If you’ve lived in a place for a while you may find yourself saying “there’s nothing to do around here.” Then company comes to visit, you start looking for landmarks to take them to, events going on around town, cool new spots. All of sudden you may find a life going on around you that you hadn’t noticed before.
This phenomenon can happen in big cities or small towns. I lived in and around Boston for five years and would catch myself going to the same restaurants and coffee shops. Now I live in the peaceful mountains of Vermont and I’m looking at the area with fresh eyes, surprising many locals with all the cool things I find in the area. Last night we drove to “the big city” to see a Marilyn Monroe movie at a refurbished old theater. The theater had a good sized crowd from all walks of life and next door was a hopping coffee shop with a lively open mic night going on.

How can you rediscover your area with fresh eyes? Try these five tips for starters and let us know if you come up with any of your own!

1. Try one restaurant that you haven’t visited before. If selection is limited, try giving a place you haven’t been to in a while another chance. Maybe they have a new owner now or the menu is improved. I discovered that the diner in the next town over now has a vegetarian menu.
2. Look for special events held by the local college or university. They often offer free lectures, seminars and performances.
3. Many dance studios offer free open house classes so you can try your hand at salsa, tango, hip-hop, swing or belly dancing.
4. Walk or ride your bike rather than driving whenever possible. You may stumble on little spots you wouldn’t notice when traveling by car.
5. Volunteer at your local homeless shelter, nature conservancy or community center. You’ll be connected to tons of events and you’ll surround yourself with fabulous philanthropic people that inspire you.

Happy hunting friends and feel free to share your rediscovery experiences!