This is the ninth post in the 10 Cheap Adventures That Anyone Can Have series.

You don’t have to go hiking in order to enjoy nature. The National Parks Service does a wonderful job of providing easy-to-access locations that highlight some wonderful views and features of the parks. Within less than an hour, I can drive to a number of natural stone bridges, at least one waterfall, a number of cliff tops with beautiful views, a variety of rivers, and a couple of lakes. Each of these require walking for 100 yards or less.

Finding nearby parks is easy. Simply go the the National Parks Service website or the National Forest Service website and search by state. After clicking on your state, a map will come up showing the parks in your area. From there it’s easy to find attractions that might interest you.

An easy way to get an overview of all the parks in your area is to use Google maps. As you zoom in to your area, the green represents parks. I use this to find the names of nearby parks so that I can find out more information on the two official sites listed in the paragraph above.

Some Last Tips

When you go and visit don’t forget your camera, as there will be plenty of views that you will want to capture pictures of! Take plenty of water to drink so that you don’t have to leave just to find a drink. Carry some food along so that you can have a picnic. You might want bugspray and sunscreen.

Last but not least: have a good time and enjoy your adventure!

This is the eighth post in the 10 Cheap Adventures That Anyone Can Have series.

Hiking is another of the free adventures that anyone can go on. You may not be able to hike far, or wide, but you CAN get out and explore your surroundings. Discover what your local park has to offer. Find out where those trails you drive by go. Search out new places.

What You Need

That’s it! You don’t need anything else to go hike and enjoy nature! After all: “It’s just walking, don’t over-complicate it.”

Stuff You Don’t Need, but Might Want to Take

If you’re like me, and a lot of other folks, you probably want a more extensive list, however. So here are a few more things that you might want to consider taking. You have all of them already, so it’s just a matter of deciding what you want to take.

While there is plenty more that I could list, this is a good place to stop. This covers the basics for any hiking that is nearby. If you’re heading out into a larger area, there are more items that you might want to carry, for safety just-in-case-reasons.

Enjoy your hike. And don’t forget, it’s just walking!

This is the seventh post in the 10 Cheap Adventures That Anyone Can Have series.

I remember when disc golf was something that people played at camp. They took a regular frisbee and “made” their own course. “Go to the right of this tree, to the left of the basketball goal, to the right of that split tree, and then hit the trash can. Let’s say it’s a par 3.” Then, a few years later, there were “disc golf discs” special baskets, and whole courses devoted to the game!

How to Play

The game itself is simple. The rules are exactly like regular golf, except with a disc and basket in place of a ball and hole. Start from the tee-box (concrete pad) and “drive” your disc. Continue throwing from each landing spot until you reach the basket. “Putt” your disc into the basket (normally a metal basket on a pole, with chains hanging down above it). Keep track of how many throws it takes you to reach the basket. See how you compare with par for the hole.

What You Need

All you need is a frisbee disc of some sort. Yes, a traditional disc will work, but it won’t be ideal. Special discs, like those by Innova do help. Those are what I use. I bought mine at a local sporting goods store for about $10 each (those in the link provided are a bit cheaper). I carry either two or three… a long distance (driver), a short distance (putter), and sometimes a mid-range. When I go to buy more, I will upgrade to one of the Innova Champion series. They feel much better, and the different plastic will last longer, even though they cost just a bit more.

Now Go Play!

The real advantage disc golf has over regular golf is that it so much cheaper. At least two of the parks near where I live have free disc golf courses, one just has to show up with their discs and begin playing. The initial equipment costs are far cheaper than clubs and balls, there are no green fees, and the courses seem to be more conveniently located (at least all of the ones I’ve played on are, since they’re located in county or city parks.)

I keep my discs in my car, so that I can go play whenever the mood strikes. It’s just so convenient to have some free entertainment ready at a moment’s notice! Not only do I get to go play a favorite game for free, but I get to stroll through some beautiful parts of the park; through the woods, across the nicely mowed grass, and often all of this with friends as company.

What are you waiting for? Even if you don’t have any discs, or don’t have a chance to buy them, chances are that you can borrow some from a friend for a game or two. So go find some adventure out on the disc golf course!

(Footnote: The links above are affiliate links. Meaning that when you purchase something after following that link I get a small portion of the price paid. So go and buy lots and lots of discs, so that I can hurry up with the retiring thing!)

This is the sixth post in the 10 Cheap Adventures That Anyone Can Have series.

This is one of my favorite adventures, one that I go on as often as possible. It’s easy, quick, and adds a delightful new dimension to an everyday activity. As nice as they are, you don’t need any special equipment like a picnic basket, different plates or even a fancy checkered blanket.

What You Do Need

• Something to carry food in – You’ll need something to carry your picnic meal in. This can be as simple as a plastic or paper bag, a lunch box, a cooler… or even a picnic basket. I’ve used all of these, depending on the situation. Even though I now have a nice woven basket, I don’t always use it. Sometimes I need something smaller, or quicker, or a container that I won’t mind getting thrown away or torn up.
• Something to put food on – Of course, you need something to eat on. Paper plates work just fine. When you’re packing your food, you can even divide it into portions for each person, and then everyone can eat out of the tupperware that you use to carry it. If you want to make it a bit fancier, you can carry your plates with you. Just pack them carefully (perhaps place a napkin between each one for protection) and you’ll be just fine.
• Something to eat food with – Unless you’re eating only finger foods, you don’t need anything fancier than you use at home. Grab a couple of forks (and spoons, if you need them) from the kitchen drawer, and you’re ready to go!
• Something to drink from – It’s easy, and tempting, to take bottled beverages with you, and that makes it not only easy to transport and drink from, but easy to clean up too! I frequently just grab the water bottles that my wife and I use on a daily basis and use them. If you don’t have bottled drinks that you want to use, or you want to share from one bottle, it’s a simple matter to grab some glasses from your cupboard. I wrap mine in napkins for safe carrying, and carry them along.
• Something to eat and drink – Of course, all of these other things won’t do any good if you don’t have anything to use them with. So don’t forget something to eat and drink. It really doesn’t matter too much what you take: sandwiches, chips, and water or grilled chicken breasts, mashed potatoes, sugar-snap peas, and wine. While good food will make it more enjoyable, the best part is the location and the company.

So pack your gear, package your dinner, and head outside for a picnic! I just checked the weather, and tomorrow looks like it’s going to be nice. So I’ll be eating lunch in the park with my wife. Bon appétit!

This is the fifth post in the 10 Cheap Adventures That Anyone Can Have series.

Part of the fun that I have whenever I check out a new part of town (or just a new town) is discovering what kind of art galleries are available. It’s so exciting to see what local artists and craftsmen are creating. As an artist, I can not only appreciate the work that I see, but I can also learn new techniques and gather new ideas for my own work.

It’s very easy to overlook the little gallery tucked in between two larger stores. Or the one right beside a new restaurant. Many galleries seem to move fairly often, so what’s here today might not be there tomorrow… which only makes it even more fun to go hunting for them. The search always changes, continuing to provide new discoveries.

Not only can you discover new galleries, but through them you can find new artists. In smaller galleries, you can often meet the artist themself. I find that being able to make that personal connection really helps me appreciate the art that much more. Not only can I discover the artists thoughts about the piece, but I can get to know them as a person, which helps me have even more of a connection with the piece.

Have you taken the time to search out local art galleries? If not, you’re really missing out on a wonderful opportunity to discover some of the treasures of your hometown. If so, don’t forget that you can’t just visit once, because every visit will be different and you’ll find something new.

This is the fourth post in the 10 Cheap Adventures That Anyone Can Have series.

Just about every time I head downtown, I find something new. I don’t know if the shops keep changing, or if I just manage to overlook stores every time I walk by. Either way, there is always some new discovery just waiting to be made.

Shops

There are all kinds of different shops in our downtown area: from antiques to men’s clothiers (and women’s) to art galleries. Even though I never buy anything, I still enjoy taking a stroll to check out the shops and seeing what they have to offer. Not to mention the surprise of finding a new store to check out.

Eateries

There seem to be more places to get food than any other type of establishment. There’s always somewhere new to try, with a different flavor from its neighbors. I can tour the world’s food offerings, without leaving a 10 block area. If you get tired of eating the same old thing, it’s your own fault for not heading two doors down to try something different.

Drinkeries

Well, there might be more places to get a drink than there are to eat (but almost all of them serve something to eat, so they count in both categories). Even as someone who chooses not to imbibe, there are plenty of options so that I can always try something new. From coffee shops to bars, there are plenty of places to stop in and quench one’s thirst.

Special Events

These range from the weekly farmer’s market during the summer and fall to the annual celebrations that close off the streets in the evengings. It is easy to find out what is going on either on the city’s website or in the newspaper. Without doing that bit of research, you can run into a lot of foot traffic on the streets, or miss out on a great event!

What does your downtown have to offer? Don’t miss out just because you don’t take the time to go exploring. It’s close enough that you can go any time, with enough offerings to keep you entertained. By the time you discover everything, it will have changed and you’ll get the pleasure of finding new treasures. Have fun exploring downtown!

This is the third post in the 10 Cheap Adventures That Anyone Can Have series.

I’ve been attending the University of Kentucky for 3 years now, and I am still finding places and things that I didn’t know existed!

Take some time and head to your local campus. You’ll have to park your car and get out on foot (the best stuff is generally found on foot). Take a stroll around the grounds. When you see something interesting, or just new, go and check it out. Is there a building that you’ve never been in? Go inside, explore, see what it has to offer.

We have 13 libraries on campus, each different from the others. One of them has a stairway that ends in a wall. Another has a display case of mandolins made by a famous artist. A third has creaky wooden floors, wooden tables and chairs that have been there for nearly 100 years! Without taking a few minutes to explore, I would have never found any of these interesting places or things.

Don’t Forget to Look Out the Windows

Exploring parts of buildings that I never go to otherwise (like the upper 3 floors that are just used for storage) provided me with a unique view of the campus. I had a nice view down into the garden that I like to stroll through. I could see past the nursing building, where my walks normally end. The empty stairwell and dusty rooms of boxes were quite boring, but those views keep drawing me back.

Talk to the People

The mandolins in one of the libraries? I walked past them on a daily basis until I took a guided tour of that library. Now I know who made them and why they are so carefully displayed. Without talking to someone knowledgeable, I would have never learned. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, or for directions. You’ll never know what you might be missing out on if you don’t.

Read the Plaques

Why is there a roped-off tree stump in the middle of campus? What is the point of the 20′ section of rail-road? Is there something interesting about the collection of rusted quills in that case? I’ve learned the answers to these questions about places on UK’s campus, through reading the plaques and informational cards provided. Without them, I would have overlooked these interesting items, never knowing what I was walking past on a daily basis.

Go Exploring!

For the cost of parking, who knows what you might find. A cool little coffee shop, an interesting garden, a piece of history, a unique view, or a fabulous photo opportunity. Maybe you won’t find anything more than a quiet place to sit and enjoy a break. No matter what it is, I’m sure that you will find something to make your trip worth-while.

So go, explore your local campus!

This is the second post in the 10 Cheap Adventures That Anyone Can Have series.

Even if I weren’t a bibliophile, I would still love going to the library. They have so much more than books: movies, music, classes, computers, artwork, and more! So many resources that we’re already paying, so we might as well get our money’s worth.

Things to do at the library:

1. Books – Not surprisingly, you can find books on almost any subject at the library. Just looking for something to read? They’ve got it. Have a project that you want to work on? They have resources that will tell you how. Planning a trip? There are plenty of travel guides available. Need schoolbooks? They might not have all of them, but I’ve saved a good chunk of money by checking out necessary books, reading, and returning them.

   Even if they don’t have the book you’re looking for, they can probably get it via InterLibrary Loan. Put in your request, they’ll find a library within their network that has it, and it will be shipped to you.

   Want to buy books? You can do that too! Every library I’ve been in held book sales every so often. I’ve often seen prices of $0.10-0.15 for paperbacks and $0.25 for hardbacks. With prices like those, you just can’t go wrong!

2. Movies – You can check out movies just like books, though for shorter periods of time. Peruse their selection, check it out on your library card, and enjoy! Often they’re free, but some libraries are charging $1 or so for the newer releases.
3. Music – Just like movies and books, you can often check out CDs. It’s a perfect opportunity to try out an artist that you have never heard before, or to try an album without having to purchase it without knowing if you’ll like it.
4. Classes – Not only does our library offer computer classes, but they also have information sessions on a variety of subjects: taxes, saving money, resume services, beginning foreign language classes, and many other topics.
5. Computers – Most libraries have at least a couple of computers that you can use. They’re great for those times when yours isn’t working, you need to look something up and you’re not at home, you’re trying to save money and cancelled your internet access, or you just need to work on something in quiet. If you have a laptop, most libraries now have wireless access as well.
6. Artwork – Some libraries have galleries in them where you can see changing art, often from local artists. Even if the art does not change, make sure that you consciously look at what they have. It’s easy to overlook that statue in the corner, but you might be surprised who made it, or what it is depicting!
7. More – If the above items aren’t enough, you can also find reading clubs, craft organizations, children’s classes, reading times, board game nights, and more!

Your library have a lot to offer. If you have more than one branch, check them all out, because they will have different things to offer. While you’re there, be sure to strike up conversations with the librarians. Not only are they extremely helpful, but you never know where you might make a new friend!

Go check out your library!

This is the first post in the series of 10 Cheap Adventures That Anyone Can Have. I know I’ve talked about geocaching before, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth mentioning again:

According to www.Geocaching.com:

Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.

As of my writing this, there are 1,081,885 active geocaches in the world. Certainly with that many, there are some of these treasures near you.

Getting Started

This is one of the adventures that does cost a little bit of money, unless you already have a GPS receiver. You can use a good map, but a GPSr will be so much easier.

Once you have a GPSr, you just have to go to www.geocaching.com and register for a free account, search for caches in your area, load them into your GPSr, and go ‘caching!

Alone or With Friends

I started geocaching with my wife (then girlfriend) after receiving a GPSr for Christmas. The more caches we found, the more interested we became. It wasn’t long until we became curious about the names we were reading: Geo.Joe, B&TLand, theMusician, thePhotographer. We met with B&TLand and quickly discovered that we had new friends. They pointed us to a local group, the River Valley GeoCachers where we met others who shared our interests and with whom we enjoyed a number of outings.

The real treasure of this hobby is not the history that you will learn, the places that you will visit, or even the caches that you will find. It is the people that you will get to meet, and learn to call friends.

So get out there, and seek your treasure!

It’s common to overlook some of the easy-to-have adventures that are readily available to us. Over the next few weeks, I’m going to highlight a few of them. Some will require a little bit of money, though most are free.

1. Geocaching
2. Explore Your Library
3. Check Out University Campus
4. Discover Downtown
5. Search Out Local Art Galleries
6. Have a Picnic in the Park
7. Go Disc Golfing
8. Take a Hike
9. See What Your Nearby National Forest/State Park Offers
10. Go Camping

Starting Monday, I will expand on each of these cheap adventures in a separate post. You might want to bookmark this post, as I will link to each post from this one.