Way back in November, one of my very best friends (who happens to live out of state) asked what I wanted for my birthday. I explained that it would be fun to just take a trip together. I’d love to just hangout together!
And so, we scoured over airfares and researched travel destinations that would be warmer than Wisconsin and easier for us both to reach with a direct flight.
Atlanta was the perfect destination for our mom-cation. Yes, mom-cations are a thing, and science even proves that we need them, just read It’s science: Girls weekends boost mental health.
Day 1: Ponce City Market + Spa Time
Upon arrival, we met up in the airport and grabbed our very first Lyft ride to Ponce City Market.
This place was amazing!! We stopped at the French bakery for croissants and cappuccino before having to catch another Lyft to our pedicure appointments.
Day 2: National Center for Civil & Human Rights
During the month of February, Black History Month, the Civil & Human Rights Museum had free admission, so it was no surprise that it was a popular destination on Saturday morning.
The museum in a word is POWERFUL.
They have a lunch counter simulation where you sit in a row with other museum-goers, put on headphones, and hear the taunting and feel your seat jerk (being kicked) to give you a small taste of what protesters experienced.
I cannot even begin to imagine what that was like.
They had signs that listed the Jim Crow laws of each state that seem so ridiculous to read. Sadly, this was not that long ago. And we still have a long ways to go to achieve equality for all.
While the main floor looks at the civil rights movements in the U.S., the top floor looks at human rights issues happening all across the world: women’s rights, human trafficking, LGBTQ rights, rights of the disabled, workers rights…and more. As a country and as an entire world, there is work still to be done.
Let’s all help the change.
Here’s the waterfall sculpture outside of the museum. I especially love the Margaret Mead quote.
Day 3: Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park
The next morning, we wanted to walk to a dinner in the historic Martin Luther King Jr. neighborhood. The walk from our Air BnB was a bit longer than expected…and not as enjoyable as it was slightly drizzling at the time. Nevertheless, we carried on.
Unfortunately, our restaurant of choice was closed, so we googled other nearby dining establishments, ending up at the Thumbs Up Diner.
After filling our bellies with a big breakfast, we explored the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park.
We started in the visitor center that gave more in-depth timelines about MLK Jr.’s and Coretta Scott King’s lives. Another exhibit talked about Mahatma Gandhi’s life, which served as an inspiration for Martin Luther King Jr.
Not far from the visitor center was his birth home. Apparently reservations to tour the home go very fast and early in the morning, so we were only able to look at the exterior and pictures of the interior at the adjacent building and gift shop.
Day 4: More Great Food and the Beltline
Our last day in Atlanta we enjoyed another hearty breakfast before having to catch our flights back home.
The sun was shining and we had some extra time, so we started to walk around the neighborhood, finding the Atlanta BeltLine. It really was a cool walking path, busy with walkers, bikers of all ages. There are many murals adorning the bridge underpasses and walls. I really liked the donut and witch with a cat murals.
Ironically, the beltline path led us back to our favorite stop: Ponce City Market, where we grabbed a yummy smoothie as a snack – a preferred alternative to airport food.
All in all, I have to say that Atlanta was a pretty cool city! I loved the chance to getaway from frigid Wisconsin in February for a mom cation with one of my very best friends.
Atlanta, I’ll see you another time! Cheers!
go mama o. 