I live in Washington, D.C., a major tourist destination. But I find that the winter (especially holiday weekends like this one) are a great time to play tourist in your hometown.

All too often, visitors seem to see more of the places we live than we do! It's easy to put off visiting the sights. After all, they'll be here next week or next month and so will you. Plus, when you aren't a visitor, you have work the visits into the rhythm of your life — along with everything else. Most tourists, on the other hand, are focused completely on the things they want to see and do.

No matter where you live, there is likely some site (a museum, a historical site, etc.) in town or nearby that you haven't visited or that you haven't visited in years. Make a list of places you'd like to visit. You don't need to visit them all in a week, but make it a point to visit them periodically. It will help you view your surroundings with new eyes.

And try to get started this weekend!