Every year, we set the same lofty New Year’s resolutions: eat healthier, exercise more, organize the junk drawer that’s basically a black hole. And every year, by mid-January, those goals are a distant memory.
But what if resolutions didn’t have to feel like a chore? This year, ditch the guilt and aim for resolutions that are actually fun, easy to keep, and help you explore all the amazing things Columbus has to offer.
Here are 7 ideas to make 2024 your most adventurous (and enjoyable) year yet!
1. Visit One New Local Spot Each Week
Whether it’s a tucked-away café, a hole-in-the-wall bar, or that boutique you’ve walked by a hundred times but never actually entered, there are so many places in Columbus worth exploring. Make it your mission to find a new one every week, and who knows? You might stumble across your new favorite hangout. Bonus: it gives you something to brag about on Instagram.
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2. Support Local Artists and Makers
Who needs Amazon when Columbus is brimming with local talent? From handmade ceramics to funky jewelry, supporting local makers feels good and makes you look thoughtful. Hit up craft fairs like Not Your Mama’s Craft Market, check out local galleries, or just browse one of the amazing shops featuring goods made right here in town.
3. Attend More Community Events
From food festivals (like Comfest) to farmers’ markets (like the award-winning Worthington Farmers Market) to outdoor concerts, Columbus knows how to throw a party. This year, vow to attend more of them. Not only will you have a great time, but you’ll also have prime content to share (and let’s be honest, isn’t that what really matters?).
4. Become a “Regular” at a Local Spot
There’s nothing cooler than walking into your favorite local coffee shop or diner and having the barista know your order. Make 2024 the year you finally earn “regular” status somewhere — and use it as an excuse to chat up the staff for insider tips or juicy behind-the-scenes stories. I became a regular at Zeno’s this year, and while, yes, it is a bar, they do have non-alcoholic options for those participating in Dry January!
5. Try a New Dish or Drink Each Month
You’ve got your go-to orders (we all do), but this year, branch out! Columbus is packed with culinary delights, and trying something new is the perfect way to shake things up. Columbus even has signature dishes that most people aren’t totally familiar with (and they are BANGIN’). That would be a great place to start!
6. Explore More Neighborhoods
Columbus is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own vibe. This year, take the time to dive into places you might not have explored yet. Whether it’s strolling through German Village, eating your way through Uptown Westerville, or uncovering hidden gems in Old Worthington, there’s always something new to discover.
7. Discover Columbus on a Budget
Good news: you don’t have to spend big bucks to have fun in Columbus. Commit to finding affordable or free activities, like strolling through the Columbus Museum of Art (which is free on Sundays), hitting up happy hours, or checking out local art galleries. You might just be surprised how much fun you can have without breaking the bank.
See? New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be boring, unpleasant, or impossible to keep.
With these fun, easy goals, you’ll not only feel good about yourself but also help support Columbus’s incredible local businesses. So, let’s raise a (mocktail) glass to 2024 and make it a year of exploration, adventure, and maybe, juuuust maybe, actually sticking to our resolutions for once.
Cheers!