Upstate New York Secrets: Discover More by Living Like a Tourist

Have you ever worked and saved for something so long that it felt like a dream come true when it finally happened? That was us. My husband and I bought our dream home, a sweet spot on a nice plot of land in a quiet town. It was close enough to everything we needed but far enough away to give us peace, freedom, and room to breathe. We thought we’d found forever.

When a Job Transfer Shattered Our Forever Home Plans

Just a year later, the rug got pulled out from under us. My husband’s job transferred him, and suddenly instead of settling into our “forever home,” we were packing boxes and putting up a For Sale sign. It was heartbreaking to let go of something we’d worked so hard for.

Choosing a New Mindset: Living Like Tourists

We could have stayed stuck in that loss, but instead we decided to flip our perspective. We made a commitment to live like tourists, no matter where home ended up being. That meant checking out new places, finding hidden gems, and actually experiencing the culture around us instead of waiting for “someday.”

READ MORE: Only Upstate New Yorkers Will Understand These 17 Phrases

Breaking Free from Routine to Discover What’s Right at Home

Since then, people often comment on how much our family sees and does. They’re surprised when we mention things like checking out a local museum or festival they’ve never bothered with, even though they've lived here their whole lives. The truth is, it’s easy to fall into routines. We get busy with work, errands, and schedules, and before we know it, years pass without us stepping outside of our normal bubble.

Start Small: One New Local Adventure Each Month

Here’s my encouragement: start simple. Choose one new place or experience each month. Visit a museum in Syracuse you’ve never been to, try kayaking on one of our many local lakes, take the kids to the New York State Museum in Albany, or just try a new restaurant across town. It doesn’t have to be big or expensive, it just has to be intentional.

Get our free mobile app

Stop Waiting: Adventure Is Already Here in Upstate New York

Life isn’t waiting for the perfect home or the perfect timing. It’s happening right now, right in front of you. Grab a calendar, circle a date, and commit to trying something new. You’ll be amazed at how much joy and adventure is waiting for you right here in Upstate New York.