ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) —

When moving to a new city, it can be a challenging adjustment, especially when it comes to building over your social life. As intimidating as a new crowd of people can be, meeting new friends is also an exciting opportunity for self-discovery, expanding your comfort zone and trying out new activities. Here’s a comprehensive list of 5 activities to try in Ithaca that will more than likely land you some new pals.

  1. Start or join a Tompkins County Public Library Book Club.
  2. Get active through running clubs or group fitness classes. Become a member of the Finger Lakes Runners Club and participate in races year round. Try group fitness classes like yoga and pilates in a welcoming environment at the YMCA.
  3. Make fast friends through the music scene. Join in on a game of pool at Deep Dive: a music venue, bar and conversational atmosphere with events for every genre of music almost nightly. Follow Facebook groups like Ithaca’s Live Music Scene: When and Where to keep up with the abundance of performances happening all around town.
  4. Coffee shops and bars are a great places to strike up conversations with strangers without feeling too invasive, especially in Ithaca where the environment tends to be conducive to friendly inquiry. Trivia nights at local bars and restaurants like the one here, are an especially welcoming environment.
  5. Dog parks are a comfortable start for getting adjusted to your new home. It’s more than likely that your furry friend will find a four-legged friend to play with, and in the meantime it’s likely some of the other owners will be up for your company—a friend for you and a friend for your dog!

And that’s a wrap. Which of these will you try?

Need further recommendations of where to go in Ithaca? Check out these articles: 5 Best Places to Buy Books in Ithaca, The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Dining in Ithaca and 5 Wineries Near Ithaca.