TravelToTheFinish: Active Travel

“It’s gorgeous!”

That tiny little sentiment was uttered by every single person when I mentioned my trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming in September. It’s fair to say my expectations were VERY high and totally met!

From the moment you land, you’re immersed in nature…look out the plane window and there are the mountains! Exit the plane right on the tarmac and get a breathe of that fresh air.

The short drive will take you in to town where nature literally bursts at the seems to greet you. The town embraces it's heritage and location with some amazing buildings and decor. It's small, but you won't be lacking for quality food (even this girl found a juice bar and vegan restaurant to meet my needs!).

HOTEL TERRA
After spending an afternoon exploring the streets and devouring a vegan cookie from Lotus, it was time to head off to Teton Village for the remainder of the week. I knew my energy would be focused on surviving the 3 day running camp, so I was very excited to see my accommodations.

Hotel Terra -- For the first two nights I enjoyed everything this LEED {fancy engineering term for awesomely eco-friendly} hotel had to offer. Like the concierge who set up a horseback riding tour for me through the surrounding area and the Terra Café which won “Bronze” for Best Vegetarian Options in the Best of Jackson Hole poll (perfect for me!!).
The ride left me with more than a sore tush, it gave me a whole new appreciation for the expanse of the area and just how committed Hotel Terra is to taking care of this great environment. 100% of Hotel Terra's green hotel's electric and natural gas power is offset with the purchase of alternative, clean energy including wind, solar and hydro sources.
I love how throughout the hotel they have brought the outdoors in, the amazing amount of light that comes in to every room and honestly…the décor! It made me feel like a cowgirl (a pampered one, but still)!
TETON MOUNTAIN LODGE and SOLITUDE SPA
After two nights in Hotel Terra, I packed my bags and walked next door in Teton Village to rest my head on some new fluffy pillows at the Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa. You might as well take full advantage of an area right?!
Not only did we enjoy the bison burger and sweet potato fries at their Spur Restaurant & Bar, with Executive Chef Kevin Humphreys {Best Chef in Jackson six years in a row}, but also daily meals provided by their team in our group meetings. This team went above and beyond to create meals from whole natural foods that were also dairy and gluten free for a few of us allergy crazy runners. What I am dying to tell you about is the Solitude Spa. I LOVE a good massage, but this blew my mind. I did something called the Warrior Poultice Ritual, which involves them using a poultice as part of the massage to help infuse your tired, weary from hitting the mountain muscles with herbs like tumeric, mint and lemongrass. OH MAN it was amazing and definitely healing after 3 days and 30 miles of mountain running. GET MOVING
While in the Village you have quick access to hiking trails, you can take the tram up to the top of the mountain for additional hiking and you can load up your bike to enjoy some serious mountain biking! Additionally there is a long paved path near the road that allows you to bike for miles just taking in the scenery.

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I can see how this traveling lifestyle becomes addictive! Constant stimulation, connecting with people on a deeper level by spending so much time together and of course experiencing the world.

Heading Northwest from Nice just an hour by car {Rail Europe strike changed our plans a bit}, you begin to enter Provence. The more traditional area of France where lavender is grown, 18th century fountains and squares, old mansions and of course home of the famous painter Cézanne.You know my first concern was determining if a run would be possible and to my great fortune the hotel was located just a 1/2 mile from a favorite trail of the locals called Promenade de la Torse!
Each morning after the run, I excitedly returned to the comfort of the Grand Hotel Roi Rene and more importantly breakfast waiting in the room!! I loved that room service breakfast was included in the stay, it just made my morning so much more relaxed as I got to explore the city.
SHOPPING, MANSIONS, AND MARKETS
Exploring the old mansion district provides the feeling of a long ago era, but it’s quickly apparent that the city is bursting at the seems with high end shopping and local artisans. The mixture of old and new permeates much of the South of France making it an interesting study in opposites.
Once again we were happy to explore the 4 local markets which are all hosted in large squares within just a mile of each other: clothing, flower, hand made and produce Admittedly the 3 hour lunch and dinner process was starting to weigh us all down by this point, so we began requesting salads and may have missed out on some really exquisite things, but the food was so fresh thanks to the local markets that I can’t imagine we could have dined any better.

Plus we got to dine in some amazing places like Chez Thome, about 3 miles from downtown, with a menu that changes daily based on local ingredients and looks like a scene from Alice in Wonderland.VINEYARDS
While there are vineyards to be visited all over France, Château La Coste is unique because it also contains an outdoor modern art museum. Of course there was also plenty of wine tasting for those who enjoy a little adult beverage after exploring.

CALISSON
Have you ever heard of a Calisson?? If you’re more refined than I then answer is probably yes, but alas this was a brand new treat to me! After tasting one so kindly left in our hotel I was excited to head to Roy Rene Calissons {opened in 1920} and learn all about the creation and history of this local sweet which is made from almonds, crystalized fruit and a little sugar.

They are a very specific shape and size, in fact their standards are so high they still make many by hand to ensure they get it right! Anyone can visit the factory for a tour and it’s really interesting, so I say check it out…plus umm sugar.My personal favorite was the one infused with lavender…wow what a flavor!! Knowing that all of their ingredients are sourced locally I’m sure we were enjoying some of the freshest candy I’ll ever have.Finally it was time for a train ride to Marseille!!! Yes, I love riding the train. I know some were a little frustrated by the time, but I think it's magical to watch the countryside fly by...one moment there was a single white work horse alone in a field with not a single building or person to be seen and the next massive old mansions.