There are few things I enjoy more than a great day trip.
Packing just enough for the day, discovering somewhere new, and sleeping in my own bed that night feels like the perfect balance of adventure and comfort. Over time, I’ve realized that my favorite day trips all have five things in common.
- Good Food
I believe that food can be a vessel into the heart and soul of a new place. Whether it’s a cooking technique I’ve never seen before or ingredients the region has perfected into a local specialty, I want to try it. Not only is food a wonderful way to experience a new place, but the dishes can often be recreated long after the trip is over, allowing you to relive the memories from your own kitchen.
Whenever visiting Marshall, NC in the Appalachian Mountains, our family has become conditioned to expect a visit to High Ridge Adventures Outfitting and BBQ for the best pulled pork and brisket east of the Appalachians. BBQ is a North Carolinian staple known for its unique vinegar-based BBQ sauces, so when we have the opportunity to indulge and experience the best of the best we take that opportunity every time. Any day trip that ends with barbeque sauce on my shirt is usually a successful one.
- A Dose of History
I grew up in a household where learning about the history of people, places, and things was considered an important part of growing. So when I visit a new location I love to take in as much history as possible. It could be stopping to read a historic plaque posted on a sign or statue, a visit to a local museum, or even chatting with the locals who live there to learn about how the area has been shaped over time. History provides insights into how traditions developed, highlights the people and industries that shaped a town and helps to create a deeper connection to the places we visit.
One of my favorite day trips is a drive to Charleston, South Carolina which is rich in history.
The historical landscape here is vast, spanning from the early colonial era and bustling maritime commerce to the profound impacts of the Civil War, the legacy of slavery, and the eventual blossoming of vibrant Southern traditions. There is no shortage of historic exploration opportunities to give a person a deeper connection to what has shaped Charleston into the idyllic seaside town it is today.
- A Scenic Drive
Day trips are the perfect escape from what we see day in and day out, so when I get the opportunity to change the scenery, it is a welcomed treat. And sometimes the car is a perfect way to explore the surroundings, forge new paths and explore roads I’ve never driven before.
Rolling the windows down along a coastal highway, taking in the views of blue ocean water, smelling the salty air and feeling the warmth of mid-day sun on my face is an escape.
Being blanketed by canopies of Spanish moss and sun spots as I wander down a two-laned road provides a sense of comfort.
Exploring the twists and turns of a mountain drive sprinkled with waterfalls, long vistas and rugged mountains is exciting.
Drives like these help to relax and indulge in the freedom that a day trip and road trip have to offer. Putting on some music and taking in the views and open road is a must-have on my day trip adventures.
- Exploring on Foot
Once the driving and eating is done, my body aches for a long walk to stretch my legs and cover new ground. Walking around a new town offers the chance to learn its rhythm while discovering places cars simply can’t reach.
Walking can be exploring a main street with the ability to admire building architecture, photograph colorful street murals and wander into different local shops to browse specialty items.
Walking can also be hitting a local hiking trail to admire the beauty and landscape of a new place. The opportunity to observe different wildlife, smell new flowers and listen to unfamiliar streams adds another layer of relaxation and making memories in a new place.
My step count may thank me, but my camera roll is the real winner during my walks.
- An Unexpected Discovery
As Forrest Gump once said, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get” and this sentiment holds true for traveling on a day trip. It is the experiences that we come across that are the things we remember most because they were unplanned and unexpected.
For example, on a trip to Greenville, SC, my husband and I wandered down Main Street and almost walked right past a tucked-away entrance which we discovered led to a cozy bourbon speakeasy. What started as a quick peek turned into finding the best fried brussels sprouts that we have ever had….and the bourbon samples weren’t too bad either!
On another excursion exploring Hot Springs, NC, we were finishing lunch and in talking with our waitress we learned of an artisanal ice cream shop that we had never tried. From this spontaneous recommendation we were led to the best ice cream in town, where I still dream about the cookies-and-cream flavor between visits.
So much of our lives are planned out or considered routine, so when there are experiences that were not even on our radar that make a visit richer and more memorable, that is what makes day trips such a thrill.
I’ve learned that memorable day trips aren’t defined by how far you travel—they’re shaped by the little moments along the way. Great food, a bit of history, a beautiful drive, time to wander on foot, and one unexpected surprise have become my recipe for returning home with stories worth telling. If your next day trip includes all five, I have a feeling you’ll be planning the next one before you even pull into the driveway.
No responses yet