Whetstone Station Brewery

I can’t even remember the last time I had a lazy Saturday, but that’s exactly what yesterday was.  It was so nice not to have to wake up and rush off somewhere, and I enjoyed every minute of it.  Not only was the weather absolutely perfect, but I also got to do all the things I wanted to do.  What more can you ask for?

I started the day off with a little TV watching and a light breakfast – plain Chobani with blueberries and cinnamon and a banana.  I didn’t want to eat a big meal before the gym, but I was also headed to the grocery store, and grocery shopping on an empty stomach can be dangerous!

After I did a few groceries for the week, I headed to the gym.  During the week, my time at the gym is limited, so I have to tailor my workouts accordingly, but on the weekends, having unlimited time is really great.  I threw this workout together the day before, and even added a few things as I went along.  I’ve never tracked the weight I lifted before, but now that I am, I can see that it’s increasing, and it’s so fun to see gains!

1. Warmup: 10 minute walk on treadmill
2. Back squats:
1. 12 @ 45lbs
2. 10 @ 65lbs
3. 8 @ 85lbs
4. 6 @ 115lbs
5. {3 @ 135lbs} x3
6. 3 @ 155
7. {3 @ 135lbs} x3
8. 6 @ 115lbs
9. 8 @ 85lbs
10. 10 @ 65lbs
11. Burnout @ 45lbs (I did 32)
3. {12 Cable curls @ 35lbs + 12 Cable pushdowns @ 35lbs} x4
4. Stiff leg deadlifts (or RDLs):
1. {10 @ 70} x2
2. {10 @ 60} x2
3. 5 x 80
5. {12 Upright cable rows @ 40lbs+ 12 High cable rows @ 40lbs} x4
6. Leg Extensions:
1. {12 @ 66lbs} x2
2. {12 @ 52lbs} x2

7. Wide stance barbell squats (Plié squats):
1. 12 @ 45lbs
2. {10 @ 65lbs} x2
3. {8 @ 85lbs} x2
4. 6 @ 115lbs x2
5. {8 @ 85lbs} x2
6. {10 @ 65lbs} x2
7. 12 @ 45lbs

8. 10 Hanging knee lifts x4
9. Leg Press + Calf Raises on machine:
1. Wide: {10 + 10 @ 120lbs} x2
2. Middle: {10 + 10 @ 140lbs} x2
3. Narrow: {10 + 10 @ 120lbs} x2

10. {10 Back extensions + 20 Obliques} x4
11. Cardio:
1. 5 minute walk on treadmill
2. {Run .25 mile @ 6.5 + Walk .1 mile @ 3/3.5} x4
12. {20 Marching hip raises + 12 Hamstring roll-ins on Swiss ball} x4
13. Cool down: 10 minute walk

I foresee some serious leg soreness in the near future!

When I got home, I had a bit of a second breakfast lunch.  I made oats with water on the stovetop, and then stirred in a scoop of chocolate protein powder.  On top went a handful of sliced, raw almonds and a few strawberries, and it was tasty and super filling.

After a bit of cleaning and chores around my apartment, my friend and I headed over to Brattleboro, Vermont to walk around a bit.  It was an absolutely gorgeous afternoon outside, and I wanted to take advantage of the warmer weather – plus, I’d never been to Brattleboro before, even though it’s only about 20 minutes away.

The city is cute, quaint, and artsy, situated right on the Connecticut River.  It had quite a bit to offer, from bookstores, to music shops, to bicycle and sporting goods stores, and we meandered in out of a few different storefronts.  It may not have been anything super spectacular, but it’s always fun exploring new places!

For dinner, we decided on the Whetstone Station Restaurant and Brewery at the recommendation of one of my coworkers.  The restaurant is located right on the banks of the river, and we walked along it for a bit while waiting for a table.  In the warmer weather, they have a deck off the back where you can eat along the water, and it seems like it would be really nice!  There were a couple people out there eating, but it was a little chilly for me.

The inside of the restaurant was super cozy, with a tavern-like feel, and our table was right next to the fireplace, which I loved.  They had a large menu full of comfort foods and a huge list of homemade beers, and the ambiance was warm, fun, and relaxed. 

At the recommendation of my coworker again, I went with the steak tip salad with white honey balsamic dressing.  I’m not always a big fan of marinated steak tips, but this was honestly one of the best salads I’ve ever had, with really fresh veggies and a large portion of perfectly cooked steak. 

I also got a side of their homemade French fries and holy cow.  Again, even though I like French fries, I wouldn’t say they are my favorite thing, and I rarely order them, but these were absolutely delicious. 

But wait: it doesn’t even stop there!  For dessert, I went with their flourless chocolate torte, which was perfect. The portion wasn’t huge, which I actually appreciated, and the chocolate torte was perfectly moist.  I loved it!

I couldn’t stop raving about the restaurant afterwards, and it’s definitely a place I’d go back to.  ‘I’m sure it would be a lot of fun to sit out on the deck in the summer, and there were quite a few other dishes on the menu that I’d like to try.  Thank you so much to my friend Aga for recommending it! 

We’re having another beautiful March day here in New Hampshire, so I’m off to finish my laundry before heading outside.  I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend!!