Sandlot Southeast is opening the weekend of April 1st, just in time for Spring shenanigans.  Ian Callendar and Kevin Hallums are the masterminds behind this dope concept.  Sandlot Southeast is an outdoor container bar and event space offering cold-pressed cocktails and to go meals.  They most recently partnered with Uber Eats to promote local black restaurant owners and chefs.  Two summers ago (pre-Covid), Sandlot was one of my favorite hangout spots so I'm definitely looking forward to the re-opening.  

Location: 71 Potomac Ave SE, Washington DC

​Due to Covid restrictions, table reservations are required.  To book a table, visit sandlotsoutheast.com

Pharrell and David Grutman recently opened the Goodtime Hotel in Miami.  Y'all know I love the word trendy, but I don't know how else to describe this hotel other than to say it fit's Pharrell's personality. The hotel is located on the 600th block of Washington Ave.  On the 3rd floor of the hotel,  you will find the Strawberry Moon, restaurant/bar and pool.  Per the website, "it was designed to transport guests into a classic Miami Beach Art Deco era, with a touch of energy and style from old world Havana, Cuba and Beverly Hills".  Rooms range from $200-300 per night based on dates/room type.

Either way, I'm here for it and definitely plan on staying here during my next trip to Miami.  I will provide a review after my stay.

I saw several friends post about PlantHouse (formerly PlantBar) in Virginia Beach so I added this to my list of destinations.  I was not disappointed.  PlantHouse is a plant parent's dream.  They have a wide variety of plants, pots and accessories.  The vibe is dope and it's bright and airy.  Much different then shopping for plants at Home Depot.  The prices vary based on plant/size.  The staff are friendly and super knowledgeable.  They were able to tell me about the different variations and how to care for each of the plants.  They even have DIY terrarium stations which I'm adding to my list for next time.  

Location: 1564 Laskin Rd, Virginia Beach Va.
They also have locations in Richmond and Charlotte.

For more info visit: www.planthouse.us

I brought home a variation of snake plant which was perfect for this extra pot I already had at home.
​

Selfie Wrld just opened a location in Virginia Beach near Lynnhaven Mall.  These pop-up museums were my thing pre-covid so I'm excited they are beginning to open back up.  I mean, who doesn't need Instagram worthy moments in life?  Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for kids. I just copped tickets for the next time I visit in May. 

Location: 2720 North Mall Drive, Suite 136
Hours: Tues-Fri 2pm-9pm and Sat-Sun 10am-9pm

Get your fit together and grab your tix www.selfiewrldvb.com 

They also have locations in Austin, Aventura, Denver, Orlando, Scottsdale, Myrtle Beach, Tampa, Vegas and some other cities I will probably never visit.

I can't stay in downtown Norfolk and not take in the street art in the Art District.  Because of time constraints, I didn't get to see all of the street art that I wanted to see, but I guess that means I can catch them on the next trip.  Check out the gallery below for some of my favorites.  If heading to Norfolk, check out this interactive street art map to guide you: https://neonnfk.com/map/

The Glass Light Hotel in Norfolk is exactly what Norfolk needed.  The hotel is a trendy boutique hotel nestled on the corner of Granby St., a few blocks from the Art District/Neon District.  Sometimes, when I travel home, I book at least 1 night stay there because I love the decor, location and customer service.  I was definitely in need of a "staycation".  When I originally booked the room, it was 190+tax per night.  I usually try to avoid third party bookings so I'm not sure why I booked with Booking.com.  About 2 days before my stay, I went online to look up something for the hotel and noticed the rates dropped to 140+tax.  I reached out to Booking.com to see if they would honor my price match, which they did.  Take note for future travel plans...

Anyways, back to the hotel. They have the dopest art work.  The restaurant/bar area in the lobby area has trendy furniture, glass bunnies and fancy light fixtures.  There is a small gallery on the first floor as well as art and glass sculptures on every floor.  I even had a glass carrot on the counter in my room which I thought was a cute little touch.  The staff are always super friendly, my room was clean and the bed/pillows are comfy.  After dinner and drinks at Saltine, which was a block away, I had a great nights rest. :) 

All pros for me. My only con is that the restaurant was only open for breakfast, which I hope is only temporary due to Covid.  If you are ever in Norfolk, be sure to check them out!

​Artechouse is one of my favorite art installations. I love the interactive installations and augmented reality. Not to mention....the bar. Duh! What other museum features drinks while you peruse?? Anyways, I'm so happy they are open again! Their new installation "Renewal 2121" starts March 15th inspired by the Cherry Blossom Festival. If you've spent spring in DC, you know the Cherry Blossom theme takes over but after being on quarantine last spring, I'm here for it. Finally grabbed some tickets and was able to go this week. It did not disappoint. The futuristic Japanese Cherry Blossom theme was fire! Just note, the bar is temporarily closed due to Covid :( but had a great time nonetheless.

Location:
Artechouse
1238 Maryland Ave, SW

Hours
Monday – Thursday 10AM – 9PM
Friday – Sunday 10AM – 10PM

Ticket Prices
Range from $17-$24

Update: discounted tickets are available on Travelzoo

Brunch in DC, especially when the weather breaks is a must! Today, I decided to check out Mr. Braxton.  I recently saw photos of their patio and I instantly added them to my list.  Here's the breakdown...

Atmosphere
Let's start with the important things...lol.  The atmosphere is dope!  A little smaller than I expected, but its also DC. They have a heated patio behind the restaurant.  The vibe is retro chic featuring French doors, mirrors, bird cages, foliage and vintage patio furniture.  The mural on the back of the building was probably my favorite feature.

Food
The menu was a typical brunch menu featuring shrimp and grits, omelettes, chicken and waffles, French toast, etc.  I ordered one of the omelettes, unfortunately, I am on a keto diet so I couldn't indulge in any of my brunch favorites.  My friend ordered the steak and eggs.  She said the steak was tender and tasted like it had been marinated overnight.

Drinks
Pitchers are almost as good as bottomless and Mr. Braxton offers Mimosas by the pitcher.  They also have Bloody Mary's, wines by the glass and bottle and specialty cocktails. I opted for a few glasses of Prosecco, my friend ordered the Mon Cherie Spritz (vodka, sparkling wine, lemongrass and creme de violette).  

Service
The service was great. They were super attentive and friendly and we were checked on by several staff. 

All in all, I enjoyed my experience at Mr. Braxton. I will definitely go again!