of Gallia County’s Animals

December 22

6:00pm – 7:00pm

Price: $30

Ages: All Ages

The Artisan Shoppe & Studio

300 Second Avenue

Gallipolis, OH 45631

740-853-2364

Please join us at The Artisan Shoppe & Studio to Paint for Pooches! Each person will receive an 8”x10” canvas board and all other materials and direction will be provided. After covering the cost of materials, all profits will be donated to the Friends of Gallia County’s Animals. Feel free to BYOB! Please pay ahead of time to reserve your spot for this class. You can either pay in person at The Artisan Shoppe & Studio, on our website (www.theartisanshoppe.org), or you can request an invoice to be paid through your email.

Paint the Perfect Gift at Boardroom 46

December 23

6:00pm

Boardroom 46

46 Court Street

Gallipolis, OH 45631

740-794-1046

Come and join us for an afternoon of painting!

*Must Sign up 3 days prior to event for personalized sign*

*Personalized sign choices will be cut off 3 days prior to event. Bookings will be closed the day before the event, so we can send for the materials to be made and wood to be cut. *

Reminder: Only Names, Dates, and Places can be changed on our Personalized stencils. We cannot change other words, phrases, or overall designs.

This workshop is for adults 21 and older

You will get to choose your own paint and stain colors to match your personal home decor. You will also be able to personalize your sign for yourself or a love

one. We will walk you step-by-step through the entire process of making your own one-of-a-kind sign creation!

Browse through our gallery and choose the sign you’d like to paint. We have new signs every month! While registering, please be sure to include the name of the sign that it shows online. If you wish to personalize your sign, please give us the first and/or last name, initials, etc. you want – we will use this information to make sure your materials are ready for your scheduled workshop.

Family Day at Boardroom 46

December 26

2:00pm

Boardroom 46

46 Court Street

Gallipolis, OH 45631

740-794-1046

Come and join us for an afternoon of painting!

*Must Sign up 3 days prior to event for personalized sign*

*Personalized sign choices will be cut off 3 days prior to event. Bookings will be closed the day before the event, so we can send for the materials to be made and wood to be cut. *

Reminder: Only Names, Dates, and Places can be changed on our Personalized stencils. We cannot change other words, phrases, or overall designs.

This workshop is for adults 21 and older

You will get to choose your own paint and stain colors to match your personal home decor. You will also be able to personalize your sign for yourself or a love

one. We will walk you step-by-step through the entire process of making your own one-of-a-kind sign creation!

Browse through our gallery and choose the sign you’d like to paint. We have new signs every month! While registering, please be sure to include the name of the sign that it shows online. If you wish to personalize your sign, please give us the first and/or last name, initials, etc. you want – we will use this information to make sure your materials are ready for your scheduled workshop.

Drop in and paint at Boardroom 46

December 27

12:00pm – 5:00pm

Boardroom 46

46 Court Street

Gallipolis, OH 45631

740-794-1046

Drop in anytime between 12-5pm and paint one of our pre-selected sign choices! Kids and adults are welcome. No sign up required, just walk in, choose a sign pay 39.99 and paint!

Brush & Bottle

December 29

6:00pm – 8:00pm

Ages: 18+

Prices: 18"x24" sized canvas is $40 11"x14" sized canvas is $20

The Artisan Shoppe & Studio

300 Second Avenue

Gallipolis, OH 45631

740-853-2364

At Brush & Bottle, you may bring your own wine, alcohol, or whatever beverage of your choice and get to learn how to paint different images from professional artist, Valerie G. Thomas. Brush & Bottle is a monthly event in Gallipolis at The Artisan Studio and you must pay ahead of time to reserve your spot. Art supplies will be provided, but alcoholic beverages will not. Each class is about two hours and there are 10 spots available. For more information or to register for a class, visit their website at www.theartisanshoppe.org

Pigment Your Canvas

December 30

4:00pm

$35 per person

Summer Image Hair, Nails and Tanning Salon

4275 State Route 160

Gallipolis, OH 45631

740-446-6959

Enjoy a night of fun at this instructor led painting class! We will be creating a painting on a 16x20 stretched canvas. Cost is $35 per person and includes everything you need, just bring yourself! Payments (cash or checks made out to Pigment) are currently being accepted by Rita Hunt. You must prepay to guarantee a seat. For more information, contact the Salon at 740-446-6959.