I wanted to do a circuit workout at the gym today.
I wanted to get my heart rate pumpin’ to the tune of mountain climbers, plank holds and pushups, but the scrapes, scabs and bruises on my elbow and knee from Friday’s bike accident ruled out that possibility.
Instead I brought back a treadmill interval incline workout!
I forgot how hard interval treadmill workouts are… especially when you throw inclines in the mix. The speeds and inclines on this workout weren’t particularly crazy, but I was super sweaty at the end.
I completed the treadmill workout after a light 20-minute warm up on the elliptical and 10 minutes on the stair master.
Breakfast
I changed up breakfast a bit today!
Okay, that’s a blatant lie, but I did swap the muenster cheese on my egg, cheese and jelly sandwich for sharp cheddar.
Things are getting craaazy up in here!
A sliced apple was served on the side for some added sweetness and fiber.
City Dreamin’
On Tuesday’s hike with Ryan and Sadie, Ryan and I began talking about our desire to go on some kind of a vacation in 2012.
Longtime blog readers may remember when our initial honeymoon plans to St. Lucia were canceled 48 hours before we were supposed to leave because of a hurricane.
We ended up going on a “Tour de Florida” which was really fun, but we promised ourselves that we would make it to St. Lucia for our one-year wedding anniversary.
Well, that obviously didn’t happen.
With our unanticipated move to Ocala and Ryan beginning a new job, taking a week off work didn’t seem like a good idea, so our St. Lucia plans have been postponed. We’re now thinking St. Lucia might make a good five-year anniversary trip.
Anyway, we are hoping to take some sort of a vacation together in 2012. When we began talking about what we were looking for, we both agreed we want an active vacation with lots to see and explore.
The more we talked, the more we realized that a city vacation is what we’re looking for at the moment. New York City? Barcelona? San Francisco? Washington D.C.?
We obviously have no particular city in mind and haven’t started to research places yet, so I figured I would look to you guys for guidance since you always provide the best recommendations when it comes to travel.
So, I ask you…
Question of the Morning
- What is the most memorable city you’ve visited and what made it so special?
Laura @ Unchartered 20s says
I’m a bit biased to NYC since I live here. You can’t go wrong here with all the stuff to do! My husband and I went to DC over the summer and that was fun too. Perhaps you could do a NY/DC trip. Its a 4 hour drive, 3 hour train ride…. hour flight 🙂 lol
I really love San Francisco too. Renting bikes and going over the Golden Gate bridge into Sausalito was amazing! (Plus I sang the Full House theme the entire week ;)ahh ahh ahh ahh…
Laura @ First Class Great Outdoors says
I traveled to both San Francisco and Washington, DC this year, and I loved both! San Francisco seemed more “adventuresome” to me, especially with the proximity of nature (ex. Muir Woods, Point Reyes National Seashore).
DC was great for the history of it all. I think it’s one of those places everyone should visit at least once, and I wish my husband and I had more time there to actually tour the Capitol and White House.
Nadine says
Another person said it, but consider where you’ll be in 3-5 years . . . if that’s starting a family than go to ‘Europe NOW. Flights might be expensive, so stay there as long as you can. And the euro is pretty good against the $ right now. Considering how many students backpack across Europe you will definitely be able to find places within whatever budget you choose and enough food, sites, activities to excite you. The only thing you have to consider is that while many people speak English, it is not an English speaking country and you may become frustrated if you expect everyone to understand you. If you speak the language though, that’ll be a HUGE help! And if you rent a car, make sure one of you knows how to drive stick. Enjoy and can’t wait to hear your decision. It’ll be fantastic no matter where.
Khushboo says
I absolutely loved Montreal! I found it to be a medium between Europe and the US! I went in February so it was quite cool but I hear the weather is gorgeous May onwards!
Amy says
Maui was by far the most amazing active and beautiful place I have been. Words do not describe the beauty of Maui and there are so many active pursuits as well. Hiking up to a waterfall through a bamboo forest. Need I say more?
Erika says
I’m originally from NYC (now residing in FL) but I have to say my heart belongs to London. The history, shopping, and activities are endless. I mean where else can you buy a side of beef and a designer purse? Only at Harrod’s! While Paris is spectacular, the language barrier and general “isms” of the people and city can take away from the experience.
London is great because you can experience so much without the language barrier and it is very similar to the states in a variety of ways while being unique in many others. Now the country side especially Stonehenge is incredible!!! If I could go back today or any day I would. Since you like to frequent Starbucks, I think you would get a kick out of visiting a pub or experience high tea. Just food for thought.
Good luck!
Amanda says
Boise, Idaho! My aunt lived there for a while and it’s so beautiful! Such an active lifestyle town, great green ways for biking, trails along the mountain for biking, running or walking and plus the campus (Boise State) is awesome! I highly recommend it!
Natalie @ southern fit foodie says
Wow – all amazing cities… I’m sure y’all will have fun wherever you choose!
I truly hope you go to St. Lucia for your 5 year anniversary! Daniel and I went on our honeymoon (even though it was hurricane season), and we absolutely LOVED it. We were planning on going back for our 5 year (which would be Oct 2012), but some other travel plans may push it back a year. Eventually we will get back there! 🙂
Fiona @ Well-Fed Redhead says
I live in NYC and you should definitely consider it! I may be biased but I don’t think there’s any other American city with the same kind of energy. If you’ve never been, definitely come check it out!
Hilliary @Happily Ever Healthy says
Barcelona would be beautiful, I also love New York City!
My boyfriend and I have 2 short vacations planned in 2012 thanks to some weddings! Napa, and New Orleans!
Becca B says
I just got back from spending 9 days in San Francisco for “work” and it was amazing! Fresh seafood, amazing scenery, lots to do. I biked the Golden Gate bridge, through Sausalito, over to Tiburon, and rode a ferry back. It was so much fun. Also, the food there was amazing and there was an awesome farmer’s market at the ferry building on the bay. It was a really great trip!
Jess (Will Run for Cheeseburgers) says
Barcelona was an amazing city … I loved every minute of it.
London was a lot of fun last month. We definitely did a lot of:
a) walking
b) exploring
c) sightseeing
Plus it’s not too far of a flight (I think they do directs from Tampa) and definitely doable in 4 days.
Kasey says
If you are looking for an active vacation, I would definitely suggest San Diego! My boyfriend and I went a couple of years ago for 5 days and loved it. We did surfing lessons (holy workout, my arms were sore for days!), walked the super hilly zoo and visited Blacks Beach which required a serious hike down to the beach and back up.
If you are looking for true city, New York is a must!
Enjoy, the planning is half the fun! ; )
joelle (on a pink typewriter) says
Personally, my favorite cities = NYC (love, love, loooove – i lived there and wish I hadn’t left sometimes!!) and San Fran (and wine country, though that isn’t city-ish..) – I want to live THERE too eventually! But I live in D.C. now so if you want to visit I’ll point you to some yummy restaurants if you want. 🙂
Kate says
Those all sound great, but Boston is a lot of fun too! A little more low key but still plenty to see. New Orleans is a blast and the Mardi Gras marathon/half marathon is in the beginning of March this year! Everyone dresses up and it is quite the event.
Sarah says
Barcelona! I went there my senior year of high school with my mom and it was the best experience. So beautiful and soo much to do! I vote for Spain!
Jessica @Hermoves says
NYC at Christmas time. My boyfriend took me to dinner at Il Giglio and then to see Chris Botti at the Blue Note. I followed Chris’ tour manager on twitter and tweeted that I saw him there…he moved us to front and center seats. Best night of my life!
Kelly says
I love how you snuck Barcelona in there amongst all the other American cities. If Europe is a possibility I’d say Paris or Florence (I’ve been to both and would go back in a heartbeat – very walkable and beautiful cities). If you are planning on staying in the US I’d say San Fran! I’ve never been but that is high on my list of places to see!!
Sherri says
I live near D.C. and it’s a cool city because there’s so much to do you probably can’t do everything you want in the time you’ll have..unless you’re here like a month and that will only give you time to find more things you want to do. Plus, you can day trip to Baltimore and check out another city that’s cool but with a totally different vibe than D.C.
But my absolute favorite city trip was San Francisco. I went a few months ago for my 30th birthday with some of my girlfriends. I’m already wanting to go back. I spent just under a week there and only wish I had more time to check out some of the cool little “less known” places and to spend more time in Napa. We went to Napa for a day trip and I’m itching to get back there for a few days. San Francisco is super tourist friendly and it just has the coolest vibe ever.
Another favorite city? San Antonio. It was my favorite US city until I went to San Francisco. I’ve been there multiple times and never tire of it.
Sylvia says
Rome! There’s SO much to do and see. You’ll be walking everywhere unless you rent a scooter (also super fun). Rome also has a great restaraunt and night scene. There is also plenty of hiking opportunities just outside the city. Hands down one of my favorite cities to visit!
Catherine says
come to dirty jerz and sight see snooki LOL just kidding
Michelle says
I am visiting NYC right now for New Years and I love being here. You could probably stay for weeks and never see it all and do everything. I live in Atlanta so I also love the real winter here.
Traci says
I was recently on a work trip to San Diego and fell in love! There are miles and miles of amazing restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter, Coronado Island, the USS Midway, Balboa Park, and the beaches of course! I loved it and would go back in a heartbeat. I’ve heard San Francisco is a great city to explore as well. I live 30 minutes from NYC and if you’re looking for a lot of tours and culture, definitely check it out. DC, as you mentioned, is also great for that.
Kelly says
London!!!
Cat says
I’ve always wanted to go to New Orleans, and I’ll be visiting San Francisco for the first time in February! My favorite “city” would have to be Banff in the Canadian Rockies. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world!
Michelle says
Got to be New York….I have to go back! It’s been five years. Second would be Vancouver (went to Barcelona during the summer and I wasn’t a fan!)
Kerry @ Half Healthy, Half Nuts says
Washington DC is one of my all time favorite vacation destinations from when I was a kid. All of the museums and monuments and history are just so much fun. We are actually toying with doing that this year, with a stop in Colonial Willamsburg (I know, crazy fun, right?) on the way up. Other awesome places – Southern California, San Fran (then you can do all of the fun Northern CA stuff like Muir Woods and wine country), Chicago (all time favorite city). Ooh, I wanna go on vacation now!
Katie @ Peace Love and Oats says
I’m actually not so big on cities, I much prefer visiting small towns and places with great hiking or other fun things. I highly recommend Colorado! If you go in the summer there’s rock climbing, white water rafting and hiking! Denver is also a very fun city with great restaurants and lots of sports teams
Anna says
I recently studied abroad in London and we went on a weekend trip to Interlaken, Switzerland over Thanksgiving. It is the most beautiful city I have ever been to. We skydived over the swiss alps, went hiking up a mountain with the most incredible view of the city (the city is between two lakes), and even rented a “fun car” and drove around the city. We made the trip adventerous which is what made it so memorable and fun.
Mischa says
what about detroit?? hehe
Jessica Corbin says
Well, it was not really a city, more like a cruise! In 2008, (wow its been a long time) we did the Western Caribbean Cruise and it was AMAZING! I think Cozumel, Mexico was my favorite because that is where I first snorkeled so it was just wonderful. Jamaica was so beautiful and fun as well!!!!
Kristen says
San Francisco and Napa Valley! San Fran has everything you’d ever want and it’s very walkable (a workout, even, with all those crazy hills!). You can easily spend a few days there, then rent a car and drive to Napa for a few days. I went about two years ago and L.O.V.E.D. it! I’m kind of a travel snob (I generally turn my nose up at domestic travel. Silly, but true!) but this trip had me thinking twice!!
Lauren says
I’m surprised no one has suggested Charleston, SC. Definitely one of my favorite cities on the east coast. Charleston is so uniquely quaint and full of history, not to mention amazing restaurants! Its a very walkable city with so much to see and do. Exploring the 19th century homes, going on walking ghost tours, going to the old city market, and Folly Beach are some of my favorite things to do there. Since yall live in Ocala it would probably be easy to make Charleston a long weekend trip.
Ive also been to NYC before and I have to agree with everyone who suggested it, if you havent been before then you definitely need to check it out. Its so vibrant and full of life with countless things to explore and do. I would definitely try and go for 5-7 days if you can so you can really get a true feel for the city and see all you can.
If youre thinking about going the European route I would definitely have to suggest southern Europe. Venice is my favorite European city, its so romantic and unique. Other places in Italy I would suggest going to are Florence, Rome, and the Amalfi Coast (absolutely breathtaking). I went on a cruise throughout Greece and it was a faboulous and pretty inexpensive way to see all of the Greek Isles. If you really want a culture shock I would also suggest going to Istanbul, Turkey (my second favorite European city). The mosques in Istanbul are so gorgeous!
Im sure whatever you and Ryan decide to do will be great and I cant wait to read all about it!
peanutbutterfingers says
we’ve talked about going to charleston for YEARS!! we definitely need to plan a trip!
Nicole P says
yes you do! Charleston is my favorite place in the world- it has my heart.
Rebecca @ Miss Magnolia Muches & Moves says
San Francisco. It was the landscape. So beautiful!
Christina says
New York City is one of my favorite cities in the US. One of my sorority sisters moved up there after we graduated and I have been up there multiple times to visit her. I’ve been there 3 times in the past three years, and I still feel like I haven’t seen everything! Also, everyone tells you an NYC vacation is so expensive, but there are ways to save money! A lot of the museums have free or reduced admission on certain days, public transportation is much cheaper than taxis (and more entertaining), Central Park is my favorite attraction and it is 100% FREE and we used groupon deals to make our restaurant eating cheaper. My vote would be New York, plus DC is only a short train ride away and would be easy to make a day drip out of!
Rachel says
I LOVE D.C.!!!! I went when I was younger with my family and have been dying to go back! I also agree with Lauren about Charleston, it is one of my favorite places to visit and always get so sad when we have to leave. Another favorite is New Orleans, but I live in Texas so it is an easy weekend trip for us. I have been dying to visit some places in Canada, I hear it is beautiful this time of year. Can’t wait to hear what y’all decide!
Hope says
One of my favorite cities is Boston! I think it’s so beautiful especially in the fall or winter. There is nothing like clam chowder in a bread bowl. Yum 🙂
Catherine says
We went to NYC for our 1 year anniversary and then to Napa Valley for our 2nd anniversary. Napa was amazing! I would LOVE to share my itinerary with you! We had the most incredible trip on a budget (people are shocked how little we spent and how many amazing things we did). We were able to stay in the heart of the town you want to be in, eat at the top restaurants, and have a driver… we learned all the secrets before we went out there. Can you tell I am proud of the planning I did for that trip? 😉
Rachel says
Consider me biased because I live in NYC but I think it’s such an incredible city for a couple to visit. It’s the perfect mix of fun and romantic. Whatever vibe/mood you’re looking for you can find it here. If you go in the spring time it’s truly amazing. The city really comes alive in May/June after the cold winter months. I can’t even begin to list all of the awesome things I’d suggest!! 🙂
Jessica says
I went to San Francisco this past summer with some girlfriends and it was AMAZING! We had the best time exploring-Alcatraz, Fishermans Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, and all the different neighborhoods which each have their own culture. The food was amazing-especially the seafood and the Ghirardelli Square! My favorite part of the trip was our wine tour in Sonoma Valley. They will pick you up right at your hotel and you are in the heart of wine country in no time!
If you go to New York you have to stop by Peanut Butter & Co. and Max Brenner! I went a couple weeks ago and both had really scrumptious desserts 🙂
Jenna says
Julie-I love your blog!!! I read all the time. 🙂 I would say DC is amazing! There are so many things to do (cool restaurants/bars, historical places, etc.) We visited friends last summer and we definitely needed them to help us navigate around the city! They knew the hot spots. California is just gorgeous!! So much to do and so many places to see and explore. San Diego was my favorite along with Laguna Beach! Very neat local town. Good luck choosing!!
peanutbutterfingers says
thanks, jenna! 😀 i think san diego would be a blast, too!
Bianca @A Healthy Gourmet Lifestyle says
My favorite vacation was one my parents and I took when I was 13. We went to Washington D.C. but made side trips via rental car to Baltimore, Philadelphia, Mt. Vernon, Jamestown, Gettysburg, etc. etc. My mom and I were so mad at my dad because he wouldn’t let us drive up to New York City. When we got home my mom and I looked at the map and we had been 80 miles away from NYC and about the same distance from Boston (where I was begging my parents to go)! I would go to D.C. because you are already so close to everything up there, it doesn’t take long to take a side trip to NYC if you wanted to.
Lynne says
So many good responses here but just thought I would throw my hat in the ring as a Scot who has travelled a lot in both the US and Europe. If you stay in the US my choice would be San Fran – great city with loads to do and see in the surrounding area. In continental Europe definitely Barcelona – it is amazing! But of course my top vote goes to Edinburgh which is one of the most vibrant cities in the world – and Scotland is so small you can do city, beach and hills all in the same day! And you can come stay with us if you like! 🙂
peanutbutterfingers says
LOVE all these recommendations for scotland! definitely looking into it. thanks, lynne!
Hillary says
DC really is fantastic, especially if you’ve never been. There is so much to do and see, and most of it is free! Plus, you’re only a stone’s throw from Baltimore, which is another great city to explore (yes, I’m biased because I live there, but I swear it’s great!)
Courtney says
I went to college in DC and go back pretty often, and I would definitely recommend it. It’s such an amazing city with so much to do, and so much of it is FREE!! There are great bike trails, museums, cultural exhibits, restaurants, plus it’s an easy city to navigate by foot or public transit.
That said, the most memorable city I’ve been to is London, hands-down. It just has an aura around it that can’t be beat. The history and charm are amazing, plus it has everything a city could possibly offer. And the outskirts have some amazing sites to visit as well (think Stonehenge, etc.). You can take a ton of great day trips, but the city itself offers so much to do, too. And maybe you’ll spot some of the royals!!
Vanessa says
Perhaps as I Canadian I am biased, but Vancouver BC is AMAZING! This is one of the most active cities in Canada, and has the most stunning views on top of it! I have been there 5 times in the past 4 years and would return in a heartbeat! Lots of mountains to climb (Grouse Grind and the Chief are my fav’s!) kayaking, running rollerblading or simply walking on the sea wall. There is SO MUCH to do in this beautiful city!
peanutbutterfingers says
i went to whistler years ago w/ my family and thought canada was incredibly gorgeous!
Krista says
If you crave the city…. I say New York! There are mounds of things you can do there – Broadway shows, walks in the park, shopping, or just cozying up in the hotel for an evening is fun when you have the city bustling in the background – it’s exciting to look out your window and see so much happening!
But you should also consider Seattle! It’s very different from Boston or New York…but you definitely gotta get to VooDoo Doughnut…it throws you off at first but their doughnuts are delicious!!
Margaret says
If you really want to go out there Cape Town, South Africa is my favorite place in the world. It’s beyond amazing!
Erin B says
Boston! We just moved here and it’s a super fun city for a long weekend (3-4 days). There are even running tours of the city that you guys would love. You hire a guide, tell them your pace and distance, and they becoming your running buddy / city tour guide. Here is a list of things to do on TripAdvisor –> http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g60745-Activities-Boston_Massachusetts.html. Wait until spring to come here though…otherwise it may be a bit chilly 🙂 Happy planning!
Gillian says
barcelona is AMAZING. i spent a few days just wandering around a couple months ago and there is so much to do there!
on the other hand, san francisco was so awesome i ended up moving here. its the best city for food, walking and sightseeing i think.