How to Turn a Roadside Stop Into Part of the Family Adventure

Most families treat stops during a road trip as interruptions.

Bathroom.

Gas.

Food.

Back in the car.

But roadside stops can actually become some of the most memorable parts of a trip.

Instead of automatically stopping at the nearest chain restaurant or gas station, look for something interesting nearby.

It might be:

• A strange roadside attraction

• A historic marker

• A local bakery

• A giant statue

• A scenic overlook

• A small museum

• A local fruit stand

• A famous diner

  
  

Give yourself an extra 20 or 30 minutes occasionally.

Let everyone stretch their legs and explore.

You can even create a family road-trip rule:

Every long drive gets one mystery stop.

One family member gets to choose it without telling everyone else.

Suddenly the drive becomes part of the vacation instead of the boring part between destinations.

The best family stories often begin with:

"Remember that weird place we stopped..."