The Staycation Series: Baltimore

Hi friends! I hope you’re all staying safe, healthy, and somewhat sane during these trying times. Juggling a pandemic and a civil rights movement has been absolutely draining. 

I’ve been protesting, social distancing, and educating the masses… All while continuing to work, go to grad school, complete an internship, and find time for myself. Whew! 

About a month ago, I was able to sneak away to my childhood home in Baltimore to spend some quality time with all of my favorite people. 

Originally, I was supposed to spend my vacation on a solo trip to Aruba— Unplugged on an island in a suite overlooking the ocean with a drink in my hand… But you know how that went. My summer plans to Aruba, Puerto Rico, New Orleans, and the Bahamas have all been cancelled. Thanks, Ms. Rona. Lol. 

Initially, I was sad and pitiful because I was really looking forward to my solo trip. I know you may be thinking… “But Amanee, you take solo trips allllll the time!” Yes, I do, but I’m also usually working, so this was going to be my first solo vacation to just RELAX. 

But— Everything happens for a reason. God had other plans for me and I was in the right place at the right time… Exactly where I needed to be: Home. 

A lot of people have asked about traveling during COVID-19, so I thought I’d share about my experience. I wore my N-95 mask and my glasses from the moment I stepped foot in the airport until I got into the car in Baltimore. 

I took an early morning flight to avoid large crowds. The airport was fairly empty with plenty of space to social distance. I flew Southwest and they are requiring all passengers to wear face coverings and are keeping middle seats open until at least September 30th. 

Once we landed and I exited the airport, I took my sweatshirt and pants off and put them in a plastic bag (just to make sure I didn’t get my airport germs all over the car). Easy peasy. 

Now, let’s talk about the fun stuff! I spent the next two weeks in Baltimore where I ate all of my favorite foods (Maryland crabs/crabcakes, chicken boxes, snowballs, Jamaican food… You name it!), had far too many drinks, laughed til I cried, cried til I laughed, went hiking, and so much more. 

Keep reading to see all of the shenanigans I got into! 

Outdoor Adventures 

If you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity, hiking is a great option! Sameera and I had both been cooped up in our respective homes all alone for the past four months so we were excited to get outside and do something fun. 

We decided to go to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. It’s 75 miles outside of DC… About two hours away from Baltimore, so not too, too far. 

We got an early start so that we could avoid the summer heat and the crowds. 

We arrived around 10 a.m. and took off on the Hawksbill Summit Trail. Hawksbill Mountain is the highest point in Shenandoah National Park and the trail is only 0.75 miles up to the top. 

It’s a steep, rocky incline, but worth it! Take your time, pack some water, and be sure to watch your step. 

The view from the top was spectacular and it wasn’t too crowded. We snapped a few photos and then made our way back down. 

In typical Amanee and Sameera fashion, we went down the wrong trail and ended up in a totally different parking lot than where we began. 

To get back to the car, we either had to walk all the way back up the trail and go down the right path OR walk on the side of the road like hitchhikers. We chose the latter. It was a doozy, but we had fun! 

It’s always an adventure when we’re together. 

If driving to Virginia is too far, I have another option for you! I also went hiking at Double Rock Park with my friends Briah, David, and Jerrod. 

Double Rock Park is a 102-acre county park with a playground, hiking, walking & biking trails & athletic fields in Parkville, Maryland. 

It was sweltering outside, but the 1.6 mile loop trail is shaded by the trees. We even went off the path and walked on the rocks right in the middle of the creek. 

Arts and Entertainment 

I’ve wanted to go to a drive-in movie for the longest time and 26 ½ years later, I finally got the chance to! It was such a fun date night and a perfect way to get out of the house, but also stay in the comfort of your own car and not get exposed to any germs. 

This summer, Amazon Studios partnered with Michael B. Jordan's production company Outlier Society for a new series called “A Night at the Drive-In.” 

Select drive-in theaters across the country will be screening a selection of films celebrating multicultural and diverse voices in cinema. The lineup was curated by Jordan, who chose movies from Amazon Prime Video’s library. 

The series began on July 1, and will take place every other week through the end of August. Each week has a different theme. 

• Movies to make you fall in love (July 1): “Love & Basketball” and “Crazy Rich Asians”
• Movies that make you proud (July 15): “Black Panther” and “Creed”
• Movies to inspire your inner child (July 29): “Hook” and “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”
• Movies to make you open your eyes (Aug 12): “Do the Right Thing” and “Get Out”
• Movies to make you laugh (Aug. 26): “Coming to America” and “Girls Trip”

“With this drive-in summer series, I hope that friends and families are able to not only enjoy, but to learn and grow,” said Michael B. Jordan, Principal of Outlier Society. “Now more than ever, amplifying Black and Brown stories means engaging culture to speak to hearts and minds about the world we live in. As we use this opportunity to reimagine community and proximity, I am excited that these films will be shared and celebrated all across the country.” 

We went to Bengie's and even got a goody boxes with a bottle of water, popcorn, and a cookie. So nice!

Passes are FREE but you must claim tickets beforehand. Tickets for each Double Feature will be released as its date gets closer here.

If you’re looking for someplace to get a refreshing adult beverage at a Black-owned business, stop by Shipyard Pub in Canton on the corner of Baylis and O'Donnell Streets. 

I kept seeing people with these cute drinks with flowers on Instagram and I just had to get one! We tried the strawberry lemonade and the lavender lemonade crushes. So yummy! 

After we slurped down our drinks, we rode scooters through the streets and then got a bite to eat at Claddagh Pub across from O’Donnell Square Park. We sat outside and were still able to keep our distance. 

Finally, my trip home ended with La Fete du Rose: Kezi Edition. 

It was a fabulous soiree decorated by Ex Amino Event Styling, owned by my dear friend, Tierra and the host of the party, Lakia. If you’re looking for Event & Wedding Design and Styling, give them a shout! 

The party was so much fun and I got to hang out with my besties just like old times. 

I hadn’t had the chance to spend this much quality time with my family and friends in YEARS. You don’t realize how much you miss out on until you move 1,000ish miles away and only get to go home for long weekends and holidays. 

This was a much needed break to rest and reset. Exactly what I needed. 

I hope you enjoyed my little staycation and are inspired to explore on your own! Just because we can’t “travel travel” doesn’t mean that it’s the end of the world. Use that PTO and take some time for yourself… Even if you don’t leave the state. The summer fun must go on! 

What types of activities are you doing this summer? Let me know in the comments! 

Thank you for reading! 

-A.