A trip to a local fair or festival is a great way to meet new people while on a travel nursing job.
As the summer quickly becomes nothing but a fond memory, many travel nurses find themselves taking on extra shifts or hiding away in their provided housing, however such actions inevitably lead to cabin fever in the winter months. Don’t let the crisp fall air keep you stuck inside. The autumn months boast a queue of some of the most festive fairs across the United States that allow busy travel nurses to mingle with the local citizens and experience the true essence of their assigned areas. So, store away those summer memories for safekeeping and embrace the rides, music, and cuisine of one of fall’s favorite pastimes.
Renaissance Faires
Since the Middle Ages, likeminded people have gathered together on the eve of many an autumn night to bask in the company of good friends, devour elaborate concoctions, and lend an ear to the lively music of the time. Despite the passage of time, Simon and Garfukel’s “Scarborough Fair” is hardly the only connection to the Renaissance. History buffs, artisans, and great musicians alike gather every year, in venues near your assigned hospital, to celebrate the age olde English merchant tradition. Dress to the nines in Renaissance garb or marvel at the costumes and scenery from afar, but either way, leave your cell phone at home and fully immerse yourself in the magic of the Renaissance Faire.
For a detailed list of Renaissance Faires across the country, visit, http://www.renaissancemagazine.com/fairelist.html.
State Fairs
The fall also marks some of the most elaborate state fairs across the United States, which brings to mind ferris wheels, funnel cakes, and livestock competitions. Such festivals present the perfect opportunity for travel nurses to extend their experiences beyond the hospital, by sharing some local charm with coworkers. The required attire ranges, but be sure that you are comfortable enough to hop on the newest ride, pet the animals and chow down on the local flavor. However, consider yourself warned: the state fair waits for no one, so bring a slicker and some galoshes just in case the weather is dreary.
Find your state’s fair at http://www.festivals-and-shows.com/state-fairs.html.
Street Festivals
Finally if the farm feeling of the state fair is not appealing to your city-dweller personality, take it to the streets and explore the homemade crafts, refreshing treats, fresh produce, and one of a kind products that only metropolitan street fairs can offer. Many of the nation’s major cities will block off traffic to their main roads, slowing down the usual independent bustle of everyday life in favor of community support. Seeing as though such festivals may be right outside your doorway, these are the perfect events to meet new acquaintances on a travel nursing job, who may live right around the corner from you.
Street fairs are often listed on flyers throughout your neighborhood, or in the local newspaper so keep your eyes open.
