You Owe Yourself A Staycation
As the world adapts to its new normal with COVID-19, I decided to take a mini vacation in my own town of Atlanta, GA.
Since mid-March I feel like I’ve been shut-in and tied to my laptop trying not to stress over current world issues and a decline in my travel business because of the ongoing pandemic.
I really needed a break.
My state of Georgia had been open for a few weeks now, so I decided to take the weekend away with limited access to social media and emails to really disconnect.
I ordered take out from my new to go spot, Gusto! and ordered the Chipotle Mango Avocado with Spicy Chicken.
It’s healthy, fulfilling, and comes with the best freshly made sweet potato chips ever.
Then I headed over to Atlanta’s Center Park aka Piedmont Park. As I arrived, I saw a large gathering of protestors getting ready to march for equality, police reform, and to make sure people know Black Lives Matter.
As I found my spot on the green field of the park, a sense of calm came over me.
The weather was warm, the sun was peeking through cumulus clouds and I was surrounded by love and laughter from nearby families, all while social distancing of course.
From toddlers enjoying their first steps in the lush emerald grass to dads playing football with their sons. I laid my blanket down enjoyed my lunch and relaxing atmosphere for almost four hours.
The next day I woke up ready to enjoy the Hotlanta heat and a little fun in the sun.
My next adventure led me to check-in at the Omni Hotel at the Battery Atlanta.
The room was very spacious with views overlooking the pool, the heart of The Battery, a 360-degree experience where you can do everything from bowling to bull-riding, karaoke to concerts within steps of the stadium, and a great view of the Atlanta Braves stadium all from my room.
Whether it’s a view of the Battery, the stadium or the city, I can’t imagine having a bad view at this hotel.
After the early check-in around 2pm, I rushed to put my bags down so I could claim my spot by the pool where a variety of music was playing, the bar was open, and the sun was just waiting for me to lay out to bronze my already beautiful skin.
A few drinks and a few hours at the pool, I decided to turn down and relax a bit by having a massage at the LeHua Spa where the massage was so good, I almost fell asleep on the table.
I ended my night with a walk through the Battery to get food. The Battery was like pre-pandemic, no masks, full of people, and a just a little scary, lol. I ended up at Walhburger to support my favorite New Kid on the Block (Donnie) and Marky Mark without his Funky Bunch.
While I waited for my meal, I was serenaded by live music and piano bar vibes which may have come from PH’East, I’m not sure.
Let me tell you, I’m not sure if it was the burgers, the jammed packed day, or the drinks I had earlier but it put me right to sleep.
Before ending my staycation I had to get brunch. This is the ATL and you know we love to brunch. I drove down to College Park, which was about a 20-minute drive from where I was and ordered the blackened salmon and grits at The Real Milk & Honey. This time I know it was the food that put me to sleep but it was well worth it and a great end to my ATL vacation.
~April
To check out my awesome pictures, follow me on social media
