And now that I’ve spent 7 full days in Miami alongside my hubby, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised! We both really liked Miami even though it is indeed an expensive and flashy city. The beaches were gorgeous, the colorful street art was a dream to explore, and the strong Cuban influence felt like we had transported to another country. I can see why it’s a go-to city for some fun in the sun!

If you’re looking for a warm-weather getaway this winter, then Miami is a solid suggestion. Here are my top things to do in Miami in the winter. 

Things to Do in Miami in the Winter

Getting There & Getting Around

Since Miami is a major city, it is quite easy to get too. You can opt to fly directly into Miami International Airport (MIA) or save a few coins by flying into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). While MIA will put you closer to town, FLL is typically cheaper and less crowded compared to MIA. I saved almost $800 by flying into FLL instead of MIA when Nci and I flew to Miami in December. A quick 30-minute drive in a rental car or Uber ride will get you right into the heart of the city if there is no traffic. The Tri-Rail or Brightline train systems are also an option if you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly.

Rent a car or not to rent a car? Nci and I almost always rent a car when we travel as we like to be able to pick up and go as we please. But Miami is a city where you could go without a rental car unless you are planning to take a road trip to the Florida Keys or your activities are far away from each other. Parking can get expensive in Miami depending on the area, but I didn’t find it unreasonable or difficult to find parking the entire time we were there. Keep in mind if you stay at a hotel, you’ll likely have to pay for valet parking, which can quickly rack up some $$$.

Where to Stay in Miami

You’ll find a plethora of hotels to choose from in Miami, and honestly, I have no opinion on any of them at the moment. We opted to stay in an Airbnb that was a short 10-20 minute from all of the major attractions. If you want to stay at the same one as us, here is the property: Luxury Loft – Calle Ocho, Miami Beach & Wynwood

The place was perfect! It was in a quiet neighborhood and close to everything we wanted to see. The spiral staircase was a bit tricky to navigate but you get used to it after a while. Plus, this rental has free parking right out front so there’s no need to lug your bags across town.

As with any major city, crime can be a big problem in Miami. When I was researching the safest neighborhoods to stay in Miami, I found this super helpful map that someone created that shows you the safest areas and the not so safe areas. I found that it was quite accurate especially as you to start to visit the different neighborhoods around Miami.

The next time we stay in Miami, I think we may opt to stay in/near Mid Beach since I love being right next to the water. Mid Beach is typically less crowded and is more residential compared to South Beach although you are a short drive to some great restaurants and nightlife. Other areas I would suggest are Coral Gables and Brickell.

Things to Do in Miami

Rent jet skis

Did you really go to Miami if you didn’t participate in some sort of water activity? I’m kidding – kind of! But it is a good excuse to give jet skis a try if you’re interested. We booked our experience with Jet Ski 305 through Groupon. Even though I was terrified at first, it was an absolute blast! They give you a tutorial on how to use the jet skis, and then you’re on your way!

Personal tip: leave anything you care about at home including expensive sunglasses, shoes, hats, and even your phones! Jet Ski 305 has a place where you can store your valuables while you’re jet skiing in case you forget. Otherwise, I promise you will not see it again.

Go shopping 

Besides the infamous South Beach, Miami is also known for its wide selection of shopping. If you’re looking for a high-end experience, browse Miami Design District or Cocowalk. Miami also has a Primark near the FLL airport, which I was most excited about! 

Splurge on a couple massage

If you have a little extra time on your hands, I always suggest booking a self-care activity like getting a massage or a facial. Our day-to-day lives can be so hectic that it can be easy to forget to take a break and do something just for yourself. And a great massage is the perfect activity!

When we visited in December, we got our first couples massage to celebrate our birthdays, and it was a lovely experience to bring in a new year together.

Visit the beach

One of our favorite things to do in Miami in December is visit the beach! There is no shortage of amazing beaches around Miami. Some of the top contenders are South Beach (if you want a party vibe), Sunny Isles Beach, Surfside Beach, and Historic Virginia Key Beach. Before heading to the beach, make sure to throw some sunscreen into your bag. My favorites are Black Girl Sunscreen (for the body) and the Supergoop Glow Screen (for the face).

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

No visit to Miami is complete without a visit to Vizcaya Mansion. Designed to look like a modern, subtropical Italian villa, this historic landmark provides a glimpse at life during the Gilded Age and the humble beginnings of Miami. Both the villa and gardens are absolutely beautiful. Since we visited in December, the flowers were not in bloom, but it was still very beautiful. Make sure to bring your walking shoes as this 50-acres estate has a lot of ground for you to cover!

Walk around the Fairchild Botanical Gardens

If you’re visiting Miami during the winter months, make sure to check out the NightGarden, an award-winning light show. From November 11^th to January 8^th, the Fairchild Botanical Gardens is transformed into an illuminated magical fairytale. Inside, you’ll find unique interaction sculptures, music, and technicolor flowers. Great for both adults and the kiddos.

Go mural hopping in Wynwood

One of the best things to do in Miami in December (or really any time!) is to walk around Wynwood and view all of the amazing street art. Wynwood has the biggest collection of street art in the United States. Literally, almost every building in this part of town has some sort of mural or artwork on it!

To get the most out of your time in Wynwood, I recommend booking a walking or golf cart tour. The neighborhood is so big, and there is a lot of history behind the art in Wynwood that you would miss if you don’t take a tour of some kind. We booked ours with Wynwood Art Walk Tours. We loved learning about the street culture and the individual artists/groups that you’ll find in Wynwood.

Be a kid again at Superblue

Just a short drive from Wynwood, you’ll stumble upon Superblue, an immersive art museum. Inside you’ll be able to interact with the art around you to create a beautiful masterpiece. What makes this experience so unique is that instead of just looking at art on the wall like a typical museum, you get to walk through and interact with each installation from making flowers bloom to touching clouds. It’s a must see while visiting Miami!

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science  

If you need a break from the Miami heat, stop by the Frost Science Museum, which is home to an aquarium, planetarium, and several exhibitions. Inside, you can explore and learn about South Florida’s aquatic ecosystems, the physics of light, aviation, and so much more. There’s an impressive view of the aquarium from below that is a common Instagram photo op.

Boat tour to see Millionaire’s Row

Another fun activity to do in Miami is taking a boat tour to see Millionaire’s Row. Departing from Biscayne Bay, you’ll see some of your favorite celebrities and other millionaires’ homes on the water including Rihanna and Shaq. It was quite inspirational to see Millionaires’ Row as many of the homes are not owned by celebrities, which is just a reminder that anything is possible.

Where to Eat & Drink

Miami is a huge city, and it was pretty daunting strolling through Yelp trying to find the best places to eat in town. But we did find quite a few places that made us smile and kept our bellies full.

Le Chick: Le Chick is an upscale restaurant that serves comfort food and craft cocktails. Out of all of the places that we ate in Miami, Le Chick is by far our favorite. Everything that we ate was delicious, and it’s a great place for a celebration. Reservations are encouraged but not required.

Loretta & The Butcher: If you’re craving Argentinian food or wanting to try something new, Loretta & The Butcher is your spot. Great food, solid prices, and loved the more upscale vibe.

Ms Cheezious: Craving a delicious grilled cheese? Then Ms Cheezious is the perfect place for you! They offer gourmet grilled cheeses, burgers, yummy mac and cheese, and handspun milkshakes.

Bacon Bitch: If you’re looking for a restaurant for a girl’s trip with a bumpin’ soundtrack playing at all times, then you’ll love this restaurant. Bacon Bitch is a brunch (more like a brunch party!) spot that serves comfort food like chicken and waffles and yummy frozen cocktails. Highly recommend the Miami frozen cocktail!

World Famous House of Mac: A small chain in the Miami area that serves comfort food, including gourmet mac and cheese, fried chicken, and jerk pasta. Great place to grab a quick bite to eat!

Other places that came recommended:

• Honey Uninhibited
• Kush
• The Salty Donut
• Yardbird Table & Bar
• Café Bastille
• Red Rooster Overtown

While Miami is known for its nightlife and crazy parties, it can be a great vacation spot for couples or solo travelers who aren’t into the party scene. I hope that this Miami travel guide was helpful or inspirational as you start to plan your own Miami vacation!

You may also like: Johannesburg Travel Guide, Weekend in Tampa, Florida, and Savannah, GA Travel Guide

The post Winter Getaway: Things to Do in Miami appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

There’s so much to do in Tampa that you can barely scratch the surface in a weekend, but you can most definitely try and enjoy everything that the city has to offer. In this post, I’m dishing out the best things to do in Tampa, Florida for a weekend getaway. Get ready for plenty of food options, adventures, and travel tips.

How to Get to Tampa + Transportation

Nci and I flew down to Tampa in our own airplane (named Phoenix because of her paint job), and the flight was around 3-4 hours due to a high head wind slowing us down. If you don’t have your own airplane, Tampa is right on the Gulf side of Florida and is only a few hours’ drive from Orlando. It’s also right next door to St. Petersburg so you have plenty of options to drive or fly into Tampa.

If you’re staying in the Downtown area, then you may be able to get away with just walking or using local transportation to get around. Since I tend to not have a plan when we travel, I always rent a car to make sure we can get to all of the destinations that may be a little too far to walk comfortably.

What to Wear

Tampa, Florida is known for its amazing weather all year around. The only thing that you have to worry about is the humidity, which can be intense during rainy periods or in the summer months. Plan on bringing plenty of lightweight clothes, swimsuits, a light jacket, an umbrella, sunscreen, and a sun hat. 

Things to Do in Tampa, Florida

Shop at Hyde Park Village

You can’t spend the weekend in Tampa without doing a little bit of shopping. Hyde Park Village is an outdoor shopping experience that includes 6 city blocks of restaurants and shops. While walking around, you’ll find plenty of Instagram-able photo ops so be sure to wear an outfit to walk and take photos in. You’ll find well-known stores, such as Anthropologie and Lululemon, and plenty of local owned businesses to browse.

Explore YBOR City

Marked as a National Historic Landmark District, YBOR City is a historic neighborhood located just outside of the downtown area. The area is named after Vicente Martinez e Ybor who founded his cigar company in the area.

To see the best of YBOR city, you can take a walking tour to learn more about the history of the Cuban influences in the area. If you decide to explore on your own, then be sure to stroll down 7^th Avenue, which is filled with shops, foods, and plenty of clubs for the nightlife.

Walk around Tampa Riverwalk

Nothing screams more Florida like a beautiful waterfront view. The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.4 mile walkable, bikable path along the Hillsborough River. You could easily spend the day exploring everything that is connected to the Riverwalk from the children’s museum, aquarium, history center, and even the cruise ship terminal. Many athletes and exercise enthusiasts use the Riverwalk as a running or bicycling path so be mindful of others when taking a casual stroll down the river.

Take a salsa class at Salsa Caliente Dance Studio

Within the Tampa community, many Hispanic cultures helped shaped the community to what you see today, and of course dance is also important part of that culture. Learn a new skill during your weekend trip in Tampa by learning how to salsa dance. It’s an easy way to have fun, meet some new friends in a new city, and to shake off some calories while having the time of your life. Salsa Caliente Dance Studio is a popular dance studio in the bay area and offers different classes depending on your prior skill level. 

Things to Do in St. Petersburg Florida

If you’re visiting Tampa, then you may be hard to resist stopping by St. Petersburg too. Just one bridge away, you can take a peek of what the neighborhooding city has to offer.

Visit Fairgrounds St. Pete

I’ve always wanted to go to an interactive art museum, and St. Pete just got its own version with Fairgrounds. It’s an indoor, interactive, immersive art museum that combines art and technology to create a unique experience for the whole family. Every exhibit showcased in the museum is created by local artists, who continue to earn commission while their art is displayed, which is pretty awesome. You can buy tickets online or at the booth once you arrive.

Take a glass blowing class at Zen Glass Studios

During your weekend in Tampa/St. Pete, be sure to book a class with Zen Glass Studios to take one of their unique glass blowing classes. They offer classes, workshops, and even private classes for individuals to make their own ornament, pint glasses, or paperweights. The best part about exploring a new city is the chance to learn something new and do something exciting, which I think glass blowing fits the bill perfectly.

Weedon Island

Want to take a stroll through a nature preserve? Located on Tampa Bay, Weedon Island has plenty of natural trails to explore and to view the coastline. You can also go fishing, go birding, and kayaking if you want to be a bit more active. Keep your eyes peeled for turtles and other wildlife on your journey.

Sunken Gardens

Sunken Gardens is a slice of botanical paradise set in the middle of a bustling city. As St. Pete’s oldest living museum, you can expect to see 50,000 tropical plants and flowers, waterfalls, and a flock of flamingos on display for all to enjoy. This botanical garden is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region. Expect plenty of walking while enjoying the sites within the gardens.

What to Eat and Drink

King of the Coop

If I had to name my favorite place to eat in Tampa, then King of the Coop has to be my number one on my list. It’s Tampa’s First Nashville Hot Chicken, and it’s been a winner for the best fried chicken a few years in a row. Regardless of if you like your fried chicken extra hot or mild, you can find the most flavorful fried chicken here. I’m obsessed with their mac and cheese bowl that comes with their chicken – chiefs kisses!

Mandarin Heights

This mid-century, Instagram-able bar came highly recommended on TikTok and Instagram when I was researching things to do in the Tampa area. It was definitely a vibe and a cool place to grab drinks and just hang out. Nci and I got a few different drinks between us, and my favorite by far was the LAAIDDD BACCCKKKK. It was sweet and not overpowering at all.

Cake Drip

Located in Hyde Park Village, Cake Drip is one a kind dessert boutique where you get the chance to decorate your own dessert. From cakes, chocolate bars, and even holiday specials, you can bring your dessert visions to life and try your hand at decorating. You have to have a reservation to attend, but it looks like a fun way to spend an evening plus you get to walk away with a sweet treat.

Dough

As seen on HGTV, Southern Living, Bravo, USA Today, and so many more, Dough is a local quirky bakery, creamery, and coffeehouse that is known for their amazing donuts and boozy drinks. The donuts are so large, fluffy, and so good! We forgot to come back to try out more of their desserts, but I’m definitely making a trip to come back to try more on the menu.

Oh Yea Creamery

Get ready to be spoiled for choice when it comes to flavoring your ice cream. Oh Yea Creamery is a create your own soft service ice cream where you can add a variety of mix ins to your ice cream to create the flavor of your dreams. Don’t worry – they also offer premade selections in case you can’t figure out what you want. The mix in options are bountiful.

Ella’s

Located a few minutes from Downtown Tampa, Ella’s is an American restaurant that features a wild variety of drinks, live music, and plenty of art to view. From pork chops, pizzas, and chicken n waffles, there’s a variety of options to choose from. They even have a BBQ Sundays if you’re looking for a BBQ option during your weekend trip.

Bake’n Babes

Bake’n Babes is a local bakery that specializes in cookies, brownies, and over the top milkshakes. Voted as “Best Local Cookie”, it’s only makes sense to stop by and grab one (or a dozen) for the road.

You may also enjoy: Savannah GA Travel Guide: Weekend Edition, How We Bought An Airplane in Our 20s, and 12 Instagram-able murals in Charlotte, NC

The post How to Spend the Weekend in Tampa Florida appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

Our first stop was Savannah, Georgia. Once we landed Saturday afternoon, we only had 24 hours in the southern city to see the sites and to eat to our heart’s content. Here are my recommendations for things to do in Savannah if you’re on a time crunch like we were.

Day One

DINNER

After we touched down at Savannah Airport, we picked up our rental car and made a beeline to Oak 36 Bar and Kitchen for an early dinner. On our trips, we typically find our food stops by reading reviews on Yelp and finding a spot that fits what we are looking for in the moment. Let me just say – this restaurant has the best chicken and waffles. The waffle is more of a Belgian style so it’s not as fluffy as a traditional American waffle. It’s honestly so much better, and we’ll definitely be flying in just for this next time. The drinks were also divine!

LATE NIGHT SNACK

After we were stuffed with great food and drinks, we checked into our hotel and took a quick nap before heading back out on the town to grab ice cream at Leopold’s. This ice cream parlor was started in 1919 and holds the title as One of the Top 10 Ice Cream Parlors in the world. With a title like that, it’s a go to stop if you’re sightseeing in Savannah. It’s a very popular place for obvious reasons so expect a line when you go.

Day Two

BREAKFAST

After scrolling through Yelp for breakfast recommendations, I ended landing on Mirabelle Savannah, a super cute breakfast and coffee shop. I ended up getting the original waffle with a cup of hot chocolate while Nci got a latte. I have to be honest – the food was alright for me. If you’re going to stop by, I’d say stick with the sandwiches and the drinks.

CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

The great part though about Mirabelle is the location! It’s right across the street from the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist so you can walk across the street and take a peek inside after your meal. Unfortunately, they were having church service when we grabbed breakfast, so we didn’t get a chance to view the inside of the church, but I heard that it has a stunning view.

JONES STREET AND FORSYTH PARK

Afterwards, we headed to Jones Street and Forsyth Park, two locations that came highly recommended. Jones Street is said to be Savannah’s prettiest street with gorgeous historic homes nestled on both sides. One of our favorite pastimes to do together as a couple is to walk around a neighborhood and look at all of the beautiful homes. This street did not disappoint, and the fall weather makes it a perfect place for a fall stroll.

Forsyth Park holds Savannah’s most famous fountain and it’s a common recommendation in many of Savannah’s travel guides – for good reason by the way. Between the oak trees covered in gorgeous Spanish Moss to the striking fountain, it’s the perfect hang out spot to roller blade, play with the pups, and to have a picnic. I definitely regret not bringing a quick meal and our picnic basket, so we could’ve enjoyed the park even more. Definitely next time for sure.

What’s a day in the new city if you don’t stop to shop a little? We headed to River Street to check out some of the cute shops and to relax next to the water. Per usual, we found a cute candy store where we stuffed our bags with some goodies and grabbed some of the best cookies at Byrd’s Famous Cookies.

DINNER

Located right next to E Broughton Street (a street filled with plenty of shopping), Tequila’s Town came highly recommended for anyone looking to grab Mexican food while in town. It did not disappoint and if you go, you definitely need to grab a frozen margarita and the churros. They were my favorite part of my meal by far. Nci didn’t get to share in the experience as it was fully stuffed from his meal, which tasted delicious. 

With full bellies, we headed back to the airport to pick up our plane and flew back home! We learned so much from our first trip flying together, and we can’t wait to share more behind the scenes with you all – hopefully very soon!

The post Savannah, GA Travel Guide: The Weekend Edition appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

Known as the “city of gold”, Johannesburg remains the financial capital of South Africa and offers a wide variety of activities to explore. Nci and I spent 15 days visiting his family and exploring the city to our heart’s content, and I can happily say that South Africa will be on my list to visit once again. To share our travel adventures, I have rounded up some of the best places to eat and things to do in Johannesburg.

How to Get to Johannesburg

Like I mentioned earlier, Johannesburg has a major airport called OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) where you’ll find the majority of flights traveling to South Africa come through. The other major airport in the country is Cape Town International Airport (CPT), but I find that it’s cheaper to fly directly into Johannesburg.

Depending on the season, you can expect to find flights ranging from $850 to $1500 round trip. To find the cheapest flights, I like using SkyScanner. Think of it like a flight search engine where it scans hundreds of websites to find the best ones based on your requirements.

Where to Stay & Getting Around

The best and easiest way to get around the city is by a rental car. As long as you stay in the city or on major roads, the roads are in pretty good condition. In South Africa, all of the road signs are in English, and the only big difference in terms of driving is that they drive on the left side. Also for any Americans reading this guide, South African drivers are so nice and polite! America could never haha.

Before renting a car, you’ll want to make you have a big enough limit on your credit card to handle the full cost of the rental car, including the security deposit. For our trip we paid less than $400 for a rental car for two weeks, but the security deposit was close to $1300.

Things to Do in Johannesburg

Hidden within the big city, you’ll find plenty of art scenes, historical sites, and some great views of the city. If you only have a few days in the City of Gold, choose a few items on the list that float your boat and enjoy your time to the fullest!

Apartheid Museum

One of the first things that I think any traveler, young or old, should do when visiting South Africa is to stop at the Apartheid Museum. It’s a must-see experience to really get a better picture and understanding of the history of the country. It’s definitely not an easy or happy experience, but a necessary one. The museum highlights the rise and fall of the white minority rule, or better known as apartheid. In the museum, you can find informative, graphic exhibits, bone- chilling footage, and other historical artifacts.

Due to COVID, the museum has been closed for almost a year now due to highly reduced levels of tourists and lack of school visits. Hopefully the museum will be open soon, and travelers can once again visit the museum.

Cradle of Humankind

Internationally recognized as being the place where humankind began, the Cradle of Humankind is a region in South Africa where 40% of fossils have been found. If you’re looking to learn more about the discoveries found in this area, then make a stop at Maropeng Visitor Center in the area. You may even catch a glimpse of the famous fossils, “Mrs Ples” and “Little Foot” who were discovered in the area. 

Sterkfontein Caves

Less than 15 minutes away is the entrance to one of the thirteen active excavation called Sterkfontein Caves. This cave system is world famous for their fossils finds, including “Mrs Ples” and “Little Foot” who were both discovered in the cave system. To learn more about the historical area and the caves, you can book a tour through the caves. Before or after your adventure, you can eat at the restaurant or roam through the museum that is a part of the main building/entrance.

Be aware that is cave system is not for the weak hearted and is a lot of fun. It is still an active archaeological site so you may catch a glimpse of researchers digging in the background if you’re lucky. If you’re planning on doing Maropeng and the Sterkfontein caves in the same day, then I would recommend giving yourself at least 2 hours at the caves. The tour itself is a little over an hour and you’ll want to give yourself a little extra time to explore the museum and travel to Maropeng without rushing. 

Visit a Market

For those that like to shop ‘til you drop, you’ll want to check out a market or a few while you’re in town as Joburg has some of the best shopping.  Here are some of the markets that I recommend for different days of the week:

Fourways Farmer Market

Named as the prettiest market in Joburg, you’ll find this market bustling with visitors every weekend. It stays pretty busy and for good reasons. You’ll find a diverse range of food options and plenty of local artisans selling their unique goods. This farmers market is located right next to the Reserve Lake and a hiking trail. If you’re not super into hiking and are just looking for a stroll through the grasslands, then this is your trail.

Rosebank Sunday Market

Just like the name suggests, the Rosebank Sunday Market only operates on Sunday, and it’s located inside a shopping center’s parking lot. There are signs pointing you to the right floor of the parking lot in case you get a little lost like we did. At this market, you’ll find a mix of local small businesses stalls, flea market stands, and plenty of good food.

NeighbourGoods Market

We didn’t get a chance to stop at this market while we were in town, but from what I hear from the locals is that it’s a good one to visit. It only operates on Saturdays in the morning, regardless of the weather. Be ready to eat until your heart is content and your bag is filled with local goods that you definitely need.

Market on Main

Located in the artsy Maboneng precinct, Market on Main market is a mainstay in the area where you can find food, live music, and plenty of unique products. It’s considered one of the trendiest markets in Joburg. This market only operates on Sunday, and it’s currently closed due to COVID. Hopefully once the world returns to normal, Market On Main will be back better than ever.

Soweto

Short for South-Western Township, Soweto is a black urban settlement that was created during the apartheid era. The settlement was created by the white-run government to separate the blacks from the whites. The most famous location in Soweto that tourist like to see is Vilakazi Street, where Nelson Mandela used to live. His home is now a museum for tourists to explore and to learn more about the country’s painful history.

To see the Soweto Tours or Soweto, I would recommend going with a guided tour than by yourself. Wear plain clothes and no flashy jewelry if you do decide to venture to the area alone or with a small group. 

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens

After seeing the popular waterfall on Instagram, I knew I had to add this destination to my list of things to do in Johannesburg. As one of the best escapes from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can stroll through the peaceful gardens, have a picnic, and take pictures of the hundreds of plants found in the gardens. On top of the waterfall, there is a pair of Verreaux eagles that you may be lucky enough to spot during your visit. 

Harties Aerial Cableway

About 45 minutes away from Johannesburg, taking a trip to Hartbeespoort makes for a great day trip! The Harties Aerial Cableway is a cableway that takes visitors up to the top of Magaliesberg and offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas below. Once you reach the top, you’ll can walk along the Dassie Loop, an easy walking path that is dotted with educational signs. You’ll also find a restaurant, Kid Zone, pizza shack, and an ice cream stand if you’re feeling munchy while you take in the beautiful views. 

Harties Dam

From the top of the Harties Aerial cableway, you might’ve been able to see the Harties Dam in the distance. If not, no worries it’s only an extra ten minutes drive up the road to get up close and personal with the dam. Enjoy a casual stroll across the dam or get adventurous with the multiple water activities that are offered such as parasailing, jet skiing, and even windsurfing.

Lion & Safari Park

Can’t make it to a regular safari on your trip to South Africa? Safaris can be expensive, long, and usually require a longer drive to the big national parks. Since Nci and I didn’t have time to do a safari during our trip, we decided to stop by the Lion & Safari Park, a great safari style alternative. It’s located in the same area as the Cradle of Humankind, the Harties Aerial Cableway, and the Harties Dam.

To see the park, you have a few different options such as the self drive, 1.5 hour safari ride, and the 3 hour one. I highly recommend the 3 hour one because you get a longer time seeing the animals and get the chance to see more of the park. You can also add on a cheetah and club interaction to your tour, but this wasn’t available when we went during COVID.

NorthCliff Ridge Eco Park

Want to get a 360 view of Johannesburg on a relaxing day out on the town? Stop by NorthCliff Ridge Eco Park, a mountaintop park which has the best views of the city especially at sunset.

A popular park by the locals, you can expect to see a crowd around peak hours such as sunrise and sunset, but don’t let that discourage from catching the view.

Where to Eat in Johannesburg

Surprisedly we stay almost on budget when it came to food. The day of arriving to our Airbnb, we went straight to the grocery store to pick up the necessities. Woolworth is the superior grocery store in South Africa (for my American followers think of it like the better mix of Trader Joes and a Target) – highly recommend checking it out. Otherwise we ate out a few times during our trip and here are our favorites spots: 

Salvation Café

A city favorite is Salvation Café, a gem hidden within 44 Stanley. This café is the perfect spot for brunch and lunch, solo or with a group of friends. Nci and I stopped by this spot to meet up with a friend, and we thoroughly enjoyed our food. Highly recommend the pancakes if you’re like me and have a sweet tooth early in the morning.

Mug & Bean

Fight me if you want to, but Mug & Bean is so much better than Starbucks. Similar to Starbucks in the US, Mug & Bean can be found on just about every corner, mall, or gas station in South Africa. From breakfast to lunch to dessert, you really can’t go around with any of the menu options. I stopped by multiple times when we were visiting, and I have no regrets whatsoever.

Anti Social Social Club

The Anti Social Social Club is a trendy, Asian-inspired restaurant that is located on Melville’s popular 7^thStreet. Grab some delicious food and even better tropical drinks at this popular restaurant. With the colorful lights and background, it’s a great place to snap a photo or two for Instagram.

Ocean Basket

You don’t have to go to the coast to get some amazing seafood in South Africa, you can find it at a local restaurant called Ocean Basket. This lovely establishment serves Mediterranean inspired dishes such as calamari, sushi, and plenty of cooked fish options. It’s a little on the expensive side compared to the other places in this guide, but it’s totally worth it.

Schwabinger Stuben

Schwabinger Stuben is a casual dining restaurant located in Ranburg, and the closest thing you’ll get to traditional German food in Johannesburg. I have to admit that I can never get over the taste of some good quality German food. While this place isn’t super traditional in terms of their offerings, its pretty close and pretty good too.

News Café

News Café is a local bar and restaurant that has both outdoor and inside seating. The indoor lounge has a dress code, but you can wear whatever you want for the outdoor area. From the drinks to the delicious food, it’s a must go for a lunch or dinner date. We ate here three different times on our trip, and we enjoyed it every single time. Our favs were the Thirsty B*tch cocktail and the lamb chops.

Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream

Want to grab some dessert after a delicious meal? Head on over to Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream for the best and trendiest ice cream in town. When Nci and I went, I grabbed the Choc Nutella Prep phic stick, ice cream on a stick with a hard chocolate outer layer, and a tub of the vegan dark chocolate. Both were delicious. They switch out their flavors pretty regularly so watch out for your new favorites.

Johannesburg is an essential stop of any South African trip and it’s easily a town that I would visit again. If you have any other tips or recommendations for a Johannesburg itinerary, leave a comment below. I’m looking forward to my next trip to South Africa! 

You may also like: How We Bought An Airplane in Our 20s and Weekend Guide in Wilmington, NC

The post Johannesburg Travel Guide: Things to Do & Where to Eat appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

The process of buying an airplane

Just like with any big purchase, there are loans that you can get and apply for that are specific to aircraft ownership. The good thing about an aircraft loan is the fact that they take into account your debt-to-income ratio on a monthly basis, any other long term loans you may have, and income before taxes. For Titi and I, we both work full time jobs and don’t have a ton of debt on our plates thankfully.

Once you’ve secured the pre-approval loan, you can start shopping around for airplanes that are within your budget and has everything you’re looking for. We opt to go for a slightly bigger aircraft because we wanted to be able to bring our future kids along for our adventures in the future. Just remember that you want to buy an airplane that fits your needs most commonly. What I mean by that if you are mainly using the aircraft for yourself and your partner, then you don’t need to buy an aircraft that fits your entire family of 12. Buy what you need and rent an airplane in the future if you need something larger for a special occasion.

I will say that airplanes sales move relatively fast. Every time we thought we found the one, it got sold so fast. Be ready to have your heart let down a few times before you secure one that works for what you want and what the bank wants (because they have their own criteria for the purchase).  

Commonly Asked Questions

What airplane did you end up buying?

She’s a 1966 Mooney M20C!

How much should you expect to put down for an airplane?

You should expect to save anywhere from 10-20% of the total cost of the plane. You’ll also want to factor in other costs that come up when buying an airplane such as an inspection cost, travel cost getting the plane to an airport near you, maintenance, storage, and other hidden costs.

Why did you buy an airplane?

The main reason that we bought an airplane is because Titi is heading back to school to become a pilot. As you can imagine, pilot school is quite expensive, and it ends up being cheaper if you own your own aircraft instead of using the school’s airplanes. With this route though, we’ll also be using the airplane to travel and see the world!

How fast does the airplane that you bought go?

Up to 200 mph with a tailwind (which means that the wind is helping push the airplane forward)

How much is the monthly payment for your aircraft?

Without going into anything specific, our payment is less than the average new car payment plus insurance.

Where do you store the plane when not in use?

Firstly, it lives at a local airport in the area where you can either pay for a hanger (more costly) and a tie down, which is exactly what it sounds. The tie down option is cheaper, but the plane is outside in the elements every single day. Depending on the airport, there may be a waitlist to get a hanger so be prepared for that. The airport that we are using has a 3 year waiting list so we didn’t have a choice and opted for the tie down option.

Can you just take off and go where you want to or do you have to plan ahead?

Nope, you can literally head straight to the airport, hop in your plane, and go wherever your heart desires. Want to head to the beach for the weekend? Sure thing. Want to head to SC for your favorite restaurant for lunch? Yep you can do that too. Having your own airplane really opens up the doors to so many adventures and luxuries.

You may also like: Things to Do in Richmond, VA and A Weekend at the Duke Mansion

The post How We Bought An Airplane in Our 20s appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

We actually discovered Richmond when we were traveling through the city when I had to take one of my board exams in Massachusetts this past summer. We stopped to get food before heading on our way, and we wanted to come back when we could truly explore the city.

Are you thinking about booking a trip to Richmond in the upcoming months? Here’s everything that you need to know before you plan your trip.

GETTING TO RVA DURING COVID-19

I don’t think that I mentioned this in my last travel post, but before you head anywhere during COVID-19, definitely read up on your destination’s travel recommendations before booking anything for your trip. All of the states have their own board of health website that will outline everything that you need to know.

At the moment (at the time that I’m writing this), Virginia doesn’t have any quarantine requirements for domestic or international travelers. But masks are required for any person over the age of 5 while indoors and outdoors (when social distancing isn’t possible). I will say pretty much everywhere we went required masks to be worn, indoors and outdoors unless you were sitting down eating or drinking.

GETTING AROUND TOWN

Richmond was roughly a 4-hour drive from Charlotte, North Carolina. But if you are coming from further away, Richmond does have two airports (one of such is international) that are operating flights daily.

I would recommend bringing your own car or renting one (beside the obvious safety reasons), I found that most places that we wanted to see were 10-15 minutes away from each other. And Richmond can be pretty cold during the winter months, so you do not want to walk everywhere or wait around for another mode of transportation to arrive.

WHAT TO WEAR

Since Richmond is right alongside a large river, the temperatures can definitely lean on the colder/chilly side in December. We got plenty of wind the weekend that we came down that kept my ankles freezing the entire weekend. Highly recommend bringing plenty of layers and warm coats if you’re coming to Richmond during the winter months.

THINGS TO DO IN RICHMOND (SOCIAL DISTANCE FRIENDLY)

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: I’m normally not super into museums, but I’m glad that I followed the hype and book us a trip to the VMFA. The museum has an extensive permanent collection, and they also have some of the best special exhibits throughout the year. Right now, they have the Treasures of Ancient Egypt: Sunken Cities, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I love learning about mythology and Egyptian history, so it was really interesting to see the items that archaeologists found in the ocean hidden underneath the sand. The special exhibits change up regularly so keep an idea out for them, if it’s something that you’re interested in.

Carytown: Another popular destination that came highly recommend was the Carytown shopping district. The district bustles with plenty of locally owned restaurants, spas and hair salons, and shops selling everything that you could need. Our favorite was Mongrel, which is a gift shop where you can find a gift for anyone on your list. Some of the food recommendations down below were in Carytown as well.

Belle Isle Pedestrian Bridge: Let me tell you a full little story about our adventure getting to this bridge…I originally was trying to find the James River Park Pipeline Walkway, but whatever address I put into my GPS took us to Belle Isle looking for this bridge. After asking a few people that were hiking about how to find this bridge, we ended up at the Belle Isle Pedestrian Bridge instead of the original bridge that I had planned. Oh well! After a mile hike across this island, we found the Belle Isle Pedestrian bridge, which is a suspension bridge that runs right under Lee Bridge. From the bridge, you can see the skyline of Richmond and the Hollywood Cemetery.

Byrd Theatre: Unfortunately right now, Byrd Theatre wasn’t open completely due to the pandemic, but if you come afterwards, it’s a great theater to catch some cheap flicks while also seeing a national and state landmark. If you want to support the theater during the pandemic, you can book a private movie showing or watch the movies online from the comforts of your own home.

Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights (Nov-Jan): The best part of the trip was by far seeing the lights and decorations at the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights. You walk through this amazing display of Christmas lights throughout the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens under a crystal clear sky. Absolutely breathtaking! Some of the displays are even designed into different forms, such as giant flowers, animals, your favorite childhood characters like the minions, and more. They did have to eliminate some of the activities due to COVID-19, but I’m sure they’ll be back once everything goes back to normal.

Murals Galore: If you love mural hunting, then you’ll be obsessed with Richmond. I thought Charlotte had a ton of murals, but Richmond definitely won by a landslide. There are murals in every nook and cranny of the city. From murals wrapped around entire businesses to smaller murals inside of the buildings, they are everywhere.

WHERE TO STAY

Embassy Suites by Hilton Richmond: The hotel that we actually ended up staying with is the Embassy Suites, which is located in the West End area. It is an upscale all-suite hotel that comes with a separate living room, kitchenettes, and commentary breakfast. The hotel rooms were really nice, and they did a great job of making us feel safe during our travels. For the commentary breakfast, only one patron was allowed at a time to get breakfast before heading back to your hotel room to enjoy.

For those that are tech savy, Hilton has this super handy app that allows you to check in and check out of your room without coming into contact with anyone. It was very easy to use and such a wonderful tool to have during COVID-19.  

Graduate Richmond: This pet-friendly hotel is nestled in the historic Monroe Ward neighborhood, and it’s steps away from great food, shopping, and VCU campus. The cool thing about this hotel is that its décor is actually inspired by a local tennis great Arthur Ashe, who was fond of the mid-century modern décor. He was an African American tennis player, the only black man to every win the singles title at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open. They also have a seasonal rooftop pool, beer garden, and a lobby café/bar.

Quirk Hotel Richmond: This quirky upscale boutique hotel is right in the heart of the city, only 2 miles from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. This hotel is commonly featured in a ton of travel guides and for good reason. Besides the great Instagram pictures that you can get inside of the hotel, it also has a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city that is great for a night time drink.

BEST RESTUARANTS IN TOWN

Carytown Cupcakes: If you’re shopping in Carytown, stop by Carytown Cupcakes for a quick snack run. When we stopped in, they had some really interesting cupcake flavors that all looked delicious. I grabbed the Cookie Butter cupcake, which definitely tasted like a yummy gingerbread cupcake.

Sugar Shacks Donuts & Coffee: If you’re looking for the best donuts in the Richmond area, then you’ve found it at Sugar Shacks Donuts & Coffee. The great part is that everything is made in house, and they are some thick donuts. You really only need one or two, and you’re good to go!  

Beauvine Burger Concept: We had a late lunch here during our trip, and we were not disappointed. They serve artisan burgers, craft, beers, and great cocktails. The best part about this restaurant is that they source their supplies from local or small owned businesses. Actually – I lied, the best part is definitely the boozy hot chocolate that they make. It was the da bomb!

Campus Waffles: I decided to go to Campus Waffles one morning during our trip, and it was a unique experience for sure. You can decide to pick one of their already-designed waffles or design your own. You can add literally whatever you want to your waffles. I had a waffle with oreo pieces and chocolate drizzle with some chicken strips.

Scoops: Looking for a great local ice cream shop to try? Then head over to Scoops for not only an Instagram-worthy picture but also test out some great unique flavors. My fav was definitely the Peppermint Bark flavor that they currently have for the holidays.

Toast: If you’re looking for a great restaurant for a date night, Toast is the place to be. This place has classic appetizers, holiday cocktails, and the best fish and chips. The fish was perfectly flaky and crunchy. Titi had the ribs and mac n cheese, which he also thoroughly enjoyed. Both came highly recommended.

Burger Bach: We stopped by this restaurant on our way home, and we’re glad that we did. It was such a hidden gem. The restaurant has a New Zealander twist on their meals, and they sourced their ingredients from local farmers.

You may also like: Wilmington NC Weekend Travel Guide + A Weekend at the Duke Mansion

The post Things to Do In Richmond, VA: Where To Eat, Stay, and See appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

We started our road trip to the beach on Saturday morning to downtown Wilmington. We stayed the night in Wilmington at Hotel Ballast and we spent the next day in Kure Beach. I will say that our first day was quite chilly and cold (which is why we were wearing sweaters in the pictures) and then the following day it was beautiful outside.

HOW TO GET THERE + TRANSPORTATION

Since Titi and I were only driving from Charlotte, our road trip took about 3 hours. But if you live further away, Wilmington does have a small airport where you can fly directly into town. I do recommend bringing or renting a car while you are here. The nearby cities are a must see and some of the activities are further away from the city such as Wrightsville Beach or the NC Aquarium.   

Hotel Ballast – the lobby and room by the river

SEE THE SIGHTS

Wilmington is the big city in the area, but Wrightsville Beach and Kure Beach are both unique little towns nearby. Here are a few must-see spots and activities:

• Riverwalk & Downtown Shopping: One of the main attractions, that is in the heart of the city, is the Riverwalk. If you get an hour or two, then head down to the river and walk along the Cape Fear River. The downtown area is filled with dozens of charming local business and restaurants that are too cute to miss. While we were out enjoying the town, I ended up finding a few gifts for friends and family that is sure to put a smile on their faces. The day that we were walking on the river it was super cold and chilly (in true Fall Season!).

• Arlie Gardens (Wrightsville Beach): We didn’t get a chance to make it to Arlie Gardens, but from what I’ve seen on social media, it’s a gorgeous place to watch around and enjoy nature at its finest. The gardens feature 67 acres of walking paths, formal gardens, and plenty of historic structures. While events look a little different this year, there is still plenty to do in Airlie Gardens!

• North Carolina Aquarium (Kure Beach): The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher sits right along the Kure Beach, about 30 minutes south from Wilmington. While the aquarium is on the smaller side, it is filled with plenty of exhibits to get up close and personal with the animals. My favorite part was definitely the Aquarium’s two-story ocean exhibit filled with sharks and other animals. If you didn’t know, sharks are my favorite species. During COVID, the Aquarium is requiring tickets to purchased online and for you to make an appointment before stopping by.  

• Cruise Along the Cape Fear River: Between Titi and I, I think this was our favorite thing that we did during the weekend. Even though we took the cruise on a windy, chilly day, it was a ton of fun. On the cruise, you get to learn the history of the Cape Fear Rive, see some of the sites along the river, and soak up the sunshine (if it’s a sunny day that day). Pro tip: bring a jacket because it gets windy on the boat!

• Beaches Galore (Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, Carolina Beach, etc): One of the main reasons why we stopped by Wilmington was to finally see the beach this year! As predicted, Wilmington beaches did not disappoint and there were plenty to choose from. I will say that Wrightsville beach gets pretty packed (which I’m sure is worst during the summer months). If you want a more peaceful beach, head to Kure Beach or Carolina Beach, which is further south from Wilmington.   

WHERE TO EAT

As you can expect, Wilmington has some amazing food and I’m excited to share where you can find some delicious Southern-inspired coastal cuisines.

• Cast Iron Kitchen: This casual breakfast spot came highly recommended on Yelp, and the food did not disappoint. As per usual, Titi and I ordered the chicken and waffles, since that’s our favorite breakfast meal. It’s currently doing outdoors dining to accommodate the current situation.

• Wake N Bake: On our second day in Wilmington, Titi and I were craving some fresh donuts and some warm drinks (since it was a classic fall morning). If you’re looking for a fluffy baked donut with plenty of icing, then definitely stop by Wake N Bake. Titi wanted to be fancy and get the King (premium donuts) that are icing filled, which ended up being too much donut for him to handle.

• Shark Bar and Kitchen: As I mentioned earlier, I’m obsessed with sharks and this restaurant’s décor did not disappoint. Whoever designed this place is a genius! The menu is perfectly curated and is also shark-themed. When we stopped by, it seems like they had changed their menu (which was a disappointment), but the food was pretty decent. I would recommend for you to stop by. It’s conveniently located right alongside Wrightsville Beach.

• Havana’s: Havana’s a truly a hidden gem! Titi and I stopped by this restaurant after having a rude experience at another down the street. We were so glad afterwards though because this place was truly the bomb! The food was divine, the staff was super sweet, and the drinks were strong.

If you’ve been to Wilmington, North Carolina, definitely share your recommendations in the comments below! I would love to come back during the summer months when you can actually lay out on the beach and get a tan. Maybe next time we can come for a little bit longer than we did this time around.

The post Wilmington, North Carolina Weekend Travel Guide appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

My first time traveling solo was when I was in middle school/ high school traveling around Europe for summer camps and traveling back to the US to hang out with family. Now when I traveled as a kid, I used to get dropped off at the airport and picked up at the next destination. I didn’t have to worry about renting a car or getting to my hotel safely. But now as an adult, I can do the entire trip solo, from start to finish. Like the one that I took a few months ago to Memphis for a school training event, basically my first trip solo as an adult.

Even though I was nervous at first to fly to Memphis solo, I ended up having a fabulous time, and I learned so much about myself! The fun part about traveling solo is that no one knows you, your day is yours to plan, and you can do whatever you want. If you’re thinking about planning a solo adventure, I’ve got a few tips and tricks up my sleeve that I want to share with you to hopefully make you feel super comfortable traveling alone in any part of the world.

Tip #1: Research your destination  

Traveling itself can be pretty stressful, but I promise its 10x easier if you know more about the destination that you’re traveling to. As a female solo traveler, it’s really important to know a few general topics about the country that you’re planning on visiting. You won’t need to do as much research if you’re traveling state-side in the US, of course.

These are what I research for every country regardless if I’m traveling solo or in a group:

• Religion
• Etiquette and basic customs
• Language basics
• Social dynamics between men and women
• Currency 
• Current politics that are relevant to me and what I’m doing in the country

Tip #2: Create a tentative schedule

The best part about traveling alone is that your plans can change at a drop of a dime, literally. Feel like sitting at a local coffee shop and people watch or maybe you want to stroll through a museum? You can literally do whatever you want whenever you want without having to accommodate another person. But it’s still better to have a tentative schedule of anything that you plan on doing during your trip. I say tentative because obviously things happen, and your attractions may have to be moved around in your schedule.  

Tip #3: Tell your loved ones your travel plans

Anytime that you’re traveling alone, always check in with your loved ones and let them know your tentative schedule plans for your trip. It’ll not only ease your mind but also keep your loved ones more relaxed with your solo travel plans. Make sure to check in with someone when you’ve landed, when you’ve checked into the hotel, and really anytime that you’ve left your hotel room for safety measures.

Tip #4: Come Prepared

This tip definitely goes hand in hand with researching your destination in terms of being prepared once your flight touches land. If you’re not sure if you’re going to have WiFi or if you don’t have a local sim card for the destination, screenshot any important information before your flight takes off, such as address of the hotel, car service, directions to and from the airport, etc. Also, you’ll want to double check with your hotels about check-in and check-out times, that way you’re not stranded one night trying to find a place to stay because you were too late flying in.

Tip #5: Stay in a central location

Anytime that I’m traveling solo, I always try to stay in a central location like the city center or in an area that is pretty busy. It makes me feel more comfortable if I’m getting into my hotel room pretty late or if I’m walking around town. You may have to pay a little extra for your hotel room, but safety should always be your main concern when it comes to traveling alone.

Tip #6: Blend in

Anytime that I am traveling alone, I always try to blend in to my surroundings. Have you ever heard of the saying, “do like the locals do”? This is where it comes in to play. When you’re packing for your trip, pack plenty of neutral clothes and leave all of the flashy jewelry at home. You can find some amazing outfit inspiration from the locals by strolling through Instagram or Pinterest so that you can look like a local. Unfortunately as a female solo traveler, it’s really important to not draw attention to yourself by wearing your expensive handbags or flashy wedding ring on your travels.

Do you have any travel plans coming up? Or do you have any travel tips that you want to share that you use while traveling?

You may also like: A Weekend at the Duke Mansion, A 3-Day Weekend Travel Guide to Asheville NC, and The Most Instagram-Worthy Murals in Columbia SC

The post Solo Traveling: What You Need to Know as a Female Traveler appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.