The volcanic ash from Iceland may have caused some stressful inconvenience for most travelers this week; however, for some it is an extended vacation. Over the weekend, I met some visitors from Germany whose trip to New York had been extended much longer than they had planned. Being efficient travelers themselves, they had seen all the major tourist attractions of the city and wanted some advice on how to make the best of their extended time here. We came up with a few fun ideas on how to get to know the local side of a city you might be stuck in for over a week. 1. Take a trip to the local farmer’s market or grocery store. Local mom and pop shops are a great way to stock up on food and get to know your area. Local butchers and cheese shops usually offer the best quality for the best price, and you can even ask the owner for some touring tips or recommended cafes. 2. Get a copy of the local paper every day and read it. The local paper is an easy way to familiarize yourself with local events and politics. 3. Become a regular at a cafe. This is the best way to people-watch while enjoying a simple daily pleasure. 4. Rent a bicycle. Biking is one of the best ways to get around without missing too much of what is around you. 5. Visit the dog park. If you’re a dog lover, dog parks are a great social setting for meeting locals and enjoying the friendly atmosphere. 6. See an independent film. When traveling, I personally spend more time exploring and less time in the mall or theater. Cinema, however, is one of the most modern forms of art, and visiting a local theater to catch an independent flick is a great way to get to know the culture and politics of the destination you’re staying in, especially if you’ve visited all the museums. 7. Take a tour of a local brewery or winery. Whichever beverage connoisseur you may be, chances are one of these will be in or near the city or town you’re staying in. What sort of small adventures have you taken to get to know the local side of your destination? — Courtney Centeno, account executive