The Rise of Microadventures: Exploring the World in a Weekend

The Rise of Microadventures: Exploring the World in a Weekend

The New York Times describes Microadventures as “short, perspective-shifting bursts of travel closer to home, which is small and achievable for normal people with real lives.”

Microadventures account for a fair amount of short adventures, especially on weekends, and might include sunrise/sunset hikes, urban exploration, bike rides, picnics to the park, one-night camping, boating trips, weekend road trips, or a simple photography walk.

Let’s be fair: Microadventures do not mean big but small yet significant adventures you can have in or around your home or locality.

Why Choose Microadventure?

Let’s agree: most of us do not have enough time or a significant budget to travel to the far side of the world.

The best we can get is a few days off, long weekends, or holidays to travel around. Why not use this time to explore adventures that do not require traveling or spending much?

Jancee Dunn of the New York Times suggests readers need not travel far for Microadventures but engage in any short yet fun activity to revitalize their spirit.

Taking a scent walk to a local restaurant that caters to customers’ olfactory receptors or spotting wildlife like bald eagles or Red foxes in the neighborhood will account for Microadventures.

Therefore, you can fuel your Microadventures with anything fun you have not tried or wish to try again with your family, partner, or friend.

What Are the Top 10 Microadventures?

Here are some fun, insightful, and adventurous activities for your next Microadventures.

1. Sunrise or Sunset Hike

If you don’t have days to spare, spotting the sunrise or sunset can be a great way to connect with nature.

Please take it as a Microadventures, where you hike to a point around your city or village to witness the sunrise.

Similarly, you can hike all day to reach a point where you get the best vantage point of the sunset.

It will be a rewarding experience if you can combine both in the same trip, usually hiking to a hilltop or grasslands.

Here’s a guide on how to plan such a hike, including things to remember and what to carry:

Things to Remember

• Pick a trail or viewpoint that is known for its scenic sunrise or sunset views.
• Consider the distance and difficulty of the trail based on your hiking experience.
• Check local Sunrise/Sunset times and monitor the weather forecast for clouds, rainfall, etc.
• Plan to start your hike well before sunrise or finish after sunset to allow time for setup and enjoyment.
• Wear layers, as it can be chilly early morning or evening.
• Use a comfortable backpack to carry essentials like a water bottle, snacks, camera, power bank charger, sunscreen, blanket, etc.

2. One-Night Camping Trip

A one-night camping trip is unlike any other adventure, where you include everything camping offers within a single night.

As the term suggests, a one-night camping should be organized at a short distance so you do not need to travel longer.

However, indulging with your partner, children, or friends can be great fun when you are in the nick of time.

Here are a few things to remember.

• Select a campground or spot for an overnight stay, such as a backyard, national park, or community area.
• Choose the type of camping experience you desire (e.g., car, backcountry, or campfire).
• Verify if the chosen location requires permits or has specific regulations for camping.
• Monitor the weather forecast to prepare for temperature fluctuations, strong wind, or rainfall.
• Carry a fully charged phone, charger power bank, a map and compass (optional), and a basic first aid kit.
• Carry appropriate food items, utensils, and sufficient water bottles.
• Follow Leave No Trace principles by minimizing impact on the environment.
• Tent or hammock with rainfly (if needed), sleeping bag, and sleeping pad for insulation.

You can get minimum items if you plan to camp in your backyard.

3. Bike Ride around the Town or Village

If you have a day to spare and live in an open area, consider taking a bike trip.

A bike trip around a small town, village, nearby hill, or wilderness can be fun with a friend or partner.

Here are a few places to consider taking your bike if you live nearby.

1. Great Allegheny Passage (GAP)
2. Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi
3. Mississippi River Trail
4. Katy Trail, Missouri
5. Finger Lakes, New York
6. Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
7. San Juan Islands, Washington State

Things to Remember

• Identify exciting places, such as parks, landmarks, or scenic viewpoints.
• Consider the terrain, route, and duration that match your time constraints.
• Check the weather forecast to ensure a comfortable and safe ride. Avoid rainy days.
• Ensure your bike is in good condition. Check tire pressure, brakes, and gears before the trip.
• Wear safety gear and carry essentials like a basic repair kit, water bottle, snacks, etc.
• Plan your return route or loop back to your starting point.

4. Wild Swimming in the Lake or River

Planning a wild swimming adventure in the lake or river can be a great weekend outdoor activity to enjoy with your family or friends.

You can burn fats with an intense swim cardio while spending quality time outdoors.

However, consider the swimmer’s safety and environmental responsibility by picking a safe-to-swim location.

Things to Remember

• Research and select a lake or river known for safe and accessible swimming, including non-swimmers.
• Consider factors like water temperature, depth, and currents.
• Verify if swimming is allowed in the chosen location.
• Swim with a buddy or tell someone about your swimming plans whenever possible.
• Consider using a wetsuit for colder water temperatures.
• Consider using a swim buoy or inflatable device for added safety and visibility.
• Avoid diving into unknown water depths or engaging in risky behaviors.
• Pay attention to signs of hypothermia, such as shivering or numbness. Exit and warm yourself immediately!

5. Photography/Birding Walk

Birding and photography are two favorite pastimes of most Americans.

In fact, the number of people participating in bird watching rose to approximately 14.82 million in 2021.

However, you are less likely to boast about the number of birds, including rare ones, you have witnessed without proof.

Therefore, photography and birding go hand in hand. So, it may be time to take out your camera and snap photos of some of the most pristine birds found in your region.

If you wish to find a bird of limited range based on the US states, here is a brief guide to help you.

1. Great Kiskadee — Southern tip of Texas and Rio Grande Valley
2. Rivoli’s Hummingbird — Southeast Arizona
3. Whooping Crane — Aransas National Wildlife range in Texas
4. Kirtland’s Warbler — Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ontario
5. Island Scrub-Jay — Florida and California
6. Elf Owl — Southern US borders

Things to Remember

• Choose a location known for its biodiversity and birding opportunities, such as nature reserves, parks, or bird sanctuaries.
• Familiarize yourself with the local bird species you might encounter.
• Bring a camera with a good zoom lens for capturing distant birds. (A smartphone with a zoom lens works, too)
• A pair of quality binoculars to locate birds from a distance.
• Birding requires patience, so spend time in one location and observe quietly.

6. Explore a Tranquil Lake on a Paddleboard

For wanderlusters, exploring nature would be the best Microadventures.

If you live near a lake, it may be a great time to take a paddleboard and explore the lake and surrounding wildlife.

Here are a few popular recommendations.

• Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada — Crystal-clear waters surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
• Lake Powell, Arizona/Utah — Explore the red rock canyons and unique geological formations.
• Flathead Lake, Montana — The largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi.
• Lake Placid, New York — A serene lake surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains.
• Lake Champlain, Vermont/New York — Enjoy paddling between the Green Mountains and the Adirondacks.
• Crater Lake, Oregon — Paddle on the stunning blue waters of the deepest lake in the US.
• Lake Jocassee, South Carolina — Surrounded by waterfalls and lush forests.

Things to Remember

• Choose locations with calm waters and minimal boat traffic for safety and relaxation.
• Check the weather forecast and wind conditions before heading out.
• Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) for safety.
• Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect you from the sun.
• Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your paddle.
• Start in calm, shallow waters if you’re a beginner.

7. Try Indoor or Outdoor Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is an exhilarating outdoor activity for quickly burning calories.

However, it is not just a sport but a self-growth course where you can learn planning, execution, and accept and learn from failures.

In fact, it would make great Microadventures to indulge in during the weekend.

Remember, as a beginner, you can climb artificial rock walls in the arena, widely available in many cities.

Otherwise, you can always indulge in outdoor climbing at popular locations like;

1. Joshua Tree National Park, California
2. Red River Gorge, Kentucky
3. Yosemite National Park, California
4. Smith Rock State Park, Oregon
5. The Gunks (Shawangunk Ridge), New York
6. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Things to Remember

• Select a climbing area suitable for your skill level. Some locations offer a variety of routes for different abilities.
• Wear proper gear, such as comfortable shoes, trousers or shorts, helmet, etc., before climbing.
• Check the weather forecast to ensure safe and favorable outdoor climbing conditions.
• Start with more accessible routes to warm up before attempting more challenging climbs.

8. Food-tasting Tour of your City’s Diverse Cuisines

The American cities are home to diverse races of people with historical culinary magnificence.

Therefore, you will likely find various cuisines, including German, Latin, Indian, Chinese, and Nordic, with fantastic fusions within a single city.

If you wish to zest up your palate, consider taking Microadventures around the eateries.

Here is the list of cities famous for their cuisines.

a. New York City

• Food: Bagels with lox and cream cheese, New York-style pizza, pretzels, pastrami sandwiches.
• Locations: Chelsea Market, Greenwich Village, Lower East Side.

b. New Orleans, Louisiana

• Food: Gumbo, po’boys, beignets, jambalaya.
• Locations: French Quarter, Magazine Street, Bywater.

c. San Francisco, California

• Food: Mission-style burritos, clam chowder in a sourdough bowl, seafood.
• Locations: Ferry Building Marketplace, Mission District, Fisherman’s Wharf.

d. Austin, Texas

• Food: BBQ, breakfast tacos, Tex-Mex.
• Locations: South Congress, East Austin, Franklin Barbecue.

e. Portland, Oregon

• Food: Food carts (diverse options), craft beer, Voodoo Doughnut.
• Locations: Hawthorne District, Alberta Arts District, Downtown Portland.

f. Chicago, Illinois

• Food: Deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches.
• Locations: The Loop, River North, Wicker Park.

g. Charleston, South Carolina

• Food: Shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, Low country boil.
• Locations: King Street, Charleston City Market, East Bay Street.

Things to Remember

• Prioritize trying local dishes and specialties unique to the region you’re exploring.
• Create an itinerary with diverse food stops, ensuring a mix of flavors and cuisines.
• Opt for small portions at each stop to leave room for more tastings.
• Consider sharing dishes with your fellow food adventurers to try a wider variety.
• Drink water throughout the tour to cleanse your palate between tastings.
• Step out of your comfort zone and try dishes or cuisines you haven’t experienced before.

Conclusion

Microadventures suit anyone with a day or two to spare, even if you are a busy stock trader.

Find your partner in crimes and plan everything to minimize the risk of contemplation amid the adventure, which takes a significant chunk of time.

Use this article as a starter guide to your next Microadventures!

Rick Perdian is a music travel consultant, always ready to assist, plan, and organize various music tours and travel.