Sunday Funday: Atlanta Style

Hey all! So, you guys know I love to travel. I kind of get a little stir-crazy if I'm in my beloved Bham for over a month without traveling anywhere at all. That's why it's a great idea to plan fun little trips here and there. Lucky for me Atlanta, Georgia is a short dive away with so much to do! However, this wasn't just any regular trip we were on. This was a 24 hour adventure to see the one and only Beyoncé on her newly created "Formation Tour". Yes, we were going to be seeing Queen Bey live (insert bee and lemonade emoji's here).  The trip would be super short but still memorable and most of all, fun!

The concert was on a Sunday so we left out around 10am for the 2 1/2 hour drive to the ATL. Since it wasn't a weekday we were lucky and there wasn't a ton of traffic. Well known fact: Atlanta has some bad traffic so keep that in mind when planning a trip. Weekends are always the better option if you have a choice. We arrived in the afternoon ready to explore, keep your eye out for cool art, sculptures, everything while you are in the city!

Since I knew the concert was later that night, I went ahead and booked us a hotel room at the Omni Atlanta, this is a great hotel since it is within walking distance to the Georgia Dome, Phillips Arena, Aquarium, College Football Hall of Fame, World of Coke, restaurants, etc. Basically you are right in the middle of downtown.  We were starving so after an uneventful check-in that was quick and easy, we went to Max's Coal Oven Pizzeria, umm it was delicious. Sangria and pizza? How can you go wrong? Trick question. You can't.

 

After lunch we burned calories by walking over to the Georgia Aquarium . If you have never been, it is a must-do! There are so many exhibits, sea life, creatures, penguins, yes, penguins! Beluga whales, sea otters, and even the all new Sea Lion show and area dedicated to one of the cutest sea species out there! You can scroll through my pics below just to see a little of what they have to offer, it's fun of course for kids but also interesting for every age. I feel like you really get your money's worth here and it's a must-do if you are spending the day in Atlanta!
 

 

Our next stop was the College Football Hall of Fame which was a short walk over from the aquarium and right next to our hotel. A little secret, if you go within an hour of closing (5pm or 6pm depending on the time of year, check the day of to make sure!) you get the special "twilight discount" which you may have to rush a bit through the hall of fame but it is definitely do-able! You are given a pass after you pay and enter where you then register on the data base and you choose your favorite team. This way the pass electronically notes which stops highlight your team and you can even run the pass across info kiosks along the way to learn history, facts and trivia. It's really cool and a definite must if you are a college football fan!
 

We went back to the room to freshen up and a quick nap, I recommend a hotel room even if you don't plan on staying the whole night. I booked a good rate via Expedia and it was so worth it. Not only did we not have to pay a cab/uber fee to get to the concert venue, we didn't have to wait in bumper to bumper traffic, high parking deck fees (that take forever to get out of after the concert) and we got to chill out in our room after the concert until the surrounding area cleared instead of just sitting in traffic. Plus, we had this guy in the lobby. The hotel was selling Lemonade!
 

This was my second concert at the Georgia Dome, the first being last October at Taylor Swift's 1989 tour. The venue is awesome but it is big! It's very easy to get confused and there are several entrances, I advise taking pics so you can remember key areas or landmarks to help you find your way out. If you are driving this is a must so you can find your car or meeting at a specific location.

One thing that was really helpful about this tour is they sold official merchandise outside before you even entered the venue (look for the Formation tour merchandise busses!). Let's face it, everyone wants a t-shirt and the lines are often wrapped around so this really helped alleviate some of the crowding. They also had several booths inside but it is not uncommon to wait 30-40 or possibly longer to get a shirt. My tip? Get there early and go ahead and get what you want! The longer you wait the more crowded the merchandise area will be and the selection and sizing also dwindles down.
 

Beyoncé's album Lemonade had been out for maybe a week, so everyone was super pumped to see her live! Atlanta was her third stop of the tour and excitement was all around, waiting to see what she would or wouldn't say about Jay-Z, Becky with the good hair, etc. (spoiler alert: she said nothing about either but thanked the crowd numerous times for supporting her and her career throughout the years.).  After the opening act of DJ Khalid with help from his friends Rick Ross, TI, and Ludacris among others, it was time for the show to begin!
 

As soon as Beyoncé lifted her hat on stage to the beats of her hit single "Formation", you see why she is the icon and entertainer that sells out tours and sets music records. I've been a Beyoncé fan since my early middle school days singing Destiny's Child at pool parties to working out to her Dangerously in Love album and seeing her announce her pregnancy live on the MTV Video Music Awards (Love on Top is still one of my favorite songs!). It's always pretty cool to see someone you have kind of grown up with and listened to for so many years live in front of you!
 

The tour was filled with an array of her new album mixed with the classics including Crazy in Love, Survivor, Halo, Girls (Run the World) among countless others you all know the words to. Her costumes were immaculate and made me want to search for the nearest decorated leotard store (although it probably wouldn't have the same appeal), fantastic lighting and effects, one of the best concert experiences I've ever attended! You can get her full set list here and more information about the Formation tour and how you can see Beyoncé live here!

Sadly all good things must come to an end and the concert ended with Beyoncé in all her shimmery glory. It was such a fantastic day and experience! After the concert we hung out in our hotel room while the crowds died down a bit outside. The plan worked! We were able to leave with minimal traffic and headed home safely. A true Sunday Funday! (Sorry had to say it).
 

If you are wondering more about what all the ATL has to offer, check out this site to help you plan your weekend or day trip! There is so much to see and do, I promise you won't be disappointed!

Happy Travels,

 

Travel Adventures Set for 2016...So Far

Happy second day of 2016! Wow I really can't believe that 2015 is in the books, it was a really good year for me which was much needed after my 2014. Even though I was sad to see 2015 go I love the new year because it brings so much promise and truly feels like a clean slate. I have made a few goals and no, none of them include dieting but it does include something I love, travel.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

As you have seen in previous travel posts, I know a thing or two about mini-trips and even the hectic 24 hour trip. I've done both of these. A lot. While I wish I could spend a week exploring new cities, states and countries, that isn't a possibility for me with school, work, and budget constraints. However, mini-trips prove you can still travel and be back in time before your alarm for work goes off and it's much easier on your debit card.

Here are the places I already have locked down to travel to in 2016. Some are brand new, others have maybe been visited once or twice but there is still more I would like to see!

1. New Orleans, Louisiana

Confession, I have only been to the Big Easy once in my life. Yes, and I live in the South. I have a weekend trip planned for the last weekend in February for the Rock n Roll New Orleans Half-Marathon but just because I'm running doesn't mean I won't be able to take in all the sights and sounds! Plus, I won't feel guilty about eating beignets, carb loading, right?

Photo Credit: Pinterest

2. Dallas, Texas

Excited to scratch one of the most popular cities in the U.S off my list in March. Longhorns, Cowboys, and everything is supposed to be bigger, right? Can't wait to see what desserts they have and pretty much all the food. It's in the South, so you know it's going to be good. Also excited for shopping, museums and all that the city has to offer!

Photo Credit: Pinterest

3. Gulf Shores, AL (Hangout Festival)

Ok, ok, yes, I have been to Gulf Shores many times, especially since the beach is only a few hours away from Bham. This is however, my first time going to Hangout Music Festival! Pumped to be heading to the beach in May to watch artists like Calvin Harris (T-Swift cameo?), Walk the Moon, Fetty Wap and more take the stage for a weekend to remember!

Photo Credit: Pinterest

4. Denver, Colorado

This is another destination that will be a first timer for me this summer! I'm excited to finally visit the home of the Denver Broncos, mountains, and maybe most of all, Voodoo Doughnut. Might be a little break from the humid and hot weather in the midst of a Southern summer. Pretty excited for this one!

Photo Credit: Pinterest

5. Vancouver, Canada

Grabbing my passport for this August trip! First time in Canada. First time in Vancouver. I have heard nothing but great things about the city and it looks absolutely beautiful! This is going to be a good way to say goodbye to summer which I hope is filled with adventure.

Photo Credit: paradiseintheworld.com

There are several other places I am planning on visiting in 2016 but that will come at a later post when all the details are worked out. What about you? Heading anywhere exciting? How about a place I need to add to my own list? Let me know!

Happy Travels! Let's get out there this year!

xoxo,

Nashville Adventure

I love traveling but I don't have tons of money to spend on extravagant trips no Italy for me right now but there is always Epcot, right? But for real as much as I would like to travel all over the globe it just isn't a reality for me at this time in my life. However, that doesn't mean you can't take trips, no flying required!

Nashville is a southern hotspot known for it's country music stars, southern comfort food and the famous Broadway street which earned it the nickname "Nashvegas". There is so much to do there and with it being only 3 hours away from Bham, a great weekend trip!

Taking December trips are always fun not only are you normally on a break (especially great for those in college, grad school or whatever) plus you have the joy of seeing all the winter décor up and ready for Christmas! This trip started last Friday when we arrived at the beautiful Hilton in Downtown Nashville around 6pm and what did I tell you? Love the décor!

After a quick change, we were off to the Bridgestone Arena, this is the arena that also hosts the Nashville Predators hockey team. Yes, the team that Carrie Underwood's hubby plays for. But tonight we weren't there for a game, instead we were going to see the incredibly talented and funny Amy Schumer! A little sight-seeing and photo taking were in order first, I mean all for the blog, right?

If you have been following the blog you know one of my favorite movies of the summer was Trainwreck, obviously others thought so too since the film and Amy Schumer have been nominated for Golden Globes and SAG awards recently. I thought I got really good tickets but as you can see...well what else would you expect when you pay $30 per ticket? Still we could see everything and Amy's standup was very funny. Some of the material was part of her HBO special that aired recently but it was still fun to hear it live plus she had plenty of new stuff too.

After laughing hard for two hours, it was time to take in some of the nightlife! Broadway is where you see all the bars and "honky-tonks". SO MANY LIGHTS, it really does look like a mini Vegas. We were hungry so after a little research we decided on Merchant's Restaurant located downtown.

The food was very good, it was crowded so there was a bit of a wait so I definitely recommend a reservation but if you go later in the night then it is much shorter than peak hours. Since it was late I didn't want anything too heavy so I decided on the tomato bisque and a delicious salmon salad with strawberries, feta and walnuts (sorry no picture!). My absolute favorite had to be the Blondie for dessert! Give this place a visit for sure!

After dinner we walked around Broadway for a bit then headed back since it was after midnight and we were exhausted. The next morning was a day full of sightseeing and we started it out at the "World-Famous Printer's Alley", so here is me in the alley. It was really cool!

I told you guys there is Christmas cheer everywhere! This alley reminded me of New Orleans a bit and I love NOLA so this area was fun to explore. Pack your comfy shoes since it is easiest just to walk around town! 

Again I love my friends who are so supportive of my blog and are always ready to take pictures for me, especially when they are touristy and cheesy. So big shout out to those who help me! I mean look at this posing but if you like to travel you need the tourist shots!

After brunch at Puckett's we got in the car and made our way to Howell's Alley area. It looked like something out of a movie! Tons of little shops, restaurants, coffee houses, and more. I mean there was a coffee joint called the Frothy Monkey, yes, the Frothy Monkey!

There is a wood carving of a monkey with a coffee cup. A MONKEY WITH A COFFEE CUP! I love this for some reason, this area had so much personality!

This local Christmas tree farm looks like it came straight from a movie set. These are the little details and spots that make a town so charming. We loved exploring!

Reese Witherspoon is one of my all-time favorite actresses so a stop by her own store, Draper James was a must. While some of the items are definitely not in my budget, they were having a sale that day so I did scoop up a few things. This store is pure southern charm!

You can't go to Howell's Alley and not get this picture! This sign is a must-stop photo opp.

I'm a sports fanatic so we had to see the Tennessee Titan's Stadium! Sadly no sign of Marcus Mariota around anywhere but I really want to go back for a game at some point. Love seeing all the NFL stadiums when I get the chance to do so! 

If you are from the South, you know what a Goo Goo is. If you don't then you will just have to "goo"gle it! Ok, I'll stop. But if you are in town visit the store and see how they are made!

The trip was so much fun and I was sad to see the weekend go! Since it is so close, I know another visit there is in order soon. You can definitely do a weekend trip on a budget to Nashville and I highly recommend the city. Southern appeal in a big city might be the best way to describe it. If you get the chance, take a visit to the Music City!

Nashville you made a believer out of me!

Happy Travels

xoxo,