One of my top priorities for finding a new place to live (both city, neighborhood and house) was walkability to shops, restaurants, and particularly coffee shops. As we were house hunting for our rental here in Cville, I refused to look at houses more than a mile from downtown, which I deemed the turning point from walking to biking.
But then we found our house. And it just so happened that it’s a bit further from downtown than I wanted. Still walkable if you have an hour, but much more bike friendly.
However, I realized after we moved in how close we are to UVA and that the strip of collegey places is only about a 30 minute walk away. Definitely doable!
So today I walked to a coffee shop to work!!!! <— Totally one of those things that sounds really fun but I never do!
The walk was just lovely. A bit cold, but lovely.
And it ended with a Grande Vanilla Roobios Soy Misto.
[I think I am finally figuring out what I like at Starbux!]
I found a little study room upstairs and got my type on.
And would you believe someone walked in and sat down next to me with an ice cream of gooey brownie. I joked that she wasn’t allowed to sit next to me while eating it, and she responded with "I read your blog!" HILARIOUS!
The walk home was COLD. Very cold. So cold that I decided to turn on Pandora "Peaceful Holidays" when I got home.
And then I got yelled at by Matt
I forgave him though because he was already working on dinner!
I heart bok choy!! So crunchy and leafy all in one!
We turned broccoli, green pep, garden peas and bok choy into a stir fry
Seasoned with theses in unrememberable proportions (just dash them in to taste, heavy on the soy!)
With a side of golden Twin Oaks tofu
And a small pot of brown rice in the back.
With a splash of tea Karen brought over
We ate our dinner while watching the movie SILK, which I liked a lot. Very beautifully made!
And because pumpkin is just as good for dessert as it is for breakfast…
A bedtime snack for post-movie hunger of pumpkin, alliebar and PB coconut. Yum!
Nite!
Is that PB coconut butter? Whatever it is, it looks amazing.
Yeah, Tropical Traditions brand!
I wonder if the girl eating the ice cream knew you were gonna be @ Starbucks from your earlier post and went there just to see you? 😉
Craving tofu now – mmmm!
Yay for walkability! It always makes me so happy to hear about people walking/biking instead of driving!
How nice that you can walk everywhere! I would absolutely love that, I think. I definitely have a list of fun things I want to do like that. I laughed so hard about the lady who reads your blog! Too ironic.
Have a good night. 😀
Living near a college campus would be great. I plan to retire near a college campus someday.
Oh. Wait. I already am retired. Oh, well. Maybe in my next life.
I love tofu in stir fry. I crave it nonstop!
I love the picture of your bowl and Matt’s bowl each on their own chair in the living room!
That PB sounds amazing!
I always have a nighttime snack. If I don’t, I’ll wake up starving in the middle of the night!!
Goodnight!
Our place is about a mile from Whole Foods, but the actual city life is about 1.5…. definitely easier on bike than walking!
after living in NYC, I can’t imagine living somewhere that requires driving to get anywhere- i wish i liked biking more because i would love to be able to bike places also
I love living close enough to work to walk!! what a blessing! Found your blog tonight — Love it!
Welcome!
Your post makes me miss the times I’ve lived in walkable cities, when I was close enough to walk, bike, or hop on the bus to get to the food co-op, coffee shops, restaurants, and other fun stuff. Now we live in the woods and need to have a car, but we’re a one car family, which I feel good about.
How are the local coffee shops in Charlottesville? I’ve been on a support-the-local-coffee-shops mission.
They are good and I am ashamed I have not been to them more!
I’m looking for a house in a walkable neighborhood. Walking or biking would be fine with me.
We live within walking distance to shops and stores, but I wish we were closer to the grocery store — that is the place I visit most often during the week 🙂
I love going to coffee shops to do work…the coffee treat is good inspiration to get
some work done.
Walkability is my #1 concern for residence as well. Our last three apartments have all been literally less than 2 minutes from stores/restaurants! The ability walk safely for long distances around the city is very important to me as well; moving from Brooklyn to Buffalo we definitely took a hit there.
Walkability is my standard measure for everything! I walk everywhere! Luckily I live in a place that is very walker-friendly!
MMmm I love bok choy so much!
I love the idea of walking to coffee shops to work but my high maintenance bladder makes it sorta annoying! I always have to ask someone to watch my stuff or pack it all up just for a trip to the b-room.
I fonly you’d moved to Charlottesville in 2008, I could’ve been that reader talking to you too! Although I would’ve had a block of chocolate, not gooey brownie 😉
what a tasty meal indeed!! I love bok choy!
i like that vanilla rooibus so much that i bought 8 oz of it from the starbucks website!
Ohh I’ve already broken out the Christmas music as well. Why do men never like the holidays as much as women?
have you thought about working at any of the uva libraries! alderman is so pretty. there’s a reading room on the 3rd floor (underground) called the mcgregor room, aka the “harry potter room,” because it looks straight out of hogwarts.
Haha, you have a stalker! 🙂
Hey Kath,
I’ve been wondering, what’s a misto??
Misto means “mixed” in Italian. A coffee misto is half hot coffee, half steamed milk, with or without foam. A tea misto is half hot water with a tea bag steeped in, and half steamed milk, with or without foam.
Thanks Jen!
I love that Starbucks with the little study room!! So convenient! Although I must say I am a BIGGER fan of Mudhouse coffeeshop down by you!! You live in a great town full of character and charm!!
Vanilla rooibus is my favorite tea from Bizzle. 😀
I totally agree about house placement. Though we’re in a first generation suburb of a larger city our house is within walking distance from the library, coffee shop, grocery store and many restaurants.
I cannot wait to live in a “walkable” city! So jealous, and happy for your adventures this afternoon!
I think it’s adorable that your photo progression made it seem like you said, “I am finally figuring out what I like at Starbucks: You.” :-p
Haha, I’m the girl who ran into you and I swear I’m not stalking you! I hadn’t even read your earlier post…. but it was fun to meet you 🙂 That study room is fab.
I discovered the walk score site via The Front Burner and have been committed ever since. We just moved this weekend and walkability was at the top of my list of priorities. We were able to get rid of a car and are loving it!
What is a Misto?!
i love the Vanilla Roobios latte……. misto……..new item for me to try maybe……..
ROOIBOS people, rooibos (rooi = red, bos = bush). I love it too, but jeez, why can no one spell it?
hahahaha i just cut and paste it from her post…….but i will get it right next time…… but really WHAT is a misto!?
“A drink consisting of half coffee, half steamed milk and a bit of foam. It can be made decaf, nonfat, etc. “Misto” is the Starbucks name, cafe au lait is a more generic term.”
I ride my bike everywhere, too– so glad I have a good quality, nice bike that allows me to do that. I have a japanese hybrid between a cruiser and a mountain bike that’s streamlined– love it 🙂
Please tell me where you get all you super cute bowls and dish-ware?!? You have such good taste 🙂 The white bowls you use for dinner (your dinner tonight) especially. Also, what did you marinate the tofu in?
I love bok choy too but have never cooked it! I always worry about not having enough room in the fridge for a huge bunch of it and I don’t want to waste it. It’s quite pricey in the grocery store. Our local Korean market sells baby bok choy which is so cute, but $$$$$
When we buy our house, it’s all about location, location, location!! I refuse to be SO far away from things anymore. Our closest store is 6 miles, our closest mall is 20!! 😮
i can’t believe your starbucks has a little study room! ours barely has seating!
Hi Kath! I absolutely love reading your blog! I’m a college student living in a dorm and it makes me want a kitchen so bad! If you don’t mind, I have a completely random question. What is your opinion on snacking? I read the book French Women Don’t Get Fat and the author says that snacking should be avoided and 3 meals a day is all you need. I’m trying to follow this and can can get away with not snacking between breakfast and lunch no problem, but sometimes I go over 7 hours without snacking between lunch and dinner…and I don’t even get hungry! Is this bad for my metabolism? Your input would be much appreciated! 🙂
I think it’s unrealistic to expect people to go long stretches without snacks. If your meals are spaced 4-5 hours apart, it might be possible, but for active people especially, snacks are probably necessary. And going from noon to 7PM is too long to go without eating! I think the book also probably expects larger B,L,D if there are no snacks in order to meet energy needs. So maybe meals of 600+ calories each, which would make no snacks easier to do.
Like you I always love the idea of going to coffee shops to get work done, but hardly ever actually do it!
I also love walking and usually try to do as much as time permits. Unfortunately the summer here in Tokyo was absolutely unbearable and walking my usual routes would have been an invitation for heatstroke, so I had to take a few months off. It’s cooled down now but I’m having problems getting back into my old walking routine!
Bah Humbug, Matt!
THis town seems perfect for you. So glad you found a wonderful place to live.
Hi Kath Faith’s momma here I am loving your blog and so glad Faith has found such a kindred spirit. I am blogging too my blog is called weightchangeexchange it’s at wordpress I am so new to this I am hoping to broaden my audience. namaste’ Diana
Hi Faith’s mom!!
I have to tell you that we were in Charlottesville yesterday (driving through on our way home from Richmond) – it’s a great little city, I like it. I especially like Kohr’s where we stopped to get some custard… yum!
Athens is definitely a walkable city, but I live a little too far away from it 🙁 I wish the area I lived in was safe enough for me to go on walks by myself! Lucky you 🙂
I am dying to see Silk!! I love Keira Knightley! And I can’t believe Matt doesn’t want to hear Christmas music…November is the start of the holiday season 😉 It’s part of the tradition…start Christmas a month early!
We have learned to embrace the entire season from right after halloween until after New Years as the “Holiday Season”. Otherwise we were just getting mad that they were just capitalizing on us. So, now we just love this time of year for what it is…the holidays!
That’s on my list of requirements for a house as well. Currently, I’m not even within biking distance of any coffee shops. But the next house I buy is going to be near cafes and restaurants and bookstores. For sure. 😀
I love working in coffee shops it’s so much more fun than just doing work at home! I totally agree about the walkability…I love being in a college town where you can walk/bike pretty much anywhere.
Hi Kath,
I had a whole post written up for you last night but my computer shut itself down before I could post it. 🙁 Anyway, here are some more coffee shops for you to try:
1. Shenandoah Joe’s. Have you been here yet? It’s the best coffee in town. There’s two locations, on Ivy and on Preston. I really love this place – great atmosphere, lots of comfy chairs (at least on Preston) and lots and LOTS of different coffees to choose from.
2. Mudhouse downtown (near the Omni). This place wins the best in Cville award every year, it seems, but in my opinion it’s very overrated. The coffee is bitter and expensive, they have tiny cups, and the atmosphere is pretentious. They only take cash.
3. Java Java, also downtown (near the Market Street garage) – I love this place. It’s quiet and unassuming, and it has delicious organic coffee. I go there quite a bit since I work right down the street. The pumpkin chai latte is really, really good.
4. Greenberry’s. Greenberry’s!!!!! It’s in Barracks. It’s an institution. It’s also got great coffee and a lot of personality. If you haven’t been there yet, go soon! My friend once served Dave Matthews there.
5. Cville Coffee on McIntire by Allied St. This place has sandwiches and noodle bowls as well. The food is pretty good, and the coffee is decent. What makes this place stand out is the spacious and light-filled seating area. Lots of students and work-from-home types come here and spread out their materials on the tables. It’s a really neat place. (They also only take cash.)
I hope this helps! One other note – don’t try the coffee at Bodo’s; it’s gross.
Amy, Bodo’s just changed their coffee blend (like last week), have you tried the new one yet?
Really? I’ll have to give it a chance. I’ve always hated their coffee but maybe now I won’t need to. 🙂 Thanks!
Thanks Amy! I’ve been to most of those – but it’s a shame the Sbux is the closest to my house for walking. Although I new place just opened on the Corner. The Corner Cup I think? Shenandoah Joe’s coffee is incredible!! And I have a coupon for Greenberry’s 🙂
Oh good, I figured you’d been to at least some. You can only go so long without going to Greenberry’s you know!
Hoos Brew has to be walkable. Not sure they have all the amenities though!
I always love the idea of going to a coffee shop to work, but then I just end up staying at home. One of these days I’ll actually do it! 😛
I like the things you require be near your home! I often like to go to coffee shops too for a change of scenery when studying.
What an amazing looking dinner! I am inspired to go home and cook something similar tonight!
My little town isn’t walking- or biking-friendly. There are pretty much NO sidewalks. And to get anywhere you have to cross the busy highway.
Though I’m glad to have moved to the house I live in now. It’s an 8 minute walk to my office and I don’t have to cross any highways!
haha that’s too funny about the Starbucks patron who reads your blog!
Dinner looks fantastic!
I live out in the country so walking to town would be a days event! How did I not know about Pandora?! I am currently listening to smooth jazz and I love it! Thanks for the link, Kath!!
It’s the best!!!!!
Kath,
What is your recipe for the sause in your stir fry?
I saw the ingredients in the photo but if you don’t mind
letting us know the recipe……?
I don’t have a recipe – my cooking tends to be really spontaneous. If something is outstanding, I will take the time to create a recipe page, but this one was just a little of this and that. That’s why I showed the ingredients and said we just added them all to taste.
Being able to walk to restaurants, bars, coffee shops and boutiques is definitely one of my requirements. I live in the heart of a city now and can’t even imagine one day to have to drive everywhere. That would be sad… but maybe a bigger kitchen will make up for it 😉
PS – I’m hosting an awesome giveaway for a coffee maker. Check it out if you’re interested! 😀
That’s so fun that someone recognized you at Starbucks. It must be crazy to be so widely recognized. 🙂
Nooo!! How could Matt yell at you for playing Christmas music? 😛 It’s the best thing ever!
I live in a family-friendly neighborhood. My walk-ability usually only consists of visiting the community park, lake and neighbors. The weather in Orlando is cool now, so biking is in tow 😀
Kath – Love your blog. Your food always looks SERIOUSLY delicious – esp. this asian inspired meal! I was wondering, did you just stir fry the tofu in a bit of oil? Or did you add anything else?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Just a little olive oil in the pan to brown it up. It already had herbs in it (the tofu did)
I can not wait to move to an area that has better trails and walkability.
That looks DELISH! I am totally making the stir fry tonight!
Can you list the ingredients out? I can’t see 2 of them in the picture… (do I need glasses?)
Vanilla Rooibos is my go-to decaf beverage of choice at Starbucks as well. So yummy and sweet!
Love the dinner and love your outfit; you look adorable!
Ooh, I must try that drink at Starbucks!
ps. Your dinner looked so good!
Okay – how many sets of dinnerware do you have??? I love it all and it seems to really set the stage for your meals – especially all the cool bowls or your oats – LOVE them!
That’s my kind of dinner! I heart bok choy!! Nom.
This is why I want to move to Boulder, CO. We live an hour south of it now, but I love that city. I’ve never seen so many outdoorsy and health concious people in my life! And so many cyclists! The downtown strip is great too.
Agreed. Most of my apartments in Portland were within walking distance of cool things…coffee shops, bars, restaurants. Last year I moved out to the suburbs so not too close to anything. But we can bike!
mmmm… PB coconut. *drool*
i love that chair in your living room. where did you get it from?!!?
Hi Kath!
I just stumbled upon your blog this afternoon and I have to say, I am feeling kind of like I am in the twilight zone that you live in C’ville! My hubs and I currently live in Alexandria, but have been down to your neck of the woods the past two weekends because there is a slight chance that his job may relocate there.
I really enjoy your blog and you can count me as a new fan! Maybe I’ll see you around soon! =)