It’s amazing that we’re having such spring-like weather this early in March.  We’re all crossing our fingers that it remains, but why not take advantage of the sun and take a great walk? You can stroll your way to fitness while partaking downtown’s great streets. Of course, some diversions are included in the routes to help distract you from your hard efforts.

The routes are italicized, and the route distances are estimated.  And the timing of these routes can surely be derailed by the “field trips” suggested in this blog.  Be warned that your 45-minute stroll could become an all-day shopping and eating fest!

Route One: McDaniel Overlook

This route is approximately three miles and should take you about 45 minutes walking.

From the Westminster Family Center at Longwell Avenue, complete one lap around the City Park.  Take a gander at the kids playing on the playground, or take in a set of tennis on the courts before you continue your walk.  After
your lap, move onto Main Street.  On your route you can stop and get your ring
cleaned at Pomeroy Jewelers while picking out some new jewelry.  Browse at ArtWorks and Apparel Boutique for the clothing you’ll wear now that you’re in such great shape.  Grab a bagel at Sam’s Bagels to keep up your energy on your walk.

Now that you’re refreshed, it’s time to get down to business with your walk. Take a left onto Bond and right onto Green Street.  To add some steps to your walk, all in the name of fitness of course, instead take a left onto Liberty Street to check out the new finds at the Hickory Stick and Olde Liberty Shoppe. Aren’t you proud of yourself that you added that distance to your walk? Get back onto Green Street and follow it to New Windsor Pike.

Take a left onto Ridge Road, follow to end. Double back and take a right onto Old New Windsor Pike.  McDaniel College is right in front of you.  For extra steps, feel free to walk/run through the campus.  It’s a wonderful place, right here in our backyard. Take West Main Street back toward Longwell Avenue.  Stop at the Arts Center to see the new exhibit, “Art of the Arc”, a show that demonstrates that art is about ability, not DISability.  Stop by Ain’t That a Frame and see some breathtaking American craft and visual art. Make a left onto Longwell and a right onto Paide Way, which is the Westminster Family Center's parking lot. And you’re done!

Route Two:  Hospital Hop

This route is approximately 3.5 miles in length and should take 50 to 55 minutes for moderate walkers.

From the Westminster Family Center make a right onto Longwell Avenue. Take a right onto Willis Street, and then a right onto Court Street.  You can continue by crossing over East Main Street, but why not take a stroll down the other side of Main Street and grab an iced latte at Birdie’s Café? Walk a bit further and check out Sidetracked behind the library for more ways to look fabulous now that you’re in great shape.

But back to the route. From Court Street, head west on Main Street. Make a right onto Center Street.  Of course, if you’re hungry, J Café is right in front of you – why not take a break and have a yummy cupcake?  Once you’ve rested sufficiently at J’s,  continue onto Center Street until you reach the Hospital.  At Carroll Hospital Center take a left at the 4-way stop sign onto Gist Rd. Make a left onto Washington Road, and then a Left onto Green Street. Take a right on Center Street, cross over Main Street.  Take a left onto Willis Street, being sure to take time to appreciate the beautiful neighborhood.  Take another left onto Longwell Avenue, and your route is completed.

Now that you’re right by the Westminster Family Center, why not stop in and see how you can get in even better condition?  The gym has a multitude of fitness classes including cycle, Pilates, yoga and aerobics, plus personal training and lots of weights and equipment.  It’s a fun, friendly and convenient place to work out right downtown.

Happy walking, have fun, and we’ll see you around downtown!