Welcome to Summer Member’s Night at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Summer Member’s Night was exactly what I needed - a night filled with good music, great food, and the perfect setting for a solo unwind. I was at the Garden a couple days before, and when I saw the flyer for Member's Night, I knew I would have to double back for this one. I also realized there were a part of Alice's Wonderland that I hadn't seen so I'd check it out Monday and enjoy the exclusivity. Here's how it went.
Fresh Start with Mokipops
Lemon Ginger Popsicles? YES! Right when I walked in, I grabbed a lemon ginger popsicle from Mokipops. They're a family-owned Atlanta business creating some of the best vegan popsicles around. The lemon ginger was incredible - just the right burst of one of my favorite flavor combinations to start the night off right.
Smooth Sounds from the Atlanta Jazz Quartet
The Atlanta Jazz Quartet was there, playing tunes that enveloped the garden in a smooth, mellow vibe. It was the perfect background for my night—nothing beats live jazz to soothe the soul. So there was the live music, the nature sounds, and a layer of tranquility since the Garden was much slower and quieter than when I was there on Saturday.
Chef Megan’s Live Cooking Demo
Then there was Chef Megan McCarthy, a highly skilled and entertaining chef who teaches you how to cook healthy food. She made a superb watermelon cucumber feta salad - courtesy of the Atlanta Botanical Garden's edible garden and Whole Foods. She added sharp red onion, flat leaf parsley for that extra flavor kick and detox, mint leaves which are always a good idea, and whipped up a dressing with white balsamic vinegar, olive oil, lemon zest, and a dash of sea salt and pepper. Then she took a block of sheep milk feta from Whole Foods that crumbled effortlessly over that salad. It was so good. Definitely trying it at home!
Rainy Stroll through Alice's Wonderland
The rain came down steadily, but it only enhanced my walk through Alice's Wonderland. The rain brought a unique, almost mystical quality to the garden, with droplets making the flowers and leaves shimmer. It was a wonderful reminder of the peaceful beauty that nature offers, even in unexpected weather. The way the rain made everything shimmer a bit more—it was like walking through a living, breathing painting.
Why Solo Time Matters
Tonight was a powerful reminder of the importance of supercharged self-care. In the midst of our busy lives, juggling work, children, and household responsibilities, it’s essential to take time for ourselves. Whether it’s savoring a farm to table meal, enjoying live music, or simply wandering through a beautiful garden, these moments help us reconnect with ourselves and rejuvenate.
Your Turn
What are your favorite solo date ideas? I’d love to hear how you find time for yourself and enjoy moments of peace. Share your thoughts in the comments below! And if you haven’t already, make sure to visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden. It’s a perfect destination for a solo adventure, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences.
I absolutely loved this post, Nikki. It was visually appealing with tantalizing pics. The narrative made me want to become a member of the Botanical Gardens to experience it too...so I will!