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!
Today was all about adventure and a little monkey business! We kicked off Day 3 with a visit to Monkey Island in Carretera Gamboa. With our tour guide, Tour Alfaro, leading the way, we set out on a boat ride that took us deep into the lush greenery. The views were absolutely stunning, but the real stars were the cheeky little monkeys! They eagerly swung by to snack on the grapes and bananas we brought for them. Watching them leap from tree to tree and get up close was such a surreal experience—nature at its cutest.
After our jungle fun, we made our way back to Casco Viejo, the historic heart of Panama City. This time, we explored the other side of the charming old town. It was filled with vibrant vendors, quaint little shops, and historic buildings that seemed to have stories of their own. Casco Viejo, originally founded in 1673, is full of colonial charm and was once a fortress against pirate attacks! As we wandered through its streets, the heat of the day hit hard, but that didn’t stop us from soaking in the sights.
Just when the sun was becoming a bit too much, the rain arrived! For about an hour or two, the skies opened up, giving us a refreshing break from the heat. We headed back to the Waldorf Astoria and took full advantage of the time to relax. I spent the rest of the afternoon chilling by the pool, reflecting on life and this exciting new journey of traveling more. There’s something about peaceful moments like these that allow you to really think about where you’ve been and where you’re headed.
Dinner was a return to the Fish Market, but this time, I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried something new—and let me tell you, it was delicious! After all the walking, the rain, and the incredible food, I was exhausted and ready to recharge for Day 4. Tomorrow, another adventure awaits in Panama!
Hello, fellow adventurers! As many of you know, I’m on an exciting quest to explore all 50 states, with a sprinkle of international travel, and I couldn’t wait to share my Panama adventure with you!
My brother and I have birthdays super close to each other, so we decided to celebrate with a birthday getaway to Panama. It was a whirlwind trip from Thursday to Monday, and trust me—it was everything we needed and more!
Day 1: The Arrival The flight from Atlanta to Panama was smooth and filled with excitement! We stayed at the Waldorf Astoria, and let me tell you, this place was luxurious. Fun fact: The Waldorf Astoria brand dates back to 1893, named after the Waldorf and Astoria hotels in New York, both pioneers of luxury hospitality. The Panama location didn’t disappoint—it had a gym, bar, pool, and spa, so there were plenty of ways to relax and rejuvenate.
First Stop: Food! After settling in, we were ready to explore and eat! We hit up a local seafood joint where I ordered shrimp tacos—though I should’ve gone with the fish (hindsight is 20/20). The tacos weren’t the best, but the people and vibe made up for it.
Exploring Casco Viejo Next, we ventured into Casco Viejo, Panama’s historic district. Casco Viejo was founded in 1673, after the original Panama City was destroyed by pirate Henry Morgan. Walking its narrow streets feels like stepping back in time, with colonial buildings, charming plazas, and beautiful churches. This district is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s rich with the essence of old Panama, blending history and modern life beautifully.
The Plaza de la Catedral We strolled through Plaza de la Catedral, home to the stunning Catedral Metropolitana, which dates back to the 1700s. The cathedral’s baroque facade and the grand bell towers make it a must-see landmark. This plaza has been the heart of the city’s social and religious life for centuries, a gathering place for the community, surrounded by charming restaurants and vibrant history. The Cathedral itself stands as a symbol of Panama’s resilience, having been rebuilt multiple times over the centuries due to fires and invasions. We grabbed some sherbet ice cream at Mint Cream (so refreshing in the heat), then strolled around, taking in the beauty of the church at Plaza de la Catedral.
A Snapshot of Panama’s Meaning Ever wondered what “Panama” means? The name “Panama” is believed to come from an indigenous word meaning “abundance of fish,” and after visiting, I can totally see why—it’s a paradise for seafood lovers and explorers alike. Panama is also known for its rich history as a vital crossroads of trade due to the Panama Canal, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Iconic Panama Sign & Nightlife Of course, no trip to Panama would be complete without a photo at the iconic Panama sign. It sits in the vibrant Cinta Costera, offering panoramic views of the city skyline and waterfront. People were out skating, biking, and enjoying the fresh air—it felt like the heart of the city was alive.
After a long day of walking and taking in the sights, we wrapped it up with wings while checking out the nightlife. Panama City doesn’t slow down, and neither did we.
But this is just day one! Stay tuned for Day 2, where the adventures get even better!
This month, I had a blast stepping back in time and diving into the glitz and glam of the Titanic with a trip to the Titanic: An Immersive Voyage exhibition in Atlanta. Let me tell you, if you’ve ever dreamed of sailing on the Titanic—or just love a good historical adventure—this experience is your ticket to a voyage like no other!
Imagine this: you’re not just visiting an exhibit; you’re actually embarking on a journey that makes you feel like you’ve stepped onto the legendary ship itself. From the moment you walk through the doors, you’re enveloped in the elegance and opulence of Titanic’s bygone era. The lavish décor, the detailed recreations of the grand staircase, and the stunning first-class cabins make you feel like you’re right there, rubbing elbows with high society from the early 20th century.
But wait, it gets even better! The real star of the show is the VR experience. Slip on the headset, and voila—you’re instantly transported to the Titanic in all its glory. It’s like you’re sailing through history, exploring the ship as if you were a passenger. The VR experience brings the Titanic to life in such a vibrant, thrilling way, you might just forget you’re in Atlanta and not actually on the high seas!
What really struck me was how the exhibition doesn’t just dazzle with its grandeur but also touches your heart with personal stories of those on board. It’s a journey through both the splendor and the human side of Titanic’s story, making it a deeply immersive and touching experience.
So, if you’re a Titanic aficionado or just someone looking for a fun and unique outing, this exhibition is a must-see. It’s a captivating dive into history that’s as entertaining as it is educational. Grab your ticket, set sail on this amazing voyage, and get ready to be blown away by the Titanic experience!
I got a chance to go to Kennesaw Mountain which is beautiful. Kennesaw Mountain is a mountain between Marietta and Kennesaw, Georgia with a summit elevation of 1808 feet. It is the highest point in the core metro Atlanta area. It has great trails all over the mountain. Its view is nice, and a lot of beautiful birds were out on this nice day.
This was on my bucket list, and I was glad that I was able to go and see the scenery. I want to try different nature walks and mountains. I didn’t go to the top, but the view is great.
Make sure to check it out and let me know what you love about Kennesaw Mountain. Also, follow me @Cece.atlbucketlist and Cece.Atl
I got a chance to check out this Museum. It was nice. It wasn’t that big but a nice size. You can enjoy the collections. Explore the art and history of world cultures from Africa; The Americas; ancient Greece and Rome: and South Asia.
They had Ancient Egyptian, Nubian, and Near eastern art. They had the collections of mummies and talks about the Egyptian funerary masks, finely crafted bronze statuettes of deities.
We saw the Greek Roman Art and it was so unique it had the maps on the floor, they had the Pacific Ocean and more. I thought that was very unique and different. I haven’t seen that in any other Museum.
I love learning about the different cultures and ancient times. If you are interested check out this museum, it is really nice and very interesting. Make sure to follow me at Cece. Atl.
I had a chance to do one of the things on my Atlanta Bucket list. We had a family day and went to the Botanical Garden in Atlanta. It was beautiful. We saw different exhibitions. Here are some that we checked out.
Trolls: Save the Hymans by Thomas Dambo: It was an Exhibition of enormous folklore inspired sculptures built from reclaimed materials. Trolls in the garden blend art, nature and its beauty.
Orchid Daze: The garden annual indoor plant exhibition explores several murals by inventive artists that enhance the breathtaking blooms. It was so beautiful and breathtaking. Just the view by itself.
Atlanta Blooms: The visual of tulips. They were so beautiful and bright. Just right for the spring and nice weather. All the species of tulips plants are so beautiful.
This place was well worth it, and I have to try it out during Christmas with all the lights. If you are in the Atlanta area, check out the Botanical Garden, it is worth the sight. I can now check this off my Atlanta bucket list. It felt like I was in a rainforest and beautiful gardens in a special place.
If you love nature and flowers and just want to get out and enjoy Atlanta check them out. Also Make sure to Follow me @Cece.Atl.
