Push your boundaries and take the initiative
You are probably well aware of the common advice on how to make new friends in a new city, find the courage in you to say YES to new adventures and think twice before turning down invitations to meet new people, even if those invitations include something you wouldn't normally do.
Figure Out What you Like to Do and Find Others Like You
Common interests are one of the strongest hallmarks of friendship. When looking for friends, you'll want to find people who like what you like. It might take a little while but if you get out there and make an effort, chances are you will find an interest group and people you like before long.
Find a New Hobby, Club or Group
Joining a group or hobby that interests you is an incredible way to meet people who are dong the same! When you are in a brand new neighborhood, there are plenty of opportunities to explore and branch out from your usual hobbies. The Grand Valley has several hundred different groups and clubs for you to explore. I am sure you can find several that will interest you. You can pick up a free copy of The Beacon Guide at locations around town that lists all the groups with their contact information westerncoloradobeaconnews.com
Carboy Winey in Palisade, offers a monthly Book Club event. The first Friday of the month at Carboy Winery, members discuss what they are reading while they indulge in a glass of wine. It is free to attend!
Art and Photography, Exercise Clubs, Foreign Culture Clubs, Games; Bridge & Cribbage, Book Clubs, Gardening, Music and Theatre, Outdoor Recreation, Golf, Service Clubs, History & Museums, Swimming and Religious. There are many more besides these.
Take Part in Community Events
Grand Junction has many events, festivals and organizations that encourage mingling and welcome newcomers. There you can find people who want to connect with those around them. A good place to look for monthly events is Visit Grand Junction. They have a monthly calendar filled with events of every kind happening around town. The site also has "Things to Do" with ideas on attractions and culture, biking trails, hiking trails, shopping and outdoor recreation. There is also information on local "Restaurants and Dining", and under the "Explore the Area" tab you can find hundreds of articles about day trips, unique events, seasonal adventures, outdoor recreation and in-depth festival information. visitgrandjunction.com
You can also check out the GJ Newcomers Club. They host a monthly Happy-Hour, Coffee Meetings, group events, book club, skiing, tennis and more. The group has been around for a long time and most members are no longer newcomers, there are no requirements as to how long you have lived in Grand Junction! The group is very welcoming. grandjunctionnewcomersclub.com
Go Where People Gather
Become a regular at a local coffee shop, you will soon learn who else is there every day at the same time as you. Strike up a conversation. Even if you only talk to this person at the coffee shop two or three times a week, the relationship will grow. Grand Junction has many great coffee shops. Several that come to mind that I frequent are Traders Coffee on Patterson Road and Einstein's Bagels on Highway 6 & 50. Both of these places have community tables and I have many friends that I have met at both places. Check out my post on The Essential Grand Junction Coffee Shops.
Seek Out Volunteer Opportunity
Volunteering is a great way to not only socialize, but contribute to those in need. Look for opportunities to donate your time in whatever are interests you and your are sure to find other like-minded individuals to help establish meaningful connections. Some of our local organizations where volunteers are needed are the Mesa County Valley School District 51, St. Mary's Hospital, Colorado National Monument, Mesa County Public Libraries, Community Hospital, the Art Center, and Roice-Hurst Humane Society.
Schedule Regular Social Meet-Ups
The National website "Meet Up" has a local chapter in Grand Junction. There are over 75 different groups that you can join and participate in their weekly and monthly events. Groups include: hiking, writing, cycling, art and culture, career and business, technology, social activities and lots more. Here is link to the site meetup.com/grandjunction (filter out the Denver area events).
If you need additional information or any publications, please drop me a note!
