It may be fun to plan getaways to big cities or even international destinations to take in the culture, sights and sounds of such locales, but people need not always venture too far from home to enjoy great entertainment and recreation. What’s more, many local options are budget-friendly and do not require much travel. That makes it easy to enjoy events during the week and on the weekend.
The following are some recreation and entertainment ideas people can enjoy without skipping town.
Live Music
There are no shortage of live music performances in many cities and towns. Local restaurants or pubs and concert halls feature musicians trying to get their names out and perform. Even established musical stars may make local appearances from time to time. Musical performances also can be enjoyed at school functions and festivals, and some towns may have resident buskers performing right in the center of town.
Theater Productions
Check the calendar of local theater troupes and you’re bound to find two or more productions a year. Community colleges also are great spots to take in theatrical performances. Some theaters also serve as testing grounds for new shows before they move on to bigger theaters and even Broadway. The benefit of these local productions is that tickets tend to be more reasonably priced, and the shows are just as entertaining as some bigger productions.
Restaurants and Dining
A night out for many includes a visit to a neighborhood restaurant. Patronizing local restaurants introduces individuals to up-and-coming or established chefs. Independent restaurants offer tastes of different cuisine and are not beholden to the menu restrictions that may come with franchised establishments. But whether you choose a privately owned spot or even a chain restaurant for a meal, it can be an entertaining escape from kitchen duty.
Farmer’s Markets
Many towns feature farmer’s markets one or more days during the week, bringing together vendors offering unique and locally produced wares. Although these markets are not entertainment, per se, walking around browsing and interacting with new people can certainly be a relaxing way to spend a few hours.
Parks and Recreation Spots
Many areas boast beaches, parks, trails, lakes, marinas, and other destinations that provide opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. In certain towns, there are spots that are free from crowds that may gather at more well-known tourist spots.
Comedy Shows
Local venues are great places for comics to test out their material. Some may perform in comedy clubs or even in bars. Individuals should check establishments’ calendars to see who is on the list to come.
Spending time out and about around town is often quite easy thanks to a variety of recreational and entertaining options nearby.
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