During the year, there are not many occasions when the whole family can get away for longer than just the weekend. However, the four-day break around Thanksgiving is just the right opportunity. This Black Friday, leave even the best discounts behind and instead head into the great outdoors.
It seems that every year the Black Friday craze reaches new heights and even consumers, usually hungry for great deals, have become weary of the crowds and the rampant consumerism.
While most are taking the day off, for the employees of retail companies Black Friday means the busiest day of the year. That’s why when in 2014 REI announced that the shop would close for the day so their employees could go adventuring, instead of incurring massive losses, they created a movement which went far beyond their company alone. #OptOutside is now a recognized alternative to the Black Friday shopping craze, with more and more consumers choosing to spend the long weekend in nature.
Here are some ideas for spending Black Friday outdoors:
Take the Classic American Road Trip
While most states see Fall colors begin to fade as of mid-November, the end of the month can still be stunning. With some luck, you can still admire the turning leaves around Thanksgiving, but even if a sudden gust of wind strips all the trees bare, a road tripis always fun. Target a previously unvisited national park, a mountain peak, or a beach. Choose something that’s close to where you’re eating a turkey dinner! If you’re a road trip newbie, remember that planning plenty of outdoor time is essential.
Explore the State Parks
It may seem like great views and adventure can only be found in places like the Grand Canyon or Yosemite, but your local state park might just be an outdoor paradise. The most beautiful state parks in the country are in fact breathtaking, like Ecola in Oregon, or Devil’s Lake in Wisconsin, and chances are you will fall in love with what’s on your doorstep. Hiking and camping in an under-the-radar destination will make you feel a little bit more like an old-school explorer!
Splash Out and Ski
Opting out of the Black Friday craze will likely save you some dollars, so you might as well treat yourself to some time on the slopes. Renting a skiing hut with your friends and family is the perfect way to spend quality time with loved ones. Choose your own adventure: from beginner slopes to off-piste extravaganza, anything goes. You can also make it as pricey or cheap as you like: if hot tubs are not quite to your taste, or simply too expensive, you also could rent an RV and park it at your ski resort of choice.
Whatever your Black Friday plans, make sure that the longest weekend of the year is just what you need to relax and recharge (cue: the outdoors trump crowded shops any day).
