Need an adventure for a boring weekend, when the children are home on break, something to do while watching the grandchildren, or just a little get away for the day?
In the United States brown signs along the road sides mark recreational, historical, or cultural attractions. We flock to them on vacations, but miss the adventure that is just down the road. So I have invented a little tradition I call the 'Brown Sign Game'. (OK, so the name needs a little work)
"Get up, get ready for the day, eat breakfast, hurry up because when you are done we are going on an adventure!" This is usually how I announce the game. Once in the car I name a few towns near me that I am willing to travel too. Which towns I name depend on how far I want to travel on that particular day. Someone picks one of the towns and we start heading in the direction of that town. The next step is to look out the windows for brown signs. When we find one that looks interesting and we have never been to before we follow the signs to the destination. Sometimes we end up at a museum, sometimes a historical marker, a park, a dock, a garden, we even ended up at a graveyard once.
This game does take a little preparation. I make sure the kids go to bed just a little early the night before in case our adventure turns into and all day one, I pack a lunch and often a dinner, I always take water, and a little spending money in case we end up somewhere that charges admission, or if we stumble on an interesting restaurant, or gift shop. I also make sure my cell phone is charged and with me. And just to make sure I do not get lost I take a street navigator with me, however, usually the signs are clear enough to direct us properly. Starting out with a full tank of gas also helps if we find ourselves somewhere remote. And if you have an iphone or the like you could also combine this trip with geocaching (which you can find out more about HERE.)
how cool is that? I'm going to start playing the Brown Sign Game too! Sometimes I forget that there is rich cultural history right in my own backyard... Now I know to look for the clues!!
Thanks for sharing this good tip - and all the Fun that goes with it!
5 Comments:
I luv this brown sign idea. My grandson is here for the weekend. Think we'll give this a try today. Thanks for the tip.
donna
Don't we all! Sounds like a plan!
Donna, you will have to tell us what you find!
This is a very interesting blog and so i like to visit your blog again and again. Keep it up.
Alan
http://holidaydestinationinindia.blogspot.com
how cool is that? I'm going to start playing the Brown Sign Game too! Sometimes I forget that there is rich cultural history right in my own backyard... Now I know to look for the clues!!
Thanks for sharing this good tip - and all the Fun that goes with it!
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