I pretended to be a tourist in my hometown

So often, I hear people say: “I can’t wait to get out of [insert hometown here].” In the South especially, if you’re not near a huge city like Atlanta or Charleston, your hometown feels insignificant. But the southern US is unlike anywhere else in the world.

In most southern states, you’re less than a day’s drive to a beach, theme park, or hiking trail. You don’t have to go very far to discover an important piece of history. Virginia, for example, is the home state of eight former presidents. But this article isn’t about where you can drive to for fun – try taking a look around your backyard.

Every town in America is unique. Even New York City has places that only native-born New Yorkers know about. Think about how many cities and towns there are in America. Think about all the people who live there, people you’ve never met and towns you may never get to see.

You are privileged to have grown up where you have. You are one of the few people in the world who knows the “bad part of town” or “where the rich people live.” You know the best local restaurants and shops better than any tourist, magazine, or Pinterest post does.

So here’s my challenge to you: embrace your hometown. Take advantage of being home for the last few weeks of summer and go explore. Grab a friend, parent, or family member and spend a day downtown, even if the word “downtown” is a stretch. It’s a great bonding experience, and I guarantee you’ll learn something you never knew.

For example, I learned that my small city’s railroad history is a big reason for the size of other cities like Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA. From taking my college best friend (who is from Ohio) around town, I realized very few places in the world have beautiful mountains to look at every day. I also learned some people, even some from the East Coast, have never had fried chicken before. That’s honestly a pretty big deal.

Take advantage of the fact that of all the countries, cities and towns in the world, you were born here. Imagine an exchange student was staying with you for a day. What do they absolutely have to do while they’re here? Go to that place all your elementary school field trips visited. Go to the tiny museum. Ride the public transportation to the first restaurant recommended to you. Go to the touristy places and see your hometown through their eyes.

No matter how much you move around, you can truly only call one place your hometown. Own it.