You Need to Take a ‘Suburbs Day’

Every suburbanite is familiar with a “city day.” Why shouldn’t the reverse be true? Why shouldn’t stressed-out city dwellers use their local suburb as a way to escape for a few hours?

Apartment Therapy makes the case for planning a “suburbs day” as a way for people from the city to get out of town for a few hours and unwind. This isn’t about hating the city and romanticizing the suburbs; it’s about recognising the underrated comforts that a strip mall can provide. Look — this is coming from a city dweller who never plans on leaving the city for good. But here’s why you (and I) should consider incorporating a suburbs day as a way to shake up our routine and recharge.

The merits of a “suburbs day”

When planning a true getaway feels impossible, a quick day trip is an underrated solution. Unfortunately, depending on where you live, you may not have a car, which is pretty much a necessity to make your suburbs day work. Once you acquire transportation, here are some perks to draw you into your nearest suburban neighbourhood:

• Cheaper prices. This is by far the most appealing aspect of your day. Hit up a local restaurant, get a haircut, and do a little shopping for much better deals than you’ll find back home in the city.
• A break from crowds. Relish in walking down the street without getting jostled. Finding a park or green space is especially nice — even if it’s smaller than what you have in the city, the break from other people is what matters.
• Not everything smells like trash all the time.
• Less noise pollution.
• Easier driving. Remember being able to go above 24 km/h?
• The ability to make eye contact with strangers. Results may vary.

Your suburbs day is all about getting some space and clearing your head, whatever that means for you.