Tag: GA

  • Peaches, Petals & Perspiration: Our Hot Adventure at Southern Belle Farm

    This past weekend, my daughter checked an item off her bucket list… and added one to mine.

    Welcome to Southern Belle Farm — a 330-acre working farm in McDonough, GA, rich in Southern charm, sun-soaked fields, and the juiciest peaches you’ll ever taste. When my daughter said she wanted to visit, I was like, “Yes girl, I’m down!” But let me tell you — she picked one of the hottest days in Georgia history (okay, maybe not official history, but it felt like it). I’m talking “fried-egg-on-the-sidewalk” kind of hot. Thank God for my neck fan. If you don’t have one, stop reading and go grab you one. Seriously. Here is the link

    https://amzn.to/3I9t333

    Now, my vision of visiting Southern Belle Farm involved crisp air, cozy flannels, pumpkin spice everything, and hayrides — because I’m a fall girl through and through. But peaches were in season, and I have to say… it made for a pretty sweet detour.

    🍑 Peach Picking & Petal Snipping

    The farm was in full peach mode — trees heavy with fruit, sun beaming down, and that Southern aroma of summer in the air. My daughters beelined to the peach orchard, ready to fill their bucket with those golden gems straight off the tree. Meanwhile, I wandered off to the flower patch to live my soft life dream of handpicking a bouquet.

    It was giving “Little House on the Prairie” until I was swarmed by bees and butterflies (because duh — flowers). Let’s just say Mother Nature doesn’t play. I may have only clipped a few flowers, but I picked the prettiest ones I could find while dodging bees like I was in the Olympics.

    🐐 The Animal Encounter

    After that, we headed over to the animal area. Goats, cows, donkeys — the whole gang was out. Even in the heat, they were trotting up to say “What’s good?” (or really, “You got snacks?”). My daughter was brave enough to feed them — me, not so much. I just stood back and documented the moment like the proud mama/photographer-in-training I am. Yup, I brought my camera along to practice my shots. Still learning, but I’m loving the journey.

    📸 Family Time & Fresh Finds

    Southern Belle Farm is more than just a cute stop — it’s a slice of Georgia history. This place has been around for generations, bringing families together for fresh food, fun, and that authentic farm feel. From peaches in the summer to pumpkins in the fall, every season brings its own flavor — literally.

    Even though I was melting under the Georgia sun, I truly enjoyed myself. There’s something special about unplugging, picking your own produce, and just spending good ol’ fashioned quality time with family. Will I be back? Oh absolutely — but next time, catch me in boots, a cardigan, and fall leaves crunching under my feet.

    If you’ve never been to Southern Belle Farm, you’re missing out on a Georgia gem. Whether you’re team peach or pumpkin, it’s worth a visit.

    And remember: bring water, wear a hat, and don’t forget that neck fan!

  • A Walk to Clear My Mind at Arabia Mountain

    Yesterday, I decided it was time to get out and get some fresh air, so I made my way back to Arabia Mountain in Georgia. This was actually my second time visiting, and while I’m definitely more of a “walking” girl than a hardcore hiker (if you know, you know — lol), I can never resist a beautiful view.

    The weather was just perfect — warm, but not too hot — and honestly, it came at the right time. I had a lot on my mind and needed some space to think and breathe. Arabia Mountain is one of those places I always see people posting about, and every time I go, I remember why it’s so loved.

    A little fun fact: Arabia Mountain isn’t just a random spot — it’s actually part of a 2,000-acre nature preserve rich with history, unique rock formations, and rare plant life. Walking across its rocky landscape, you can feel a sense of peace and timelessness all around you. It’s like nature’s own therapy session.

    My daughter and I made it a mother-daughter outing, walking and talking the whole time — and those conversations are honestly some of my favorite memories. There’s something about being outside, surrounded by nature, that makes the heart open up a little more.

    If you’re ever in the area and need a peaceful trail, a scenic spot to think, or just want to enjoy a slice of Georgia’s natural beauty, I definitely recommend checking out Arabia Mountain. Whether you’re a casual walker like me or an adventurous hiker, it’s a place that welcomes you just as you are.

  • Snowed In: My Unexpected Overnight Adventure

    Hey everyone,

    Let me tell you about yesterday—it was one for the books! Around 3 p.m., it started snowing here in Georgia, and by the time I got off work at 5, it was coming down hard. I live just 10 to 15 minutes away from work, but traffic was so bad that I ended up stuck in my car all night.

    Thankfully, I had filled up my gas tank that morning and had heat in the car. I also grabbed food from the restaurant where I work before leaving, which turned out to be a blessing. Still, being stuck for hours gave me so much to think about. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the truck drivers on the road and, especially, for those without shelter. I can’t imagine what they go through on nights like this.

    At one point, I thought about walking home—it’s not far—but it was dark, cold, and icy. Instead, I stayed in the car, turning it on and off to conserve gas while keeping warm. I had two phones with me, and while one died, the other stayed fully charged thanks to my car charger.

    All I could do was pray. I prayed for safety, for people not to wreck, and for the night to pass. I dozed off here and there, and when morning finally came, the sun brought a little relief. But I really needed to use the bathroom, so I decided to walk home. It took me about 35 to 40 minutes because I had to take it slow on the icy roads, but I made it. By the time I walked in, I was frozen to the bone.

    The heat in my house felt like the greatest gift ever. I took a two-hour nap to recover before a friend came to help me retrieve my car.

    Looking back, I’m just so grateful. Things could have been so much worse, and I’m thankful for the people who checked on me throughout the night. This experience reminded me not to take little things like gas, heat, and shelter for granted.

    For those reading this, if it snows, please get home as quickly and safely as possible. And let’s remember to keep others—especially those without shelter—in our thoughts and prayers.

    Stay safe and warm, and thanks for following my journey.

    – Cece

  • EggRoll Boyz

    EggRoll Boyz

    By: Cece Hymes

    Had a chance to go check this restaurant out. It was really nice. The food was really good. I definitely would recommend it to everyone.  I had the Philly Boyz Full with the cheesy boy Fryz. I love trying out new places and new foods. This place is located in Alpharetta GA.

    A little about them is they are a local multicultural group of chefs, foodies and explorers. Their Eggrollz are inspired by their travels across the globe. Bursting with flavor, some familiar, and some exotic.

    Here are some pics, make sure to check them out if you are in the Atlanta area. Shout out to Maleeka Holloway for the invite. You are awesome and doing great things. Keep up the good work and hope 2023 be the best year ever.

     

    Make sure to follow me @cece.atl 

  • Chick’ nCone Alpharetta GA

    Do you love waffle cones and chicken? Head here immediately and enjoy the scenery ! It was quite an experience. This is the place to be for something different. Check out @chicknconealpharetta . The sauce is Amazing #foodforthought #foodies #foodblog #atlanta #atlantaeats #atlantafoodies #exploreatl #exploregeorgia #atlantarestaurants #atlantabloggers #chickncone #motheranddaughterinthecity https://www.instagram.com/reel/CdbMUvcAIzK/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=

  • Mary’s Mac in Atlanta GA

    Place: Mary’s Mac in Atlanta Ga

    By: Cece Hymes

    I have been to this place a couple of times. I love their food. This is a place where you can eat some good soul food. I got some ribs. Now these ribs were finger licking good. I love their sweet potatoes. Atlanta has some great restaurants.

    Mary’s Mac has been open since 1945 it has sixteen tea rooms. Mary Mac’s attracts different crowds. A lot of tourists go to this restaurant. This place has people from all over the world from different cultures coming to visit this good soul food place.

    Make sure to check it out. Here is a picture.