Running is a great way to see a city. Traveling also makes running more fun because you get to see new things. Below are my top favorite travel runs here in the States:
1. Central Park, New York, NY
I ran a little bit before moving to NYC, but I didn’t get into running until I lived here and ran in Central Park. I would argue this is one of the best running locations in the world. Everyone from beginners to world-class runners run here. You have a variety of terrains, scenery, and can run any distance. I love running Central Park and cannot wait for my next opportunity to do it again!
2. National Mall, Washington, DC
Running on the Mall never gets old. In the morning it is quiet; vendors are setting up their goods or carts. By the end of the run, tourists from across the country and around the world are coming out to see our National Capitol. I find this the most motivational city – there is something about the energy of where our government (tries) to do work and the history that has happened here.
3. Lady Bird Park, Colorado River, Austin, TX
I ran here with my brother. The path was full and the other runners and walkers provided great motivation. We were able to run 7 miles and could have gone further. Afterward, we rented paddleboards and hung out on the river – made for a great Saturday!
4. Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
You have a chance to run through one of the birthplaces of our country and be surrounded by where some of our country’s best minds were educated. The Charles River provides views of Boston and crew teams. Lots to see and to watch.
5. The Battery, Charleston, SC
Southern Charm, large trees, views of Fort Sumter – Charleston is my favorite city for a reason and a great one for running! Not only are the views fantastic, but after a good run, you can eat all of the delicious food in the city without feeling guilty.
6. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL (haven’t actually run this one, but I REALLY want to)
Having lived in the Chicago suburbs, there is something special about Chicago and the beauty of Lakeshore Dr. I love going down here to see the skyline and the blue of Lake Michigan. Now that I’m into running, running here and through Grant and Millennium Parks will be a MUST.
Rosy Wanderings! (and happy running!)
Our first planned stop was to visit Mt. Rushmore and see a buffalo. For my SD experience, I really wanted to see both of these things. I truly believe in my travel philosophy; you have to have a plan when you travel. You have to know what you want to accomplish, but you cannot be too strict. You’ll never know what could come up! Case in point, as we were driving from the airport, we saw a sign for “Red Ass Wine.” I mean, a winery in South Dakota! 1. Who would have thought and 2. how can you say no?!
We saw 
buffalo and order rhubarb pie from 
Next stop was to check into the historic Bullock Hotel in Deadwood. What a cool place to stay! Gambling is legal (brothels didn’t close until the 1980s), so there is a small casino downstairs. We were exhausted after such a long day, so it was time to find some food. Based on Yelp ratings, we went to dinner at a close hotel. Let’s just put it this way, you can’t expect much from a culinary perspective in Deadwood. After that, we decided to call it a night. We had an early morning for our Badlands road trip in the morning and prayed we wouldn’t be woken by a ghost…
There is nothing more iconic of fall to me than apple picking. I may have gone as a kid, but this was the first time that I remember…and it was awesome! It is such a relaxing activity where you can literally enjoy the fruits of your labors. We had a great time, got a TON of apples, and went home to cook dinner.
From my start in Kansas City to Omaha and Abilene, I finished my trip in Oklahoma City. I didn’t do much research for this stop at all. Several people that I met on my journeys mentioned that the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial was one of the best executed memorials, so that was on the agenda, but not much else. My brother drove up from his home in Austin to meet me, so at the least, I would get to see him. I figured it was a big city, there should be something to do. I was pleasantly surprised.
I had never seen one in real life, and it made me excited! There were many of these throughout the rest of my drive into Oklahoma, and I continued to see them on my other trips out West. I didn’t even think to research the rise of oil and oil tycoons. One sign mentioned there were mansions for oil tycoons that you could visit as historical sites. That has done so much to affect their economy and culture, I bet it would have been really cool to see.
OKC has done a lot of revitalization efforts over the past few decades. One of my favorite podcasts is Travel with Rick Steves, and I heard an 
What a remarkable way to grow up – in the heart of America and a small town. He was able to play outside and meet friends, but joined the Army to get out and serve his country. Eisenhower was proud of our country and what it stands for. In my opinion, he was a great president who led America during a time of prosperity. Many presidents who do not serve during crisis are forgotten. We know Eisenhower the President of the United States and accomplished general, but this house knows Eisenhower the person. What a neat way to see someone’s background and understand where they came from. You can’t understand a person until you see this.
Abilene itself didn’t have a lot to offer. There weren’t any unique, local restaurants, so after my tour and visiting the library, I headed off for Oklahoma. I know this doesn’t sound like the most exciting trip for a lot of people, but it was for me. I truly enjoyed this stop and visit in Kansas, but that is what rosy wandering is. Appreciating something for what it is and seeing the uniqueness in the opportunity.
