Are You Taking Your Local Town For Granted? 5 Tips To Uncover Hidden Gems And Make The Most Of Your City

It’s easy to think that the grass is always greener on the other side — that in order to discover new things to see or do, you must travel afar. But the truth is that the city you live in is probably home to many interesting gems hidden right beneath your nose. The following are 5 tips to help you find those treasures and to take advantage of all that your city has to offer. 

# Social Media

You can find a slew of hidden gems in your town simply by using hashtags while searching social media sites such as Instagram and Facebook. For example, if you live in Huntersville, North Carolina, you can search #Huntersville on Instagram, and pictures that people have taken in the area of interesting sites, events, or businesses will pop up. You can then click on the pictures that interest you to learn more about that particular site or business. 

Join Online Couponing Sites

You may not use online coupon sites — such as Groupon in the United States and the United Kingdom and Scoopon in Australia — but it’s still a good idea to sign up for one of these sites. Why? Because they send out daily emails about special deals on activities and events in your area. It’s an especially good way to discover new restaurants or services, since many of them use these sites to introduce their businesses to the public. 

Check Local News Listings

Most newspapers and online news sites have listings for local events, such as festivals, art shows, and workshops. You can also Google your town’s name and the words “Local events.” This will pull up a list of interesting and fun activities occurring in your area on a day-by-day basis.

Join a Meetup Group

Meetup is an online site where you can find groups of people who share your interests and/or are interested in finding new things to try. Currently, Meetup has groups in more than 179 countries. The following are just a few examples of the types of groups that can be found in many towns:  

• New resident groups. For people who have just moved to an area and would like to connect with others at various get-togethers and events
• Hiking groups. A great way to find new trails to explore. Some groups also do urban or historical walks, which can be an excellent way to discover hidden gems in your area.
• Social groups. These groups are typically divided by demographics — such as for singles, families, or for certain age groups. Social groups will typically meet at local restaurants and breweries or attend events as a group.

Go for a Walk

It’s easy to miss so much about your own city when you’re speeding through it in a car. To really get to know your town, you need to park your vehicle and go for a walk. For example, visit your downtown area to do a little window shopping or dine in that small restaurant you may not have noticed before. Also, make sure to go for strolls through your local parks. Many contain statues, landmarks, or have visitor centers filled with historical information about your city.