The Places You’ll Go! New Home – New Favorites
Summer has come to a close, and with it, the moving industry’s busiest season. As the days become shorter and college football kicks off, families who have recently relocated adjust to a new normal: parents settle into new jobs, kids make friends at their new schools and life in a new town officially begins!
If you’ve recently moved, chances are you have already located the grocery store, the nearest pizza delivery, and perhaps the closest Starbucks. But the real fun begins as you uncover the unique treasures of your new hometown. Let your phone be your guide to great restaurants, fun places to take the kids, and the best nightlife.
Check out this short list of helpful tools and let the adventures begin!
1. Facebook Events
This is one simple, yet amazing, little tip. Just click on “Events”, then scroll down a bit to discover the section titled “Events Near (insert name of your city).” There you will find a “Today” button and one for “This Weekend.” How easy is that? Look for things like concerts or movies in the park. Not only will it give you or the family something to do and help you discover the lay of the land, but local events are a great way to meet new people!
2. Foursquare
It’s been around for a while, but Foursquare continues to be a great app to help you find, in their own words, “Whatever you are in the mood for,” based on your location and preferences. Start by telling it what you like then just do a quick search. Pizza? BBQ Nachos? Outdoor seating? Foursquare will immediately generate a list complete with ratings and reviews. Don’t forget to save your favorites and even pay it forward by leaving your own rating and a review. Other Foursquare users will thank you.
3. Eventbrite
Think Eventbrite is just a place to buy tickets? Think again. The Eventbrite app is also a fantastic way to find out about all sorts of events taking place in nearby venues. Similar to Facebook Events, Eventbrite clues you in on everything from major concerts to the Work-Life Balance Seminar being held in the meeting room of a local restaurant. And yes, if the event requires tickets, you can buy them right there on the app. Bravo, Eventbrite!
4. Groupon
Groupon is great because it matches up places to go with coupons to use when you get there. Thanks to these great discounts, you can go more places for less money, making Groupon the perfect choice for those set on discovering all there is to do in a new place.
5. Google Maps
Last, but certainly not least, is the Google Maps. A long-standing favorite for getting folks where they need to be, you may or may not know that Google Maps is also great for telling you where to go! Search for restaurants, gas stations, bakeries, grocery stores or just the most popular places nearby. Google Maps also provides Yelp reviews, which are always helpful for the new kids in town.
However you go about it, just get out and explore. Make it a family effort, let the kids plan a weekend, or even make a game of it. Date night? Flip a coin to decide which way you will turn out of your driveway and again at every traffic light or stop sign. Once you’ve gone a few miles in a new direction, let one of the tools above guide you to what might be your new favorite restaurant, book shop or dessert cafe.
With a little luck, a spirit of adventure can quickly turn an unfamiliar place into Home. And that’s what it’s all about.
Emily Burleson editor
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