Romanticize 19: Chart a New Path
Let your map application of choice guide you.
When I’ve been cloistered in the house for too long (which is … often), I sometimes entice myself to get a little fresh air by popping open Google maps, typing in a keyword, and letting the results guide me toward my outing. I’ve found so many fascinating, inspiring spots this way. So, for today’s Romanticize, I’m showing you how to do the same and taking you along on my latest adventure.
The Romanticize
Open your favorite map app, type in a keyword, and go forth!
The Advice
This can work if you’re traveling by car, bus, subway, train, foot, etc.—don’t limit yourself!
Think about what you’re in the mood to see or do. Some keyword ideas are park, cemetery, monument, public/community garden, historic site, recreation area, playground, beach, lake, bridge, hiking trail, camping, and picnic grounds.
The Inspiration
I woke today to a deep chill in the air—the atmosphere was moisture-heavy, threatening rain. The skies were grey and ominous, the mustard green winter grass copper-tinged in the daylight’s muted glow. This is my kind of weather—as is anything reminiscent of Scotland or England, really. Gothic. I knew I didn’t have much time before the swollen clouds unburdened themselves, so I pulled up my map app and typed “reservoir” into the search bar. There are two nearish me—I frequent one, but I’ve only popped by the other for a quick drive-through. This would be the day I finally stopped.
I picked up a coffee and muffin en route. There are three main areas from which to explore—I paused at each. The whole recreation space is dotted with benches, semi-hidden trails leading to small sand-strewn waterfront peninsulas, and picnic tables. I perched on one, enjoying my breakfast with a view. Gaggles of geese waddled away as I walked, quietly slipped into the glassy water, circled me—honking—overhead.
I made my way to the main beach area, rambling across hilly swaths of mossy green sprinkled with spiky sweet gum seeds. I’ve always loved the beach in winter—its emptiness, vastness, ghostly echoes of laughing children and sunscreen. I often traveled to Coney Island in the cold season when I lived in NYC; this scratched that itch gloriously, spaciously. A real “meet me in Montauk” moment, for my fellow Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind fans. I marveled at the wildlife footprints and treasures in the sand.
At the next spot, I pondered a bird’s nest (eagle? hawk?) tucked high in a tree’s tangled branches, then explored an old boarded-up stone cottage with spectacular views. Standing on the expansive porch, staring out at the mirrored depths of the reservoir and the blue-grey mountains beyond, I thought of how lovely it’d be to use this as a writing cottage—until the pinging sound of hail on frozen grass pricked my ears. It was time to go, but I bottled the feeling and brought it home to you, dear reader.
I’d love to know the results of your Romanticize—feel free to share your experience in the comments, or tag me on Instagram. Until next Wednesday, fellow romantics!