When I was little I used to hate hiking and doing anything outdoors. Now, it is something I save up my money to do. I have been to many places around the country and I plan to adventure more into other parts of the world, but I have found that you can find adventure right outside your door.

This year, I have been to Michigan four times and it has been quite the adventure. I have always viewed Michigan in a bad way, mainly because I used to only go to Detroit. If you are looking for pretty views and adventure in Michigan, do not go to Detroit. However, since then I have visited Ludington to camp, Petoskey to camp, Mackinac Island to adventure, Leelanau to visit friends, and many other places for a little visit.

Also, Colorado is probably my favorite place in the entire world: not only because I used to live there, but mainly because I love the scenery and all Colorado has to offer. If you haven’t been to Colorado, it is a must-see because there’s so much to do. My favorite things in Colorado are the mountains (Breckenridge, Vail, etc), Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and of course Boulder. It is one of my dreams to go to a concert at Red Rocks.

Alaska, however, was probably one of my favorite vacations. Alaska is so different from any other part of the country. I went in June of 2014 and just being constantly surrounded by glaciers and witnessing daylight at midnight was an extraordinary experience.

However, despite all of these amazing encounters, I have also found extraordinary experiences right in my hometown. That is right people of Indiana — there are cool places here! Geist Reservoir is my favorite because I am biased and live here, but I also love many other places. The many places I have found to be quite the adventure are: Falls Park in Pendleton, Turkey Run in Marshall, Brown County in Nashville, and so much more. The thing I love most about exploring things around you is that you can get really creative.

People always think that you have to be in an extraordinary and exquisite place in order to have an “adventure.” I have found that that is not the case; in fact, you can have an adventure anywhere. Adventures are endless. In fact, even running around in a field or park by your hometown is an adventure. Taking a hike and sitting down in a spot to picnic is an adventure. My boyfriend and I went to Butler and sat down near the water fountain down there and had a picnic. Buy a hammock and set it up wherever you go, people will want to join you. To me, it is the little things that make the adventure.

Live a little. Do not slack around and go through life without an opportunity to adventure. And once you are financially able, make the time to explore outside of your hometown. Trust me, it will be worth your while.