Wednesday, December 31, 2014

wanderlust ATLANTA's 2014 Photo Review

I love this time of year, not because the weather is cooler (read: not a fan of cold!), not because because the evenings are longer (read: give me sunshine until 9pm any day!), and not because it's time to hibernate (read: I'm always on the go, go, go!). 

I love this time of year because it's when I get to reflect on all the fantastic wanderlusting I've done in the last twelve months. In previous years around this time, I start thinking of how little I did during the year...then that myth is put to rest as soon as I start looking through my photos. 

What I'd like to share with you today, this New Year's Eve, are some of my favorite 2014 photos, which include some of my favorite outings and experiences, but not all of them. Remember, photos aren't allowed at all tourist destinations and events, so those won't be represented here, but I invite you to explore wanderlust ATLANTA at your leisure...I think you'll enjoy what you discover.

Here we go, and in no particular order...


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

I start with this view of Atlanta's Midtown skyline because it's the photo that I chose for my current business cards. I made the photo earlier this year at the Red Bull Illume exhibition in Piedmont Park, one of the few stops it made when traveling the world.



Okay, I absolutely must include this one video (click above to watch). One of my most incredible experiences this year was Journey With Gentle Giants...Barry, my best friend, and I went swimming with the Whale Sharks and Manta Ray at Georgia Aquarium. (Our experience begins at the 1:37 mark, but the preceding video is beautiful.) 

I can only compare that experience to the exhilaration of skydiving or the out-of-this-world experience of viewing a live satellite launch at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. I've done some pretty amazing things in my life, and this counts as one of them!


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

I love this photo for so many reasons! One...it's just cool. But the coolest is that it won a contest! Where Atlanta magazine awarded me four tickets to The Lion King at The Fox Theatre, four tickets to Zoo Atlanta, and a gift certificate to Hard Rock Cafe..."Thank you, Where Atlanta!" That turned into five outing with various friends.


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

This photo is one of the most precious to me. It was my first Atlanta Movie Tours tour—their Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind Tour—which I did twice this year, AND it was the day I met Sally Smith.

Later, Sally—who portrays Margaret Mitchell on the tour—granted me an interview. We dined at the Georgian Terrace Hotel, where Margaret has a history. The hotel and Livingston staff were wonderful to us and treated us with the utmost hospitality during our 3.5 hour visit! "Thank you, Ashley!" I've been back many, many times since.


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

Many of you know that I'm a docent and volunteer at the Atlanta Botanical Garden and I'm a member and I've been a visitor since 1987. It's one of my favorite places in the city. So to say that I've been more than a few times this year would be an understatement. The occasions: Atlanta Blooms, Orchid Daze, Imaginary Worlds, Cocktails in the Garden, Garden Lights...the list goes on and on! 

A special "Thank you" to Josh, Koya and Jason for making my volunteer experience at the Garden so great.

The above photo was made during Atlanta Blooms! It's one of the Cherry Trees in front of Mershon Hall. I love all the flowers that are part of Atlanta Blooms, but the Cheery Trees remind me of the Cherry Blossom Festival on the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC.


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

Being a space and aerospace enthusiast—which is putting it mildly—I was super excited about the renovation and reopening of the Delta Flight Museum this year. They did an awesome job, and the photos ops are awesome, too!


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

I discovered Gibbs Gardens last year, but this year was the first time I'd been to their Daffodil Festival. Have you ever seen 20 million flowers of any kind? There were 20 million daffodils. Yes...I said 20 MILLION!


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

One of the most popular exhibitions in Atlanta this year was Dream Cars. The High Museum of Art did it right, too! I think I saw the exhibition at least five times...it was that amazing, and I still feel like there was so much more to see and learn about the AMAZING automobiles on exhibit!


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

One of the wonderful things about Atlanta is that it's the heart of the South, which means there are a LOT of day trips and weekend trips just a drive away. This year I went back to New Orleans with my best friend Barry and we had an incredible, whirlwind visit, that included Emerald Mound near Natchez, Mississippi. And I love the serendipity, and total luck I had, when making this photo.


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

Some of you know that I'm, oftentimes, just a big kid. I think that's maybe why I have so much fun at Medieval Times. On the particular visit of this photo, I happened to be sitting next to the young lady who would be crowned the Tournament Princess! How much fun is that!


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

I can't imagine going a year without a few excursions to Cartersville, Georgia. This year, after a number of plan changes, Tellus Science Museum made the agenda as one of Barry's birthday outings. He was a geology minor in college, and he'd not been to Tellus since they were in a tiny building, so we had a magnificent time playing with the gems and minerals, dinosaurs and spaceships...an awesome day!


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

I was also a sailor in the U.S. Navy, so I'm particularly fond of the chronicling of President Jimmy Carter's Navy days at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum. Atlantans and visitors who miss this attraction are missing out on quite a lot!


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

I'm also a foodie, so when I happened upon this Presidential China exhibit at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum, which was on its last day, I still posted about it just to show that it pays to explore...you never know what you're going to find!


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

Speaking of exploring, I usually go to the Georgia World Congress Center a few times a year, either for work or play, and I always try to make time for a walk through Georgia International Plaza, where The Flare is located. Again, serendipity was my friend as I happened upon The Flare to make this photo at sunset. Atlanta has some amazing sunsets!


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

It seems so long ago already, but this summer the Atlanta Botanical Garden hosted Four Seasons, an awesome exhibition of four 15' tall sculptures based on Renaissance paintings. "Winter" was my favorite! Not season, but sculpture.


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

I told you I can be a big kid, right? Well, you can imagine how excited I was to meet Miss Piggy, Kermit, and characters from "Pigs in Space!" Thank you Daniel and Center for Puppetry Arts for that and many other wonderful experiences!


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

I also had the pleasure of a number of cultural experiences, including a visit to Frogtown Cellars where I made a new friend, Jacky. She's awesome! She was our sommelier when we went for a tasting, but we became quick friends and have been in touch ever since. But I don't make it to Dahlonegha very often, but every time I have it's been a blast!


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

There were monsters this year, too! Sea Monsters, in particular. This exhibition at Georgia Aquarium, the world's largest Aquarium, is more than awesome...there aren't words. It's a must-see! Sea Monsters and the entirety of the Aquarium! 


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

Speaking of monsters, Atlanta is full of zombies! FULL...of,,,ZOMBIES! And it's so much fun. As I was writing this, I had a "The Walking Dead" (filmed in Atlanta) marathon running in the background.

I discovered this year the JoeLanta Toy Convention, which is very close to where I live and where I photographed this flaming zombie. 

I mentioned Atlanta Movie Tours earlier. They host two zombie tours: The Big Zombie Tour: Part I, and The Big Zombie Tour: Part II. I went on Part I not too long ago, so look for that post to be published soon. 

But most importantly, I made new friends...Patti and Carrie, the totally awesome owners to Atlanta Movie Tours. Seriously...they're AWESOME!


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

Not exactly monsters, Extreme Dinosaurs is a brilliant exhibition at Atlantic Station. Imagine, 17 life-size dinosaurs...colorfully lit, in natural settings, and many of them animatronic! Stegosaurus has been my favorite dinosaur since I was a kid, so this was fantastic to see.


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

Ice Cream! Not only did I attend the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival for the first time, in Piedmont Park, it was also the first occasion that I experienced a Human Hamster Ball! It was a sad, and not so subtle, reminder that I need to get to the gym more often! But what incredible fun! And we met some totally awesome young couples!


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

After years and years of visiting the World of Coca-Cola—seriously, I've been a fan since they were located adjacent to the Georgia State Capitol Building—I finally had my photo made with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear...twice this year! I have no idea who's under that this white fur and festive red scarf, but they're brilliant!


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

Zoo Atlanta is a great zoo and it's about to get totally awesome! This year, courtesy of the Where Atlanta contest I mentioned earlier, I got to go to Zoo Atlanta twice with Mary Jo and the guys, two pretty amazing teenagers whom I've known since they were babies. They're so grown up! And my friendship with Mary Jo is one of the longest and strongest of my entire life. 


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

I've mentioned that I'm a foodie and you already know I'm a tourist, so it's no surprise that The Sundial Restaurant & View is a destination I frequent. On the particular visit of this photo, I was treating a friend to a birthday brunch, which was wonderful, but sometimes I'll pop in for a little after-work relaxation and libation. I don't know why more locals don't go here! Seriously...it's spectacular!


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

I've been a fan of Fernbank Museum of Natural History since they opened! Yes, I remember its 1992 opening quite well and I've seen every recent exhibition—they have awesome exhibitions—and quite a few of their IMAX films. 

But this year, I finally got to meet, "in-person", Giggy A. Dinosaur! "Thank you, Deanna!" I was so excited! And to prove this is indeed a small world, that's Rachel in the photo with Giggy. I'd met her not too long before at Georgia Aquarium and again later at Dragon Con...three Rachel sightings in one year!


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

If you've been following me for any length of time, you know that I've written about EVERY Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) exhibition since the last one they had in their downtown location, just before they moved to Midtown, across the street from the High. I became a member on my first visit and have been ever since. 

A special "Thank you" to Laura, Katie, Barbara, Jennifer, Clare, Carrie, Neil and Sam (and the other awesome museum team that I'm forgetting!) for making me feel like part of the MODA family...you're all amazing!

The photo above is from their current exhibition, Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair, but you have to hurry if you're going to see it, and you totally should, it moves to the next city in early January.


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

Dragon Con! Dragon Con! Yes...everyone who knows me knows that I'm a sci-fi fan. Since I was six years old, which is as far back as I can remember. I enjoy most science fiction, but Star Trek is my absolute favorite. Not only because I've been watching it since I can remember, but also because I met Leonard Nimoy in 2002, which set me on an insatiable celebrity-spotting hobby. Dragon Con is a fantastic event for celebrity-spotting...I even met a "Spock Monkey" this year!


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

I can't claim to be a foodie and not share a food experience with you. This particular dish wasn't mine, but I had the great fortune to have a most incredibly delicious bite. Barry, my best friend, and I were visiting Montaluce Vineyard and were treated to lunch at Le Vigne Restaurant, where Chef Austin was the executive chef at the time. He's now in Atlanta, but I'm certain the food is still amazing. Our visit to Montaluce was way beyond my expectations...we were there for more than five hours, just for a tour and lunch! I'm ready to go back!


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

Scarecrows in the Garden has graced Atlanta for more than a decade! It's one of the mastermind exhibitions that President & CEO Mary Pat Matheson brought to the Atlanta Botanical Garden. She will be remembered as one of Atlanta's true visionaries, and even today is revered by many, many Atlantans as such, including me!


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

This was my second year of Gibbs Gardens' Japanese Maple Tree Festival, one of the most spectacular near-Atlanta excursions I could possibly recommend. Imagine...221 acres of display gardens. The Japanese Garden alone is more than 40 acres and has more than 70 species of Japanese Maple tree, and so much more! Treat yourself.


A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review
A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

One of the highlights of the end of 2014 for me was experiencing Candlelight Nights at the Atlanta History Center. I've done so much there this year...because they have so much to offer. You already know I'm a trekkie, so you can imagine my excitement when Santa gave me the gift of a photo with him of us both offering a Vulcan Salute! "Thank you, Santa" and "Thank you, Atlanta History Center" (especially Hillary and Martha) for an amazing year!

So, there you go...just a few highlights of my 2014 explorations of Atlanta. That's a lot, but I feel like it just scratches the surface.

Now, go wanderlusting in Atlanta...wanderlust ATLANTA!

Monday, December 29, 2014

Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear

Don't walk...RUN!

Run to Fernbank Museum of Natural History to see Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear before it disappears. C'mon...don't be afraid to have a little fun this week. It's not scary in the "traditional" sense...you'll actually learn a lot and have a giggle or two, but there might be some adrenaline involved. 

And don't actually "run"...I totally just meant to "hurry" so you don't miss this awesome exhibition! You've got one week left. Go! Or...finish reading this post, and then go.


Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

When Fernbank says this exhibition is "So much fun, it's scary!", they're not kidding around. It's also highly informative—I learned a lot about fear that I didn't know before (how scary is that?!)—and there's fun throughout!


Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The exhibition leads with a Wall of Phobias...and a brilliant one at that. It's quite eye opening. I knew there were a LOT of phobias out there, but I had no idea that the range was quite so broad! 

Ever heard of alektorphobia? Or aurophobia? Count yourself lucky if you don't live with either of these...life would be quite a different thing, for most. 


Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Visitors, soon after entering the exhibition, are introduced to Mr. Goose Bumps. That's him in the photo above. He's the host of Fear Lab, which demonstrates how the brain and body work together with regard to fear response.


Brilliantly presented, in the form of video and hands-on activities, Fear Lab just might shed some light on just how many times fear has actually saved your life! It’s a natural response, but sometimes it can be a hindrance. This exhibition helps us understand fear in a more logical sense.


Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Fear in the Wild is an interactive demonstration of how fear helps animals survive in the wild. Visitors walk into the room where they'll see their own silhouettes projected on the screen...soon to interact with a creature from the wild. It's fun to do...and fun to watch!


Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The Challenge Course is comprised of interactive experiences that focus on four of the more common fears—Fear of Animals, Fear of Electric Shock, Fear of Loud Noises and Fear of Falling.

I was quite surprised by my own reaction to these. I've been skydiving, I've gone snorkeling eight miles off the beach, I love roller coasters...I thought I had a pretty strong resolution when it came to "being afraid". 

Turns out, I was something of a scaredy-cat when it came to receiving an electric shock. I knew full well that it was perfectly safe. Fernbank is extremely mindful of visitor safety. But still...I wasn't going to let myself be shocked! That was a shocking revelation, actually.


Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The Fear of Falling is by far the most popular experience on The Challenge Course. You get strapped in and then you fall! Yes...you fall! Backwards. That's another one that's fun to observe. 

If you're with a group and it's crowded or you don't have an optimal line-of-sight, step around to the back of the booth where there's video of the fall. Are you afraid of falling?


Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The Faces of Emotion display is awesome. It shares how we share our feelings with others, including fear and fright, through facial expression. I know it's a serious topic, but some of these are pretty funny!

There's a lot more to this exhibit than I'll cover here, but be on the lookout for Fear Theatre, What are the odds?, the display behind The Challenge Course, brain comparisons, and measuring your own fear response. Just keep an eye out...there's lots to see and do!


Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

I was glad to see the inclusion of popular culture that for some—in some cases many—can cause great fear. It was a reminder that not everyone copes the same. I for one love robots and enjoy the humor of clowns. Other people...not so much. But those same people may have been brave enough to experience the Fear of Electric Shock back on The Challenge Course.


Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

I was even more glad to see the Museum include a section on coping with fear and how it affects people, throughout their lives. When you visit, even if you're running short on time, please take at least a few moments to explore this section of the exhibition.


Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History


Fernbank artist John Trotter did a magnificent job on the Goose Bumps! gift shop…it’s one of the best I've ever seen! And Crystal Garner did a marvelous job of purchasing for the gift shop. And, yes, I made a zombie-related purchase myself!

John told me, "It's a very collaborative process that we've developed making these stores. This one in particular was a LOT of fun to put together. How often do you get to paint little monsters and zombies on the walls at work and not get in trouble?"

I was also reminded that proceeds from the gift shop go directly to the funding of educational programs, so shop to your heart’s content!

Now...get yourself over to Fernbank Museum of Natural History to see Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear, and get there by Sunday, January 4. It'll be the most fun scare you've had all year!

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Winter Wonderland is quite...Wonderful!

If you've not been to Fernbank Museum of Natural History this holiday season, there's still great holiday fun to be had. Winter Wonderland is open through Sunday, January 11...and there's lots more to experience at Fernbank to extend the warmth and festivity of the season!

Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Winter Wonderland is an annual exhibition of more than 30 trees and displays that “recognize the diversity of celebrations, holidays, traditions and events from around the world.” It’s a personal favorite of Atlanta holiday festivities and a delightful learning experience for kids and grownups alike. 

I start with Greece (above), having lived there for more than two years during my Navy days—what a wonderful experience! Each tree and display is provided through partnerships, this one with the Consulate General of Greece, and decorated to represent the particular country and culture. 

Understand of course, that a single tree or display is extremely little real estate to truly reflect the whole of a culture's holiday celebration customs, but Winter Wonderland is a fun place for young ones to perhaps learn something new about a country or culture...in a festive atmosphere!

Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The tree representing Puerto Rico pays homage to Three Kings Day, celebrated in Latin America and Spain, a holiday that commemorates the adoration of the Magi and carries as much importance, in those cultures, as December 25. 

I encourage you to research Three Kings Day. That's one of the things that I love about this exhibition...you get to learn so much! This holiday occurs annually on January 6, however the Atlanta History Center will be holding a public celebration of Three Kings Day on Sunday, January 4.

Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History

I love that the tree representing Germany has a prominent showing of soccer balls, speaking to its World Cup champion status, having won this year's FIFA World Cup tournament in Brazil, it's fourth win since the tournament started in 1930. Can you imagine how busy Der Biergarten was during that time?! 

This tree was provided through partnership with German Consulate General Atlanta and Goethe-Zentrum/GermanCultural Center Atlanta.

Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History

I have fond memories of the IMAX film Flight of the Butterflies, which I saw at Fernbank, last year I think it was, so it's a delight to see even more butterflies at this Atlanta favorite museum. In this particular iteration, the butterfly sighting is upon the holiday tree representing Taiwan, once known as the Butterfly Kingdom

Today, Taiwan is today home to more than 400 species of butterflies.

Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History

I mentioned that in addition to trees there are displays that are also part of Winter Wonderland. Be sure to check those out. One in particular I recommend is the display for Israel. The display features menorahs, inspired by Israeli innovation, created by 7th graders from the Atlanta Jewish Academy. 

If you're interested in catching an IMAX film while you're visiting, may I recommend Jerusalem, showing through Thursday, February 12 . It's one of the best IMAX films I've ever seen! Also on the IMAX docket is Galapagos: Nature's Wonderland, showing through Thursday, March 5.

Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Norway's history, ancient and modern, has long fascinated me. And their 2014 tree holds the greatest fascination for me! Provided through a partnership with Sons of Norway Vennekretsen Atlanta, this tree is absolutely fun, and one of my favorites in the Winter Wonderland exhibition.

Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The tree representing Trinidad and Tobago is highly representative of Carnival, celebrated in that country from the end of Christmas until the beginning of Lent. Festive, festive, festive! I used to work with a lady from Trinidad and Tobago when I lived in Washington, DC...she was awesome.

Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Imagine the hours that went into the decorations for the tree representing Kenya! The decorations are representative of their wide cultural diversity. Many of the people of Kenya, a country that is a contributor to the global economy and home to many Olympic athletes, retain their native local traditions and customs.

I have a friend from Kenya who I worked with when I lived in Washington, DC. He now lives here in Atlanta. The first time we saw each other after I moved back to Atlanta was at a Martinis & IMAX event at Fernbank! Small world.

Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The tree above, representing Argentina, is one that even in its simplicity I like a lot. One decade ago I vacationed in Argentina for two weeks. It was magnificent and the wine was exceptional—thus the grapes adorning their tree. Keep in mind that the trees in Winter Wonderland highlight cultural aspects, not necessarily how a culture decorates their holiday trees.

Winter Wonderland covers two floors overlooking the Great Hall, which also serves as the "gallery" for the Giants of the Msozoic permanent exhibit. One of the dinosaurs featured is Argentinosaurus, the largest known dinosaur to have ever walked the Earth. Argentinosaurus (that's him peeking from behind the tree) was first discovered in...you guessed it, Argentina.

Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Poinsettias, indigenous to Mexico and Latin America, adorn the tree representing Mexico, provided through partnership with Consulate General of Mexico and Institute of Mexican Cultures. 

Winter Wonderland at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History is not only an exploration of world culture and a demonstration of cultural cooperation, it's a great reminder of just how international Atlanta truly is.

That's one of the things that I truly love about our city. While Atlanta has suffered and endured culture clashes, today, many, many of we Atlantans, while honoring our Southern culture, embrace and celebrate cultures from around the world. Thank you Fernbank for allowing us to do so in such a festive manner!