College campuses. They almost always make me think that’s what utopia would be like.

Salt marshes - they were everywhere where I grew up and they’re absolutely lovely to explore (as long as you use proper precautions).

I love libraries. I used to spend a lot of time in them when I was a kid. I still have my 16 digit library card number from when I was a kid memorized.

Old growth forest, with tall trees and enough space between trees to walk or sit, and the occasional clearing.

Coffee shops and pubs when they are cozy and have that atmosphere of life.

I really like airports. I’m not entirely sure why, but I think it probably has to do with the complex design and (hopefully) focus on a good traveler experience. Good airports have to have an easy-to-follow layout, but the amount of things to be discovered in an airport is also oftenvast and plentiful. I also just really love the architecture and interior design of my local airport.

A nice old style pub, preferably with a horseshoe shaped bar. Just something peaceful for me about a nice old style pub.

Mountains where I can see clouds rolling gently over peaks and trees. No matter how often I see it I’m always filled with an overwhelming sense of peace and awe

I like beaches. Especially in the graveyard hours at night where there are few people there and I can feel the nice ocean breeze

On a frozen ocean or on the shore of a frozen ocean in the middle of February during the coldest night of the year with a cloudless moonless sky.

I got to see this once when I went to see family up on James Bay. I went out with them for a ride on a winter road and at one point we just parked in the dark with a view of the horizon. It was so cold the temperatured dipped to past minus 40! We were in a half ton truck and we parked, stopped, turned off the lights and stood outside for a while. I couldn’t believe the amount of stars we saw overhead. Stars twinkled down everywhere down to the horizon in all directions. The Milky Way was an obvious band across the sky (not as dramatic as time lapse image but still obvious to view).

At one point I realized I was so mesmerized by the image that I became almost afraid and self conscious of it all. I literally realized I was standing on the edge of the planet and it made me realize that space was not that far away and if gravity failed for whatever reason, I would just float out into it all. The coldness, the light and stars and the stillness just made it all feel like I was actually in space.

I’ll never forget that place. It was amazing.

This sounds cliche but parks/public playgrounds are lovely. I live near one and spend much of my downtime drawing, writing, or doomscrolling at it. They often aren’t too loud if you don’t live in a big city, and I love hearing kids play in the distance behind me. Occasionally, you might even have a nice conversation with a stranger.

Abandoned buildings, especially when overgrown with trees and plants. Just goes to show that while we are ridiculously destructive, nature is patient.

Anywhere with snow and a window. It’s quiet, it’s peaceful, i can dress all comfy.

I’m drawn to places that feel forgotten, where time seems to stand still. The emptiness and absence of people create a rare solitude, and these spaces feel like snapshots of a different era. I love seeing nature gradually reclaim what was once built by humans. It’s a reminder of nature’s persistence, quietly reclaiming what we left behind.

Above all, I enjoy the disconnection. These places exist outside the rush of modern life, free from obligations and deadlines. Stepping into them feels like entering a different reality, one that’s both familiar and alien at the same time

Storm drains under the city. Started exploring them in the 90s and only stopped in recent years. Great for photography and a super fun hobby for someone who fucking hates people and likes being in total solitude lol. There’s a bunch of online communities for it where I used share my photos and such. Even created a legend of sorts in Tulsa with a big ass project of painting the coordinates for every tunnel entrance in the city. It’s called the drain atlas.

Anyone looking for a fun but semi risky hobby check out draining.