With all due respect to Atlanta and Athens, it's time to get that other Georgia on your mind.
Though it's not the most predictable travel destination, the country of Georgia is increasingly drawing tourists to Eurasia, thanks to its resorts along the Black Sea, the culturally thriving capital of Tbilisi, and a landscape that includes lush forests and achingly beautiful mountains. Plus, isn't it refreshing to visit a place where not everyone can brag that they've "been there, done that"?
Anum Bashir, the Middle Eastern style guru behind Desert Mannequin, fell hard for Georgia during a trip this year. While drawn to the country's surprising fashion cred, the influencer found herself captivated by historic monasteries, Old Town Tbilisi, and the gorgeous mountainous countryside. Her other travel essential: the food.
"Eat as much as you can," she says of the famously flavorful dishes on offer.
Top-notch cuisine, sightseeing galore, and miles upon miles of stunning vistas are surely all the temptation you need. Anyone else dying to squeeze in a last-minute vacay? Read on for highlights and tips from Bashir, along with pics from her recent getaway — and start planning your escape, stat.
On Georgia's appeal:
"I loved Georgia because it was wholesome and refreshing. Georgia is such a great escape from reality — especially Kazbegi, which if you're used to living in the desert, was truly a heavenly experience."
Photo: Courtesy of Anum Bashir.
On seeing the sights:
"The food was amazing everywhere I went. We had a lovely dinner at the Rooms Hotel in Tbilisi. Apart from that, I loved riding the funicular atop a Georgian mountain where we had lunch and enjoyed incredible views of the city."
Photo: Courtesy of Anum Bashir.
On looking the part:
"Bring lots of fun and summery colorful clothes. I looked up the weather prior to travel and was happy to learn that the sun was going to be shining for a week straight. That meant a lot of shorts, sundresses, and linens for me."
Photo: Courtesy of Anum Bashir.
On following your stomach:
"Tbilisi's Old Town was very lovely, too. I went to a cafe named Kafe Leila, which my friend Natuka Karkashadze took me to. The food was incredible and ambiance even better."
Photo: Courtesy of Anum Bashir.
On scratching that shopping muscle:
"I checked out their local fashion scene, as Georgian designers are fast becoming known and respected in the industry. After all, Balenciaga is being creatively led by Demna Gvasalia, who's from Georgia. Another cool place to check out is the N-DUO-Concept store, the brick-and-mortar boutique linked to the online e-tailer."
Photo: Courtesy of Anum Bashir.
On the great outdoors:
"We took a day trip to Kazbegi, which really felt like paradise. Georgia is also known for its incredibly remote monasteries, which we trekked to visit. There's a lot of history there, so do make it a point to learn and soak it all up."
Photo: Courtesy of Anum Bashir.
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