The Joy of Being a Tourist in Your Own Town
When you think about taking a vacation, you probably imagine traveling somewhere far from home. Maybe it's a trip to the beach, a visit to a national park, or exploring a new city. But have you ever considered how many interesting places there might be right in your own backyard?
Ask a long-time resident of any town when they last toured the museum downtown, and you’ll often hear the same answer: “I keep meaning to.” You could probably say this about things in your own town! Most of us skip what’s close. The historic house on the corner, the county fair we’ve heard about for 20 years, the bakery two towns over. They’re always there, so they never feel urgent.
The good news is that you don’t need a plane ticket for a good adventure. You just need to start looking at your own community through the eyes of a tourist!
Discover the History Right in Your Backyard
Every community has a story to tell, including yours. Local museums, historical societies, historic homes, and landmarks offer opportunities to learn more about the people and events that shaped the place you call home.
Perhaps there's a historic building you've driven past hundreds of times but never stepped inside. Or maybe a nearby town offers a guided walking tour that reveals fascinating stories about its past. Call your local historical society and ask what’s worth seeing. They are usually delighted to be asked and often know about walking tours or open-house days that never make the newspaper.
One of the neighboring towns near me recently held a festival to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary, and as part of it, they offered a trolley tour of the township. On this tour, I learned that one of the local churches had on its property the oldest known Pennsylvania Dutch log building of its kind still in existence and the oldest standing German-built wooden schoolhouse in North America. It’s called the 1732 Gemeinhaus at Old Goshenhoppen Reformed Church. A real piece of history that I had passed by so often and yet didn’t know much about!
You can also check your local library or tourism website for places to explore. Many attractions offer senior discounts, free admission days, or special educational programs. Your local library may even have passes to attractions that you can check out for a few days, which means you can experience those places for free.
Explore the Outdoors at Your Own Pace
You don't have to hike a mountain to enjoy the beauty of nature. Local parks, botanical gardens, arboretums, and nature preserves can offer beautiful scenery and relaxing ways to spend an afternoon. Consider taking a scenic drive through the countryside, visiting a nearby lake, or exploring a park with accessible walking paths and benches.
Most National Park Service sites are free to visit, but some do require an entrance fee. If you’re 62 or older, look into the National Park Service Senior Pass, which covers entry to national parks and many federal recreation sites for a modest annual or lifetime fee. Many state parks offer their own senior rates too.
For a little extra fun, bring along a pair of compact binoculars to get a closer look at birds, wildlife, or beautiful scenery. An 8x25 pair is small enough to fit in a coat pocket, and it turns an ordinary walk into a chance to spot a hawk on a fence post or a heron at the water’s edge.
Celebrate the Seasons Close to Home
One of the best reasons to explore your local community is the variety of seasonal activities available throughout the year.
Fall is a wonderful time to visit harvest festivals, apple orchards, craft fairs, and pumpkin patches. As the holidays approach, look for Christmas markets, holiday light displays, community tree-lighting ceremonies, and seasonal concerts. Spring brings flower festivals, garden tours, and art shows, while summer offers outdoor concerts, county fairs, farmers markets, and community festivals.
You might be surprised how many events you've heard about for years but never actually attended. Check local newspapers, community Facebook groups, municipal websites, and library calendars to see what's happening nearby.
It’s also exciting to revisit the same place in each season because the changing nature scenery can make it feel like a whole new experience. One fun way to document this by taking a photo in the same spot each time you visit – extra points if you include yourself or friends or family in the photo!
Try Something Small in Your Community
Sometimes an adventure is as simple as trying a new restaurant or visiting a neighboring town. To get started, skip the big plan and choose one small thing, such as:
- Eat lunch in the next town over
- Browse a farmers market and buy something you can’t name (don’t forget to ask for recommendations for how to prepare it!)
- Catch an afternoon matinee at a community theater
- Sign up for a one-time art or cooking class
- Attend a local car show or First Friday in your town
The idea is to break out of your usual routine and experience something different. You may even discover a new favorite place!
Make It a Social Adventure
Exploring your community is also a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends. Invite a neighbor to lunch in a nearby town, organize a monthly outing with friends, or take your grandchildren to a local museum or historic site. You may enjoy sharing stories about how the area has changed over the years. A neighborhood friend might also have a fun suggestion for a new place to visit. What is a tried-and-true place to them might be brand new to you, and vice versa.
Senior centers, churches, libraries, and community organizations also frequently organize group outings. These can be wonderful opportunities to meet new people, especially if transportation or planning an outing on your own is a challenge.
Consider making it a tradition to explore one new local attraction each month or quarter with your adventure friend!
A Few Tips for a Comfortable Local Adventure
A little planning can help make your outings more enjoyable. Before heading out, check the attraction's hours, admission costs, parking availability, and accessibility. Many places offer senior discounts, and visiting on weekdays may help you avoid larger crowds.
If you'll be doing a lot of walking, wear comfortable, supportive walking shoes with good traction. A lightweight crossbody bag is also helpful for keeping your wallet, phone, keys, and other essentials close while leaving your hands free.
If you use a mobility aid, a foldable cane may be convenient for outings since it can be stored more easily when not in use. Be sure to use a cane that fits properly and provides the support you need.
You might also consider bringing a small travel journal or memory log to record your adventures. Write down the places you visit, interesting facts you learn, and favorite experiences. You can even add photos, ticket stubs, or brochures to create a keepsake of your local explorations. It doesn’t have to be a full newspaper article; just a few lines or bullet points will help you preserve the memory.
Most importantly, choose activities that suit your interests, abilities, and energy level. There's no need to fit everything into one day. Choose a pace that works for you, such as one exploration each month.
See Your Hometown With Fresh Eyes
You don't need to travel hundreds of miles to discover something new. Sometimes the most interesting places are the ones we've overlooked because they're so close to home. So, think about a place nearby you've always wanted to visit, invite a friend or family member, and plan your next local adventure. You might be amazed at what you discover right around the corner!
About the Author
Lauren Krupp is a member of the leadership team at Telikin and contributes articles to The Senior Advisor. She enjoys helping create content that informs, inspires, and offers practical ideas for everyday life and business. Lauren lives in Montgomery County, PA, with her husband and two sons. Outside of work, she enjoys serving at her church and in her community and making memories with her family.
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