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LOEWS ATLANTA HOTEL 2026 STAYCATION

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/13/26

Get the celebrity treatment at this Loews Atlanta Hotel in Midtown. Recently John and I enjoyed a weekend staycation at the Loews Atlanta hotel in midtown, and they will treat you like the star you are! Blown away by the white glove service from the valets and door attendants to the welcoming and wonderful staff to the in-room elevated amenities, every detail was impeccable! It was like we were royalty or a celebrity being waited on hand and foot!

In the lobby, as the door is held open for you, clean white marble leads to the stunning lobby gathering areas. They are dotted with lounge chairs, chairs, and couches flanked by two mesmerizing faux fireplaces. Warm and inviting, the lobby is pure opulence with soaring ceilings and beautiful elevated lighting.

And the room is stunning where you walk in and feel like a king. Our suite has all the bells and whistles from den with couches, chairs and TV to a work area and a large round dining table! It was a full living room dining room combo! The entire suite is lined with floor to ceiling windows to take in all the downtown city skyline views! In the bedroom, a retreat awaits with delightful king bed and ensuite with a large soaker tub, Wallin shower, and double vanity! In-room amenities are spectacular like the two cocktails and charcuterie we got. The cocktails were Sour Atlanta and Fun Day comes with Prosecco. Then a domed charcuterie with macrons, meats, cheeses and crackers.

Plus, they have so many amenities from in room dining and packages to Exhale spa and fitness and don’t get us started on the location! It’s the best amenity just steps from Piedmont Park, Marta to take you anywhere, the Fox Theatre, shopping, and dining options.

As for the Ashland Restaurant and bar beyond the seating area you can’t miss the sweeping circular bar. It is stunning on its own and has areas to gather and high tops near the windows. Beyond the bar is the newly renovated upscale Ashland restaurant with green velvet booth seating, gorgeous tables and lighting. Plus, a fun forest back wall that makes you feel like you’re outside but with the luxuries inside.

While there, we indulged in some sultry sips and elevated eats. Here is what we got:

Wednesday bento box is available at Wednesday lunch only. This box has: sashimi, maki, teriyaki salmon with rice, fried shrimp or vegetables, salad with ginger dressing, and dessert, matcha flan. My favorites were the super fresh salmon sashimi and the sweet and savory teriyaki salmon. On top of that, I really enjoyed the tuna maki with fresh tuna wrapped in rice, as well as crunchy fried veggies. Plus, the salad with sesame ginger was cool and crisp.

The Loews also has FIFA World Cup specials and we got to try the Spain-influenced bites. We started with the beef short rib croquettes. They are crunchy and pulled, rich short rib with a creamy herbaceous sauce underneath and bright salad. They also have a skirt steak tapas. Tender steak with a bright chimichurri and a sweet and creamy herbaceous sauce. Served with grilled bread with olive oil and radish and onion to mix and match pintxos.

Brunch buffet at Ashland has all the brunch favorites. The main draw for me is the make your own omelet, which I loved their omelet veggies! I loaded it up with onion, tomatoes, mushrooms, chives and spinach then a splash of bacon. Plus, they have lox ingredients to make your own lox plate or bagel, the best cheesy grits, bacon and sausage, home fries, and a decadent pain au chocolate. I enjoyed that with my coffee!

We really enjoyed the dinner at Ashland. We had several apps from the pork belly, salmon tartare, cucumber salad, and the unagi sashimi. The pork belly is tender and fatty, great rich and flavorful au poivre sauce and fried onions on top. My favorite of the apps was the salmon tartare. It is light, fresh, buttery, melt in your mouth salmon. it is topped with salty red caviar, tons of flavors, and crunchy wonton.

To go with those the cucumber salad is refreshing and light, crunchy cut cucumber, salty seaweed, and a great asian dressing. The unagi sashimi is three sweet and tasty eel cuts with dollops of avocado. To go with our appetizers we tried the Garden of Ember, a smoky mezcal cocktail with earthy and sweet carrot, a hint of dill, and lemon for balance.

For our entrees we opted for the Australian Wagyu Black Opal Skirt Steak and the Half Chicken. To our surprise, the Half Chicken was a delight. Sweet and savory sweet tea brined chicken that is fall off the bone tender and juicy. We devoured it. Our other entree is a tender and charred skirt steak, well-seasoned and your choice of sauce. It is leveled up by the herbaceous truffle butter that envelopes it with earthy truffle and creamy butter. I paired the meal with the sweet and sassy lychee royale vodka martini and a bowl of earthy and sweet Brussel sprouts.

WHERE DID OUR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND ROAD TRIP TAKE US?

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/1/26

We took a long Memorial Day Weekend Road Trip up north to Clayton, GA, Tallulah Falls, GA, and to Sylva, NC. Let’s explore!

Stop 1

First stop is the beautiful Bridge Creek Inn nestled in the heart of North Georgia’s downtown Clayton. Being Clayton’s Main Street living room. It is THE place to explore local establishments and play in the mountains close by!

In the lobby, step into rustic-modern vibes that permeate the space to match the mountain town. A cozy fireplace in the corner, leather chairs and a couch for relaxing. There is also concrete floor, wood slats on the ceiling, and an unforgettable bear painting! A small coffee shop sits in the lobby for a caffeine boost or a snack during the day. And live music fills the air on Friday night and if you walk down the hall, they have an art gallery of local art!

The rooms are spacious and airy with touches of modern yet rustic headboards, moody dark accent wall, and lake, fishing, and mountain artwork on the walls. The bathroom is inviting, clean, and modern. And outside the windows is a view of downtown Clayton and the mountains surrounding the town.

The Vandiver is the on-site dining option in the lobby. It is an American-style tavern that is a regional culinary journey with dishes from steak to duck and craft cocktails. We got a couple of cocktails, a bread service and two entries, the Duck breast and steak frites.

We started with the corn bread and sorghum butter bread service is fluffy corn bread with sweet creamy butter! My first cocktail is the Auroral, a cantaloupe martini. It has boozy vodka, earthy and sweet cantaloupe, with bright lemon for balance, earthy basil. Our waitress recommended and was surprised by how much I liked it.

For our dinner I got the Duck Breast. It is tender and juicy with sweet sorghum glaze that perfectly pairs with the savory duck, comes with tender sweet potato gnocchi, earthy kalettes, and a tangy blueberry gastrique. I paired my duck with the Vandiver Old fashioned. It is boozy eagle rare 10-year bourbon, sweet bitters, cherry, and an orange twist for balance. John got the streak frites. The steak is charred outside, tender and juicy inside with a bright spicy peppercorn sauce. It is served with crunchy fries with a tangy blue cheese aioli and bright arugula salad!

Stop 2

Our second stop on our road trip was the Tap Yard at Tallulah Adventures. It is only .4 miles away from Tallulah Falls and just south of Clayton, GA. Newly rebranded, they have an outdoor yard for lounging, yard games, playground and climbing wall for the kiddos. Inside, the open-air restaurant has a large fireplace for the winter months, a long bar offering beer and wine, as well as an array of bites from sandwiches to bowls. The perfect stop after visiting the beach or the falls!!

We started with the tart yet refreshing Black Widow Cherry Cider. For our appetizer we got the smoked chicken wings. They were hearty and meaty chicken tossed in a spicy and sweet hot honey sauce.

For lunch we got the Shortline Sandwich and the Burrito Bowl. The sandwich is tender grilled chicken, earthy pesto, garlic aioli, roasted red peppers, tangy pickled onions, and arugula all served hot! It is delicious and served with seasoned fries. The burrito bowl is huge! It is filled with earthy black beans and creamy guac, tender chicken, sharp cheese and lettuce, tangy Pico de Gallo on a bed or rice. I paired the food with their crisp and cool Riesling.

Stop 3

Greetings from Sylva, NC and the Hotel Sylva in the North Carolina mountains! The hotel is in the perfect location to play in the mountains but also stay and enjoy the downtown vibes that Sylva, NC has going on!

Hotel Sylva is a newly renovated downtown hotel in Sylva, NC. It is a comfortable and cozy, a mountain retreat if you will. Outside each room is a pair of rocking chairs, a nod to Americana, leisure, and great for relaxation. The rooms are cozy and have large comfy beds, a beautiful leather headboard, dark blue paneled walls, and a relaxing bathroom. The lobby is also inviting, and they have everything a traveler needs in there if you forget something. Plus, everyone is so friendly from your neighbors to the front desk!

Sylva, NC really was a surprise to me! It is a small town with vibes of bigger cities like Asheville. Their courthouse is perched on a high hill next to the hotel and it is a spectacle! Long steps up to it lined in American flags for the holiday! And the views from the hill are breathtaking with the mountains behind the town! And they have so much to do from record stores and eclectic shops, tons of restaurants to choose from, three breweries, and a few bars as well! We had the best time exploring Sylva.

HOTEL CLERMONT: A BEACON OF EXCELLENCE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/11/26

The Hotel Clermont is a beacon of excellence in Atlanta! John and I recently stayed in this poncey-highlands hotel that has transformed over its 100 years into a chic, one-of-a-kind boutique destination! From humble 1924 apartments to a Michelin key hotel in 2025, this truly is one of the best hotels in Atlanta. And here is why we think this.

Outside the historic building screams history from the unique Marquis to motor hotel sign and iconic neon radio tower.

In the lobby, you’re greeted with art deco doors into a wall that has directional signs to all of the best places in hotel. It accentuates the hotel not only being a place to stay the night but a destination! The lobby itself to the left is a mix of eclectic artwork, radios, checkers, and tropical decor and vibes. If you go straight you walk into Bar Caravan, a newly renovated lobby bar with colorful decor, wallpaper, and lounging areas, as well as a long bar with retro lighting.

Bar Caravan has their own special menu with delicious bites like the hearty flaky redfish served skin on served with the best brown butter sauce, bacon, and a slew of vegetables. To drink we got a special custom cocktail with tangy strawberry rum, herbaceous dill vermouth and bright limoncello! As well as Bread n butter vanilla vodka cocktail that’s sweet and smooth with hints of banana, walnut, and topped with egg white. Don’t sleep on their fries either! They are crunchy and warm with earthy truffle and Parmesan cheese! Wednesday is good here with Wine down Wednesdays with half off bottles!

In the rooms, we walked up a brooding original marble hallway to a spacious king corner room on the 3rd floor. Down a short moody blue hallway to a large king bed with green velvet headboard and a pop of pop art above. The carpet is a funky asymmetrical floral pattern leading to the lounging chaise and desk. In the bathroom, marble floors stun and juxtapose the beautiful blue-green wallpaper filled with birds!

On the rooftop, they have really outdone themselves up there with the cites airstream kitchen, gorgeous lawn like atmosphere, patio seating, and of course stunning sunset views of the Atlanta skyline! The rooftop has its own cocktail menu with some serious sips like my favorite the boozy vodka cocktail, Glinstone key, with floral st Germain and tart bubbles! I also really enjoyed the tequila and spicy ginger Iron Fist cocktail! And now they have Korean BBQ ready to order out of their airstream! We got the sweet and saucy Korean BBQ short rib served with kimchi and my favorite bite the sweet a sassy beef bulgogi burrito with spicy kimchi and rice! Finally, every Friday they have Rooftop DJ from 8-11:45 to dance the night away. Or catch music bingo on Monday or Trivia on Tuesday!

Down the stairs from Bar Caravan, a neon Tiny Lou’s sign guides you into the basement for French cuisine. Pink, maroon, and yellow ambiance elevate the space and a precursor to the elevated French food that’s a slice of France! We enjoyed a weekend brunch and fell in love with the amazing, deviled eggs! They are creamy and dreamy eggs filled with earthy truffle and topped with salty caviar. Another favorite is the smoked salmon benedict. It is perfection. It is nicely spiced smoky salmon, rich hollandaise, savory runny eggs and the muffins are so soft, crispy, and buttery!

We also got Tiny Lou’s sweets from Chef Charmain! Warm zucchini bread is crunchy outside, fluffy inside, sweet, earthy. First time having their almond croissant and it melts in your mouth! A buttery croissant with a crunchy, sweet almond crust! And you can’t go to Tiny Lou’s without getting their viral crepe cake. This one was just as good as ever with lemon curd, thin layers of soft crepe, creamy graham cracker, and fluffy meringue.

We tried two different brunch cocktail and I couldn’t get over the Sword of Judgement. It is a pisco cocktail with delicious, earthy ube, boozy reposado, and creamy almond liquor. Also really enjoyed the Pastor of Vows that is an early gin cocktail. It is paired with bright limoncello, sweet honey and spiced ginger.

And we can’t forget, there is the infamous Clermont Lounge below. It’s the spot for celebrities, people watching and of course, strippers. We didn’t go but it is an option!

THE ULTIMATE 2-DAY GUIDE TO ST. MARYS, GA

Posted by Liz and John, 3/15/26

Recently John and I went on a short getaway St. Marys, GA, the farthest south you can go on the Ga Coast and fell in love with the small South Ga town. We’ve put together the ultimate 2-day guide to St. Marys that you can just grab and go!

Day 1: Cumberland Island Excursion.

Before heading to Cumberland Island, stop by the St. Marys Visitor’s Center to get more information about all the essential activities downtown, more about Cumberland Island, and shop for St. Marys local goods. Armed with information, you’re ready to go!

Cumberland Island Visitor’s Center photos:

Before we ever set foot in St. Marys, we knew we had to experience Cumberland Island. My aunt used to talk about Cumberland Island, as a local birder and artist, she was found of its natural beauty and I can see why. We boarded the ferry on a brisk February morning and floated into a world left untouched and natural, yet vibrant and adventurous. We spent half the day on the best guided tour with Ben from Molly Old South Tours.

Cumberland Island Itinerary

Here is our suggested itinerary for the 11:45 am Ferry to the island and the 4:45 pm Ferry back.
1. Get to the Ferry at 11:15 am no later to check in at the Cumberland Island Visitors Center in St. Marys. Ferry leaves at 11:45am. Save a few extra minutes to peruse the gift shop!
2. Book a tour with Molly Old South and meet your guide at the dock. You will hear more about the Spanish, indigenous people and history prior to the Carnegies ownership.
3. Walk to the Dungeness ruins. The guide will fill you in on all of the gossip and stories from the late Lucy Carnegie who lived in the home. It caught fire in 1959 and is what you see today.
4. The tabby house is the original structure on the island, originating 1800.
5. Backside of the house, lawn, fountain, and overlooking the water and marsh area.
6. The casino built by Lucy for her unruly sons. It has a pool and many other activities to keep them busy.
7. The stables where they kept the horses
8. The cutest little cemetery tucked away in one of the prettiest spots on the property. We saw a dolphin swimming in the marsh.
9. Other buildings on the grounds from the dormitory to the old kitchen.
10. Go to the beach via the marsh boardwalk. It is my favorite walk a spot of the whole South Island besides the beach!
11. Check out the old boat house on the marsh near the ruins.
12. Enjoy the wild horses!! Don’t ride them tho!
13. On the way back to the ferry stop by the icehouse museum!

We didn’t know there is a van tour of the whole island! We will do that one next time!

Once you get back from Cumberland Island, take some time to check into the hotel we recommend, The Goodbread House!

The Goodbread House

The Goodbread House, a historic St. Marys Bed & Breakfast is a charming step back in time! A historic 1870s charmer that is a nod to the south when picket fences and Parlour were the norm. Not only that, but it marries that southern hospitality and community with famous couple themed rooms! We stayed in the Gable & Lombardi suite, but they had everything from Guinevere & Lancelot to Rhett & Scarlett! It was so unique in the best way, it is a must stay! Thanks to Mardja for her hospitality, you’ll love her!

When you walk up you immediately know you’re in for a treat as you walk through the southern white picket fence there is an eclectic variety of yard artwork from a pirate to a carriage and the porch is meant for warm nights and wine with longing areas on both sides. The upstairs porch has a swing and rocking chairs, we loved it was right outside our room.

Inside you go through the screen door into a whole different world of wood accents, oriental rugs, antique furniture and double doors into a gorgeous old school parlour and fireplace. They have an original five piece parlour set and lounging for evening wine. That’s right, complimentary wine in the evenings to relax! Behind it is the dining room, with tables for the morning complimentary breakfast. AND the breakfast is just as good as the hospitality at the house! The pancakes were scrumptious and the casserole warm and rich!

Upstairs, our suite was the Gable & Lombardi. The large long bed and settee are centerpiece surrounded by antiques and gorgeous hardwood floors. The original fireplace is a stunner and has a twin on the other side in the bathroom. The bathroom feels as large as the bed room with antique vanity, ladies vanity, and dual tub and shower.

A little bit about their history. Built in 1870, and finally the house was bought as an overflow to the Riverview Inn down the street. It was renovated in the early 1980s to keep its 1870 architecture!

Firefly Cantina

After check-in and evening wine with the Goodbread House, head out for dinner. Get down to the Firefly Cantina, a casual taco and Mexican joint with a large patio and full bar. We filled up on margaritas, burritos, tacos, and chips and queso.

To drink I enjoyed the Jalapeño pineapple margarita is sweet and spicy with a tasty tajin rim. For starters we tried the Elote, a crunchy corn, charred with a spicy aioli and creamy cheese. John opted for the crunchy chips and creamy queso dip.

For our dinner we shared a trio of tacos and the Cali burrito. My favorite was the Cali burrito! It is loaded with tender carne asada with hearty French fries, creamy avocado and cheese, charred tomato salsa and street corn salad, tangy pico, and lettuce. Must try! The tacos were also delicious. We got three the first is sweet south is sweet sriracha fried chicken with a spicy jalapeño vinaigrette and tomato. The second is the Bronco is tender steak with bold and spicy Guajillo sauce and trimmings. Finally, the Firecracker is blackened grouper with a spicy jalapeño and honey citrus slaw.

Day 2: Exploring Downtown St. Marys, GA

Here are the essential activities for your day in Downtown St. Marys, GA! You can pick and choose your adventure and order, but these are the must-do activities we recommend.

🪦 Oak Grove Cemetery. It is a beautiful historic cemetery just a few moments out of downtown with old and new tombstones to explore, as well as several revolutionary war veterans are buried there! Take the morning to just take in everything Oak Grove Cemetery has to offer. It is so fun to explore!

⛲️ St. Marys Waterfront Park. This reminds me of New Orleans! Right on the water, enjoy the beautiful fountain centerpiece. Stroll the piers. Take a relaxing break on one of the swings or benches and take in the coastal vibes. For the kiddos, there is a large play area!

🛥️ St. Marys Submarine Museum. This is one of my favorite spots on downtown! They have a full bridge with chairs, periscope and phones – an immersive spot to feel “in a submarine.” Some of the cool artifacts include a gas mask, a book of Disney artists that designed submarine insignias, a chair from the cast of “The Hunt for Red October” movie, and a scavenger hunt!

🥪Break for lunch at Cafe at Cottle & Gunn, a cute antique shop with a cozy lunch and sweets cafe tucked in the back! I was impressed with their goods and loved they had a whole section of dollhouse furniture!

We got several items from the cafe including quiche, cinnamon roll, and more. Starting with the sausage and cheddar quiche; it is sharp cheddar and savory sausage is a flaky crust. For my lunch I got the tuna salad sandwich is rich, creamy and good with LTO on crunchy toasted wheat bread. It came with a side and I’m glad I got the Amish potato salad. It is creamy, rich egg, hearty potatoes, a good mix of mayo and mustard. To end our meal, we went for the creamy and gooey “cinnamony” cinnamon roll. It is a must try item.

⛪️ First Bank Catholic Church. I stumbled on this my first day! It is the cutest little historic church that only holds mass one day a month. They have a beautiful garden with a Virgin Mary concrete statue.

⛪️ First Presbyterian. I was told this historic church’s ceiling was a bowed ship hull, fitting St. Marys and Cumberland were stripped of their Oak during the war of 1812 to make ships. The grounds and churches are both beautiful as well.

🐎 Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum. Before you go to Cumberland Island, learn everything about the history of the island here! This free museum has everything from the tribes that originally lived on the island to the first African church to Lucy Carnegie and the War of 1812.

🍸It’s dinner time at Captain Seagle’s! A local, casual seafood spot with craft cocktails and the cutest speakeasy bar. I really enjoyed the staff at the saloon out back, as well. That is a great drink spot.

I started the dining experience with gin and vermouth martini with lemon is just perfect, boozy, smooth, lemon. And the staff (all of them) recommended the Fried Green tomatoes. I’m so glad they did, they are everything! They are crunchy and tart, perfectly cooked, delicious spicy and creamy herbed ranch. Some of the best I’ve had in a while! For dinner, John got the teriyaki chicken wings are tender and large, meaty, well-seasoned, great savory and sweet sauce. I got the Redfish blackened. It is tender and flaky, mild fish with a spiced blackened rub and served with crunchy and rich fried squash.

AVIZE ATLANTA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/1/25

Avize is the best new restaurant in Atlanta right now! Last weekend, I went down to West Midtown to indulge in Avize, Chef Karl Gorline’s new modern alpine fine dining spot. It is a masterpiece. I was blown away! From the elegant lodge vibes to the impeccable flavors and presentations to the alpine inspired cocktails and wine, you can’t get much more to perfection than this!

My favorite thing at Avize include the divine venison tartare. This dish is rich and meaty, smoky, tender venison, crunchy buckwheat, tangy blueberry, earthy mushroom, an amazing walnut ketchup. Did you know walnut ketchup predated our tomato version? And you have to pair it with the Alpine Swizzle, a refreshing rum cocktail paired with tangy and tart acid adjusted pineapple, earthy chartreuse and spiced allspice. It is swizzled with a swizzle stick and served in a stein topped with a flower lemon peel.

For entrees, we highly recommend the Botanical Hay Smoked Duck. It is dry aged for 10 days and smoked, only 10ish are served a day, you can put it on your reservation. The duck was perfectly cooked, tender and smoky, crunchy fat and skin, doused in a dark burnt chocolate sauce with a hint of cherry! They pour the chocolate sauce at the table! We paired this amazing dish with the old man in the woods old fashioned. It is a boozy Michter’s rye cocktail with a hint of sweet maple and a gomme syrup served in a tall decanter and poured at the table.

As far as the other dishes we tried, we really loved both the Trout Cru and the Foie Gras Parfait. The Trout Cru is a tender and meaty raw trout dish with sweet, tart apple, crunchy kohrabi then a barrel aged ponzu infused with apple that is aged in house is poured over the top to create a moat of sweet, savory deliciousness. Then, the Foie Gras Parfait is beyond good with a savory, rich, slightly sweet pate paired with a sweet ice wine and served in pie form on a delicious flaky and sweet shortbread crust. It eats almost like a dessert.

Looking for something Alpine inspired? Try the Mezzaluna. It is a rustic ravioli pasta from the region that is typically filled with a type of cheese. This one is a tender, earthy, rustic bite paired with a divine brown butter, earthy mushroom and truffle. It is a must try. On the side, I finally got to try honey nut squash! It has been on my list to try. It is tender squash kept inside it’s shell and stuffed with crunchy granola, a boozy rum molasses, creamy labneh and tangy pomegranate seeds.

For dessert we tried the Tiramisu. This wasn’t your typical one as it was a mix of sweet and savory. Delicious lady fingers, coffee flavor, then they add black sesame into the dessert for nuttiness and then topped with earthy, savory black truffle. For this we paired one of their Austrian white wines, a crisp and cool sipper. They have a ton of wine, liquors, and amaro from the region!

When you hear the word fine dining, you think coursed meals with top notch service, special treats from the chef and curated cocktails and wine, well you get that here too but in an a la carte setting. At Avize, I got these additions to my meal, including the Amouse Bouche a chef’s treat that starts the meal. It is a divine small bite served in an actual egg, savory butternut squash custard, sweet pine maple Gillette, earthy pumpkin seed, sake yeast, pollen.

In between my starters and entree, they brought out a bread service. It is a crunchy house made pretzel bread that is warm, crunchy outside and tender inside. Served with a creamy herbaceous butter on the side. Finally, with my duck course, Gorline sent out a pair of treats, a crunchy outside and savory inside duck croquette and a gelatinous beet and duck bite served in a pastry crust.

Finally, when you come to Avize, you’ll get the best service, like fine dining, without the pretentiousness. Nikolai was the best, he explained every dish perfectly and was very knowledgeable about the menu.

HOTEL FORTY FIVE MACON

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/7/24

Hotel Forty Five is on the corner of history and music. This hip historic boutique hotel by Tribute Portfolio is in the “Macon Skyscraper,” a 1941 Banker’s Health & Life Insurance Company. John and I recently visited on a weekend getaway to Macon that’s only about an hour and some change from Atlanta! The hotel is steps from restaurants and bars, the Macon Auditorium, the Tubman Museum, and natural attractions for hiking or riding! It is in the center of it all!

What is in a name? The Hotel Forty Five’s name is rich in Macon history! It gets its name from the 45 degree angle of the street formed by Cherry, First, and Cotton Street and was designed to transport cotton barges to and from the Ocmulgee River. Also, Macon is known for its rich musical past and the numerous 45 records produced there, so the name is a nod to this history. As we said, corner of history and music! Did you know Macon is the home of The Allman Brothers Band? If you walk around the corner from the hotel, you’ll find Grant’s Lounge, a staple jam bar where bands would jam night after night to get a record deal. And you can see it today and hear live music!!

Inside the hotel, the lobby winds up through the elevators with retro flooring and bank vibes, while the old directory is still visible from the elevator lobby! Downstairs is the beautiful restaurant Loom with a full bar and dining room, and they also have Reckon coffee bar with pastries and drinks for early risers. Upstairs on the 6th floor is Hightales Rooftop bars with sweeping historical and downtown views, live music, and full beautiful bar! A full review of the amenities is below!

Inside the room, touches of industrial lighting fixtures, a Macon street drawing morphed into a mural with a woman’s face, hints of leather, marble, and retro like the cutest 50s mini fridge and pink funky dresser desk, it is an eclectic mix of angles, textures, and vibes. They even have a schematic of the original building in the restroom. Beyond that, the large king bed was comfy, the beautifully light and bright bathroom stuns, and the historical views can’t be beaten!

As for the restaurant, Loom weaves a tapestry of southern dishes with elevated flavor and fresh ingredients into what the chef calls “Southern Revival!” Located in the Hotel Forty Five downstairs, Loom is bright, light, and fresh to match the freshness of their food, and has a large loom mural on the wall that draws the eye. As for our favorite dish, that is the King Salmon. The dish is a must in Macon! A well-seasoned, cooked perfectly salmon filet with an amazing tangy and sweet bourbon glaze that will make you want to lock the plate. It sits on top of creamy jasmine rice that mixes with the bourbon glaze harmoniously! Then paired with crunchy seasoned carrots!

For our appetizers we got Crispy Cauliflower, Bread Service, Burrata, and Fried Green Tomatoes. First, the Crispy Cauliflower is tender, yet crispy, earthy red pepper emulsion and earthy tart capers all drizzled in arugula oil. The next appetizer is Burrata. It is cool and creamy cheese paired with sweet apple gastric and nutty crushed pistachio. A flavor explosion of sweet, nutty, creamy! On the side we got the bread service, which is amazing corn bread. It is warm and buttery, sweet and savory. Finally, the fried green tomatoes are super crunchy outside and tangy, tender tomatoes, creamy and sharp pimento cheese then finished off with tangy tomato chutney to round out all the flavors.

We also got another entree with the King Salmon, the Smoked Pork Chop. It is tender, charred and well-seasoned topped with a sweet red relish on a bed of funky blue cheese grits and spicy collards. We got all of this with a bottle of champagne for national wine day.

After our dinner we went upstairs to the Hotel Forty Five, Hightales Rooftop Bar. They have hand crafted cocktails like the Got the Feelin’ James Brown, a super spicy yet fruity tequila concoction with spicy agave and raspberry! But the best part? THE best views of the historical and downtown portions of the city!

FIND YOUR SERENITY AT SERENBE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 10/5/23

There’s no better place to find your serenity than Serenbe! Located just South of the airport and Atlanta, it is a beautiful destination full of the arts, food, farmland, outdoor activities, and where you’re welcome to relax and stroll the gardens or be as adventurous as you want. Start with a stay at the Inn at Serenbe where you can revel in relaxed luxury in an updated, historic farmhouse. Then, enjoy Saturday’s farmers market, take a hike to the waterfall, grab a bite at Halsa and the Farmhouse at Serenbe, roam the gardens, and dinner at The Hill at Serenbe. Now, that sounds like a perfect weekend.

Inn at Serenbe

The Inn at Serenbe is a historic family farm that has been transformed into a luxurious getaway that’s the perfect destination from Atlanta! We stayed in the main farmhouse that boasts a king-sized bed, bay window, and all the bells and whistles! The Inn at Serenbe has a country feel starting with the gardens, wrap around porch with rocking chairs, and even an adult pool! Exploring the grounds around the Inn, you’re greeted by a lake with canoeing, horses, an animal farm, and even a stone labyrinth. It’s amazing!

The Inn Rooms are spread out through the grounds of the property and throughout Serenbe, you can stay in the farmhouse like we did or in cabins, by the lake, or even in town! Our room was a very large, long bedroom with a comfy, large bed. Opposite the bed was a large bay window where we could sit and watch people roam the gardens right from our window. They had a large desk with two cookies and glass water bottles, as well as a very large walk-in closet with soft and fluffy robes. The bathroom was spacious and glistening white with two vanities, a walking shower/bathtub combo. Plus, the keys were so cute! A cow bell! The Inn also offers a big, beautiful country breakfast with AMAZING biscuits, French toast, eggs, bacon, oatmeal spread, and more. This out of the Farmhouse at Serenbe that offers a delicious lunch and dinner.

Inn at Serenbe Grounds

Around the Inn at Serenbe is a beautiful, sweeping landscape of lush rolling hills and farmland. One of our favorite spots to start with is the garden! Literally outside our window in our Inn room, the garden is where they grow the vegetables and other things for the restaurant, Farmhouse at Serenbe. Out back of the main farmhouse building at the Inn, is a large, HUGE, wrap around porch with rocking chairs, and several firepits for cool nights. Next to the firepit area is the adult-only pool, while the kids pool is right beside guest check in, but both are luxurious and large. They have a play area with a tree house, bocce, and giant chess for the kids.

Outside the immediate grounds is their petting zoo and animal farm! When you stay at the Inn, you can get free feed for the goats. You can take a walk around the farm pins and see pigs, donkeys, goats, cows, sheep, and more. Then, down the pathway are two destinations to explore, the pristine lake, stroll over it or go canoeing! Just beyond the lake is the bonfire area, artwork dotted throughout the woods and grounds, horses, and you should go see the stone labyrinth. A great experience for kids to find their way around the maze!

Farmhouse at Serenbe Restaurant

The restaurant that’s on the grounds of the Inn at Serenbe is a beautiful spot to enjoy lunch or dinner. Inside, they have a cozy blue room with a stone fireplace great for winter, next to it is the large, open-air sunroom that’s light and bright for enjoying lunch. They have a large bar with tons of cocktail options, as well as outdoor seating on the porch out back. They have a southern-inspired menu like pot roast or fried chicken that you need to check out.

We fell in love with the fall apart tender, meaty, well-seasoned, and rich pot roast smothered in a rich and hearty gravy atop some creamy, fantastic, mashed potatoes. On the side are amazing perfectly seasoned and tender okra and a delicious cold Brussel sprout salad with pickled red cabbage. Or if you love fried chicken, they are known for it! Available in the lunch menu, we know why! It is perfectly seasoned with spices, super crunchy yet tender inside. It comes with the same okra and brussels as the pot roast.

We started with the Farmhouse at Serenbe’s famous biscuits that are flaky and buttery, a slight crisp outside with tangy scallions mixed in. What a treat. And one of the best salads we’ve had all year is the Serenbe farms arugula and prosciutto salad. Starting with sweet blueberry peach dressing, earthy tangy goat cheese, meaty prosciutto and sweet candied pecans on a bed of fresh green, it’s a wonderful medley of flavors. Plus, you can’t beat the color!

As far as their cocktail program goes, it is a good one. Starting with the Fire & smoke cocktail that is tang, sweet strawberry and pineapple, smoky up from the mezcal, then kicks you with habanero on the back. It is very balanced and one tasty cocktail with a fun smoke show! Then, Aloe-U cocktail is minty, tangy, earthy cucumber and light, the aloe liquor adds a fun herbaceous-ness.

The Hill at Serenbe

In the main part of town, the Hill at Serenbe sits perched on a corner like a beacon! Entering the Hill at Serenbe, you’re greeted with a cozy, home-like ambiance to enjoy your wait, while the dining room next to the entrance is full of windows. We were treated to one of the best, most phenomenal meals we’ve had all year along with top notch service and stellar cocktails. The Hill prides themselves on bring fresh and local meats and produce from surrounding farms and that shows in their flavorful dishes!

Starting with one of the best steaks John or I have ever had, it starts with a juicy, thick cut piece of filet, perfectly cooked inside and a slight char out. Seasoned and doused in a creamy, sultry, herbaceous butter and a rich and deep house made port glaze on the side. It just melts in your mouth and runs a gamut of amazing flavors. Paired it with the Pineapple Bonfire, a slightly smoky mezcal cocktail balanced with spicy jalapeño for a little bit of a kick and tangy, sweet pineapple. The perfect pair!

For our starters, we opted for Bread Service, Chorizo and Elote Fritters, as well as Deviled Eggs. Starting with the Bread Service, the bread is fluffy, sweet, and light, slightly crisp outside. The compound butter served on the side is light and airy, sweet and a slight spice.

Next up the Deviled eggs are super sharp, rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor then topped with salty trout roe that gives it a pop and an herbaceous, tangy dill oil. These are some of the best Deviled Eggs we’ve ever had! Another must try is the Chorizo and Elote fritters. They are spicy, earthy, creamy inside and crunchy outside, while the jalapeño aioli gives it a tang.

The other entrée we thoroughly enjoyed is the Pan Seared Porkshire Pork chop. It is a bone-in chop that is filleted into a sweet and meaty, yet tender cut of meat. The Honey mustard jus brightened it up and gives it a tang, while underneath the creamed brussels and spinach is charred, earthy, and creamy. Wowzer. We paried this with the Selbourne Blossom cocktail. It is an herbaceous gin cocktail with cool and sweet muddled strawberry, earthy basil syrup, and bitter Aperol for balance.

A Carefully Curated Serenbe Itinerary You’ll Want To Use

Take a stroll around town, find relaxing and beautiful walkways, trails, and more.
Check out the Saturday local farmers market for local goods, food, and gifts.
Halsa: Have lunch or snacks at the delicious Halsa. Grab a creamy and earthy curry chicken salad sandwich with a side of sultry hummus. Enjoy a flaky croissant or sweets like a cinnamon roll. They have tuna poke bowls, build your own bowls, coffee, and wine.
Another option for lunch or dinner is Farmhouse at Serenbe.
Take a hike down to the tranquil waterfall and enjoy the sounds of flowing water.
Take in the sculptures and artwork that’s around every corner.
Check-in to Inn at Serenbe for the night and peruse the grounds. They have animals you can feed, a labyrinth, gardens, swings, horses, and even a lake.
Take a dip in the Inn at Serenbe pool.
Take a tour of their model homes to see what is inside some of the houses that line the streets of Serenbe.
Bamboo Juices: Cool off with refreshing and healthy cold press juices from Bamboo Juices! Our favorites are the earthy and spicy Turmeric & Beets and Dark Greens. They even have popsicles!
Check out all the little shops and boutiques around town! They have a wine store with tastings, as well as shops for clothing, home goods, and more.
Dinner: explore the extraordinary cuisine of The Hill at Serenbe’s phenomenal dinner menu.
Relax at the Inn at Serenbe’s firepit or bonfire area.
Finish the night with a cocktail at the Farmhouse and Inn and Serenbe’s bar!

Wahoo! Grill

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/21/23

Nestled in a secret garden off College Ave, Wahoo! Grill has been serving Decatur for 18 years and we know why they love it. The moment you walk in the door you’re greeted with an indoor-outdoor vibe, in the main dining space, while outside a large patio that feels secluded. On the menu, a wide variety of options abound from Wahoo fish to lamb to southern staples, as well as a great cocktail menu and desserts. Let’s explore.

Starting with their signature Grilled Wahoo Sofrito that’s tender yet meaty and topped with a tomato forward Spanish sofrito sauce, earthy, crunchy asparagus, and an earthy, seasoned savory risotto underneath. OR go for their new menu item, the grilled half rack of lamb, our favorite bite of the day! Succulent and tender, well-seasoned lamb, the rhubarb sauce underneath is sweet and juxtaposed the savory meat. Then, paired with a sharp and herbaceous potatoes au gratin and earthy asparagus!

Plus, Wahoo! Grill’s cocktail program is “perfection” with this Pina en la pina is a fresh and tangy pina colada style drink with a great tang, cream, and dash of nutmeg. And for the finale, make sure to sample the bread pudding; it’s grandmother’s recipe! It is warm and rich, stuffed with raisins topped with a creamy bourbon glaze. OMG!

Other menu highlights include the Pimento cheese Fritters! They are sinful crispy bites stuffed with pimento cheese inside then a sharp and a sweet spicy tomato sauce underneath! Also, their solid fried green tomatoes that are crispy, perfectly breaded outside, slightly crisp yet tender tomato inside, then a balsamic drizzle for brightness and cool goat cheese to round out the bite. They typically come with shrimp, but we got without.

Fried chicken, a staple of Wahoo! Grill’s menu, is plump and tender, and has a great crunch outside. Paired with collard greens that are rich, spicy and savory, as well as crunchy warm fries. Finish it off with, A crime of passion, an herbaceous and floral gin cocktail mixed with juicy passion fruit and lime, then a rose petal rim to dress it up!

Bazati Atlanta

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/20/23

The moment you step in the delightful Pan-Latin restaurant Bazati on the Atlanta Beltline you’re immersed in vintage French decor, marble, luxurious lighting, and a beautiful bar area with leather seats and lounge area! Upstairs is Estrello Rooftop with more pastel, light Latin vibes, vibrant patio, and mezcal behind the bar. This one-two punch of Latin dining is exquisite! Everything is elevated from their sensational cocktails like the floral Houdini, decadent decaf Tequila me Softy espresso martini, and the all-new tangy Wren’s Nest. Then, phenomenal small plates from their loaded charcuterie board, creamy polenta, or their bright Strawberry Maple salad. Their entrees are sure to wow with their earthy Double Stuffed Ravioli, flavorful Brazilian Picanha, and our favorite, the juicy Pork Osso Bucco. Let’s take a trip.

We will kick it off with the trio of cocktails we tried: Houdini, Tequila me Softly, and Wren’s Nest. The Houdini will disappear before your eyes as it is herbaceous, floral up front and balanced with bright and tangy on the back. So good! If you’re looking for a new cocktail to try, go for the Wren’s Nest that will be on their spring menu. It is boozy bourbon that starts warm and ends tangy and bright, slightly sweet watermelon shrub and a hint of ginger. It’s complete. The favorite cocktail of the night was the DECAF Tequila me Softly espresso martini. Decadent and dark chocolate, bitter and creamy, this is sure to please all those coffee lovers out there. You couldn’t tell it was decaf at all and no jitters! We will be back for more!

On to the small plates that John and I shared from the charcuterie board, crispy polenta, and Strawberry Maple Salad. Starting with the loaded Charcuterie board that is stuffed with three meats with different flavor profiles, an array of cheese from soft to hard, salty, crispy almonds, sweet honeycomb, mixed berries, and crackers. After that we got the Crispy Polenta, which is our favorite of the small plates with a gamut of flavors from creamy to buttery to tangy to earthy and bright. The polenta bed itself is creamy and buttery with a crispy top, then it is topped with creamy and sharp cheese. A dollop of olive tempade gives it a slight earthiness to finish out the bite. Love. For our salad, we got the Strawberry Maple, which starts earthy and crunchy with the lettuce, and then is sweet from the maple, tangy from the strawberry. It is finished off with crunchy almonds and sharp blue cheese.

In between the small plates and our entrees, we were treated to the seriously divine Double Stuffed Ravioli. Holy Truffle! Tender Handmade in-house ravioli stuffed with earthy mushroom and enveloped in a sea of creamy, truffle-forward sauce that will definitely WOW you. This is a must try dish bursting with flavor!

Of the entrees, we got the phenomenal Pork Osso Bucco that is meat heaven with tender, fall off the bone pork, perfectly seasoned and surrounded by a moat of rich, savory jus and stuffed with eggplant, celery, and other root vegetables. It was the favorite dish of the day! John got the Brazilian Picanha that is flavorful and well-seasoned meat topped with a bright chimichurri, bright onions, and paired with crunchy fries. On the side we got two very good sides, one being the baby carrots and the other seasonal fiddle heads. The baby carrots are super sweet and candied and laid on a bed of creamy and sharp Greek yogurt. It is sweet and creamy and sharp, a winning combo. Then, fiddle heads are something neither of us had ever had before. They’re naturally foraged tops of ferns that have not blossomed yet. They taste a lot like asparagus but have a flowery, fluttery texture up front with a good crunch on the end. They’re amazing! These are cooked with butter and oil and really taste fresh and light!

Finally, we got a pair of delicious desserts, the Tres Leches cake and the Tiramisu. The Tres Leches is super moist and mellow with a delightful light frosting, topped with fruit. The tiramisu is seriously rich and creamy, dark chocolate notes, boozy, drenched lady fingers with so much flavor. We’d recommend you stay for dessert.

Boone’s Atlanta

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/6/23

Lush greens spread out in every direction from the elevated patio with golfers spread out over the serene landscape. Inside the circular bar jets out into the dining area that is dotted by tables and a handful of patrons enjoying glasses of wine and small plates. Open to the public, Boone’s on Bobby Jones Golf course in Buckhead is nestled in the clubhouse next to the pro shop, so from the front you’ll never know your walking into an elevated culinary and cocktail experience. There is nothing ordinary about Boone’s from the delicious starters like the Spanish octopus to the house pimento cheese fritters to the shishito peppers, as well as dynamic, bold plates like their herb crusted rack of lamb or roasted pork tenderloin, all washed down by a wonderful cocktail menu stuffed with goodies like the Plant One on me, the Spicy Gentleman or the Bobby Jones. Who’s excited to explore?

We started out the night with a trio of cocktails, the first being The Spicy Gentleman cocktail that’s a take on an old fashioned. It starts with a kick from the spicy jalapeno and then sweet and balanced from the grenadine and Grand Marnier. With our main meal, we decided to try the Bobby Jones Cocktail since Boone’s is on the Bobby Jones Golf Course. It really is unique with a ton of peach flavor, and not being a huge peach cocktail fan, I was skeptical. But, with notes of cinnamon, and the bourbon, lemon, and peach combination was a stunner. It is sippable and balanced!

We loved both, but our favorite of the night is Plant One on Me. This cocktail is unforgettable with herbaceous and sweet notes with bright and tangy citrus that culminate in a balance that’s further elevated by the mint oil floater! A beer drinker? They have a Boone’s Lager, that’ll keep you cool and refreshed! It’s tasty.

The cocktails wowed us and so did the shared plates we got! One of the best of the night is the house pimento cheese fritters. The bite starts out super crispy and the pimento cheese inside gushes out sharp, tangy, and warm. Then, underneath the sweet and spicy sauce is delectable on its own but when paired with the fritters, it is a match made in heaven. Or on the golf course! Beyond this, we got the Spanish Octopus, Shishito Peppers, and Fried Brussel Sprouts. Starting with the Octopus, this one is charred yet tender and cut into pieces and paired with earthy fava beans and savory, meaty ham chunks. The right amount of seasoning and pistachio crumble seriously elevates the dish and all the flavors work so well together. Yum.

One of the surprises of the night turned out to be the earthy Shishito peppers. They’re soft, charred and sweet with savory Asian inspired sauce and topped with peanuts. Let’s not forget to mention that the sauce and flavors are bold and really pair well with the earthiness (and spicy if you find it) of the peppers. You can’t go wrong with Brussel sprouts that are tender and well cooked, charred, and then tangy yet creamy with apples and a savory sauce. Then, they topped it with blue cheese for tang that finishes out the bite.

Now, moving on to the main event with two beautiful dishes, the herb crusted rack of lamb and roasted pork tenderloin. The roasted pork tenderloin is tender, yet juicy with an earthy rub. On the side, it is paired with an earthy acorn squash that is sweet, buttery, earthy with a hint of cinnamon, plus a creamy celery puree to round out the dynamic balance of flavors. The most stunning dish of the night had to be the sexy herb crusted rack of lamb. It’s just as tasty! It is succulent and tender with a copious amount of seasoning and smothered in tangy and bright chimichurri, the right flavor profile with the meat. Underneath pink lady peas and a creamy onion purée smack you with a creamy earthy southern twist, while the sweet potatoes dial up some sweetness to juxtapose all the other flavors.

What an amazing meal!