The Resolution Road Trip: From Happy to Prosperity, USA
- Jan 1
- 4 min read
Most people make resolutions in their living room; why not visit the towns that embody them. As we leave the chaos of the last few years behind and look toward 2026, many of us are searching for more than just a goal - we're searching for a destination. This year, I decided we should stop dreaming about happy, prosperity and unity and actually drive there.
Click below for the full interactive map with town names and directions.
Did you know you can drive from Christmas to Celebration in 45 minutes.
Christmas, Florida to Celebration, Florida, that is!
In keeping with the
Midnight, Mississippi: The Town Born at the Stroke of Twelve
If you are looking for the ultimate destination to ring in the New Year, look no further than the tiny community of Midnight, Mississippi. Located in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, this town has one of the coolest "origin stories" in America.
The Legend of the Name
How did a town end up with such a cinematic name? Local lore says it all came down to a high-stakes game of poker over a century ago:
The Stakes: A local farmer and a traveler were deep into a card game.
The Win: The traveler won the land right as the clock struck 12:00 AM.
The Result: He decided to name his new prize "Midnight."
Why It’s a New Year’s Gem:
While Midnight is a quiet, unincorporated community today, it’s a "bucket list" spot for geography nerds and holiday lovers for a few reasons:
The Photo Op: The green highway sign that simply says "Midnight" is one of the most photographed signs in the state - especially on New Year’s Eve.
The Vibe: It’s surrounded by wide-open cotton fields, making it a peaceful place to reflect on the year gone by.
Prosperity, South Carolina: Where Luck is on the Menu
If your resolution is to have a more successful year, Prosperity is the place to be. This charming town near Lake Murray is the epitome of Southern hospitality.
The New Year’s Tradition: In the South, "Prosperity" is found on your plate. Locals celebrate with Black-eyed peas (for luck/coins) and collard greens (for wealth/dollars).
The Vibe: It’s a classic "Main Street" town with historic buildings that look like they belong in a movie.
Pro-Tip: If you visit, check out the Prosperity Town Square - it’s the perfect spot to sit and visualize your goals for the coming year.
The "Happy" Postmark: A New Year’s Tradition in Happy, Texas
If your New Year’s resolution is to spread more joy, there is no better place to start than the town of Happy, Texas. Known affectionately as "The Town Without a Frown,"
Happy is a small, welcoming community located in the Texas Panhandle, just south of Amarillo.
While it’s a quiet spot most of the year, it becomes a literal "destination for joy" every January. Why? Because of the Happy, TX 79042 postmark.
Why It’s a New Year’s Must:
Sending a "Happy New Year" card is standard, but sending a card that is officially stamped by the United States Postal Service in Happy is a next-level surprise for your friends and family. It’s a tiny detail that turns a simple envelope into a keepsake.
How to Get the "Happy" Postmark:
You don't have to drive to the Panhandle to share the smiles. You can use this mail in trick! (For any holiday or occasion)
Prep your cards: Write your New Year’s messages, address the envelopes, and add a stamp.
The Master Envelope: Put your cards inside a larger envelope or a Priority Mail flat-rate envelope.
Address it to: > Postmaster
Happy, TX 79042 - 9803
The Request: Include a brief note asking the Postmaster to "Please hand-cancel these with the Happy, TX postmark for the New Year."
If you do decide to visit, make sure to snap a photo with the town's entry sign, which proudly displays their "Town Without a Frown" slogan. It’s the ultimate "New Year, New Me" profile picture!
The Final Three: Your "Fresh Start" Destinations
Here are the three towns that represent the "action" of a New Year's resolution:
1. Hope, Arkansas ( above)
Every New Year starts with Hope, and I love that this highway sign says Hope - next 2 exits. It's giving me all the feels.
Famous For: Being the birthplace of President Bill Clinton.
Fun Fact: It’s also famous for giant watermelons!
The Message: It reminds readers that big things can grow from small, hopeful beginnings.
2. Unity, Maine (or Oregon) I Chose Maine for this particular road trip since it's closer to our other resolution towns.
New Year’s is often about bringing people together or finding "inner unity."
Why it fits: It’s a peaceful, rural town that feels like a "reset button" for your brain.
The Vibe: Think pine trees, crisp air, and quiet mornings - exactly what you need to clear the mental fog.
3. Victory, Vermont
Finally, for those who are determined to "win" the year and stick to their goals.
The Status: It’s one of the smallest towns in Vermont (under 100 people!).
The Vibe: It’s rugged and beautiful. Visiting Victory is a reminder that achieving your resolutions often takes a little grit and determination. And speaking of determination - I really had to dig to find a sign for a town with about 71 people.
At the eleventh hour, I found a bonus town also called Prosperity in the place where we've published small business guides for 10 years, Pennsylvania, of course and jives with the road map of of our Resolution Road Trip!
Historical Significance: Prosperity, Pennsylvania is located in Washington County, the heartland of the Whiskey Rebellion in the late 1700's!
Origin Name: While it was never an official name, at one time Prosperity was called Frog Level by the locals because of the noise made by the frogs in the adjacent ponds. Something about Frog Level just makes me giddy. ; )
You can learn more about those small businesses or even shop them on this website at Shop PA & Tampa Bay. (We Publish the Tampa Bay Guide and the National Small Business Directory also)
Whether you are chasing Prosperity in South Carolina, finding Hope in Arkansas, or sending a little piece of Happy from Texas, remember that a New Year is just a map with no lines on it yet. Where will you go first?
If you enjoyed this trip, share it with a friend who needs a vacation!
See ya on the road!
Christine
Founder | Owner
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