Wanderlusting in the Always Unique New Orleans

As you know, I recently went on a long overdue, albeit short, vacation to Natchez, Mississippi, and New Orleans. I'd never been to Natchez, an experience I'll write about later, and it was fantastic to revisit New Orleans. As different as it is post-Hurricane Katrina, the areas I visited felt wonderfully familiar.

Wanderlusting in New Orleans, Spring 2014

So, you may ask why am I writing about somewhere so far from Atlanta? Well, you've seen me write about places just beyond Metro Atlanta and other places still within driving distance. New Orleans is a bit of a drive, but that's exactly what we did and what I've done before. And believe me, it's worth the drive!

Wanderlusting in New Orleans, Spring 2014

I've loved each and every visit to New Orleans and this particular visit was just as fantastic, even if it was quite a brief visit. And as much fun as as New Orleans can be, and I've of course indulged, one of my favorite experiences on this visit was chatting with a rather seasoned lady while sitting on a bench in Jackson Square.

We'd been out the night before, so operating on an already sleep-deprived energy level, I wasn't at all opposed to sitting for a spell. And actually, Jackson Square is a wonderful place to people watch.

I didn't get her name, but that's what the sweet and charming lady shared with me...how great to people-watching is. She and her husband, who isn't as ambulatory as he once was, and wasn't there--and she now walks with a cane, a colorful one--used to visit Jackson Square every weekend.

She reminded me of some of the conversations I used to have with my grandmother, who passed a number of years ago...so it was quite a special experience.

Wanderlusting in New Orleans, Spring 2014

I'd seen park chess players in New York City and in Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C., where I used to live, but had not noticed them in New Orleans before. I've been playing chess since the age of nine and would have loved to had the time to play a game with Jude Acers, "The Man in the Red Beret" (photo above).

I'd have lost miserably, but it would have been fun to play a champion of his stature. Perhaps next time.

Wanderlusting in New Orleans, Spring 2014

It's been nearly a decade since the hurricane and being sorely aware of the damage she caused, it was comforting to see so many of the iconic scenes of the New Orleans I was familiar with.

Living in Atlanta, the closest I've come to experiencing New Orleans is Miss D's New Orleans Style Candy, at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market. She is as sweet and hospitable as anyone I've met in New Orleans, where she lived before Katrina. I've written about the Market and Miss D before.

Wanderlusting in New Orleans, Spring 2014

And then there are the sights that no matter how familiar you are with New Orleans as a tourist, they still catch you off guard. That's part of the fun of visiting! Ahhhh...the French Quarter!

As wonderful as the food is in New Orleans, we didn't have time for a 'proper' dining experience, although I did have some gumbo in the French Market, which was more like soup than the gumbo I've enjoyed many times before, but the flavor was absolutely wonderful! 

Wanderlusting in New Orleans, Spring 2014

Not surprisingly, not all the 'interesting' sights are in the French Quarter...there are some rather interesting sights in Jackson Square. 

Although smart phones weren't as prominent on my last visit as they are today, cameras are part of the New Orleans experience...so never, ever think that what you're doing in New Orleans will stay in New Orleans. Of course, I spent plenty of time posting to my own Instagram account, innocent photos, of course. 

Wanderlusting in New Orleans, Spring 2014

As many times as I've visited New Orleans, I'd never made it to the Garden District, so that was definitely on the agenda this trip...it's BEAUTIFUL! The 19th Century homes of the Garden District, or Uptown, are beyond stunning...you can't take your eyes off them. Fortunately I wasn't driving.

And I hear that Anne Rice, author of Interview with the Vampire, has moved back to New Orleans.

Wanderlusting in New Orleans, Spring 2014

Audubon Park is spectacular! We had only a limited amount of time to explore, but what I saw made me want to stay...stay for a long time. It reinforced the fact that New Orleans is more than Mardi Gras, it's more than the Jazz Festival...to many it's home. And a beautiful home it is.

Wanderlusting in New Orleans, Spring 2014

There is so much to see and explore and experience in New Orleans, I have to promise myself to make more time--a lot more time--for my next visit. 

Everyone's experience of New Orleans is unique and every visit every person makes is just as unique. I'm grateful for a more exploratory visit this time, of the parks, of the architecture, of the people...of the city itself. 

Wanderlusting in New Orleans, Spring 2014

And there will always be the fun that New Orleans is known for. Always make time for fun when you visit New Orleans. Always.

Emerald Mound

If you follow wanderlust ATLANTA's Facebook Page, you know that this past weekend I was on a short, long-weekend vacation in Natchez, Mississippi, and New Orleans...and yes, we drove from Atlanta.

Our first stop was Emerald Mound, only 10 miles northeast of Natchez. It's the second largest temple mound in the United States and was constructed by the Mississippians, ancestors of the Natchez Indians, and used between 1250 and 1600 A.D.

Emerald Mound, near Natchez, Mississippi

Emerald Mound is a National Historic Landmark, managed by the National Park Service, and is open to the public every day free of charge.

Emerald Mound, near Natchez, Mississippi

This mini vacation was with my best friend Barry who minored in geology in college. You may remember that my first dream career was to become an archaeologist, so Barry and I share a passion and fascination for archaeology and historic sociology, thus Emerald Mound being the perfect stop before heading on to Natchez.

That's Barry at the top of the Mound (photo above) with another friend (background) and vacation host/tour guide, who is from and lives in Mississippi.

Emerald Mound, near Natchez, Mississippi

At only eight (8) acres, Emerald Mound is one of the more modest National Parks I've visited, but it does not lack in fascination. 

Emerald Mound, unlike many other mounds built only as burial sites, was constructed to support temples, ceremonial structures, ceremonial dances, games, religious rituals, and burials "of a complex society's civic and religious leaders."

Emerald Mound, near Natchez, Mississippi

Emerald Mound was constructed by depositing earth along the sides of a natural hill. In a video at the Natchez Visitor Center, they suggest that the Mississippians had a great deal of free time, thus the incentive to build such a structure, but I have to wonder if that's totally accurate. 

I mean, surely they spent a great deal of time hunting and gathering, let alone creating a home life for their families. But then again, as busy as we are today, we still manage to build magnificent skyscrapers and space faring vehicles. But still, I have to wonder what the true motivation was to build such a remarkable landmark.

Emerald Mound, near Natchez, Mississippi

To put the size of Emerald Mound into perspective, it measures 770 by 435 feet at the base and is 35 feet high. Two smaller mounds sit atop the expansive summit platform of the primary mound (the smaller mound pictured above). The larger of the two is 190 by 160 feet and is 30 feet high, making it taller than a six story building!

Having ancestors who were Native American, I have more than a passing interest in Indian cultures. And how can one not be fascinated that this culture carried on their backs thousands of tons of earth to create this Mound?

If you're traveling to Natchez or the area, I highly recommend a stop at Emerald Mound. Perhaps you'll share my awe of this beautiful and sacred site...or at the very least a profound fascination.

Lions Invade Atlanta...Atlanta Loves It!

The Lion King opened at The Fox Theatre last week and I was there! I won four tickets to opening night by winning a giveaway conducted by a tourist-favorite magazine, Where Atlanta. 

I was blown away by the performance! The puppetry—the interpretation, the technical marvel, the artistry of the acting and dancing—is brilliant! The acting and singing are superb. The stage's design and all its moving parts brought the performance alive! I just can't say enough good things about The Lion King at one of Atlanta's most beloved icons, The Fox Theatre.

My story of The Lion King, Travis and Frog at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

But let me back up. My story of The Lion King, its most recent iteration at least, begins with a frog. Well...it begins with a Facebook giveaway that ultimately leads to a photograph with a frog. 

Where Atlanta conducted a giveaway on their Facebook page for tickets to see The Lion King. All you had to do was share a photo of yourself reading Where Atlanta magazine. Simple enough, right? 

Well, I procrastinated—I wish I could say that I was super busy, which wouldn't be a lie at all, but everyone's busy, right? It wasn't until the last day that I submitted my entry...and I was the last one to enter, too.

I'd picked up a copy of Where Atlanta magazine at Underground Atlanta, where I ran into my buddy Stephen, new father and tour guide at ATL-Cruzers. It was great to catch up with him and learn about their new segway and food tours!

As a docent at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, I'm familiar with their amphibian research and conservation efforts—quite remarkable and admirable, I must say. And I love it when I see visitors making photos with the larger-than-life frogs throughout the Garden. 

I thought it was rather clever of me to make a photo with the frog in the Garden that's reading a book...the frog is reading, I'm reading—fun! Thanks to a visitor from out of town who I asked to make the photo for me, I think it turned out great...now one of my favorite photos.

The Lion King at the Fox Theatre

Of the submissions for the Where Atlanta giveaway—and there were some super fun photos!—I won, in a random drawing, four tickets to see The Lion King at The Fox Theatre! 

But, as it turns out, the prize was more bountiful than I thought. In addition to Lion King tickets, I also received four tickets to Zoo Atlanta—to see the lions, no doubt—and a gift card to Hard Rock Cafe! Thank you, Where Atlanta! 

Early next month I'll be going to—and later blogging about—Zoo Atlanta with decades-long-friend Mary Jo and her boys. That's going to be a fun outing!

If you drive down Peachtree Street right now, there is absolutely no doubt that The Lion King is in town. They're rather brilliant to park one of their trailers on North Avenue (above photo), near Peachtree Street—kudos to their Marketing staff. When I drove past the trailer, it super-amped up my excitement to see the show.

The Lion King, street banner near The Fox Theatre

The street banners lining Peachtree Street served as a constant reminder of the wonderful performance I was destined to experience. I've been impressed by the street banners in Atlanta...they're consistently tasteful, unobtrusive, and serve as reminders of shows, performances, or initiatives that I want to see and support.

And I love the marquee at The Fox Theatre. Did you know that if you host a private event at The Fox Theatre, one of the package options is to rent the marquee? I've seen wedding messages, congratulatory messages...how cool to have your name in lights! At the Fox, nonetheless!

Livingston Restaurant + Bar, chandelier at the corner of North and Peachtree Street

The evening of the performance, I met friends at Livingston Restaurant + Bar in the Georgian Terrace. Livingston is one of my favorite Atlanta restaurants and often where I'll dine or enjoy a libation prior to seeing a show, performance or film at the Fox. 

Did you know that the cast of Gone With the Wind stayed at the Georgian Terrace during the premiere activities in Atlanta? 

Open nearly two decades before The Fox Theatre, the hotel itself has a grand history. I've been a hotel guest, attended special events there, and dined in its restaurants, all of which have consistently been great experiences. 

I love the chandelier just inside the North Avenue and Peachtree Street corner entrance (photo above). And it's a fun place to meet for a drink or dinner prior to a show...or 'just because', which is my favorite reason!

Perry, John, and Barry, Livingston Restaurant + Bar

Seeing The Lion King was something I wanted to experience with friends, and people who appreciate the performance arts, as well as people I thought would enjoy The Lion King AND each others company. 

I sometimes find it challenging to put together even a small group...the amount of travel that Atlantans engage in is mind-boggling, as well as the general busyness of your average Atlantan. But I was very happy to have great friends Perry, John and Barry (pictured above, left to right) join me for the performance. We all had a great time!

The Fabulous Fox Theatre

If you're on the fence about whether or not to go see The Lion King at The Fox Theatre, get off the fence and go! 

And while you're at it, head over to the Center for Puppetry Arts to see several of the masks used in the Broadway production of The Lion King. In a temporary exhibit, "THE LION KING: Up Close" features four amazing masks and a Zazu puppet...amazing! Oh, and a behind-the-scenes tour of The Fox Theatre would be cool, too.

The Lion King is playing at the Fox through Sunday, April 27, 2014, which doesn't leave many opportunities  to see it, considering how busy we all are. Make the time to see this truly spectacular show! I think this is one lion invasion you'll enjoy.

Penguins, Pigs, and Personalities

There are artists I look forward to seeing every year at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Greg Stones and Elaine Rader, to name two, and I always enjoy meeting new artists, new vendors, new organizations, and especially new personalities.

Atlanta Dogwood Festival, with MODA Exec Dir Laura Flusche

I had the great pleasure of being a media guest in the VIP tent this evening...and a great evening it was. The weather was perfect, I ran into several friends in the media (Great to see you especially, Carol!), the bar-b-que was fantastic, and I got to hang out with several of my Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) friends.

That's Executive Director Laura Flusche and me in the above photo, and yes, it's tilted so I could get some dogwood blossoms in the photo...it's the Dogwood Festival! And did you notice...we have the same sunglasses!

MODA is this year's Lead Cultural Alliance Partner of the Atlanta Dogwood Festival...AND the annual "The Great Chair Hack" will take place tomorrow afternoon near the 12th Street Entrance. Last year's competition was FUN!

Atlanta Dogwood Festival 2014, Greg Stones

Yes, there are penguins in Piedmont Park...at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival to be more precise. Greg Stones, 2013 blue ribbon award winner in the 'Painting-Watercolor/Pastel' category, of Watercolors by Greg Stones, is back with his most recent book, Penguins Hate Stuff, and LOTS of new paintings.

I've mentioned Greg numerous times since starting wanderlust ATLANTA several years ago...because he's one of the funniest people I know! And he's a brilliant artist. He's one of those people who even though you don't see very often, always feels like a great friend when you do.

Today he shared with me some of the sketches that he's working on for his next book and "LOL" doesn't even come close to approaching how hard they had me laughing. But before that one, he has another book that's coming back from the printer soon. Stay tuned...

Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Kathleen Taylor Studio

This year I wanted to feature some Georgia artists, ones who I've not met before, so I introduced myself and chatted with a few whose art grabbed my attention.

Kathleen Taylor of Kathleen Taylor Studio is so incredibly sweet, as is her artwork. No, she's not a relative...it's a total coincidence that we share the same last name. But I have to say that I have great admiration for her approach to her paintings. Inspired by her dogs and other animals, she keeps her works positive, upbeat, and most importantly "happy"...you gotta love that!

Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Margaret Taylor

Believe it or not, I wasn't purposely seeking out all the artists with the last name Taylor...it just so happened that the next one I spoke with was Margaret Taylor of Dryads Dancing. Talk about coincidence!

As an aerospace enthusiast, there was a wooden plane in her booth that caught my attention, and then a wooden goat caught my attention, and then a lawn of letters...which then triggered my memory. 

A couple of years ago I was at the Festival with my friend Michele (that's not a misspelling, he's Italian) who purchased two of Margaret's large metal-covered letters as a gift for a couple of his friends. He says they love them!

Margaret's work is truly fantastic...stop by and you'll see what I mean.

Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Creative Creations

You already know there are penguins in Piedmont Park, but would you believe that there are also flying pigs in Piedmont Park? It's true! You can't miss them.

The Creative Creations space is filled with fun, festive, and bizarre creations designed for one's garden. Out of Woodstock, Georgia, artists Jimmy and Marlene's work is sure to entertain, whether guests of a backyard party or family helping out in the vegetable garden.

Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Sockly of the Center for Puppetry Arts

Penguins and pigs we've seen...and I promised personalities. There are plenty of personalities at every Atlanta festival, but today I had the pleasure of formally meeting Sockly, the mascot of the Center for Puppetry Arts...and man, is Sockly tall! 

This was Sockly's first Atlanta Dogwood Festival, but the second time I've met Daniel, the Marketing Director at the Center. You may recall that he recently toured me around the Center for Puppetry Arts, particularly the temporary exhibition featuring masks from the Broadway production of The Lion King. 

By the way, I saw The Lion King at the Fox Theatre last night and it blew me away...absolutely fantastic! And I have to say, seeing several of the masks up close enhanced my experience of the stage performance. I highly recommend seeing the exhibit.

Atlanta Dogwood Festival 2014

This year's Atlanta Dogwood Festival features not only wonderful artists, special events, live music, festival food—as well as some super fun penguins, pigs and personalities—it also feature a forecast for absolutely gorgeous weather, all weekend long! So, stop reading this and get yourself to the Festival. Have fun!

An Awe-inspiring Americas Collection

Having lived in Greece for more than two years, and falling in love with the country and culture—and the food!—when I visit the Michael C. Carlos Museum I am immediately drawn to the Greek & Roman Collection. And, of course, the Egyptian Collection is a mega-magnet, for me and practically every other visitor...I mean, who isn't fascinated by mummies, right?! 

What I once thought was one of Atlanta's 'best kept secrets', the Michael C. Carlos Museum has a wonderfully impressive collection...and I'm not talking about just the Greek and Egyptian artifacts. 

In this brief post, I hope to compel you to visit and explore more closely their Americas Collection. It too impresses and fascinates.

Americas Collection, Michael C. Carlos Museum

I visited Mexico when I was in the Navy and many years later I visited Argentina with my best friend—as well-traveled as I like to think I am, those are my only Americas visits south of San Diego. 

We were in Argentina for two weeks—Buenos Aries and Iguazu Falls. And of course we did all the usual touristy things, but our final stop, on the way to the airport to go home, was a visit to their Natural Sciences Museum. 

It may not have been the Smithsonian caliber that I was used to—I lived in Washington, D.C. at the time—but "Wow!", did it impress! I was captivated, fascinated, and in awe of their collection...and excited to experience how another culture shares a specific collection with locals and visitors. I often wonder how Atlanta's museums are experienced by persons from other cultures.

Americas Collection, Michael C. Carlos Museum

My point is, the Americas Collection at the Carlos Museum is not to be missed. And it's one of the more spectacularly laid out exhibits I've experienced. I've noted before that the floors alone—featuring subtle maps of the area that's being displayed in the particular gallery you're in—are fascinating. Seriously.

The collection I'll let speak for itself. Just give yourself plenty of time to absorb it's mesmerizing, captive essence.

Americas Collection, Michael C. Carlos Museum

While we're talking about impressive, the Carlos Museum's ancient Americas collection consists of more than 2,300 artifacts.

"All three principal cultural centers of the Americas are represented: Mesoamerica, Central America, and the Andes. Most of the important art-producing cultures—from the Maya to the Aztec to the Chavin to the Inca—can be appreciated during a visit to the permanent collections gallery." - Carlos Museum Website

Americas Collection, Michael C. Carlos Museum

Be sure to check out the museum's website for events, programs, tours, and special exhibitions...and more. 

One of the current exhibitions is "Grandfather Sun, Grandmother Moon: Vixarika Arts of Modern West Mexico."

Americas Collection, Michael C. Carlos Museum

While the Michael C. Carlos Museum may not be centrally located in our Tourism Corridor—Downtown and Midtown—it's not that far from either. It's on the campus of Emory University, which if you're a fan of architecture, you're in for a double treat!

When you visit Atlanta, please make time to visit this treasure of a museum, and be sure to take in the Americas Collection...I think you'll be glad you did. 

Through the Eyes of Margaret Mitchell

"As I was seeing this tour in full today, for only the second time, it struck me that this is like a Broadway play on wheels. The worldwide passion for Gone With the Wind will envelop each guest as they tour with us, enchanting them with Margaret Mitchell." - Patti Davis, Head Television Fanatic, Atlanta Movie Tours

 Someone give Atlanta Movie Tours a Tony Award, please! Seriously.

Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind Tour, Atlanta Movie Tours

The new Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind Tour presented by Atlanta Movie Tours is indeed award worthy! Words fail me as I try to describe just how exceptional. This was a tour—and I've been on a LOT of tours—that immediately mesmerized me, sustained my attention, and was without question three hours of abundant fun! 

You know that feeling when you're watching a movie and you're so invested in it that you never realize that you've been watching as long as you have? And you don't want it to end when you do? That's this tour!

Led by none other than 'Margaret Mitchell' herself, she discusses her book at length, as well as shares insights into her life in a manner that only Margaret could. The presentation, indeed the performance, is presented though the eyes of Margaret Mitchell.  

Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind Tour, Atlanta Movie Tours

On the way to the Margaret Mitchell House, we drove by the Wimbish House. Owned by the Atlanta Woman's Club, today it's a special events venue. Margaret Mitchell was born at Grady Hospital and that's where she passed away five days after being struck by a an off-duty taxi driver near Wimbish House. Today, Wimbish House is the site of many wonderful memories.

I never once saw "Margaret" reading from a script and never felt like she was spewing out memorized script. I caught myself so into the performance that when I had questions, I prefaced them with, "Ms. Mitchell, ..." 

Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind Tour, Atlanta Movie Tours

While Margaret reminisced on her charitable work (photo above), our Margaret Mitchell House tour guide, Ann, regaled us with stories of Margaret and husband John Marsh's time at "The Dump", what they called their apartment at Peachtree Street and 10th Street. You'll learn more about 'why' they called it that on the tour.

We were treated to practically the entirety of the Margaret Mitchell House & Museum, which included time to explore their newest exhibit, Stars Fall on Atlanta: The Premier of Gone With the Wind. More about that exhibit in another post... 

Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind Tour, Atlanta Movie Tours

I've toured The Dump before, but doing so with media professionals on an Atlanta Movie Tours event was a unique experience. One perk was that as media, we were permitted to make photographs in the apartment—a 'no-no' on the standard tour. I'm not sure why, but perhaps it's because none of the furnishings in the apartment are original to Margaret and John's living there and they don't want Margaret's life misrepresented?

Even with that, it's fun to imagine Margaret writing at least a little of Gone With the Wind under the window where they've placed the small desk (above photo). It's beyond cool to visit Margaret Mitchell's home, where she spent a number of years writing Gone With the Wind.

Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind Tour, Atlanta Movie Tours

The Making of a Film Legend: Gone With the Wind is a definite a must-see. This exhibition is housed in an adjacent building, a mere few steps from the Margaret Mitchell House. 

A couple of my personal favorite highlights of The Making of a Film Legend include the original door from the Tara facade used in the movie, as well as the original portrait of Scarlett (above photo) used in the movie.

Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind Tour, Atlanta Movie Tours

On the way to Oakland Historic Cemetery, we passed by The Georgian Terrace, directly across the street from The Fox Theatre. Before I go on...no, Gone With the Wind did not premier at the Fox, but the film's stars stayed there during the premiere. 

I remember years ago that there was a Gone With the Wind exhibit on the lower level of The Georgian Terrace. I understand that that collection is now mostly displayed at the Road to Tara Museum.

I've read that Margaret Mitchell's final resting place in Historic Oakland Cemetery, which I've written about before, is the most visited grave in the "garden cemetery" that started with a mere six acres.

When you visit Margaret's gravesite, note that she and husband John are on one side, the Marsh side, and her parents were interred on the opposite side of the same gravestone, the Mitchell side. 

I love this photo (above) of "Margaret" having a 'moment' while reflecting on the life of the real Margaret Mitchell. The photo was not staged...it's total serendipity. This was also the site where we made our Atlanta Movie Tours group photo.

Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind Tour, Atlanta Movie Tours

We stopped by the Georgia-Pacific Tower, Atlanta's sixth tallest skyscraper, which is where the Loew's Grand Theatre once stood—where Gone With the Wind premiered. I recently saw some fantastic rare color video, courtesy of the Atlanta History Center, of the Gone With the Wind premiere events.

A not-so-well-known factoid: While the Loew's Grand was lost to fire in the 70s, its bricks were used to build the Houston's Restaurant on Peachtree Street in Buckhead. You won't find much on their website, but you will find a small brass plaque just inside the entrance marking their Gone With the Wind distinction.

There's an engraving on the exterior of the Georgia-Pacific Tower that includes a brief acknowledgement of it being the site of where Gone With the Wind premiered. The majority of the engraving notes the design and construction of the skyscraper.  

Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind Tour, Atlanta Movie Tours

I have a confession. It was only in the last few years that I watched Gone With the Wind in its entirety. I know, I know...how can I call myself a true Southerner if I've not seen Gone With the Wind. 

To compound matters, I've not yet read Gone With the Wind. But rest assured, it's at the top of my reading list. Authoring wanderlust ATLANTA I've enjoyed the opportunity to learn quite the volume of information about Gone With the Wind and Margaret Mitchell, steadily increasing my fandom of both.

So, when I do read the novel—in the near-term—I'm guessing it'll be like listening to an old friend regale the more fascinating accounts of her life.

Perks of the Tour: You'll not only be offered bottled water—hydration is important on any tour—but they'll also hold a trivia session...with prizes! And you'll receive a complimentary digital copy of your group photo...smile! AND you get admission to the Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum and the Road to Tara Museum. I told you this is a fun tour.

Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind Tour, Atlanta Movie Tours

Our next stop was the Central Library located at One Margaret Mitchell Square in Downtown Atlanta, across the street from the Georgia-Pacific Tower, former site of the Loew's Grand Theatre where Gone With the Wind premiered in 1939.

Central Library, part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System, is home of the quite special Margaret Mitchell Exhibit. Here you'll see the actual typewriter that Margaret used to write Gone With the Wind...and a lot more. 

The Margaret Mitchell Exhibit is in the Special Collections on the 5th Floor. There are other reasons to go to Central Library as a tourist. There are special exhibits, seemingly all the time and not just on the 5th Floor.

The last time I went—actually to see the Margaret Mitchell Exhibit when writing about the Gone With the Wind Trail—I happened upon two restored chariots from the movie Ben Hur on the entry level. You just never know what you're going to see in Atlanta!

Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind Tour, Atlanta Movie Tours

Kelly, our tour guide at Central Library, pulled out some not-on-display artifacts, including a first edition copy of Gone With the Wind that belonged to Margaret Mitchell, and the one millionth copy, presented to her by publisher Macmillan.

She let us make photos—non-flash, of course—of the books. The photo above I shot with Margaret Mitchell's Pulitzer Prize. Photos of the exhibit are permitted and Kelly told us that the exhibit will soon be redesigned to feature more of the film.

Atlanta Movie Tours' tagline reads, "Hollywood is closer than you think," and that couldn't be more true. In the case of this particular tour, they could also say, "Broadway is closer than you think." I believe you'll agree that this tour is Tony Award-worthy. And you'll quickly become an enthusiastic fan of Sally, the 'actor' who portrays Margaret Mitchell. She's also a docent at Oakland Cemetery.

One word of advice...when meeting at Atlanta Movie Tours headquarters, pay attention to where you're going. I walked right by it totally fixated on a large zombie sock monkey in the storefront window!

"Thank you" to Atlanta Movie Tours and to Patti Davis, co-founder and co-owner of Atlanta Movie Tours, for inviting wanderlust ATLANTA to experience their new tour. It's beyond brilliant...the best tour I've been on in years!

I've gone on and on, but rest assured that what I've shared is merely the tip of the iceberg...wait, wait, that's a different movie...rest assured that what I've shared about Atlanta Movie Tours' newest venture is merely a single radish of the bounty of Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind Tour. You'll never be hungry again for knowledge of Margaret Mitchell's life.