Thursday, March 31, 2011

ATLANTApix: Graduate Level Curiosity

Boys and Girls Club of America Sculpture Garden
Boys and Girls Club of America
Sculpture Garden
This is another of the bronzes in the Boys and Girls Club of America's sculpture garden at their Peachtree Street headquarters. This one, out of the 11 figures in the collection, is my favorite.

The majority of the sculptures are in a courtyard immediately in front of the headquarters building and several others are in an adjoining grassy area neighboring the First Church of Christ, Scientist. They are all easily seen from Peachtree Street.

Located in the heart of the Midtown Arts District, the Boys and Girls Club of America joins a host of other buildings in the area that feature public art. The stretch of Peachtree Street that is in the Midtown Arts District is fantastic for public art sightings.

ATLANTApix of the tourATLANTA blog features a "photo-of-the-day" of Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

ATLANTApix: The Peachtree Building

The Peachtree Building
The Peachtree Building
I've long admired The Peachtree Building for its spiraling architecture and have always thought it be a residential highrise. As it turns out, it's chock full of law firms and other businesses...it's an office building!

With that, you may wonder why I post architecture and sculpture photos on a tourism blog. When I'm a tourist in other cities, I often wonder what a particular building is or what the story is behind an interesting sculpture.

For example, have you ever wondered about the big red building or the kidney bean sculpture in Chicago? What about the obelisk in Central Park or, also in New York City, the glass building with all the planets hanging inside? Maybe you've wondered about the history of the red-orange monumental buildings with arches, a dome, and lots of sculptured ladies in San Francisco. Or even that massive cathedral in Washington, DC?

Learning answers to questions like those,  relative to Atlanta, is the reason why you see so many photos of buildings and sculptures in the daily ATLANTApix category of tourATLANTA. I do hope you enjoy them!
 
ATLANTApix of the tourATLANTA blog features a "photo-of-the-day" of Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

ATLANTApix: Swan House Weddings

Swan House
Swan House
Weddings at the the Swan House in Atlanta, popular in the spring and summer, are privy to some of the most beautiful backdrops in the city. Part of the Atlanta History Center's 33-acre complex, the Swan House was completed in 1928 with architect  Philip Trammell Shutze at the helm.

The Swan House, and several other spaces at the Atlanta History Center, are available for weddings, as well as special and corporate events.

For those who are not necessarily seeking a wedding venue or are visiting from out of town, daily tours (scheduled at admissions onsite) of the Swan House and the entire Atlanta History Center complex are available (Maybe you'll catch a glimpse of a wedding party!). This tour is one that I highly recommend, just plan ample time to explore!

ATLANTApix of the tourATLANTA blog features a "photo-of-the-day" of Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

Monday, March 28, 2011

ATLANTApix: Zoo Atlanta's Origins

Flamingo at Zoo Atlanta
Flamingo at Zoo Atlanta
On this day in 1889, George Valentine Gress and Thomas J. James attended an auction of a bankrupt traveling circus. Together, for $4,485, they became the new owners of circus wagons railroad cars and a collection of circus animals.

Gress took the animals...four lions, two wildcats, two deer, two monkeys, two snakes, and one each of a hyena, gazelle, raccoon, elk, Mexican hog, camel, and a dromedary (a single-hump member of the camel family). The original 12 species today numbers approximately 220.

Gress donated the animals to the city of Atlanta, which were moved to Grant Park where Zoo Atlanta remains to this day. Gress also assumed the responsibility for building the habitat cages and additionally donated thousands of dollars so that poor children could visit the Zoo.

He later purchased the Atlanta Cyclorama, also in Grant Park and a must-see Atlanta attraction, and donated it to Atlanta, as well.

ATLANTApix of the tourATLANTA blog features a "photo-of-the-day" of Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

Sunday, March 27, 2011

ATLANTApix: Atlanta Car Show

Car Show at Georgia Aquarium
Want to see the latest Porche, Jaguar, Mini, and Audi? Today is the final day of the Atlanta International Auto Show at the Georgia World Congress Center. Iron Man is also making a special appearance today!

Yes, yes, I know this photo is not the Atlanta International Auto Show. I was unfortunately unable to make it to that particular car show. This photo is from last year's inaugural Atlanta Classic Car Show that took place at the Georgia Aquarium. This is a Mercdes with Lamborghini style doors...a very sweet ride! And that's a Beluga Whale in the background.

ATLANTApix of the tourATLANTA blog features a "photo-of-the-day" of Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

ATLANTApix: Upcoming at Pemberton Place

Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium
One week from today the new resident dolphins at Georgia Aquarium will premier in AT&T Dolphin Tales. I've been hearing about the dolphins since I moved back to Atlanta in August of last year so my excitement is nearly uncontainable.

While you're in Pemberton Place, pop by the World of Coca-Cola to see their newest exhibit, "Coca-Cola Expedition 206," a story about three young people who set out to visit as many as possible of the 206 countries and territories where Coca-Cola is sold. The visited 186!

And by time the dolphins take to the "stage," just acrosse the street the Fountain of Rings in Centennial Olympic Park will have undergone its renovation and be ready for its daily performances.

ATLANTApix of the tourATLANTA blog features a "photo-of-the-day" of Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

Friday, March 25, 2011

Atlanta Botanical Garden: Atlanta Blooms!

Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Botanical Garden
One of the reasons I love Atlanta so much is springtime. The first annual Atlanta Blooms! exhibition at the Atlanta Botanical Garden has added significantly to that love…the 200,000 bulbs and seemingly everything else in the Garden is in bloom!

When I arrived, the entrance to the Garden was buzzing with activity…a sign that the turnout was good. The weather was perfect for a day in the Garden.



Speaking of weather, I consider myself a "professional tourist," but in my haste to leave for the Garden, I neglected to apply sunscreen, which you really, really, really want to do, especially if you’re going to spend two hours exploring like I did on this visit.

Perennial Garden
Perennial Garden
Fortunately, the Gift Shop sells sunscreen…just in case you forget to apply as well.

Entry to the Garden went quickly. A stop by the "What's in Bloom" display in the Hardin Visitor Center showed me a unique tulip located near the Japanese Garden that I decided I had to see.

Did you know that there's a theatre in the Visitor Center? There is! It's on the left just before you enter the Garden. Currently running is a video about orchids, in association with the Orchid Daze exhibition on display through Sunday, April 10.

As you enter the Garden, you see several topiaries created just for Atlanta Blooms! as well as hundreds of blooming daffodils. There are several other topiaries throughout the Garden, so be on the lookout.

Daffodils
Daffodils
The daffodil explosion continues in the woodlands of the Southern Seasons Garden, which you pass on the way to the Canopy Walk. While there are no blooms "on" the Canopy Walk itself, it offers some great views of lots of flower beds at that end of the Garden.

The Canopy Walk lets out the Cascades Garden, a great spot to sit and listen to the waterfalls and singing birds.

Tulips
Tulips
The tulip beds near Day Hall were continually occupied with shutterbugs and tulip enthusiasts…I stopped by several times myself. I used to be shy about asking other visitors to make a photo for me when I was touring on my own, but I've discovered that most people are more than willing to help you create memories.

I asked a fellow visitor to make a photo of me among the tulips and I got lucky…the person taking the photos for me just happened to be a professional photographer. She was teaching her boyfriend how to use a camera, about composition, and positioning for optimum lighting…a very good teacher from what I could tell in our brief encounter.

Levy Parterre
Levy Parterre
The Parterre Garden is a special place because of the Levy Parterre alone, but surrounded by ethereal cherry trees, tulips, crocus and excited tourists, makes being there an even more stupendous experience.

The Rose Garden has quite a few bulbs coming up including a lot of pink tulips. While making photos in the Rose Garden, I noticed quite a few rose buds, so I'm thinking that they'll be blooming soon.

There are bulbs around the Japanese Garden, but I didn't see any inside, not a surprise. However, leaves on the maples are well on their, here and other places in the Garden.

Overlooking the Great Lawn
Overlooking the Great Lawn
The Great Lawn is completely surrounded by blooms! The Perennial Border is bursting with tulips, daffodils, and other bulbs and is capped with a rather large purple tree…at least its thousands of tiny blossoms make it look like a purple tree. It's actually a Don Egolf Rosebud.

I'm very impressed that the Garden ensured that all parts of the Garden were included in the Atlanta Blooms! exhibition. Even by the Aquatic Plant Pond near the Fuqua Conservatory there are bulb plantings and some quite beautiful and peaceful sitting areas overlooking Piedmont Park and the Conservatory.

Tulips in the Perennial Garden
Tulips in the Perennial Garden
Over on the other side of the Conservatory, there are beds of tulips in the Edible Garden. There's also a rather tall gardener, rake in hand, standing atop one of the beds and she's covered with flowers. She would have remembered to wear sunscreen!

The Perennial Gardens were getting a lot of attention on this day. There are some very unique tulip species and a wide range of color. The wisteria is also coming in over the bench next to the fountain. The white tulips in this garden are my absolute favorite of the 70,000 throughout the Garden.

On the Flower Bridge
On the Flower Bridge
I wanted to see the entire Garden on this visit, to discover what was coming up where and what unique way our talented Garden designers decided to showcase the Atlanta Blooms! bulbs. Over the Flower Bridge I went where I discovered my second favorite tulip in the Garden. It's bright orange and yellow and its petals have feathered edges…very cool!

I love the architectural elements of the Trustees Garden. There is probably the least amount of bulbs in this garden, but you can see that a lot of the flowering vines will soon be in bloom. This is also a nice quite corner of the Garden if you need to escape from your escape.

In the Children's Garden
In the Children's Garden
While visiting kids are probably more interested in the slides, tree house, and water features in the Children’s Garden, it is also peppered with blubs and other blooms.

While strolling through, I heard a splash and turned to see two giant frogs swimming in one of the ponds. A mother and child were walking by a few moments later and I pointed out the frogs to the mother who pointed them out to her son who became wildly excited.

I have to say that I really admire all the educational activities the Garden offers children…and there are a lot to choose from.

Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Botanical Garden
A great place to finish up your visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden is the Alston Overlook. At the highest point in the Garden, you have an incredible view of the Garden and the Atlanta skyline from either of the two bench swings.

Membership

Membership, membership, membership…if you're a local and have even the slightest interest in gardening, botany, or respites from the city, I highly recommend investing in a membership to the Atlanta Botanical Garden. In some cases, it pays for itself in only a couple of visits.

Perennial Border
Perennial Border
In the past seven months I've visited the Garden eight times…which translates into a significant savings for having purchased a membership.

You also have the option of visiting and making your decision on your way out of the Garden. On a same-day visit, you can have the price of your admission applied toward the purchase of a membership.

Guided Tours

Guided group tours are available for groups of 10-50 for a modest amount above regular admission price. Box lunches are available for groups (order 48 hours in advance) through MetroFresh in the Garden.

Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Exhibition tours are available every morning at 10:00 a.m. The current exhibition tour is Orchid Daze: Liquid Landscapes, available through Saturday, April 9, 2011. These tours are free with admission and begin in the Hardin Visitor Center.

Every Tuesday and Thursday at 1:30 p.m., docent-led Garden tours begin in the admissions area and are free with admission.


Cascades Garden
Cascades Garden
 And the piece de resistance of tours is the Gardens for Connoisseurs Tour. It takes place on the Garden's busiest day of the year, Mother's Day. Tour-takers visit eight amazing private gardens around Atlanta and finish with a visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

The Return

You already know the answer to the question of will I return to the Atlanta Botanical Garden…it's of course "Yes!" I'm a city person, but I also love nature, so the Atlanta Botanical Garden has become a favorite place in the city…I have others, of course, but even after visiting for 24 years, this Garden remains a special place for me.

Touring Atlanta Blooms!

Date toured: Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Location: 1345 Piedmont Avenue, NE (directions and map)
Parking: Onsite, price depends duration; limited street parking nearby
Cost: Adults $18.95; Children (3-12) $12.95; Children under 3 admitted free
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (November-March); (9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. April-October); Closed Mondays
Website: http://www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org

One of Many Frogs
One of Many Frogs

ATLANTApix: Marquis Sculpture

Marriott Marquis Tower lobby art
Marriott Marquis Tower lobby art
In the lobby of the Marriott Marquis Tower in downtown Atlanta is this unique bronze celebration of human socialization. Even more exciting is all of the other uber-cool art that will be at this location one week from today.

Kristofer Laméy, industrial designer, artist, and Georgia native, will be opening his new studio and showroom in the former space of the Museum of Design Atlanta (now located at 1315 Peachtree Street, across from the High Museum of Art) on Friday, April 1, 2011.

His work is phenomenal! In particular I love his "Sisters" project. The one-of-a-kind chandeliers incorporate steel and blown glass, as well as a healthy dose of engineering marvel. I love Chihuly, but I would rather have a Laméy, given the choice.

ATLANTApix of the tourATLANTA blog features a "photo-of-the-day" of Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

ATLANTApix: No-Cost Atlanta

Chandelier at the Georgia Governor's Mansion
Chandelier at the Georgia Governor's Mansion
I find myself shocked, amazed, and totally baffled when I hear people say "I'm bored" or "There's nothing to do." Now, when I hear "There's nothing on TV," that I'm inclined to agree with, but will never agree that there's nothing to do. There is so much to do in Atlanta and lots of it is available without an exchange of currency.

For example, tours of the Georgia Governor's Mansion (photo) cost nothing and it's an amazing tour. Tours of the Georgia Capitol Building are also a no-cost outing and they have an intriguing museum on the fourth floor. There are free concerts at Centennial Olympic Park on a regular basis. And there's always something going on in Piedmont Park, such as films, festivals, charity walks, as there are in other public parks in Atlanta.

Those are only a few of the many examples of things to do in Atlanta. For those on a tight budget looking for something to do, scroll through my blog and at the end of each post you'll find the cost (or no cost) for the tour in question. It's an easy way to find something to do on those days when the plague of boredom visits.

While you're here, subscribe (right column) to receive regular posts of new places to visit and new exhibits to see. Happy touring!

ATLANTApix of the tourATLANTA blog features a "photo-of-the-day" of Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

Museum of Design Atlanta: Italian Motorcycles!

MV Agusta 500cc Grand Prix
MV Agusta 500cc Grand Prix
I have never seen so many Ducatis in one place! The Passione Italiana: Design of the Italian Motorcycle exhibition at the new location of the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) is a motorcycle and design enthusiasts dream come true.

I had been looking forward to this day for several months, since I first discovered MODA at its previous location downtown. My first visit was immediately prior to the temporary closing and I was totally blown away by the Kristofer Laméy exhibit, Serving Form, as well as the courtesy of the museum staff.

That caliber of exhibition and the same staff courtesy has transferred to the new space, which is mind-blowing amazing.



I had the great fortune to attend one of the construction-phase visits to the new space. I was impressed with the museum even when it was drywall, hanging cables, and unpainted. The transformation, the finished space, embodies the word "design." To those who made it happen…"Kudos and congratulations!"

Museum of Design Atlanta
Museum of Design Atlanta
I arrived on opening day, Sunday, March 20, 2011, very excited to see the Italian motorcycles. Had there been nothing else, I would have been ecstatic just to see the Ducatis and the Agustas. But there was more.

On opening day, if visitors were not sure of the address, they knew they’d reached their destination when they saw the multitude of large, white balloon bouquets (can we say "Up"?), the motorcycles parked out front, the food vendors on the side street, and the MODA logo prominently displayed (Yeah for marketing!).

Welcoming guests were the Executive Director, Brenda Galina, Ph.D. and Associate Director, Laura Flusche. It may seem "mandatory" for museum directors to be present at an opening, but I'd previously met Brenda and Laura both, on more than one occasion, and it was heart touching to see their excitement of the plans for the new location come to fruition.

MV Agusta Brutale Oro
MV Agusta Brutale Oro
Brenda and Laura have given more and sacrificed more than most visitors will ever know to ensure the survival and success of the Museum of Design Atlanta. If you have the honor of meeting either or both of them when you visit, please thank them for all they've done to give Atlanta a world-class museum of design.

The exhibit space is itself brilliantly designed. Located in the public library building at 1315 Peachtree Street in the Midtown Arts District (another brilliant move on the director's part!) exactly across the street from the High Museum of Art, MODA is nestled between other office entrances on the first floor.

Upon entering the museum, visitors pass through an enclosed entryway into the main reception area. There’s a front display window, where for this exhibit there are two Ducati motorcycles enticing passersby into the museum. There’s also the welcome station where visitors may obtain information about the museum and current and upcoming exhibits, as well as purchase tickets and memberships.

MODA
MODA
At the welcome desk, I and my friend were greeted by Jeffrey Adler, the museum’s Office Manager and a friend. Jeffrey is also an artist as are many of the people I’ve met who are associated with MODA. Within seconds we were on our way into the exhibit.

Behind the welcome desk is a full wall bearing the MODA logo (you know without a doubt where you are) in its signature red color.

There are several galleries throughout the space, each numbered. You’ll also see "ribbons" throughout the museum, another brilliant design element, in the form of horizontal, shoulder height bands of red with gallery and exhibit information embedded within.

Interactive Station
Interactive Station
There are also interactive touch-screen displays throughout the museum that provide information about the museum and current and upcoming exhibits. They've really gone high-tech. I first learned about QR Codes at their former location…I'm anxious to see what they introduce next.

Also in the new space are multiple video projection units, all of which were in use during opening day of Passione Italiana.

The gallery at the far end of the museum has an abundant amount of natural light as well as observation windows from the public library upstairs. You might think you just went to the library to check out a book then you learn you get a sneak peak of the current exhibition downstairs…a nice perk for our learned friends.

Just so you know, tours of the Museum of Design Atlanta are self-guided. I recommend allotting approximately one hour, probably more, to view Passione Italiana.

The Exhibit

Bimota V-Due
Bimota V-Due
One of the great cool-factors of visiting MODA on opening day was the number of motorcycle riders (you could tell by their attire) who were there to see Passione Italiana: Design of the Italian Motorcycle, an exhibit made possible by the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, of Birmingham, Alabama.

I shouldn't have been surprised because I had heard about the Moto for MODA event…a motorcycle route through Midtown (a great way to remind locals of the exhibit) that included complimentary parking, helmet check, and half-off admission, capped with a host-bar viewing of the Moto GP race in Qatar.

Now, to the motorcycles! This is what the new location inaugural exhibit is all about…Italian motorcycles, or more specifically, the design of Italian motorcycles.

Ducati 1098 S Tricoloree
Ducati 1098 S Tricoloree
The exhibit includes nine Italian motorcycles that span five decades, including four Ducatis, three Agustas, one Bimota, and one Morini, not including the two Ducatis in the front display window.

As I write this, it's been several days since seeing the motorcycles and I've given much thought as to which I would consider my favorite. Even now, if I were given nine sets of keys and told I could only keep one set, I would be hard pressed to choose.

Ducati Supermono
Ducati Supermono
But if I had to choose or lose, I would ride away on the Ducati Supermono. That bike was built for racing and there were reportedly only 30 ever made…so, you get to see not only Italian motorcycles, you get to see rare Italian motorcycles!

There are several bikes in the exhibition that are older than I am…and they're stunning (motorcycles don't get crows feet). The one that I'm sure will be a crowd favorite (judging by the number of comments it received when I posted its photo to my Facebook account) is the 1964 MV Agusta 500cc Grand Prix.

As a museum of design there are clever details everywhere. You'll not be surprised when it dawns on you that all of the motorcycles in the exhibit are primarily red in color…appropriate given MODA's signature red.

Motorcycle Race Suits
Motorcycle Race Suits
This exhibit has more than motorcycles.

One of the very cool features is a collection of driver suits. One of the suits, worn by Casey Stoner of Australia in 2010, is scuffed the length of the left side. Casey finished fourth in the Championship that year, so the scuffing was evidently not too detrimental, but it shows the danger and required skill for sport racing.

Also in the main hallway, there's a photo exhibit that chronicles the 50 year span of the motorycylces on exhibit showcasing Italian fashion, industry, furniture, and motorcycle design, featuring other Italian designers including Versace.

50 Years of Italian Design
50 Years of Italian Design
The only thing that could make this exhibit better would be if they would loan me the Ducati Supermono, just for the day even. Given that is unlikely to happen (especially since one sold last year for US$92,000 and the fact that I'm not an experienced rider), I am perfectly content to occasionally visit the Supermono and its entourage at MODA and will do so frequently through Monday, June 13, 2011 when the exhibit closes.

The Return

Am I motivated to return to MODA? On my first visit, at their former downtown location, I purchased a membership…I was that impressed with this museum, so, yes, I will definitely be back. There are a number of upcoming exhibits that have piqued my curiosity, so I imagine I'll return rather frequently.

Touring the Museum of Design Atlanta

Date toured: Sunday, March 20, 2011
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Thursdays open until 8:00 p.m.); Sundays 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: 1315 Peachtree Street (directions and map)
Cost: $10 adults; $8 seniors and military; $5 students and children
Parking: Street parking and nearby parking garages
Website: http://www.museumofdesign.org/


"Passione Italiana"


Wednesday, March 23, 2011

ATLANTApix: Mythic Creatures

Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids
"Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids"









Children are mesmerized by the Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids exhibition at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History and their excitement is exponential as they wonder through the gallery.(opening day post)

Grownups are loving it too. I got lost in the fantasy world as soon as I walked into the exhibit and saw the giant dragon. I was further impressed by the education about the origins of more mythical creatures than I ever knew existed, as well as a few surprises.

Mythic Creatures features dozens of creatures from lore, myth, and hoax. In addition to a life-size dragon, unicorn, and mermaid there are dozens other beasts, elegant and fierce. Mythic Creatures is on view through Sunday, August 14, 2011. 

And as if dragons and unicorns weren't enough to entrance our children, Fernbank opened only a few days ago its newest exhibition—specifically for kids—Fernbank NatureQuest.

NatureQuest is an interactive journey of exploration and discovery that includes an elevated rope bridge, an archeological dig, a "river," a cave to explore...and that's just the beginning. (video preview)

ATLANTApix of the tourATLANTA blog features a "photo-of-the-day" of Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

ATLANTApix: ABG Tulips

Atlanta Blooms! at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Blooms! at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
Today marks the official beginning of the Atlanta Botanical Garden's first annual Atlanta Blooms! exhibition...and they're beautiful. I stopped by a few days ago for a preview and quite a few of the nearly 200,000 bulbs, including 70,000 tulips (photo) are blooming or are on the verge of blooming.

Given today's sunny weather forecast, I hope the Garden sees a record number of visitors. This is definitely a get-it-while-it's-hot exhibition...the bulbs will only last so long and this is a sight you really want to see.

I will be stopping by tomorrow for the first official day...and I'm sure I'll be by at least a time or two more throughout the exhibition, which runs through April. And there's a special "Blooms & Bubbly" event on Thursday evening, April 7, 2011.

ATLANTApix of the tourATLANTA blog features a "photo-of-the-day" of Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

Monday, March 21, 2011

ATLANTApix: Silhouette Midtown

Silhouette Midtown
Silhouette Midtown
One of my favorite buildings, a new "discovery" since returning to Atlanta, is Silhouette Midtown. Silhouette, built in 1964 and originally called 1447 Peachtree, was redesigned and repositioned in 2007—with great success.

The previously non-descript, fade-into-the-background 10-story building has a totally new facade, landscaping, and interiors lending to a "museum-quality modern aesthetic." Dramatic silhouetted figures adorn the full-length sides of the building in white, grays and black.

The illuminated square columns supporting a glass canopy, as well as a new fountain and landscaping, invite visitors to Silhouette. I've not been inside this office building, but have read that the interior spaces also incorporate silhouette elements and that there's a small "gallery-like museum of modern art" in the lobby.

Silhouette is nestled in Atlanta's Midtown Arts District just down the street from the High Museum of Art and the recently relocated Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA).

ATLANTApix of the tourATLANTA blog features a "photo-of-the-day" of Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

ATLANTApix: Lewis R. Slanton Courthouse

Lewis R. Slanton Courthouse
Lewis R. Slanton Courthouse
The Lewis R. Slanton Courthouse, also known as the Fulton County Courthouse, was completed in 1914 and has since served as the home of Fulton County government, save for a few additional buildings nearby added in subsequent years.

The architecture of the Courthouse is of the Neoclassical Revival / Beaux Arts Classicism style, rather unique in the Atlanta downtown area, but appropriate for the neighborhood.

The Lewis R. Slanton Courthouse was the first million-dollar courthouse in Georgia, costing $1,250,000 and has more square footage than the Georgia Capitol Building, located just around the corner.

ATLANTApix of the tourATLANTA blog features a "photo-of-the-day" of Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

ATLANTApix: The Dolphins are Coming, the Dolphins are Coming!

Georgia Aquarium
Whale Shark (top) and Giant Grouper (bottom)
at Georgia Aquarium
Exactly two weeks from today, on Saturday, April 2, 2011, Georgia Aquarium will unveil its new dolphin exhibit. The anticipation around the city is building at an alarming rate, or maybe that's just me. However, in chatting with friends and tourists, everyone I've spoken with is excited about their joining the Aquarium family.

AT&T Dolphin Tales promises to be a show unlike any other dolphin show on the planet. Their plans include some of the most accomplished dolphin trainers in the world, a signature 61-piece orchestra score, unique costuming, and an atmosphere only Georgia Aquarium could provide.

When you visit Georgia Aquarium to see the dolphins, remember to check out the five other galleries. I'm sure the dolphins will join the ranks of the Aquarium's other popular residents: the Whale Sharks (photo), the Beluga Whales, and the petting tank Cownose Rays.

I would be curious to know how many Douglas Adams fans are planning to go. Adams was the hilarious science fiction writer, known best for The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, who postulated that dolphins are the second most intelligent creatures on Earth, mice, of course being the most intelligent (how else would they get so much free cheese just for navigating a simple maze), and humans coming in third.

I'm certain there will be many, many stories written about Atlanta's dolphins...by you, the press, Georgia Aquarium, and ultimately tourATLANTA, so come back in a couple of weeks for a full report on Atlanta's newest and most welcome residents.

ATLANTApix of the tourATLANTA blog features a "photo-of-the-day" of Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

Grant Park: A Walking Tour

Grant Park Pond
I have friends who live in Historic Grant Park who have shared a few highlights here and there about the area so when I saw the Grant Park walking tour in the Phoenix Flies offerings, I jumped at the chance for a an imparting of a docent's knowledge.

I arrived at Grant Park, at the designated meeting space, in plenty of time to start snapping photos. Just prior to our 6:00 p.m. start time, I noticed a lady with a blue notebook standing on her own and assumed she was to be our tour guide. She was.

I went over and introduced myself. Carol introduced herself and we chatted about Grant Park and tourATLANTA until the other tour-takers arrived.

Carol, to my benefit as well as the other tour participants that day, is one of the founding members of the Grant Park Conservancy and she's lived in Grant Park for a number of years…we not only had a tour guide who knows the Park, she has a vested interest in knowing everything there is to know about Grant Park.

The other tour participants arrived, a modest group compared to the 30-something member group Carol had the day before, but I think we were the real troopers showing up for a tour on a Monday night.

There was a married couple, a young British lady visiting for the weekend and another you lady who happened to be a docent at the Fox Theatre, as well as Carol and me. The group ended up being more conversational than some other tours I’ve been on, which was a great chance of pace.

Gathered and acquainted, the tour began.

The Tour

First, the clearing up of a common misconception…Grant Park is actually named for Lemuel P. Grant, a successful engineer and businessman who donated 100 acres for the creation of a public park in 1883. Later another 40 acres were allocated, but due to residential and road expansion, the size today is 131.5 acres.

The oldest public park in Atlanta, Grant Park is also the largest park in the city. The next three largest are Chastain Park, Freedom Park, and Piedmont Park.

Grant Park, established in 1882, Grant Park was designed by the Olmstead Brothers, sons of the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead who designed Central Park in New York City. The Olmstead Brothers also created the redesign of Piedmont Park in the early 20th Century.

Before we set off on foot, Carol pointed out the only surviving historic statue in Grant Park, that of Thomas Wilson Talbot. The inscription on the statue reads:

"Erected by the membership of the International Association of Machinists, May 5, 1948, to the memory of its founder Thomas Wilson Talbot, 1949-1892, through whose efforts came light out of darkness and hope out of despair. And that generations to come might extol his greatness, this monument is solemnly dedicated to free men everywhere who toil for a livelihood."
The other statues that used to be in Grant Park have been moved or mysteriously disappeared…some might have been traceable, but relocation records were not kept.

Fort Walker
Our first stop was Fort Walker, built during the Siege of Atlanta (July 22-August 25, 1864) and one of the few remaining fortifications in Atlanta from that period. The remnants of the fort include platforms from where cannons would fire on invading forces. The three elevated platforms we saw each had a stone path leading up to them, presumably to more easily transport ammunition (cannonballs) to them.

Atlanta Cyclorama
Next, we doubled back and stopped at the Atlanta Cyclorama and Zoo Atlanta, both situated in Grant Park. Carol proceeded to give us a little history about those two destinations. I’ve visited and blogged about Atlanta Cyclorama and Zoo Atlanta both, but it’s always nice to hear stories retold from a different point of perspective (I always learn something new).

Carol reminded us that we’re in a major anniversary of the Civil War, so a visit to the Atlanta Cyclorama (one of only three surviving cycloramas in the United States) is perfectly appropriate during 2011 given its depiction the Battle of Atlanta during the American Civil War.

Lion Bridge
The Lion Bridge, located on the Cherokee Avenue side of the Park, is a fine example of park architecture in the late 19th Century. The spring that once fed it has since been rerouted, as have three others of the original five in the Park. Part of the Conservancy’s restoration effort includes bringing the springs to life again.

Constitution Spring, also diverted, used to flow more than 10,000 gallons per day, according to long-time residents of Grant Park.

The double-sided fountain, installed in 1927, has not been operational in many decades. Actually, the Conservancy has located no long-time residents who recall when it was working, but that hasn’t stopped the Conservancy from including the restoration of the fountain on their “to do” list.

Baseball Field
The newly renovated Recreation Center was next on our tour. The Rec Center includes a rather ominous structure (closed when we were there) as well as a ball field, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a public swimming pool.

The swimming pool is open spring through autumn and reserves periods for adults only and neighborhood only swimming times (a great perk for the neighborhood, I think).

Playground
There are many playscapes throughout Grant Park, but the brand new Playground is by far the most popular. With a multitude of slides, swings, and junglegyms, more than 100 children and adults have been seen playing and socializing with neighbors.

A Pond for runoff water was created in 2003 using one of the previously covered springs that now provides more than 18,000 gallons of water a day. Of the five original springs in Grant Park, using maps from 1900, it was determined that this particular spring was called Salaam Spring. Salaam is a biblical word meaning “restoration.”

The Grant Park Conservancy is currently working on a 20 year plan to restore Grant Park to its grandeur of yesteryear.

As with all tours, much more information was imparted than what I can share here (which would defeat my goal of getting people out to explore the city), but I hope it’s enough to entice you to explore further, to go on your own walking tour of Grant Park.

Tours

The Grant Park Conservancy offers a self-guided walking tour through Grant Park via a printable highlights tour.

Additionally, First Saturday Work Days is a day that the Conservancy welcomes individuals, groups, and corporate volunteer teams to work in the Park on various projects throughout the Park. Over recent years, thousands of volunteers have planted thousands of trees, shrubs, flowers, mulched, and learned about the history of Grant Park and its plans for the future.

The Return

Will I return to Grant Park? Of course I’ll want to go Zoo Atlanta from time to time and yes, I want to return to Grant Park occasionally as well. I will be curious to see the progress of the restoration projects, particularly the double-sided fountain.

Touring Grant Park

Date toured: Monday, March 14, 2011
Location: 840 Cherokee Ave SE (directions)
Cost: Free
Parking: Free onsite parking
Website: http://www.gpconservancy.org/

Touring Grant Park