If you haven’t noticed by now, there’s been a Renaissance
blooming in the way we shop. No, I’m not talking online shopping, but by way of
new destinations and all-in-one shopping consisted of all outdoor storefronts,
restaurants, parks, and even living and working spaces. (Live, work and shop
all in once place…sign me up!). What began with Legacy Place in Dedham, this
idea seems to have spread from the Northshore with Market Place in Lynnfield,
to Assembly Row in Somerville and now the newest, eat/work/shop location, University Station in
Westwood, about 20 minutes outside Boston.
Walking into Life Time Fitness, you can tell right away,
this isn’t your typical neighborhood Planet Fitness, this exclusive club offers
everything from a full-service salon, healthy cafeteria, Olympic sized pools,
learning center for children, boxing area, Alpha Training classes, and best of
all, outdoor water slide.
 |
| Yoga/Pilates Room |
 |
| Outdoor Pool & Water Slide! |
After a tour of the luxurious facility, it was time get our
butts moving with the Alpha Training class. Describing and Alpha Training class
can be best summed up as-
“Designed for groups
of 2 to 6 people, Alpha Training is the most intense, highest form of training
we offer. It is an outcome-based regimen that works all of the body’s core
energy systems. By focusing on speed, power, strength and endurance, it pushes
the body to extreme limits and eliminates weakness while incorporating proper
technique and nutrition to achieve maximum results”.
AKA- Get ready for an
intense butt kicking!
Our trainers Tanya and
Keith were not only amazing but also were gentle on us. After an hour of high
knees, rowing, weightlifting and a little jogging, it was time to wrap it up,
change and head out to our next destination.
 |
| Group Fitness Studio |
 |
| Stay Motivated! |
The Sports Authority
was kind enough to offer us $25 gift cards for any of our sports/workout needs.
For me, that need was a new pair of sneakers. After 10 year and probably over
1000 miles, this past Walk For Hunger was the last walk my sneakers would take
with me, as at the end of the 20 mile walk, the soles of my sneakers fell off!
I ended up choosing a
pair of Asics Gel-Exalt 2 Running sneakers that were kind to my feet and my
wallet.
 |
| Asics Gel_Exhat 2 Running |
Last but certainly not
least of our amazing evening, it was time to wind down and dine at Bonefish
Grill.
Our very attentive
wait staff warmly welcomed us with a bottle of 19 Crimes red wine. (yes,
please!)
 |
| 19 Crimes Red Wine |
Our group started with
an array of appetizers- Thai Coconut Shrimp, Ahi Tuna Sashimi, their most
popular app Bang Bang Shrimp and Calamari.
 |
| Coconut Shrimp, Ahi Tuna Sashimi, Bang Bang Shrimp, Calamari |
Next up, it was time
to sample the Chicken and Salmon both topped with mango sauce and cooked
spinach.
 |
| Chicken & Salmon with Mango Sauce |
Next plate coming at
us was the Fortina Pork Chop with fontina
cheese, garlic, prosciutto, mushroom marsala wine sauce.
 |
| Fortina Pork Chop |
With room to spare, it
was time to try Lily’s Chicken with Goat cheese, spinach, artichoke hearts +
lemon basil sauce. (My personal favorite).
 |
| Lily's Chicken |
Lastly, for the entrées,
we tried a steak medley with a cheese sauce, mashed potatoes and asparagus.
 |
| Steak Medley |
Even with our tummies
full to capacity, we just had to try the desserts, (we kept hearing about these
‘fill your own’ doughnuts since we walked in the door). It was no wonder,
because as soon at the doughnuts hit our table, they were gone in a flash, mini
croissant-type doughnuts that you can stuff with your choice of chocolate,
caramel or both fillings!
 |
| Doughnuts! |
There was also, Macadamia
Nut Brownie, although flowerless, its rich chocolate tastes pack a punch in
your mouth.
 |
| Macademia Nut Brownie |
Very last, but certainly
not least, were the Coconut Crème Pie and a seasonal favorite, Pumpkin Crème Brule.
 |
| Coconut Creme Pie |
 |
| Pumpkin Creme Brule |
With so much to offer and
in such a short distance from Boston, University Station is certainly the go-to
place to eat/shop/live/repeat!
What’s your favorite new destination to
shop?
Note: This event was provided free of charge. All opinions, whether you like them or not, are all my own.
