‘Tis the season… of cabin fever. Whether you live in a wintry climate or wear t-shirts year-round, it’s easy to feel antsy as the days get shorter and cooler. In the mood for something to do? There’s no need to stay cooped up inside when the United States is full of exciting day trip ideas, and everyday exploration is right around the corner, no matter where you live.
Whether you’re planning a spontaneous adventure for yourself, friends, or the whole family, all you need is a little inspiration for day trip ideas and a reliable set of tires for your journey — and the new Goodyear® Wrangler Steadfast HT™ are just the tires for that. They’re durable and designed for exploring — with deeper, wider grooves for more traction and control, and a 70,000-mile tread-life limited warranty — so you can spend less time worrying about the weather, the traffic, or the dependability of your ride, and more time enjoying your adventure. Pull up a map, pack some car-friendly snacks, and hit the road, because these micro-adventures are waiting.
Giving back to your community by supporting small-business owners always feels good. So how about turning that support into an exciting, day-long scavenger hunt? Start by printing a list of local businesses – from boutiques to coffee shops — and marking them on a map. As you move forward, one shop at a time, choose something small for yourself or curate a gift basket for someone on your holiday shopping list. If you have kids in tow, make it a competition with rankings for creativity, speed, and more. Your game face is on, you’re scoring one-of-a-kind finds, and you’re supporting your local community. It’s a win-win-win.
The only thing better than supporting local businesses this season is supporting local businesses that are lip-smacking delicious. Pinpoint a nearby town or city (you choose the distance you want to drive) and scout out a mini food tour. Is the place known for its key lime pie? Pulled pork? Malts and milkshakes? Whatever it is, make the tour official with scorecards for things like flavor, texture, and presentation at each stop. And if you’re all about the holiday season, opt for a festive-cookie or hot-cocoa theme.
Speaking of the holidays, now’s the time to check out the best and brightest lights. Search for displays that are just a day trip away, throw on a festive outfit, and get ready to ooh and ahh. Be sure to pack the car with a thermos of hot cider, a few bags of roasted chestnuts, and a jolly holiday playlist to blast as you hit the road.
A day trip is always a quick fix for a change of pace and scenery. Try the urban-rural swap. City slickers, head for somewhere more remote. Practice slowing down and savoring the natural beauty, and challenge yourself to meet a local while you’re there. Country dwellers, swap the slower pace for a bustling day in your closest metropolis. Fill your to-go mug with espresso and get ready to keep up with the scurrying urbanites. As you drive back at the end of the day, maybe you’ll feel extra thankful for your hometown.
The U.S. has no shortage of beautiful bodies of water. For an adventurous, outdoor excursion, take a day trip to the nearest lake, creek, or ocean. (Bonus points if you’ve never been.) If you live in a temperate climate, enjoy a picnic on the beach or a riverside hike. Otherwise, bundle up for ice skating, ice fishing, or a rousing snowball fight. End the day with a steamy cup of cocoa at a lakeview cafe. You’ll journey home feeling refreshed, invigorated, and thankful to have a cozy car and a reliable set of tires to make all your spontaneous day trip ideas a reality.
Want to add to this list of micro-adventures? Share your favorite day trip destinations with us using our nomination form. And if it inspires you to take a longer road trip next year, check out these 13 iconic American road trips, make sure your tires are up to the challenge (check out the new Goodyear® Wrangler Steadfast HT™ that are built for adventure), and get planning.
