Fall is a beautiful time of year. There’s a chill in the air, fire pits are put to use roasting s’mores and the leaves provide a backdrop for our lives. It’s also the beginning of a time of year when budgets are stretched, our time is spread thin and family obligations begin to take precedence over just about anything else.
With the holidays around the corner, now’s the time to stash away your hard earned cash so you can afford to buy and do the things you want. Make no mistake, it’s probable you’ll spend more than you think. Saving now can mitigate financial disaster to start the new year.
Saving money doesn’t mean you have to forgo family fun. There are plenty of ways to have a memorable time with your loved ones without breaking the bank. One option? A tank of gas, a day of driving, and the chance to discover historical events you never knew about.
I’ve written about this in the past, but I love history. I find it fascinating to think I can stand on the same battlefield, building or street as my forefathers from hundreds of years ago. The tranquil setting I’m observing in that moment may be vastly different from what others experienced not so long ago. You’re instantly transported to a different time and place, feeling either joy or pain depending on where you may be standing.
One of the best ways to observe history is by looking out your car window. Whether you’re driving a main thoroughfare or a scenic back road, chances are you’re going to run into one if not multiple historical markers along the way. This would make sense, as South Carolina has 2,000 historical markers throughout the state.
If you’re looking for relief from the stress without having to dip into your holiday fund, hop in your car and take a drive. There’s something freeing about getting behind the wheel and taking off down the road, unsure of exactly where you’re going.
While you’re experiencing this freedom, take a glance out your window and look for historical markers along the way. Part of the fun is allowing yourself the time to stop, park and read what the marker has to say. It’s entirely possible it’s something rather mundane and uninteresting. No matter. Hop in the car and be on your way, on the lookout for the next marker that may provide you with information about your state you never knew.
For those of you that like to have a plan, you can map out which markers you’d like to see and drive to those specific spots in the state. You can use this interactive map to chart out your day, exploring and soaking in the sites you pass along the way. The map splits the state into four sections: Lowcountry, Midlands, Pee Dee and Upstate. The markers are then placed into categories: American Revolution, Civil War, African American, Native American and Women. This allows you the opportunity to focus on the sites you’d like to see based on your interests.
Adding a picnic lunch to the day and stopping at a specific spot would be both cost effective and fun if you have kids in tow. I can assure you, the promise of a picnic will more than make up for any push back you’re receiving as you embark on your day trip.
Grab a blanket, pack a few peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and make sure you have a full tank of gas.
Let history guide you to a fun and affordable way to kick off the holiday season.
