By Kathy Grossman, Moabite
Halloween marks my anniversary of moving here 12 years ago. Before that, I’d moved upwards of 35 times in my life: ranging from Nome, Alaska, to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. You could say I’m experienced at being a newcomer. These are some of my move-in strategies.
Observe, observe, observe! What are people wearing? Or maybe you don’t care what anybody else is wearing. I’d say Moab fashion is loosely casual outdoor desert-rat chic, but you’ll notice some fashionistas who push the clothing picture. Be yourself, be comfortable, and haunt some of our boutiques, outdoor gear shops, and Wabi Sabi thrift store.
Ask questions. Where do people get their hair cut? Where’s the best Thai restaurant? We have many! Read our weekly newspapers and the monthly Moab Happenings. When I first visited in 2010, a friend picked up the Happenings, found an Open Mic at our bookstore, and we attended. Some man read “The Boy Who Wore a Pig for a Hat.” I’ve been active with Moab Poets & Writers ever since.
Engage storekeepers in conversation. Every business isn’t an information service for sure, but, when perhaps you’re the only customer, you might get some insights and information you can’t get anywhere else.
Start or keep relationships with bigger cities. Sure, you’ve deliberately moved to this lovely small town, perhaps deliberately away from bigger cities, but many of us have a relationship with Grand Junction, two hours away. Or with Salt Lake City, four hours away. Some go for medical specialty appointments, some for plane flights. I also recommend checking out Price, Utah: it’s only two hours away and has the great Prehistoric Museum.
Get to know your neighbors. Sure, they might not become your best friends, but neighbors come in all flavors. A favorite memory for me was when my neighbor Victoria Fugit, may she rest in peace, invited me to her New Year’s party. Her gracious and entertaining gathering became a gateway to feeling included and becoming a real Moabite.
Keep your expectations reasonable. Not easy! I was newly divorced when I arrived 12 years ago. I had no friends or family here. I only knew I wanted to not be in Salt Lake City any longer. I hoped things would happen fast. Or so I thought. But friendships take time. I became involved with Trail Mix. I went to meetings, became pretty good at lining mountain bike trails, and became friends with the Freetheys. Sandy and Geoff, may he rest in peace, already had many friends, but I was added to that healthy group.
Do first things first. You’ll need a dentist. And a doctor. And know where the Emergency Room is. And maybe a salon or a breakfast joint. And for sure a great place for coffee: we have lots!
Establish some routines. A wise friend in college once told me the key to life is some sort of routine. Maybe you go someplace for coffee and a scone every morning. Maybe you visit our library once a week. Perhaps you join our local quilt guild and make your addiction to fabric official.
Experiment. When I first arrived, I ate at least once at every breakfast place in Moab. I always brought something to read: my road atlas, sometimes a novel, sometimes a journal, sometimes a Moab Happenings. If you’re religious, try our different churches. If you’re an information junky, try the different talks available at the Moab Information Center (MIC), the Moab Recreation and Arts Center (MARC), and other venues.
Go to Arches, Canyonlands, Dead Horse, Sand Flats. Okay, maybe not all in your first month, but see what tourists come for. Our iconic parks and recreation areas are a must. Plus, if you want visitors, it’s good to know what’s on offer.
Explore food options. Is Moonflower more your style, or do you like the more traditional options available at City Market and Village Market? Are you a weekly stock-up kind of person, or a daily browser? Our food trucks are another delicious strategy.
You’re a hunter-gatherer in a new environment. Check it all out!
