The Traveling Four

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Georgia Racing Hall of Fame

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Wanting to get out and explore, we were in need of a quick day trip. Our family usually travels to Dawsonville to shop at the North Georgia Premium Outlets Mall. I absolutely love the deals we receive while shopping there. To be honest, we rarely travel pass the Mall. I just knew there had to be some kind of cool landmark, museum or something. Well, we were right!

Located only 10 minutes pass the Outlets Mall is the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. While it is connected to the Dawsonville City Hall the two are separate buildings.

The Hall of Fame is a great place to visit for the racecar lover in your group. Take a blast through the past looking at race cars from the 1930’s on through to present day. The Museum is full of self-guided information as well as enthusiastic tour guides that are full of knowledge. Needless to say, customer service here is phenomenal.

Start your tour within the Stock Car History Theater where the seats are in the shape of the back of 1950’s Oldsmobile’s. Enjoy learning about the history of the stock cars and moonshine. Afterwards you’ll get to look at actual race car’s through their time period. Only thing is you can’t get in and sit in any of the vehicles. I really wanted to feel like I was a part of the action, but my pic is an outside looking in type of deal…no worries though!

Huston Platt’s Dixie Twister is just one of many race cars that you can see while here.

Huston Platt's Dixie Twister

View racing attire and other racing gear while on site. The Richard Petty signatures are one of kind. Fun fact: Richard Petty’s dad, Lee Petty also signed his name in the same manner.

There is so much to see and do at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. The tour guide informed us that the exhibits change yearly to encourage fans to keep coming back. Check out our visit in the video below.

The gift shop is full of racing memorabilia for you to purchase. T-shirts, collectible racing cars, autographed memorabilia, corn hole stands and so much more.

On the way out be sure to visit the Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery. I suggest visiting on the way out because this moonshine will have you forgetting why you were there in the first place! The distillery offers guided tours through the distillery that show you the making from beginning to end. At the end of the tour you are given a choice of your own shot glass as a keepsake. The tour is only $6.00 and worth every dime. Be sure to try the White Lightning!!!!!!!

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Family Day Trip: Cornelia, Georgia

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Hello, fellow travelers! If you are new here, Welcome. While heading to Tennessee we decided to linger a little bit in Georgia, to do a little bit of site seeing. Majority of the time when you are driving to a location your sights are set on your final destination, with maybe a few stops to the gas station in between. This time around I wanted to actually explore a few of the neighboring tourist towns outside of the Atlanta city limits.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, I ran across an article about this quirky museum in Cornelia, GA. I am a huge fan of museums and no matter where I travel I will always look for museums to spend my time. Unfortunately, they were not only closed for the season, they were closed for the pandemic as well until further notice. I was so happy to see that they were opening May 1st.

Wanting to make sure we got the most out of our time while in Cornelia, I was able to come up with an awesome itinerary for the day. Here is how we spent our day in Cornelia, Georgia

Loudermilk Boarding House & Everything Elvis Museum

The Loudermilk Boarding House is the very reason I wanted to stop in Cornelia. Who doesn’t love the king! Voted Best Elvis Experience in the Guinness Book of World Records. Featuring over 30,000 items, which include pictures, clothing, potential toenail clippings, and the infamous surgically removed right handed wart. Crazy, right…but really interesting! Owner Joni Mabe was phenomenal in showing us around and pointing out cool things about the Legend and her extensive collection.

Be sure to visit the gift shop here to collect a few trinkets for your own collection.

Channeling My Inner “King”

The Big Red Apple

The Big Red Apple is a historical landmark marking the center of the town. The apple being created as sort of a homage to the rising apple industry in the town. Cornelia famously is now known as the “Home of the Big Red Apple”. A name of which they clearly run with, by hosting the Big Red Apple Festival yearly. The festival hosts car shows, hayrides, cornhole tournaments, carriage rides, live music, food, crafts and so much more.

Historic Train Museum

Learn about the Tallulah Falls Railways of Cornelia through this historic gem. The Historic Train Museum is conveniently located right next to the Big Red Apple. Inside the museum you can enjoy a free guided tour to learn about handmade train replicas, ticket artifacts, the original train dispatching area, and more.

On the outside of the museum you can view actual train tracks and two fully restored cabooses. Great for taking photos.

Bigg Daddy’s Restaurant & Tavern

Time to Eat!!! It’s easy to leave Bigg Daddy’s with a full stomach because of their monumental portion sizes. We were pleasantly surprised with all the food we were given, and it was delicious. Our table ordered the Drunken Mussels, Chicken N Waffles, The Balboa, and their famous Hickory Smoked Baby Back Ribs.

Bigg Daddy’s plays all major sporting events on their many T.V’s, so a cool place to hang out to watch the game. Check out our previous post for a full Review of Bigg Daddy’s.

Click here to see a copy of Bigg Daddys MenuDownload

Sugartopia

What better way to end a meal than with something sweet. At Sugartopia we were able to indulge ourselves in some of the tastiest cupcakes we have ever had. They were so moist and I could not believe the price. My personal suggestions would be the Pina Colada, Oreo and Red Velvet cupcakes.

Chenocetah Tower

The last stop on our day trip through Cornelia was the Chenocetah Tower. What better way to end a joyous day than with breathtaking views of the Chattahoochee Forest. The word Chenocetah meaning “seeing all around” was built in 1937, and stands 1830 square feet above sea level. Chenocetah tower was originally used for fire observation, until 1971 when the building started to fall apart.

In 1984, the building was registered with the National Register of Historic Places. Now this landmark can be enjoyed by all. Due to Covid, the tower is not allowing patrons on the inside, but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting.

Keep in mind that there is no set parking, so be prepared to park on the street.

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Recently-Released Movies to Watch from Home

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If you are looking for some new movies to watch from home, check out some of the movies below:

Sylvie’s Love

Sylvie’s Love stars Tessa Thompson and Nnamdi Asomugha. It is a love story period piece set in the late 1950s amongst the magic of jazz music. I loved it; it was quite refreshing to watch. You can watch this on Amazon Prime.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbjakuJZgww

Soul

Soul is a Pixar and Disney animated movie that I highly recommend. Jamie Foxx does the voice-over for the main character Joe Gardner. It is great movie for the whole family. You can watch it on Disney+.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOsLIiBStEs

One Night in Miami

Regina King directs this movie that puts Sam Cooke, Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, and Jim Brown all in the same space simultaneously. This movie takes us back in time to the 1960s, and we are given access to a night in the lives of these men and the ups and downs they encountered during their time together. It stars Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge, and Leslie Odom. Check out the trailer and watch the movie on Amazon Prime.

American Skin

This was an excellent movie. I watched it with both of my boys, and we had a deep discussion afterward. I think it should be a required movie to watch. It invoked so many emotions. Nate Parker masterfully played the main character. I bought it via Google Play but, I think you can purchase and stream it on any number of apps iTunes, Amazon Prime, Google Play, etc.

Judas and the Black Messiah

A historical piece that outlines the events that occurred leading up to Fred Hampton’s assassination. Fred was the chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party. The movie is told primarily from the informant William O’Neal’s perspective, who played a major part in his demise. It stars Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield. The movie is available to watch on HBO Max.

Outside the Wire

Anthony Mackie and Damson Idris star in this action-packed movie. I thought it was terrific. Watch the trailer and then watch the movie on Netflix. You won’t be disappointed.

The Little Things

This movie is a psychological thriller, and it does make you think and think and think. Even after the movie goes off, you are left wonder if what you thought you saw is really what you saw. It stars Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto and is definitely worth watching. I will note that it is best to pay extra attention because you will miss something major if you turn your head. It is currently on HBO Max.

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“Face Matter” Exhibit

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January 11th, 2021 – February 25th 2021

In honor of Black History Month, I wanted to showcase an art exhibit that will be featured until the end of February. The Face Matter Exhibit is being displayed at the Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville. Located at 8652 Campbellton Street in the historic downtown area of Douglasville, Georgia.

The Cultural Arts Council has selected a vibrant mix of artists that can be understood by all genres. “Face Matter” showcases artwork from five very talented artist: Felicia Noelle, Diyah Najah, Timothy Short, John Martin & Brandon Maddox.

The artists have put together a fascinating collection using a mixture of mixed medias like prints, 3-D mosaic tiles, acrylic & oil-based paints. The collection focuses on the celebration of black history and culture. Their art embodies stories of beauty, liberation, strength and self-acceptance.

My Personal Favorites

Felicia Noelle is a creative artist out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Her works of art are sophisticated, whimsical and personable. My favorite from her collection was “What God Put Together”.

Timothy Shorts oil-painting of “A Dark in the Light (You Are All You Need) II” is a profound piece of work that not only relates to men of color but anybody that can personify with the message.

Diyah Najah’s artwork is also something that is very commendable. She offers a selective range of art including – paintings, mix-materials and my favorite a collage named “Stand Up for Us”. A truly astounding piece where the title resonates.

Brandon Maddox’s “Angela” is exquisite and graceful. “Angela” in my opinion is a manifestation of the iconic saying “My black is beautiful”.

Although, the exhibition will only be around for a short while you can view these artists and their artwork all year-round on their personal social media platforms. For more information on The Cultural Art Council Douglasville, please visit their website at www.artdouglas.org.

Let us know what are some of your favorite Black History Exhibits in the comments section below.

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“Perhaps the mission of an artist is to interpret beauty to people – the beauty within themselves.”

– Langston Hughes

2021 Valentine’s Day Gifts

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This years Valentine’s Day is an extra special one. If you and your love didn’t drive each other crazy during 2020 quarantine, or you made a long distance relationship work even though you couldn’t see each other as much due to the Covid-19 crisis. You and that special someone may have had to endure hard times together. Times where you had to comfort each other due to a losing someone or losing a job. Struggling to make ends meet or workout the home school schedule. Or maybe you found love during all the mayhem it all makes this years V-day that much more special. So why not commemorate this time with a special gift to that special someone? Below you can find some ideas for 2021 Valentine’s Day gifts that show your significant other just how much they really mean to you.

Disclaimer: The traveling 4 are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and receive a commission on all purchased items that we advertise (at no cost to you). Just click on the image or the link in text to be taken to the site. We are truly grateful for your support which helps us keep the lights on 🙂.

Gifts for Her

Diamonds really are a girl’s best friend. Second to you of course especially after you gift her with this stunning Amazon Collection Diamond 3 Stone Pendant Necklace (1/4 cttw), 18″ ($99.99).

Want some earrings to go with that well these SWAROVSKI Women’s Attract Trilogy Crystal Earrings ($89.00) would be a great choice.

Needing something a bit cheaper but that will still WOW then these Sterling Silver Round-Cut Stud Earrings made with Swarovski Zirconia ($17.00) will be a great pick.

Keep her feet warm, cozy and stylish this Valentine’s Day with UGG Women’s Fluff Yeah Slide Slipper ($99.95).

A gift you both can enjoy on this special day. She can even model it for the “Silhouette Challenge”. Avidlove Women Satin Lace Chemise Mini Teddy ($16.59).

A relaxing bubble bath with rose petals and candles is like a Valentine’s Day staple. You can achieve this in a fun and natural way with these 7 Natural Bath Bombs with Shea Butter ($14.99).

The candle that’ll enhance that romantic bubble bath that much more. LA JOLIE MUSE Jasmine Scented Candle ($20.74).

And if you need more than one candle to set the mood then these are another great choice. Yinuo Candle Scented Candles Gifts Set ($19.98).

What’s Valentine’s Day without a teddy bear and chocolates. Not much if you ask me, it’s the iconic gift aside from flowers. Give this Valentines Day Gift Basket Set ($29.44) a try.

Speaking of flowers check out this One Dozen Red Roses Bundled with Godiva Chocolate & Teddy Bear ($49.99). Chocolate, teddy bear and flowers now we’re talking.

For the woman in your life that wants a gift that will last try this Rainbow Flower Colorful Rose with Love Stand plus 3000 Pcs Rose Petals Artificial Flower Petals ($29.99).

Gifts for Him

Many guys have just let it all grow out since most barber shops were closed or they didn’t feel comfortable going to one. Help him keep that facial hair soft and lustrous with this Beard Grooming Kit ($24.91). With beard oil, shampoo/conditioner, balm and so much more you’ll love brushing up against his smooth, conditioned facial hair.

He’ll feel like he’s walking on pillows with these stylish suede UGG Men’s Ascot Slippers (109.95)

This sleek and stylish Michael Kors Men’s Stainless Steel Quartz Watch ($119.99) is the perfect gift for that debonair dad.

Keep him organized in a stylish way with this TESLYAR Wood Phone Docking Station ($52.80). It can not only house his cellphone but watches, keys, glasses, wallet and so much more.

For the man who’s a lot more casual and has a sense of humor this Happy Quarantine Valentine’s Day T-Shirt ($17.99) could be the perfect gift.

For the gamer in your life these funny novelty socks may be just the thing to make him smile. Do Not Disturb I’m Gaming Socks sold for $10.99

These stressful times are all the more reason to kick back with a cold one. This Wall Mounted Magnetic Bottle Opener ($23.99) makes doing that so much easier.

For the handyman in your life this Magnetic Wristband ($14.98) is the perfect Valentines Day gift. It can house all the screws, nails, and drill bits he’ll need to keep great home décor projects going. That’s a win-win for both of you.  

So he can join in the “Silhouette Challenge” with you and look great doing it. Calvin Klein Men’s Cotton Classics Multipack Boxer Briefs ($27.54)

Gifts for All

Commemorate your love making it through to 2021 with this customizable wooden plaque ($39.99) that shows that love can withstand the tests of time.

Staying in for Valentine’s Day and want to add some fun to your date night. Well this Romantic Game for Couples ($24.97) is just the thing to get the flirting and fun started.

This personalized 3D Crystal Picture Engraved Heart (119.00) can capture a special moment in time and display it for many years to come.

Another amazing way to capture a moment in time and depict your love for years to come. Personalized Watercolor Digital Portrait ($64.95-1 day delivery for Valentine’s Day).

Another great way to add some personal touches to your 2021 Valentine’s Day gifts. This one has so much thought put into it that’ll definitely make that special someone feel warm and fuzzy inside. What I Love about You Fill-in-the-Blank Gift Journal ($9.95).

For the snacker in your life this CraveBox Care Package (45 Count) ($23.95) is the perfect V-day gift.

They may not be ale to hit the spa this Valentine’s Day but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy a relaxing massage. This Shiatsu Heated Neck and Back Massager ($39.99) is just the thing to destress and enjoy a relaxing V-day.

Hope you can find your loved ones something great for their 2021 Valentine’s Day gifts from these choices. And if you have any other suggestion don’t hesitate to share.

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Georgia Hiking and Biking Trails

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Amid the pandemic, Americans seemed to have started flocking to more and more outdoor activities. Hiking, Biking, Running, Outdoor Workouts and lots of other outdoor activities have seen an increase this year. Even the Traveling Four have upped the ante when it comes to outdoor excursions. We’ve been visiting some amazing hiking and biking trails and figured why not share our experience with you. There are tons of hiking and biking trails in Georgia and in due time we hope to experience at least most of them. Here are some of the best trails we’ve found so far.

Amicalola Falls State Park

Amicalola Waterfall
Amicalola Waterfall

Located in Dawsonville, Georgia this park is about an hour and a half outside of Downtown Atlanta. The name Amicalola is derived from the Cherokee language and means tumbling falls. This name is spot on for the area which houses the highest waterfall in the entire state (729 feet). In total Amicalola State Park offers 10 trails for your hiking pleasures. These trails satisfy various hiking levels from beginner to experienced. The parks most popular hiking trail runs 8.5 miles from the park to Springer Mountain. Springer Mountain is at the south end of the famous Appalachian Trail which measures 2,150 miles. The Appalachian Trail is definitely for the avid and experienced hiker because it’s no easy feat. Some of the other trails include Amicalola Falls Loop Trail (2.1 miles-easy hike) and Inn Trail (9.8 miles-moderate hike).

Amicalola Falls State Park is pet friendly (leashed pets) and requires a $5 Georgia State Park Pass. Overall this park is family friendly but some of the hikes may be a bit too strenuous for smaller children. Other activities at the park include catch and release fishing, zip-lining, 3D archery, camping, gps scavenger hunt, animal meet and greets and so much more. You can also lodge at the park if you need more than one day to experience all that Amicalola has to offer.

Pictures from Amicalola State Park. Waterfalls and hiking trails

Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area

View from hike to top of Arabia Mountain
View from one of the granite mounds

The Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area (AMNHA) is 40,000 acres of greenspace, granite mounds and historical sites. This area consists of both paved and unpaved pathways for hiking, biking, roller blading and jogging. Most popular is the Arabia Mountain PATH which spans 30+ miles. The PATH is located in the Dekalb County region about 20 minutes outside of Downtown Atlanta. The level of difficulty for this trail depends on your ability and at which point you enter. In my opinion the PATH was fairly easy to moderate because it is mostly flat. The only truly challenging portion for me was the climb up the granite mounds. The views from the mounds were breathtaking, no wonder it is a popular spot for photographers. (Interested in other great photoshoot locations check out our Fall photoshoot article)

AMNHA is open during the week and on the weekends and has a few free parking areas. You can also access Arabian Mountain from Panola Mountain State Park which charges a $5 park entry fee. Overall this area is pet and family friendly. Most of the trails are in open spaces that get quite a bit of sunshine. Therefore, if you’re hiking these trails during the warmer months be ready for those sun kisses. Other activities that you can partake in while visiting AMNHA are fishing and geocaching. Geocaching is like a treasure hunt aided by GPS or other mobile app. Once you find the hidden treasures you sign the contained logbook to prove you found it and bury it again for the next person. It’s an activity that the entire family can enjoy.

Pictures of Arabia Mountain hiking trails and lookout points

East Palisades Trail and Bamboo Forest

View of Chattahoochee River and downtown Atlanta Skyline
View of Chattahoochee River and Downtown skyline from lookout point

The East Palisades Trail and Bamboo Forest is located in Sandy Springs, Georgia less than 20 minutes outside of Downtown Atlanta. This 3.4 mile trail (one-way) takes you through dense woodlands and eventually to a Bamboo Forest. The trail runs along the Chattahoochee River and has fantastic views all around. The Indian Trail entrance to this area is best because there is actually directed parking. The Whitewater entrance has a double entry but only truly a one way path. There is limited parking here and you usually have to wait for someone to leave in order to find a spot. There is a $5 entry fee for either parking area.

East Palisades Trail

I would definitely say that The East Palisades Trail is for moderately experienced to very experienced hikers. Although this is a not that long of a hike the pathway through the dense woodland is a bit strenuous. At times you are walking on a very narrow pathway surrounded by steeply sloped areas or large drops to the river. Many of the tree’s roots pop in and out of the ground so you definitely have to watch where you are stepping. Definitely don’t want to trip and fall down those steep slopes or into the river. I would only bring a small child if they are used to hiking unpaved trails and mindful of where they are stepping. Otherwise it’s a good hike for older children, adults and even pets. The changing colors of the leaves during Fall season was very eye catching and added to the already beautiful scenery.

Pictures of East Palisades hiking trail
East Palisades Trail

Bamboo Forest

Along the way there are trail maps that help you keep track of where you are. The Bamboo Forest is the farthest point on the maps. Because we had a small child with us we kept on the left most pathway directly to the Bamboo Forest. The Bamboo Forest literally appears out of nowhere. You’ll be walking along amongst the trees and at times right beside the river. You’ll go over some bridges and past some rock formations with small bits of bamboo here and there. Then all of a sudden voila…you run into these immensely large bamboo stalks. It’s actually quite an astonishing surprise and totally worth the hike to experience the wonders of Mother Nature.

Pictures of Bamboo Forest

Panola Mountain State Park

Daisies in full bloom at Panola Mountain State Park
Daisies in full bloom on the mountain

Located in Stockbridge, GA this park is home to a massive granite mountain, 2 fishing lakes, and a nature center. There is also a playground for the kids and picnic areas for the entire family. Other activities that you can partake in while here are geocaching, bird watching, camping, archery, and tree climbing. Other amenities at Panola Mountain State Park include an event room that seats 50, an Amphitheatre, and a pavilion.

For those who want to go hiking, biking, roller blading, dog walking and running there are many paved and unpaved trails to choose from. You can rent bikes at the park for a $10 fee. There are even ranger led trails that you can book which teach about rare plants and animals found throughout the park. We did a one mile unpaved hike and then a 6 mile paved hike (roundtrip). The 6 mile hike called the Alexander Lake Loop was very scenic, making it’s way along the lake and to different lookout points. Aside from the distance this trail wasn’t too tedious. You can turn back at any point so I would say it is an easy to moderate hike. There are many hiking trails to choose from and you can even intersect the Arabia Mountain PATH trail from this location.

Pictures of hiking trails and lakes at Panola Mountain State Park

Stone Mountain Park

View from hike to the top of Stone Mountain
View from the top of Stone Mountain

Stone Mountain Park is located in Stone Mountain, GA which is about a 30 minute drive from Downtown Atlanta. The Park is home to the infamous Stone Mountain which is a large mass of quartz monazite. There are 15 miles of walking and hiking trails within the park. The trails vary in difficulty level and range from a 1 mile hike to the mountain top up to a 5 mile loop around the base of the mountain. There are 8 hiking trails in all including the Songbird Habitat Trail which was the site of archery and cycling during the 1996 Olympics. The Songbird trail walks you through the home of birds such the Eastern Bluebird, Northern Cardinal and White-Breasted Nuthatch. You can also bike and run on some of the trails.

Stone Mountain Park also hosts a slew of events throughout the year. From Easter, Labor Day and Christmas Celebrations to Pumpkin, Magnolia and Native American Festivals. Stone Mountain is booming year round and you can enjoy all the events for an annual fee of $59.95 (adults). Just coming for the hike well daily parking is $20 or you can park year round for $40. All in all Stone Mountain Park has something to offer everyone.

Pictures from hiking trails and views from Stone Mountain Park

Well those are some of the trails that we’ve visited thus far. Look out for a part two with more amazing trails as we continue on our outdoor excursions. And if you have any of your own that you would like to share drop ’em in the comments. We’d love to see how you’ve been being outdoorsy as well.

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8 Sites For An Amazing Fall Photo Shoot

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Autumn is officially here! I love everything about this time of year! From the brisk weather, fashion, comfort foods and all things pumpkin…I am here for it all. The fall season brings people together because of all the outings and family get togethers that are celebrated during this time.

Fall is the absolute best time of the year to conduct photo shoots. Whether you’re interested in shooting Portrait, Fashion, Wedding, Family, Landscape, Still-Life, or Fine Art Photography. Below is a list of ideal places to conduct a photo shoot in order to captivate the best shot for the season…

Apple Picking Farms

Apple picking has become a yearly family tradition for my family and I. We love picking apples for apple butter and pie fillings. While there we manage to snap a few beautiful photos of ourselves throughout the apple tree aisles. The apple trees provide a captivating scene whether you are using them as the main focus or as a compliment to an individual.

Here in Georgia we have multiple apple picking farms in the mountains, which make for a stunning photo backdrop. If you are interested in visiting a Georgia Apple Farm check out this previous post.

Top 5 Apple Picking Farms in Georgia

Pumpkin Patches

Who doesn’t like pumpkins? Pumpkin Patches are the go-to for fall family and couple photos. Farms selling pumpkins can be found all throughout the U.S when the seasons change. However, if you are not in the mood to get dirty on a farm, check your local church. Some churches allow farmers to use their land to sell pumpkins to the community during the fall season.

A pumpkin patch is a an amazing place to promote product photography. Ideally for promoting a boutique or an online clothing store. Don’t forget family, pregnancy and wedding announcement photos as well.

Corn Mazes

Corn mazes, hay rides, apple cider…yep, that ‘s fall! A corn maze is the ideal location to seize your hash tag moment for all of your social media outlets. Perfect site for maintaining that picturesque beauty shot. Go ahead and experiment with that pose that you have been practicing in front of the mirror for weeks.

*Photo Tip – Have fun playing with the filters while editing photos.

Bridges

Find a Bridge and kill it! Bridges add drama to photos without even trying. The dramatic lines and architectural details make photos pop. Whilst bridges can be enticing, safety should always be your first concern. Keep safety in mind when approaching a bridge for photos.

*Photo tip – Consider time of day and lighting when shooting on bridges.

Parks & Nature Scapes

“Mother Nature, Her Beauty knows no Bounds.”

-Cierra

Portrait photography may not be your thing, but capturing nature’s beauty might. The natural reds, oranges and yellows that can be found in fall are utterly stunning. You can easily encapsulate that beauty in your photos by visiting your local community or state park. Depending on your location you may be able to photograph mountain tops, waterfalls, landmark trees etc.

*Photo Tip – Use wide-angel lenses to capture all of natures beauty in your landscape photos. Additionally, pay close attention to your aperture settings.

Fallen Leaf Piles

Rake up those leaves that have been piling up into a pile! Sometimes it’s just not necessary to leave the house to create a decent background for a photo shoot. Fallen leaves raked into a huge pile can create a playful ambiance to a kid or child-like essence photo. You can create a motion, or blur shot while either your pets or kids fall or run through the piles.

*Photo Tip – Get the kids to help you and snap some shots of them gathering up the leaves. Furthermore, have your kids throw up a small pile of leaves in the air. This will allow you to create a continuous or motion shot to capture the bliss.

Flower Farms

Flower Farms are absolutely gorgeous during this time of the year. Fall flowers include chrysanthemums, marigolds, pansies, crotons, asters, Japanese anemones, verbena and dahlias. Most flower farms allow you to pick and create floral arrangements on site. As a result, you are able to walk away with great photos and flowers.

Nevertheless, please be cautious that most flower farms are available up until the first frost. Depending on your geographical region this could be up until October or earlier.

Check out this quirky video from The Never Ending Flower Farm in Barnardsville, NC

Botanical Gardens

During the autumn months, the Botanical Gardens replace their flowers to flow with the seasons. Groundskeepers and landscapers are always in tune with what is appealing to the eye. Fall colors are incorporated throughout to emphasize the gardens beauty.

Check out this article on Gibbs Garden. The Japanese Maples, Dogwoods and the Calycanthus in the fall are to die for!

Gibbs Garden

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Black Businesses in GA to Support

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With the current climate in the United States it’s becoming more and more clear that we have to band together for change. The Nielson Report puts black buying power at approximately $1.2 Trillion https://fortune.com/2018/02/28/raceahead-nielsen-report-black-buying-power/. So our dollars matter and they would definitely make a huge difference in support of black businesses. And if that’s just how much black people can bring to black businesses think of how much everyone else can. Therefore I thought it would be a great time to shine the light on some of the local businesses that you can support. Check them out below:

Atlanta Harvest

A black owned and operated farm that supplies fresh produce and more to the community. They also work with local schools for field trips so that the kids can learn about what goes into growing your own food. They are located at  2024 Walt Stephens Road, Jonesboro, GA 30236. With hours of operation being Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday 11am to 6 pm,
Friday from 11 am to 3 pm and closed on Saturday. Check out their website https://atlantaharvest.com/ and watch the video below to see how you can support them.

Centennial Cleaners

This dry cleaning company is located at 101 Marietta St NW UNIT 110, Atlanta, GA 30303 in the Centennial Towers. They are within walking distance of Centennial Olympic Park, CNN Center, Peachtree Plaza Hotel, State Bar of Georgia and Philips Arena. So if you work close by you can always drop you clothes off before or after work or on your break. And even if you’re not close by you can take a little drive to support their business. They also offer wash and fold services, alterations and shoe repair. Check out more information on them at http://www.centennialcleaner.com/.

Slutty Vegan

This vegan restaurant located at 1542 Ralph David Abernathy Atlanta, GA 30310 usually has lines wrapped around the building. It’s a carryout style restaurant that specializes in burgers that are mmmmm…delicious and will have you licking your fingers and lips even after you’re done eating. You can’t even tell that it’s vegan. This location has been such a big hit that they have two more locations coming soon. Their hours of operation are Tue-Sat: 12PM-7:30PM. To view their menu and learn more about them visit their site https://sluttyveganatl.com/.

Celestial Spa

Get some much needed pampering at this beautiful, top rated spa. With such services as massages, facials, micro blading, micro needling, and waxing (just to name a few). They are located at 2930 Cascade Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30311 with hours of operation being Mon – Fri: 9am – 6pm and Sat: 9am – 4pm. Check out their site for more details https://celestialspa.com/.

Posh Atlanta Cakes

Chef Surrey-Thomas whips up specialty cakes for occasions such as birthdays, weddings, holidays, bridal showers, baby showers, and anniversaries. The company offers a variety of flavors and fillings and can accommodate customers with food allergies. These custom made cakes are creative and delicious so give them a try. https://www.facebook.com/poshatlantacakes

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Photo courtesy of Posh Atlanta Cakes facebook page

Citizens Trust Bank

Founded in 1921 by five black businessmen, this is one of the largest African American owned financial institutions in the nation. They offer services for the individual and for businesses. From checking and savings to credit cards and loans you can definitely find a service that works great for you. They have many locations throughout the Atlanta and greater Atlanta areas. Learn more about them at https://ctbconnect.com/.

If you are or know of any more Black Owned Businesses within the State of Georgia that we can show our support to please let us know. You can place the information in the comments below or in the comments on Facebook below this post. Thanks for your support!!!

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Books: Traveling Four Top Picks

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There’s nothing like relaxing at home with a robust glass of wine and a good book to lose yourself in. Or passing the time on your commute engrossed in an intriguing novel. With technology being so advanced these days you don’t even have to worry about going out to buy a physical copy. From kindles to nooks and even kobo’s you can get your books digitally. Also, you don’t even have to have a separate device for your reading desires. With apps like Google Play Books, Goodreads, and Apple Books you can store all your favorite reads right on your smartphone. And if you aren’t into paying for books and don’t mind the digital version you are in luck also. If you’re a member of your local library you can download Overdrive Media Console to check-out free ebooks and audiobooks.

For those of you who love the feel of the paper and that new book smell, you’re still in luck. You can order just about anything online these days- books and all. Whether from well-known bookstores like Barnes and Noble or big chain retail stores like Target and Walmart. Ordering books online for at home (or wherever) delivery is just one click away. Even Amazon is right at your fingertips and awaiting your book order. But, if you’re having a hard time deciding which book you want to delve in we’ve got you covered. Below you’ll find the Traveling Four’s top picks for books that we thoroughly enjoyed.

Disclaimer

Click book image or attached link in description to be taken to site for purchase. The traveling 4 are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and receive a commission on all purchased items that we advertise (at no cost to you of course). We are truly grateful for your support which helps us keep the lights on 🙂

Our Picks

I have been a life-long lover of books. I have read all types from all genres, but I am particularly fond of books about history. Below, I list a few of the books I have read in the last few months that I think are worth a read.

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Me – Elton John

This book is the official autobiography of the great musician Elton John. In it, he talks about his life growing up before fame and how things changed after he became a world-renowned superstar. He does not shy away from talking in-depth about his addiction and his road toward getting clean. Also, he talks about relationships, love, marriage, and having children. I read this book shortly after its release, and I loved it. I learned so much about Elton John’s life; it felt like catching up with an old friend.

Mom & Me & Mom – Maya Angelou

In this book, the legendary author Maya Angelou talks in-depth about the relationship that she had with her mother. She writes about the memorable stories that they shared from childhood through adulthood and how their relationship evolved. Her mother, Vivian Baxter, helped to shape the woman Maya became, and I loved reading about their journey. I highly recommend reading this book.

The Bluest Eye – Toni Morrison

Read it, will read it again. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was published in 1970, but it felt fresh like it could have been written recently. That’s the magic of Toni Morrison. Her writings are timeless. I highly recommend The Bluest Eye, the tragedy of Pecola’s plight will leave you captivated until the last page.

I have mostly been into poetry. Here are some books that I recommend:

The Sun and her Flowers by Rupi Kaur

It’s a good read for anyone that can relate to raw, unapologetic emotions. Rupi Kaur is one of my favorite poets as of now.

Wild Beauty by Ntozake Shange

Another raw emotional, unapologetic read. Along the lines of the style of poetry similar to Rupi Kaur, although culturally different both poets are great with this style. 

What We Meant to Say by Marie Anzalone

A bilingual read with poems in both English and Spanish. This book is about battling depression, social injustice, and love. A new read for me, but very intriguing. 

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Too Heavy A Yolk by Chanequa Walker-Barnes

Of course I am going to show some bias because the author is family. She has paved a lane all her own by being a pastor-theologian and an acclaimed psychologist. In this book the author delves into the history and ideology of the strong black woman persona. This book is just not for African American women but for all women.

The Savvy Sistas

I love books by Brenda Jackson. I love books with great imagery that allow you to let loose and fantasize. If you are looking for a good book filled with romance, lies and secrets then this is for you.

The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

Many may be wondering during these times what their purpose in life might be. Also, wondering how do they discover this purpose and how do they fulfill it. This is a great read for those looking for spiritual guidance. Warren takes you on a 40 day journey that unlocks the answers to those questions. At the end you should have a better understanding of what God’s purpose is for your life.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

This novel follows a genetics professor (Don Tillman) on his quest for love. Tillman is educated, in good health and financially stable but still has a hard time finding that special someone. After discussing this dilemma with his best friend he decides to create a questionnaire which he calls “The Wife Project”. The questionnaire should help single out women that meet his criteria for a mate. Amid this project he meets Rosie who doesn’t fit his criteria but who he is drawn to.

This novel is funny, romantic and intellectually intriguing. It is a part of a three novel series by this author. Namely the follow up novels are the Rosie Effect and the Rosie Result.

If you decide to read any of these books and would like to share your thoughts on them please feel free to do so in the comments. And if you have any other suggestions that you would like to share you can also list those in the comments. Thanks in advance for sharing with us! We hope you enjoy these book choices.

Movies: Traveling Four Top Picks

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During these unprecedented times where we’re all spending more time indoors our TV’s are definitely getting a lot of use. But figuring out what to indulge in may be a bit difficult. From Netflix to Prime, as well as Apple TV and your local cable company the choices are endless. One thing that we always look at when we pick something to watch is the movie trailer. Trailers give you a great insight on what to expect. Although they tend to show you some of the best parts of the show to reel you in.

Another thing we like to look at when considering what to watch are the reviews. Seeing how others rated the shows and even reading some of their comments gives you an even better idea of what to expect. And hopefully there aren’t any spoilers in the comments. The honest opinions of viewers on what they thought about the show is very insightful. This is why we thought it would be a good idea to give our recommendations on movies we liked. And not only recommend but give a brief description of what the show is about (like a written trailer). Also, letting our readers know why we recommend these movies in hopes that it’ll make choosing something good easier. So here they are- THE TRAVELING FOUR’S TOP MOVIE PICKS– during this semi-quarantine.

Green Book

Green Book is based on a true story and follows an Italian American bouncer who ends up temporarily out of work. He gets the opportunity to work as a driver/bodyguard for an African American world class concert pianist. The pianists is about to embark on a tour of the Deep South where segregation is still amidst. This movie explores their journey together and brings to light both the similarities and differences of both cultures.

I liked this movie because it touched on a lot of the cultural barriers we still face in the world today. But this movie didn’t only focus on the not so great things that plague our society. It also brought to light the true spirit of humanity and how “love/true friendship” can concur all.

Alita: Battle Angel

This movie is based on a 1990s series called Gunnm that was by Japanese manga artist Yukito Kishiro’s. Gunnm also had a video animation adaptation in 1993 called Battle Angel prior to this 2018 movie adaptation. In the 2018 movie a portion of a cyborg (Alita) is found in a scrapyard by a cyber doctor named Ido. Ido proceeds to patch Alita up and keep her as his own. With no initial memory of her past Alita sets out to find some purpose in her new life. She soon learns that everything is not what it seems and that she is part of a bigger picture in this futuristic world.

If you are into animation and CGI, as well as action/adventure movies you’ll like this one. It’s gives you all the action packed, edge of your seat grittiness infused with a great story line. This film is fun for the entire family!

Expedition Happiness 

This is a documentary style movie about a couple and their dog on a road trip across the US in a converted school bus. I have always been interested in refurbished bus/van living for travel. During quarantine this will take your mind away from the four walls. (This is a German film with some English).

Star Wars

Now is the time to watch them all. All of the Star Wars movies are available on Disney+ and there is no better time than now to binge. Star wars is a space opera based on the galactic struggle between the heroic rebellion (Jedi) and the evil empire/first order. If you are a fan of the Marvel or DC movie series I think that you would also like the Star Wars Series. There are a total of eleven star wars films (including SOLO and Rogue One). You can read more about all the movies here https://www.starwars.com/films. Also here is a compilation trailer to give you a taste of what the movies are all about:

The Sun is Also a Star

I absolutely love romance titles…anything romantic I am here for it. This movie was based off of the young adult novel “Everything, Everything”, written by Nicola Yoon. Jamaican born Natasha whom is living in New York, has just found out her family is about to be deported in 24 hours. She is trying everything in her power to help her family plead their case to immigration. She is given information of a person that can potentially help. While following the lead, she accidentally meets Daniel. Natasha who lives on the premise that she does not believe in love is propositioned by Daniel. I loved this movie but the ending will make you sad.

6 Underground

6 Underground gives you excitement, action, comedy and romance all in one. If you are a Ryan Reynolds fan then you will definitely enjoy this action packed thriller. Ryan is delivering typical Ryan in this movie, so do not look for seriousness…only fun. This film was cast perfectly for the roles portrayed in this movie. 6 Underground is a Netflix original and a great movie to watch while sitting idle.

Downton Abbey

Who doesn’t love a good period piece?… Downton Abbey was a popular PBS series created by Julian Fellows that follows the lives of the Crawley family and the people who work for them. This series continued for 6 seasons before it ended and fans everywhere (including me) were not ready to see it go away. The Downton Abbey movie takes us back to the Crawley’s at a time where everything is changing drastically. And, to the surprise of everyone, the King is coming for a visit! You get to catch up with old favorites and see the emotional ups and downs of the family as they prepare for this festive occasion. So, if you’re looking for something entertaining to watch, I highly recommend Downton Abbey. The setting, the costumes, the characters all will leave you wanting more. Take a look at the trailer below.

Poetic Justice

I have been watching a lot of classic films during this time of semi-quarantine. With that, one that I continue to go back to is Poetic Justice. This movie was created in the early 1990s and stars some of my favorite entertainers, Janet Jackson, Tupac Shakur, Regina King, and even has an appearance from Maya Angelou. Poetic Justice is about a woman named Justice who goes on a road trip, from LA to Oakland, with her friend. During this road trip, she meets Lucky (Tupac Shakur) and the emotional rollercoaster begins. If you’ve never seen it, I think you should check it out.

Well, we definitely hope you enjoy these movies just as much as we did. And if you do please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below letting us know. We’d love to hear if and why you also liked these movie picks. Also, even if you don’t you can tell us why. And if you have any other recommendations leave those in the comments as well. Lastly, enjoy!

Incredible Offers Online While Social Distancing

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If you are at home, during this time of social distancing, looking for things to do, we are here to help you out. Companies all over the country have been offering discounts and free services to keep you busy during this uncertain time. Below are some fantastic offers we have come across online that you can take advantage of (click on the headings to be taken to their websites).

Nikon School Online

Throughout April, take advantage of Nikon’s online photography courses for Free.

Cirque Du Soleil

If you have ever wanted to visit Cirque Du Soleil and never had the chance, now you can watch exclusive content from the comfort of your home for Free.

Broadway HD

Are you missing the theater? Well, watch some of your favorite Broadway shows online through the Broadway HD subscription service. They have a 7-day free trial if you want to see what it is all about first.

Beachbody On Demand

Beachbody is offering some free fitness courses as well as samples from some of their most popular programs. It is a great way to stay active while at home.

Coursera

With Coursera, you can take a variety of courses (some free) offered by some of the top universities and companies all over the world.

ServSafe

Now through April 30th, hospitality workers can take Free food safety courses online through ServSafe.

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Best Downtime Movies to Watch While Traveling

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After a great day of sightseeing, you arrive to your hotel room to unwind. What better way to unwind than with a good movie? No one wants to spend hours upon hours swiping through title after title to find the best movie. So, The Traveling 4 has compiled a list of movies to keep you and your family entertained while traveling.

Click on the hyperlinks below to be taken directly to your favorite genre

Travel Movies

Family Movies

Comedy Movies

Action Movies

Romantic Movies

Scary Movies

Suspense Movies

TV Series

Travel Movies

Movies comprised of travel gives you motivation to want to explore, sight see and let loose on your own vacation. Travel movies are filled with inspiration that make you want to venture out of the ordinary. They can encourage you to find yourself or provide a little persuasion to help get you into a good mischief.

  • RV
  • We’re the Miller’s
  • Eat Pray Love
  • Into the Wild
  • National Lampoon’s Vacation
  • Road Trip
  • Snatched
  • EuroTrip
  • Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
  • Harold and Kumar
  • Blues Brothers
  • Bucket List
  • The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
  • Wine Country
  • The Commuter
  • Away We Go
  • Johnson Family Vacation
  • Like Father
  • The Tourist

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Family Movies

While traveling with family, it can be hard to find movies that interest everyone. Everyone is into their own thing and it can be hard to maintain the attentiveness of smaller children. Family movies provide us with all genre’s at once; comedy, action, suspense and romance to excite the whole family. Or at the very least put on a family movie to put the smaller ones to bed after a long day of wandering.

  • Transformers
  • Avengers
  • The Good Dinosaur
  • The Land Before
  • Batman
  • Boss Baby
  • Captain America
  • The Secret Life of Pets
  • Angry Birds
  • Big Momma House
  • Space Jam
  • Good Burger
  • The Incredibles
  • Stuart Little
  • Lego Movie
  • Uncle Buck
  • Richie Rich
  • Wreck it Ralph
  • Uncle Drew
  • Look Who’s Talking
  • A Cinderella Story
  • Forest Gump
  • I am Sam
  • Iron Man
  • Real Steel
  • Chappie
  • Thor
  • Men in Black
  • Spider Man
  • Pokemon
  • Paws to the Rescue
  • Big Hero 6
  • Toy Story
  • Lion King
  • Bug’s ‘Life
  • Ant’s
  • Penguins of Madagascar
  • Bob the Builder
  • Horton Hears a Who
  • Shawn the Sheep
  • Wonder Park
  • Benji
  • The Lorax
  • Duck Duck Goose
  • Goosebumps
  • Gnome Alone
  • Godzilla
  • The Gnome
  • Sherlock Gnomes
  • Ghost Busters
  • Hotel Transylvania
  • Mary Poppins
  • District 9
  • Bolt
  • Rango
  • Ferdinand
  • Coco
  • Small Foot
  • Abominable
  • Despicable Me

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Comedy Movies

Nothing like a good laugh to keep the good times rolling. Comedy can inspire fun conversations and jokes while traveling. Some people say that laughter is the best medicine and with this list you can see why.

  • Malibu’s Most Wanted
  • White Chicks
  • Friday
  • Super Troopers
  • Step Brothers
  • Talladega Nights
  • Rush Hour
  • Next Day Air
  • Hustlers
  • Deadpool
  • Hall Pass
  • Search Party
  • Night School
  • Grandma’s Boy
  • BridesMaids
  • The Other Guys
  • Scary Movie
  • Bruce Almighty
  • Little
  • Guess Who
  • Bad Mom’s Christmas
  • The Mask
  • Fifty Shades of Black
  • Hot Chick
  • Happy Gilmore
  • Billy Madison
  • Car Wash
  • The Jerk
  • Semi Pro
  • Tropic Thunder
  • Masterminds

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Action Movies

Action movies bring out the adventurer in you while traveling. Looking for a good fight scene, maybe a thrilling shoot out, or just something to jolt the heart a little. This section is jammed pack with all of your favorite action scenes.

  • John Wick
  • Mr. & Mrs Smith
  • The Take
  • Red
  • The Brother
  • Blood and Bone
  • The Shooter
  • Faster
  • Shoot Em Up
  • Equalizer 1 & 2
  • Takers
  • Superfly
  • Fast and the Furious
  • Mile 22
  • The Meg
  • Fight Club
  • Armageddon
  • Transporter
  • Wild Card
  • The Hateful Eight
  • Robin Hood
  • Blood Brother
  • Rise of the Planet Apes
  • Venom
  • Predator
  • Judge Dredd
  • Demolition Man
  • Blade
  • Underworld
  • Red Sparrow
  • Hell Boy
  • Die Hard
  • Crank

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Romantic Movies

My personal all time favorite genre is romance movies. I am a stickler for anything revolving around stories of love. The suspense of who ends up with who and how they came to be is exciting. Any travel location can become your own memorable love story. Depending on where you’re traveling you may find that romance you’ve been looking for just like in the movies.

  • My Last Day Without You
  • Between the Lights
  • Irreplaceable You
  • The Mountain Between Us
  • When in Rome
  • Home Again
  • A Star is Born
  • What Men Want
  • Bedazzled
  • Over Board
  • The Sun is Also A Star
  • Steel Magnolia’s
  • Hateship Loveship
  • The Perfectionist
  • Five Feet Apart
  • No Strings Attached
  • Sex and the City 1 & 2
  • My Girl
  • Burlesque
  • Forever My Girl
  • Return to Me
  • Silver Linings Playbook
  • The Notebook
  • Hitch
  • Good Luck Chuck
  • Pearl in Paradise
  • Dear John
  • Mr. Right
  • The Vow
  • Ever After
  • The Ugly Truth
  • Heaven Can Wait
  • Mermaids
  • Chocolat
  • Country Strong
  • Tell it to the Bees
  • You, Again
  • Jason’s Lyric
  • Belle
  • Southside With You
  • Rust Creek

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TV Series

Sometimes the weather can put a damper on your plans that will cause you to be stuck in your hotel room for a few more hours than planned. At those times it’s best to binge watch a good tv series.

  • Slasher
  • Son’s of Anarchy
  • All American
  • Scandal
  • Stranger Things
  • Good Girls
  • Any Given Sunday
  • Hoarders
  • Marianne
  • On My Block
  • Marlon
  • The Witcher
  • The Rain
  • Supernatural
  • I am a Killer
  • Love Sick
  • Law and Order
  • Law and Order SVU
  • Ozark
  • Keeping up with the Kardashians
  • Weeds
  • Breaking Bad
  • Prison Break
  • Black Summer
  • Chopped
  • Black Mirror
  • Queen of the South
  • NCIS
  • Blacklist
  • Ace of Spades
  • When They See Us
  • Jane the Virgin
  • Botched
  • Charmed
  • House
  • Grey’s Anatomy
  • This is Us
  • Glee
  • Pose

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Scary Movies

For the most part, a good scary movie can have you sleeping like a baby while traveling. Here are a few Horrors to have you peaking over the covers.

  • Conjuring
  • Insidious
  • Dawn of the Dead
  • Day of the Dead
  • Hellraiser
  • The Curse of La Llorona
  • The Quiet place
  • US
  • Texas Chainsaw Massacre
  • Jeeper’s Creepers
  • Carrie
  • Winchester
  • Truth or Dare
  • Zombie Land
  • Black Christmas
  • Child’s Play
  • Happy Death Day 2 U
  • Happy Death Day
  • Prodigy
  • The Hills Have Eyes
  • Wrong Turn
  • Nightmare on Elm Street
  • Dracula
  • Poltergeist
  • Night off the Living Dead
  • Scream
  • Candyman
  • The Ring
  • Annabelle
  • The Grudge Part 1
  • The Forrest
  • Dead Silence
  • The Woman in Black
  • The Omen
  • The Possession of Hannah Grace
  • See No Evil
  • The Strangers
  • JessaBelle
  • Critters

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Thriller/Suspense

  • Searching
  • Final Destination
  • The Purge
  • The Intruder
  • Training Day
  • Out of Time
  • Resident Evil
  • Kill Bill Vol.1 &2
  • Columbiana
  • Hostage
  • Beowulf
  • 300
  • Gang Related’
  • Cabin in the Woods
  • Devil’s Rejects
  • Unfriended
  • Jigsaw
  • Pet Cemetery
  • Alien
  • I Spit on Your Grave
  • Hostel
  • The Belko Experiment
  • Silent Hill
  • The House on the Left
  • The Good Son
  • Menace to Society

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Tour Amazing Museums All Over the World – From Home

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Have you ever wanted to visit the Taj Mahal, in India or the Eiffel Tower, in France? Well, now thanks to the Google Cultural Institute you can. These unbelievable sites and more are all available to view online from the comfort of your own home. You can view these amazing sites instantly and for free with no plane rides or hotel stays. Google Arts and Culture allows you to virtually visit and tour over 3,400 museums and cultural sites all over the world. Many popular and also some lesser-known sites are entirely open for exploration. Below is a list of some of the incredible places that are available to you:

Robben Island Museum – Cape Town, South Africa

Museo Frida Kahlo – Ciudad de México, Mexico

Temple of Concordia – Italy

Taj Mahal – India

Van Gogh Museum – Amsterdam, Netherlands

American Association of People with Disabilities – Washington, DC

The Eiffel Tower – Paris, France

The National Museums of Kenya – Nairobi, Kenya

Stencil Land and rundontwalk, Canard and Castillo – Buenos Aires, Portugal

Go exploring on the website and let us know about some of the fantastic sites that you were able to visit.

Phoenix Flies 2020 – Atlanta, GA.

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The Atlanta Preservation Center, in collaboration with their preservation partners, will hold FREE events throughout the City of Atlanta during March. These events are a part of the 2020 Phoenix Flies and will occur between March 7th – 29th. During the month, there will be lectures, guided/walking tours, open houses, and more at some of the most prized historical sites in Atlanta. Places like the Atlanta History Center, the Governor’s Mansion, and the Historic Herndon Home Museum are all scheduled to hold free events during this time (however, changes may occur). 

So, if you live in or near Atlanta, or if you will be in the city any time during March 2020, then I would highly suggest taking a look at some of these FREE events. Click on the photo below to view the 2020 Phoenix Flies digital booklet, then let us know about all of the fantastic venues you visited during the event.

Source: The Atlanta Preservation Center

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Top 5 Apple Picking Farms in Georgia

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The air feels crisp, and the leaves are officially changing color. That can only mean one thing…Autumn is officially here! My favorite fall activity to do with my family is to go apple picking. Apple farms are exceptional for family outings or can be used as a good idea for a romantic date. They are of great inspiration and use if you are into canning, baking, or crafting. Apple farms can be used as cheap and beautiful backdrops for family photos, selfies or even wedding and maternity shoots. Just a little something to keep in mind as we get ready to dust off those cute boots from last year.

Fuji, Gala, Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Washington or whatever your favorite apple is you can find them on a picturesque farm in Georgia. Here in Georgia we have multiple locations to pick these sweet, mouthwatering, delicious fruits. So let’s get into it.

1. Red Apple Barn

3379 Tails Creek Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540 -click on addresses of each farm to be taken to their site

Red Apple Barn is definitely a fan favorite. Red apple barn is sectioned off for the different varieties of apples that they grow here. When you arrive they tell you which apples are currently best for picking. For the price of admission you are able to take a safe ride on their wagon up to the orchard to pick the apples as well as a cold cup of apple cider and a delicious apple cider flavored sugar donut. They do charge an additional fee for the bags or baskets of apples but the total charge is very reasonable for the experience.

One of the cool things that the orchard has are the cute horses and donkey that you are able to feed with some of the small apples you pick. They are always hungry and I personally think their diet only consists of apples from all of the children and adults pushing apples in their faces (in a good way of course). Red Apple Barn also offers pumpkin picking, pumpkin painting, a playground for the kids and a small picnic area to utilize.

2. Hillcrest Orchards

 9696 GA-52, Ellijay, GA 30536

Hillcrest Orchards is a remarkable farm with plenty to keep your loved ones entertained. As if the apple picking isn’t an enjoyable experience in itself this farm also offers an abundance of thrilling family packed activities. For instance, their jumping pillow allows for your kids to jump until their little hearts get tired. There is an apple and corn maze on the farm for the mini tripper in your group which is sure to please. The petting zoo they have is unlike any I have ever seen. You are actually allowed to get up close and personal with the animals and these animals are so cute and ready for your affection. There is always something going on at Hillcrest so be prepared for fun and excitement when you visit.

The activities are great but the food is better! Do not forget to visit the market for some of their homemade apple fritters and ice cream. They offer a good variety of bakery items made fresh in-house daily. You are able to see the homemade goods being prepared right in front of you through a big window in their cafe. Don’t forget to take home some of their fruit butters, jellies, and sauces.

3. Mercier Orchards

8660 Blue Ridge Dr, Blue Ridge, GA 30513

Mercier Orchards not only offers a u-pick apple experience but a well versed guided tour of the farm to accompany it. While there enjoy the absolutely breathtaking views of the lake and orchard. The grounds of Mercier are so stunning that they have been known to hold a beautiful wedding ceremony or two. I will say that Mercier possesses more of a romantic feel than that of a family atmosphere, not to say that this is not a family location. The market here not only contains the usual jams and jellies and sweet treats like the others but what sets them apart is their appreciable selection of wine which is brewed directly from their own harvest. The orchard hosts educational wine tasting experiences and hard apple cider events so be sure to check their website for their schedule.

4. B.J Reece Apple Orchard

9131 GA-52, Ellijay, GA 30536

B.J. Reece has the best views of an apple orchard that I have ever seen. There is nothing like a beautiful fall day overlooking the beautiful mountains of Ellijay, GA. Out of all of the farms I will definitely say this farm excels in picture perfect views for selfies and photo shoots. Their property is so well maintained that it makes you want to whip out your camera and snap away. “Reece” offers 80 different varieties of apples, peaches and melons on their premises. You can find a nice, little petting zoo that is filled with cute, docile animals for your enjoyment on the farm. “Reece” offers a nice range of delectable eats. While there do not forget to try their apple inspired bakes as well.

5. C&C Mountain View Orchard Cafe and Market

2984 Mobile Rd. McCaysville, GA

What can I say about Mountain view other than it is absolutely beautiful. It is the type of place that if you weren’t looking really hard you would probably pass it. It is unquestionably a hidden gem in McCaysville, GA. The cider here is what makes you keep coming back for more, and more, and more. Their cafe definitely has some good homemade eats. Mountain View is geared more towards keeping their orchards clean and providing their customers with a family-friendly atmosphere. You can truly feel the love at this budding orchard. If you are looking for peace and serenity during your apple picking encounter then Mountain view is the place for you.

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