Although Black History Month is over, doesn’t mean we should stop celebrating black culture and excellence! As a tribute to “the culture”, I wanted to highlight 5 travel destinations anyone can go to reconnect with pure swaggalicous-magical-carefree-awesome-black vibes.
New Orleans aka Nawlins
This place is one of my favorite spots to visit. Drinks, creole cuisine, jazz, more drinks and Mardi Gras. The energy in NOLA is unmatched, it is rich in (black) American history, the food is delectable, the air and atmosphere are warm and most importantly they know how to have a good time. There are tons of things to do: visit several cultural museums or historical plantations, take a ride down the Mississippi river or join the back of a second line parade. Make sure this place on your top 10 destination wish list because it’s a guaranteed good time, babay! Three must-sees: Frenchmen street, French Quarter and the Oak Alley Planation.
ATL Georgia aka Hot-Lanta
Of course, no list would be complete without mentioning the cities of all black cities, ATL or Hot Lanta as they say. This is the mecca for rich black culture and prosperity! I think everyone has at least one cousin or descendant that is either from or lives in Atlanta, GA. It is definitely a fun city to visit with a variety of neighborhoods and activities to fill your time. Atlanta is one of the birthplaces of the civil rights movement and home to its leader Martin Luther King Jr., besides its rich history, the food scene is thriving! The black community in ATL know who they are and rep their city hard! Three hotspots to check out: Martin Luther King Jr. National Park, the historic Fox Theatre and all of the black celebrity restaurants and bars: Old Lady Gang, Chicken and Waffles, Scales 925.
Houston aka H-Town
Where is the Beyhive and H-town hotties? Next on the list is Houston – home to both Beyonce and Megan thee Stallion. If that doesn’t tell you enough about the amount of swag Houston has, I don’t know what else will. Texas already has a B I G personality, but Houston takes the cake when it comes to being a vibrant, fun and unique city. They have the best Tex-Mex restaurants, real cowboys (Houston’s famous Livestock Rodeo show), tons of things for space nerds to do (NASA’s Space Center) and I can forget the BBQ! You have to try some of H-town’s BBQ. Three hotspots to check out: Gatlin’s BBQ, The Turkey Leg Hut, The Breakfast Klub!
Oakland, California
I have never been to Oakland, California personally, but I hear good things. Oakland has a lot to offer; massive green parks, incredible food, year-round perfect weather, redwood-covered hills and a thriving black community. Being San Francisco’s sister city is a big shadow to live behind, but O-town holds its own with an abundant art scene, a vast globally-inspired food selection and apparently tons of secret staircases! Three hotspots to check out: The Cook and Her Farmer, Brown Sugar Kitchen, Lena’s Soul Food Café and, Souley Vegan, all are highly recommended and black owned!
Jamaica
No, this is not an “African American” city but I had to include one of my favorite international hotspots (after Haiti of course). If you haven’t already been to Jamaica first ask yourself why not, kick yourself, then proceed to buy a plane ticket as soon as possible! I don’t even know where to start: the food, music, parties, beach, drinks, culture, the beautiful men, the sun, and chill vibes. There isn’t one negative thing I can say about JA! Well actually, I wish they have more places to visit besides the very tourist-friendly Negril, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. The local community in Jamaica may even be the best part, they are fun, welcoming, and very helpful. (sidebar: Please DO NOT get them confused with Yankee Jamaicans, they are angry and mean!) On the island of Jamaica, you’ll feel right at home in no time, Mon! Three hotspots to check out: Dunn’s River in Ocho Rios, Rick’s Café in Negril, Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay.
