One of our Solutions team members lived in a suburb of San Jose, CA for a number of years, just minutes from the Winchester Mystery House. Yet when Louise was moving to another state, she realized she had missed seeing one of the area’s most popular tourist attractions.

“I always thought we could visit on a rainy weekend,” Louise said. “But there weren’t too many of those in the Bay Area, so we never got around to it!”

At this time of year, winter weather conditions can make road trips unpredictable or downright hazardous. But that doesn’t mean you have to hang up your traveling shoes and hibernate until spring—just hop on a bus, train, taxi, ferry or light rail and explore all your own city or town has to offer. Part of the fun is getting there—kids will love the novelty of taking alternative transportation, and you won’t have to worry about finding a parking place or paying parking fees. Here’s an opportunity to do a walking tour of an old-and-established or up-and-coming neighborhood, take an elevator to the top of the tallest building or explore underground tunnels. With a little research, you can be a tourist in your own town!

Depending on where you live, you can rediscover major attractions you thought were only for out-of-towners (think Empire State Building or San Francisco’s Chinatown), or discover hidden gems you weren’t even aware of, such as private gardens, small museums, historical monuments and public parks. You’ll even come across the quirky—like the Museum of Velvet Paintings in Portland, Oregon, or the Spam Museum in Austin, Minnesota.

Thanks to the Internet, it’s easier than ever to research an area. Do a web search by typing in your town’s name followed by “tourism” or “visitor’s information”—you’ll find all kinds of links to places, events and activities. Streamline your search by keying in “museums,” “children’s activities,” “music,” or anything else that interests you. Or do your research the old-fashioned way—stop by your local Chamber of Commerce or convention and visitor’s bureau to pick up brochures and chat with locals. They can be a great source of tips and information, and can direct you to places the guidebooks overlook—or simply don’t mention. Most tourist offices have street maps of the city, and some even provide maps with walking tours. Whether you research online or in person, you’re sure to make some interesting discoveries.

A day or two before heading out, call the places you plan to visit to make sure they’ll be open, and to check the hours of operation and admission prices. Once you develop an itinerary, plot it out on a map and take it with you. You’ll be surprised by how many people stop to ask if you need directions! These neighborhood folks will also be eager to tell you about their favorite coffee shop around the corner and the not-to-be-missed antique store just down the street.

If you’re taking kids along on your adventure, plan accordingly. Make sure your itinerary includes age-appropriate activities that will keep them interested without wearing them out. Something as simple as a trip up and down an escalator or a ride in a taxi could be the highlight of their day! If you’re walking, limit your exploring to a few blocks, and be sure to duck into a toy store or ice cream shop when you sense the kids need a break. And remember, since you’re exploring your hometown, you don’t have to see everything in one day—you can return anytime!

All that exploring can make a tourist hungry, so be sure to include dining out as part of your travel adventure. Choose an ethnic restaurant to add to the feeling of being worlds away, a locals-only favorite, or a new hot spot you’ve been wanting to try. You’ll find specials and lower prices on lunch menus, while happy hours that run from mid- to late-afternoon are a great way to eat heartily even at upscale restaurants…and at wallet-friendly prices.

Are you ready to explore? Pick a day for your hometown excursion and start planning—that’s half the fun!
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