Not everyone is lucky enough to travel all the time, and if you are anything like me, you get a little stir crazy in one city. I haven’t stayed in my home-base city of Dayton over a weekend in about 2 months, but this weekend that’s all going to change. My roommate is having a birthday, and I have made up my mind that I am going to rediscover all that the Gem City has to offer and have a great time here at home.
Here are some ideas to connect with your home base over the holidays, or whenever you may be airline-ticket deprived:
1. Visit your local community theater, or local “indie” movie theater. Tons of movies that aren’t released nationally come to a small theater downtown that I haven’t been to in months. Even small towns have community theaters that perform, and many have shows during the holidays. So go support your local actresses and actors; you might be applauding the next Brad Pitt!
2. Check out campus. Colleges and high schools alike have tons of concerts and shows around the holidays -- everything from ballets to symphonies, and they are budget friendly! Basketball season is heating up as well, so catch a game if that is more your style.
3. Give back. The holidays, and any time really, are a great time to give back. I like Habitat for Humanity, but that can get a little chilly in the colder months. Seek out a soup kitchen, or see what other kind of help your local community can use.
4. When’s the last time you went to a museum, at home? Rediscover the museums in your back yard, and bring a friend who has never been for a new perspective.
5. Get outdoors. This is always one of my personal favorites. Check out a local park that you haven’t been to in awhile. State parks are always great places to hike, sled or whatever it may be that you enjoy.
6. Try a new night spot. Instead of going to the same martini bar or wine gallery that you visit every weekend, try one with some live music that you have never been to.
7. Try a new restaurant. Actually go to that new Indian place down the street. Or, go to an old favorite, but have a friend order for you so you don’t order the same old thing.
