Atlanta “Jawja,” oh how we love ya! Sometimes you just need a quick trip to get your share of Black culture and life. And well, this is the perfect place to get it.
If you are in need of a quick getaway to Atlanta or if you are a resident and need a cute staycation, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few suggestions on how to navigate a short stay in ATL.
Book a stay at a nice hotel in downtown
As one of the top travel destinations in the south, there are plenty of hotels to choose from in the city. You’ll find properties from several of the major chains, including the newest from Hilton’s Curio Collection, The Candler Hotel.
Courtesy of @brokeandabroadlife
This downtown hotel is housed in what is said to be Atlanta’s very first skyscraper, built in 1906. The decor is vintage-luxe with an amazing marble staircase that is sure to be worthy of a few photos.
Eat at some of the country’s best Black-owned restaurants
You can’t go to Atlanta and not indulge in a few of the many Black-owned restaurants there. No matter your taste, there is something for you.
Of course, what you decide to choose will depend on the sole purpose of your trip. You may be going to meet new people. If that’s the case catching a baseball game at the new Braves stadium, a football game at the newly built Falcons stadium or a basketball game at Phillips Arena is the move.
For a little bit of pampering, Iwi Fresh Farm-to-Skin Spa is your spot. This Black-owned day spa offers facials, massages, as well as hot shaves while using natural farm-to-table ingredients and products.
Finally, you can always catch live music or a concert here. After all, Atlanta is home to some of the world’s top entertainers. For a little turn up, check out 21 Atlanta to see where you can catch the city’s young Black professionals that night or weekend.
Looking for a little motivation to kick you into gear for your new year of optimal health and wellness? Making changes to mind and body is a lifelong process that starts today!
Follow these fitness coaches to inspire you to make healthier decisions in 2020 and beyond.
@massy.arias
Massy Arias is a health coach and CEO of her own supplement
company. From workouts and healthy recipes to honest stories of motherhood and
running a business, her Instagram account is pure motivation and inspiration
for anyone looking for a healthy start.
1.6 million followers agree that the “queen of home workouts”
is not playin’ when it comes to health and fitness. Brittne is strong, beautiful,
and highly motivated to slay her own goals as well as yours.
It’s hard to scroll through Nicole’s account and not find
yourself scheduling in your next gym session. Shortcuts are never an option,
and Nicole proves that by showing the world her grueling workouts and health
routines.
Consistency is the name of Lita’s game – and she came to win. A health coach, “lightworker”, and mom to four boys, Lita is pure motivation to anyone looking to make healthy changes. Her page is a mix of inspirational quotes, workout videos, and powerful selfies that offer glimpses into her life.
A “mental and physical transformer”, Qui will get you from
zero to beast mode in just a few posts. Follow her workout videos and share in
her journey through words of wisdom and images from her daily routine.
Get the motivation you need from Jeanette Jenkins, a
personal trainer and health coach with 29 years of experience. If you need a
little push to get to the gym, she encourages her followers to make exercise a
part of their daily regimen just like brushing your teeth or combing your hair.
Celebrate music, dance, visual art, and black culture at
these iconic festivals in 2020. From Brazil to Brooklyn, these events take
place in some of the most popular travel destinations in the world, combining art,
travel, and community in one electrifying experience.
Afropunk Bahia
Bahia, Brazil
The dates for Afropunk Bahia have been released and it’s time to start saving your coins. Come November 28 – 29, everyone will be in Brazil celebrating. “It’s important for us to show up and show out for all Black bodies across the world. Brazil, having grown to be the second-largest Black population outside of Africa, we are dedicated to elevate and celebrate Afro-Brazilians,” says the website.
It’s the largest
global gathering of Black culture and the biggest party of the summer. Tickets are
now on sale for Essence
Festival 2020. The annual event that gathers in New Orleans takes place
July 1-5 featuring concerts, comedy shows, underground performances, and more.
Photo via essence.com
ONE Music Fest
Atlanta, GA
We are still waiting
on the 2020 dates, but rest assured once they are announced, tickets will sell
out quickly. ONE Music Fest
takes place in Atlanta every year and always impresses with a list of artists
that have included SZA, The Roots, A$AP Rocky, and Janelle Monae in the past. Food
trucks and art exhibits are also on display through the festival.
Photo via onemusicfest.com
OVO Fest
Toronto, Canada
This annual music festival hosted and founded by Drake and Noah ‘40’ Shebib, will feature pop stars, hip hop artists, and R&B bands like Jay Z, Snoop Dogg, Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill, and Kevin Hart among others. OVO Fest 2020 tickets should be on sale soon.
Approaching its tenth year now, the BHF has represented music well: the festival has attracted legendary headliners such as Busta Rhymes, Q-Tip, De La Soul, KRS-ONE, Big Daddy Kane, Lupe Fiasco, and Brand Nubian. In additional to live music, enjoy discussions, exhibitions, films and workshops at various venues around Brooklyn. “The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival has celebrated it all: both the people that love Hip-Hop and the people that live it.”
If you are looking for an inexpensive way to get to Kenya, we’ve found a solution. Lufthansa Airway, an affiliate of United, is currently advertising roundtrip flights from Atlanta to Nairobi for as low as $597.
This deal is valid for travel between April and May. Be mindful that this is not a direct flight. Some of the dates have multiple stops and some may have long layovers. If you run into a date with a longer layover, simply turn your stop into a new destination to explore. That way you get more bang for your buck.
To find this deal, you can search Google Flights. When using this site, you can scroll over to the April-May calendars. The cheapest prices available at the time of your search will show up in green. Simply click the dates that are best for you and follow links to purchase.
Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city, has so much to offer. If you are short on time, you can start with a safari at Nairobi National Park. This inner-city reserve is truly one-of-a-kind. You can get up close and personal with the park’s wildlife while getting a glimpse of Nairobi’s cityscape in the background.
If you have more days to spare, book a safari out in Masai Mara. You will need at least 3 days to truly do this trip right.
Another popular option is Giraffe Manor. While staying at the actual manor comes at a very large price, there is an option to simply get cute photos with the giraffes. However, if you’re balling like that and decide to stay, you will be one of the lucky few that gets the famous picture of a giraffe peeking through the window while you eat breakfast.
Last but not least, take a trip to the Bomas of Kenya. This is a museum-like place that shows replicas of the villages of several native Kenyan tribes. They also offer a daily song and dance show that is worth seeing.
After several setbacks, Roosevelt Gilbert has opened Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport’s first barbershop and salon. Did we mention it’s also Black-Owned?
The Barber Shop Atlanta recently opened its doors after months of complicated construction. It is located in the domestic terminal near TGI Fridays. There is also a location at North Dekalb Mall.
“I’m just glad to be open,” Gilbert said to the AJC. “We had to go through a lot.”
The shop is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. You can get services such as men’s cuts, women’s cuts, as well as an executive facial.
The airport has been in talks to bring a salon or barbershop into its terminals since 2009. The original tenant didn’t work out and they began searching for someone to fill the contract in 2013. After several rounds of contracting, Gilbert’s shop was chosen to move in.
Be sure to show them some love if you are flying through Atlanta!
Welcome to College Park, GA, where across the county, black-owned businesses are doing more than surviving: they’re popping up and thriving.
A recent study conducted by the small business financing company Guidant Financial and the online credit marketplace LendingClub Corporation found that Black businesses grew by more than 400% in 2018 compared to 2017.
In another report, minority-owned restaurant
businesses are steadily on the rise with more recent data revealing Black-American-owned
restaurants shot to 49 percent since 2007.
And there’s one area in particular where these studies intersect.
Located on the southern boundary of the city of Atlanta in College Park, is a trio of Black-owned restaurants on Main Street creating what Atlanta Magazine calls “the newest hotspot for thriving Black-owned restaurants.”
According to the publication, Real Milk & Honey, an all-day brunch spot, Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar, serving fried oysters, jam up wings, and more, and Soul Crab ATL, has transformed the once-quiet strip into an “Instagram-ready destination.”
Instagram| @virgilsgullahkitchen
It’s a sight that resident Thomas Nichols thought he would never see.
“I been in that area since the 60s …there were no Black-owned eateries or restaurants,” he stated. “I welcome the change and glad to hear Black ownership in the area.”
The restaurant owners attribute their success
to various factors, including community enthusiasm and the fact that people are
looking for multiple dining options in close proximity.
You never know who will come into your life at the right moment and that was the case for Georgia-based Uber driver, Latoya Young.
The mom of three could not finish out her courses at Georgia State University due to an outstanding balance of $700. She started driving for Uber as a way to make extra income when her real-life guardian angel entered her vehicle.
Kevin Esch learned about Young’s story during their ride and gifted her with a $150 tip. But, he didn’t stop there.
He went as far as paying off the remaining $693 that stood between Young and her education. She was able to re-enroll.
Every holiday season, neighborhoods and parks are filled with millions of lights, holiday-themed attractions, and colorful displays. Families get into the Christmas spirit by walking through rows of bright lights or driving through miles of displays featuring Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the rest of their reindeer family.
If you’re in Atlanta, grab your family and friends to see just how the city celebrates this holiday season at one of these attractions.
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
Schedule a magical date night under the lights at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens in Midtown Atlanta. See the world’s largest curtain of synchronized lights, make s’mores, or share a kiss at the Kiss Me Arch in the Perennial Garden. Ticket prices vary by day and off-site parking and shuttle use are highly recommended. The exhibit will run until Jan. 11 in Midtown.
Stone Mountain Christmas
Brings the kids to sing and dance alongside your favorite holiday characters and stroll through the all-new Musical Frosted Forest at Stone Mountain Park. The festivities begin each night at 6 pm with Santa flying in over a 36’ tall Christmas tree. Angelina, the Park’s own Snow Angel, also steps away from her snow palace for the Snow Angel Parade.
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia
Six Flags has become a popular year-round destination for festive holiday shows, attractions, and rides. Stroll through thousands of sparkling lights, lush Christmas trees, and decorations on the North Pole Express. They look best atop rides like the Georgia Scorcher and Marvel’s Goliath. With every purchase, Six Flag will donate a free holiday bear to a child at the Children’s Hospital in Atlanta.
Six Flags Magic Mountain’s float at the 74th annual Hollywood Christmas Parade. (Getty Images)
Light the Station
Atlantic Station’s annual tree lighting is one of the most highly anticipated traditions of the year. Visitors will be able to get a few laps around the ice rink at Skate the Station, take photos at Santa’s Cottage, and experience other fun holiday activities.
PRISM: Winter Lights
Residents and visitors are invited to experience a free, three-month celebration of PRISM: Winter Lights at Woodruff Park. This six-acre art exhibit spans across the park featuring light sculptures, enhanced landmarks, jewelry-inspired installations, and work from artists all around the world.
Sneak away to Callaway Resorts & Gardens, voted one of National Geographic’s Top 10 Light Displays in the world, and travel through the Enchanted Rainbow Forest or the Christmas Tree Lane. Every Saturday and Sunday, guests can come for the breakfast buffet with Frosty and the Gingerbread Man.
Magical Nights of Lights at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands
Over the last 26 years, residents of Atlanta have enjoyed the carnival rides, nighttime bonfire, and light displays “with a Margaritaville state of mind,” suitable fun for all ages. Lanier Islands also offers winter family fun packages including lodging accommodations for overnight stays.
Celebrate with a cause this holiday season on a two-mile drive through animated displays and over a million lights at Veterans Park. The park charges $20 per car and proceeds benefit various charities such as Skills USA, Veterans of Cherokee County, and the Anna Crawford Children’s Center.
International Winter Wonderland and Chinese Lantern Festival at Centennial Olympic Park
Enjoy the beautiful view of Atlanta’s skyline from SkyView Atlanta and the Chinese Lantern Festival or take in the holiday magic at the International Winter Wonderland, presented by the Georgia World Congress Center for $27. There will be live entertainment, cultural food, handcrafted lanterns of endangered species of animals, nutcrackers, and interactive winter-friendly activities to explore.
Chinese traditional dragon lantern
Main Street Christmas Light Extravaganza
Imagine the photos you’ll be taking under this beautiful attraction. This year’s display took two months of preparation and planning. Now through January 3rd, you’ll find four city blocks near Macon, Georgia, draped with synchronized holiday lights and music too. The lights stay on between 6 and 10 pm, and it’s FREE for everyone!
Wear some good walking shoes and dress for the cold while venturing through this colonial-style village. There will be horse and carriage rides, hot chocolate, the illuminated maze, and cozy stories with Mrs. Claus by Wetherburn’s fireplace.
We all need a little pampering sometimes. If you are looking for the ultimate space to unplug while making self-care your number one priority, check out these black-owned, luxury spas that will melt your worries away.
Salamander Resort & Spa
Middleburg, VA
Find your inner peace at this nature-inspired location owned by Sheila Johnson, co-founder of Black Entertainment Television. The spa’s amenities include private stone treatment terraces, stunning aromatic steam rooms, luxurious changing areas, sun-lit relaxation spaces, a remarkable couple’s suite, and a secluded spa courtyard with elegant infinity-edge pool and cabanas.
As a college student, Owner Yolanda Owens, nicknamed Yogi, couldn’t make peace with the idea of using harsh, chemical-laden products on her skin, so she produced her own line of skincare recipes and beauty creams for herself and her friends. Today, what was once a hobby has evolved into a professional-grade line of gourmet skincare recipes and a full-service day spa, complete with the new Fresh Market featuring an assortment of quality, hand-crafted body recipes. The spa offers a unique menu of services including veggies facials, farm massages, and more.
Located in the beautiful downtown Hyde Park Chicago area, Bettye O Day Spa specializes in first-class treatments. Their aim is to nurture and relax each of their guests with individualized and innovative therapeutic techniques, including facials, body wraps, massages, waxing, spa packages, and more.
Part of former Essence editor Monique Greenwood’s Akwaaba bed and breakfast portfolio, the Mansion at Noble Lane features a 25,000-square-foot mansion with 14 unique guest rooms and a luxury YOUtopia spa. According to the website, the spa has sourced the best talent in the area and the finest products in the industry to create a unique experience and an impressive list of services.
With a background as a nurse-midwife, owner Violet Johnson
is also knowledgeable about issues that affect African American skin, including
pigmentation problems, sensitivity, and acne. Violet J Spa and Wellness
provides a personalized approach for clients who don’t always find the
solutions they seek in typical spa menus: mothers-to-be, cancer patients, and
women of color.
Imagine enjoying a flight and suddenly being stung by a scorpion. This became a reality for a passenger aboard United Airline’s flight 1554 last week.
According to Time, the passenger was on a flight from San Francisco to Atlanta and was stung mid-air. The flight landed in Atlanta on Thursday and medical assistance was waiting for the passenger, immediately taking her to the hospital.
A United Airlines passenger was stung by a scorpion while in the air https://t.co/6lul1oRkVo
TMZ reported that the woman headed to the bathroom after feeling a stinging sensation on her leg. After further inspection, a scorpion fell out of her pant leg.
A United Airlines representative tells TMZ, “After learning that one of our customers on flight 1554 from San Francisco to Atlanta was stung during flight, our crew responded immediately and consulted with a MedLink physician on the ground who provided medical guidance. Upon landing in Atlanta, the flight was met by medical personnel and the customer was transported to a local hospital. We have been in contact with our customer to ensure her wellbeing.”
The scorpion was caught by flight attendants after crawling from the passenger’s pants unto the floor.
As absurd as this may sound, it isn’t the first time a scorpion has snuck onto a plane. According to Travel + Leisure, a woman was stung on an Air Transat flight from Toronto to Calgary in February. Also, in 2017, there were two incidents of passengers being stung by scorpions.
It is rare that scorpion’s stings are deadly, states the Mayo Clinic. The stings are, however, quite painful.
Congratulations to Zozibini Tunzi who was crowned as Miss Universe 2019 at the 68th installment of the global beauty pageant.
The event was held at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia on Dec. 8.
The 26-year old was crowned Miss Universe after wooing the judges over through the rounds of swimsuit, evening gown portion, questions on social issues, and the final question of explaining why she was the right choice.
“I grew up in a world where a woman who looks like me — with my kind of skin and my kind of hair — was never considered to be beautiful,” she replied. “I think it is time that that stops today. I want children to look at me and see my face and I want them to see their faces reflected in mine.
The 26-year-old from Tsolo in the Eastern Cape was crowned Miss South Africa 2019 in August and is widely known for her work in the fight against Gender-Based Violence.
Remember that time on the 9th of August when I said I would call on all men to stand with women in the fight against Gender-Based Violence? That day has now come. I am so excited to launch my campaign. Together with @unwomenSA I am challenging you to stand with women. pic.twitter.com/lJ8znNLJOo
“Tonight a door was opened and I could not be more grateful to have been the one to have walked through it,” she said on Twitter. “May every little girl who witnessed this moment forever believe in the power of her dreams and may they see their faces reflected in mine. I am #MissUniverse2019.”
Tonight a door was opened and I could not be more grateful to have been the one to have walked through it. May every little girl who witnessed this moment forever believe in the power of her dreams and may they see their faces reflected in mine. I am #MissUniverse2019. pic.twitter.com/gMkjmVCabo
Looking for a unique experience with a group of friends that
will also support black-owned businesses? Soul of Sonoma provides
access to the finest wine tasting experiences at premium black-owned wineries
throughout California.
According to the website, the company provides clients with
a customized outing that includes music, food pairing, and even add-ons like tours
of African American monuments and points of interest.
Some of their premium packages include “Wine & Dine”, where you can “enjoy an afternoon wine tour and tasting at three premier wineries then arrive at a private destination for your gourmet four-course dinner” for $225. And “Sip & Taste” which includes “a tour of three wineries beginning in the late morning and includes gourmet hors d’oeuvre pairings with each tasting.”
Photo via soulofsonoma.com
If you are looking for something more private, check out
their private event packages that include your own tasting party, a
sports-themed bachelor’s cookout, and morning golf followed by a special Soul
of Sonoma gourmet wine and food pairing.
Packages range in price from $125 to $280 with a la carte
services, like their Legacy Wine Club where you can receive a monthly shipment
of three red, three white, or a mixed batch of Soul of Sonoma wine, ranging
from $45 to $65.
Though their featured wineries are all located on the west
coast in California and Oregon, they also offer a selection of featured event
venues in Washington D.C., Atlanta, New York, and Chicago.
Through their exclusive transportation partnerships and
select event planners, Soul of Sonoma provides clients with unlimited options
when it comes to party size, theme, and cultural experiences.
It’s not uncommon to hear stories of exclusivity toward black people on Airbnb, causing many people to book their vacation rentals elsewhere. Here are a few black-owned Airbnbs across the country to show your support and hopefully have a positive booking experience.
Oak Bluffs 3-Bed
Cottage – Oak Bluffs, MA
Owner Davlyn is listing her 3-bedroom cottage in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts on the island of Martha’s Vineyard starting around $149 per night depending on your travel dates. According to the post, the home is located just a mile from the beach and the downtown area. You and five guests can enjoy this quiet retreat boasting a renovated bath, a glorious outdoor shower, and deck perfect for outdoor grilling.
Located in the charming beach community of Sag Harbor, this cottage features a beautiful outdoor space and is within walking distance to the beach, where you can see sailboats and powerboats that line the marina and bay and enjoy iconic, local eateries. Staying in the Hamptons certainly comes with a price tag. This rental starts around $900 per night.
Photo via airbnb.com
Bright Mid-Century
Studio Near Lake Merritt – Oakland, CA
This sunny, modern mid-century studio is perfectly located 2 blocks from Lake Merritt on a quiet street. Host Alisa also boasts that this home has been recently renovated with hardwood floors and an updated kitchen. Alisa is an Airbnb “superhost”, ensuring a smooth booking process and stay in Oakland. Rent this home for around $100 per night.
Photo via airbnb.com
New Home 6 Miles From
Downtown Atlanta – Atlanta, GA
For just around $75 per night, you can enjoy a stay at this newly constructed home in Atlanta. According to the post, this home is beautifully decorated with a modern touch, is stylishly furnished, and loaded with updates throughout. You will be just a few minutes from accessing all that downtown Atlanta has to offer.
Private Studio With
Stunning Views – Los Angeles, CA
This cozy, private studio boasts views of the Getty Museum, The Hollywood Sign, downtown LA, the mountains, and beyond. Host, Julia, is renting this property starting around $45 per night. The charming studio can accommodate up to two guests, making it the perfect solo or couples getaway retreat.
There has been heavy debate about whether or not prisons and jails truly offer rehabilitation or if they’re just being used as punishment, especially when it comes to youth. Although each program facility is different, this Atlanta-based program is actively working to reduce recidivism in a restorative way.
Gangstas to Growers provides work opportunities for at-risk and formerly incarcerated youth in underserving communities. The goal is to prevent former offenders from returning to incarceration, ensuring they do not become one of the over 50% of the youth that returns within three years of release.
This three-month program also provides morning yoga classes, seminars, and teaches youth how to harvest crops on black-owned farmland. The program even allows the youngsters to make their very own all-natural, locally-sourced, hot sauce.
Sweet Sol hot sauce is made with lavender, turmeric, muscovado sugar, habanero, and cayenne peppers. It’s handcrafted, bottled, and marketed all from Marddy’s Shared Kitchen. The name was developed by trainees during a marketing workshop.
Powered by the Come Up Project, this program is also open to gang members and other formerly incarcerated individuals ranging in age from 18-24 years old. Trainees of the Come Up Project earn $12.50/hr for their work and take part in group therapy sessions, vegan cooking classes, and gain an array of skills in personal development, agriculture, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial skills.
Since launching in 2016, Gangstas to Growers has helped at least 15 young adults secure positions with local restaurants and food companies after graduation. Participants received mentoring and training from local farmers and farming organizations such as SWAG Co-op which is dedicated to sustainable food systems and West GA Farmers Cooperatives and a founder whose family is rooted within social activism.
“We are trying to do real-life things that will change the trajectory of our neighborhoods,” Henderson said in an interview. “And we are doing it with love, knowledge, and money. It’s hard, but we’re not going to quit.”
By 2025, founder Abiodun Henderson hopes to train at least 500 formerly incarcerated youth in Atlanta to harvest their own crops and skills to run a business. Following in the footsteps of her social activist parents, her mission is to empower the youth through holistic education and by providing economic opportunities, helping to reduce black unemployment and the state’s 65% youth recidivism rate.
According to the Atlanta Voice, her mother was a Liberian-born social worker who helped establish a school and employment center for immigrant women while she described her father as a “rank and file Black Panther member.”
Henderson’s knowledge, skills, and resources around urban farming stemmed from her early work at a community garden in Atlanta’s Westside and partnerships with Occupy the Hood, an initiative focused on increasing access to healthy foods for low-income minority communities.
Henderson and this program gives restored hope to individuals who often have a hard time securing employment after their release. In the future, Gangstas to Growers hopes to be fully sustainable and partner with corrections facilities to increase community involvement and encourage positive attitudes toward ex-offenders and at-risk youth.
Sweet Sol hot sauce is currently sold at local farmers’ markets and events in Atlanta and nationwide online and through theCome Up Project.
Yes, you read that right! You can fly direct from Atlanta to San Francisco for only $97 thanks to United Airline.
This amazing deal is available for those who can travel between January and February of 2020. Most of the flights depart on Saturdays and span between four to seven days.
We searched Google Flightsusing the dates 1/11-1/15. To use Google Flights, scroll over to the January and February calendars. Once there, you should see the cheapest options at the time of your search show up in green. Simply select the dates that are convenient for your scheduled and follow the links to purchase.
Keep in mind that this is a basic economy fare. Under this class, the following restrictions will apply:
You will be limited to a personal item only. United’s basic economy does not allow the use of the overhead bins. You can check luggage at the normal price of $30 each way.
You cannot select your seat prior to the date of travel. A seat will be assigned to you at check-in.
You cannot make upgrades or changes to the ticket once it is confirmed.
With a deal like this, you have no choice but to pack your bags and be out! The Bay Area is home to several Black-owned businesses and some amazing views on the water.
Hurry and book your seat before this deal goes away!
