When you travel, sometimes bigger doesn’t always mean better. Though we have enjoyed visiting large metropolitan cities and events, we have a particular fondness for smaller venues.
Start locally.
The first place you should start is in your own area. Look around to see what fun events small towns are hosting. We live in the small town of Kilgore, Texas. One week I enjoyed a vintage antique and craft show.
The next week, my husband and I visited with some of our friends that restore old tractors, watched people enjoying a tractor ride, and listened to some good music.
One day for lunch, I went downtown and enjoyed Tunes Day at the Acre. I got my food from Downtown Delights (one of my favorite local places) and sat underneath the derricks to enjoy this young woman’s beautiful voice.
Choose small towns on your vacations!
If you are visiting a large city for a vacation, take a day to enjoy a smaller one. One year my husband and I were enjoying a long weekend away in Seattle. We took a drive through nearby Whidbey Island. I still remember marveling at all of the giant pumpkins. Talk to the locals. They can tell you the great restaurants and out-of-the-way places you need to visit.
Choose small businesses!
Whether you choose a large or small town to visit on your travels, make sure that you choose to patronize some small businesses. For instance, in Kilgore a fairly new business is Kilgore Mercantile & Music. (Disclaimer: our youngest just started working there.) In addition to getting an ice cream cone, you can often hear some good music or play a game of checkers. The success of small businesses means the success of small towns, and helps the economy of larger towns as well.
Small towns are often less crowded, and the people are very friendly. So the next time you travel with the Father, whether it is just a day trip or a month long vacation, a staycation or international trip, make a deliberate choice to choose smaller rather than bigger.
I would love to hear what you think about choosing smaller towns or attractions. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
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