Author: Cece in the City

  • Rolling into March: Women Stand Strong Skating Meetup

    My second event of the weekend was our Women Stand Strong (WSS) March meetup, and this time, we decided to mix things up with some nostalgic fun—roller skating! It had been years since I laced up a pair of skates, but we hit the rink at Golden Glide, ready to roll.

    For those who don’t know, Golden Glide is an iconic skating rink in Atlanta, a staple for generations of skaters. Whether you grew up going there for parties, late-night skate sessions, or just to hang out, it holds a special place in the city’s history. So, what better place for our WSS crew to relive some childhood memories?

    Skating was just as fun as I remembered—but whew, what a workout! By the time I made it to my third lap around the rink, I was already in need of a break (lol). We all gathered in the middle, showing off a few moves, and even managed some backward skating—turns out, we still got it!

    By the time I got home, I was tired, and I was definitely thankful to have the next day off. But it was all worth it—good vibes, good laughs, and another great time with the ladies.

    Stay tuned to see what we have planned for April! If you’d like to join Women Stand Strong, click 

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/2027408234149500/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

    Can you skate? When was the last time you hit the rink? Let me know in the comments!

  • Exploring the Atlanta History Center: A Day of History, Beauty, and Lots of Steps!

    Yesterday was a long but fulfilling day, and I kicked it off with a visit to the Atlanta History Center alongside my friend. It was her first time experiencing it, while this marked my second visit. Even though I had been before, I was excited to rediscover the exhibits and soak in the rich history that this incredible place has to offer.

    The Atlanta History Center spans over 33 acres and is home to several historic sites, exhibits, and gardens. It provides a deep dive into Georgia’s past, from the Civil War to the civil rights movement and beyond. One of the standout moments of our visit was watching a short film about Atlanta’s history—it was both informative and engaging, giving us a deeper appreciation for the city’s evolution over time.

    After exploring the main exhibits, we made our way to the Swan House, one of Atlanta’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1928, this elegant mansion was once the home of the Inman family, a wealthy banking family in Atlanta. Today, it’s preserved as a museum, showcasing its original furnishings and breathtaking architecture. Fun fact: The Swan House even made an appearance in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire!

    As we arrived, we saw that they were setting up for a wedding, and let me tell you—the setup was absolutely stunning! The grand staircases, lush gardens, and timeless elegance of the mansion made for the perfect fairytale setting. I can only imagine how beautiful the ceremony must have been.

    And did we get our steps in? Absolutely! Between the winding paths, multiple staircases, and sprawling exhibits, we definitely got a good workout in. The Atlanta History Center is massive, but every step was worth it. The combination of history, beauty, and culture makes it a must-visit for anyone in the city.

    If you ever find yourself in Atlanta, I highly recommend stopping by. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture lover, or just looking for a beautiful place to explore, the Atlanta History Center has something for everyone. It’s well worth the trip!

  • A Weekend for the Soul: Finding Peace, Good Eats, and Festival Vibes

    Sometimes, life gets overwhelming, and all we really need is a moment to breathe—a little me time to reset. This past Saturday, that’s exactly what I gave myself. I started my morning with a solo breakfast, then wandered around the park, soaking in the fresh air. I found a quiet spot by the pond and just sat there, letting my thoughts drift away with the ripples in the water. It was a simple, peaceful escape, but it reminded me how important it is to slow down and take a break from the noise of everyday life.

    So, here’s my message to you: take a moment for you. Whether it’s a walk, a good book, or just sitting outside with a cup of coffee—do something that brings you peace. You deserve it.

    Festival Fun & Foodie Finds

    Sunday was a different vibe. I headed to the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival with my daughter, and of course, food was at the top of our agenda! She grabbed a sausage and onions from Chicago Eats, and while it was good, I’m still trying to decide if it was $22 good—festival prices are no joke! I, on the other hand, went for a noodle cup from Island Noodles. It was loaded with veggies, full of flavor, and just what I needed. And let’s be real, no festival is complete without a classic funnel cake and fresh lemonade. That combo is an automatic yes every time!

    Beyond the food, it was a beautiful day to be outside, supporting vendors, soaking up some vitamin D, and just enjoying the energy of the festival.

    Strolling Through Olde Town Conyers

    Before wrapping up the weekend, we took a walk through Olde Town Conyers, where the streets were decorated with colorful umbrellas overhead. It was the perfect spot to stroll, take in the sights, and just enjoy the moment. If you haven’t checked it out yet, add it to your list!

    That’s a wrap on this weekend’s Cece in the City adventure! Where will I explore next? Stay tuned!

  • Knocking Another One Off My Cece Atlanta Bucket List: College Football Hall of Fame

    St. Patrick’s Day in Atlanta called for something special, so what better way to celebrate than by knocking another adventure off my Cece Atlanta Bucket List? I had the chance to visit the College Football Hall of Fame, and of course, I had to show up in my green—not just for the holiday, but because it also happens to be my favorite color!

    Even though I’m more of an NFL girl, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to dive into the rich history of college football. From legendary players to iconic moments, the Hall of Fame is packed with interactive exhibits and memorabilia that bring the sport to life. One of my favorite moments? Seeing Deion Sanders on the Hall of Fame wall! Knowing how much of an impact he made in college before dominating the NFL made the experience even more exciting.

    What makes this place even cooler is the interactive experience. They use AI to create custom football-themed photos, making you feel like a real college football star. It’s a fun and unique way to capture memories from the visit!

    I had an amazing time exploring, learning, and celebrating St. Paddy’s Day in the best way possible—by experiencing a little bit of football history in my favorite city. If you’re ever in Atlanta, I highly recommend stopping by the College Football Hall of Fame. Whether you’re a die-hard college football fan or just love the game in general, it’s a great place to check out!

  • Sweet Adventure: My First Visit to Candy World Drinks & Treats in Snellville, GA!

    I finally made it to Candy World Drinks & Treats in Snellville, GA! I had been saying I was going to check it out for the longest time, and I finally did—and let me tell you, it was so worth it!

    From the moment I walked in, I could tell this spot was a local favorite. The place was packed with people showing love, and the energy was just as sweet as the treats! The customer service was top-tier—the staff took the time to explain everything to first-timers like me, which made the experience even better.

    Now, let’s talk about the treats! I went straight for a candy slushy because, of course, I love cotton candy flavors. It was icy, sweet, and just the perfect refresher. I also grabbed some candy grapes, and wow—they were bursting with flavor! It was definitely a sugar rush, but in the best way possible.

    If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this is the spot to hit up. And with spring in full swing, there’s no better time to grab something cold and delicious. If you’re in Snellville, do yourself a favor and stop by Candy World Drinks & Treats—you won’t regret it!

  • Immersed in Art: My Visit to the Van Gogh Experience in Atlanta

    As a lover of creativity and storytelling, I finally had the chance to visit the Van Gogh Experience in Atlanta with my daughter—and let me tell you, it was nothing short of breathtaking!

    From the moment we stepped inside, we were transported into the vivid, swirling world of Vincent van Gogh. The way his iconic paintings came to life through immersive projections was mesmerizing. I could have easily sat there for hours, just soaking in the artistry and movement within the room. Every brushstroke seemed to dance across the walls, making you feel as if you were stepping inside his masterpieces.

    While I do wish the exhibit had more rooms to explore, the VR experience made up for it. It offered a deeper dive into Van Gogh’s world, allowing us to see his inspirations and understand his creative genius on another level. It’s one thing to admire his art in books or museums, but to experience it in such an interactive way was unforgettable.

    If you’re in Atlanta (or anywhere else this exhibit pops up), I highly recommend checking it out. Art lovers, history buffs, and even casual museum-goers will find something to appreciate.

    Want to bring a little Van Gogh magic into your own space? Here’s a Canva art link to explore: Van Gogh Canva Art.

    Also, if you’d like to support my journey as I continue sharing unique experiences through Cece in the City, you can do so here: Buy Me a Coffee. Every bit helps keep the adventures going!

    Have you ever been to an immersive art exhibit? Let me know your thoughts—I’d love to hear about your experience!

  • Fingerz in Snellville – Worth the Hype!

    Hey, hey! I finally got a chance to check out Fingerz in Snellville, GA, and let me tell you—it did not disappoint! I first heard about this spot from Mr. Chime Time (y’all know he’s got the inside scoop on the best eats), so I had to see what the hype was about.

    I went with the wings and fries, keeping it classic, but with a twist—I got the Georgia Peach flavor on the side. You know Georgia peaches are sweet, so I was expecting that perfect balance of sweet and savory. And let me tell you, these wings were SO good! Juicy, flavorful, and just the right amount of crisp.

    Now, I already know I’ll be back because the beef Italian sub caught my eye, and it looked amazing! So that’s definitely on my list for next time.

    If you’re in the Snellville area, do yourself a favor and check out Fingerz—you won’t be disappointed!

  • Welcome, March! A Month to Celebrate Women, Longer Days & Good Reads

    March is here, and with it comes a fresh new energy! This month is all about celebrating Women’s History Month, so to all the amazing women out there—take a moment to appreciate yourself. Practice self-love, put yourself first, and remember that you are strong, beautiful, and capable of greatness!

    We’ve got a lot happening this month! Daylight Savings Time kicks in this week, which means longer, sunnier days—definitely something to be excited about after a chilly winter. If you celebrate Fat Tuesday, mark your calendar for March 4 and enjoy the festivities! And, of course, St. Patrick’s Day is coming up for those who love a little green and good luck.

    A quick book club update—yesterday was our second book discussion for Cece Book Club! We dived into None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell, and wow… this book was dark, twisty, and full of suspense. It left us wondering—will there be a part two? What was really true? If you’ve read it, let me know your thoughts! If not, I highly recommend checking it out.

    Get book here

    https://amzn.to/3F3cgNu

    For those looking to join our next read, our March book pick is One Week in Paradise by Anise Starre. Come read along with us!

    Wishing everyone a fantastic month—embrace the warmth, celebrate yourself, and treat yourself to something special. Big things are coming your way! Let’s make March amazing!

  • Exploring My 50-State Journey – Stop #2: Tennessee

    Hey everyone! As you know, I’ve started fresh with my blogging and vlogging journey, traveling to all 50 states. My first stop was Georgia, and I hope you all enjoyed that adventure. Now, let’s dive into State #2: Tennessee!

    Although my trip was cut short due to a family emergency, I know I’ll be back—especially since I still need to explore Nashville! But for this visit, we made our way to Chattanooga, a city rich in history and scenic beauty.

    Ruby Falls: A Hidden Wonder Beneath the Earth

    Our first stop was Ruby Falls, home to the tallest underground waterfall in the U.S. The journey through the cave was a bit of a workout, but seeing that breathtaking waterfall made it all worth it. The water cascades down, changing colors as lights illuminate it, creating a magical scene.

    Lookout Mountain: A View Like No Other

    Next, we visited Lookout Mountain, a place steeped in both natural beauty and history. Though it was getting chilly, we managed to take in the stunning view. From the top, you can see seven states—Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. It’s incredible to think about standing in one spot and gazing across so many states at once!

    A Stay at the Historic Hotel Chalet

    We checked into the Hotel Chalet, a charming spot with a unique twist—train car hotel rooms! Unfortunately, they were all booked, but I did get a chance to see them up close. Just imagine staying inside a vintage train car turned into a cozy hotel room. Next time, I’m definitely staying in one!

    Dining in a Piece of History: Stir at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Complex

    For dinner, we headed to Stir, a restaurant located inside the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo complex. The food was amazing—I had shrimp and grits along with some oysters. If you’re ever in Chattanooga, I highly recommend it!

    Walking Across History: Walnut Street Bridge

    Even though it was a bit too cold to take a full stroll, I got to check out the Walnut Street Bridge, one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges. I can’t wait to go back when the weather is warmer and take in the views at a leisurely pace.

    Bonus: A Book, a Breakfast, and a Story

    For breakfast, we stopped at Big Bad Breakfast (BBB)—and let me tell you, it was delicious! I had French toast and scrambled cheese eggs, and I even got a taste of my daughter’s pancakes. The service was top-notch. But here’s the cool part—the founder, Chef John Currence, has a deep passion for breakfast, and he even wrote a book called Big Bad Breakfast. Of course, I had to get it! The book is filled with stories and recipes, blending food and storytelling—right up my alley!

    Also get book here

    https://amzn.to/3XiWown

    The Soundtrack of Tennessee: ‘Tennessee’ by Arrested Development

    Every state needs a song, right? For Tennessee, I had to go with “Tennessee” by Arrested Development—such a classic! Fun fact: I actually had the chance to interview Speech, one of the members, for my Where It Begins magazine. I’ll drop the link below so you can check it out!

    Listen to song

    https://youtu.be/6VCdJyOAQYM?si=TiAMlBi_6Rq3T1iw

    Check out article

    https://issuu.com/cecewibnet/docs/wib_june_2022_final

    Check out YouTube

    https://youtu.be/xaAZd363iZc?si=ohQKbgmE9_KCdJpU

    2 states down, 48 to go! Where do you think I’m heading next? Stay tuned for my next adventure, and if you’d like to support my journey, visit buymeacoffee.com/ceceinthecity. See you in the next state!

  • Spicing Things Up for National Chili Day!

    Today might have felt like spring, but that didn’t stop me from celebrating National Chili Day the right way— with a warm, hearty bowl of chili from Trend Urban Cafe! And not just any chili… vegan chili! Now, before you side-eye me, let me tell you— if I didn’t know it was vegan, I never would have guessed. It was just that good!

    Rich, flavorful, and packed with all the goodness, it hit the spot without me missing a thing. Whether you’re team classic beef or open to a plant-based surprise, a good bowl of chili is always a win.

    So, did you get your chili fix today? If not, what are you waiting for? Let’s talk chili in the comments!