I {heart} adventure. . . even if it's local! [part 1]

 I used to want to live in the Pacific Northwest and enjoy the large amounts of rain.  It just sounded perfect.  I’ve been rethinking that dream so much lately because we have just had sooooo much rain here and I am kind of done with it.  Apparently, I need my daily dose of Vitamin D more than I thought I did! 

 So, while we are waiting out flash flood warnings and heavy rainfall (again) and dream of our next great adventure!  In the meantime, let’s talk about feeding that need for adventure when the budget is screaming “STAY HOME!”  Going on trips, whether spontaneous or not, take money.  Some more than others, but food, lodging, and transportation all add up.  And let’s be real. . . Our desire for an adventure doesn’t always line up with what our budget does (insert sad face here).

 But, what if I told you that with a little bit of a budget. . . And I am talking about less than $100 you could have an adventure in your own hometown. . . Or even a nearby town! There are so many things to do around us that often get forgotten and overlooked because we’d rather go someplace else, when in reality you can fill that ache a little bit by spending the day in your own town doing things that you don’t normally do.  Say goodbye Starbucks and Target runs and bring up your favorite map app and get to planning and then get out there!  Find a friend or make it a family affair.  The key is to find something new and have fun!

Here are my tips for finding adventure in your own hometown:

1.        Start your day with coffee.  Find a hole in the wall or local place you’ve always wanted to try, but it’s way out of the way.  Go there.  Buy your favorite drink and sit and savor.  No need to rush. . . It’s vacation. 

2.        Decide what you want to do.  Research art galleries, museums, trails, theaters and make your plan.  We often find ourselves looking for used book stores and record stores. Maybe you want to check out that antique store that you drive by on the way to work.  Add that to your list.  Maybe there’s a local sporting event that you’ve wanted to check out. 

3.        Decide where you want to eat lunch and dinner.  Try new places.  Don’t go to your usual. Check out the yelp reviews because you don’t want to find out everyone gets food poisoning after eating it!  Try to eat at local spots. . . It makes it more fun!  You might find a new favorite spot!  Spring for dessert at the local ice cream shop or try drinks at that local brewery that you’ve always wanted to do. 

4.       Have fun!

 As you make your list and plan your day, you might find that there are way too many things to do in one day.  Now you can plan multiple “trips” with a small budget and if you feel like splurging a little find a cute boutique hotel to stay in to make it feel like you are tourists in your own town!    

I promise it is worth it to take the time go on an adventure in your own city.   

Stay tuned for part two about my hometown.