Naperville is packed with enough Burger Joints and Red Mangos to fuel the teenage population and enough movie theaters and malls to provide weekend entertainment. And if you’re interested in taking an afternoon stroll, you can’t beat the quaint downtown. However, as a person who craves adventure, I often love venturing outside the familiar. Here are just a few of my favorite local escapes:

1. Grab a latte at one of Wicker Park’s aesthetic coffee shops.

Just a 15-minute drive or a short Blue Line transit ride from the heart of downtown Chicago, Wicker Park radiates an artistic vibe with its street art-covered walls, upbeat atmosphere, countless thrift shops, record stores, book stores and, most importantly, coffee shops. Grab a few friends, order lattes and enjoy an afternoon in the hipster center of the city. Some of my favorite coffee shops in Chicago include Buzz: Killer Espresso (1644 N. Damen Ave.), Wormhole Coffee (1462 N. Milwaukee Ave.), Bru Coffee (1562 N. Milwaukee Ave.) and La Colombe Torrefaction (1552 N. Damen Ave.).

2. Take a hike through the winter wonderland.

Living in a suburb often causes us to forget the value of nature. Whether in your backyard or at a state park, spending time outdoors both clears the mind and sparks adventure. Be sure to bundle up, put on your snow boots, find a pretty spot and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer. My favorite spots include: The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Matthiessen State Park in North Utica and Knock Knolls Park in Naperville.

3. Try new food.

Since hopping on a plane and jetting off for an exotic getaway isn’t always a realistic option, trying new food is a tangible way to explore the world. Whether you decide to play it safe with an Italian dish or step out of your comfort zone with a traditional Ethiopian meal, trying new food is both exciting and delicious. Chicago offers a wide array of ethnic neighborhoods with authentic restaurants, and there are many local options as well. My most beloved include DAO Thai (230 E. Ohio St., Chicago), Ethiopian Diamond (6120 N. Broadway St., Chicago) and Joy Yee Noodle (1163 E. Ogden Ave., Naperville).

4. Be an artist.

As Henry David Thoreau said, “This world is but a canvas to our imagination.” Exercise your imagination at one of the many art museums in Chicago, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Smart Museum of Art or the Art institute of Chicago. If you’re looking for a more hands-on approach, head to the craft store for a canvas and a few paints to create a masterpiece of your own. Even if you think you’re a “stick figures only” type of person, experimenting with your artistic abilities can be surprisingly enjoyable.

5. Put a twist on your movie night.

Going to the movies is a popular attraction for people of all ages, and teenagers often enjoy catching the latest releases on the weekends with friends. Tivoli Theater in Downers Grove, which opened in 1928, boasts a nostalgic take on your classic movie theater. Instead of showing a wide variety of movies, the Tivoli Theater only shows a couple at a time. And instead of airing endless movie previews, the Tivoli features an organ performance on Friday and Saturday nights. Just a few train stops away from Naperville, the Tivoli is sure to make an ordinary pastime more exciting.