Do you have a love-hate relationship with your hometown? Many people cannot wait to leave their hometown, whether it’s to go on vacation, start a new job, or pursue higher education. But, what I recently realized is that, pretty soon, I won’t always be able to say, “I live in Colchester." As I continue to plan for my semester abroad and see my friends apply to jobs on the other side of the country, it is becoming all too clear that the time I have to enjoy living in my hometown is getting smaller by the day. In an effort to gain some new perspective on the place I grew up and to make the most of my summer, I have decided to take advantage of everything that my hometown has to offer. Here are some ideas to help you fall back in love with your hometown.

1. Get Involved in Your Community

Helping out the people in your hometown will allow you to appreciate what your community has to offer. You can give back to the place you've called home for so long and meet new people at the same time. A place is only as wonderful as the people in it, so maybe you just haven’t met the right ones. As a result of the random acts of kindness I discussed in a previous article, I realized that the people who live in my hometown are more than worthy of kindness.

If you want to renew your appreciation for a place you know well, remind yourself of all the places that make your hometown feel like home. Hit up your favorite spots, whether it’s a bookstore, coffee shop, ski slope, mountain trail, or restaurant, and take the time to enjoy the places that you look forward to visiting when you return home. I personally love to treat myself to ice cream at the Village Scoop and play tennis at Bayside Park. Bring friends from out of town for a tour and make new memories at your favorite places.

3. Go Exploring

Although some towns are small enough for people to know everyone and everything, chances are, you have not visited every place in your hometown. Take a road trip with friends who grew up in your hometown and drive around to a new spot every week. You will see that your hometown has much more to offer than you ever considered. Last week, I discovered an antique shop with a friend that I will definitely be returning to. Sometimes, being a tourist in your own hometown can be a good thing.

4. Get a History Lesson

If your hometown has a museum or historical society, take a day to learn about the place you live. Research your hometown and learn something new about the places you drive by every day on the way to work.

5. Community Events

One of the best ways to appreciate your hometown is to be a part of community-centered events. Go to a parade, visit the farmers market, or attend a local concert and have a good time supporting the people who also love the place you call home.

Instead of feeling obligated to return home for the holidays, look forward to spending time in your hometown. Falling back in love with your home is an adventure worth taking.