The Art of Creative Outings

Planning creative outings with family and friends is sometimes a challenge.  You know you want to get together but the question is ”what should we do?”  There are never a lack of choices but how to decide what to do is not as easy. For me, research is a key starting point. I subscribe to a few local blogs, visit Instagram and read local papers to find out what is new and up-and-coming.  Sometimes I will do a general search on a search engine to learn about new restaurants for instance.  I like the www.eater.com website where you can plug in the city you are interested in and up comes a list of new places to dine and descriptions of the cuisine. Research will help you discover the possibilities for any sort of outing.

But how do you decide what kind of outing? The best place to start is to ask your outing companion(s) what they are interested in doing. Maybe there is a flower arranging event, a comedy show, a new music venue or a craft brewery they are interested in trying. Since you have already done a little research you can make some suggestions too. Expanding your creativity even further, why not come up with an original outing plan like kayaking followed by a picnic or a bar crawl where you sample wines?  The key is to know your companion (s) and to collaborate to create the experience. Some people are explorers and they are intrigued by adventures like taking a helicopter ride over the city.  Others are foodies and enjoy sampling the latest restaurants with their discerning palates.  Some friends are hands-on creative people and they enjoy crafting activities like making their own stained-glass window or needlepointing. There are great options for sports fans to attend a local game. Sporty types enjoy all sorts of active pursuits from bike riding to taking a dance class. Knowing what would be fun for you and your companion(s) is rooted in the shared interests that make you friends in the first place.

Along with research and brainstorming collaboratively, it is fun to expand your creativity by trying an outing that is out of your comfort zone. Years ago some friends suggested a day of white water rafting that I was not automatically thrilled about.  As it turns out, a decade later I still think about that memorable day and the excitement of crashing into those waves.  Experiences that are new to you elevate your creativity because they help you to see the world differently. Wherever your outings take you, if you bring along an open mind and heart you will expand your personal creative superpower that is energized by the adventure.