Whether it is checking out libraries, exploring parks, or finding community centers, there are many ways to get acclimated to a new area after moving. Family spoke with Army spouse, Sarah Taylor, about her favorite ways to explore after a PCS. The Taylors just recently moved to Fort Riley, Kansas, their fourth move as a family.

What are some of the ways you find places to explore locally?

Google Maps is literally my BFF. It's free and will show you any place near you that you can think of. If I’m looking for local events, Facebook is my go-to, especially during the holidays. And make sure you are following your local pages to stay aware of events. For example, your post’s USO or MWR pages always put on great (usually free) events! Spouse pages are always a reputable source of information, too.

What are some of your favorite places you have explored?

El Paso, Texas (Fort Bliss) This was our first duty station. We loved to visit "Freedom Crossing" on post, which is a mall with restaurants, a park, and a splash pad. Off base, we loved to travel a little further to nature. Some favorites were:

• White Sands National Monument, NM
• Elephant Butte Lake
• Carlsbad Caverns
• El Paso Zoo
• Franklin Mountains State Park

Clarksville, Tennessee (Fort Campbell) Some of our favorite spots to visit here included:

• Billy Dunlop State Park for river tubing
• Pennyroyal State Park Beach for the perfect tropical-inspired beach day
• Riverwalk Park
• Dunbar Cave State Park
• And of course, Nashville!

Berea, Kentucky My husband was teaching ROTC, so with no base around, it was a pretty normal life for four blessed years. Our favorite spots included:

• The super small but charming downtown Berea
• Historic Boone Tavern
• The Pinnacles for hiking
• Lexington for nights out
• The Madison County Library
• We also frequented the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge. Dollywood is a 10/10.

Kansas (Fort Riley) We have only been here for a month and a half, but we have already explored Milford State Park Lake and Beach at Acorns Resort for a weekend stay and Manhattan for delicious food. I look forward to trying the MKH Discovery Museum and the local zoos.