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Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts

Only in Atlanta: SOUTHBOUND
Recently I was going through some photos and noticed the collection of Atlanta hotspots, landmarks and whatnots. Atlanta is a city for all seasons and a great place to do business or raise a family in. Visit the many tourist attractions, taste down-home southern comfort food, and experience the nightlife & fun entertainment. The historical sites and great weather alone make Atlanta inviting; the all-inclusive experiences you receive will make you call it home.

Sitting in traffic is the worst, but at least you can appreciate the beautiful buildings all around while listening to your radio rush hour traffic jam. Traveling MARTA, Atlanta’s public rail and bus transportation, is another option. The fairly new Atlanta Beltline is another option, it a rail corridor that travels 22 miles around the City of Atlanta. The completion will bring together 45 neighborhoods connecting them to the metropolitan Atlanta region, trails, historical sites and whatnots.

Little Five Points offer cool eclectic vibes, a little bit of everything from funky paraphernalia to club clothes and goth gear, if you’re into that. Plenty of shops, eateries & bars to dine out on the patio/terrace. Freedom Walk Park conveniently located in walking distance of The (Jimmy) Carter Center.

There are plenty of restaurants and fine dining that will give the taste of the world. I vow to visit several new places each year, although I may not have traveled a particular region but my taste buds wouldn’t know the difference, lol. That down south soul food takes me back to my roots, lol.

There are countless day parties, networking events and plenty of family friendly experience to partake in. But……

WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN
 
So much goes down when the nightlife come around and although Atlanta is known for the many popular strip clubs, I’ll keeping this post PG, lol, bummer for some I know.  Atlanta is a breeding ground for huge musical talent and many production projects. It’s not unusual to spot a celebrity while shopping or partying with them at one of their hosted events.


(Upper left) The CNN sculpture located at the global headquarters of Turner Broadcasting, housing shops, hotels and eateries. (Lower right) The World of Coke three story interactive pavilion located at Underground Atlanta. Every New Year’s Eve many come to witness the Big Peach drop by counting down to a new year. Rest assure there are plenty shops, restaurants and entertainment here. You’ll see old rail beds and walk the cobblestone street on the upper and lower streets. (Right side) If you’re in the downtown/Georgia Tech area The Varsity is another hot spot. This huge diner is super busy and you can choose to order curb-side service without leaving your car.  

Skyview Atlanta, huge ferris wheel is a great way to view the city. The basic fare is $13.50 for adults (13+), Children $8.50 (3-12), under 2 (free). Discounts for senior citizens and groups of 20+. If you’re feeling royalty and go the VIP route ($50 per person) you will view the city sitting on leather seats and a glass see-through floor. For that price it may come with other perks.




Atlanta is filled with Murals and graffiti around the city.
 
 
Atlanta have so much to offer with many things to do/see. I couldn’t fit everything in one post and just may do a part 2, lol. If you decide to take a road trip to the ATL, be sure to spend at least a week in the city to absorb all it has to offer. I guarantee you just might return sooner than later and even call Atlanta your second home.
 
Thanks for stopping by. If you like this and/or want to see similar posts, give it a thumbs up. By all means share if you like. Have you traveled to Atlanta before? Did you enjoy your visit? What were some of your highlights?!
Have any questions, comments or well wishes? Be blessed. XOXO
 
STEP INSIDE MY VISIT TO NEW ORLEANS...WHAT A GOOD TIME!
Hi all! Just want to share my (first time) trip to New Orleans. It’s a great place for the family or just hanging out with friends. Recently a friend of mine and her husband showed me around while giving some NOLA history. There was so much to do and experience that I couldn’t get it all in, so I must do a round two in the future, lol. What fun I had, check it out…
I ingested the Southern vibe through my journeys via Magazine, Canal and Bourbon St. (around the city in general). The streets were filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques selling jewelry, antiques, clothes etc. I saw plenty of local bars, casual coffee shops and trendy restaurants. Either catch a pedicab, the bus or hop on The St. Charles Ave. streetcar. The architectural buildings with their historic charm were a pleasant sight. New Orleans is the home of America’s first gambling casino, Harrah’s. So try your luck...if you feel lucky. Harrah's also has a multi-million dollar theater as well as Harrah's Hotel.

 We roamed around Jackson Square, I seen fortune tellers among other things. Here you can have your portrait drawn on the spot, see mimes and hear local musicians play and entertain all for free. We wondered acrossed from the historic St. Louis Cathedral... just beautiful. All the sight seeing struck up an appetite.
Many restaurants here are known for their cajun/creole/seafood dishes,but still have a variety for even the pickiest eaters. We checked out a couple restaurants before settling on Ralph & Kacoo’s, The Seafood Restaurant. The atmosphere was very relaxing but inviting. Upon entering I noticed not one but two pianos (both facing each other) while both being played simultaneously. There were several birthdays that night and a live crowd chiming in singing ‘happy birthday’ then the two piano players broke into the Stevie Wonder’s version as well, lol. This is what we ordered.
Fried Crab fingers, Soft-shelled Crab, Stuffed Crab and steamed vegetables
 


Seafood Gumbo
 
 Fetticini Alfredo Shrimp and lumped crabmeat. The rolls here were so moist, yum.
Oh don’t forget to grab a bag of Beignets (french donut) from the famous Café Du Monde. No one warned me of the huge crowd or the black t-shirt for that matter. Although the line was not wrapped around the corner like I hear (the norm), but it was like a standing room only situation. It’s a must to eat these while they are ‘hot’. As soon as I grabbed one out the bag and took a bite, both my friend and her husband tried to warn/stop me. I found the powdered sugar they generously coat on Beignets, all over my black t-shirt. I was a mess and it did not easily wipe off either. Yep, I’m a tourist, lol!
The 24-7 nightlife on Bourbon St. really comes to life. So much energy as we walked through the crowds, hearing a mixture of music (a lot of jazz as well) blasting from every angle. I seen a little bit of everything, from super hero’s to hanging alligators. As always the streets were filled with party-goers, drinks and fun. Loved her Angela Davis inspired huge afro (upper left). There were people up top ready to give away beads for whoever wanted to earn them. I saw plenty of novelty/souvenir shops, bars/clubs and all in between. I noticed the purple mask at a shop and had to get it (first picture shown above).

Yep this night was a touring success and I will go back. Maybe catch one of several tours, go on a day cruise, grab a po boy and take in some museums. Oh and visit The Mahalia Jackson Theater...Either way it goes, "Les Bon Ton Roule", (Let the good times roll!!) 
***Click like if you liked this post. Have you visited NOLA? What was your experience?
***And shout out to my friend Sharika Mahdi-Neville and her husband Carlos for all your generousity and hospitality...you know how we do,lol
***All pics:URBAN CRUSH
*********************ROAD TRIP!!!!***********************

I love road trips, they are the best. In a couple of days I’ll be heading out to New Orleans with some friends for the annual ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL. I must admit I’ve always wanted to attend but I never did. I’m also visiting my great friend who resides there, she is very talented (a visual artist) and lots of fun-plenty of laughter…the kind where you can’t breathe and need to sit down somewhere just to catch your breath. I am looking forward to all of the festivities during my trip.
 My last trip took me to a friends’ wedding in North Carolina. I love meeting interesting people and believe me I met a lot and had a great time. I took in many of the sites and of course, SHOPPED, lol! I loved how we pulled up to this gas station and seen these hanging around. I had to do a double take.



These were hanging inside as well, wonder how long this guy been waiting around, lol. I love capturing pics and moments like this and I'll be sure to have great pics in an upcoming post (via Essence Festival). I haven’t packed yet but in my mind I’m trying to think of what I want to take. I was advised to bring some comfortable shoes due to plenty of walking and huge crowds. Have anyone ever attended this particular festival in New Orleans, if so how was your experience? Any places for me to visit or take in, let me know in the comments section below. Thanks and I will keep you posted so stay tuned.
Urban Crush, xoxo 
********************************ALL PIC: URBAN CRUSH***********************************