The summer is a time for families to get away from home and travel to new destinations. However, with the cost of gas reaching record highs, many families have to be creative about how they spend their vacations and where they spend their vacations.

The Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau recently presented a new initiative for entertainment during the vacation season – the “Stay-cation.”

A “Stay-cation” is defined as a vacation spent close to home. Huntsville Mayor Loretta Spencer and the CVB are promoting this idea as a great alternative to travelling hours away for vacation.

“With rising fuel prices I know that many people may not be able to travel this summer during vacation time,” Mayor Spencer said. “Huntsville has a great diversity of leisure opportunities with outdoor activities to enjoy and attractions to visit. Combine those with a night or two in a hotel and relaxing by a pool for a wonderful get-away close to home.”

In addition to the money individuals and families will save by not filling up their tanks, they can take advantage of promotional pricing from local merchants. August 8 is an especially good time to be in Huntsville not only to take advantage of the great prices, but also because of the tax-free weekend made possible by an ordinance delivered by Spencer and approved by the Huntsville City Council.

Staying in a local hotel also provides the opportunity to be eligible for a drawing to win a “Stay-cation” package worth $1,000, according to CVB President/CEO Judy Ryals. For guests to be eligible, they must fax or drop off a copy of their receipt from a local hotel stay or complete an entry form in the Huntsville/Madison County Visitor Center. No purchase is necessary to win. The last day eligible is August 8. The wining entry will be drawn August 15.

For more information about the activities available in Huntsville for a “Stay-cation” and for coupons visit www.huntsville.org/stay.