A "LITTLE" GRAND TOUR": The Art of the Refined Day Trip

There is much to be learned from the leisure rituals of the past. Instead of constantly chasing change, we might simply pause and absorb what once brought joy—because often, our souls crave the same things: beauty, companionship, and delight.

In an age where cars are treated as utilitarian vessels to move swiftly from one obligation to the next, there is quiet romance in reimagining the automobile as it once was. At the turn of the 20th century, as horses and carriages gave way to the rise of the automobile, a new class of vehicle emerged: the touring car. Designed for countryside excursions and extended outings, these early automobiles were built not for speed, but for comfort, camaraderie, and scenic discovery.

Today, we can reclaim that spirit.

"A symbol of the Golden Age of Touring Cars (1905–early 1920s), the open-bodied automobile reflects an era when motoring meant scenic excursions, leisurely travel, and the romance of the open road."

Reimagining the Modern Road Trip

Motor travel has become synonymous with utility—a means to a destination rather than part of the experience itself. But what if we embraced the road again as an invitation, not a burden? In a world of packed calendars and digital distractions, a simple day trip becomes a soulful antidote: no overnight bags, no hotel check-ins—just the open road and a curated sense of wonder.

Imagine returning home at dusk, the welcoming ambiance of your home with spirit renewed, after having spent the day immersed in beauty.

The Grand Gallery of Nature

Let your 'little grand tour' begin with nature itself—an ever-changing gallery curated by the seasons.

"As autumn unfolds, Aspen trees across the Rocky Mountains turn golden, offering a breathtaking backdrop for a perfect day trip."

- In summer, seek out a mountain lake or secluded seaside cove. Pack a vintage tablecloth, a wicker basket filled with sparkling waters and delicacies, and let the water’s serenity do the rest.
- In autumn, follow the turning leaves. Bring along a thermos of spiced tea or handcrafted lattes, a wool throw, and stop wherever the colors beg you to linger.
- In every season, there is a new exhibit to witness. The Artist remains the same—only the palette changes.

No need for tourist maps or crowded landmarks. Let your senses guide you, and let the joy be in the noticing.

The Ritual of the Road

Inspired by the decorum of the early 1900s, when travel was not rushed but choreographed for elegance, today’s refined day trip is a chance to honor the ritual of the road.

Establish your own traditions:
- A beloved picnic basket stocked with linen napkins and wooden-handled utensils
- A vintage quilt, repurposed as a tablecloth for summer or a lap blanket in winter
- A monogrammed thermos, a signature touch for cool-weather outings

The beauty lies not in perfection, but in the pleasure of it all. These outings needn’t be grand productions—just quiet moments of refinement, repeated with joy.