Occasionally with my line of work I get stuck going to some places, that let’s just say, aren’t the most glamorous. I’m not going to name names because well for the most part it isn’t their fault that they are horrendously boring.
This week I was assigned to spend 30 long hours in a place where everybody knows your name because the population is 100 people. I’m being a tad dramatic but I am not lying about this fact. There was not a single thing to do there as a tourist. I had to get creative. In case you ever find yourself stuck in a place where there is nothing to do, here is what you do:
1. Before going scour the internet Gods. Maybe someone at some point suffered a similar fate as you and has some hidden findings. I was not lucky enough, so I was on my own.
2. Take advantage of your hotel facilities. I’m normally a champion of exploring far far away from the hotel. But on this layover I used the gym and pool.
3. There is always a bar. If you are there at night like me, ask around what the busiest bar might be and go for a beer. It wasn’t Vegas on a Friday night. In fact it wasn’t Vegas on any night, but the staff were nice where I went and I got a taste of local nightlife.
4. YELP the nearest diner or greasy spoon for brunch. My layover spot was so small YELP decided to not work so I had to play it old school and just walk around. I stumbled upon a great place with delicious comfort food.
5. Do something random. For me it meant attending a youth meeting of tomorrow held in the hotel across the street. Food, drinks, and some seriously awkward conversation, but a great story. See what events are going on in your city, and I suggest to pick the oddest of the bunch.
6. If all else fails, cocktails in the day are acceptable. A couple mid day drinks will really turn your perspective and time around. Stores become cooler, the freezing cold becomes just a bit nippy, and its hilarious when you walk in circles for an hour. Not saying this is what I did, but it wouldn’t have been the worst idea.
Put that all together and you will make the most of your short stop in a city you may not want to be in. I sure did.