I’ve discovered quite by accident more often than not small town America has charming little secrets tucked away behind highway exits all over in every part of the country I have visited.
I drove out to Dunn, NC a couple of days ago for a small treasure I found on Craig’s’ list. What I discovered when I got there was such a sweet surprise.
I was totally unprepared. I did not bring a camera. I’m sorry I can’t share with you the revitalization in progress going on down there and more over so many folks that cruise I-95 right through and don’t know.
It got me thinking about all the times I have been pleasantly surprised by a quaint little downtown area out in the middle of what may seem like nowhere. We stopped and had lunch and didn’t spend a lot of money, turned out to be a nice treat.
It reminded me of Montesano, Washington where I had some of the best lunch and coffee that I still cannot forget or, so many years ago, traveling through the desert and finding a little restaurant in the midst of an Indian Reservation where I had a most memorable breakfast and unparalleled (FREE) backdrops making for some amazing photography and treasured memories.
Makes me wonder.. how many hidden treasures are out there?
Most of us save big to take a big trip to a well known city and I really enjoy that too. Though sometimes we need little breaks in between. We need to reconnect with our families and get away from everyday life more often than once a year.
I’m thinking we’re going to take more day trips this year. We can discover small town America together. We can help their local economies by shopping and eating in their small towns and the experience can help me de-stress and reconnect with my family more often.
If nothing else, if you didn’t love it, you got away from your daily grind. I think now more than ever, we realize the power in our voices, the strength in our actions and it’s up to us to keep our country great! And just think for the price of dinner and a movie you may get a little mini vacation.
I’d love to hear about your great finds! Every time I google day trips from my area, I really don’t get a lot of good information. Maybe we can help spread the word.. you don’t always have to travel far or go to a big theme park to enjoy a day of R & R.
You just never know what little treasures await in small town USA. Look at the little bonus I found for $5! The sweet little woman who sold me these did not even know about the latest peacock obsession.
Happy traveling, treasure hunting and maybe a little decorating too.
I agree! I love finding hidden towns and just recently posted about Hopewell NJ and the great stores I discovered inside an old tomato canning factory! Another fav of mine is Princeton NJ… I am planning a day trip to Haddonfeild NJ where I hear there is an authentic British fish n chip shop…mmmm
Thanks Irma for a fun read!
Thank you and I have been to Princeton. Lovely town. Do share when you go!