First Empty-Nester Vacation
Hello Everyone and Happy Friday,
Of course, I am really excited for this weekend. My husband and I will be fine-tuning (well me) our agenda for our first empty-nester vacation. As I have shared with you all before, my husband and I have NEVER taken a vacation without the kids, so we are really excited for this trip and plan on just taking our time.
photo credit: Getty/Pinterest
I have always been fascinated by this home. I know that it is not big and does not compare to the homes in Newport but I still wanted to visit this gorgeous historical home. The Swan House to me is what my dream home would look like. There would be a few changes to the front but not much.
But first on our list would be driving and stopping at Love Shack Fancy in Nashville. I have not told my husband yet but I would love to stop there on our way to Atlanta. I also wanted to stop at the Sarah Flint store but the Nashville location is closed! I couldn’t believe it but so happy that I got to see it last year.
Once we got to Buckhead we are going to check into our hotel and then I hope that we have time because I want to go to the Sarah Flint store there, visit the Dior store nearby, Hermes, and then stop at a consignment store called Sac De Lux.
For dinner I found a restaurant near our hotel called South City Kitchen and I really want to give that a try. I found a few other restaurants nearby to have dinner or lunch as well.
The second day that we are there will be reserved for the Swan House and the Swan Coach House.
photo credit: Pinterest
I don’t think that we will be there all day, so I found some antique stores nearby to go and visit. One is called Antiques & Beyond and the other is 14th Street Modern & Vintage Home. I also found a HomeGoods nearby, of course, and another consignment store called Label Resale Boutique.
I am really looking forward to this vacation and it will be so different without kids and not having to worry about our home either. We are truly in a different season of life. I’ll see you all when I return!
I hope you enjoy your trip to Atlanta. Dress for summer. It’s still hot here but bring a good packable umbrella that can double for the sun and the rain. Bring a shawl or a cardigan, it can get cool in A/C. Wear comfy shoes. That pavement can be really hard. I live about an hour away. I wish I could meet y’all. I’m going to be away when you here. Traffic is horrible plus lots of construction and road projects. Might be detours here and there and road closures. Please be mindful of that, leave a little earlier. Even if it’s 10 minutes away, it can take 30 or 40 mins, no fooling😉
The Bontanical Gardens on Piedmont Road is a lovely day trip. The orchid house captivates my soul.
Mary Mac’s Tea Room on Ponce de Leon is also a place I HIGHLY recommend. Their shrimp and grits are the best I’ve ever had. Excellent food whatever you get. Their meatloaf, collard greens, chicken, fresh seafood🤩If you do go I suggest be there when they open at 11am. Meaning have the car needs to be parked in their lot which is behind the building on the side street at 1045AM or be prepared for long wait times LOL😂 It’s the spot for tourists and locals alike. They close at 9pm and are usually hopping from the word go. Fabulous food with a rich history. Deep south cuisine. Many famous people and dignitaries have dined there. There is even a photo of the Dalai Lama at the restuarant. If you can, please go there. I don’t think y’all will be disappointed👍🏾
I’d also suggest wearing minimal jewelry and opt for a crossbody bag or tote with a zipper. Leave nothing visible in the car. If you do lots of shopping, might be beneficial, albeit out of the way, drop off the bags back at the hotel vs leaving too many items on the car. Like many places things have changed in the past few years even in the nicest areas like Buckhead and Alpharetta. A certain element has crept in. Y’all keep your heads on a swivel, ya know what I mean 😉 If you need medical attention my friends and I go to Emory hospital if you ever have to go and I pray you won’t.
Overall I really hope you enjoy ATL. It’s a beautiful city with a rich history. It’s also big city life. I have fallen in love with GA. I’ve been here 20 years now. I want you to have a safe trip here and back home. Sending all my love Mrs Shockley 💕🌷😁
Hello Ms. Tracey,
Thank you for all of the good tips! We stayed mostly in the Buckhead area. We did not go too far. But we had a wonderful time there! The staff in all of the stores were incredibly nice, and our hotel was phenomenal! I will be sharing pictures here very soon! Thank you again!
Oh wow, you’ve already been here, lol I had the dates wrong. Well I’m glad to know you had a nice safe trip and made it home safely. Blessings💕