Photo: Karen Asp

When I was in college, there was nothing a pint of Ben & Jerry's cookie dough ice cream couldn't fix. You name it -- a broken heart, frustrating classes (hello, statistics!), even the afternoon sleepies -- and Ben & Jerry's was my buddy. So when I had the chance to travel to the birthplace of one of my favorite splurges, how could I refuse? Turns out, there's more than ice cream in Stowe, Vt. True, it's a leaf peeper's dream destination, but it's also the ideal location for a little H&W (that's health and wellness in my book). Here are my top six pick for activities to do during a retreat in Stowe:

• Take a hike. Stowe's located in the Green Mountains, which means hiking opportunities are everywhere. But if there's one trail you should hit, it's the Long Trail (catch it at Smuggler's Notch). The trail gets steep near the top and requires some scrambling over rocks and boulders, but you wind up at Sterling Pond, which is stunning.
• Paddle the Lamoille River. Rent a kayak through Umiak Outdoor Outfitters. You'll hitch a ride in a school bus powered by vegetable oil and get dropped off at the put-in spot. As you enjoy this lazy river, you'll cross under four bridges, including a covered one.

Do you have people in your life who just aren't satisfied with a jog around the neighborhood? You can foster your loved ones' adventurous spirits with holiday gifts that are as rugged as they are.

You can find adventure sport gear or accessories that fit any budget. Do keep in mind that certain items -- especially wearables such as helmets -- require a certain fit, so be sure to purchase items that can be easily exchanged if they don't fit correctly. Check out the gallery for some ideas.

The whole dinner and a movie thing is so played out. We've all been there, done that, haven't we? The next time you go out on a date -- whether it's with your spouse, existing boyfriend/girlfriend, or a brand new love interest -- why not plan on something more active?

• Jogging. Be like Jake Gyllenhaal and Reese Witherspoon. Drive to a local park or nature preserve and lace up your running shoes. A jog along a path is a great way to spend quality time together. You can unwind later by unpacking that healthy picnic lunch you have waiting in the car.
• Bowling. So it's not the most strenuous activity there is, but bowling can be a lot of fun. Besides, bowling gives you a chance to check out your date from (ahem) all angles. Hopefully you're not as serious about your game as Mario Lopez is, though.
  
• Yoga. There go Reese and Jake getting all fit again ... not to mention Orlando Bloom and his model girlfriend. A yoga class is a perfect way to spend time together and do something a little different.
  
• Adventure sports. Rock climbing, mountain biking, and other adventure sports are a great date choice for the physically fit. Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens recently went kayaking together -- another fun activity.
  
  

The options are limitless. Opt for exercise the next time you have a date -- it's way more rewarding than dinner and a movie.

Picture yourself paddling your way past rocky shores and through a morning mist that hovers above a placid lake. Or, picture yourself paddling down class IV rapids in a raging whitewater river. OR, picture yourself paddling across the wake left behind by a passing ship as you take in the sights and sounds of the bay.

Whichever setting you feel is the best fit for you, recreational kayaking is a great way to exercise your body and set a stressful mind at ease. And, perhaps best of all, it's very easy to master.

Kayaking can help you boost endurance levels, tone your upper body, and improve your posture. In addition, it can provide you with the serenity that so many lives are missing these days. For for information on kayak rental facilities near you, paddling tips and safety instructions, visit the American Canoe Association at www.acanet.org.

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The gym may have flat screen TVs for you to watch while you burn some calories on the rowing machine, but how cool would it be to actually get out in the water and start paddling?

Kayaking is a fun and exciting way to put in a solid workout. Even as a beginner, it's not terribly uncommon to burn upwards of 400 calories an hour. And, as you become more and more aggressive in your stroke and are able to take on more challenging waterways, the workout -- as well as the whole experience -- only gets better from there.

Think there can't possibly be a place to kayak near where you live? Think again. There's kayaking to be done just about anywhere. Heck, even if you live in New York City, you can still get some paddling in. Group trips down the Hudson River are available, as are half-day paddles that can take you right past the Statue of Liberty!! Visit Manhattan Kayak Company for more information.

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The last time I took a long walk on the beach, barefoot, my calves let me know about it the next day, which got me thinking about how great it would be if I could do more walking barefoot. There's something really satisfying about stretching one's toes and feeling the changes in terrain while walking, plus, it obviously works the leg muscles differently than walking in shoes. However, it wouldn't be safe (or hygienic) to walk around the places I go barefoot, so that was the end of that.

Only it wasn't actually the end, because this link for Vibram FiveFingers Footwear (which we've also covered here at That's Fit a time or two) popped into my inbox the other day. You know I love fashionable footwear, and believe me, this isn't it, but it is a unique and cool concept based on barefooting, which they define as:

1. The exhilarating joy of going barefoot without leaving yourself exposed; 2. any activity requiring unconventional footwear offering the protection of a thin, flexible Vibram skin; 3. an intelligent way to deepen your connection with your natural surroundings.

Vibram FiveFingers Footwear: It's funky!(click thumbnails to view gallery)

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Need a little inspiration this Monday morning? How about this: Two Australian men recently completed the first successful kayaking trip across the Tasman Sea from Australia to New Zealand. They left on November 13th and were at sea for 62 days and traveled over 2,000 miles. The first man to attempt this journey disappeared last February off the coast of New Zealand, just short of his target.

You don't need to kayak 2,000 miles to reach your goal. All you have to do is make sure that you get in that workout you have planned for today. Suddenly, it doesn't seem like such a monumental task, does it?

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Depending on where you live and your weather preferences, kayaking season may just be getting started or it may be finishing up. And if you have no idea which then maybe you should consider finding out, because kayaking can be great exercise for both your mind and your spirit. Rowing and paddling are great upper body workouts that can also help you improve flexibility, circulation, and joint health. Plus getting out on the water, away from the stresses of your everyday life, can really boost and rejuvenate your spirit.

If you're interested in trying it consider taking a class, and research what's available in your area because there may even be a paddling club that can help you meet others in the hobby.

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There's something about summer that says, "Get up and go!" If you live in a northern climate, you know these perfect 80 degree days won't last, so why not give your treadmill a break and find some outdoor fitness fun? Community centers have opened their pools, hiking trails are just begging to be explored, and rivers and lakes are the perfect place to try out kayaking or canoeing. Adding a little variety to your fitness routine is an excellent way to spice things up and work your body in new and different ways. Check out this list of best summer outdoor activities and see if you can't find something that interests you.

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Well, it's almost that time of year and though there's a snowfall warning in my frozen neck of the woods, I'm not letting that deter from the fact that it is almost summer. Glorious, warm, beautiful summer. You know what that means? I can finally trade my in-gym elliptical training and treadmilling for some working out in the great outdoors. Not that I don't love the headache-inducing fluorescent-light glow of the gym, but the sun is just so much better. Even if it's not air-conditioned in the park, I'll take the outdoors any day.

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Summer can be a busy time for vacations and fun, and now might be the time to start planning to make sure you don't forget to squeeze some fun fitness in there too -- there's no reason the two can't go together! But sometimes it's takes some planning ahead, so booking a few weekends this summer for your health is really an excellent idea.

Kayaking, for instance, gets you out there in the water while burning up to 340 calories per hour. And hiking will burn even more at up to 400 cals/hour. Neither of those tripping your trigger? How about cycling, or even speedminton?

The really are no limits, even if you have to start out as a beginner taking lessons in your favorite sport. The important thing is that you get out there, and having fun will make that so much easier.

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