This blog was written by PPR Strategies’ 2025 Summer Intern, Kiersten Colmenares.
The second I stepped outside after work, the sun’s warmth bounced off the red and brown brick buildings, bringing the whole street to life…and yes, adding a little sweat too.
After a few weeks of working from home, I was finally at the office for my first in-person day of my internship in Frederick. Parking was only six dollars, cheaper than a cup of coffee back in D.C., so I decided to stick around and explore.
The Things You Don’t Notice on a Screen
Walking through the streets, I realized how much I missed the simple act of wandering a city. And yes, I live in D.C., a very walkable city, but waiting in line just to walk down the sidewalk isn’t always ideal. The little shops, the cafés, the buzz of people chatting, all felt like a scene from the Gilmore Girls.
One of my first stops was The Frederick Floral Bar. I have this habit of visiting a flower shop anytime I’m somewhere new, as it helps me connect to the place in a small way by seeing what’s in bloom.
While there, I learned about “First Saturdays,” a monthly event where locals come together to support small businesses and artists. This was news to me, and it made me realize how much community life I had been missing while staring at my laptop screen.
Real Conversations Happen Off-Screen
Then I met Deborah. She recently moved here from Charleston, South Carolina. She told me she drove north without a plan, stopping when it felt right. No friends or family here, just a fresh start. She asked where I was from, which immediately gave me away as I was trying to walk with local confidence, but clearly not quite blending in.
I told her I grew up in Charlotte, moved to D.C., and now come out here a few times for work. I tried explaining where the office was, but my directions only made things more confusing. We laughed about it, and she showed me a postcard her sister had painted. I bought it as collecting small pieces of local art is also another one of my travel traditions.
The Unexpected Joy of Discovery
A few blocks later, I stumbled on a fully vegan restaurant called Hippy Chick Hummus (I’ve been vegan for 7 years). It wasn’t something I was looking for, but it felt like a little secret discovery. House-made falafel and hummus, yum! It was the kind of surprise that makes exploring a city feel like an adventure again.
I also passed at least ten art galleries and studios without trying. Frederick is a place where art isn’t just displayed, it’s alive, created, and celebrated. It reminded me how much creativity shapes a community and makes a place feel like home.
The Reality Beyond the Screen
Working remotely means a lot of time on the laptop, inside documents, and video calls. Safari even suggests “PPR Strategies Google Drive” the moment I open my browser. But walking through the city where our work impacts real businesses and real people made me see it differently. After all, behind every file and email, there is a community that deserves to be celebrated.
What I Learned
Frederick wasn’t what I expected. It’s slower paced than D.C., but far from sleepy. It’s full of kindness, curiosity, and color. It’s charming without trying too hard. And it made me realize just what I’ve been missing working remotely. Sometimes, you have to get out from behind the screen to feel the pulse of the places you serve.
Before I sign off, if anyone has the best recommendations for First Saturdays, please drop me a line!
