There was a point in my life where we moved a lot. This meant new states, unfamiliar businesses and unique opportunities.

In a new environment, some basics need to be figured out pretty fast: where to get groceries and gasoline, the nearest grocery to get supplies and the most direct path to work. In my travels to and from those places, I almost always passed by little strip malls and stand alone shops. Some had curiosity-inducing names, which went on the back burner of my mind. One day, I thought, I want to see what they do or what they sell there.

In Florida when my daughter was little, we established “Adventure Day.” I’d choose a place we’d never been to before and it became an exciting day trip. We planned to go inside with plenty of time to look in every aisle, and every shelf. To make it even more exciting, we made a rule that we had to buy at least one thing from that shop.

Adventure Day helped us pay attention to our surroundings wherever we found ourselves. By making note of those places, I had an endless list for interesting excursions. I discovered those often overlooked, culturally diverse neighborhood shops. We found little-known diners, and one of many coffee shops that patronized Fair Trade products. By seeking adventures, we found world craft boutiques and a storefront that sold nothing but paper by the pound. We counted ourselves fortunate to find these treasures that we once passed by every day. We investigated a number of grocers and restaurants. I found new products that inspired cooking adventures and bettered my health for me and my family.

Adventure Day is how we began understanding marginalized people groups, Black, Latin, and Asian owned businesses and the communities that support them. Being adventurous erased division lines by helping us see that “they” are “us.” We looked forward to these community explorations and it took the fear out of trying to new things and investigating other cultures and talking with many types of people. Many of them became regular stops and richly added to our lives.

As we rebuild our country, small businesses will be leading the charge. They need their communities as much as each community needs them. Patronizing small businesses encourages them and strengthens neighborhood ties. By telling your community about them, you help them to grow and succeed.

How can you participate?

One of my intentions for this year is to investigate twelve new small businesses this year—one a month, in my city. While this is not new, my reasons are. I don’t need the best deal or the cheapest price that big box stores offer. I’m looking for quality and want to help support and maintain the small businesses in my area. On my list already is a vegan soul food place, and an Indian grocery I haven’t been to.

Also, by taking different routes to the same destinations, I’m more likely to find new places to consider. I moved into a new neighborhood and am excited to see what’s around. The edgier they look outside of my “normal” the more likely it is to end up on my list.

What’s outside your comfort zone? Why not make it an Adventure Day destination? You could double the fun and take another curiosity seeker with you!

What are your thoughts? Have you seen some place you’d like to explore? Drop a comment in the box below, I’d love to hear what places you’ve found in your end of the world.