It’s been a while and to be fair, I just haven’t had the time to sit down and write. With working through spring break, needing time to catch my breath, and just sleeping…it’s been a rough couple of months. I’m glad to be back though and this summer is going to be a busy one!
A few weeks ago, Alex and I decided to have a staycation in ATL. We always try to do something new whenever we go so we went to the High Museum of Art while there. Atlanta is definitely one of those “there’s something for everyone city” so if nothing sounds interesting to you, check back in after we staycation again.
It was a fairly last minute decision based on the fact that I was given a surprise three day weekend so we jumped on Expedia and ended up deciding to stay at the Renaissance in Midtown. The staff was amazing. They were so sweet and we got to connect over what a wild ride spring break had been. The hotel was very clean and our room was gorgeous. There was even a really cool art piece set up.
We ended up heading over to New Realm Brewing for a late lunch because they have the city’s best mac and cheese prior to checking in. Alex and I split a mac and then ordered separate entrees. I really missed being able to head into the city. It had been over a year at that point. If you haven’t read my post about New Realm Brewing, you can find it here.
That evening we met friends we hadn’t seen in over a year at Ok Yaki. Look, I didn’t know this place existed in East Atlanta and while we didn’t eat there…we wish we had. The food smelled amazing. As usual, I drank and Alex shook his head at my giant whisky highball. It was a much needed evening full of good company, laughter, and teasing. After everything last year, I had forgotten how friends are supposed to be. I’m thankful I have these crazies in my life.
Alex and I settled in at the hotel bar, Rowdy Tiger, for more drinks and some late night snacks. The bar has an incredible atmosphere that’s upscale without being formal or stuffy. It encouraged some flirting and lots of giggling when the waitress laughed at Alex as he ordered his sweet tea. Also, Rowdy Tiger has some amazing she crab soup. It’s got a spectacular flavor with a bit of a kick at the end. 10/10 recommend.
Sunday was the highlight of the staycation. We got up to brunch at Rowdy Tiger before heading to Ponce City Market. No trip to PCM is complete without a Five Daughters Bakery donut. Trust me. You haven’t lived until you’ve had one.
The last stop on our Sunday agenda was the whole reason we came to the city: Atlanta’s High Museum of Art. I fully believe that not enough people acknowledge art museums as date spots. It leads to interesting conversations, intellectual experiences, and you learn whether or not you’re with someone that appreciates the arts. Thankfully, Alex is an art lover. Maybe not as much as I am, but we appreciate it together.
The High’s modern art collection was my personal favorite. I know modern art isn’t for everyone, but it gives me goosebumps and a sense of awe. There was also an exhibit called Ragnar Kjartansson: The Visitors. It was without a doubt one of the coolest exhibits I’ve ever seen. I don’t have any images from it because it was one of those exhibits you just wanted to full immerse yourself in. There’s an excerpt on the museum’s website that I recommend checking out.
Of course, statues catch my attention almost as much. ATL’s High Museum has plenty of them too. Stumbling upon a instagrammer and her boyfriend, I (not so patiently) waited for her to stop demanding her boyfriend stop shaking while taking her picture to frame up my own shot without people in it. As I mentioned, I wasn’t very patient so I found an angle that worked out better than I could have imagined.
After living in GA for seven years and constantly hearing about the High, I’m glad I finally got to experience it. It was also a trip we really needed just to destress from the constant on the go life we’ve made for ourselves. Do you have a staycation spot? Let me know in the comments. As usual, travel safe and travel often.
TravelinFoodies 