25 Ways To Be a Tourist In Your Own Town

Now that summer is here, you don't have to plan a getaway to enjoy some new sights. Chances are, there are plenty of interesting fun things to do in your own hometown that you've never tried because, hey, they will always be there, right? Time to go exploring in your own backyard with these great tips:

1. Pretend you have friends coming to stay with you from a foreign country for the first time. Where would you take them?
2. Pick up a local guidebook. You're likely to discover places and tips you didn't even know about!
3. Sign up for community newsletters and mailings to be aware of happenings.
4. Use web apps like Yelp! to discover new places to eat that are rated by locals.
5. Spend a few minutes looking at the postings on bulletin boards in public places like libraries and schools.
6. Visit your town's website. Find out historical facts and future events.
7. Make a list of museums, galleries, and parks in your town and make a point to visit them.
8. If there are lakes or rivers nearby, rent a canoe and spend a day on the water fishing or relaxing.
9. Research nearby walking, biking, or hiking trails. Take a bottled water and bug spray and make an afternoon exploring the great outdoors.
10. Ditch your car for the day and plot out a pedestrian day about town.
11. Take a ride on public transportation, whether bus, metro, tram or train. You're likely to get a different glimpse of your own city and community.
12. Snap a lot of photos, just as you would when touring other cities. Don't let the familiarity keep you from preserving memories.
13. Interview longtime residents about what life was like when they were younger. Ask their recommendations for a day on the town.
14. Explore your local architecture. Look for themes, influences and charm. What's the tallest building in town? The oldest?
15. If you live in an older town, find out if there are guided ghost tours and take a friend for a bone-chilling walk into the past.
16. Research your local gardener's guild and participate in a garden tour of homes.
17. Many tourist councils offer city passes with discounts to major attractions. Purchase one and spend the summer visiting different attractions.
18. Any famous persons from your town? Research their biography and walk in their footsteps.
19. Get connected with your local arts council. Attend outdoor concerts or plays put on in the community.
20. Utilize weekend mornings for farmers markets and yard sales to pick up local delicacies and great antiques.
21. Mix up your routine. Drive a different route to work for a week. Eat in different restaurants. Shop at a different grocery store.
22. Spend a night or weekend at a local hotel or bed and breakfast.
23. Attend a local sporting event and cheer for the local team. Even if you don't know anybody!
24. Shop local small businesses to find unique and meaningful "souvenirs" unique to your town and the people there.
25. Adopt an adventurous attitude. We're more likely to try new things on vacation, but why not at home too? Say yes to new opportunities and invitations that push you out of your comfort zone and lead to discovery.