As a nearly-thirty single woman in Fresno, I think my life experiences are probably very different than a lot of you reading this blog right now. And one of the many things I’ve learned as I approach the big 3-0 is how to be alone … and be happy in it.
When I say alone, though, I don’t just mean single. In a culture where we’re constantly surrounded by people and immersed in social media, it can be hard for anyone to spend time by themselves. But I think it’s an important experience to have. That’s why I’m challenging myself and YOU to take yourself on some solo FresYes mini adventures this year!
Take a Drive
Ever since I got my license when I was 16, I have loved to drive east in Fresno, deep into Clovis. I did this because I loved to get out of the city and into the country, and more specifically because I loved to gaze at the snow-capped Sierras on the rare clear-sky days in the winter. (Now is the perfect time!) It takes a little longer to get away from the houses these days than it did back then, but it’s still a beautiful drive!
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous than just driving straight, I highly recommend a jaunt up Auberry Road. Or if you really want to commit to getting out of town, drive all the way to Hume Lake, Shaver or Yosemite! Wherever you go, just crank up the tunes (no one can object to your music!), relax and take some time to appreciate our beautiful Valley and its surrounding areas!
Volunteer
This was one of the first things I started doing by myself. It’s fallen by the wayside as I’ve gotten more busy in life, and I really want to get back to it. Find a cause or two that you really love and devote some time to it. It’s a fantastic way to give back to the community while also getting out there and meeting new people.
I’ve always been partial to the animal shelters, but there are plenty of amazing organizations around Fresno. You can check in my archives for a few more that I’ve highlighted in the past year. Get creative, because there are all sorts of volunteer opportunities, from office work to helping with Storyland/Playland renovations!
Go to the Zoo
I know I’ve been singing the praises of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo a lot lately, but seriously. I’m going to take another page out of fellow FresYes writer Natali Carrera’s book here. If you’re an animal lover, even if you have children, you should try going to the zoo by yourself sometime! Grab a coffee and a brownie from the great new stand at African Adventures and wander through the peaceful savannah. Stay as long as you want and stare at your favorite animals as long as you want, because there’s no one else (adult or child) asking you to move on!
Pro tip: If you go on a random weekday, make sure you hit the keeper talks, which will be much less crowded than normal. I got some serious up close and personal encounters this way!
All the Rest
Some other miscellaneous ideas:
- When the weather gets a little nicer, find a restaurant with a nice patio and dine al fresco. I find people watching is a great way to pass the time when dining alone. Even if you just go to Panera and take a salad outside, it can be a great way to recharge.
- Go to the movies. I already wrote about how I did this alone for the first time last year. Since then, it’s become one of my favorite things to do!
- Browse a library or bookstore. It can be a great way to get some inspiration, whether it’s just for a new novel to read or a new project to do!
- Visit Shinzen Friendship Garden at Woodward Park. This place is gorgeous! Take a camera or take a journal. It’s a safe and pretty place to walk alone and do some thinking. There are special hours and a small separate entry fee, which you can get information on here.
Those are some of my suggestions for how to have some fun by yourself in Fresno. I know there are plenty more that I missed! Leave us a comment and tell me what else I should try!
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