In Our Backyards

Ever visit family or friends in a different state and ask them what there is to see or do around here and they just shrug their shoulders. That happened to me a few weeks ago; in the reverse. Over my lifetime I have visited at least twenty U.S. states. I’ve seen their national monuments, parks, mountains, zoos, amusement parks, museums, theaters, and on and on. After being asked the question, I did an online search of things to do in my home state. I found that I had only done or seen less than a third of them. I thought how odd. I began to ask family members, friends, strangers in the grocery store (that got strange looks), and people at the gas station (stranger looks) if they visited attractions or events locally. I even came up with the idea of telling people I was doing research for a new book. Afterall, I am an author.

Most people don’t visit many attractions in their own back yards. I’m not sure if it’s because they work there and vacation someplace else to get away. I wondered if psychologically it doesn’t register as something to do because they have a routine at home. Maybe visiting attractions takes time and planning, and doing it locally doesn’t seem worth the effort.

After putting this much time and research into this, I had to see what was out there. I was amazed at the number of state, county, and local events there was in my state. I don’t want you to think I’m some kind on recluse. I know there is a world of fun out there, but the diversity and sheer number of opportunities was much higher. Surprising, I felt like I was missing out.

There is a certain charm about doing something in the state we live in. Maybe it’s doing with family or friends. Maybe it’s just the pride of it in our home state. Please check out what is going on in your backyard so the next time some one visits and asks you what there is to do you’ll be ready.