Being home for the summer after spending the majority of your time in another place- whether a college town, another city or another country- can leave something left to be desired. Leaving home can mean searching for something more, but sometimes that also means overlooking what the places that shaped us have to offer. No matter if you live in a city or in the suburbs, exploring your hometown as a young adult can give you a new perspective or at the very least, keep you from watching Netflix on the couch all summer. Here are some fun ways to go touristing in your hometown!
Going to museums is kind of like drinking coffee, most people acquire a taste for it as they get older. If you haven’t visited the museums in your area in awhile, it might be time to give them another try! Chances are they have traveling exhibits or a permanent one, and you’d be surprised how interesting it can be to learn about where you come from or to see the thriving art community your hometown may be fostering.
Unfortunately, there are many things on this earth that may not be here for much longer. It could be that you’re sitting on a natural wonder and you didn’t even know it! Look into your state’s nature reserves and state parks, every corner of the U.S. has something to offer. It could be mountains or springs, hiking or white water rafting, and the best part is admission is usually free! Pack a picnic, bring a friend or bring a book, and connect with your inner transcendentalist.
Summertime is the prime time of the year when it comes to concerts and festivals. They’re happening all over the country in one form or another, and even if no big names are coming to your town, smaller festivals and concerts that showcase local bands can be a fun and intimate way to experience live music. Utilize Songkick to find out the big events and the smaller acts happening around you and check out SoFar Sounds for secret house shows! It’s a great way to meet people who share some of your same interests while touristing in your own hometown.
Summer isn’t only the most popular time of the year for music festivals but outdoor events of all kinds! The snow has finally melted, the sun is out, the humidity is up and everyone is itching to get out. Whether of the farmer or flea variety, markets have recently become the go-to places for things out of the ordinary- gourmet foods, niche products, natural goods, and vegan/vegetarian products. And there are always lots of dogs! Your town may also be planning a great calendar of events to satisfy the hungry citizens, so be sure to keep checking your local newspaper.
You don’t have to be a super fan to enjoy a little healthy competition! Odds are there are a couple different options when it comes to enjoying sports near you. Of course, you have major and minor league professional teams, which give you the exciting stadium atmosphere. But there are also indoor soccer facilities, bowling alleys, and public fields that offer leagues of their own or just a fun activity for the day. It’s a good way to meet new people and will send you back to school looking fit! College goes by fast and summer doesn’t last forever, so take advantage of the time you have at home to find new things and, possibly, a newfound appreciation!
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