Let’s set the scene, shall we? It’s a sunny-skied, summer Sunday like no other, set in a city that needs no introduction. The streets of New York City are swarming with the ones that make the city shake, from their unbridled spirit and street style to their unapologetic attitude. Whether they’re on a walk to recalibrate after a wild weekend, brunching to debrief the night before, or on their weekly trip to the local farmer’s market, they’re soaking up the city’s most treasured season, and along the way, they might just find themselves trekking through NYC alongside fellow “urban hiker,” Tara Thomas.
The unconventional chef is no novice to seeking solace in the sights and sounds of nature — hence the clever moniker — when the clatter and chaos of the kitchen get too loud. Stepping away from the fire and into the sun’s heated hug for even just five minutes is more than enough for the culinary architect to reset, recharge, and realign. In that brisk break from the kitchen, the concrete jungle becomes her escape, where a quick walk around the neighborhood brings her back to the present.
On the outside looking in, NYC may not seem like the obvious choice for outdoor leisure, but both Thomas and pioneer in performance gear Merrell, are of the sentiment that being out in the open air isn’t restricted to remote trails or things of that nature, it can be as simple as a stroll between skyscrapers downtown. “I’m from Portland, Oregon, and people always ask, ‘How do you live in New York when you’re from Portland?’ For me, open air space is open air space,” the culinary producer explains. “Nature is nature; we can't just fetishize it. It’s not [just] plants, it’s people, it’s life. I think New York is more natural to me than just an empty landscape because there’s a whole ecosystem.”
Thomas’ thoughtful reflections on the outdoors are echoed by Merrell, whose latest campaign, It Starts Outside, champions contemporary experiences beyond four walls by redefining our relationship with nature in urban spaces. With the global initiative, Merrell celebrates 45 years as a leader in outdoor footwear and as an innovator inviting people to immerse themselves in the clarity, connection, and momentum that only the world outside can provide. Suited in the Michigan-based brand’s Moab Speed 2 Mary Janes, Thomas soaks up the tranquility of her surroundings, recharging with her sacred ritual of grounding thoughts, a moment of thanks and mindful movement before returning to the grind.
“It’s really important to me to step outside, take a breath, be present with my body, and move my body,” she shares. “It’s the first form of medicine that we have, because it’s not only freedom; you’re also using your body the way it’s supposed to be used.”
Movement is just the first step to her self-care routine — words of affirmation come next, grounding her in the moment. “When I’m centering myself, I like to say, ‘I can do this,’ or, ‘I want to do this, and I’m grateful to do this.’ I try to approach the situation with a little bit of humility,” she continues. With this tranquil mindset, she gracefully navigates her holistic hospitality production studio, Chaotic Abundance, crafting the dainty, dreamy yet nourishing dishes she’s become known for. Despite being the heart and hands behind her ethereal culinary creations, she knows they wouldn’t come to life without her collaborator: Mother Nature.
Sourcing her sun-kissed goods from local farmers’ markets or straight from the soil of the earth is another way the plant-based chef allows herself to become one with nature. “Depending on what I’m creating, I either grab them from the market or garden because being intimate with food in any way is important to me,” she says. “I trust my intuition to know what feels good and what’s going to taste good.” Having the city as her urban jungle has reframed her relationship with nature, viewing it as a living force to be appreciated rather than just “fetishized,” as she says.
Letting curiosity lead the way has never led her astray on her nature interludes, and as she roams to recharge, she does so in Merrell’s slip-on Mary Jane silhouette made for hiking but meant for so much more. The sporty-yet-stylish shoe’s technical features transfer from the trail to the city with a FloatPro™ foam midsole formulated for exceptional energy return and optimal comfort, along with a lightweight underfoot sturdy enough to combat sharp, uneven terrain.
“It’s an elevated sneaker, I would say, but they’re very breezy. It’s everything you want from a flat or sandal, but with the support that makes you feel like you can just keep moving – it really propels you forward,” she shares. “I really enjoyed how versatile they are, because I’m not a sneaker girl. I cannot stand laces, so I love that Merrell has so many options without them. You can wear them anywhere, all the time.”
And in a city where adventure lies around every corner and the open air becomes your oasis, that versatility matters. As an “urban hiker,” Tara Thomas knows this best, and that’s why New York City can bring her back to life like no other.
Don’t miss out on the outdoors — go beyond four walls with Merrell’s trail-inspired, tech-forward footwear available at merrell.com
