Around Boston: Harvard Square Oktoberfest

Last week I was searching online for something new to do on the long Columbus Day weekend. I came across Harvard Squares 36th Annual Oktoberfest! I have gone to school and lived in Boston for ten years and had never heard of this event. 

It takes place every Sunday on Columbus Day weekend in Harvard Square from 12-6PM. When I got onto the T at Park Street, I was so surprised how empty the T was. I thought that it would be packed, unable to move or breath. So in my head I was thinking "is this going to be lame?" But it was sooo much fun.

Once off the T at Harvard there were booths with different small companies selling food from all over the world, as well as gifts, crafts, and sidewalk sales from local businesses. While looking a large parade was going on with people in costumes, dancers and bands walking by. All of the vendors were spread all throughout the square, so it was everyone was able to move around comfortably. There were also five beer gardens. You showed your ID, walked in a gated area which was located on the street, paid $5 for a cup and were able to enjoy a brew outside! 

There was also an awesome Beer Hall at the Beat Hotel, located in Harvard Square. There wasn't a cover charge and included community tables, a German band playing old music and German beer. I had a great Oktoberfest celebration and can't wait to do it next year!

I was busy having fun so didn't take a lot of pictures. If you would like to see more information and mark the event on your 2015 calendar check out this website.

www.harvardsquare.com

This event came to me as a surprise. If you know any events around the area that you know of throughout the year let me know!

Travel/Brewery/Fitness: Smuttynose Rockfest Half-Marathon

After training all year I FINALLY travled an hour from Boston to Hampton Beach, New Hampshire this past weekend to participate in my first half-marathon!!

It was an amazing, exhausting experience, that I will definitely like to take part in again. Saturday was pick up day. We drove to the Smuttynose Brewery picked up bibs, a glass and t-shirts. We also were able to have a beer tasting. 

Here is the brewery address if you would like to visit:

105 Towle Farm Rd

Hampton, NH

The race started Sunday morning at 8AM, we arrived bright and early. There is a ton of parking for the beach during the summer so it wasn't hard to find a spot for the car. 

When lining up for the race there were five different waves and you line up depending on the pace you think you will be running per mile:

Wave 1: 8:19 minutes or faster

Wave 2: 8:20 minutes-8:59 minutes

Wave 3: 9:00 minutes-9:59 minutes

Wave 4: 10:00 minutes-10:59 minutes

Wave 5: 11:00 minutes and up

This is great because the people aren't running over each other. 

The course was so flat which made if much easier to run 13.1 miles. The first 4 miles were two loops around the Hampton Beach shops an restaurants, that are packed during beach season. After the two loops we ran north along Ocean Blvd where the waves were crashing against the cement walls and you were able to see surfers riding waves. It took my mind off the run! At mile 6 you turn off Ocean Blvd and run through a neighborhood with tree lined shady roads and families cheering you on. For the last 3 miles you are back on Ocean Blvd heading toward the food, music and finish line at the Sea Shell Pavilion.

At the end the runners celebrated their fabulous effort with some free clam chowder and a lobster roll. There was a band playing at the Sea Shell Pavillon and you could grab a Smuttynose beer and relax on the beach. 

I can't wait to run again next year! If you would like to look at the past years Hampton Beach Rockfest Half-Marathon or Marathon go to:

hamptonrockfest.com

Travel/Sports: Born to Lead: Jim Calhoun

Growing up in Connecticut and being a sporty girl, there weren't a lot of professional sports teams that people enjoy and talked about together. The Hartford Whalers left Connecticut, of course there was always the Red Sox, Yankees rivalry (which was always a headache for is Sox fans). However, even now if you drive through Connecticut neighborhoods you will see one thing in common, several UConn Husky flags hanging from houses, UConn bumper stickers and even grocery stores have UConn chips and salsa. UConn is what Connecticut has for sports. 

Last Thursday I had the privilege to attend the premiere of the documentary Born to Lead: Jim Calhoun at the Bushnell Theatre in Hartford, CT.  Former players, assistant coaches, new head coach Kevin Ollie, broadcasters, news anchors and UConn fans were in attendance. 

Produced and directed by L.C. Cragg and Chris Martens, this documentary showed the personal and professional life of legendary coach Jim Calhoun. The film takes you back to where Coach Calhoun grew up in Braintree, MA to when he won the National Championship with UConn. 

This documentary will be airing on CPTV in Connecticut on Thursday, November 6, 8PM.

You are also able to see it replayed on CPTV on:

Monday November 10, 9PM

Sunday November 16, 7PM

On CPTV Sports:

Wednesday November 12, 8PM

It maybe airing in other locations in the future. 

Also check out the Born to Lead online at

www.borntoleaddoc.com

Healthy Recipes: Apple Cinnamon Protein Balls

Before my early morning runs I always want to give my body a little boost of protein to hold it over until breakfast. All people are different but for me I feel sick while working out with a full stomach. So I always keep my freezer full of little baggies of protein balls and have one or two before I head out.

I decided to create a new autumn version of the pre-workout treat, Apple Cinnamon Protein Balls. 

Here is what you need:

1/2 cup of peanut butter

3 1/2 cup rolled oats 

* I use any oats that are on sale and you don't need to cook.

3/4 cup apple sauce

1/3 cup maple syrup

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp ginger

Mix all ingredients together. Roll into balls. Put into little bags and put in freezer. Enjoy!!

*If your mix is too wet, add more oats or put in fridge for a half hour. Then roll.into balls. If too dry add more peanut butter.

Beach: Salisbury Beach State Reservation

Every summer I always try to make a trip up to Salisbury Beach, which is about an hour north of Boston. It only costs $9 for the day. The part I enjoy the most is that since there is a long drive way before you enter the parking lot you don't hear any traffic just the sounds of the ocean. A peaceful way to spend your day reading or just relaxing. 

There are restrooms, changing rooms, a playground for children, and picnic areas. One thing you will want to do is make sure that you pack your own food. Since there is no where close to walk to. 

There is a beautiful boardwalk that leads you to the beach or a lookout deck. 

The beach is open all year. The summer hours Memorial Day thru Labor Day are 8AM-10PM. If you would like more information go to: www.salisbury-beach.org

Fitness: Motivation

I am training for my first half marathon and everyday (especially on long runs) I need a way to keep me motivated. So every night I find a new quote to write in my fitness journal and every morning when I wake up I see it and know that I am able to push myself to my goal. Here are some of the quotes I have found that pump me up. Hopefully they can do the same for you. 

Travel: Land of Nod Vineyard & Winery

A couple weeks ago there was beautiful weather, my family and I decided to go try out a winery that we have never visit before. We headed out to the Berkshires of Connecticut to Land of Nod Vineyard & Winery. 

The Land of Nod is on a rural country road that reminded me of traveling through Ireland. When you arrive you pull up to a small barn next to a historical 1700's home. Outside of the barn you are able to enjoy wine and snacks (You have to bring your own snacks. We picked up a sub and some chips.) on the outdoor deck.

Inside we were able to taste fout different wines Bianca, Ironmaster Reserve, Raspberry Wine and Chocolate Raspberry Dessert Wine. They all were great, especially the dessert wine which I would definitely buy for a holiday. The wine tasted fresh and was a great tripe for the end of the summer.

If you would like to check it out here is the address:

Land of Nod Vineyard & Winery

99 Lower Rd

East Canaan, CT 

(860) 824-5225