Where Southern Charm Embraces History and Families! - Atlanta, GA

It's a city known for reality shows and luxurious estates, but it's primary angle is maintaining a love for families and southern charm. My recent family trip to the ATL was a vacation to remember, forming lasting memories and taking in wonderful sites. Our stay at the Hampton Inn - Cumberland was quite satisfying. There were no discrepancies upon check-in and they anticipated our arrival with true hospitality. While we did experience some construction noises during the day as lobby renovations were underway, by early evening the noise ceased. The standard rooms and suites met company standards as well as our own expectations. The standard rooms offer two queen beds, a full size bathroom, a workstation with free Wi Fi, and a cable television with movie rentals. The suites include a full size living area with a pull-out bed, a separate sleeping area with either a King bed or two Queen beds, a full bathroom, and a kitchen. The hotel offers complimentary breakfast consisting of belgian waffles, sausage, eggs, cereal, and fresh fruit. Housekeeping was timely and manerable, and each day I looked forward to my Hershey kisses on my pillow upon return.

Our vacation started with a visit to Centennial Park. Jaya (our lil' angel) loved the fountain and playing with the other children. Children definitely remind you of what it means to just have fun! The park hosts a live jazz concert on Wednesdays during the summer. The featured band - the 911 Band - did their thing, while swooning the ladies with Usher and R. Kelly ballads. And they didn't forget the "oldies but goodies" of Frankie Beverly and Maze. In unison, "Joy and Pain...Come on, come on, come on!"

The next day, we visited the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Site. It was not my first visit, but it's always a great experience reeducating myself about the history of such a great leader and the civil rights movement, as well as taking in the culture of the Sweet Auburn district.  Later that evening, we visited Stone Mountain National Park to witness the laser show at night. Unfortunately, a major storm made its way through and cancelled the show, but the park features many recreational/water activities for all ages. Overnight accommodations at the phenomenal Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort are available, also. Be sure to contact me for great family packages.

Friday lead us to the Georgia Aquarium. It definitely holds the title for the world's best aquarium. The exhibits, display of exotic fish, and screenings were wonderful! And to top it all, the Dolphin Tales dolphin show is out of this world! The story of a sailor being rescued by his fellow dolphin companions was a tale worth seeing. This is truly a must-see show!

That evening, me and the "fam" experienced a bit of the ATL nightlife. We headed to Indigo Rooftop Lounge. To be straight to the point. It wasn't close to being posh, but it definitely had a "down home" vibe. There was no room for being a snob, but it was simply an environment for having a good time. And for your convenience, food was sold outside on the deck. Let me just say that the barbeque shrimp kebabs were superb! Okay, I confess. I had two! : )

Our last day consisted of the Atlanta Zoo, Cascade Family Skating Rink, and our family dinner at Paschal's. Paschal's is a city landmark acknowledged for it history and famous soul food. It well deserves its title.
If it's not clear, our recent family vacation to Atlanta was wonderful and a trip to remember. I always enjoy visiting the ATL, but taking it all in with family makes it all worthwhile!

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historial Site

Centennial Park

 

 

 Georgia Aquarium

Max's Coal Oven Pizzeria (300 Marietta Street, NW)

 After visiting the aquarium, head over to Max's - the pizza is heavenly!

Stone Mountain National Park

Zoo Atlanta

Cascade Family Skating

Paschal's Restaurant

(The Adams Family - Me, Jerome, and Jaya)

The Boys! - Ryan and Stephan

The Wilkerson Family

Aunts and their nephews! - Aunt Margaret, Aunt Barbara, Jerome, and Ronnel

A Grande Ole' Time at the Sunset Jamaica Grande

Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort Ocho Rios is an excellent resort and an experience to remember. The accommodations were great and there was never a dull moment. As an agent and guest, I will say there is a need for more timely housekeeping service, and customer service at the front desk could tighten up a bit. Smile...remember, no worries! Yet, those two factors didn't spoil our vacation. The property is well kept and the atmosphere was pleasant and energetic. The entertainment staff was on point. A special shout out to the resort's entertainment MC, Chris. Hands down, Mon!

The main dining hall buffet offered quality cuisine, but the selections could be a bit more extensive. I will say the omelets in the morning were SUPERB, particulary with jalapenos. I love spicy food! Specialty restaurants are available as well. Restaurant types include, Italian, Chinese, and Caribbean. Restaurant reservations must be made a day in advance. Now, let's not forget about the island cocktails. The rum punch with just a bit of Amaretto is quite delightful! The bartenders are extremely generous with the island's favorite: Rum. Be sure to satisfy your palette and senses with a Miami Vice and a Purple Rain. Thumbs up! Just be sure to drink responsibly. Remember, this is a family resort.

As for touring the town of Ocho Rios, it's like they say in elementary school: stay with your group. If you're not one for nagging, it's advised to stay on the resort. But if you're down for some price negotiating and you're not intimidated by crowds, by all means. Just be cautious. Because I warn you: you're no longer in Kansas. Be sure to venture out during the day. Street lighting is not intense and it's extremely dark at night. The resort does offer free ground transportation to Margaritaville for those who want to enjoy the nightlife. And if you're really not down for leaving the resort but going to your room is not an option, wind yourself over to the resort's club, Jamaica Me Crazy. They offer a chill ambience, a full bar, and a DJ who plays reggae, hip hop, and Top 40 dance beats. I did the dance floor no justice! For those planning a wedding, a birthday, and/or a bachelor/bachelorette party, take advantage of the "FREE" lounge sections. You know that's unheard of in the states.

And who can leave Jamaica without participating in an excursion or two. Mystic Mountain and Dunn's River Falls were phenomenal! First, we attacked Mystic Mountain, only to be disappointed with the Skylift being the only option up the mountain. Keep in mind, Mystic Mountain is one of the highest mountains in all the island. FYI: If heights are not your thing, I would not suggest this excursion. But if you can bare it, it's worth the ride. Bobsledding through the trees and ziplining is out of this world! Next, we ventured over to Dunn's River Falls. Water is a true force of nature. While teaming up with a group of approx. 20 people, we stood strong and climbed to the top. Along the way, we enjoyed oasis pools, manmade slides - slippery rocks : ) -, and the true meaning of teamwork. Ultimately, the "land of wood and water" treated us well. Contact me to book your stay and Ocho Rios experience. Everything was Erie, Mon!

The artwork depicts true culture

                                                  Lunch Buffet: Rice w/lima beans, stir fry,
                                                      sweet and sour chicken, and jerk fish.
                            
                              
                                                Dinner Buffet: White rice, curry goat, jerk
                                                             fish, and sweet potatoes.

                              
                                                                    Main dining hall            
                                               

Lobby bar

Local artist onsite and artwork sold

                                                Speciality Chinese restaurant: Ginger Lily
                            

Beach

...and more beach

South Tower

One of the five pools

Picturesque views from the resort

Wedding/vow renewal gazebo

Waterslide - tons of fun!

Private pool coves

Club

Enjoying some rum punch

Standard room w/ a King bed

Location: 7th floor; Room #707

Dining space

Mirror and drawer options

Full bathroom

Yes, I wobbled and proud of it! This travel agent

knows how to have a good time.

Celebrating five years: Happy Anniversary, Babe!

Margaritaville

                                               Mystic Mountain: Let the adventure begin!
                                                

Ziplining - Bring it!

The wireline in the background is where I swung through the forest.

Exhilarating!

The view from the top of Mystic Mountain

is breathtaking!