So you just moved. You are in an unfamiliar place with people you don't know, and soon you'll be caught up in a work routine and before you know it, you'll be off to the next place. Did you get the full experience of living in that area? Did you go out of your way to do the cool things that place has to offer? I venture to say that most people will never have the full experience. They will spend the day working and get in to an afternoon routine of either going home or doing the same things over and over. You don't know if you'll get the chance to be in an area again so break your boring routine and do these six things. I promise you won't regret it!
1. Go to every coffee shop
I am a coffee enthusiast, and this is the first thing I do when visiting or living in a new place. I ask around about the best coffee shops then do my best to visit them all. This will get you out and about and is a great way to meet new people. Some coffee shops have music or trivia nights and others are just quiet. I'm sure you can find a couple that you'll fall in love with.
2. Do at least three big touristy things
This one is obvious but many times overlooked. Touristy things are often well known and easy to do. So take a friend and shamelessly tour away! Take advantage of the opportunity while it's there.
3. Go to a local sporting event
Big cities are centered around sports teams. Citizens get geared up and riled up for their team's event, and the whole city becomes involved. If you are in a big city, make it a point to go to at least one big sporting event. Nothing can make you feel like you belong more than rooting for the local team alongside fellow sports fans. Buy the team shirt, go scream your head off and have a fantastic time.
4. See something at the local theater
I don't think of myself as an artsy person, so I have to go out of my way to do artsy activities. Have I ever regretted it? Absolutely not. Each area of the country has a different art culture, and I believe you can't gain the full experience of where you live without looking in to the art scene. So take a chance. Go to a theater production, art gallery, museum or concert, and gain the full experience for yourself.
5. Find the most unique places to eat
Forget about chain restaurants and places you have been before. Real adventure comes from finding an interesting/unique place to eat and trying it out. Many places have amazing "hole in the wall" restaurants that you will never find unless you search for them! When I go to a new area, I make a point to not eat at any chain restaurant or place I have eaten before.
6. Get outdoors
This can be the zoo, hiking, biking, kayaking, parks, climbing, jeep trails... you name it. Just get outside! Ask the people you work with for their favorite activities and go do them. Not only will you get better at knowing your way around the area, you will do things you may have never thought of.
