On Staycation: Dining Out Like It's Vacation

Let's face it: for moms, sometimes the best part of vacation is the dining out. No grocery lists or grocery shopping, no cooking – and no cleaning. 

I've already had my , so I'm here for spring break. But to make it as staycation-like as possible, I'm trying to eat out often and only at restaurants I have never tried before. (Now if only the weather would let me break out the flip-flops.)

A Gold Star breakfast

I've heard rave reviews about the pecan pancakes at just south of downtown, and my husband is a bit of a breakfast junkie, so it was first on our list of places to try this week.

Saturday morning found my family of four sliding into a cozy booth, no wait. The services was friendly and the atmosphere homey. We each ordered our pancake of choice (pecan, buttermilk, silver dollar and chocolate chips), and they were delivered by the heaping stacks.

And I mean heaping. Only one of us managed to finish his whole pile, and he shall remain nameless.

The pancakes were delicious with those little air bubbles just like Dad used to make on Saturday morning when I and my siblings were parked in front of the Laff-A-Lympics. And also just like those days, I didn' t have to do the dishes!

Lunch at the arcade

Most hotels have an arcade. Recreate the non-stop noise, flashing lights and endless begging for "just one more token" at our local  on Auburn Road.

Okay, technically I broke my own rule because I have eaten here before. However, the restaurant remodeled back in December, so it's practically like new. To me, anyway.

Improvements include more games and more "ticket muncher" machines that count your tickets for you. Games have been moved away from the windows to allow more natural light, and more booths have been added. Finally, all the half-walls have been removed, opening up the dining area completely and giving a more spacious feel to the place.

If you go, don't forget to visit www.chuckecheese.com first to print off special-offer coupons. You will be shocked and amazed at how quickly four kids can go through 200 tokens (approximately two hours).

Dinner at Chapman's Mill

Word of mouth again led us to on Crooks Road to try the burgers. One of the things we miss most about Royal Oak is Red Coat Tavern, and rumor has it, (actually, it was ) that the Chapman burger might just be a worthy replacement. 

The burger was incredible (although lacking the Red Coat secret sauce), and the atmosphere was open and pleasant. The kids gave the huge chicken tenders two thumbs up. A tall, cold draught for $2 and a smiling waitress made it a night. 

Wednesday nights, kids eat free at Chapman's Mill. And if you're curious about the burger, Tuesday nights are Burger Night.

Our Staycation winner

Last week we asked you about  and awarded one lucky reader a $25 gift certificate to . The winner was Jen from Fenton with this entry:

"Both of our cars are broke down right now (hubby is borrowing his parent's car)...so the kids and I are stuck at home. We homeschool so we'll probably just push through the week so we can get done sooner in May (when the weather is REALLY nice, LOL). Sure would be nice if the temps warmed up so they can at least let off some steam outside for gym time though! :o)"

Congrats, Jen! Happy shopping, and thanks for reading Patch!