Cece In The City

Tag: Atlanta

  • My Trip to Boca ATL – Summerhill

    Let’s taco ‘bout a spot that had me vibin’ from the moment I walked in—Boca ATL, a charming Mexican restaurant tucked away in the heart of Atlanta. This place had been on my foodie radar for a minute, and I finally made it happen. Trust me when I say, it was worth the wait.

    First Impressions: Vibes on Point
    The moment I stepped into Boca, I felt like I’d been transported somewhere between a modern-day cantina and a Pinterest board dream. Bright colors, cute decor, and that cozy, can’t-leave-here-for-a-while energy. It’s the kind of place where you immediately think, “Yep—this is where the girls’ night starts or the solo lunch turns into a vibe.”

    Let’s Talk Tacos
    Okay, let’s get into the real reason I came—the food. I ordered tacos (of course), and they did what they needed to do! Flavorful, fresh, and perfectly seasoned. Whether you’re a classic carne asada type or you’re feeling fancy with shrimp or birria, Boca knows what they’re doing. It’s the kind of meal that makes you nod after every bite like, “Mmmhmm, yep… this right here.”

    Service with a Smile
    You know how customer service can make or break a dining experience? Boca’s staff were super friendly, attentive, and just added to the welcoming energy of the spot. I love when a restaurant feels like you’re being hosted, not just served.

    A Little Sazón of History
    The name Boca means “mouth” in Spanish—perfect, right? In many Latin cultures, the phrase “una buena boca” can refer to a good taste, or even having a flair for flavor. Mexican cuisine itself is a rich fusion of indigenous and Spanish influences, with tacos dating back to the 18th century—originally a working-class street food that’s now taken over the world (and my cravings). So when you bite into a taco at a place like Boca, you’re literally tasting centuries of culture, tradition, and bold, beautiful flavor.

    Final Thoughts
    Boca ATL isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a whole experience. Good food, cute space, great people, and a little sprinkle of heritage? Say less. If you’re in the city and haven’t been, go ahead and add it to your list. And if you’ve already been—well, I totally get why you’d go back.

  • 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!

  • 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!

  • 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!

  • Graffiti, Good Vibes, and Beltline Adventures

    This weekend, my daughter wanted to snap some cool photos in front of graffiti, and I knew just the spots! We hit up Krog Street Tunnel first, soaking in all the vibrant street art, then made our way to the Beltline for more scenic backdrops. But after a while, the Atlanta heat got the best of her—she was hot and tired (lol).

    The city was buzzing with energy—so many people out and about, enjoying the Beltline vibes. Of course, I had to jump in for a few shots myself! One stop I’d been meaning to make? The Outkast mural—finally checked that off my list!

    Now, I’m officially ready for warm weather and getting back to crossing things off my bucket list. Atlanta always keeps it exciting!

  • Snow in Atlanta: A Surprise Winter Wonderland

    Wow, snow in Atlanta? I can hardly believe it! I left the North behind to escape the cold, yet here it is, following me all the way to Georgia. But hey, life’s all about making the most of the unexpected, right?

    Today’s snow day is the perfect excuse to hit the pause button. I’m trading my usual hustle for a cozy day of movies, books, and pure relaxation. The snow might not stick around for long—most of it will likely melt by tomorrow—but for now, I’m soaking in the simple beauty of a wintery view.

    Even though I’m not a fan of the cold, I can’t help but be thankful for the warmth of my home, the comfort of my bed, and a day to slow down. To everyone else experiencing this rare Atlanta snowfall, enjoy it while you can! Curl up, stay warm, and let’s all savor this fleeting little slice of winter.

  • Holiday Magic at Atlanta Botanical Garden: Our First Light Show Adventure!

    Hey readers! This holiday season, we finally got to experience the Atlanta Botanical Garden: Garden Lights—and let me tell you, it was nothing short of magical! Imagine Christmas lights that don’t just sparkle but come alive in a stunning show. It felt like stepping into a festive wonderland!

    I went with my family, and we lucked out with perfect weather. A night in the 60s meant we could stroll through the glowing garden without freezing—ideal for soaking in the beauty. While I skipped the hot chocolate (shocking, I know), we couldn’t resist the s’mores! They gave us cute little s’mores kits, and we roasted marshmallows over the fire. There’s something about gooey marshmallows under twinkling lights that makes the holidays even sweeter.

    After ten years in Atlanta, I can’t believe this was my first visit to Garden Lights! Watching the Christmas trees dance in lights and nature illuminated in breathtaking ways was a feast for the eyes. If you haven’t been yet, do yourself a favor—grab your loved ones and check it out before it’s over. Trust me, it’s a sight you’ll remember for seasons to come!

    Here’s to holiday cheer and creating beautiful memories, one light at a time! ✨

  • Kicking Off a New Tradition: Experiencing My First Atlanta United Game

    This past Saturday, I crossed something off my Atlanta bucket list: my first Atlanta United game! I’ve always enjoyed soccer — mostly from my time as a proud soccer mom cheering on my daughters from the sidelines — but watching it live? That’s a whole new thrill.

    Since I won free tickets to the game, I invited my cousin along for the adventure to go to the Atlanta United’s playoff game against Miami at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Walking into the stadium, surrounded by fans decked out in red, black, and gold, I felt that electric energy that only live sports can deliver. The whole place was buzzing with excitement and, from the very start, you could tell everyone was there for one thing: to see our team win.

    The match was intense from kickoff. It was neck-and-neck at 1-1 for what felt like ages. With each pass, every shot, and every near-miss, the crowd’s anticipation grew. Then, just when we thought it might stay tied, Atlanta scored the winning goal! The stadium roared, and it was amazing to be right there, in the heart of it all, watching fans jump out of their seats and high-five strangers. What a way to celebrate our first game — ATL United winning it in the final stretch!

    After that experience, I can safely say I’m hooked. I’m ready to dive deeper into soccer, learn more about the team, and catch more games this season. Here are some snapshots of the night; I’m so glad I could experience it and cross this off my Atlanta list. Go ATL!

  • Grateful Journeys: Exploring November’s Adventures

    Hello November! 🍂

    As we step into the heart of the season for gratitude, let’s take a moment to reflect on the beauty of giving, thanking, and experiencing everything around us. Here in Atlanta, my latest adventure led me to Raising Cane’s, a new spot that’s got everyone buzzing! With its crispy tenders and signature sauce, it reminded me a lot of Zaxby’s – but hey, I’m always up for a taste test comparison!

    Next on the list for my 50-state journey is Tennessee! I can’t wait to explore the Volunteer State and uncover all its hidden gems. From the vibrant music of Nashville to the serene beauty of the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee has so much to offer. If you’ve been, I’d love your top picks! Is there a must-see spot or a can’t-miss eatery you’d recommend?

    Here’s to an exciting month of discovery, giving thanks, and checking off new adventures.