We believe that wherever you are, life is worth living.
Exploration never ends unless you want it to.
Just because you’re not vacationing in an exotic location or embarking on a cross-country road trip doesn’t mean you can’t have an exciting adventure.
In fact, staying local can open up a world of opportunities right in your own backyard!
There’s lots of interesting places in the U.S. to see.
You might be surprised at how much there is to do and see in your own town or city.
From exploring local parks, museums, and restaurants, to discovering hidden gems and attending community events, there’s often a wealth of experiences waiting for you at home.
So buckle up!
Your staycation adventure is about to begin, no luggage required.
Like a lot of other people, you may have searched Google for:
fun things to do near me
things to do near me this weekend
things to do near me
Am I right?
You’re not alone.
We want to help you find what you’re looking for in our post Finding Local Places to Explore.
Here are some topics we’ll cover as we help you plan out your local adventure:
- Are state parks free?
- Why should you try local restaurants?
- Is there an app for finding historical sites?
- How do I find events/festivals this weekend near me?
- Are there different types of museums?
- What is in an escape room?
- What are the five outdoor activities?
- What does CBD have to do with exploring?
Let’s step out of the back yard and start wandering through your hometown.
Are state parks free?
Maybe you’ve thought about going to a state park but wondered, are they free?
Well, my friend, that’s a bit like asking if the sun always shines in Seattle. The answer is: it depends!
Some state parks indeed offer free admission, making them a fantastic choice for budget-friendly adventures and spontaneous picnics.
However, others charge a modest entrance fee to help maintain the park’s facilities and natural beauty.
The specifics can vary greatly by state and even by individual park.
So, before you pack your picnic basket, I’d recommend checking the website of the specific state park you’re interested in visiting.
This way, you won’t be caught off guard if there’s an entrance fee.
Why should you try local restaurants?
Ah! A question after my own “heart stomach”, you might say!
Why should you try local restaurants, you ask? Well, imagine this:
You walk into a bustling, fragrant kitchen.
The air is filled with the aroma of spices and freshly baked bread.
The chef, a friendly woman who’s lived in your town for decades, greets you by name.
As you take your first bite of her homemade lasagna, you realize – this is why you should dine at local restaurants!
Unique and Authentic Flavors:
Local restaurants often offer dishes that you won’t find in chain establishments.
They bring the culture, traditions, and history of the area to your plate.
It’s like going on a mini vacation without leaving your town!
Support Local Economy:
When you dine at a local restaurant, you’re directly supporting your local economy.
It’s like cheering for your hometown sports team – except every delicious bite is a point scored for your community!
Freshness:
Local restaurants often source their ingredients from nearby farms, so you’re likely to get fresh, seasonal produce.
Personal Touch:
Local restaurants often provide a personal touch that you won’t find in larger chains.
Whether it’s the owner remembering your favorite dish or a waiter giving you insider tips about the menu, it’s these little things that make dining locally a unique experience.
Sustainability:
Many local restaurants source their ingredients locally, which reduces their carbon footprint.
So, while you’re enjoying your meal, you’re also doing a bit for Mother Earth!
So next time you’re deciding where to eat, think local!
You may be surprised at the culinary treasures you can discover right in your own backyard.
And remember, every time you dine locally, you’re not just enjoying a meal – you’re taking part in a whole community experience!
Now isn’t that something to savor?
Is there an app for finding historical sites?
If you’re wanting to find local historic places to visit, apps are a great source of information.
Here are several apps to help you discover historical sites!
- ExploreHere – Historical Guide: This app provides access to over 150,000+ historical markers, NPS sites, Hot Springs, Native Lands, and Interpretive Signs.
- Clio – Discover Nearby History: With Clio, you can discover nearby museums, monuments, historical markers, and landmarks. You can even create your own walking tour.
- History Here | HISTORY Channel: This Webby Award-winning interactive travel guide lets you explore thousands of historic locations across the United States.
- Field Trip: Available for both iOS and Android, Field Trip helps you learn about the local history of the area you’re in.
Remember, history isn’t just in textbooks. It’s all around us, ready to be explored and appreciated!
How do I find events/festivals this weekend near me?
Looking for a fun-filled weekend?
There are several ways to find events and festivals happening near you this weekend.
Here’s a quick guide:
Online Event Calendars:
Websites like Eventbrite have comprehensive lists of events and festivals happening in your area.
You can filter by dates, location, and type of event.
City Websites:
Many cities, like New York, have official websites with event calendars that you can check out.
For example, NYC has its own dedicated page where you’ll find events across all five boroughs.
Local Newspapers/Magazines:
Don’t forget about your local newspapers and magazines.
They often have an events section where you can find out about upcoming festivals and other happenings.
Social Media:
Platforms like Facebook have an “Events” section where you can discover events happening around you.
Community Boards: Don’t underestimate the power of your local community board or even your neighborhood coffee shop’s bulletin board!
So, put on your exploring shoes and get ready to dive into the vibrant local culture! Enjoy!
Are there different types of museums?
Oh, absolutely!
Museums are as varied and unique as the artifacts they house.
It’s like stepping into a different world every time you walk through those doors.
Here are some of the most popular types of museums you can visit:
Art Museums:
These are probably what you first think of when you hear the word “museum”.
They showcase art from various cultures and time periods.
From paintings to sculptures, photography to installations, there’s an art museum for every art enthusiast.
History Museums:
These museums are like time machines, taking you back to different eras.
They exhibit artifacts, documents, and other historical pieces that tell the story of a place, a people, or an event.
Science Museums:
Got a burning curiosity about the universe?
Science museums have got you covered!
They offer interactive exhibits on a range of topics from physics to biology, astronomy to geology.
Natural History Museums:
If you’re fascinated by the natural world, these museums are for you.
They display everything from dinosaur skeletons to mineral specimens, taxidermy animals to archaeological artifacts.
Specialty Museums:
These focus on a specific topic, such as aviation, sports, music, or fashion.
Ever been to a museum dedicated entirely to mustard?
Yes, it exists!
Children’s Museums:
Designed with the little ones in mind, these museums offer hands-on exhibits that make learning fun and engaging.
Virtual Museums:
In the digital age, even museums have gone online!
These allow you to explore collections from the comfort of your home.
So, whether you’re an art aficionado, a history buff, a science geek, or just someone looking for a fun and educational outing, there’s likely a museum out there waiting for you.
What is in an escape room?
Many people are trying something new with their friends called an escape room.
They say it’s super fun.
What exactly are they?
Picture this: you and a team of friends are “locked” in a themed room. The clock is ticking, and you have one hour to solve a series of puzzles and riddles to escape.
Now, what’s inside these escape rooms varies greatly depending on the theme and difficulty level. However, here are some common elements you might find:
Puzzles and Riddles:
These brain teasers are the bread and butter of any escape room.
They could involve code-breaking, logic problems, or even physical challenges.
Every puzzle you solve brings you one step closer to your escape.
Themed Decor:
Whether it’s a pirate ship, a haunted castle, or a futuristic lab, the decor plays a huge role in setting the mood and often holds clues to solving the puzzles.
Hidden Objects:
In an escape room, everything could be a clue.
You might find objects hidden in books, behind paintings, or inside secret compartments.
Locks and Keys:
Many escape rooms use traditional locks and keys as part of their puzzles.
Finding the right key or figuring out the combination to a lock can be crucial to your escape.
Mission:
Each escape room has a unique mission or storyline that you and your team must follow.
This could be finding a treasure, solving a mystery, or escaping from a monster.
Remember, the key to a successful escape is teamwork and communication.
So gather your friends, put on your thinking caps, and get ready for an adventure!
What are five outdoor activities?
Absolutely, let’s dive into the world of outdoor fun! Here are five outdoor activities that may be new to you and worth trying.
Frisbee Golf:
Also known as disc golf, this game combines the rules of golf with the fun of frisbee throwing.
The goal is to complete each hole on the course using the fewest possible throws.
Pickleball:
This paddle sport combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis.
Two or four players use solid paddles to hit a perforated ball (similar to a wiffle ball) over a net2.
Geocaching:
Think of this as a global treasure hunt.
Participants use GPS coordinates to find hidden containers, called geocaches, at specific locations marked by other players.
Footgolf:
Ever tried combining soccer and golf?
That’s what footgolf is all about! The aim is to get a soccer ball into a hole in as few shots as possible, using only your feet.
Hiking:
Hiking is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in nature.
It also offers mental health benefits, such as reducing stress and improving mood.
Hiking can be a rewarding adventure that brings you closer to the beauty and diversity of the natural world. Read more about hiking here if you’d like.
Remember, the best part about outdoor activities is not just the physical exercise, but also the joy of trying something new and exciting.
So why not grab some friends and give these a whirl?
What does CBD have to do with exploring?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant that’s been gaining popularity for its potential health benefits.
While it doesn’t produce the “high” associated with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), it has been linked to effects such as pain relief and relaxation.
Now, when it comes to exploring new places and experiences, CBD might offer several benefits:
Anxiety relief:
CBD is believed to interact with your body’s serotonin receptors.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in mood regulation.
Some research suggests that CBD may have anxiolytic-like effects, helping to reduce anxiety and promote calmness.
Pain Relief:
Whether you’re hiking up a mountain or walking through city streets, physical discomfort can dampen your exploration.
Some studies suggest that CBD helps with pain relief, which could be beneficial for active explorers.
Improving Sleep:
CBD (Cannabidiol) is becoming increasingly popular as a natural remedy for various health issues, including sleep disorders.
Many users and some studies suggest that CBD may help improve sleep quality.
Research has even indicated that doses of CBD might increase the duration of sleep.
Remember, everyone’s body reacts differently to CBD, and these benefits vary depending on the user.
It’s also essential to consider local laws regarding CBD when traveling, as they can vary greatly.
If you want to learn more about CBD, check out our CBD Ultimate Guide.
Closing
Discovering local places to explore not only enriches our understanding of our community but also provides exciting adventures right at our doorstep.
Whether it’s hiking in nearby nature reserves, visiting historical landmarks, or savoring local cuisine, every new experience adds a vibrant stroke to the canvas of life.
Additionally, incorporating CBD into your exploration toolkit could potentially enhance these experiences.
Its calming effects may help manage travel-related stress, improve sleep quality in unfamiliar environments, and even provide pain relief for those physically demanding adventures.
However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new wellness regimen, including CBD.
So here’s to finding joy in local exploration and making each journey more enjoyable with the potential benefits of CBD!
