Have you ever wondered what your neighborhood looked like years ago? There's a fun way to take a genuine stroll through history without leaving your couch: Google Street View's "time travel" feature. Yes, really!

Here's the hack: Drop Google's little yellow figure—affectionately known as "Pegman"—onto any street in Google Maps, select the clock icon to dial back as far as Street View allows, and then actually start walking around the neighborhood virtually. Don't just stop at one location—wander down streets, take turns, and explore entire blocks as they appeared in the past.

It's fascinating to see what's changed and what's stayed the same. Maybe the cozy coffee shop you frequent every morning wasn't always there. Wander a few streets away, and you'll realize how different the whole area used to be. Your favorite old building? It might have been built on what was once just a surface parking lot.

This virtual exploration isn't merely nostalgia—it's a unique way to experience the evolution of your community firsthand. Watching how neighborhoods grow and change over the years can be surprising and incredibly engaging.

Next time you're feeling curious or looking for something entertaining, grab your laptop, pull up Google Street View, and don't just peek at the past—take a real stroll through it. It's surprisingly fun, and you might just uncover some delightful surprises about your own neighborhood's history.