“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”

A little inspiration from a traveling Hart(man).

The mid-twenties can be a challenging time of life. Many of us feel lost, stuck in a routine. Stuck in a job. Stuck in a major. Stuck in a relationship. Why are we stuck? Because we are comfortable. Comfortable is better than taking risks, right? Wrong. Sure, comfortability is an important factor in our lives. We want to feel secure and comfortable with who we are, what we are doing, and who we spend our time with. But this “security” should not be at the expense of our values, desires and greater PURPOSE.

So, if you are feeling like you are going down a path because it is what’s “expected” or “typical” or “comfortable,” get off that path. You don’t have to go far. Just take a step in a new direction and see what it feels like. If you don’t like that step, take a step another direction. Keep stepping down your OWN path, until you have made your own trail, road, highway! You never know where the path will lead you, you don’t have to know! But if it is being led by your heart, rather than fear of change or others expectations, you can guarantee it will lead you somewhere amazing, somewhere you belong, somewhere you feel free, somewhere where you discover your TRUE self.

Take a step, take a drive, take a flight.

Follow YOUR journey. Pave YOUR path.

~Brooke Hartman

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In Honor and Remembrance: Eleven “Must See” Spots for a First-Timer in NYC

By: Zain Hartman

Today, we honor and remember those fallen in the horrible tragedy that shook our country and the world on September 11, 2001. 15 years later, I am grateful to have experienced New York City first-hand and felt the inspiration it fosters for everyone who has visited.

So, for my first post, I thought it would only be appropriate to share the trip that cultivated my passion for travel, exploring the world, and embracing culture- New York City. For a guy raised in “a town no one has heard of,” MO, it was a life changing experience.

With everything in such close proximity on the East Coast (now that we live in Richmond, VA), we decided to drive to the Big Apple. You might ask yourself, “what are these kids from the Midwest doing driving into NYC?” We felt the same from the second we entered Manhattan, weaving through traffic and across the non-existent lanes while trying to admire the soaring sky scrapers and stay on-route. Feeling overwhelmed was an understatement, although honking was quite fun.

This city was humbling and inspirational. While walking past Trump Tower I remember turning to Brooke and saying, “I want to own a building here someday.” Looking back, I realize that I may have been aggressively ambitious, but I was driven by this city like nowhere I had ever gone. I was left with a newfound desire to explore the world, find my purpose, and fulfill my dreams.

Eleven “Must See” Spots

If you are going to tackle a large city like New York, be sure to have a plan. Not only will it help you see more during your visit, you will not be as overwhelmed. In Honor of 9/11, here are 11 “Must See” spots for a first timer in The Big Apple!

1. One World Trade Center and 9/11 Memorial

At 1,776 feet, the One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and overlooks the reflecting pools and museum of the 9/11 memorial. After the collapse of the Twin Towers, the One World Trade Center was resurrected in honor of those fallen and has become a staple monument showcasing America’s fortitude and perseverance.

The two reflecting pools that mark where the twin towers stood is nothing short of majestic. The memorial is inscribed with the names of each person who lost their life on 9/11. This is a truly humbling experience and covers a much larger area than any picture or video can show.

2. Times Square

Times Square is a must see in New York, but don’t spend too long here. Once you have eaten a Dirty Water Dog on the bleachers (of course while people watching and enjoying the street performers), taken a selfie, and walked past the controversial painted naked ladies, you have experienced Times Square.

3. Central Park

Block off a full morning for Central Park. Its 843 acres looks manageable from atop the Rockefeller, but walking the entire park in no small feat! It is a great way to start your day in the city. You will come across marathon runners, baseball players, picnickers, and horse carriages, just to name a few. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy your time! There are plenty of benches to rest on the long hike and take in the amazing scenery.

4. Rockefeller Center (Top of The Rock)

You can’t go to NYC without scaling the Rockefeller and visiting the Top of The Rock. It has the best views in town, overlooking Central Park, the Empire State Building and the skyline of Manhattan.

5.  Empire State Building Observation Deck

If you can also make it to the top of the Empire State Building, do it. We recommend the Top of The Rock at day time and the Empire State Observation Deck at night for the downtown lights, but if you can only do one, make it the Rock.

6. The View (Marriot Marquis)

If you want to grab a drink after dinner, The View at the top of The Marriot Marquis (in Times Square) is the place to be. This restaurant turns a complete 360 degrees every hour! If you are traveling on a budget, just go for drinks, because with the amazing view comes a highly ranked (and expensive) menu! So grab dinner at Club A Steakhouse beforehand- one of New York’s top steakhouses at an affordable price (and an awesome place to enjoy a birthday dinner!).

7. SoHo and West Village

A great way to wind down the afternoon is to stroll through the quaint streets (and shopping) of SoHo and then make your way to Magnolia Bakery in West Village. There are plenty of piers nearby to eat your pastry and watch the sun set over the Hudson.

8. Staten Island Ferry (Statue of Liberty)

An inexpensive way to see the Statue of Liberty and downtown Manhattan skyline is to take the free ferry to Staten Island. Unfortunately, it does not stop on Ellis Island, so be sure to book a tour if you want to see that specifically!

9. Financial District (Wall Street)

My personal favorite area of Manhattan is the Financial District. The city transforms from towering steel and glass sky-rises to commanding marble and stone buildings. If you get inspired by flocks of professionals in suits like I do, kick back near the cobblestone streets and enjoy the chic fashion of Wall Street.

10. Little Italy and China Town

You cannot go wrong with your pick of restaurants in Little Italy! We chose Il Cortile because of the hilarious host and the accordion playing on the street beside us. Be sure to stroll through China Town, as well!

11. Broadway!

And finally, for the true New York experience, you must see a Broadway show! Even a small-town guy like myself (who never dreamed Broadway was a form of entertainment I would enjoy) was BLOWN AWAY! If this is something on your bucket-list and you are traveling on a budget, be sure to enter the lottery for a chance to win free tickets to a show! Another way is to catch a matinee (afternoon show), which sometimes offers cheaper rates!

That wraps up my 11 picks for your first time in the city!

I am thankful for my experiences in this amazing city and how it cultivated my passion for exploring the world. In a day of remembrance of the tragic event, 9/11, I feel blessed to be able to share my memories of The City That Never Sleeps and Never Forgets.

~Zain Hartman

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Spend a day in RVA!

Yes, this is a travel blog… well and a love story. 😉 So, you are probably wondering why I am writing about the town where we live?! Mostly because it is that awesome. But also because this is where our story starts. Only 4 months into our relationship we made the “big” move from our home state, Missouri, to Richmond, VA. So Richmond is really the beginning of us, our adventures, and our travels together! We love so much about it, there’s no way to highlight all of it in one post.

So here’s our Top Seven of “Richmond Awesomeness” to show you where/what to explore if you have a day in RVA!

1. Flood Wall Walk and Canal Walk (Downtown Richmond)

Let’s start downtown. The city provides many trails with a full skyline view and several run along the raging James River! Yes, there’s raging rapids to kayak right in downtown, totally awesome! The picture below is from a fall afternoon stroll on the Flood Wall Walk just south of the city. Some other great walks are the Canal Walk and the walk over to Belle Isle across the suspension bridge (if you’re afraid of heights you might want to take a pass on this one)!

2. James River Trails (and kayaking the river itself, of course!)

If you want to hit a trail outside the city, check out the expansive James River Park trails and hit one of our favorites, Pony Pasture. As you can see, it’s a favorite of our pups too!

3. Church Hill (East End)

Traveling east from downtown, you can drive through the quaint neighborhood called Church Hill. A good destination in the area is Libby Hill Park. We recommend going at dusk and watching the sunset over the city.

But it’s gorgeous no matter what season or time of day.

4. State Capitol (also Downtown)!

As we head back west, you must stop and see the State Capitol and governmental buildings (there are lots here!). Being the law student, I of course had to check them all out!

5. Carytown and The “Fan”

As you continue west, make sure to drive through the Fan and Carytown, an area of shops and restaurants that cannot be beat. But also make a stop at the Maymont Mansions and explore the gardens. It is one of the very first places we explored in RVA and it is still a favorite!

6. University of Richmond (West End)

No matter what season, you can count on having something to do and to see. As you keep going west, stop at the University of Richmond and check out our jaw dropping campus. It has its own lake and ducks, what could be better?!

While near campus, you might even catch me and my study buddy!

7. THE FOOD (EVERYWHERE)

This isn’t a destination but it still gets its own heading! Richmond is known for some amazing food and you can find something great no matter where you are at. And while you’re in Richmond you absolutely MUST eat as much as you can at the amazing spots listed in this link! Side note- yes I gained like 10 lbs my first year living here! Thank goodness for all the trails!

To my fellow Richmond folk- what are some other must-see places you suggest we add to the list?!

Thanks for exploring RVA,

~Brooke Hartman

Follow us @HartmansTravel and join us as we #TravelinLove!