Celebrating a family member's birthday doesn’t always mean grand getaways or elaborate parties. This year, we decided to embrace simplicity with a walking tour of downtown Salem. It turned out to be a refreshing reminder of the beauty and charm that can be found in everyday places. Nearly the entire family joined in at various points, making it a multigenerational adventure. We spent hours meandering through the downtown area, exploring shops, and uncovering the stories behind historic buildings. By the end of the day, I had several takeaways that I couldn’t wait to share.