Traveling On Limekiln Pike

In the last episode of this season, I wanted to talk about a very important trip I took to the most romantic city in the world, the City of Lights, Paris, France, in December of 2022. It had been quite some time since I had taken an international trip, with COVID really delaying everything over the last couple of years. So what better time to go than during the holiday season, around the time of my birthday (and the World Cup), to this beautiful European city, and come back with something even more special! While this is the end of the 3rd season and have no plans, as of now, to start season 4, I do know this won't be the last time you hear from me about my travel adventures and tips for this podcast. To listen to more Traveling on Limekiln Pike Podcasts episodes please like and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or any other one of your preferred podcasting players. As well please visit our website.

Book of Charleston: Southern Thinking - Hey Fam! Its been a while since I last posted. Sorry about that. I have been very busy, over the last year, with many positive things going on, with my career and philanthropic ventures I wanted to take. However, with all of that focus, I didn't quite have the bandwidth to put in the creative effort needed in order to produce a great podcast episode. As well, I was a bit burned out by continuing to produce high quality content that you would not only enjoy but get something out of. While I am not sure what the future hold for this series, the one thing I do know is that I got a bit of a second wind to telling my story of my trip I took to think about the future of me in the Summer of 2022. In this episode, it is my pleasure to reminiscence about my weekday trip to Charleston, SC in the Summer of 2022. Ate some great Southern Food, and met people who took it upon themselves to put themselves in a new environment to reevaluate  where they were in life. Something I took upon myself to do as well. Check our website at: www.limekilnpike.com

Book of Australia: Outback Adventure - In this episode, it is my pleasure to reminiscence about a trip I took to the other side of the world in Nov of 2016, during the Thanksgiving holiday. Me and a group of 6 other super smart and driven individuals, that ensued black excellence, traveled to the outback Sydney, AU to check another country off of their traveling adventures over the last few years.Also, I discuss the importance of remembering trips that were a big part of your life. By telling stories of time spent while also taking photos, it really does help you remember and nearly places you back in time of being in that moment in time.  

Book of Portland: Let's Get Weird  - For the 3rd season of the podcast,  I have chosen to switch things up and pick some of the most special places I've been to over the years and how the location has inspired me, in some way, in my creativity, adventurous or cultural journeys. In this episode, I speak of my journey to the city they call, “The City of Roses” or "The weirdest cities in America", Portland, Oregon. The city that Nike and Adidas built, it was a city that is tucked away in the North West of the country and the last bucket list city I wanted to visit in the US. From hiking, amazing doughnut to a trip to the largest independent book in the country Powell's Books, Portland is the city for unique people. 

Book of Havana: Tragically Beautiful -  For the 3rd season of the podcast,  I have chosen to switch things up and pick some of the most special places I've been to over the years and how the location has inspired me, in some way, in my creativity, adventurous or cultural journeys. This is a special edition of the Traveling on Limekiln Pike podcast series called  Book of Havana: Tragically Beautiful. This book speaks to my entire experience traveling to one of the most forbidden cities and countries to travel to during the last 60 years as an American citizen, Havana, Cuba. From walking down the beautiful streets of Old Havana , speaking with interesting locals to salsa dancing the night away at a rooftop lounge, this was an experiences I always wanted to take in my life.  With a environment with so much inspiration and creatively, the streets of Havana became the cover photo of this podcast as well! Lastly, I have the pleasure of sharing a new creative venture with this audience in which you will get a sneak of in this special episode. 

Chapter 23: Miami Beach, FL -  The final chapter of my personal Traveling on Limekiln Pike book took me to one of the hottest, wildest, and most iconic cities in the United States, the 305 Miami & Miami Beach, Fl. From relaxing on the beach in South Beach to taking dope pictures at the Wynwood Walls this was a vibrant, chaotic and fun time in South Florida.  Plus it was Spring Break 2021 so you know it was a wild time. Also, I wanted to switch it up and give you all little piece of life advice before ending this book on my travel journeys!

Chapter 23: Cleveland, OH - Cleveland Rocks! From Drew Carry, LeBron James, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to the Dog Pound Cleveland is a few things that makes this rust belt city people are glad to call home. For me, in 2016, I had the opportunity to, on a VIP business trip, to finally come to the city, the call “The Land” to really see why it rocks! 

Travel Tips: WFH Adventures -  Working from home (WFH) has really blown up since the events of 2020 and doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon! With remote work being more easy = than ever, with faster internet speeds and platforms like Zoom, Google and Microsoft Teams, being in the office isn’t as big of a deal anymore. With that freedom, people are beginning to explore other places to work and live to take advantage of their WFH situations. Thus, in this tips and tricks episode I decided to take on a WFH adventure in one of my favorite cities New Orleans, LA in February 2021 to let you know what I’ve learned in order to make your mundane 9-5, Monday-Friday into an adventurous Workcasion. 

Chapter 21, Part 2: Dubai - Have you ever gone on a trip on a whim after finding a deal you could not miss? That happened to me and many other travelers back in 2014 when a mistake make ended up having thousands of people able to travel all over the globe to many of the most exotic locations in the world for less than $200 round trip. Where did I end up going? A place I never thought I would ever go to…Dubai, UAE! In this second of a two part Traveling on Limekiln Pike episode, I’ll talk about my day to day story on what I did when I arrived in the UAE and Dubai. From a dessert safari, VIP experiences, to a dust storm it was a memorial 5 day adventure in the Middle East!

Chapter 21 Part 1: Dubai - Have you ever gone on a trip on a whim after finding a deal you could not miss? That happened to me and many other travelers back in 2014 when a mistake make ended up having thousands of people able to travel all over the globe to many of the most exotic locations in the world for less than $200 round trip. Where did I end up going? A place I never thought I would ever go to…Dubai, UAE! In this first of a two part Traveling on Limekiln Pike episode, I’ll talk about tips, locations as well as my personal story on how I was able to get a flight to the United Arab Emirates for $171 round trip. 

Travel Tips: Airbnb - There hasn’t been a bigger disrupter in the travel lodging business than Airbnb over the last 10 years. With its affordable rates, unique spaces, and personal vibe these have been becoming more and more the lodging of choice for a new generation of traveler. On that note, this episode will speak of the tips and tricks to make sure you take advantage of all of the benefits Airbnbs have to offer. 

Chapter 20: Colorado Springs - 

Chapter 20: Tijuana, Mexico - During Spring Break one of the most popular places to travel to from the United States, is to Mexico. Fun, cost effective, and beautiful beaches just seem to draw countless people to places like Cabo and Cancun. Even more with the travel band of 2020, people have come down their in waves. For me, my first experience going to Mexico was nearly 20 years ago with a 1/2 a day stay in the not so hyped city of Tijuana. And as a pre teen, it wasn't as "fun" if I was in my 20s. However, I definitely got a new world few with only being their for a few hours. See how I saw Tijuana in this next chapter...

Travel Tips: Mobile Applications - 20 years ago finding out how to get to a location, a place to eat, to getting transportation was just a difficult process of asking, walking around and hoping you had enough room in your bag for a map. Today with mobile applications, all of those things can be found or solved within a few clicks on your cell phone. Since that the world we live in today, there are a few very helpful apps that will make your trip as easy as possible!

Travel Tips: 24 Hours or Less - Many times during a weekend night you can spend hundreds of dollars just going out in your local town or city to have a good time. What if I told you, you can spend the same amount of money and time but go to a city you always wanted to travel too? That sounds a lot more interesting than going to the local pub and brunch. Let me tell you how you can spend 24 hours in a city a thousand miles a away from were you live and make it the best day trip of your life!

Chapter 18: San Francisco, CA - While it was only a 24 trip, my express adventure to the Bay Area was definitely a world wind. From going to the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, to eating some of the best Clam Chowder Sourdough Bread Bowls I’ve ever had San Francisco, in the Summer of 2019 became the last major city in the US I always wanted to visit but never got the chance to as of yet.

Chapter 17: Myrtle Beach, SC - There is nothing better than spending a vacation with your family. I was lucky to be able to spend a weekend in the Summer of 2010 with my family for our annual reunion in "The Gold Capital in the World" Myrtle Beach. From golfing, spending time on the beach to enjoying family time with my relatives, this trip was a relaxing part of my life before I truly began the true adult phase of my life moving to New York City later that summer.

Travel Tips: Train Travel -

Chapter 16: Detroit, MI - Motown were you at!? Taking a short business trip to the Motor City in September 2018, little did I know at the time was the first chapter of the next phase of my life. While I was there for a few days for the National Black MBA Conference, I was able to get a glimpse of the food (Coney Island Hot Dog) of the city, the people, as well as test drive some new Dodge and Jeep cars that were released yet.

Chapter 15: Toronto - A new chapter, a new season. Welcome to the Season 2 premiere episode! Have you every had a trip that did not go as expected, not planned well or left you wanting more? We all have those trips, including me. My trip happened to be my first road trip with my good friends from high school back in the summer of 2007 when we traveled to Toronto, Ontario for an extended weekend. Learn what not to do and go back in time 13 years ago on a trip in which we didn’t have smartphones, grillz were the rage, you didn’t need a passport to enter the country and a disposable camera was the best way to capture your experiences!Correction: In this chapter, I had referenced that I had traveled to Toronto 14 years ago when it was 13 years ago when the podcast launched.

Bonus Episode: Traveling During COVID 19 - South Lake Tahoe, CA - The largest wildfire in California nor a world pandemic kept me away from a much needed R&R weekend at South Lake Tahoe, CA. Sometimes your mental health has to be taken care of as well during this troubling times. While we adhered to Social Distancing guidelines, spending a weekend literally getting away from it all in a nature based vacation with beaches, great food, and fresh air was all the body needed.

Travel Tips: Travel During COVID 19 - 2020 has been some type of year. And with the COVID 19 Pandemic life for many people has been a struggle as well as a complete stand still. While travel is hard to do currently there are still those that have to do so for many different reasons. This bonus travel tips episode will go over the essential things you should do, in order to protect yourself traveling during COVID 19. While I am not a medical doctor by any stretch, these helpful tips have kept me safe thus far.

Bonus Episode: Traveling During COVID 19 - Lancaster, PADuring the 2020 Global COVID 19 pandemic life have come to a standstill for many travel lovers. Unfortunately, as of the Summer 2020 is doesn't seem to be getting better. With the pandemic, tensions of the progressing Black Lives Matter movement and the need of a change of scenery from a work from home life, a mental break was needed. Thus me and my partner decided to take a weekend getaway to a location with plenty of space to social distance that was a car ride away. Thus Lancaster, PA was the place we choose! From great fresh food, the Amish culture to fireworks from our hotel room this trip was a much needed break. Within this podcast, I will also discuss what life looks like traveling during COVID 19 and what measures we took in order to combat any possible infection.

Chapter 14: Shanghai - Traveling to the Far East was one for the record books! Taking a MBA class trip to Shanghai was one of the best and unique experiences in my traveling life. Also, being able to go out there without spending a dime, made it that more sweeter! From late night at the Ritz Carlton, to walking through a Wet Market, to seeing the endless skyscrapers, traveling to this International hub definitely knocked off a big part of my bucket list.

Chapter 13: Palm Springs, CA -In August 2017, me and my mother decided to go for a weekend getaway to Palm Springs, CA. As a special guest, my mother Joan Powell and I talk about our experiences traveling and vacationing in the city, tips of where to go, and give some history as to why this was the place to be back in the days Frank Sinatra was tearing the town up.

Chapter 12: Seattle, WA - In October 2017, I took my third trip to the Emerald City, Seattle, WA. A city I always loved to visit, Seattle became a go to city as one of my favorites in the country. From the laid back culture, innovation mindset, and it's beautiful scenery, this was a place I always wanted to live. However, it was a walk to Kerry Park at 7AM on a Sunday morning that allowed me to finally understand who I was and what I wanted for the next chapter of my life.

Chapter 11: Albuquerque, NM - Want to see a bit of nature and get that south western cultural experience? Albuquerque, NM might just be the spot for you. With beautiful dessert, hiking trails, The Hot Air Balloon International Festival to great Native American cultural experience ABQ was a nice stop over for me picking up my brother from his first year in college in May 2008. Eventually that trip turned into overnight train ride back to good ole Cali!

Travel Tips: Carry On Luggage - Have you ever tried to fit everything you need in a carry on to try not to pay for a check in bag? Have you brought a carry on for your flight and forgot that you bought a Basic Economy Fair and cant have one without an extra fee? We’ll after listening to Traveling On Limekiln Pike’s Travel Tips: Carry On Luggage, not only will these issues be a distant memory, you will be able to save time and money that will be able to allow you to enjoy your trip that much more!

Chapter 10: Atlanta, GA - ATL! I have spent many spring and summer days in Atlanta, GA over the years. From visiting friends, family, conferences to a pretty long road trip, I have always had a great time in the NYC of the South. From the Six Flags: Over Georgia, College Football Hall Of Fame, to visiting the Underground to taking in a NBA Playoff Basketball game in April 2016, there are so many options of things to do in the city you’ll never run out!

Travel Tips: Working Out - Its hard, especially when you are on vacation, but doing this routine daily will not only allow you to get an early start on your travels but will allow you to indulge on nearly anything you want and treat yourself without feeling guilty. In this episode, Tips & Tricks: Working Out: following these routines while you are on vacation will be valuable for you to be at your best when you are taking time for yourself.

Chapter 9: Montreal - Parlez vous anglais? This phrase was one of a few French sentences we had to learn when me and my good friend of over 20 years decided to travel to Montreal in June 2014 to celebrate our 20-year anniversary! This was our second trip to Canada and what a trip it was. From eating tons of poutine, exploring the entire city to going to one of the many festivals, our road trip to the city made us feel like we were in France without needing to hop on a plane.

Chapter 8: Washington D.C. - A city of learning, history and a little sprinkle of fun, my trip to Washington D.C. in March 2019 was rememberable to say the least. Me and over 130 of my classmates from business school traveled to the capital of the United States to learn about the intersection between business and government, while also experiencing the political history of the city. Since this was also the last time we would all be together, as a class, we definitely had to end our time with a bang!

Travel Tips: Flight Deals - Have you always wanted to go on that dream vacation but couldn’t afford the flight? After listening to this tip & tricks podcast on airlines deals, these issues will be a distant memory. From where to find the best deals, times of the year to buy flights to the best tracking system for changes in price this podcast will give the tools for anyone to be able to find that next great steal!

Chapter 7: New Orleans, LA - Brocation! There is nothing better than going on a quick 24-hour vacation with one of your best buddies to one of your favorite cities to visit New Orleans! In September 2019, from beignets at Cafe Du Mont, drinks at Pat O’Brien’s, night in Frenchmen Street to one extremely spicy po’boy this was a weekend we both needed!

Chapter 6: Nashville, TN - Welcome to the Music City! In November 2017 me and a few of my classmates decided to travel to Nashville for the Thanksgiving holiday. Fortunately, for me, my family also lived in the city as well. From eating hot chicken sandwiches, visiting honky-tonks, to spending time with my family, my holiday adventure, while quick, got me in the singing mood!

Travel Tips: TSA PreCheck - TSA PreCheck is one of the most convenient aspects of flying. From smaller lines, less wait time, and not needing to take off your shoes, signing up for this services can cut minutes to hours off of your waiting time! I will let you know of 5 tips, tricks and benefits for having TSA PreCheck which will make your life much easier!

Chapter 5: Napa Valley, CA - In December 2019, me and my girlfriend Janell decided to take a weekend getaway trip to Napa Valley, CA! From going to multiple vineyards (one on top of a mountain), tasting world-renowned wines, to enjoying the scenic views of the valley, Napa was all people made it out to be.

Chapter 4: Chicago, IL - In January 2019, I decided on a a cold wintery weekend, to travel to Chicago,IL to handle gaining my visa to an international country. While me and my classmate were in the The Windy City, we decided to taste the local foodie scene, discover a intimate speakeasy, while enjoying a tour of some of the cities best sights!

Travel Tips: Airport Lounges - While traveling on an airplane and waiting at the airport usually isn't the funniest part of one travels, you can definitely make the best of it by taking advantage of airport lounges. Its the best way to have a relaxing few hours at the airport in which you don't mind staying around for a couple hours. I have 5 tips for you to make your lounging as perfect as possible!

Chapter 3: Las Vegas, NV - It was a long time since I have been back to Las Vegas, NV. First time as an adult on probably one of the most hyped days of the year New Year's Eve with my good friend from high school and his family. It was December 2012, the first of many trip I would take to Sin City over the years visiting friends and having a lot of fun. Let's just say I started off my voyages to Vegas with a bang!

Chapter 2: Denver - It's Christmas time in Denver! In the late Fall of 2019 me and my girlfriend decided to take a quick 36 hour trip to the Mile High City for some rest and relocation. Little did we know we were arriving during one of the most hectic times of the year. With the Parade of Lights and the Monet exhibit at The Denver Art Museum, Denver was certainly lit during the weekend!

Travel Tips: Megabus - If you are looking for a cost effective way to travel without time being an issues, Megabus is the way to go. This low budget bus company comes in handy when you are in a pinch, especially when tickets can be only $1. With my years of experience, I have some helpful travel tips to make sure your experience is as smooth as possible!

Chapter 1: Atlantic City - In the Summer of 2009, while living in the Bronx, NY me and my summer roommate decided to take a trip down to Atlantic City, NJ to win some money, people watch and take advantage of time at the Jersey Shore.

A prologue of my travel journeys with some of the most amazing people that I’ve ever meet. This is the beginning of the story of who I am, why I love to travel, my purpose for the podcast and lastly, why I have decided to name it Traveling On Limekiln Pike!