5 ways to quickly learn a new town
Happy Monday, everyone! Today, I have some advice…5 ways to quickly learn a new town.
I have been busy practicing these 5 ways to quickly learn a new town, and for me this is working and helping me to feel “at home.”
Moving Is so exhausting…especially, after age 60…that it would be easy to hide in a new home for awhile.
But, for me life is short and I want to quickly learn my new city.
So, I hope you will allow me to encourage anyone who is moving or has moved with these 5 ways to quickly learn a new town.
Let’s get started….
5 WAYS TO QUICKLY LEARN A NEW TOWN: #1
#1: READ, LISTEN, WATCH LOCAL MEDIA
Often on Wednesdays, I share articles which tell us that ways to keep healthy and mentally strong are to be active with learning.
One of the best ways to learn about a new town (or city or community) is to tap into the local media….no matter how large or small it is.
a. Watch the local television news or read it online.
b. Listen to local radio…I love local radio…especially in small towns. This is my grandson.
As President of his elementary school student council, he was on local radio last week to promote a fundraiser for the school.
When I run any errands, I listen to local radio right now.
c. Read print media…newspapers and magazines. I learned so much just reading these publications.
It helps to also read the advertisements in order to know best places to go for needed services.
5 WAYS TO QUICKLY LEARN A NEW TOWN: #2
#2: DRIVE AROUND
I remember as a kid that Sunday afternoon drives annoyed me ( sorry, it was more of a chore then), but now I love it and these drives help me to quickly learn a new town.
Driving around has introduced me to a charming community with lovely architecture and lots of inviting small businesses.
Abilene has the same charm that I always find in small Texas Hill Country towns, and that has really pleased me.
The atmosphere of these towns are inviting and warm.
Now, I can return to the places I enjoy here often and not wait to go back when driving through.
There are also many lovely Southern homes to view and I love to house watch now.
It is a college community and a military community.
5 WAYS TO QUICKLY LEARN A NEW TOWN: #3
#3: TAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE
My daughter called last week and asked that I go with her to shop for a new employee gift basket at their business.
I had other plans working around this new house, but decided I needed to GET OUT OF THE HOUSE and learn a new town.
Our first stop downtown was this wonderful boutique with gifts, fashion, beauty, and home decor.
It is called Poppies & Pearls, and their tag line is Immerse yourself in a world of timeless elegance and exquisite style.
I love this place and will return soon because they were setting up for Christmas.
This is the place where the first photo in today’s post was taken.
They even had Johnny Was blankets…which after feeling them just might be on my Christmas list…for me!
We were assisted by a lovely woman named Dot…which brings me to my next tip.
5 WAYS TO QUICKLY LEARN A NEW TOWN: #4
#4: HAVE COURAGE AND BOLDLY MEET NEW PEOPLE
We met Dot the minute we walked into the boutique and I immediately asked to take her picture.
She was dressed so nicely and totally on trend…in her 80s.
After 15 years of blogging, I have no problem meeting new people and it has served me well.
I highly recommend anyone to boldly say hello and introduce yourself….one of the best ways to become a part of a new town.
Dot told us that working at the boutique is something she loves and it keeps her active and healthy.
Dot pointed upstairs and shared that a cafe was open there…she even recommended the special of the day.
We headed up to Catie Pies and were so pleased with the new discovery…they are also a finalist for New Business of the Year, selected by the Chamber of Commerce.
The night before they had participated in a cheese cookoff…wish I had been at that one.
Upon Dot’s recommendation, we did get the special…chili and corn muffins and it was delicious.
I hope to return soon to try their chicken salad..it sounds so good and their pies sound amazing.
5 WAYS TO QUICKLY LEARN A NEW TOWN: #5
#5: ALWAYS GO OUT LOOKING YOUR CONFIDENT BEST
You have seen me say this often, but you will meet more people when you go out looking your confident best.
It is worth it to take the time to go out in your new town looking great…even in jeans.
If I smile at myself before I leave the house, then I know I will boldly meet new people and greet anyone with a smile.
On this day, I was wearing my J.JILL DOUBLE KNIT SWEATER JACKET in nutmeg.
On the bottom, I wore my TALBOTS STRAIGHT LEG JEANS.
I am back to being in between sizes…so these jeans are a little loose on me, but a size down is tight…sigh!
My scarf is also from TALBOTS leopard accessories...gives me just a touch of leopard and I got it on sale.
My Easy Spirit slip-ons and the leather tote from Sundance are sold out…so sadly I cannot link to them…but I enjoy wearing them.
When I head out and about to learn a new town, I will share with you what I wear…and I will have more this week.
All of this has helped me to quickly learn a new town, and feel more a part of the community.
Everyone has been kind and friendly.
I am hugging one of my big loves in this small town, but I hope to truly fall in love with the town itself.
I stand by these 5 ways to quickly learn a small town…it helps to just get going.
If anyone has other tips you would like to share, please do.
I hope to see you tomorrow, and until then….
STAY STRONG & KEEP SMILING!
By Pamela Lutrell
For all your shopping, please use the links on my SHOPPING PAGE…thank you, thank you to all who shop this way to support the blog and keep me here.
Such good advice! I can see you are becoming at home in your new location.
I am, Irene…it has been fun.
Your smile looks comfortable in these photos – glad to see you settling into your new location after that exhausting move!
It was exhausting…but getting out to meet new people and see new things is energizing! Thanks Zaeobi!
Very useful ! And thank you – we will be moving in Jan/Feb from here in York up to Glasgow in Scotland to be nearer both of our families .
When I moved cross country 6 years ago I learned how to golf and quickly met over 100 women in the league. I put aside my hesitation and self consciousness to try something new. Also, as a retired librarian a few friends I had met through golf asked me to start a book club. My book club now includes 10 women who meet once a month in each other’s homes to discuss different titles. Through all of these great women from different backgrounds they have introduced me to variety of shops, museums, hiking trails, restaurants and so much more! All this from stepping out of my comfort zone to learn a sport!
It looks like you will fit in beautifully in your new town. It will take time to get to know more of it.
Dot looks adorable and so very stylishly put together. Your tote with the bow is gorgeous, now that in gray would be mine in a flash. You must be so happy to be involved with these grandkids while missing your others as well .
Try a visit to your new library. The librarians will know a lot about local events, activities, and they may host book clubs and local speakers too. More than books at the library! Enjoy the small town life!
Great tips and you look content. My town is half shuttered in the winter but I don’t have far to drive . So happy you took time to explore!
What a wonderful place to move to…enjoy learning your new town!
Love your story, Linda! Great ideas to learn a new skill and start your own book club!
Yes that is bittersweet, but it is so fulfilling to be where I am needed!
I am enjoying small town life so much and visiting the library is a wonderful idea!!
Exploring is so much fun! I will have more this week. Thanks Deborah…I am content!
You look great Pam, happy and energized, and obviously in the swing with your new town! Love your advice about stepping out of our comfort zones at times.
I am loving your new town and your joy in exploring it. So much of what you share is about attitude and it shows in your smile and confident approach to new things. Thank you for a reminder for all of us to find joy where we live.
I would also recommend the local library which has Adult programs and Book Clubs as well as the Chamber of Commerce for events and festivals.
It is so easy to use moving-fatigue as a reason to avoid stepping out, but I made sure to push myself forward! Glad I did!
Yes…Dorothy! There is so much to discover even if our town is not new but a long time home!
Thanks Mary! Some great ideas here today!
I’ve never visited Abilene, so I am enjoying your views from around town. I’m always curious about other Texas cities. There are so many! West Texas is the only area I haven’t visited.
Hi Stacy, West Texas has its own charm and identity. I did go to high school in West Texas so for me in many ways this is coming home…I also was born in North Texas near here. It is a bit slower paced…but I am up for that now.
Abilene is surprising me in many wonderful ways.
As someone who will be having the adventure of moving to a new location soon, I love these great tips today! Dot is an inspiration – what a well-dressed, sweet lady – the shop has beautiful items and displays, and your photos are gorgeous – love seeing pic’s of you with your family. You are an amazing lady, yourself, Pamela!
You are so sweet, Niki…I hope posts like this will inspire those moving like I have. Dot captured my attention the minute we entered that shop…she looked fabulous..has great energy…and obviously is having a great time where she works.
She inspired me. Have fun with your move and let us know how it goes.
Just simple grocery shopping helps getting to feel comfortable and knowing the community.
I love exploring and learning about Abilene through your eyes. Getting out and about is a great way to energize yourself and get a break from the task list. Dot is a wonderful inspiration and the boutique looks like an amazing place to explore. Even though I am not a traditional quilter I joined the quilt guild when I moved here. And through the women I met there I have made many friends and found activities that I enjoy. The more people you meet the more opportunities open and and the more friends you will find. You look great in you fall J Jill sweater jackets. I am so looking forward to wearing mine but the weather here is crazy. We are in the 30s in the morning and the upper 70s in the afternoons–three seasons in one day! Happy Monday.
It can…I agree.
That describes Texas weather…we are completely accustomed to fall in the morning and summer in the afternoon. Sadly this year is a bit warmer…I am looking forward to meeting even more lovely Abilene ladies.
Well your site just dumped my comments again! I cleared my history before starting so don’t know why this happened. Again. Your ideas are spot on for getting familiar with your new town. I’m still meeting new neighbors while walking the dog. Our two newest neighbors are from out of state, North Dakota and Arizona. Both have large breed dogs, a white lab and a yellow lab. Dog lovers are easy to meet. Our Golden Age Center or GAC is a good place also for all kinds of activities. Dot is close to my age and she looks terrific! Her job helps her to get up and put on the Ritz every day. What fun to work with so many beautiful things. Our small boutique didn’t survive the pandemic so no cut little shops here right now. Talking to people in line at Walmart and Safeway even the doctors office is a way of reaching out. Being between sizes seems to be my life story. You look great and I love your smile.
It is not my site, Sydney. It has to do with your browser and internet. I have researched it. I am glad your comment is here..you had some good observations. Thanks for the persistence.
That boutique looks fascinating, & lunch looks delicious! Shopping local small businesses not only helps you get acquainted with your new community, but it also helps the small businesses. I’m glad you are getting out & about. Those chores will be waiting when you get back to them. After examining my habits & schedules, I am becoming something of a slave to them, so I am trying to add a bit more spontaneity to my life. As noted, life is short.
Yes to adding spontaneity! We all should strive to get out more and enjoy life!
Hi Pamela, so happy you are shopping with your daughter and getting to know Abilene. I think y’all will love being there.
My lovely Aunt and Uncle moved there in the early 50s to raise their children because of the three local Christian colleges. Their family thrived in the sweet, energetic feel of this town. Both have passed; however, their kids, grandkids, and great grans still call Abilene their home. Best wishes to you and your fam🍁
Thank you for sharing, Emily. It is easy to see that this is a special community. I am thankful to be here.
Abilene looks like a very pretty town … and that store looks so inviting and colorful. In addition to the great advice from others, I’d recommend the town’s website, the local community paper (website), tourist information, and, of course, your daughter. Also, it sounds as if the grandkids will provide a lot of stimulation and a way to meet other grandmothers, LOL.
I can’t believe you were served a bowl of chili covered with cheese and two muffins. Some restaurants — but far too few — are beginning to serve smaller portions for less money. In the meantime, it’s helpful that fast food restaurants have to list the calories of menu items.
This was a very informative post that I am sure will help so many people. This advice holds true for anyone who has moved, but it’s also excellent for anyone who would like to connect more with their current community.
And …you look terrific in the J Jill nutmeg sweater! I recognized it right away.
Way late to the comments today, after a long day with my grandkids, but I’m so glad I found today’s post. I’m bookmarking it because the tips are so helpful, and I hope to be moving to a much smaller town in Texas within the next year. Miss Dot is a treasure, and I hope you’ll visit the boutique often so we can see her again. I tried the JJill sweater jacket in store and was between sizes, but after seeing how it looks on you I’m going to try again. It gives the polished/elevated casual look I’m going for these days, and the color is so flattering. Like you, I’ve lost enough weight that my pants are loose, but the next size down is still out of reach for now. I keep reminding myself that no one is looking at how my jeans fit but me. Cooler weather will make walking easier for both of us, and I hope I can enter the holiday season a few pounds lighter. I feel like I’m making really good food choices, but not seeing the scale move much at all. One thing I need to do more often is have my largest meal midday, rather than in the evening, but I’m also trying not to eat out and I’m on the go so much during the day. That cornbread and chili looked delicious and I can’t wait til it’s cool enough here to have some!
Once I began eating midday, Lorri, it was easy to go to one larger meal a day. I now have difficulty with dinners after 5. The sweater jacket is great. I am going to wear it open today with a striped tee underneath.
Thanks Nancy….that sweater nutmeg color is one of my new favorites.
Thanks for joining in, Maeve.
Pam, loved this column, I’m a day or so behind. Abilene seems so charming. You’ve inspired me to drive around my area and find hidden gems. The town reminds me of Auburn and Placerville in California, small towns with lovely shops..and rich history..You look great, especially your last outfit……ps…I’ve tried to sign up your email, I was on it , then dropped, could this be because of my lack of regular comments? I’m enjoying your new adventures……
Hi Nancy, I just put your subscription in for you and it says that it worked. I do not know why but my email provided seems to drop yahoo addresses. I am sorry that happened, but I may have it fixed.