Last year, I embarked on my first-ever Goodwill-focused Road Trip where I visited 40 Goodwills across six states in 10 days. I spilled all of the details on my adventure on the Finding Your Good podcast. The finds I scored, the people I met….it was a priceless experience and my trip left me hungry for more adventure. Now that it’s a new year, I am ready to further rock and roll in my Ford Fiesta across more states, exploring other Goodwill locations.

Instead of keeping my trip planning insular and for my-eyes-only, I invite you to embark on your own Goodwill Road Trip using some materials that I’ve put together. So here I present to you a mini Thrift Road Trip Agenda for a DC to Richmond, VA excursion. I’m having us embark on a two-day weekend path, for Goodwill Road Tripping can be exhausting.

Before I get into the route that I recommend taking, I have some Road Trip tips for you to keep in mind. These not only helped me save time and money on last year’s adventure, but they also enabled me to stay focused on my goal for the trip – to hit as many Goodwills as possible.

Goodwill Road Trip Tips:

  • You will need to become an early bird for Thrift Road Tripping.
  • Eat breakfast before you get to your first Goodwill.
  • Start early each day, arriving at your first Goodwill when they open! This could be 9, 10 or 11 AM.
  • Spend 30 minutes to an hour at each store and don’t go over your time limit. Stay rigid so that you can account for driving, meals and sightseeing.
  • Shop with intent. Stay focused on your trip’s purpose and goal. Know what you want and only look for things that are on your list. It’s easy to spend hours at just one Goodwill. On my Goodwill Road Trip, I knew I only wanted vintage clothing, so I only looked for those pieces. Extra finds were a bonus!
  • Quickly scan the store and then take a little more time. If nothing stuck out to you during your scan, venture to the next Goodwill! You’ll be sure to find gems at one of the fifteen stores you’ll be going to. 🙂
  • Pack lots of snacks in your car. This will save time on eating out and allow you to save more money for thrifted treasures! Pack your lunches and only eat out at dinner time.

Goodwill Thrift Road Trip Agenda – Round Trip

Please is a rough agenda of the route I recommend taking each day, and your daily agendas. Please note that I didn’t mark down explicit times for they are unique to each individual. However, as you embark on your thrift journey, stay swift as you thrift.

Day 1:

  1. Eat breakfast
  2. Arrive at 10 AM when they open – Alexandria, VA Goodwill at 6220 Richmond Highway
  3. Goodwill at 72 Doc Stone Road Stafford, VA 22554 (Plus two other locations!)
  4. Goodwill of Cosner’s Corner Store at 10070 Patriot Highway Fredericksburg VA 22407
  5. Goodwill of Fredericksburg, VA Superstore – 2336 Plank RoadFredericksburg VA 22401
  6. Goodwill of Glen Allen, VA at 10231 Washington Hwy, Glen Allen, VA 23059
  7. Drive to Richmond, VA and explore!

Here are some veg-friendly spots to try. There’s something for everyone! Vegan Restaurants You Must Try In Richmond, Virginia — Savvy Dispatches

Here are some FREE things to do in Richmond when you’re done thrifting: Best Free Things to Do in Richmond VA | TravelingMom

Day 2:

  1. Wake up early and enjoy breakfast in Richmond, VA. Perhaps you could go on a mini hike as well! The Riverfront Canal Walk looks lovely.
  2. Arrive at Goodwill of Richmond at West Broad when they open
  3. Goodwill of Laburnum, VA
  4. Goodwill of Ashland, VA
  5. Goodwill Outlet in Fredericksburg, VA
  6. Dale City, VA Goodwill