I learn some things by accident when primarily staying in one world for awhile with a penniless and semi-homeless sim. Broke sims interact with the environment and townies more than a sim that is comfortably housed in a well furnished home.
The Glimmerbrook bar is a good place to watch TV events.
Oasis Springs park is good for lots of digging spots. There is also fishing and plants.
The Von Haunt Estate has a large garden that can be harvested at about 5:30 if you arrived before 5:00. Bring your yoga mat and do some yoga while you wait for the plants to produce.