Explore your community

August 13, 2018

It’s so easy to get into a routine and not stray from it, but this summer, try exploring your community to find the hidden gems close to home.

Many individuals find a routine that works for them and stick to it. They stop at the same coffee shops on their way to work. They order lunch from the same restaurants. They purchase their groceries at the same stores. They take their children and dogs to the same parks. There’s a certain level of comfort that comes from routine. But have you stopped to consider what you might be missing?

This summer, explore your community.

Purchase produce from a local farmers market instead of your regular grocer. When you shop from local vendors, your purchases support hardworking farmers and neighbors who labor over gardens to provide healthy and fresh options for the public. If you think it’s too expensive, read about ways to support the farmers market without emptying your wallet.

Explore a lesser-known park — one without a playground. State parks often have trails for hiking and exploring nature. Instead of heading to the local playground, take your children on a nature hike at a state park. You could even make a scavenger hunt out of it. Visit www.stateparks.com and select your state to find parks near you.

Visit the specialty children’s store in your town the next time you need to shop for a baby shower or birthday party. A lot of these niche shops depend on loyal customers to keep their business afloat as they compete with bigger chain stores and online shopping options. These specialty shops often include unique and well-made gifts that you can’t find in chain stores.

Attend the movie in the park. Many local parks and organizations host events that are free or charge nominal fees as a service to their communities. Check community calendars on local media websites or through social media for these public events.

The possibilities are endless. So are the benefits to your neighbors.

Not sure where to start? Ask your friends for suggestions. Word of mouth is a powerful resource. You could also take a walk around town on your next free night to see what new shops and restaurants may have recently opened.

Staying local helps you give to your neighbors and grow as an individual and community member. When you support your neighbors, you’ll get to know them as individuals. The more a community knows and appreciates each member, the stronger it will be. So start exploring today.