Although we spent the vast majority of our time on our short September break trip to Universal at Diagon Alley and our Cabana Bay Resort Hotel, we did visit the rest of the two Universal theme parks.
Category: Southeast US
photo friday: diagon alley
Having loved our visits to Hogsmeade at Universal, the moment we heard about Diagon Alley opening, we put a trip on our plans. As with our past trips, we decided to go during the girls’ September break. The parks are at their least crowded since most of the rest of the country is just back…
photo friday: universal’s cabana bay
While planning our September break trip to Diagon Alley, I went back and forth about staying at the off-property hotel that we’ve stayed at twice in the past and an on-property hotel. While the benefits of staying on property are many, the cost is significant. Was it worth it to pay that much more? I’m…
photo friday: fun in panama city beach
Once we parked the car at the hotel in PCB, I vowed to not use it again until it was time to leave. Between the hotel pool and the nearby activities, that was not a problem. We walked next door to play mini-golf. We walked across the street for ice cream and pizza. We “shopped”…
photo friday: panama city beach
Of course, our main reason for visiting Panama City Beach is the beach! The sand is soft and the water lovely. Unfortunately, the gulf had a lot of seaweed, so we did most of our swimming in the pool. In any case, we love walking on the beach, hearing the waves, and relishing the beauty…
photo friday: holiday inn panama city beach
Looking at photos from trip that we took almost four months ago brings some warmth into this chilly day. This past summer, I wanted to get to the beach at least once, so I took the easy route – returning to the Holiday Inn Resort at Panama City Beach, a place we had visited a…
atlanta: music midtown
Though it saddened us greatly, we decided that after seven-consecutive years, we would not be going to the Austin City Limits Music Festival this year. Too expensive, too much school to miss for the girls. Instead, Chloe and I decided to attend Music Midtown instead. A much shorter festival and only a MARTA ride away….
atlanta: beltline lantern parade
Continuing on with my theme of getting out of the house on Saturday, we decided to battle the crowds (or join in the crowds) and attend the Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade. The threatening weather held off, and we found ourselves a nice spot near the O4W Park. Alas, the parade was very long and we…
atlanta: waffle house museum
A month of being at home is causing me to develop a serious case of cabin fever. I’ve been able to clear out some long standing to-do items, volunteer at various events, and relax a bit, but the idea of spending another weekend at home checking things of my list was dragging me down. While…
blue ridge: apple picking
The other day, I surprised by a post on Facebook from Mercier Orchards that they would have apple picking this weekend. I tend to equate apples with fall, and, despite the girls being back in school, this is not fall. Not at all. We took our chances with the weather and headed out. $10 to…
MODA: Design for Social Impact
While I feel negligent for not having made it to Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) earlier, I’m glad we made it when we did. I had in my mind that I needed to get the girls to the Design for Social Impact exhibit, but I also had it in my mind that it was closing…
blue ridge: murphy trains
The Murphy River Walk not only ran alongside the river, it also ran along the tracks, providing us with even more to explore and photograph.
blue ridge: murphy river walk
Today as we were out on our way to a waterfall walk, we stopped in Murphy, NC, to visit the farmer’s market and see the River Walk trail. Phelix enjoyed splashing in the water as we walked along. After we turned a corner, the trail became an underwater boardwalk. Those of us that could slipped…
blue ridge: flowers
photo friday: oakland cemetery flowers
Our trip to Oakland Cemetery last month was at an ideal time of year. Early spring. Not too hot, yet warm. And the flowers, oh the flowers in bloom!
photo friday: oakland cemetery
Despite having lived in the Atlanta area for almost 15 years now, we have not been to a number of the places that tourists go when they come to visit. This month we finally went to one of those places that we’ve been neglecting to go – Oakland Cemetery! Phil, Barbara, Rob, Camille, Chloe and…
photo friday: edisto island aka The Beach
My final photo Friday from winter break at Edisto Island. I guess it is now time for us to head back to the beach!
photo friday: lovely light at edisto beach state park
One of my favorite things to do while at the beach is to get up early and watch the sun rise. While it was a bit too chilly for me to want to spen too much time on the beach so early in the morning, I did manage to get oout of my warm sleeping…
photo friday: camping at edisto island state park
February break. I don’t have enough vacation days to take the week off and go somewhere far flung. But I also hate to see a break pass without an outing or special trip of some sort. Like last February, I decided to head to Edisto Island State Park. camping site practically on the beach, and…
photo friday: high falls state park sunrise
On the final morning of our three day weekend at High Falls State Park, I managed to get up early enough to see the misty fog rising off the river and the sunrising through it. Beautiful!