How To Enjoy Miami in 48 Hours or Less

Nothing feeds the soul more than travel. Getting away from home and exploring a different city broadens your appreciation and outlook on life. I've visited Miami before in passing, but never had the chance to see all it has to offer until recently. Full of rich culture and diversity, there's plenty to explore and eat in the city. From late Italian designer Gianni Versace's mansion to Ocean Blvd and Collins Ave, there's so much to see and do! If you're in a time crunch, don't worry, hun. Here’s how you can enjoy Miami in 48 hours or less.

In front of a mural at Wynwood Walls outdoor museum.

Little Havana is one of the many hidden gems in Miami. There’s so much history, food and love that surrounds the small three-block area. Upon arrival, you’ll quickly become immersed in a diverse and loving group of locals. From watching domino players play at Maximo Gomez Park (Domino Park), sipping a refreshing mojito, or joining Cuban locals dancing on the sidewalks, there's never a shortage of entertainment.

Getting to Little Havana is easy. You can bike, Uber or take a cab to Calle Ocho (8th St). This is the heart of Little Havana and the main street. While there, visit El Pub Restaurant (I recommend the empanada and Cuban sandwich) and grab a mojito at Ball & Chain. Ball & Chain offers some of the best live music in Miami and often has visitors salsa dancing in their welcoming dining room. A visit to Little Havana wouldn't be complete without trying authentic Cuban ice cream. Azucar Ice Cream across the street from the Tower Theatre has a vast selection of authentic Cuban flavors. The Abuela Maria® flavor is amazing and you'll think about it long after your trip is over.

I would also suggest going on a food tour of the area. Not only will you be able to eat and visit an array of delicious restaurants, but you’ll also get a history lesson from a Miami local. Miami Culinary Tours is woman-owned, affordable and highly rated. Miami is a vibrant, culture-rich and sunny city waiting for exploration. 🏖️ All it's missing is you. Have you ever visited Miami? What was your experience like? 

Ball & Chain in Little Havana.

Things To Do At Panola Mountain State Park in Stockbridge, Georgia

Panola Mountain State Park is a hidden gem just outside the perimeter of Atlanta in Stockbridge, GA. The large park offers paved walking trails, bike rentals, fishing, camping sites and a variety of other outdoor activities. The parks' main attraction is Panola Mountain which is a granite rock formation similar to Stone Mountain, however much smaller. I went on a Sunday afternoon to catch a sweat and some fresh air. 

Like all state parks in Georgia there is a fee to enter; Panola Mountain's is $5. After entering the park from the HWY 155 entrance there are picnic pavilions, restrooms, a playground, fitness area, as well as a small gravel parking lot for the PATH Trail. Since this was my first time at the park I decided to walk the shortest trail. Though it was short, it didn’t make hiking it any less challenging! I walked 4 miles roundtrip in 93 degree Georgia humidity, 🥵.  There is an entrance sign to the trail that suggests having a cell phone, water and trail buddy, which I also encourage due to the seclusion of trail. 

Hikes up to Panola Mountain are by reservation only due to the sensitivity of the plant species that live on it. However, there is an observation deck along the Alexander Loop Trail that gives you the chance to see some of the mountain and learn about its history. Along the trail there's lots of lush green forest, plants and various bugs. Overall, it’s is a nice and quiet hike. I would recommend this trail to all fitness levels since you can walk as far or short as you want. It’s also a great option for you to enjoy a less crowded park or enjoy a change of scenery.

I'm excited about the beautiful weather we have here in Atlanta during the summer. It gives me an excuse to go outside and explore all the city and state has to offer. Where are you looking forward to exploring this summer? What are some of your favorite state parks to visit?

What To Do With 72 Hours In Italy

For my first international trip ever, I could not have picked a better place to visit than Italy. The history, culture, and of course the food is nothing short of amazing. Though I only had a short amount of time there (72 hours to be exact), I wanted to see and eat as much as possible. I went with my sister and we had the time of our lives.

The first few hours in Italy were spent in Milan. In the future, I would skip Milan because its super touristy, but it was still nice to explore the fashion capital. The first stop while in Milan was a brief visit to Duomo di Milano, the main cathedral of Milan and the Galleria. The Galleria is an outdoor shopping area with high-end designer storefronts and boutique restaurants. Though pricey, some of the restaurants are full of charm and are great for people-watching. For my first taste of Italian cuisine, I went to Restaurant San Carlo Borromeo. It was a cute place and the service was attentive. I ordered salmon, grilled vegetables and cheese risotto (I was trying to be good ya'll!). Since I'm used to strong, bold flavors in the States I felt that the dish lacked a little in flavor and a lot on salt. However, I had cheese ravioli and a blood orange spritzer that really I enjoyed.

Dinner from Restaurant San Carlo Borromeo.

Jet lag set in after dinner, so me, my aunt and sister headed to our Airbnb  to prepare for the next day. The next morning, we went to a super cute café. It was everything you would think of an Italian café. I hate that I missed the name, since everything was in Italian, but they served pastries, fresh juices and coffee right in the heart of Milan. I ordered a "continental breakfast" which consisted of plain yogurt, a fruit salad, and a chocolate-hazelnut filled brioche (croissant). I also ordered a fresh juice. Everything was delicious! Much lighter than in the States. After breakfast, we headed to Duomo di Milano for an inside tour.

I think the most beautiful places in the world are best experienced in person. You can see pictures and hear descriptions, but you have to be there to really appreciate it. That said, I’ll try my best to describe the greatness of this Cathedral. The construction and detail of Duomo is breathtaking. Considering that it was constructed over 600 years ago and is made entirely of marble, it shows the greatness and strength that humans are capable of. Once inside, your surrounded by tombs, art, intricate architecture, history, and religion, all in one place! Since we were in Italy during the off-season and arrived to Duomo early we didn't encounter any crowds. I'd imagine it to be busier during peak travel periods like the summer.

After touring Duomo di Milano, my family and I headed to Lake Garda for the rest of the day. Lake Garda is about two hours east of Milan and is a beautiful lakeside community. Once there, my sister and I saw the Floating Castle at Sirmione, and ate authentic gelato. Let me tell you, I feel like eating gelato in Italy is the most Italian thing you can do. That was one for my bucket list for sure.

Lake Garda

Floating Castle in Sirmione

The last day of my 72 hour Italian adventure was spent in Venice which was by far my favorite day. When we got to Venice, we were whipped away on a water taxi. The next few hours were spent getting lost in the alleys, grabbing lunch, riding a gondola and snapping pictures of the beautiful St. Mark's Basilica. There are no photos allowed inside St. Mark's, but like Duomo, it is beautiful and grand. The cathedral is made up of marble and there are gold mosaics covering the ceilings, as well as intricate detail around every corner. It's one of those places where pictures don't do it justice.

Since it was my last full day in Italy, my aunt set up a wonderful wine tasting and farewell dinner for my sister and I. We went to an Italian vineyard that not only grows organic grapes for their wine, but their menu also featured mostly organic foods. We were in heaven! After a tour of the facilities, we were treated to an array of Italian wines and a five course dinner. It was by far my favorite part of the trip. But it didn't end there...

Wine cellar

The journey home was another trip in itself. After leaving Italy we had an 18 hour layover in the U.K. and decided to take advantage of it. I researched a few vegetarian restaurants before hand and found this super cute place in Manchester called 1847. In all honesty, the food there was the best vegetarian food I've ever had. In total my sister and I ate three courses and each one was full of flavor, depth and a stunning presentation. I would highly recommend this restaurant if your a vegan, vegetarian or you would like to try something new. 

Roasted eggplant with mustard and a Thai spice cocktail.

Crispy truffled gnocchi and edamame.

Dark chocolate bars with homemade chips, edible flowers and raspberry puree.

Have you ever made an impromptu trip to a different city or place? Where did you go? What made it memorable for you?

Hiking Hiking Preacher's Rock on The Appalachian Trail - Georgia Hikes

I’m going through a season of rebirth. It has been challenging, exciting, and a bit exhausting at times, but I know this journey is only meant to make me a stronger being. The person that I thought I was for the past 26 years is completely different than who I am today. There’s a constant ebb and pull on my spirit to stay the same, and on the other hand, change. The mind is a very stubborn thing, and most of the time I struggle with a "me vs. me" battle. 

For this reason, many of my posts will feature nature or travel. I have found that being surrounded by nature in all its stillness provides a type of therapy for me. Instead of seeking help from traditional methods, I have turned to nature for solitude. So this post is dedicated to the beautiful mountain outcrop at Preacher’s Rock. Preacher’s Rock is located on the southern end of the Appalachian Trail in the Chattahoochee Forest.  It’s a 2 mile hike roundtrip and is fairly easy to navigate. We arrived early in the morning, around 9am. There was still dew on the ground, and fog in the air. By the time we reached the summit we were surrounded by the clouds and could barely see. But it was perfect. Reaching the top of any summit, big or small always feels like an accomplishment and you feel ready to conquer anything. Fear, doubt. 

I would recommend this hike for anyone looking to challenge themselves and has a moderate fitness level. There are some rocks and tree limbs that must be climbed, so use caution. Water and snacks are a must. I would also recommend going with someone, as this area is wooded and secluded. Safety first!  Preacher’s Rock was a beautiful day - hike in the Appalachian Mountains and I will definitely visit again. Until next time..

*Photo credit in top photo Tremaine Jacobs

Hiking Cloudland Canyon - Georgia Hikes

If your looking for a nice hike off the beaten path, Cloudland Canyon in Rising Fawn, GA is your place. Located just two hours west of Atlanta, it’s the perfect place to start or end a weekend adventure. When I made the trip there, I wasn’t exactly sure of what to expect, considering most of the places I had hiked were in urban areas. However, I was pleasantly surprised once I was immersed into the tranquil beauty of Cloudland Canyon. The crisp air and awe-inspiring mountains surrounded me like a warm, humid hug…or a cloud. I wonder if that’s how it was given its name. Ironic? There’s just something about being surrounded by nature that evokes peace within you. No emergency sirens, noisy neighbors, deadlines or honking horns. Just you, your thoughts and nature. I explored the area like a curious child. Being soothed by the sounds of cascading waterfalls and chirping birds. I climbed stairs, sat on boulders and leaped over streams as if I were playing on a jungle gym. My trip to Cloudland Canyon was a short one, consisting of a one mile hike and a picnic with my loved ones. But it provided me with all that I needed to make mountain hiking a regular part of my life. It's nice to be grounded by nature in the busy shuffle of our daily lives and gain perspective. If your interested in going, I highly recommended it. Until next time.