11 ways to be a tourist in your own city

I was born and raised in the Capital Region. I love this place. I’ve been to so many places around the world and I still choose to live here, for many reasons. Besides my family being here, it’s a great place to make an impact as a young person and a wonderful place to start a new business or tackle a new innovative idea. There is so much development taking place, there is so much culture, diversity, and creativity…I could go on.

I hear a lot of people talk negatively about where they’re from or of the places they are currently living in. I think a lot of it is just the fact that people get stuck in the drudgeries of everyday responsibilities, and don’t actually take the time to explore the gems in their own backyards.

So, I’m challenging you. Get out and get lost in your neighborhood, or in the town over. Drive a half hour to spend the day in the city adjacent to yours. Instead of staying home doing laundry on Sunday, take a few hours to explore a new coffee shop or lunch spot. Go spend some time reading next to that pond that you drive by everyday, but never stop to enjoy.

I challenge you to do these 11 things this summer…

• Find a local park that you have never been to before, pack a picnic lunch with local goods, and spend a few hours enjoying nature.
• Google festivals that are going on in your town or the town over. Support the local vendors and enjoy.
• Free concerts are always super fun, and also a great way to meet other locals in your area.
• Write down five restaurants that you’ve heard of, or have seen your friends posting about on social media…make a pact to visit those five spots this summer!  
• Have work/studying to do? Want to catch up on some reading? Look up five coffee shops you’ve never been to and get it done!
• Do you like craft beverages? SAME. New breweries and distilleries are popping up everywhere! Invite your friends for a day of drinking the good stuff.
• Are there coworking spaces where you live? Check out the events they’re hosting this summer. It’s a great way to expand your local network and become more familiar with the innovative projects going on where you live. Perhaps you can get involved somehow.
• Buy a ticket for a play or musical performance at a local theater/venue. Try to attend something that may be a little outside of your comfort zone.
• Join a club or group of some sort. I think meeting new local, cool people with similar interests is a great way to expand your love for your city. They’ll probably teach you some stuff about your area that you didn’t know before.
• Volunteer and give back to an organization doing local work.
• Invite friends or family from out of town to come visit. Draw up an itinerary of the places you love most around you. When they visit and start telling you how dope these spots are, you’ll feel a sense of pride for where you live.

Now, GO OUT AND LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE! Need help finding the coolest local spots? You know where to find me. Enjoy!