Good morning sitters. When sitting, what do you look forward to exploring?
For instance, on my adventures, I always try to seek out independent coffee/cafe shops, book stores, places with water (beach, lake, stream or water feature on property). I also love a good sunrise or sunset to capture on camera.
My aim is to always try something new and always eat/shop independent restaurants and shops.
What’s on your list of things you look forward to finding in a sit location?
I usually go to museums and maybe have afternoon tea at some fancy place. I also like history and culture, so tend to visit such sites.
Recently, I rented a car and drove across parts of Texas after a sit. Among fun things, I visited the Waco Mammoth National Monument, an Ice Age paleontology site. There, you can see remains still being dug up by archeologists from local Baylor University. The site is under a roof, complete with air conditioning. 
It’s run by the U.S. National Park Service.
I really like this topic, it has a lot to do with why I enjoy housesitting.
I also like to visit local independent restaurants, markets and museums and read up on local history. Restaurants featuring local ingredients or regional specialties are at the top of my list.
I usually sit in wine regions so I like to check out local tasting rooms, bonus if they have live music. I enjoy browsing local authors at independent book stores, I’ve taken a pottery class and met up with local groups for trail maintenance and coastal clean-up days.
I enjoy running, so local trails are always on my list. I often check out local garden centers or stroll through neighborhoods with historic homes and lovely gardens. I search for local events/festivals taking place during my stay.
These have all been great places to meet locals which often leads to unexpected recommendations or invitations.
I love Historic Houses, castles and gardens. I’ve been to some fabulous ones on my sits. The next one is in Scotland where there are 3 castles nearby and it’s only half and hour into Edinburgh by train. In Surrey a week ago I went to the fantastic Watts Art
gallery and Chapel. They always have a good cafe as well
If I’m sitting a dog I’ll check out the area for walks. I usually check what gyms/leisure centres there are near the sit in advance and attend to ask for temporary membership. I’ll check to see if there’s a local theatre or cinema to see what’s on, museums, art galleries etc.
I join a local book club
I find a labyrinth to walk
View outdoor art and murals
Look for something unusual on Atlas Obscura
Napa CA
Wow thats really amazing. How neat i bet it was to see that in person.
Yes, I found it fascinating. Random things I learned included the fact that there were camels in North America.
Botanical gardens, hiking, nature centers, museums, and thrift shops!
Oh yes, I forgot about charity shops!
Independent cafes
Farm shops
Interesting ethnic food store if in a city
A nice park - younger son would be excited if it had football goals, older son would prefer that it did not so he isn’tmade to join in!
Historic house or castle, ideally National Trust if in UK.
Somewhere by the water
Somewhere to spot wildlife
Interesting geocaches
Dark skies for stargazing - inevitably accompanied by cloud if we bring older son’s telescope
So do I. Sometimes there are very interesting things.
@ExploreDreamDiscover what a cool idea to use Atlas Obscura!! I have a sit coming up in October and I discovered a natural warm spring in the area I’ll be sitting. We have another sit in the US in January and can’t wait to see what Atlas Obscura brings up. Thanks so much for the idea.
I like to do sits where I can take the dog exploring with me. It’s a win win. I love the company and the HOs get photos all day of their dog’s adventures. I love it. It’s my favourite kind of sit. I’ve now a couple of regular sits that I do because of that. We have great fun. I’ve temporarily frozen my THS profile at the moment as I’m recovering from cancer surgery. I’ll start looking for more sits too
@Debandbee great idea! Some pet parents aren’t fond of their dogs going off their property. I’ll have to try this sometime. Hope you’re well soon to enjoy sitting again!
Thanks me too. I mention it in my application because for me, I don’t want to be restricted. I choose pubs in the uk that are pet friendly as well. Dogs love going to the pub
I love it when I take a dog (or the dog lead me) to a pub or winery, and the staff welcomes the dog by name.
Uk pubs are so great, so dog friendly. I Love that. The Dogs love the pub.
