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In and around Hoo-ville

Finally gearing up to explore my city

For those who didn’t keep up with me last semester, in my column each week I would make a positive adjustment to my diet or routine, track its manageability and take note of the effects it had on my body. I was inspired by my roommates and their chia seeds, hemp milk, raw bean sprouts and cold-pressed juices, and I treated my body like an experiment — testing out different means of self-care and wellness. I did it all — exercise, vegetables, sleep, reading and meditation — to see which adjustments made the biggest difference in how I felt. I spent a lot of time thinking about my choices in conjunction with my well-being, and constructing a lifestyle that I could weave into my chaotic life at U.Va.

Now, one year later, I am proud to say that for breakfast on Friday, I had a smoothie with almond milk, plain yogurt, flaxseed, chia seeds, agave, a mix of frozen fruit, spinach and protein powder. It’s like I’m a completely different person! I eat more salads, raw vegetables, cook with less salt and butter, work out with more focus and live more consciously.

Despite the positive impact healthy experimentation had on me, this kind of living isn’t really my forte. Yes, setting goals was great and super effective — for a week. But once summer hit and I was left to my own devices, doughnuts and staying up late and Bodo’s and television overtook my willpower, and I was left with the same feelings of self-defeat that had been so pervasive one year ago. Recognizing the downward spiral about to take place, I traded rigidness for a summer of a holistic philosophy of self-care.

So now, at the start of third year, here we are. I’m ready to move on from tracking individual effects and focusing instead on my eating and exercise patterns at large, but I still want to better myself and my life as much as I can. What could I do that would make me happier, healthier and more fulfilled all at once?

Then, it hit me.

I was born and bred in Atlanta, Ga. — the home of Coca-Cola, Peachtree St. (and its 70 variations) and the world’s largest drive-in restaurant (hit up The Varsity if you’re ever in town!). While I certainly think Atlanta is a great place to live and grow up, I was blown away by Charlottesville and all it has to offer. There’s hiking, eating, shopping, eating, exploring and eating — as a ripe first year, I was so incredibly pumped to have this place at my disposal.

But with first year came one Humpback hike. So when I arrived to Grounds for my second year, I knew I would take advantage of Charlottesville in a new way.

Nope, I just went to Carter Mountain for apple picking.

I’m not knocking apple-picking or a Humpback hike — if you haven’t done either, they’re definitely worth your time. But there has to be more to Charlottesville, and I think it’s time I started exploring.

Each week, I’ll be adventuring to a different corner of Charlottesville. Some you’ve probably heard of — like Old Rag or Skyline Drive. Some might be a little more obscure — like a hole-in-the-wall restaurant or a Shenandoah hiking trail. I’ll consult locals, students and professors on what they recommend, what they love, what they think is worth my time and then share my experience with you.

By the end of this year, I want to feel like Charlottesville is my city and that I’ve made the most of my time here. For week one, I’m starting off easy with a trip to the Charlottesville City Market on the Downtown Mall. Maybe I’ll see you there!

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