A subscription box, by Wikipedia’s definition, “is a recurring delivery of niche products.” There’s a slew on the market and my first box was for Birchbox, where I received makeup and beauty samples. Over the years, I have tried some of the best subscription boxes, ranging from health and fitness to healthy eating to fly fishing and now, I have tried one for those who love to travel and explore the United States.
Who Doesn’t Love Mail?
From the, “wish I would have thought of it” department, there’s now a box for those with wanderlust, curiosity and appreciation for all things American and I must say, it’s the best subscription box for those who love to travel. It’s called Explore Local Box and starting at $34.99 a month, you, a loved one who wants to travel, or a coworker who has everything, can explore local products and food from across the U.S.A. without leaving home.
Each month, a different city within the United States is explored and the one I was sent was from one of my favorite cities, Portland, Ore.! The items were carefully packed in a white box with scenic landscape sticker and were tucked in green filling.
In the box were items from Portland-based companies and I received:
Greetings From…
A postcard! I love postcards and this one offers an overview of Portland including its nickname (City of Roses), love of beer, and fun trivia about Nike which was founded in 1964 and headquartered in the city. According to the postcard, the Nike swoosh was designed by Carolyn Davidson in 1971 and a Portland State University student who was compensated for $35. Don’t worry, the card states she was later compensated much more including company stock.
Shake. Shake. Shake.
A bottle of coarse sea salt from Jacobsen Salt Co. The salt harvested from Netarts Bay on the Oregon Coast and the bottle has a sturdy grinder, perfect for grinding sea salt over my stove-cooked popcorn.
Perfect Breakfast Beverage
A bag of loose-leaf Yoga Blend tea from The Jasmine Pearls Tea Co. and empty tea bags to brew my tea. The herbal, fragrant and fruity tea is certified organic and perfect way to begin the day.
No More Rings
A ceramic coaster with an original-print mountain and stream scene from Robot Candy. The sunny scene reminds me of the wonderful memories I have from previous Portland visits.
The Perfect Snack
A 3oz bag of Sweet & Salty Hazelnuts from Albina City Nuts which are HIGHLY addictive. On previous Oregon visits, I recall driving through the Willamette Valley and seeing row upon row of hazelnut trees and finding a place that made and sold hazelnut fudge. Albina City Nuts were founded in 2008 and their first product was the Sweet & Salty Hazelnuts, which I’m munching on while writing this, are a divine blend of earthy hazelnuts, sweetness and saltiness with each flavor perfectly balanced. I’m so sad I’ve reached the end of the bag 🙁
A Woodchuck Would Be Envious
Wood coasters and a wood soap dish. The coasters are made from Douglas Fir branches damaged in a Portland winter wind storm and the soap dish is made from wood ends from a lumber mill. Repurposing. How Portland is that?
The Best Subscription Box for Those Who Love to Travel
Boxes vary but for the first few months, you can get a sneak peek as to what’s in it each month by visiting the Explore Local Box website. Prior to shipment, they will show what’s in each box so you know what to look forward to.
The Explore Local Box is perfect as a gift for friends, family or yourself. There’s a corporate gift option for Portland, Nashville and Boston, perfect if a group is meeting or hosting an incentive trip in that specific destination or it makes an ideal client gift. A month-to-month subscription is $34.99 while pre-paying for a three-month subscription is $99.99. There’s a kid add-on option which includes at least one kid-friendly item from that specific destination such as a book or toy. Visit www.explorelocalbox.com to learn more and subscribe!
This subscription box may also inspire your next trip. Explore Local Box is the perfect introductory taste to a city. Or in my case, it’s a sweet reminder of the handful of times I visited Portland and I’m longing for a return trip.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary Explore Local Box in order to review. Opinions are my own, Explore Local Box has not reviewed this post.
