Nassau Gal in Nashville!

Hello Beautiful!

If You’re reading this, it means I made it back home safely from my trip to Nashville, Tennessee, USA and I have lots to tell you!

So let’s get started…

I visited Nashville, Tennessee for the first time last month for 4 days and 3 nights. The primary reason for my trip was to attend one of my friends’ and high school classmate’s wedding.

My excitement mostly came from me knowing I was going to visit a new state for the first time. I love first times!

Once I got to Nashville I quickly found out one of the reasons they called it music city. There was a gentleman in the airport Lobby, singing and playing guitar. I knew right then Nashville had character and I loved it!

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Shortly after, I hopped into my airport shuttle and headed to my home, away from home for the next 4 days. I stayed at the Embassy Suites Nashville Airport – affordable, lots of perks, and good reviews!

There are a few hotels close by the airport in Nashville. If you’re thinking of visiting Nashville, I suggest you stay in one, as most offer free transportation to and from the airport and daily complimentary breakfast. That was two of the main reasons why I stayed at the Embassy Suites.

One thing I’ll say about staying in the Embassy Suites Nashville Airport hotel, the higher up the room, the better the view but the lower the floor, the better the wi-fi.

After I got all checked in and dropped off my luggage it was time to LYFT to the Mall. Comment below if you use LYFT in the USA. I want to hear about your experiences with the service.

It was another first for me using LYFT and I liked it a lot.

Nashville has a mall called Opry Mills, similar to the Sawgrass Mills in Broward and Franklin Mills in Philadelphia. I didn’t spend much time in the mall as this wasn’t a shopping trip but I would love to go back when I return again.

 

Later that night my friend and I went to UP, Rooftop Lounge. It’s a chic little spot that offers a nighttime view of Downtown Nashville, and an angle of the Nashville skyline which is so beautiful in the night.

I ordered a fruity Sangria with red wine, and some Nashville Hot Chicken tacos with ranch dressing. The waiter raved that their tacos were rated #3 in the city of Nashville, and I quickly tasted why! They were very spicy, filling and delicious.

 

The next day was my friend’s wedding, and even though it rained hard in Nashville that day, it was a beautiful ceremony and reception! It was held at this cabin style auditorium that was different from anything I’ve ever seen in the islands. As if the actual auditorium wasn’t handsome enough and the location in the woods such a beauty, you should’ve seen the bride and groom and their bridal party! So beautiful, so stylish!

The night ended with a peach spritzer, lots of dancing and a dead cellphone. Hence why, I don’t have a lot of pictures of the fun.

 

Now, we’re on the third day! Day 3 was the adventure day and I was ready! But this day turned out to be more of an adventure than I expected.

In preparation for Nashville, I googled “things to do in Nashville” and Instagram searched “Nashville Attractions”. So when I got to Nashville, I already had 3 things I wanted to see and do in mind!

BlqRze’s Nashville Must See List:

  1. Kelsey Montague Wings
  2. Statue of the Greek Goddess Athena & the Parthenon Replica
  3. The Nashville Zoo

The only thing I didn’t accomplish on this list was visiting the Zoo. But that’s okay because it was replaced with quality time with old and new friends, and I did something I always wanted to do but never thought I would… RIDE A MECHANICAL BULL!

My travel buddy and I got a LYFT to the Nashville Gulch area. Our driver dropped us off opposite a lifestyle merchandise store called “Two Old Hippies”. Don’t you like the sound of that? Nashville has a hippie vibe to it. Very free-spirited.

Two Old Hippies is on the corner of 12th and Pine in the Nashville Gulch Area, and its made of red clay brick, as is a lot of buildings in Nashville. The brick wall made for an awesome back drop and right there I had a photo shoot (lol).

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Not far from there was the Kelsey Montague Wings #WhatLiftsYou Wall Mural, and I was in all my glory! However, we weren’t the only ones there to get lifted. There was a line to take pictures in front of the wings, and we humbly waited our turn.

This day was a beautiful day in Nashville! The sun actually shined that day and the weather was pretty consistent.

One thing about Nashville, the weather is bi-polar. Its hot, then cold, then rainy, then cloudy. One of our LYFT drivers said. “There’s a saying in Nashville. “If you don’t like the weather here right now, just wait 30 minutes.”” Oh, how true that saying really is!

 

After we left the Wings, we headed to the Parthenon on a $2.00 bus ride through Downtown, Nashville.

The Parthenon is a full-scale replica of the original in Athens, Greece. It sits as the centrepiece in Nashville’s Centennial Park . Inside is the real treat though!

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On the second floor of the museum is a 42-foot statue of the Greek Goddess Athena. She was a sight to see! The gold, the details, the artistry of her was something I will never forget.

 

Later, we caught up with our newly married friends for food. One of our friends is strictly Vegan, and took us to a really popular vegan spot in Nashville called The Wild Cow. Here’s where the real adventure came in.

I’m a picky eater and the complete opposite of vegan, but I opted to try it for my friend. Remember, I like first times… and this would be my first time eating Vegan. Let’s just say, it wasn’t my “taste” but the vegan wine was divine. I liked it!

 

By this time, everyone was tired but not too tired to experience some real honky-tonk underground bars, and in my case mechanical bull riding and karaoke.

Although I can’t remember the exact names of the bars we visited, I do believe we were in the Lower Broadway area in Down Town Nashville. I enjoyed the live Country Rock music, and as shy as I am, I got up on staged with my new friend and sang Patti Labelle’s Lady Marmalade karaoke style! Another first!

Lastly, I mounted the Mechanical Bull. It was bigger than I expected and a little uncomfortable at first. But once I got on good, it was time to ride! First time baby and I actually stayed on longer that I thought I would!

To see a short clip of me singing karaoke and riding the bull, head over to my Instagram page here, @242blqrze. Be sure to  follow for more pictures and videos of my travels, and comment below to ask me any questions you may have about my experiences.

 

The next day it was time to go back home and I was sad to leave Nashville.

Honestly, I didn’t have Nashville on My Places to Go list, but I’m happy my friend gave me a good reason to visit and experience it.

I didn’t get to eat the famous Nashville Hot Chicken, nor visit the Zoo! So I will be back there soon. Maybe the next time I go, I’ll see you there!

See more pictures from My Nashville trip below:

 

Xo

Conesha

New Orleans in Nassau: Louis & Steen’s

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If you’re anything like Me, you’re always late for Breakfast and too early for Lunch, so Brunch is your best option!

Gratefully, Nassau has a new little spot open from 6:30am – 7:00pm through the week, 8:00am – 7:00pm on Saturday and 10:00am – 8:00pm on Sunday. Perfect for a late sleeper like Myself on the weekend.

The new spot is a New Orleans inspired Coffeehouse called Louis & Steen’s located on West Bay Street. I won’t pretend to be a Coffee connoisseur, however I love trying new food places and this one was on my list!

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Louis & Steen’s colourful ambience and vintage decor truly gives you a taste of New Orleans in Nassau. I’ve never been to Louisiana (its on my list of places to see) but now I know what to expect.

With a little Jazz playing in the background, I looked over the chalk board menu and pastries in the showcase. With the cashier’s help I ordered the below:

1-Butter Croissant

1- Order of Sweet Potato Pancakes & Sausage

1-Bowl of Chicken & Sausage Gumbo w/ Biscuit

1- Single Cappuccino

1- Iced Latte (Gulp/Regular Size)

The total of my bill was $49.18. Not bad for a brunch for two if you want to make it a date or have coffee with a friend.

The drink prices are reasonable, just a little less than a Starbucks but the food is pricey. My bowl of Chicken & Sausage Gumbo was $17.75! Maybe its the same in Louisiana… if you know, comment down below.

I tried the Gumbo because it was the “New Orleans Thing” to do. It was good for a first time try, the flavour was rich and it was made fresh. The pancakes were good also, a nice compliment to a cup of coffee if its your preference. Beware of the spice on the pancakes though, it can be a little over bearing so ask them to sprinkle lightly.

The Ice Latte was refreshing as well, you can get it spiked with a flavored syrup (I chose Butter Pecan) and they put coffee ice cubes in it so it doesn’t water down like it would with regular ice cubes. I think thats genius!

But for ME… it was the Butter Croissant & Cappuccino! They were my favourites!

I suggest you have your croissant warmed. It becomes so soft, each flake melts in your mouth.

I also suggest you customize your Cappuccino. Feel free to steal my request:

“A single Cappuccino, with ALMOND Milk and French Vanilla Syrup”. Divine!

Overall, I found Louis & Steen’s to be a delightful new spot, even for a not-so-big coffee lover like myself. Its great for breakfast, brunch or lunch meet ups with friends or meetings with clients. The atmosphere is bright and cozy with an amazing beach view across the street.

The staff is friendly and helpful, which is always a plus!

I’m sure I’ll be back again to try something new, as I was told their menu changes constantly. Maybe next time I’ll see you there… and we can take a picture on the wooden swing!

See more pics from my morning at Louis & Steen’s:

 

Fun, Food, Fashion

Xx, Conesha

 

 

 

…Back to Bimini!

Hello Beautiful!

Happy New Year… and all that good STUFF!

This year I plan to get and keep my blog game up! But, I won’t make any promises.

Its almost 2:00 in the morning and I’m up reminiscing…

Have I ever told you about the time I visited Bimini, Bahamas?

No?.. Well… let me tell you now! I fell in love with a place like never before!

Bimini is a Family Island in the chain of Bahama Islands. And perhaps the smallest one at that!

About a year ago (last year February to be exact) I vacationed there for 4 days and this is how it went…

I took a plane ride from Nassau, Bahamas to Bimini on Western Air.

Once I safely landed on SOUTH Bimini, myself and almost everyone on the plane caught a shuttle to the Ferry. Then we had to catch a ferry to NORTH Bimini… this was already turning into an Adventure!

The ferry ride was about $5.00.

Once on North Bimini, I caught a taxi to Resorts World Bimini, a golf cart community that host The Hilton hotel on the island. I was staying at the Hilton, its usually my hotel brand of choice.

The ride from the ferry dock to the Hilton at Resorts World Bimini was very short, probably less than 20 minutes with stops. North Bimini is literally one straight road with a few curves and corners.

I was already in awe of the island as I gazed at the beautiful beach from the taxi window, I was more amazed when I got to the hotel. It was newly built and sexy!

Checked in, and in my hotel room… I pulled out my phone to stunt for the ‘gram! It was time to let everyone know I was in BIMINI TOWN!

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The hotel room was modern contemporary, with a minimalist approach. The beds (which are my favourite things about Hilton hotels) were soft and lush, but not comfortable enough to keep me hostage.

MK backpack and Canon T5i in tow, I was out the room in no time, and ready to explore the premises. I saved the Island for the next day.

In Resorts World Bimini, once you’re a guest of the hotel, there is a black shuttle bus that takes you around the community. I opted to walk to the facilities though, I wanted to see everything and take pics.

My first stop was Amicci’s, an Italian style deli, that became a regular stop for me during my stay. Should you every visit, be sure to try their meat lovers pizza and mango gelato!

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I spent that day familiarising myself with the property, then I turned in for a nap and sweet dreams of Bimini.

Day Two was probably my most favourite day there! I rented a golf cart and set out with “A List of Things to do whiles in Bimini.”

Here are a few things I did:

Had lunch poolside at Aqua Bar and Grille

Toured Dolphin House

Ate Conch Salad at Stuart’s Conch Stand

Visit the Island Centre

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I wasn’t able to visit the museum as it was closed, but I’ll be sure to when I return!

Later that night I topped off my day of activities with dinner at the Hemmingways restaurant in the hotel casino.

Day Three was just as exciting as Day Two because I visited the Bimini Biological Field Station Shark Lab on the south side of Bimini. Remember I was staying on the NORTHERN side.

So after some good Bahamian souse for breakfast at Bimini’s native restaurant- 3 Daughters, I had to drive to the ferry dock (got there in less than 10 minutes lol), hop on a ferry and rode the ferry to the south side (less than 20 minutes), then catch a taxi to the Shark Lab (I don’t remember the length of that ride).

I learned a lot about the sharks, stood in shark water and even pet one. Then it was on to the nature trail…

Well, that didn’t last long. I’m not fond of bushes and bugs.

Next, it was back on the ferry, back to the north side, and back to the hotel! Sighs…

As I’m writing this, I wish I can just hop on a plane right now and go back to Bimini!

On the last day I stayed in Resorts World Bimini until it was time to leave.

I enjoyed an American style breakfast at the Sabor restaurant before taking a dip in the most amazing infinity pool!!

My Bimini trip was one of the BEST trips I’ve ever taken in My life! Bimini is not only beautiful but its very historical, truly magical and simply amazing.

See more pics from my Bimini Trip (#nofilter)