Hunter and Tara Davis-Woodhall reveal why the track and field couple ignored the giant American dream

After achieving Olympic gold, living the life most can only dream of, and making waves on the world stage, you might think that the next logical step would be to secure a fancy apartment in LA. I mean, come on, that’s the American dream, right? The glitz, the glamour, the palm trees, the whole Hollywood atmosphere. But for Hunter and Tara Davis-Woodhall, two of the most talked-about athletes in track and field, it wasn’t exactly the right move.

Instead of packing up and chasing the hustle and bustle of LA, they decided to relax and take their lives in a completely different direction. They chose the quiet, cozy atmosphere of Manhattan, Kansas. Yes, you heard me right – Kansas, not California. And the reason? Family. The real “American Dream” wasn’t the shiny, expensive houses in LA. It was about being close to people, living life according to their ideas and feeling connected to their origins. Let’s explore why these two athletes chose family ties over palm trees.

The Woodhalls could have had LA, but family comes first

It’s wild, right? But hey, when you lead a life as fast-paced as hers, you have to hit pause somewhere. So they swapped the idea of ​​a glitzy LA mansion for family dinners and Christmas vacations at home. This is the kind of dream that is real, the kind of dream that gives you roots even when the world is your oyster.

If you’re thinking about the American dream, owning a home in LA seems like the perfect move. It’s what every aspiring star dreams of – picking a place in Hollywood, moving into their shiny new home and rubbing shoulders with the biggest names. But for Tara and Hunter, this idea? No, I didn’t do it for her. They could have easily joined the LA crowd, but they didn’t like it. Instead, they remained 100% loyal and true to their roots. Why? Because family is not only important to them, it is everything. Tara and Hunter could have easily lived a life on the West Coast and embraced the whole “LA dream,” but they were like, “Nope, we’re fine here.” Tara says it best: “We have the ability and ability to go live wherever we want. We could live in LA or New York, but we value life and well-being.”

Hunter’s opinion? The whole “big city life” thing doesn’t help him. “It’s not about the material things. It’s about the connections we have here. Live in a place that gives us peace,” he said. So they chose Manhattan, Kansas – where the people are friendly, the air is fresh and the rhythm of life allows you to actually live and not just rush around. And this Christmas they are hosting their first holiday in their new home and let me tell you, you can feel the excitement in the air. Tara said: “We are family-oriented people. We love being with our family. This year we’re actually celebrating Christmas at our house.” No fancy LA parties – just real, raw family time.

While LA may be the dream for some, for Tara and Hunter the real dream is the life they’ve built in a city that feels like home. A city where you can breathe deeply, enjoy the little moments and just live and celebrate Christmas.

Celebrate Christmas Southern style

Tara and Hunter are ready to host their first Christmas in their new home in Kansas, and they’re doing it the only way they know how: Southern style. For this dynamic duo, the holidays aren’t just about gifts and glitter. It’s about family, warmth and creating moments that make you feel at home. “This year it’s Christmas at our house and we are so excited,” Tara shares. For them, hosting isn’t just a chore – it’s a chance to bring everyone together. They’ll dive headfirst into decorating with their favorite Bath & Bodyworks candles, like Winter Candy Apple, to set the mood and create classic Southern dishes that scream comfort food.

Imagine honey-glazed ham, cornbread dressing, and homemade pecan pie filling the table. “The Hunter is all about the food” Tara teases. “He’s in charge of the sweet tea and makes sure no one leaves hungry.” The couple isn’t just about edgy aesthetics; it’s about meaningful connections. For Hunter, it’s about sitting at the table, telling stories and laughing until everyone’s cheeks hurt.

Her southern roots are evident in every detail. From their warm, welcoming hospitality to the way they approach the day, it’s clear that for them Christmas is not just another holiday, but a way of life. “When you live in a small town you appreciate the little things” Hunter says. “It’s the people around you that make it special, not the place.” Despite their hectic training schedule, they have turned their house into a vacation spot. Her favorite candles – Flannel and Fresh Whiskey – fill the air and transform her home into a cozy retreat. “It’s these little details that make the difference” Tara adds.

By choosing to host and stay close to family, Tara and Hunter show that the American Dream is not all about glitz and glamour. Sometimes it’s about a home-cooked meal, a room full of loved ones and the joy of spending a Christmas together in the South.