Tag Archive for: hotel review

WELCOME TO MIAMI: THE LOEWS MIAMI IN SOUTH BEACH

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/5/26

Every single corner of Loews Miami left us speechless. John and I recently did a Florida road trip vacation and ended up at the Loews Miami Beach. WOW! The recently renovated hotel really exceeded every expectation. From gorgeous lobby to sprawling pool to the best cabana experience to phenomenal dining options, the Loews Miami is the premiere Miami hotel. I kept pinching myself to make sure it wasn’t just a dream.

You drive up to the Loews and greeted with a gorgeous fountain and palm trees lining a pristine white hotel. Bellhops and valet swarm to help at every turn. The lobby stuns as you enter with expansive marble floors in a glowing a burst design and a central molecular chandelier that pulls your eye up. There are circular gold accents and colorful rock at the front desk. Bistro Collins and outdoor bar are a stunningly decorated bar and lounge area. My favorite spot in the lobby is the black and white outdoor bar.

Up in the room, it is beautifully designed with luxurious beds and classy accent walls. Plus, marble classic bathrooms and fun in room amenities like champagne and charcuterie are a treat. The best feature is the pool and iconic Miami south beach views from the balcony. I could sit out on the balcony for hours just taking in that view.

You won’t believe your eyes down at the pool deck and outdoor space. You’ll take the palm tree canopy walkway down to the pool opens to a zero-entry resort pool, like a beach! The pool features a central waterfall feature and is lined with palms and luxury loungers. Whether is it a busy day or calm, there are plenty of staff, loungers, and pristine pool to make you relax in the luxury.

And the Loews Miami Beach is right is right on the iconic South Beach! Access to the beach is just beyond the pool and a short walk up the walkway. They offer complimentary lounges and towels to complete your beach day where you can relax and stay awhile.

The Best Amenity: SOAK Cabanas & Daybeds

SOAK in the best amenity at the Loew’s Miami with SOAK Cabanas & Daybeds! If there is one thing that stood out from the Loews Miami Beach, it is their cabana experience at SOAK! I told John, “I live here now.” That is how much this impressed us and I didn’t want to leave at 6! We felt spoiled the whole time.

SOAK at the Loews Miami has 8 secret hideaways from the busy pool deck. They act as a retreat to your own pool house that is climate controlled and has a restful seating area inside next to the large bathroom with shower and rain shower head! Each cabana comes with multiple loungers outside, a cabana attendant to wait on you hand and foot, complimentary water, soda, and fruit plate, and face spritzer in the fridge! On top of that, literally, is your rooftop sun deck for lounging and sweeping pool views and view of the ocean. The views from up there are epic.

Plus, with a cabana attendant, you can order food and drink right from your cabana. We indulged in a complimentary fruit platter that had it all! It is loaded with goodies like blueberries, kiwi, dragon fruit, pineapple, melons, other berries and grapes. To start I opted for the whole coconut cocktail. It was my favorite sip with creamy cool coconut water and boozy dark run.

For eats, we went with the tuna poke bowl, traditional ceviche, and the pepperoni pizza. To start, the tuna poke bowl is very good. Cool tuna seared and encrusted smothered in a bright lemon aioli and sweet eel sauce, fluffy and herbaceous coconut rice, cucumber, and trimmings. This was my favorite dish at the cabana. I also wanted to try the traditional ceviche. It was a good choice with delicate mahi fish on a spicy and creamy Leche con Tigre sauce. Plus, tons of spicy peppers and tangy onions, creamy avocado, and sweet potatoes served with plantain chips. I paired my meal with the Sea Spa refresher. It is a
boozy floral gin with floral elderflower cocktail paired with cucumber! John wanted pizza so he got the pepperoni pizza with a good crunchy crust.

Dining Options

And the food at the Loews Miami is the best hotel food we ever had and have some great options to explore.

Start your morning off at Preston’s with their sprawling breakfast/brunch buffet or choose something like their traditional eggs benny off the à la cart menu! The buffet is the best I’ve ever seen with everything from the omelet station to the pastries, donuts, pancakes and waffles, overnight oats, lox and bagels with all the trimmings, charcuterie and antipasto. I fell in love with the antipasto bean salad, the omelet station, and the eggs Benedict with lime hollandaise and tender pork loin.

Lunch and dinner at the Loews Maimi is also one for the books. They have Bistro Collins and The Sushi Bar combo right in the bar and lounge area with amazing crispy rice tuna, unbelievable steak, delectable sushi, and more. Plus, some delicious cocktails to pair with your dishes.

From the Sushi Bar, we got the Crispy rice tuna, Salmon Nashi, and Nurto trio. My favorite is the amazing crispy rice tuna.
Crunchy rice with spicy tuna, spicy wasabi aioli, and can’t get over the sauce! I also enjoyed the Salmon Nashi dish. It is super fresh salmon, tender, creamy with tart and sweet Asian pear, a sweet yuzu vinaigrette, and citrusy miso. Last but not least is Nutro Trio maki roll. Three fishes, fresh tuna, king salmon, Madai with creamy avocado. It is wrapped in crunchy cucumber and a fantastic white soy vinaigrette. Paired these dishes with the London calling cocktail, an herbaceous dry gin paired with floral St. Germain and bubbly Prosecco.

Bistro Collin’s dishes were top notch as well with red snapper and a filet steak dynamic duo. Starting with the Red Snapper, it is a well-seasoned crunchy skin on flaky and tender snapper. This is paired with creamy lemon orzotto and the Oporto gel (tastes like a tart cranberry) is fruity and tart to juxtapose the creaminess to the pasta and fish. Then, the filet steak is amazing! Perfectly medium with a charred crust on the outdoor and a tangy tart Au poivre with onions and crispy onion straws and paired with the amazing mashed potatoes. It is a gamut of flavors from creamy, garlicky, and buttery. I paired the dinner with my favorite drink of the night, Old Man and Bee Old Fashioned. It is super boozy Michter’s old fashioned with a honeycomb with make it as sweet or not as you want.

Screenshot

Rao’s

Saving the best for last, Rao’s Miami is the pinnacle of Italian steak houses. They’re iconic spot out of NYC and it did not disappoint with some of the best Italian food I’ve ever eaten like the Veal Agro dolce recommended by our waiter! It is a divine hot, spicy, and sweet cherry pepper vinegar sauce, with tender and perfectly seasoned veal with a hint of earth. Where has this been all my life?

Some other menu items that we really loved were the meatballs, rigatoni bolognese, and Uncle Vincent’s lemon chicken. Starting with the appetizer, the meatballs were probably the best meatballs we’ve ever had. Tender and rich ground beef meatballs perfectly seasoned and stuffed with Italian breadcrumbs and doused in tangy red sauce and creamy cheese. I paired this with the White Lady cocktail. It is delicious floral gin and floral St. Germain paired with lemon sipper.

For our dinner I got the Rigatoni bolognese, a perfectly cooked pasta dish with a perfectly seasoned, herbaceous, rich, hearty, and deep bolognese. Unbelievable. John seriously enjoyed the Uncle Vincent’s lemon chicken. It is tangy and delicious citrusy, lemony sauce paired with tender, juicy and charred whole half chicken. We paired our meal with Rao’s reserve highland old fashioned. Let’s start with the banana foam that is creamy and earthy and then the boozy Glenfiddich concoction of 15 and walnut biters comes in on the end for a boozy, nutty banana sip.

I was TOLD you couldn’t even get a table at the NYC location unless you owned a table or could use someone’s table for the night!

SEEING SARASOTA WITH THE SARASOTA MODERN

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/9/26

Discovering a modern oasis in the heart of Sarasota, FL’s art distinct: The Sarasota Modern! Over a long weekend, John and I made our way to South West Florida to experience The Sarasota Modern in downtown’s Rosemary Art & Design District. Let me tell you, The Modern as it is known celebrates a blend of bold architecture, modern design, playful art, yet casual comfort. It is a whole vibe. Here’s our thoughts on the hotel.

The lobby is clean and sleek with pops of contemporary design. The main lounging area has a bold orange couch with colorful pillows, blue chairs, and retro coffee table in a modern design. In the elevator area are more fun retro spots with an eclectic seating area and fireplace. When exiting look up, an alligator is perched above next to a palm tree looking down on the lobby.

The rooms have light and airy vibes! Spacious and clean design with the light wood floors, white and light comfy king bed, retro touches throughout. Large couch seating area with color puff for lounging. The bathroom is sleek white with a rain shower head shower and ample vanity space. The stunner is the balcony overlooking the pool area!

The amentities at the Sarasota Modern float my boat!

Starting with the gorgeous pool sanctuary lined with retro and contemporary green and white loungers and umbrellas. The deck is filled with palm trees galore. The main pool is a great place to cool off. They also have a hot tub, several cabanas that are open for anyone to use. Then, my favorite feature of the pool deck is the cold plunge. It is kept at about 50 degrees and is perfect for the heat! At the pool bar we got the Doctor’s Orders, a creamy and boozy painkiller with pineapple and coconut. For food I opted for the Ahi Tuna Nachos and the Loco Moco.

The nachos are crunchy wonton chips loaded with tender and fresh ahi tuna, creamy avocado, creamy spicy aioli, sesame, crunchy seaweed, picked onions and a delicious savory and sweet sauce. The Loco moco is rich hearty wagyu beef patty on top of white rice, a rich and savory sauce then topped with caramelized onions and mushrooms, a runny egg and scallions. I also enjoyed a poolside old fashioned, a sweet and boozy old fashioned.

Plus, on-site dining options that can’t be missed from Wink, Wink to a one-of-a-kind experience, 7 Paintings. As far as Wink Wink Lounge, is where dishes mix comfort food with a tropical twist paired with creative cocktails and a tiki floral atmosphere. We got several food and drink items from the Jerk Chicken to the Deviled eggs, and cocktails. Starting with the Jerk Chicken, a is tender and juicy chicken with spiced and flavorful jerk seasoning, spicy and sweet honey habanero collards. The Mac and cheese tho! It is rich and creamy. I paired it with the Gin ne sais qui gin martini with tart grapefruit, prosecco, floral lavender and glitter.

For our appetizer we got the Deviled eggs. They are pickled eggs with creamy filling, delicious aji Amarillo, topped with cheese and sprouts. I paired the eggs with the Hey there gorgeous is floral elderflower and bubbly Prosecco with sweet candied hibiscus flower. To end the night we enjoyed the Carrot Cake. It is moist and spiced with tons of carrots with a sweet yuzu lime cream cheese frosting.

Stop the presses, now you can now EAT a famous masterpiece at 7 Paintings. It is a one-of-a-kind (only 4 locations in the USA) interactive 7-course meal that brings 7 famous artists work to life through 3D mapping that brings stunning visuals to each canvas, themed music, amazing menu, and even a wine/cocktail pairing! My favorite part was when I got to play with my food and actually paint my own Jackson Pollack!

Here are the details on the courses, pairings, and artists:
The first course is the DaVinci/Michelangelo. You crack the code with a flashlight, open the box and bring out a hand with a rich, savory, sweet, whipped ricotta tart wrapped in Phyllo. This course is paired with Italian Brut.
The second course is the Banksy Girl with Balloon to reveal a Beef carpaccio! It is really rich and savory the earthy olive and the crunchy crostini perfectly paired with rose wine.
The next course is Picasso, Weeping Woman. It is a tender flaky fish red snapper dish with citrusy and creamy coconut rice. It is served with smooth Albariño.
The fourth course is the Painted our own Jackson Pollack! Paint brushes and cups with different dressings in them to dip the veggies and salad ingredients that comes on the side. My favorite is the ginger dressing. It is served with chenin Blanc.
The next course is the Andy Warhol dish. It came out under his famous tomato can with coco-cola reduction in a bottle!! Rich and tender meat, sweet and savory cocoa glaze and creamy potatoes topped with crispy tangy onions the make this dish! Wine: Cab & Merlot
The first dessert is the Surrealism with Dali. It is an ice cream and crema with a bruleed top. It is served with accoutrement like chocolate, olive oil spray and berries in a smoky bowl. Paired with espresso martini, boozy and strong coffee cocktail.
The final course is another dessert. We got to paint a starry night by Van Gogh IN CHOCOLATE on top of a delicious coconut cake overlay.

Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot

Other amenties include complimentary bikes, water, coffee, tea, breakfast muffins, towels, and beach gear. They also have the Retro VW Bus, The Reggie, to take you within a 3 mile radius. Another great amenity is the location! It is in walking distance to local bars and restaurants, Main Street, the Marina, and of course to all things art! Then, only 3.6 miles from the beautiful Lido Key beach with AMPLE beach parking if you go early.

Screenshot

SWITZERLAND INN ON THE BLUE RIDGE HIGHWAY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/3/26

Last weekend, John and I took a road trip up to the Blue Ridge Parkway on North Carolina. About 4 hours from ATL, perched on a slope on this parkway, Switzerland Inn is a testament to mountain retreats! Connect with nature starting with the breathtaking panoramic mountain view that greets you. I could literally sit on the property and just soak it in; it is the best amenity the resort offers! You really have to see this one to believe it!

Views:

The lobby is one part rustic mountain cabin, one part chalet and Bavarian architecture, so the entire property and the lobby give off Alpine vibes. Warm wood from floor to ceiling, stone accents, two fireplaces, cozy lounging areas with quilts, and large windows all to enjoy the Mountain View.

There are many room types from staying in the lodge to private cabins. We stayed on Heidi 4, just next to the lodge, a second-floor oasis all with those stunning property and mountains in the background. It is a two-room suite where a living area with fireplace greets. Hardwood floors flow throughout the room. Behind that is the cozy king bedroom and the spa-like bathroom with marble floor and rain shower head. It feels newly renovated and fresh!

Amenities abound at Switzerland in from fun for the whole family with lawn games from horseshoes to ping pong. Near the edge of the slope is a relaxing pool with a beautiful view of the mountains. Also on the edge of the slope is several Adirondack chairs to soak in those views by day and firepits by night. For further relaxation they offer a spa with an array of treatments. On-site shopping is just steps away with a gift shop in the lobby, provision haus, and other shops right on the property. And for Pickleball enthusiasts, six courts await.

One of the best amenities is the on-site dining options at the Switzerland Inn. Starting with the terrace dining. For lunch the first day, we sat on the patio just off the main lobby with sweeping mountain views right in front of us. There we enjoyed the Yard bird grilled chicken sando. It is a well-seasoned, herbaceous chicken that’s juicy and tender and loaded up with trimmings. It is served with sweet potato fries. John got the flatbread with pepperoni and sausage. It is a crunchy crust loaded with a boat load of cheese, hearty and spiced pepperoni, and savory sausage.

For dinner our first night we visited the Fowl Play Pub, where rustic mountain and Bavarian charm collide. The casual Alpine bar and dining area even have critters like a racoon with crackerjacks are in the ceiling. We got the smoked wings, the Chalet chop, and the Chalet cooler.

John devoured the smoky wings. They’re super meaty, crunchy outside, and tender inside with a generous amount of lemon pepper rub. I got the Chalet chop, a tender and juicy pork chop. It is grilled with a slight char and a hint of smoke topped with a light tangy BBQ sauce. Served with tangy caramelized onions, creamy herbaceous and decadent mashed potatoes, and crunchy snap peas to round out the meal. From the bar, we sipped on the Chalet cooler. Boozy cucumber vodka, earthy cucumber, and lime is refreshing and light.

For breakfast and the final night, we were treated to an elevated meal at the Chalet Restaurant. The main dining room is adorned with an antler chandelier and mountain decor all with a view from the large picture window. For breakfast I enjoyed the Deluxe Avocado toast, a crunchy wheat toast loaded with creamy avocado. On top is a savory poached egg and a sweet balsamic drizzle to bring it all together. John got a really big piece of country ham with his eggs, and it is large, salty and tender. I stole some.

As for dinner, we had the Swiss onion soup, Smoked Half Duck, and the Jefe Manhattan. The Manhattan is boozy Woodford rye with bitter vermouth and a hint of sweet. As for the Swiss onion soup, it is divine. Rich and deep herbaceous broth topped with floating garlicky baguettes and mild Swiss cheese. And the duck was the best dish of the weekend. Crunchy outside, smoky, tender inside doused in a delicious tangy and sweet, savory hoisin sauce. It is served with root vegetables and snap peas.

Another spot of note is the Provision Haus. They offer coffee, tea, and treats all right across from the lobby.


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.

TEMPO BY HILTON SAVANNAH: WEEKEND GETAWAY TRIP 2026

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/25/26

Explore Savannah’s historic district at your own tempo! The brand-new Tempo by Hilton Savannah is all about location! Steps from historic homes and squares, as well as the iconic Savannah riverfront. But it can also be your retreat from it all, as well!

In the lobby, the automatic doors open to a pair of chairs with modern touches and look up! There is a stunning tree canopy fresco on the ceiling that mimics the arched tree roadways around Savannah! They have a range of lounging areas along the roped wall that leads into Bluestone Lane and a whole conference area with ample seating.

And the rooms are one word: comfort! The crown jewel is the comfy soft king-sized bed for relaxing, it has a leather headboard and lighting for those avid readers out there. The bathroom is stunning marble white with walk-in shower. There are double mirrors one the bathroom and one in the hall on the work desk.

Remember when I said the location was everything here? It is. You can stay on river street but that can get loud, so this has the best of both worlds. Squares and historic homes like the Pink House, Owens-Thomas, and Thomas Low are around the corner. We explored over 10+ squares, Forsyth Park, the Ownes-Thomas house and slave’s quarters, went to three speakeasies, The Pink House (twice), and of course Abe’s on Lincoln. The Abe Lincoln themed bar next to the hotel. And it is only a block from the Savannah Riverfront and River street. Saw the Waving Girl Statue, walked the entire Plant River District, river front area, and explored the fun alley ways and stairs along the river.

In the Lobby, Bluestone Lane is Australian coffee shop chain that we thoroughly enjoyed! We went every day for breakfast. John adored his two buttermilk pancakes side with thick bacon. For lunch on Friday, I enjoyed the chicken and avocado sandwich. It is creamy chicken salad with dill and tangy pickles, earthy spinach, and avocado smothered on the crunchy bread. Enjoyed! They have breakfast, lunch, and an array of beverage options from coffee to tea and more.

Waving Girl rooftop is on the 7th floor, a gorgeously polished bar with cocktails, views, and bites. It is a salute to one of the most famous Savannahians: The Waving Girl! An homage to Francis Martus who waved a cloth at ships passing by from 1887 to 1931 in a search for her lost love. The ships return the greeting by blowing their horns. Ships still today sound a salute at her statue!

The decor is velvet loungers and long booths, murals of ships and their crew adorn the walls, a long bar inside and out with views of the river and historic district! We tried brunch and dinner here and both were delicious.

Let’s start with brunch, we got the pastrami and eggs, WG burger, and the French toast, as well as the Sage against the machine cocktail. The Pastrami and eggs are tender and salty pastrami meat with hearty potatoes, tangy onions and peppers, and savory egg! I paired it with the Sage Against the machine cocktail. It is a creamy and herbaceous gin cocktail with earthy celery bitters.

We also got the WG burger for brunch. It is juicy and well cooked with sharp cheese, creamy comeback sauce, tangy pickle and caramelized onions. It’s served with seasoned fries. But our favorite bite is the French toast! Superb sweet and cream filled toast with an egg wash, creamy whipped cream, fruit, and just perfection with the maple syrup.

For dinner we started out with the Vidalia onion fritters. They are fried dough fritters with tangy onion flavor and a tasty spicy horseradish. John got the Charcuterie plate stuffed with brie and hard cheeses, a single meat, and accoutrement like crunch bread, olives, raisins, and nuts.

For my main course I opted for the Seared Ahi tuna. It is perfectly seared tuna with an encrusted skin, served with a bright salad topped with creamy avocado, an earthy green tomato sauce underneath, and tangy champagne vinaigrette dressing! I paired it with the Call Me Old Fashioned cocktail. It is boozy and smoky rye with bitters and brought smoked in a carafe.

Between the location close to river street and the river front, the historic district, and ample dining options, Tempo by Hilton Savannah is the best of Savannah. It is a must stay.


KINGSTON RESORTS – NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/18/26

This is where I hope your email finds me: at the Kingston Resorts in North Myrtle Beach! John and I recently took a weekend trip to the Kingston Resorts in North Myrtle beach that sit right on the sandy beaches of the South Carolina Coast. We stayed specifically in the Hilton on the property and were blown away by its atrium and architecture, stunning pools, and ocean views! Beyond the Hilton is the Embassy Suites and condos with everything they have to offer, so it offers everything you could want in a resort all in one place!

The Hilton lobby is grand with a 15 story atrium with a soaring ceiling and fun blue artwork on the way up. They had several sitting and lounging areas under indoor pergolas. To the right is their market for bites, drinks, and gifts and to the left, the check-in area. We really enjoyed the “We are the Beach” sign, as well.

For our room, we were up on the top floor and the 15th floor views of the resort pool, ocean views, and the sound of crashing waves from our balcony was everything! I couldn’t take my eyes off the views from our room; it was just perfect. The room itself is relaxing and comfortable with a large king bed, nice amenities, and spacious bathroom with gorgeous shower and vanity.

On the Hilton property are two pools to choose between or do both! You walk through the back of the lobby into the pool deck area and the first pool where they have a daily DJ. In front of you is the stunning ocean view of the Atlantic and to the left of the tiki/outdoor bar, Wet Whistle. On the other side is the beautiful sand-bottom pool with small lazy river, waterfall, hot tubs, and intimate cabanas. The sand-bottom resort pool that has a rock waterfall, short lazy river, and of course the sand-bottom 1-2 foot deep area.

There are several cabanas for rent at the sand-bottom pool that provide privacy and relaxation away from the main resort pool deck. They have serval lounge chairs, tons of towels, a table and chairs, and a couch to watch the TV! You can order food and drinks right to the cabana from their friendly cabana staff!

The best amenity they have is the star of the show: the beach! Take the beach access down to the pristine shores of North Myrtle Beach. The water was bluer than I thought it would be and we enjoyed strolling and relaxing!

The boardwalk connects the Hilton and the Embassy hotels in a scenic fashion! Right along the beach and amidst lush vegetation it makes it the ideal way to walk the property.

The Embassy Suites pool is a stunner. It has rows of loungers and umbrellas to enjoy on the pool deck. As well as a large, sprawling pool with beach like entrance on one end. They also offer cabanas and have a DJ that was playing music bingo when we were there. The also have two waterparks for big and little kids alike with large water slides, a water park with large water bucket waterfall and more! It is NICE!

On top of the outside entertainment, one of the best amenities at Kingston Resorts is their dining options. They have several options from Italian to seafood to BBQ and pizza to tiki bar drinks and bites. Amalfi is the dinner spot on the second floor paired with Veranda Bar. Outside is the ocean front dining and bar, Wet Whistle. In the Embassy is BBQ and pizza at Black Drum brewing and seafood and breakfast at Coastal Grille.

Amalfi in the Hilton is an ocean front Italian spot. I stared out with the Amalfi coast cocktail that is boozy vodka, floral St. Germaine, and bright lemon. For appetizers we ordered the Three-Cheese and Garlic bread and meatballs. The Three-Cheese and Garlic bread is super good. The cheeses are creamy and sharp and love the flavor explosion on the bread with the garlic and crunch! The surprise bite of the night! The meatballs were rich and hearty with a tangy marinara sauce, creamy and sharp cheese served with grilled bread.

For our dinner John and I split the Filet, a super tender and juicy steak served medium rare. It was a delicious rich and hearty demi glaze, earthy mushroom, creamy mashed potatoes and a grilled tender onion and asparagus. It was my favorite dish of our stay! Then, we also opted for the pork ragu, as well. It includes hearty rigatoni noodles with tender pork, tangy marinara and sharp cheese. Amalfi was my favorite dining experience, while John’s at Black Drum Brewing is below.

Veranda Bar in the Hilton next to Amalfi has bar bites and signature cocktails like the St. Germaine spritz! It was refreshing floral St. Germaine and tart prosecco. The bar has an array of bar bites as well!

Wet Whistle tiki bar is on the pool deck with ocean views. We tried a few of their cocktails like the Booty Bucket, a rum concoction with tons of boozy liquor, juices, and a splash of 151 on top. On the first day, I got the Lime in the coconut, a lime forward vanilla vodka cocktail with coconut. And when we enjoyed the cabana, I got the painkiller, a boozy rum cocktail with tangy OJ, pineapple, and almond liquor. Of the Wet Whistle menu, we chose two dishes, the grilled chicken sandwich and teriyaki wings. The chicken sandwich was solid with juicy grilled chicken, earthy mushrooms, and all the trimmings. It came with some seasoned and crispy fries. John got the teriyaki wings that were meaty, crunchy outside, and warm inside. The sauce was sweet and spicy and just perfect.

On our last night we went over to Black Drum Brewing. It is a BBQ, brew, and wood-fired pizza casual restaurant at the Embassy Suites pool. I opted to start with the Deviled Eggs and they didn’t dissapoint. They were creamy, dreamy, and a good sour cream bite to them. For dinner I got the brisket plate with very tender and meaty brisket that fell apart in my mouth. The waiter recommend mixing a combo of the red and blackberry smoke and we concur. It is the perfect smoky, sweet, savory sauce to go on the meat. It came with two sides: the creamy red potato salade and crunchy, tangy cucumber salad.

John went with the wood-fired pizza. It is tasty marinara and creamy cheese with spicy pepperoni and a good smokiness on the dough from the pizza oven. For drinks John opted for the crisp and cool Side Hustle Light from Side Hustle local brewery. Since I was enjoying meat, I went heavier with a boozy, tart Manhattan and then a sweet, sassy, smoky old fashioned for after dinner.

Beyond all of that there is still thing to get into like the fitness center, spa, and courts! We had a good time one morning playing pickleball, but could use some lessons.

One more thing we enjoyed was the resort shuttle! You could take it in a 2-mile radius and explore more of Myrtle Beach or go to more areas on the resort property. Also, the resort was having a sandcastle built by Create a Sandcastle while we were there and it was fun to watch how much work and math goes into one of them!

LE MERIDIEN ATLANTA PERIMETER

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/4/26

Please connect me with a modern hotel close to major Atlanta attractions but offers a quiet escape. Recently John and I enjoyed a long weekend staycation up at the Le Meridien Atlanta Perimeter in Dunwoody! It is a sleek modern hotel that greets you with its modern vibes in the lobby and throughout but is also just minutes from access to all Atlanta has to offer! Plus, they have a wonderful on-site restaurant and bar to enjoy during your stay.

The automatic doors open to the lobby with modern touches, a gathering of lounge areas and tables dotted throughout. There is an inside fireplace for the cold months with a cozy book nook for reading and business center. There is also an outdoor fireplace with lounging patio and a conference table with eclectic lighting as the centerpiece!

Up in the rooms, you’re treated to modern yet comfortable vibes. We got a suite with a full table, cozy den area with TV and work desk. The bedroom had a beautiful artistic grey blue mural above the comfy king bed. The shower was spacious and bright, and we loved the quote on the full-length mirror! We also got a beautiful view out our window of the office building and space next door.

And it’s all about location at the Le Meridien Atlanta Perimeter! At this location, there’s the mall and surrounding attractions, bars, and restaurants but this can be your retreat from the downtown fray! Marta is just minutes from the hotel and gives you easy access to all metro attractions!

Amenities in the lobby also include a long Longitude 84 bar and lounge with bar bites and sensational cocktails, plus a happy hour M-F! Behind it is the beautiful Portico restaurant that is a dining destination boasting European inspired fare.

verything we tried @lemeridienatlanta’s @porticoatlanta and Longitude 84! 👀 Recently John and I enjoyed a weekend Staycation at Le Meridien Atlanta Perimeter and had some fabulous food and drinks so we thought we would share all of them with you! You can’t go wrong! #sponsored

Here is what we tried for the Happy Hour at Longitude 84 bar. It is Monday to Friday from 5 to 6 pm. They had a $10 sweet and boozy Old Fashioned on Friday. We also went for a few of the small bites from the creamy and earthy Beets & burrata. Chris the bartender recommended putting balsamic reduction on it and it was perfection. We also got the Earthy, savory, sweet Brussels sprouts and tangy crunchy onion rings!

As for dinner at the Longitude 84 bar, we started with the Spicy margarita with spicy jalapeno infused vodka with a sweet and tangy balance on the end. For bites we started with Mediterranean octopus is perfectly cooked and tender, huge hearty cannelloni bean and a fantastic tangy vinaigrette with lettuce and radish. John got the ATL lemon pepper wings that were crunchy outside and tender inside with the perfect amount of flavor. A surprise dish of the night was the Artisan flatbread. It was divine with tender steak, cheese, earthy mushroom and pesto.

For our main dish we split the Short rib that is super tender and fall off the bone, meaty, sweet and savory. It comes on top of creamy parsnip puree and sweet carrots and a savory demi glaze on the top. It was my favorite dish, and I paired it with the Le Meridien. A floral empress rose gin cocktail with tart prosecco, and lemon for balance. And we got treated for dessert with a cheesecake topped with chocolate. With that I enjoyed Chris’s special cherry chocolate Manhattan, and it tasted exactly as it sounds, chocolaty, sweet, tart, and boozy.

The second night we had dinner at the Portico Restaurant behind the bar and got an array of great dishes. The 1885 angus filet is super rich, served rare with a sear topped with peppercorn au pauvre that is rich with a hit of spice and a creamy, cheesy au gratin potato! My favorite dish of this dinner is the Day boat halibut is flaky hearty well-seasoned fish. It is topped with a creamy and earthy ravioli, lemon pepper seasoning and a fun bright succotash with peas, corn, mushroom, and tomato. And then there was an elevated take on a classic, chicken and dumplings! These are fun cheesy gnocchi like dumplings with rich green bean and corn succotash and the best marinated chicken thigh. I paired the meal with a delicious creamy and rich decaf espresso martini!

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.