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1. Go Night Hiking and Stargazing Even if you live in a large urban area, it doesn’t take too long to drive out from under the light pollution of a city and experience a sky filled with stars. International Dark Sky Places is a conservation program dedicated to excellent stewardship of the night sky and is a good place to begin if you’re looking for where to go or to find some dark sky inspiration. 2. Find a Free Swimming Hole The location of a good swimming hole can be a closely guarded secret known only to locals. But UPROXX has a list of one in every single state! 3. Pick a Natural Area You’ve Never Been to and Go There State and National Parks shouldn’t be the only places you’re looking into this summer for an outside escape, especially as crowds are packing these popular destinations. Consider instead looking at wildlife preserves and protected areas in your region and other public lands agency websites such as the Bureau of Land Management for inspiration on new hikes, wildlife spotting and nature treks to take. 4. Rent a Camper Van Get out on the open road and tour some nearby communities in your state or neighboring states by renting an RV or camper van… or create your own! This summer we converted our Honda Element into a camper van for the ideal way to see more local destinations and save money in the process. 5. Research the Best Hidden Gems in your State Even if you think you’ve seen everything there is to see in your town, city, or state, think again! There are often many quirky roadside attractions within a day’s drive of where you live. Here in Colorado, for instance, we have some seriously awesome hidden gems. 6. Support Your Local Museums Many museums across the US have started reopening with strict social distancing guidelines and timed entry to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. These institutions need our support. If attending a public attraction such as this doesn’t feel right yet, consider donating to these institutions to make sure they’ll be there when you’re ready to return. 7. Take a Historic Walking Tour of Your City Center or Town If you’ve never done taking a historic walking tour, many municipalities offer free downloadable maps right on their websites. It’s a great way to learn the local histories of your local landmarks while also getting outside for some fresh air and exercise. 8. Go Spelunking There are over 17,000 caves in the United States, and unless you live in Rhode Island or Louisiana, then you can probably find one within driving distance. Exploring these fragile and unique ecosystems will make you feel like you’ve been transported to another planet. Check out our post on Carlsbad Caverns from our road trip to New Mexico for more spelunking inspiration. 9. Take a Ride in a Hot Air Balloon There’s no better way to get some fresh air and explore your hometown from a completely different perspective than to book a ride in a hot air balloon. Most balloons can carry up to 6-10 guests and many companies even offer meals and the traditional champagne toast at the end of your journey. Check with your local companies for social distancing restrictions and COVID-19 guidelines. 10. Rent a Safari Tent on Glamping Hub A safari tent is just one of the MANY interesting and unique outdoor-inspired dwellings you can rent on Glamping Hub. Think Airbnb for tree houses, tipis, domes, pods and yurts.
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