It’s Melbourne Cup weekend! Dubbed as “The Race that Stops A Nation”, the Melbourne Cup has become so much more than a horse race, and is celebrated by people who love fashion, who get a thrill out of picking a winner, or who just want an excuse to get dolled up. But what about all of us who want to stay away from the fuss and fanfare of the races? Here are a few ways you can enjoy your Melbourne Cup weekend without being at the racecourse.
Head Outdoors
Even if you’re not into the races, there is just such a relaxed and celebratory vibe in the air at this time of the year! One of the most fun Melbourne Cup experiences I’ve had was when my husband and I headed to a beautiful winery in NSW’s Hunter Valley, laid out a picnic, drank wine and placed a few small bets on our phones. There were other couples and groups of friends around us doing the same, and by the end of the day, we were sharing snacks with nearby strangers. It helps that we backed a few winners, but that’s not why we enjoyed it! ;)
Source: Dukes Hotel
Freshen Up
Take a bit of time out to do a Spring clean, revamp or makeover – this could take the form of freshening up and redecorating your bedroom, changing out your linens and soft furnishings, or heading to a salon for completely new hairstyle. There’s something about change that breathes a bit of freshness and energy into our lives. I’ve decided to change up the photos and artwork on our walls this weekend, as I’m not quite ready to brave a new hairstyle just yet…
Read a Book
I’m not talking about an audiobook or an ebook, but a book book – the real thing with actual, physical pages. Curling up in a comfy armchair with a page-turner feeds your imagination and transports you to another place. According to Willian Styron, “a great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading.”
Source: A. and I. Kruk
Spend Time with Your Loved Ones
When a long weekend arrives, there is the pressure to have to “do” something on your day off. But the most important thing you can do is to simply take some time out and spend it with your family or friends. Have a real day off where you can be free to do nothing in particular at all, apart from relax, unwind and enjoy each other’s company.
Banner image source: P&O Cruises