Visit Seguin partnered with The ROAMies on a podcast on 10 ways to stay healthy in Seguin this new year. Alexa and Rory are the musical duo that makes up The ROAMies. They travel the world, make music, and share their experiences in the different places that they visit. Check out how they spent their time in Seguin, and hear more in the full podcast and video below!
Hi from The ROAMies! Whether you’re taking new steps (pun intended) to kick off a healthy new year, or coming up with excuses why travel derails your wellness routine, we have some ideas to inspire you to stay on track and take care of your health - wherever you ROAM. Even in a state where BBQ and fried foods are the norm, you can find better-for-you alternatives to keep you happy and active as you ROAM to Seguin, Texas. Here are 10 Ways We Found to Get Healthy in Seguin:
1. WALK THE TOWN!
Seguin is a great place to get in a good walk while finding some great food, history, shops, and friendly faces. Park in the downtown garage for free all day, or grab a free visitor parking pass from the Visitors Center. From there, you can walk to so many of the sites, activities, and experiences we discuss on our podcast. Walking is a great sport that requires no special equipment- why not get some movement in while taking in a new city?
2. PLAY PICKLEBALL
Who knew? Pickleball does not actually involve pickles. But, in Seguin, TX, it does involve the nicest pickleball courts I've ever seen! Nine of them, brand new, free of charge, and open to the public. First come, first served. Get it? First "served." The day we went to play, there were lots of people there playing and having a blast. Pickleball combines many elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. And, it's a sport for all ages and skill levels. Thank goodness! Everyone was friendly and welcoming. So we found an open court and proceeded to play. Sort of. As I mentioned, it IS a game for all skill levels! So we are now officially "Ballers." "Pickle-ballers," that is. And, it was super easy and convenient to get set up to play! Because, basically right across the street is the Pecan City Disc Golf Shop, run by Jericho and his family. They also carry all the equipment you need to meet your pickleball needs. Jericho was super nice and helpful. He gave us the basics and we were able to pick up pickleball paddles and balls. Whether you're a newbie or advanced, while in Seguin, go see Pecan City Disc Golf Shop for all your pickleball and disc golf needs. And tell Jericho The ROAMies sent you!
3. HIKE AND BIKE at Walnut Springs Park.
I love taking a stroll through lovely parks in downtown areas. And Walnut Springs Park certainly fits the bill. Not only can you enjoy a beautiful, peaceful walk along clean, well-laid-out paved paths, with special lanes set aside for bikers, and have a picnic beside the stream, Walnut Springs Park Trailway connects directly to Park West where you can enjoy the MTR Skatepark, a splashpad, and more! Take the opportunity to make the most of your visit to Walnut Springs Park!
4. GRAB SOME PLANT-BASED TREATS at Court Street Coffee Shop and at A-Tan Sushi & Asian Bistro
If you're looking for a coffee shop with ultra-cool vibes, and an atmosphere that makes you want to hang out, Court Street Coffee Shop has all of this in spades. In addition to their coffee and teas, they also serve breakfast and lunch. Set in a historic building downtown, the atmosphere is charming. They continue to expand their vegan and salad options and have healthy smoothies with no added sugar.
We all know we need to eat more veggies, and we think one of the easiest and most delicious ways to get more servings into your diet is by eating Asian fare. A-Tan does not disappoint. They offer a nice variety of sushis, stir-fries, and bento boxes. To get the best health bang for your buck, the better for you options are edamame, miso soup, mixed veggies with steamed rice, and veggie sushi. SOOO yummy.
5. GRAB A BOOK & YUMMY, HEALTHY TREAT from Pecantown Books & Brews
Boost your emotional well-being with a good book. Okay. Who doesn't love bookstores? I know we do! And man, have they got it goin' on at Pecantown Books & Brews. Whether you're searching for a place to read and chill over a favorite drink, looking for a place to grab a delicious, healthy meal (in the bookstore or on their patio), or wanting a place to take your kids and watch them fall in love with reading (in Pecantown’s Children’s room), Tess and her staff have got you covered. Being a local business, and longtime Seguin residents, Pecantown Books & Brews take their community connection to heart, hosting events that both serve and bring the community together. And when you’re there, you experience what it’s like to be part of the family of the friendly Seguin community. So take some time to grab a meal and chill with a book at Pecantown Books & Brews. They not only have vegan options from their kitchen and bakery, but they also source local as much as possible and cook seasonal- so you’ll always find something new and fresh. Deeee-lish!
6. GOAT CUDDLES AND GOAT YOGA
The Blue Lotus Winery hosts Goat cuddles and occasional Goat Yoga events. Besides that hanging out with goats provides a unique experience and some great stories to share with your friends, there are also medical benefits we can enjoy when we pet and cuddle a furry friend. We couldn’t say it any better, so we’ll share this quote from the esteemed Cleveland Clinic: “Physiology helps explain why animals are such effective therapists for all of us, says behavioral neurologist Marwan Sabbagh, MD. “Simply petting an animal can decrease the level of the stress hormone cortisol and boost the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin, resulting in lowered blood pressure and heart rate and, possibly, in an elevated mood.”
Enough said.
7. DRINK TEA at The Dollhouse Tea Room
Dive into the beautifully ornate Victorian age of Alice in Wonderland with High Tea! Tea contains antioxidants that help your body fight disease and aging. And it’s associated with a lower risk of cognitive issues, diabetes, stroke, cholesterol, heart disease, and more! Teas can contribute to wellness, giving you energy, clearing your skin, and helping you sleep. But mostly, hot teas add a cup full of comfort and joy to your day. Make your reservation for High Tea, or drop in for your cup of comfort at The Dollhouse Tearoom.
8. EAT PECANS!
Pecans have a lot of similar health benefits to tea! Pecans contain lots of nutrient goodies- especially folate and antioxidants, which have been shown to help your body ward off disease (including cancer) and aging. Pecans also offer you calcium, magnesium, and potassium (which help lower blood pressure). Raw pecans provide you with protein, healthy fats, and fiber that can help keep you energized and satisfied. The fat in a pecan can help lower bad LDL cholesterol. They help keep blood sugar levels in check, help relieve arthritis pain, are rich in vitamins and minerals for healthy skin, eyes, teeth, bones, muscles, and nerves, AND pecans support your immune system. The USDA has ranked over 100 foods by antioxidant levels, and pecans made the top 20! Felty Farms Pecans are available at the Court Street Coffee Shop.
9. PARTICIPATE IN WATER SPORTS -
There is kayaking, paddle boarding, and so many other water sports to take part in right there on the Guadalupe River. Water sports allow you to enjoy the scenery and the city unlike what you can do by car or foot. It’s a great way to take in the fresh air and the beauty of nature while getting a little exercise and movement at the same time. We found the Seguin Paddling Trail website to be the most helpful with where to go, how and when, and all those helpful details to get you going.
10. MEET AND TALK
The friendly folks of Seguin have deep roots, create a family atmosphere, and offer a warm welcome. Social interaction is not only good for the soul, but also for brain health. So be brilliant and feed your soul by meeting the locals and hearing their stories. And start that adventure at The Seguin Convention and Visitors Bureau! Check out their website to find YOUR favorite ways to experience Seguin.
Rory and Alexa Partin- The ROAMies
Listen to the full podcast and watch the video on YouTube below!