One of the biggest misconceptions about introverts is that we prefer to stay home and don’t enjoy getting out in the world. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Introverts thrive on gaining a deeper knowledge of our world and those close to us. We want our interactions with the world to be meaningful, joy-giving, and refreshing. With that in mind here are ten field trips that every introvert could enjoy (and you don’t have to ride on a loud, bumpy school bus!).

Get Back to Nature

There is something so freeing about being outdoors, surrounded by nature, and having room to breathe. Walking down a hiking trail into the woods or standing by a large lake and taking that first deep breath is the best feeling. Depending on what time of day you go you may never pass another person. Giving ourselves the space to slow down and refresh is one of the best ways to relieve stress. On the days I don’t have time to drive somewhere you can usually find me on my back deck staring up into the sky and the treetops for five minutes.

If hiking isn’t your thing but you love playing in the dirt then consider planting flowers or herbs or vegetables. If you live in an apartment like me then look into creating a container garden. Focusing on the needs of my plants for 15 minutes each day is very relaxing and allows my brain to focus on something else besides my anxiety or to-do list.

Go out to eat alone

And I don’t mean the drive-thru! Go to a restaurant or sports bar and enjoy a meal by yourself. Order your favorite thing or try something new. No one is rushing you to finish or judging your choice of meal. I always have a notebook with me so I use the time to write out ideas, plans for the week, goals to work on, etc. I know other people who take a book with them and enjoy reading while they eat.

Beach Reading

I am more of a mountain girl but when I asked my friends for their favorite place to go a large number immediately said “reading on the beach!” Take a comfy chair and your sunglasses and get lost in a good book. Listen to the waves crash and smell the salt breeze. Don’t forget to bring snacks!

Historical Sites and Museums

I’m a history nerd so everywhere I travel I always make sure to visit at least one historical site or museum. Supporting the local arts and culture community is very important to me because it has taken a big hit in government funding in the US lately. Attendance numbers are one of the markers that help the smaller institutions win grants so just showing up can make a big impact. Whether you wander all four floors of the state history museum or spend thirty minutes in a historic house museum, learn about the local history and support a great cause. It will give you a deeper understanding of the community you’re visiting.

Libraries

Who doesn’t love a quiet place filled with books?? I love that a library is a building filled with knowledge. Anything you could ever want to know you can learn about in a library. Libraries have a variety of excellent free resources and are a great place to find community. Not sure what you want to check out? Wander the stacks and something will catch your eye. Visiting a library out of town? Enjoy the free heat/AC, people watch, and check out the community notice board for interesting things to do.

Coffee Shops

This is the field trip I participate in the most, whether going through the drive-thru for a quick pick-me-up or sitting at a table with my laptop for a couple hours. I love the quiet (some not so quiet) hum of a coffee shop from the constant stream of people to the noisy bean grinder. If I’m having trouble focusing on my work at home then I’ll head to one of my favorite coffee shops for a mocha and a table in the corner. Anywhere I travel I always sniff out the local coffee shop for a drink and chat with the baristas. I’ve received some of the best restaurant recommendations from chatting while waiting on my drink. Support local places whenever possible!

Cemeteries

Um, what? Just hear me out! Some people may think it’s “creepy” to go walk through a cemetery but I love it. Every town, no matter the size, will almost always have a historic cemetery. The older the better because I love exploring the funerary art and reading the inscriptions on the headstones. Unless it’s a famous cemetery like Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia or Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, you’ll more than likely be the only person there. Enjoy the peace and quiet and imagine the lives of the names you read on the headstones.

Book Stores

If you’d rather buy a book than borrow it from the library then go support a used book store or an independent book store. I’m always on a budget so I tend to go the used book stores and then I get to enjoy the thrill of the hunt. I keep a running list in my phone of books/authors I’m looking for. If I strike out with the list then I spend some time browsing in my favorite categories and looking for something new to read. It can be hit or miss but I’ve found some of my favorites that way.

Farmers Markets, Antique Malls, Thrift Stores

I know, I know, these places have lots of people but that just means you can get lost in the crowd! Visit a local farmer’s market and buy ingredients for dinner or a jar of local honey. Antique malls always have the best treasures and I never leave empty handed. In order to not get overwhelmed I always go with a mission – a set of salt & pepper shakers, something to re-purpose into a planter, a piece of vintage jewelry, etc. I love that most thrift stores support a non-profit with their sales so I can buy a couple new-to-me shirts and know it’s going towards a good cause.

Next weekend take yourself on a field trip! Do one of my suggestions or come up with your own. Either way – get out and explore! What field trips would you add to my list?