i really enjoyed the belgian-style white ale from cigar city brewing! it’s a great summer beer from ybor city, florida. so far i’ve had it in alabama and florida, but yet to find it in atlanta. i’m sure it’s around though.

florida cracker is tasty straight out of the can or poured in a glass. it’s cloudy with hints of coriander and citrus. at 5.5%, it’s not messing around either.

if you are ever in the tampa area, cigar city has a tasting room and does brewery tours as well. next time i’m down there i will have to check it out!

– ryan

cigar city brewing

3924 west spruce street
tampa, fl 33607
813.348.6363 x206

tasting room:
sunday – thursday: 11:00am – 11:00pm
friday – saturday: 11:00am – 1:00am

grey was looking for the beach!

– ryan & gub

clementine was exploring the beach while visiting grams this weekend!

– ryan & gub

here are some some more photos from our recent camping trip at lake rabun.

– ryan & gub

lake rabun recreation area

1963 hosea l williams drive ne r106
lakemont, ga 30552
706-754-6221

grey, clementine and will had a blast on the fourth of july! they went to a free outdoor kids festival near the tuscaloosa amphitheater before checking out the nighttime fireworks. it was a successful holiday!

– ryan & gub

we are headed to tuscaloosa, al to visit ryan’s brother who recently moved there! should be a fun holiday weekend!

– ryan & gub

we finally made it to the falls!

– ryan & gub

lake rabun recreation area

1963 hosea l williams drive ne r106
lakemont, ga 30552
706-754-6221

we were able to go on a hike with both grey and clementine on our recent camping trip to lake rabun recreation area. the last time we went camping, grey was still a little too small for such activities. this time we just strapped him on my back and went to check out panther falls.

both the canopy hike and the waterfalls were quite beautiful! you definitely broke a sweat getting up there, but it was totally doable for kids. the cold water was also quite refreshing when we finally made it up there!

– ryan & gub

lake rabun recreation area

1963 hosea l williams drive ne r106
lakemont, ga 30552
706-754-6221

we went on another camping trip with the kids and some friends. this time we headed to lake rabun recreation area, which was about two hours north of atlanta. the campground was very nice for sure! we stayed at group site that had plenty of room for ten families. there were clean bathrooms nearby, which was a huge plus. there were also trails to waterfalls, lake swimming and live bluegrass music on saturday night, so there was lots to do for sure.

the waterfalls were quite beautiful, however the beach at the lake was pretty weak. it was maybe ten feet deep and very cramped. the water was still quite nice though and had picturesque views. we dealt with some rain on saturday night, however we were fairly fortunate. our rain fly let a little water in through a seam, but it could have been way worse with the amount of rain that fell.

we would definitely head back to lake rabun recreation area! here is a map of the campground.

– ryan & gub

lake rabun recreation area

1963 hosea l williams drive ne r106
lakemont, ga 30552
706-754-6221

to celebrate memorial day, we packed our lunches and went to red top mountain state park for some lake swimming!!! the park is only about 50 minutes from atlanta and offers great hiking trails, camping, cottages, lake swimming, miniature golf and even boat rentals. there’s lots to do for sure.

the swimming was nicer than expected, although fairly busy with the holiday. the water was super green and translucent and not too chilly. it only cost $5 to park for the day, so it was a nice inexpensive excursion. we will definitely be headed back!

on a side note, there was an o brother where art thou type baptism happening when we were at the lake. it was very interesting!

– ryan & gub

red top mountain state park

50 lodge road se
cartersville, ga 30121