SHAKY KNEES 2025 DAY 1: MONKEYS GONE TO HEAVEN

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/20/25

Photo: Ismael Quintanilla III, Shaky Knees

John and I boarded Marta and took the train down to Piedmont Park for day one of Shaky Knees 2025. For us, today was about getting acquainted with the new venue, perusing all the fun activations, deciding on what merch to purchase, and of course catching all the great bands performing on my birthday! I thank them for making my birthday an epic one.

First, my favorite thing all day, was what I call “large Ozzy.” A larger-than-life Ozzy costume with a huge bat with whom I had some fun interactions. He was walking around near the media tent and food row and tried to “bite my head off.” It was hilarious. It is a great tribute to the late rocker. The coolest activation we found is the two-story Patron Tequila bar. It looks like a real bar and restaurant with lounge seating upstairs and DJ’s spinning every hour. They even have their own DJ line-up you can enjoy. I’m definitely going to spend some time there today upstairs during the day. We also ran into our friend, Steve Craig, DJ at 99x and had a great chat about Inhaler that they were going to interview that day. I didn’t know Elijah Hewson; the lead singer is Bono’s son. Yes, that Bono. I wish we had made it to their show now.

We made our way to the Piedmont stage to check out Idles first. I was really impressed with their sound; it really is a throwback to punk of old with a mix of grunge, rock elements, and a strong bold voice. I don’t know if this is what they were going for, but it was like Rage Against the Machine with a mix of Dead Kennedys, Henry Rollins, and then a grunge influence. I am not a huge Rage fan but love Dead Kennedys and grunge, so I enjoyed the performance. But what I really like is his voice. It is bold, deep, and commanding.

What who we really went to see were Pixies and Deftones. Starting with Pixies, I first discovered them in 1999 from the Fight Club soundtrack. Where is My Mind was an anthem to the times and still rings true today, so immediately I was hooked. This performance was just as good as all the ones I’ve seen before, with Doolittle and crew singing everything from poppy, surfer rock, Here Comes Your Man to grungy Gouge Away to one of my favorites, Monkeys Gone to Heaven. Fitting that the T-shirt they were selling for this tour is a monkey with a halo in clouds. I had to have it.

This leads me to the headliner of the night, Deftones. We literally just saw them about 4 months or so ago at State Farm Arena where they filled an entire arena with fans. They have seemed to have a resurgence in popularity lately and we are here for it! What strikes me every time with Deftones is their use of light and video in tandem with the Chino’s melonic voice. Their performance is always spot on and they know how to keep a crowd engaged sticking mostly with the hits. Deftones performed several of my favorites including Quiet and Drive (Far Away) to start then proceeding with My Own Summer that launched their career, Knife Party, then slowing it down a little with Diamond Eyes and Digital Bath. The hits kept coming with some of their new album, that is absolutely amazing, but nothing is better live than Change (In the House of Flies). The sun rising behind Chino is just chilling and beautiful. Deftones stock has risen! Now, how do I get them to play my favorite of their songs, Passenger from White Pony.

DRAGON CON 2025: A ONE DAY ITINERARY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/15/25

Come with us to a day at Dragon con! John and I have attended Dragon Con for years, over 20 for him and in the teens for me. So needless to say, we’re veterans! So, we thought we’d put together the ultimate day at the con for you to grab for next year!

This itinerary is based on Saturday and you will need to purchase a badge to get into any of the Dragon Con hotels.

You’ll start your day by going to see the 10 am Saturday morning Dragon Con parade. It is the best way to see all the best costumes and this is free and open to the public. So, we would recommend you get there an hour early to get a good enough seat to see! Plus, bring water, camp chairs, and snacks as the parade is 2 hours!

Next you will need to fuel your day, so take a lunch break. Grab a bite at any of the local restaurants like Gus’ Fried Chicken for hot fried chicken. Other spots include the Peachtree Center food court, Aviva, or Willy’s to name a few. Plus, there is a food truck parking lot.


While at lunch, download the Dragon Con app and find some things to do during the day, like attend an early afternoon panel with one of your favorite celebrities, comic book artists, and more. This year we saw David Boreanaz who has starred in shows like Buffy, Angle, and Bones. The second panel was Simon Pegg from Sean of the Dead and Mission Impossible. I couldn’t make it to the 40th anniversary panel of Back to the Future, that would have been interesting to see Christopher Lloyd.


Go to the Marriott Marquis and take a walk around the walk of fame. It is a ballroom filled with all types of famous people from TV shows to movies to animators and voice actors. You can just walk around and see who is there or get in line to talk to one of your favorites. Typically, the celebrities charge for photos and signatures so bring some cash!

Then, go find your favorite cosplayers walking around and score a ribbon to attach to your badge! Usually if you interact with them or take their photo, they will give you one, and sometimes swag!

Are you into art? Head to America’s Mart to do some shopping. They have all kinds of goodies you can take home. This is something you could also do first thing during the parade, as we’ve heard that is lighter. The lines can be very long, so if you do this make sure you have at least an hour an a half.

Now, if you don’t want to do this you can head to the Hyatt Regency and people watch in the lobby. People are always happy to snap photos and video with you. They also have a fun “bucket of rum” you can get while doing this.

For our 21 and up readers, this is the perfect time to grab a drink and take a break. Some of our favorites are everything from the bourbon drinks at Sear in the Marquis to beers and Tin Lizzy’s and Skol Brewery to the famed mai tai at Trader Vic’s in the Hilton. There are other great cocktail, wine, and beer locations like Meehan’s Irish Pub downtown and cocktails at Red Phone Booth. Red Phone Booth even does a theme with specialty cocktails and food!

Take a trip down the skybridge, it is great people watching and take a stroll around the Hilton. It is the spot for group photos so you may be able to see a large group of Mario characters to maybe a Marvel meet up. Make sure to visit the Cult of John while you’re in the skybridge as well.

Make sure to turn right after exiting the skybridge between the Hyatt and Marriott Marquis, you’ll find a collection of working droids, and you can interact with! They are my favorite part of Dragon Con and there are so many new ones each year. Wall-e, R2, and BB8 are always there, as well!

It’s time to find another panel! There are so many, two a day is usually what I shoot for, and they are always fun and entertaining. I will never forget the one with Vincent D’Onafro last year! His story about how he got cast in full metal jacket is epic. Or the time, I went the Smallville panel, and all the stars stood on their chairs and sang.

Take a dinner break at one of the local restaurants or hotel restaurants around. We typically always eat dinner at Tin Lizzy’s Cantina, it is really affordable, and I love their So Cal bowl. Then, there is also Alma, they have the best Bulgogi beef tacos and a delightful fish dish.

After dinner, is the ultimate people watching time and the lobby of the Mariott Marquis is the best spot. You can grab some Mead from the Monk’s Mead and take in all the over-the-top cosplays! I’m sure you’ll find a photo op! This year, I really enjoyed what I call, “experience cosplay” where you can interact with the person, play a game, buy a trinket. Like the guy who dressed as a game show host and actually hosted a game show, or the battle of wits from Princess Bride. Also, hopefully you’ll see a herd of T-Rexes as well while you are there. They run a herd most nights!

It’s time for the Saturday night party in one of the ballrooms with dancing, drinks, and fun people watching. One is the Heroes and Villans Ball or the Zombie Prom.

If you’re up for it, concerts start at midnight and you can find some fun, entertaining acts. One year Here come the Mummies played and it was so worth the late night!

That is one packed day!


ETTE HOTEL & THE SALT AND CELLAR – ORLANDO, FL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/11/25

Opulent is the perfect world to describe this stunning Orlando hotel, Ette Hotel! John and I decided to stay a night in Orlando on the way to our summer beach vacation and we were treated to one of the nicest hotels. From the moment you arrive, you know you’re in for luxury. The right mix of minimalism and calm, with hints of elegance, class, and splendor. And it all starts with gorgeous Ette plant wall outside!

In the lobby, you are greeted with a lush seating area between the automatic doors, and in front of you is a table decked out in skincare, large flowers, with a large steel light. The check-in area is 20s deco lines, minimalistic with the word ette small and unobtrusive. Flanking each side of the check in are cozy, clean sitting areas with pops of purple color couches, piano, and skincare bookcase! I am in love with the mural outside the spa with the girl decked out in royal clothing taking a modern selfie!

Up in the room, I could not get over how calming the spacious room we stayed in! They provide ultimate comfort and the finest touches. It was calming off white with classy furniture, and sleek lines. I really loved the wardrobe; glass and metal and open with a laundry bag hanging if you need. In the bedroom, the large bed is sprawling and comfortable, the sound of water is played as you enter. The bed design and headboard are modern yet simple with gorgeous metal, clean lighting. The bathroom is also a stunner! There is a large vanity, and round mirror reflects off the glass shower. The best part of the shower is the rainfall shower head with its gentle, soothing in-room spa!

Next let’s talk about the on-site restaurant, Salt & The Cellar. It is gorgeous spot in the lobby, a collaboration with Michelin star chef Akira Back. ambiance is so much fun with monkeys hanging from the ceiling, beautiful sweeping bar, and amazing art deco dining room with lush seating. As for the food and drinks, we can’t get over the epic drink presentations from my smoky old fashioned to amazing Asian-Mediterranean dishes. Let’s take a stroll around the menu items we loved!

We started out with two appetizers, the Chef’s Roll and the Assorted Sashimi. The chef’s roll is a delicious roll with a tender fish, creamy avocado and cream cheese, crunchy, salty tempura fried, and so many other flavors like sweet, spicy, and rich. Chef’s kiss. My favorite of the appetizers was the assorted sashimi. What I really loved was the fresh fish mixed with garlic, salty caviar, tangy ponzu, and to be honest, I could have drank the sauce. It was topped with 24k gold flakes!

After that, we went for the Toro tartare experience! It is a tableside experience with a tasty toro tuna in an ice box, then covered in tangy chives, salt, salty caviar, tangy onions, crunchy garlic and a fantastic ponzu poured over it and then tossed right in front of you. You can also add more of what you want from the mixes to truly mix and match. I paired this with the visually stunning experience, the smoked old fashioned, a boozy and smoky yet sweet cocktail!

For dinner I opted for the well-presented 5oz filet steak. It is brought out sizzling with a top, presented to you and then a ponzu is drizzled on the top that creates a smoke effect that is a must see. The steak itself is super tender and flavorful with foraged mushroom underneath with a ton of earthy flavors. On top, earthy greens with butter cap off the meal with creamy and rich balancing flavor. I can’t get over the sauce mixed with the steak and accoutrement. Wow!

Beyond the restaurant, there are a ton of amenities at The Ette Hotel. They have a spa relaxation room that is open to the hotel to relax. Outside, there is a beautiful pool with luxurious lounging area, courtyard with gorgeous waterfall feature, dotted with tables, and painted duck art sculpture. You can also have breakfast and dinner out there from the restaurant. The breakfast is a buffet with tons of options like waffles, fruit, eggs, pastries, but the star of the breakfast show is the delicious tomato and cheese quiche/frittata. It is worth every penny. If you go out to the right of the property, we found the Ette Hotel has a walking path with water feature and a place to take in the small pond with seating dotted near the front.

And we have a treat for you! They offer and Florida and Georgia residence package:
15% off room rates
$50 daily breakfast credit
https://tinyurl.com/Ette-Georgia-Resident-Discount

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HYATT PLACE DOWNTOWN CENTENNIAL PARK

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/5/25

We found a retreat amongst the downtown Atlanta attractions at Hyatt Place Downtown Centennial Park! John and I spent a weekend taking in the sites around Centennial Olympic Park and Hyatt Place Atlanta/Centennial Park is just minutes from them. But, inside you’ll find calm! You’re greeted with some of the friendliest staff we’ve ever had in Atlanta and made us feel at home.

The lobby has tons of lounge seating areas to relax, alcoves with TVs, a space for work, a grass wall with neon sign for selfies, and more! Around the corner is The Place bar and restaurant where they have $5 happy hour (select beer, wine, well drinks) and you can grab a hearty breakfast in the morning. They have everything from eggs to waffles! Next to The Place is their 24-hour market stocked with snacks and beverages for any hour! Speaking of amenities, they also have a tranquil pool for relaxing and a fitness room.

Up in the rooms, you walk into a spacious seating area with full comfy couch. The bathroom is on the way in as well and has a large walk-in shower. The large king bed is one of the most comfy and I need to know where to buy some of their pillows! The best part was our view of the roof of the Georgia aquarium and the Atlanta downtown skyline! Wow!

But the best amenity of the Hyatt Place Downtown Centennial Park is the location! It is literally across the street from Georgia Aquarium where you can see whale sharks and a myriad of other sea creatures. It is also just a few steps from World of Coca-Cola, College Football Hall of Fame, Centennial Olympic Park, GWCC, restaurants and bars, and even walkable to Mercedes-Benz Stadium where you can catch a game or concert.

AN ASHEVILLE WEEKEND GETAWAY 2025

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/24/25

The SUITE-est hotel in Asheville, NC is the Embassy Suites Downtown Asheville. John and I took a weekend getaway up to beautiful Asheville, NC and fell in love with the downtown area all because we stayed in this brand-new hotel that is just SUITE! It is steps from downtown attractions like Grove Arcade, restaurants, bars, nightlife, and a ton of Asheville’s big breweries!

Beyond the perfect location, the hotel is a stunner! You step inside the sweeping and large lobby and welcomed by lounge vibes with comfy couches, beautiful pendant lighting, marble waterfall features, tons of seating around the electric fireplace, and a large bar and restaurant.

Upstairs in the room, you’ll find clean, comfortable, spacious king suites like our room! You walk into a den and living space where you can relax and watch TV on the large comfy couch. Around the corner is the large king bedroom with one of the comfiest mattresses! There is a gorgeous bathroom with tons of white tile and clean, modern lines, walking shower and large vanity area.

Amenities. One of the biggest perks at staying at an Embassy Suites is their hot free breakfast with omelette making station to customize your own omelette, all the usual breakfast suspects and even banana bread! Another is the 5pm happy hour with 2 free drinks and a bunch of salty snacks, dip, veggies, and fruit! Of course they have a pool, fitness area, and business area.

Soprana Rooftop Cocina

And wait until you see the gorgeous rooftop bar, which is the spot for pizza and views in downtown Asheville, Soprana Rooftop Cocina. It is a gorgeous Italian cucina with sweeping mountain views! Once I saw the space, I was super excited to try it, and it was one of the best meals experiences all weekend! They have staple Italian fare, an extensive brick-oven pizza list, a fun creative cocktail menu, wines, all set to the mountains in the background! To my surprise my favorite dish is the burrata. I do like burrata, but this one was sensational! Think cool and mild cheese encased in a mild cheese shell then served with fresh, local, sweet, ripe peaches and the best earthy yet herbaceous pesto! The entire bite was a flavor train.

The other appetizers I got were the Meatballs and the oven roasted chicken wings. The meatballs are rich, meaty, herbaceous and fall apart tender local beef and pork. Plus, they jam some ricotta in it for a creaminess! Topped and surrounded by a tasty, tangy herbed tomato sauce, fresh herbs and mozzarella, and finally finished with sharp pecorino. The other appetizer is the large, tender, and juicy chicken wings. Rubbed with the local delicious Spicewalla Italian dry rub then doused in garlic butter and a hint of charred lemon. I paired it with their Luxe Limone, their limoncello cocktail. It is an herbaceous gin, house made limoncello, creamy egg white, sweet vanilla, and you can’t miss the sweet meringue on top!

For dinner, the Asheville pizza hit the spot. It is the classic spicy pepperoni and a hot honey combination! It so good! Crunchy yet light and fluffy pizza topped with lots of local spicy pepperoni, fresh mozzarella, local smoky, spicy Asheville bee charmer smokin’ hot honey, and a tangy herbaceous marinara. I got the Honey I’m Blushing cocktail with it. A creamy almond cream with a warm reposado tequila, tangy blood orange, and a hint of lemon. For dessert came the Flourless torte. A rich and deep chocolate dessert in a flaky shell then topped with candied and toasted hazelnut and creamy Nutella.

Grove Arcade

John and I took a day to explore everything Grove Arcade; it is truly THE destination in Asheville. As Asheville’s original mall, with gorgeous 1920s architecture and a hint of New Orleans funk, there is so much to find here. They have shops, dining, and more all in one place and in a building built in the 1920s and opened in 1929! It has a rich history!

Some of the Grove Arcade highlights include, grabbing a coffee or bevy and a beignet at Babette’s to fuel your day. They have so many shops, so peruse the many shops including my favorite, Razberry Threads. After that, grab lunch at Carmel’s as they have an assortment of southern fare. I loved their deviled eggs with candied bacon and a glass of wine.

In the afternoon, sip on suds from Wedege Brewing downtown. I got the dry Irish stout and John got a Pilsner. We visited the original back over 10 years ago and are glad to visit them again! After some more shopping, my favorite spot I found is the Battery Park Book Exchange. It is a champagne and bookstore where I tried their La Grande Tour champagne flight. And this is real champagne from France! One of the ones I tried, Monopole, was a brand served on the Titanic! Finish off the day with dinner at Asheville Proper. The best bite is their tender and rich Wagyu zebuton! I paired it with a boozy Manhattan and their earthy local mushrooms. A great dinner spot.

SUMMER AT MARGARITAVILLE AT LANIER ISLANDS 2025

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/11/25

RV there yet? John and I recently headed up to Lake Lanier Islands to experience summer at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands for a fun weekend staying in a spacious luxurious RV, a day at the Fins Up Water Park, a sunset margarita cruise, and brunch. It was the perfect summer weekend!

Livin’ the RV Life

Did you know Camp Margaritaville RV Resort at Lanier Islands rents RVs? We’ve always been interested in possibly living the RV life so this was a good way for us to try it out! And what did we find out? We think it is nicer and has more amenities than a hotel room!


When you unlock the door, you are greeted with a large circular desk/table area that is a great place to eat, work, and gather. Then, in front of you is the large, full, plush couch for watching TV, relaxing, or doubling as a bed! And it is next to it is the full fridge with freezer! On the other side of the RV is the full kitchen with tons of cabinet space, full stove and oven, lots of counter space, and sink. I can see why people could live in these.

Down the hall, walk up a few stairs to the full bathroom with sink and vanity, cabinet space, and even a full shower.
Behind the pocket door is the bedroom with comfy queen bed and closet system and drawers for clothing and your suitcase!
It literally has it all!

Plus, with any 2-night stay gets you access to Fins up Waterpark. There is a tram you can take to the park or ample parking if you choose to drive. On top of that, need a margarita? There is a margarita cart that comes around or you can call to get a frosty bevy!

A Day at Fins up Water Park with itinerary

Grab our full day Margaritaville at Lanier Islands Fins Up Water Park itinerary!

  • Start out with a lush cabana and a morning at the wave pool. This was my favorite spot and I could have spend the entire day there. The cabanas come with tables, chairs, a sofa, and fan, and two loungers. We also could order from a QR code and get food, drinks, and more! And the wave pool was chill and had loungers where you could sit and the water.

  • Hit the beach. Just steps through a tunnel from our cabana and we ended up on the beach on the lake! They have places to lounge, a tiki bar, and a few restraints like Mexican and pizza.
  • Get in line and get out on the lake with aquatic adventure! A fun, floating adventure coarse in the lake! You can also rent water toys to hit the lake as well.

  • Don’t miss the Fin Dunker Bucket! You can feel the water blowing into your face even from afar!
  • Take a break at Landshark Landing for a late lunch of spicy and creamy mahi mahi tacos, delicious lemon pepper wings, a booze in the blender like their perfect margarita, or a cool Landshark Lager!
  • Beat the heat in Parakeet Springs! A fun splash pad next to the beach! I enjoyed the cool water as much as the kids, and you need to wait 30 minutes after eating before you get to the main event…the waterslides!
  • Enjoy any of the 13 water slides! They have ones the drop to ones that feel like a raging river, my favorite. The other slides includes racing waters, splash down, typhoon, twister serpentine storm, dreamsicle dive, and more. The one that looked and heard like the scariest was the Apocalypso with a large drop to start and Fins up falls to end.
  • End your day at the park with a drink at the tiki bar either over at Landshark Landing or at the beach.

Margarita Cruise at Sunset

Would it be a weekend at Margaritaville without a sunset cruise with bottomless margaritas? We ended our day at Fins Up Water Park with an easy, breezy Margarita Cruise that went out of Harbor Landing. We sipped on bottomless margaritas on the rocks. We enjoyed a delicious buffet with jalapeno poppers, meatballs, pulled pork, burger slides, chips, cookies and more. As the night wears on, the sun will set beautifully over the lake and dancing will break out on the upstairs deck! It was the highlights of our day.

They do these cruises every Saturday from 6-9pm. And, they also have a brunch cruise every Sunday with buffet at Landshark Landing, then board the board with bottomless mimosas and Bloddy Mary’s from 11:30-1:30pm!

SUMMER AT CALLAWAY 2025

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/28/25

From Friday night Hawaiian luau to a beach day at Robin Lake Beach to exploring the gardens in a golf cart to self-care at the spa. This is your ultimate Summer at Callaway weekend itinerary.

Friday Night Hawaiian Luau

Say aloha to summer at Callaway by attending the new Friday Night Luau! They have a delicious Polynesian buffet that includes a smoky, rich and meaty whole hog that’s so tender, a tuna poke and all the fixings from lettuce to dressings and more. Plus, grilled mahi with mangos and peppers to go over the pineapple Hawaiian fried rice! Don’t miss the creamy hearty macaroni and potato salad and I mixed it with the pineapple coleslaw for best bite! On top of that their Huli Huli chicken is so tender and flavorful, load up on coconut shrimp, and pile on the Polynesian style veggies. For dessert enjoy one of their sweet and tangy pineapple upside down cakes, silky creamy coconut pudding, or a piece of cake!

To drink, you’ll get a welcome Mai-tai that’s sweet and fruity and topped with dark Myers rum for an extra kick and then go back for one of their sweet smoking volcano cocktails with boba!

Fill up and then enjoy Malhealani’s Polynesian entertainment! It includes exploring different dances from all of Polynesian islands from New Zealand to Samoa to Hawaii. As well as the Hula is performed and you’re asked to join in and learn it, and Blue Hawaiian is performed (Elvis classic). My favorite part, though, is the fire dance with one and two firesticks. The two fire sticks was the perfect finale.

Wake up to relaxation on the spa

When the only thing on your agenda is relaxation, you’re at the Spa at Callaway. This is a must do during your Summer at Callaway list because you deserve a little relaxation among all the noise this summer. Right?

For my session, I booked the new salt room! I’ve been hearing how it works miracles (when done regularly) for skin and hair and who doesn’t need glowing skin? It was super relaxing. The room had salt on the ground and in the air for maximum exposure. They gave me a weighted hot eye mask and hot neck warmer, and blanket and I literally lost myself to sleep. It really was the best start to the day!

In the women’s lounge with a treatment, you can enjoy the quiet room, which was gorgeously tranquil with glowing candles and soft music. They have a sauna and steam room to enjoy, hot tea, and snacks, as well for a full morning of pampering.

Spend the late morning and early afternoon golf carting around the gardens

The golf carting adventure we had was the best adventure you can have this summer at Callaway! We picked up our golf cart when we arrived and didn’t stop using it all weekend! It’s so much fun with the open air, go at your pace, and all the friendly golf cart waves from other golf carts! Here is your most see itinerary.

  • Find new trails all along the gardens like the Azalea or the Azalea bowl and get a good walk in.
  • Near the overlook we found Callaway Outdoors next to the golf course AND in the lake next to it is where you can find a beautiful fishing spot or take out a canoe onto the lake! Can you find it? It is hidden!
  • The drive between the overlook and azalea bowl is relaxing and beautiful. Once at the Azalea bow, walk to the bridge and waterfall!
  • We’ve been to the Discovery Center many times, you can get educated on birds and see a birds of prey show, but this time the Treetop Adventure was open for us to watch people amongst the trees and then zip line! If you’re brave enough, you could do the treetop yourself.
  • One of my favorite, most relaxing spots is the chapel. Stained glass and wood intertwine! And on Saturday and Sunday 1-3 they have a drop by organ concert!
  • End up at the Butterfly Center to find all the exotic (and local) butterflies! It is like being on a topical island! And they have turtles, tours, and education if you want to learn!

If you don’t get to it all in one day, you can go back before checking on the next morning!

Spend the afternoon until Dinner at Robin Lake Beach

Only a few steps from the lodge, Robin Lake Beach is the perfect way to wind down for the afternoon. Here is the Robin Lake Beach day essentials:

  • First things first, you need shade for those hot days, so they make it easy to rent a pair of chairs and an umbrella, a group of chairs and umbrellas. Or you could just go all out and spring for one of their posh cabanas! They’re so nice, they have a TV! And even a fan!!
  • Beat the heat in the water!
  • Through Labor Day, enjoy Aqua Island: An inflatable island with mountains to monkey bars out in the lake!
  • Paddle board or pedal boat for a great way to see the lake.
  • With admission or overnight guests, there is a free mini-golf course for you to score a hole in one!
  • Feeling hungry? Grab a bite from the pavilion, they have the best waffle fries!!
  • And you’ll need a bevy to go with those fries! They have a full bar, water, and more at the new Lake View bar overlooking Robin Lake Beach!
  • Fun until the sun goes down. (or 7pm). If you go to the left side of the lake, you can watch the sunset over the trees!

GRAND HYATT ATLANTA BUCKHEAD

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/23/25

You’ll find inner peace at this newly renovated Buckhead hotel, The Grand Hyatt Atlanta Buckhead! Recently, John and I stayed the weekend at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead and were stunned by its beautiful renovation! Everything about it was calming and opulent from the beautiful rooms to the sweeping bar, to the lush Zen Garden and pool.

The lobby greets you with a grand chandelier and posh art deco seating! The lobby has marble floors, flashes of colorful artwork, and artwork creating movement. Inside The Fabled bar in front of you, the bar soars to the ceiling and the marble top seems to go on forever. On the opposite side of the bar are storytelling artwork and columns reminiscent of Italy or Greece with seating that overlooks the Zen Garden and waterfall!

Speaking of the Zen Garden, take a stroll! Go up to floor three and out the double doors to take a walk through their Zen Garden. Lush plants, Japanese accents, sitting areas and it all overlooks a waterfall that you can see from the lobby and bar. The Zen Garden leads to the pool where you can relax by it and even order a bevy. To access the waterfall, head to down to the lower level during Cassis breakfast hours. You can even sit outside by it with your breakfast.

After that, retreat to your room. John and I got treated to a suite where you walk into a living room all dressed up with a cozy, comfy couch and chairs, and a small wet bar. Loved the art deco like 20s lighting, as well. In the bedroom, the large king comfy bed is accented by a gray scale garden and tree scene which was calming and a small siting area. The bathroom is a stunner with marble floor, vanity and shower! It was like a spa!

The Fabled Bar

John and I enjoyed a meal here while we visited! Here we found out more about myths (cocktails named after myths) on their amazing drink menu and epic journeys like their locally sourced scratch food. All enjoyed in the relaxed, beautiful ambiance of the bar.

To start we opted for the creamy, slightly smoky deviled eggs that also had a good tang and a pop of salty fish roe on top. To go with that came the Tuna Tataki. It is crunchy, sesame encrusted seared tuna with a bright seaweed salad and a delicious soy glaze! For dinner, I had to try the Zen Garden bowl because it sounded so good. I added well-seasoned and cooked salmon to the top of this favorite dish. The bowl is bright lemon vinaigrette, sweet potatoes, cool cauliflower rice, spicy arugula, and crunchy pepitas. To wash it all down, got the Oracle’s martini. This is a vodka martini with floral elderflower, sweet and tart pear, and bright lemon.

Told you! You can find inner peace here at every turn.

DEAD PIONEERS AT STATE FARM ARENA ON MAY 1, OPENING FOR PEAL JAM

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/23/25

On May 1, 2025, Denver’s Dead Pioneers brought their punk energy to Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, opening for Pearl Jam in a night that blended rebellion with rock legacy. Picked by Pearl Jam bassist Ament, the indigenous-fronted band, led by Gregg Deal, delivered a performance that was thought-provoking. Though the early crowd was small, those in attendance were treated to a performance that was a discovery. Dead Pioneers’ set was a reminder of punk’s power to inspire, and their selection by Ament underscored their rising status in music. 

Taking the stage around 7:30 PM, Dead Pioneers —featuring Shane Zweygardt on drums, Lee Tesche on bass, and guitarists Josh Rivera and Abe Brennan—launched into a raw and real set. Their performance drew mostly from their sophomore album, PO$T AMERICAN that was released April 11, 2025. As well as their 2023 self-titled debut, offering a blend of punk’s raw edge with social commentary. 

For the highlights, the band played “PO$T AMERICAN,” the title track of their new album, setting the tone with its driving rhythm and Deal’s large vocals. Tracks like “My Spirit Animal Ate Your Spirit Animal” and “Working Class Warfare” embraces the band’s disruptive spirit, while “Tired” from their debut album showcased their ability to balance melody and aggression. Leading us to “Rage,” an anthem that left everyone prepped for Pearl Jam. All of this while, Deal, took the time to weave in his political spoken poetry with themes of indigenous resistance and inequality.  

In conclusion, Dead Pioneers’ appearance at State Farm Arena was more than an opening act—it reflected Pearl Jam’s social advocacy. Their raw politically charged performance introduced Atlanta to a band unafraid to challenge the status quo. This is one to watch. 

Sources: 

Colorado Springs Independent, Setlist checked from Setlist.fm, Dead Pioneer’s band members and background pulled from deadpioneers.band , YouTube 

BUCK CREEK BOUTIQUE BED AND BREAKFAST IN HELENA, AL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/21/25

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Luxury meets southern living at Buck Creek BNB in Helena, AL! John and I spent the weekend in the stunning Buck Creek boutique bed & breakfast this is only 20 minutes south of Birmingham and 2.5 hours from Atlanta. And we think this one is going to charm you! Its southern flare meets modern opulence but has an outdoorsy twist. Epic waterfall views from the balcony, gorgeous decor, spacious bedrooms, lavish kitchen and baths, and it is all within steps of historic downtown Helena!

The property is two-story new build has all the amenities from large outdoor yard filled with game and a putting green. A spa hot tub for unwinding. Tables and swings for lounging with views of the creek. A large Firepit and outdoor entertaining space. All with views of the creek!

As for our unit, I entered the front door, and my jaw dropped. I followed down a long hall to find a stunning, opulent kitchen with a peninsula with seating for four, large farmhouse sink, and gorgeous grey cabinetry. It opens into the living space with a large couch and two lavish chairs. That opens to the second-floor patio that overlooks the large yard below and a view of Buck Creek and its waterfall. We sat out with champagne for hours chatting and taking in the view. Up the stairs back inside is the cutest children’s loft with first mural, bunkbeds, and play area.

The two bedrooms are off the main hallway. A charming second bedroom off the primary is spacious and clean. It has a bathroom adjacent with stunning black floor tiling. As for the primary, it is in a league of its own. Large king bed flanked by pendant lighting and a can’t miss accent wall with a ton of textures, wood, and color. To the left is the main bathroom with two sink vanity and a walk-in shower.

The town is literal steps from our unit; downtown Helena is quintessential southern charm. Quaint downtown dotted with local restaurants and a brewery, shopping, and more! We really liked the Brewery in the heart of old town, downtown Helena, Oversoul Brewing. Good beer and friendly staff with live music for the win.