Saturday Tropical Tours

Great news for those who are not so fond of cold weather...with the opening of the annual "Orchid Daze" exhibition in early February, the Atlanta Botanical Garden will begin offering complimentary (with paid admission) drop-in tours at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays!

Tropical Palm at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

Even in the dead of winter, the Garden offers a tropical escape that no where else in the City can. The Fuqua Conservatory, featuring tropical and dessert environments, as well as the Fuqua Orchid Center, are fun and beautiful respites from the cold. 

Being a native Floridian, and working Monday-Friday, I welcome these Saturday tours with open arms. If Saturdays aren't good for you, the same drop-in tour is available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. And of course you can call the Garden to arrange for guided group tours.

The Waffle Palace at the Waffle House

When I first moved to Atlanta in 1987, I lived a stone's throw from the quaint, village-esque Avondale Estates, home of the first Waffle House, which opened on Labor Day 1955. But I never knew the restaurant was there, even though I'd passed it about a bazillion times.

Turns out, that that restaurant—the original Waffle House restaurant—reopened in 2008 as a museum honoring the company's history and now 1,600-plus restaurants, in 25 states, as "The Waffle House Museum."

Cast of "The Waffle Palace" (Horizon) at the Waffle House Museum

When exploring the multitude of "unknown Atlanta gems," the Waffle House Museum was on my list, but its being open to the public only once a month made it challenging to include in such a busy person's schedule. 

However, now having been, I do recommend making time to visit the Waffle House Museum, especially if you're someone who is or has been a fan of Waffle House waffles. For that reason and that it's such a well-known part of Atlanta history!

Waffle House Museum

I had a blast visiting the Museum the day I went...the cast of The Waffle Palace was there! Waffle Palace is a show currently running at Horizon Theatre in Little Five Points.

There were dozens and dozens of visitors and a rather diverse group it was. Everyone was having fun. 

The Waffle Palace cast was incredibly engaging, there were coupons for free waffles at Waffle House, there were raffles, there was music, and there were incredibly knowledgeable docents sharing a great amount of detail about the history of Waffle House—which impressed me given that the Museum is open only once a month.

The Original Waffle House, Waffle House Museum

I met Kristen Gwock while I was there. She's the Marketing Manager at Horizon Theatre and was incredibly enthusiastic about Waffle Palace...so much that I can hardly wait to go see it! 

And every member of the cast was fabulous...going around talking with visitors, posing for photos, in character and in costume...and always pleasant and fun.

Waffle House Museum

So, the Waffle House Museum is actually in two buildings, including the original restaurant, which features the dining room and the pantry (where all the food was stored and prepared). Of note, in 1955, EVERYTHING on the menu was prepared from scratch except for three items: Coca-Cola, Heinz ketchup, and Post Toasties cereal.

Waffle House Museum, Kitchen and Pantry

The Museum is also comprised of the attached neighboring building, which houses quite a few displays that include a restaurant counter, a juke box, artifacts from Waffle Houses in New Orleans that fell to Hurricane Katrina, and countless other historical items that tell the story of an incredibly successful restaurant.

There are recordings around the museum, so be sure to look for the activation buttons on the walls. They provide historical recollections and factoids—fun stuff!

One thing that I found very interesting was that in the original dining room there were no tables. There was the counter seating and a couple of benches against the opposing wall. And the benches we for those guests who wanted only coffee, while the counter was reserved for dining guests. Rather different these days, yes?

There's so more I could share, but don't want to spoil the fun. Here's one last photo to entice you to go see the Museum and you can find even more photos over on the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page. I also recommend, based on meeting the cast and Kristen, going to see The Waffle Palace.

Waffle House Museum

Drink in Design: cg creative Team

If you've not been to a “Drink in Design” event at the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) just yet, this Thursday’s event is one that you’ll certainly want to attend. 

The creators of Darkly Deeply Beautifully Blue, one of the more popular vignettes of The South’s Next Wave: Design Challenge—based on the reactions and comments of friends I've taken to see the exhibition—will be presenting.

Darkly Deeply Beautifully Blue, Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)

MODAites (that’s not what we’re really called, but I feel the Museum’s following—and there are a LOT of us—needs a moniker) will enjoy, in addition to beer, wine, and some snacks, principal of cg creative interiors Caryn Grossman and the team that helped create Darkly Deeply Beautifully Blue, including independent filmmaker Milford Earl Thomas, drag performer David Richardson, photographer Chris Buxbaum, and artisan James Hoback.

Drink in Design: cg creative Team will take place on Thursday, January 31, 2013. As usual, doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and the program will commence at 6:30. Tickets are beyond reasonable and members attend free.

Have a look at some of my other posts (first visit) (return visit) on Next Wave (I’ve been numerous times already…it’s that good!) and then get your tickets. Hope to see you there!

Terminus 100

As I'm sure is the case with some of you, I'm very curious about specific buildings when out driving around, either purposefully or leisurely (although there never seems enough time for the latter). There are a LOT of Atlanta buildings I find fascinating, including the 27-story Terminus 100.

Terminus 100 in Buckhead

And what a great name! "Terminus" was the first name given to the bustling railroad town that would eventually—after several name changes—become known as...the City of Atlanta.

Terminus 100 is located in the heart of the thriving neighborhood of Buckhead, where visitors will find the finest shops, phenomenal restaurants, and more luxury automobiles than I've ever seen. The subjects of Atlanta's society pages can be found in Buckhead.

If you're an architecture enthusiast, check out the building and you're also welcome to copy the above pre-sized for Facebook (Cover Photo) photograph for use on your own page. Stop by the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page for more!

Atlanta's National Register of Historic Places

Looking over the National Register of Historic Places, specifically Atlanta places, I discovered that I've visited quite a few of them. Not a majority, mind you—my search for Atlanta places on the Register returned 200-plus results!

Here's a quick list of some of the Atlanta locales listed on the National Register of Historic Places about which I've blogged...enjoy!


Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, or known locally as "The Basilica of The Sacred Heart of Jesus."

Church of The Sacred Heart of Jesus

Cyclorama of the Battle of Atlanta, in Grant Park adjacent to Zoo Atlanta.

Atlanta Cyclorama

The Fox Theatre, also called "The Fabulous Fox."

The Fox Theatre

Georgia State Capitol, the building downtown with the huge gold dome.

Georgia Capitol Building

Grant Park Historic District, established in 1882.

Grant Park

Herndon Home, home of Alonzo Franklin Herndon, Atlanta's first African-American millionaire.

Herndon Home

Historic Oakland Cemetery, final resting place of Margaret Mitchell and Bobby Jones.

Historic Oakland Cemetery

Oglethorpe University Historic District, home to the Oglethorpe University Museum of Art.

Oglethorpe University

Piedmont Park, one of Atlanta's most vibrant and most visited green spaces.

Piedmont Park

Rhodes Memorial Hall (Rhodes Hall), locally known as "The Castle on Peachtree."

Rhodes Hall

Tullie Smith House, an historic farmhouse at the Atlanta History Center.

Tullie Smith House

The Swan House, also located at the 33-acre Atlanta History Center.

Swan House

The Texas, an historic locomotive from The American Civil War, housed at the Atlanta Cyclorama.

The Texas

Underground Atlanta, a downtown destination for shopping and nightlife.

Underground Atlanta

Well, there you go. A few of the many destinations in Atlanta that are on the National Register of Historic Places...with many, many more to explore!

One Frog, Two Frogs, Yellow Frog, Blue Frog

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is home to 400 to 500 frogs at any given time…sometimes considerably more. And that doesn't include all the bullfrogs you see throughout the Garden during warmer weather.

Blue Poison Dart Frog, Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Amphibian Display in the Dorothy Chapman FuquaConservatory showcases numerous kinds of frog, mostly from South America, including this Blue Poison Dart Frog. If you missed the recent performance of The Blue Man Group at the Fox, this is a great alternative--although they may not be banging garbage cans with PVC, they’re much more vocal.

At any given time, you’re sure to see several of the frogs roaming around in their tropical habitats (some of still as stone), but if you’d like to see all the frogs that live in those habitats, stop by the Garden for their Saturday, 11:00 a.m. feeding…they all come out for breakfast! 

And the Amphibian Specialist who is feeding them is happy to answer any questions you may have…come up with some good ones!

Feel free to use this pre-sized Facebook Cover Photo on your own page and then head over to the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page for more.

So, while The Blue Man Group has come and gone from The FoxTheatre (surely they’ll be back), you can still see quite a bit of entertaining blue in Atlanta. Just head over to the Atlanta Botanical Garden—Saturday mornings at 11:00 if you can—and revel in the marvel of the Blue Poison Dart Frog.

The Mesmerizing Sea Nettles

Often assumed to be jelly fish, the inordinate number of Georgia Aquarium visitors who are mesmerized by the Pacific Sea Nettles is wonderful to watch. I love it when visitors to our fair city are that fascinated with what we have to offer.

Pacific Sea Nettles, Georgia Aquarium

With so many wonderful things to see, unfortunately, not all photographs turn our, as was the case of the above photo. But with today's photo-editing software, many of them free to anyone, you can turn a blurry photo into something quite mesmerizing itself.

So, even if you're a novice photographer, snap away...you never know what you might get!

This photo, taken in the Tropical Diver gallery at Georgia Aquarium, is pre-sized for use as a Facebook Cover Photo, so please help yourself. There are more over on the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page...enjoy!

Blue Man Group at The Fox Theatre

Feeling a little blue? Here’s an easy fix…

The Fox Theatre, Atlanta

Blue Man Group is performing at the Fox Theatre this weekend! The Fox also offers docent-led tours of this majestic theater on Saturdays (a few other days too), so you could easily make it “A Day at The Fox”!

While you’re there, if you've brought you camera, and I do recommend that you do (you can take photos inside, too!), walk all around the Fox where you'll discover some amazing vistas from which to make some pretty incredible shots of this beautiful building.

And there are some great restaurants and bars in the area too. Livingston, right across the street in the Georgian Terrace, is a personal favorite—and sometimes they partner with the Fox to offer ‘Dinner and a Show’ specials. Check the Fox’s website for information.

Enjoy the beautiful weekend exploring Atlanta!

Ayokunle Odeleye at MOCA GA

Serendipity is such a dear and cherished friend! 

The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia (MOCA GA) had been on my radar for quite some time, but I just got around to it this past weekend. And what a great experience! So great, that I went twice in the same day!

Ayokunle Odeleye at the Museum of Contemporary Art

I had the great fortune of just catching the exhibition, "Ayokunle Odeleye: Thirty-two Years of Public Art"—it was the last day of the exhibition—AND it just so happened (here's the serendipitous part) that there was later that day a panel discussion with Ayo and three other public artists and the Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs' Public Art Program Manager...there was no way I was going to miss that discussion!

I arrived at the Museum, on the well-known antique shop-laden Bennett Street in Buckhead, and was welcomed with enthusiasm and was provided ample detail about the Museum and its current exhibition. I learned about the upcoming exhibition on the way out (more on that in a moment).

The 1898 Memorial (Wilmington, NC)
Ayokunle Odeleye, Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia

The 1898 Memorial (Wilmington, NC)
Ayokunle Odeleye, Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia

Ayokunle Odeleye, Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia

How much you enjoy a new museum, attraction, city, restaurant, job, or an in-law, greatly depends on that first impression...and the young lady at the museum that day (unfortunately, I didn't catch her name) totally made my experience of MOCA such that I've adopted it as part of my museum repertoire henceforth.

Going in, I immediately recognized Ayokunle's work. And I was loving how the exhibition was laid out. It was the first time I'd seen a retrospective of this sort...I was totally engaged.

There also is a catalog of the exhibition. Ayo later told us that he'd never himself seen his work laid out in such a way—being viewed as a collection of lifetime works. And that's exactly what it was. 

Ayo is a public artist...one on the monumental scale. So, the exhibition couldn't possibly hold a collection of his "original" works—those are all over the country, many right here in Georgia, and as far away as Alaska!

Chi Wara Sundial Lantern (Atlanta, GA)
Ayokunle Odeleye
Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia

What the exhibition included were drawings, photographs, and miniature (relatively speaking) models of the larger, real-life pieces. And obviously an Ayo touch, much of the photography (at least one in a set of photos) of the finished piece, included Ayo himself with his creation.

Ancestral Totem (Atlanta, GA)
Ayokunle Odeleye
Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia

After touring the quite museum, I departed for a previously self-committed tour of  another museum, all the while devising a plan to return for the two o'clock panel discussion. 

I made it back in plenty of time (a future post will explain that excursion—pure, lighthearted fun) and even had time to stop for a quick bite after Imy return to Buckhead.

In contrast to my quiet visit earlier, there was standing room only for the panel discussion!

The moderator was introduced by MOCA GA's President/CEO/Director Annette Cone-Skelton. The moderator was Lisa Tuttle, a charming artist herself. The panelists included Maria Artemis, Curtis Patterson, Matt Haffner, Ayokunle Odeleye, and Eddie Granderson…and they were all brilliant.

Also, each of them looked and felt quite familiar. I would have sworn that I'd before met each of the artists on the panel, and maybe I have over the years.

I highly recommend exploring Atlanta's public art...there are some pretty amazing pieces out there. Actually, that sounds like a really fun full-day excursion. Hmmmm...

And when you do, ask yourself—at least of your local public art—"How does this represent my community? How does it make me feel about where I live?"

The Three Guardians (Brentwood, MD)
Ayokunle Odeleye
Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia

The Three Guardians (Brentwood, MD)
Ayokunle Odeleye
Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia

So, on Saturday, January 26, the next MOCA GA exhibition will be unveiled...."Ruth Laxson: Hip Young Owl." This exhibition is the first museum retrospective of Atlanta's Ruth Laxson and will feature more than 125 works. Sounds rather exciting.

I can hardly wait to return to The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia...I'm thinking this is a new museum on my short list of Atlanta favorites. We'll soon find out.

Pop over to the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page where you'll find more photos of my exploration of Ayo's brilliant public art and MOCA GA. And then go experience Atlanta!

The Aurora Court Panels (Aurora, CO)
Ayokunle Odeleye, Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia

MODA Field Trip: DEX Industries

Who would have thought that so many people would be interested in cement?!

Recently, I went on my first Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) "Field Trip"...with a LOT of fellow MODA enthusiasts. We went to and toured DEX Industries, which is "a leading provider of sustainable product using responsible practices dedicated to exploring, pursuing, and executing creative applications of concrete and terrazzo."

DEX Industries Showroom

Alright, I don't want this post to sound too much like a commercial for DEX Industries, although I would totally endorse them and I will be telling all my designer and architect friends about them. My goal here is to induce excitement for MODA Field Trips. As a matter of fact, I'm so excited about their Field Trips that I've already purchased my ticket for the next one!

So, to preface what we toured, Lauriel Leonard is the "Concrete Blonde" of "Iron Man and the Concrete Blonde", creators of vignette #11 in The Next Wave. Lauriel is a designer and is co-owner of DEX Industries and she's a lovely and wholly fun hostess. We started in the showroom.

The showroom features walls and sinks and other vessels, all made from cement, many with aggregate. DEX Industries sponsored a reception prior to the tour where the great turnout enjoyed wine, beer, and nibbles and we got to meet their bulldog—sweet, sweet dog!

Polished Concrete Tile Wall, DEX Industries

Terrazzo Sink and Polished Concrete Wall,
DEX Industries

Polished Concrete Wall, DEX Industries

Craig Smith, co-owner and husband to Lauriel, led the tour. His passion for what he does came through at every point of the tour. He spoke of the company's humble beginnings and he's still humble about how far he's come since the company's beginnings. 

MODA Field Trip at DEX Industries

I have to say, it's far and few between that I meet someone who loves what he's doing as much as Craig. I admire him for that. And you should hear him speak about the sustainability practices the company has adopted...he's quite excited about them, and for good reason.

I'll touch on a couple of sustainability practices he noted. The first one, which is to me is super-cool, is the sourcing of material from a Georgia-based company that makes fiber optic products. The by-product, large clear glass "drops," is purchased by DEX in the amount of thousands of pounds a year. It's converted to aggregate material that ends up in counter tops and other DEX products.

Fiber Optic Byproduct to Become Aggregate,
DEX Industries

They also package the crushed material as "DEX Glass" and sell it to other companies that use aggregate. The cool factor in this is that prior to DEX's sourcing this material, it was all going to landfill!

DEX Glass, DEX Industries

Another practice is the recycling of water (for those who do not know, it's been reported repeatedly that water is our next "precious resource") and they're also beginning to collect, and use for product manufacture, rainwater in a 30,000 gallon cistern. Pretty cool, if you ask me!

Back to aggregate...DEX can use practically anything as aggregate, which shows up in its finished products. We saw examples of crushed glass, wine bottles, Nautilus shells...lots and lots of aggregate-suited materials.

Materials Used as Aggregate,
DEX Industries

We saw a lot of terrazzo samples and the diversity of the aggregate used. Craig told us that even though they can make a wide range of colors—saw some beautiful blue, orange and green samples, the brighter colors typically ordered by restaurants and casinos—but, the majority of orders are neutral in color.

Makes sense...a turquoise or lavender kitchen counter, no matter how much a homeowner loves the color, doesn't lend much to resale value.

Terrazzo samples at DEX Industries

A couple more things before I wrap up.

In the shop—the huge, massive shop—there were examples of just how large a format they can work in, and I have a sneaking suspicion that they can go a LOT bigger. Here's one of a pattern that I particularly liked...

Large Format Polished Concrete Wall Tiles, DEX Industries

I have to say, Craig put in a lot of time and consideration for our tour. He had in advance laid out samples, ensured safe pathways, and was gracious enough to show us ALL areas of the plant...we got the VIP tour!

After the tour, we wen't back to the showroom (keep in mind, I've shared only the tip of the iceberg of DEX operations) to again visit the finished products with a new understanding of how they were created. 

DEX Industries Showroom

Like any showroom, this one contains complimentary furnishings to help visitors visualize the cement and terrazzo products in a real-life setting. My favorite were the "chandeliers" adorning the room. Gorgeous! (This artist is also featured in the current exhibition at MODA)

DEX Industries Showroom

I have a photo of DEX's Lauriel and MODA's Katie, Barbara, and Jennifer that I wanted to share, but it was raining that night and being a person who has naturally wavy hair I know the havoc humidity wreaks on one's coiffure. So, thank you for posing ladies—you're every one gorgeous and lovely, but I wouldn't do that to you.

But, when you go see the exhibition at the Museum, the photo below serves as an introduction to Lauriel. Looks like they had a lot of fun making the Bio Wall!

Lauriel Leonard, DEX Industries

On the Bio Wall—depicting the 40-plus designers who've created The Next Wave—Lauriel, the Concrete Blonde, says, "'Be original' is an integral design philosophy for me. Original design, original finishes from an age old material...concrete."

The next MODA Filed Trip is "Burnt Wood and Bourbon"—an "opportunity to learn directly from Square Feet Studio and Skylar Morgan Furniture Design about the unique work they are producing." There will also be an opportunity to do some wood burning and there will be a bourbon tasting...sounds like fun, right?

Of course I have more photos from this MODA Field Trip...head over to the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page to see those, and others. See you soon at MODA!

Spring is Around the Corner...Gardens Included!

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is an absolute must for your spring touring agenda. It's approximately 100 acres more than our local Botanical Garden (they're about 130 acres) and although not as developed, it's totally worth a visit!

State Botanical Garden of Georgia

This photo, sized for use as a Facebook Cover Photo, was on a visit last summer made by my friend Barry Holland. It was a perfect time to visit...there was soooooo much in bloom!

There's a LOT to this Garden and I can hardly wait to go back.It's an expanding Garden, so every visit promises something new...which is a great reason to visit often,right?!

Before you head to Athens, check out other things to do, just be sure to devote plenty of time to exploring the Garden...that'll be at least half a day.

Have fun!

Orchid Daze 2013 is Coming!

The theme for the Atlanta Botanical Garden's 2013 "Orchid Daze" event has been announced..."Surreal Beauty." The exhibition opens Saturday, February 9 and runs through Sunday, April 14.

Orchid Daze, Atlanta Botanical Garden

From the Atlanta Botanical Garden website:

"Surreal Beauty delights with surprising juxtapositions of fanciful flowers and playful objects inspired by surrealist imagination. Experience a funhouse gallery frolicking with the fantastic forms of "Dancing ladies", Persian Violets, slipper orchids and more!"

The years I've attended Orchid Daze, I've been blown away...it's stunning EVERY year! 

To give you an idea of just how intensely impressive Orchid Daze is, first of all, the Atlanta Botanical Garden has one of the largest collections of orchids in the United States, with approximately 2,000 species in their collection. There are approximately 25,000 species—the most of any flowering plant on the planet. Now, realize that the 25,000 doesn't include all the hybrids.

The Garden also conducts orchid research and conservation...there's a LOT going on at this Garden!

Back to Orchid Daze... With that many orchids already in the collection—many on display—last year for Orchid Daze, they bought in an additional 917 orchid plants, which of course translated into thousands of orchid blossoms!

There will be a number of Orchid Specialists on-hand during the exhibition and there's always the drop-in tours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, if you'd like a more insightful look at the Garden to couple with your Orchid Daze experience.

And don't forget the end-of-exhibition sale. That's right! After the exhibition, they'll hold a plant sale so that the plants that were brought in can find a loving home in which to thrive for years to come. 

Keep an eye on the website for when that sale will take place...it's usually for a couple of days, but weekdays during business hours...so, you'll want to plan.

Please enjoy the above pre-sized Facebook Cover Photo—a picture that I took during last year's Orchid Daze event. Then head over to the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page for lots more!