Toasting Winter Walks

There’s a common saying in Scandinavia that translates to something like, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.”

When you’re living in the northernmost part of the world, I guess you have to make the best of it! When we traveled to Scandinavia in 2019, it was early spring. And, it was true… No matter the weather: cold – rain – snow – wind, the Scandinavians were outside.

There are many health benefits to be found in the outdoors – from vitamin D to exercise to mental health and even concentration!

Growing up in the Midwest, once December hit, everyone stayed indoors. It was “too cold” to go out. People would go to malls, theaters, and restaurants, as well as participate in indoor recreation. But, it would be crazy to go outside in the cold! You’d wind up catching a cold!! How many of you heard that lie growing up?

Now, during COVID-19, we’re all learning that the “great indoors” is the most dangerous. So, save yourself! Grab your mask, a scarf, and some gloves and get outside!

After visiting Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, I learned that proper attire can actually prepare you for any kind of weather! I’ve spent the past two years making sure my closet is filled with essentials for every type of day. And then, I’m not afraid to get out in it! In fact, sometimes brisk winter walks are the best for boosting my mood. I aim for about 45-minutes a day, if I can find the time!

Where to Go?

Library Way on 41st street is a stroll through beautiful words as you approach the New York Public Library on 5th Avenue and Bryant Park. I am consistently inspired by the wisdom and depth of what I find on this walk.

Where can you seek out wisdom?

We are blessed to have Central Park within walking distance. This is a weekly staple. There’s so much to explore in the park, and every season changes it’s vibe. The winter showcases the colorful red and blue birds, the icy blue waters, and the green winter grasses.

Almost every town has a park. And, they can be just as fun for adults as they are for children! When’s the last time you took a walk to the park?

I’m also a huge fan of scouting out art installations throughout New York City. The Prisms in the Garment District and the stained glass houses in the Meatpacking District are lighting up the cold nights with vivid colors! Moynihan Station has just opened with several different pieces of art from murals to paintings to sculptures to chandeliers and more! And, taking a stroll through Brooklyn will always provide fresh street art that is beautiful and poignant.

If you aren’t in New York, when was the last time you made outdoor art? Time to pull out the sidewalk chalk!

My mom still lives in Missouri. She has also become an avid walker/hiker year-round. She gets out into the thick of the woods to escape modern life and breathe the clean air. She sends me photos of her excursions. I’m so jealous of the Midwestern sunsets and wildlife! Isn’t the albino deer beautiful?

Every location has it’s beauty, if you choose to seek it out. Where do you live, and what’s beautiful about that location? When’s the last time you saw it?

Dress well – walk often – get outside!

Other NYC Ideas!

Check out our previous posts for other NYC neighborhoods to check-out!

• Long Island City, Queens
• North Fork, Long Island
• FiDi
• Red Hook
• Rockaway Beach
• Murray Hill and Midtown East
• Central Park
• Discover the Best NYC Landmark and Lookout – Just For You!
• Spookiest Spots in NYC
• Sleepy Hollow
• New York Botanical Garden
• Tea Tasting in Soho and LES
• Toasting Holiday Spirit in NYC!
• Merry Christmas from Midtown Manhattan
• New York City Zoos

More coming each week!

And…it’s 2021…So, here’s my reminder. 

Should I Come to New York in 2021?

If you are living outside the Northeast, the answer is still, sadly, no. For more on this, check out our other posts on 3 Months of New York City, Riding the Second Wave, Wandering and Wondering in NYC, and New York: Awakening from COVID-19 Slumber. Our numbers are sky-rocketing once again…The government is doing its best to make sure it stays below a certain percentage. Because, with so many people living in such a close proximity, pandemics are especially lethal here. 

***UPDATE*** Since November 4th, the mandatory 14-day quarantine has ended! New York has moved to a test-based travel restriction. You have to show a negative COVID-19 test result from the past 72 hours upon arrival, then, three days after arrival (and quarantine), you have to receive another test here. If it’s negative, you’re good to go. If it’s positive, you must continue to quarantine. So, this means shorter quarantines (yay!), but two tests… Stay home if you can…If you can’t, you’ve been warned!

Wait this one out…New York will still be here when the dust settles.

As always, don’t forget to Toast The Moon to all of your international travels by visiting our store, and make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and the ‘gram to catch all of our latest posts and adventures!

Stay in your region this year, stay safe, stay distant, and be like the NYC statues – wear your masks! We’ll see you on the other side.

Cheers,

Noah and Majhon