Discover Hidden Gems Near You: The Story Behind Mystery Day Trips

By Charlene Woodford, Founder

As long as I can remember, no matter where we lived, tiny towns or buzzing cities, we became tourists in our own backyard. Weekends turned into little expeditions, chasing hidden gems, quirky cafes, secret gardens and roadside wonders. We quickly learned that adventure isn’t only halfway across the world; sometimes it’s right around the corner.

The Charm of the Unexpected

Our weekends and days off became mini expeditions. We’d pick a direction and just go, noses pressed to guidebooks, but always ready to detour if a hand‑painted sign, historic plaque or artisan shop caught our attention.

For me, the magic was always in the unexpected: a mural splashed in colour across an old warehouse wall or a botanical garden no one seemed to talk about. For hubby (Shawn), it was the stories that lingered beneath the surface, the ruins that hinted at forgotten histories or the local diner owner who casually revealed a lifetime of adventures before pouring your coffee.

How Do We Find These Places?

Friends often asked us, “How do you find these cool spots?” Our answer was simple: it’s just what we love doing. The secret? We look closer, linger longer and listen harder. Familiar places have hidden layers and, if you slow down, they’ll share their secrets.

From Curiosity to Mystery Day Trips

One day, we thought, “Why not let everyone join in on the fun?” That was the spark that inspired Mystery Day Trips.

Each trip is designed to feel like a whispered secret, giving you just enough direction to spark curiosity while leaving plenty of space for surprises. We wanted to create memorable, affordable adventures that encourage people to:

• Step outside their comfort zone
  
• Take the road less travelled
  
• Support local businesses and communities
  
• Discover hidden gems like food spots, heritage sites, nature parks and off‑the‑beaten‑path treasures

Adventure Made Simple

With a Mystery Day Trip, you don’t need to plan, research or stress. Just open your trip when you’re ready to roll and the adventure is set. No overthinking. All you need is curiosity and a willingness to explore.

And the best part? We kept the cost low so it doesn’t have to be reserved for special occasions. It’s for any weekend, a random day off or one of those mornings when you wake up inspired to hit the road. Keep a few on hand for spontaneous moments.

Let the Adventure Begin

Life is short. Go explore. Surprise yourself. And remember: the best stories usually start with, “We had no idea what we were walking into…”

Adventure called. We answered. Now it’s your turn.