Mets and Yankees: Spring Training Road Trip with Toyota

Steinbrenner Field, Yankees' spring training home

When Toyota invited me to a spring training road trip in Florida, I could barely contain my excitement. Three days of sun, baseball and staying at luxury hotels? Sign me up.

When we got to the Westin Tampa Bay, we got personalized jerseys, (NY Mets for me, of course) hats and the keys to a new car. Alas, the cars had to be returned, but we got to keep the shirts and baseball caps.

Some serious swag

My partner, LeAura and I headed for the colorful Toyota C-HR, in teal, that reminded me of the uniforms the Marlins used to wear. But we decided to first drive the Toyota Prius Four. LeAura and I are both vegetarians, and eco conscious. This hybrid, with its 56 miles per gallon, is perfect for both us. In fact, four of my neighbors own this exact car.

2017 Toyota Prius Four

We drove to enemy territory (Steinbrenner Field, home of the crosstown rival Yankees) and sat in the sun. The Toyota folks thoughtfully provided sunscreen, snacks, water, and a victory.

Running path along the water

We also had baseballs and Sharpies, but kids are really the ones who approach the ball players. I had never seen major league baseball players be so accommodating; signing autographs, flipping balls to kids and smiling at everyone.

By the time we returned to the hotel, there was only a short window for a quick workout. I ran along the causeway and got to stretch at the small beach at the Westin. The hotel also has a gym, and loans you exercise clothes, for $5, if you forgot your own. You get to keep the socks.

The gym has a Peloton bike with live streamed or on demand spin classes. And there is a indoor pool

Salad at Aqua

We ate dinner at Aqua, at the hotel. The chef buys local produce, and grows his own, makes cheese and serves super fresh seafood.

The Westin emphasis on being fit carries over to the breakfast menu. I had a 'superfood' smoothie with blueberries. There are also healthy choices like steel cut oatmeal, egg white scramble and avocado with tofu.

Toyota Prius drive impressions

We each drove only about half an hour in the Prius, but it was remarkably comfortable. The 4th gen Prius was designed with a lower center of gravity, (think sports car) which makes it fun to drive. And if course it get gets great gas mileage.

Safety: Standard Toyota Safety Sense

Artistic and delicious dessert at Aqua

When we were driving back to the hotel, we needed to move over quickly to the right, but traffic was heavy. Although my partner was signaling, no one would let her over. I tried hand signals, to no avail. The problem? Every we looked, everyone else was texting, so not making eye contact.

This made me extremely happy that the car had Toyota Safety Sense. This suite of safety enhancements is standard in Toyota's line, and makes anyone in a Toyota safer.

The safety tech includes pre-collision system that automatically brakes if a crash is imminent. There is also pedestrian detection, keeping anyone walking by safe.

The lane departure alert requires lane markers to work

The automatic high beams give you more clarity at night. They drop down to regular headlights when the car detects an oncoming vehicle.

Heavenly bed and breakfast smoothie

The Prius also has lane departure alert with steering assist. We saw a large truck weaving ahead and were happy to have a car that keeps you in your lane.

I slept soundly on the aptly named Heavenly bed. And then LeAura and I hit the road in the teal C-HR.

Note: I was a guest of Toyota, which paid for my travel and accommodations (and snazzy Mets paraphernalia). Opinions expressed are my own.

Westin Workout: Borrow Some Gym Clothes

The workout clothes at the Westin

Nothing is worse than carving out time on vacation to exercise - and then realizing that you left your gym clothes home. I of course NEVER forget anything when I pack (!) but for journalistic purposes wanted to test out the Westin Hotel program, where for $5 you get work out clothes (and keep the socks).

I was a little grossed out by the idea - I approach rental bowling shoes with trepidation - but the clothing I got was completely clean and hardly used. Plus, the sneakers get new insoles after each use, so there's no weird sweat smell.

The lending program is a partnership with New Balance, so all the gear is their brand. And it comes in a mesh laundry bag to leave in your room. I tried out the program at the Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport, where I was staying for the North American International Auto Show.

New Balance running shoes and laundry bag

I was very happy with the capris, short sleeve shirt and sports bra, which all fit perfectly. The running shoes were not so great - they fit, but I buy sneakers that my feet need and these were not right. But for working out in the fitness center, and even for using the elliptical machine, they were fine.

The socks were another matter. I like that you get to keep the socks - but why send a woman men's socks? They were too big and not very padded.

One thing that I really loved - I didn't have to bring home gross sweaty clothes.  Not that MY clothes stink, but my husband is one of those guys who is just dripping after a few minutes of exercise and even when he puts his gym clothes in a plastic bag, the whole suitcase reeks.  It's almost worth the $5 to save our luggage.

If you are a serious athlete, you will want your own workout clothes, but for almost any causal athlete, these are a great solution.

My only question is - how about a swimsuit rental program? There was an empty pool, and I had no suit...