When I had the opportunity to stay at a boutique hotel within walking distance of Ponce City Market, I had to say yes! Not only is that part of Atlanta one of my favorite places (see my other favorites here), but boutique hotels also offer a unique experience that you don’t find at some bigger chains.
Here are five reasons to visit and/or stay at Hotel Clermont:
The Rooftop– with top shelf views, #goldenhour from the rooftop of the Hotel Clermont was so scenic. Location– The property is a short 5-minute walk to @poncecitymarket and the super fun #atlantabeltline. Great Service and Staff– Hello, complimentary cocktails when you check in; need I say more?!? Comfortable Beds– Getting a good night’s rest is important to me on my weekend getaways, and I was not disappointed! VIBES– This boutique property hits all the vintage vibes from its lobby to its bar, lounges, and rooms! I loved every single corner. I will be back! Check out @hotelclermont in Atlanta for your next weekend spot.
Check out my gallery, a picture is worth a thousand words!
I chase life through experiences; I always have. I love to ride whatever wave comes my way. As I get older, I get more passionate about these experiences and share them with the ones I love most, my family. Atlanta has been home to me for almost 10 years, and this city never fails to disappoint. There is always something literally POPPING up. There is always something exciting to see and do, from the Winky Lux installation to Slime City, the Selfie Museum, the Van Gogh exhibit, and now Candytopia.
The excitement of a temporary installation is totally different from traditional museums that you put on your list to visit eventually. I need the pressure to get things done in life and at work (I live for deadlines).
With so many things to do in Atlanta at any given time, be sure to check these two Pop-Ups happening now before they are gone. The Illuminarium is next on my list!
Step off the beltline and into an African Safari experience like no other! This immersive Safari is something that the whole family is sure to love! For tickets, click here.
I HIGHLY recommend this experience to everyone. The Van Gogh exhibit is a truly a unique artist profile has an immersive exhibit that is unlike anything I have ever experienced and a well-coordinated virtual reality experience. Get tickets for this event here.
This family-friendly pop-up was a HUGE hit with the kids. After reading this review, I knew I had to take them. This was a fun visit with a very Willy Wonka vibe and statues made 100% of candy. They also have a photosystem set up with QR codes that allow professional photos taken during your visit to be sent directly to your phone for free. To learn more, visit https://tickets.candytopia.com/event/candytopiaatl
Here is my video with a few other (not pop up) Atlanta favorites.
Have you ever seen a photo and thought to yourself, I would love to go there!?! A few years ago I saw a photo from a café with a lit up fort in the background and I instantly felt like I wanted to experience that view for myself.
Here is the image I saw.
This photo was taken in the small desert town of Jaislmer in the state of Rajastan, India. When we planned our trip to India this year, I included a three night stay in Rajasthan . We spent one night in Jodhpur and two nights in Jaislmer. After a one night stay at Ajit Bhawan in Jodhpur, we made the six hour drive through the Thar desert to Jaisalmer where we stayed at a beautiful hotel called Suryagarh. Usually car rides make me sleepy, but this drive was so unique that I was wide awake the WHOLE TIME. We stopped along the way for tea and selfies with cows and camels ( I couldn’t resist) until we finally reached our destination.
Road Side Camels
Temple at the Fort
Traditional Dolls
Rajasthan Sun
At the Fort in Jodhpur
Where to Stay
In Jaisalmer we stayed at Suryagarh. This seven star resort in in the heart of the desert is literally the stuff dreams are made of. For my fellow Bollywood fans, think Sanjay Leela Bansali perfect. With backdrops and structures worthy of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam or Ram Leela this haveli had everything. Most recently Housefull 4 was filmed here.
What To Do
The weather in Rajasthan is great during the month of December with highs hitting about 70-73 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and the nights getting down to a cool 45 degrees. Known for its location in the Thar Desert, excursions into the desert are popular among tourists. I, for one, could not wait for a desert jeep safari and camel ride into the dunes. I have always felt a connection with the desert which is why Sedona, Arizona is also one of my favorite places in the US (see my post about my favorite drive of 2019 here).
We ventured into the desert, walked through the only remaining living fort in India, and visited Gadisar Lake. Jaisalmer was everything I could have expected and more from this little town. From the local experiences all the way up to the seven star hotel experience, Jaisalmer is a must see. I love seeing places a little bit off the beaten path and this is one of those places not overrun by tourists. In my opinion, two nights in Jaisalmer is just right for a Rajasthan itinerary (note: they have a great airport).
Desert Safari
Desert Safari
Desert Safari
Hotel
Gadisar Lake
Rajasthan
Travel is one of those things that you spend money on and it truly makes you richer. My visit to India was wonderful, but the visit to Jaislmer was truly the cherry on top.
Having visited Mumbai, Kerala, and now Rajasthan, next on my list is Leh. If you know anyone who has been there who has recommendations please let me know.
Thanks for checking out my post.
Your Chick,
Rina
Jodhpur Hotel Recommendation
Known as the little brother of the much more luxurious and expensive (3x more expensive) Umaid Bhawan (where Priyanka Chopra got married), Ajit Bhwan offers a royal and regal experience right in the heart of the city. It’s amazing to me how places like this are built with so much creativity and effort. The hotel is designed like a village where you are escorted to your mini villa. It was also the best shower I had in the two weeks I was in India. See my pictures from Ajit Bhawan below.
So often we hear about going off the grid for a bit to re-discover what life is really all about. With the hustle and bustle of my daily life between juggling google classrooms and social media with Digital Chicks, going off the grid has not been on my mind. But a few weeks ago, that changed.
Even though I have lived in Georgia for eight years now, I had yet to visit Tybee Island – a short three hours away from my home. Boy, have I been missing out! We went recently on a family vacation/reunion and stayed at the home of author Mary Kay Andrews.
I should have known that the author of The High Tide Club, Sunset Beach, and The Weekenders would know what being present and living in the moment is all about! Every inch of the massive 7 bedroom house is meticulously decorated with reminders of what is important. The house reflected the elements of the earth: air, water, fire, and wind. Each can be felt at every moment when you are in the house or at the beach – which is a short one minute walk away.
With so much to do and see, it was easy to go hours without a worry, so I left my phone on the charger and stepped out for some fresh air. I was fortunate to have gone with A LOT of family. We sat for hours talking, playing, laughing, and reminiscing.
Tybee Island has clean, un-crowded, soft sandy beaches that I am ALREADY missing. The lighthouse and pier are hard to miss and easy to visit. As someone who has been to Savannah several time, I was surprised to learn that Tybee was so close by. Next time you are in Savannah, drive out another twenty minutes to Tybee, you won’t regret it!
Not too long ago, I visited another quaint place called Put In Bay, see that post here.
