I believe 2018 was challenging for many in many ways, but also there were milestones, joyous events, and many reasons to celebrate. I'd like to focus on the positive...
Since starting wanderlust ATLANTA in 2010, my favorite time of year for writing is my end-of-year recap because it's such a fun ride down memory lane and a reminder of how fortunate I am to be able to see and do so much. I'm grateful to the friends who've accompanied me in-person and fans online...you're all the reason I do this!
First, a quick summary of a few things that I did/happened to me in 2018 and then let's have a look at photos from 2018...
My friend Elisa and I went to see "The Ballad of Klook and Vinette" at Horizon theatre starring the incredibly talented Brittany Inge!
Make your way to Senoia, Georgia, and be sure to include a visit to the Senoia Area Historical Society Museum!
One of my favorite annual events at the Atlanta Botanical Garden is Orchid Daze, a beautiful reason to visit the garden in winter!
I highly recommend a visit to Hardman Farm State Historic Site for some fascinating history, historic homes and buildings, Indian mounds, and a lovely estate. It's just before Helen, Georgia, so make it a double-destination trip!
This was my second year attending the Georgia Renaissance Festival...soooo much fun! Be sure to catch a performance by the Washing Well Wenches!
Seeing the Texas Locomotive fully restored (now on exhibit) was exciting and getting a behind the scenes tour of the Atlanta Cyclorama during restoration was fascinating!
Imaginary Worlds: Once Upon a Time at the Atlanta Botanical Garden far surpassed anything I could have imagined! It'll be back next year, too, with new installations!
The Atlanta tourism landscape, in my humble opinion, doesn't give enough attention to how much Latino culture has shaped our international city. I was excited to see NEUVOlution: Latinos and the New South exhibition at the Atlanta History Center.
I've been to Zoo Atlanta countless times, but this year I became a member!
Many know of my love for Greek food, so dining at and interviewing the owner of Grecian Gyro was awesome! Can hardly wait to go again!
Visiting Watson Mill Bridge State Park was wonderful. The bridge was built in 1895 not using a single nail and it's still in use today!
Early in the year I went on a tour of Mercedes-Benz Stadium with my friend Lauralyn and her husband Leo. Even if you've been here for a game, go on this grand tour!
Carroll Spinney, who acted Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, announced his retirement from Sesame Street this year. Fortunately for those living in and visiting Atlanta, we can see Big Bird and Oscar anytime at the Center for Puppetry Arts.
Every spring should include an exploration of the gardens at the Atlanta History Center. There are surprises around every corner!
The Fox Theatre introduced a new and improved Ghost Tour this year!
Great fun for kids and grownups alike, Scarecrows in the Garden is a must-see in October at the Atlanta Botanical Garden!
Photography Workshop at Historic Oakland Cemetery |
Since starting wanderlust ATLANTA in 2010, my favorite time of year for writing is my end-of-year recap because it's such a fun ride down memory lane and a reminder of how fortunate I am to be able to see and do so much. I'm grateful to the friends who've accompanied me in-person and fans online...you're all the reason I do this!
First, a quick summary of a few things that I did/happened to me in 2018 and then let's have a look at photos from 2018...
- I'm going to be an author! I inked a deal to author--and do the photography for--111 Places' Atlanta book! It's a dream come true!
- Completed a full year on the Board of Directors at Horizon Theatre before stepping off to fully focus on my book. "Thank you!" to Lisa and Jeff Adler, all the Horizon staff, and a phenomenal Apprentice Company for a wonderful experience!
- I got to be a panelist at a program for future bloggers and social media influencers through the Association of Food Bloggers.
- An awesome interview with totally awesome Jennifer Alice Acker, who got married in 2018! "Congratulations, Jen and Brandon!"
- An interview with Atlanta Rollergirls not long after my very first, incredibly exciting roller derby bout! A double-bout, at that!
- An interview with celebrity chef and author Hugh Acheson! I've been a fan for years and was grateful for this interview. Also dined at one of his restaurants in Athens!
- An interview with George N. Koulouris, owner of Grecian Gyro!
The Ballad of Klook and Vinette |
My friend Elisa and I went to see "The Ballad of Klook and Vinette" at Horizon theatre starring the incredibly talented Brittany Inge!
Senoia Area Historical Society Museum |
Make your way to Senoia, Georgia, and be sure to include a visit to the Senoia Area Historical Society Museum!
Orchid Daze 2018 |
One of my favorite annual events at the Atlanta Botanical Garden is Orchid Daze, a beautiful reason to visit the garden in winter!
Hardman Farm State Historic Site |
I highly recommend a visit to Hardman Farm State Historic Site for some fascinating history, historic homes and buildings, Indian mounds, and a lovely estate. It's just before Helen, Georgia, so make it a double-destination trip!
Georgia Renaissance Festival |
This was my second year attending the Georgia Renaissance Festival...soooo much fun! Be sure to catch a performance by the Washing Well Wenches!
Duck Confit Flatbread at 5Church Atlanta |
5Church Atlanta continues to be my favorite restaurant and my favorite dish: the Duck Confit Flatbread, although steaks are amazing and brunch is phenomenal!
Texas Locomotive |
Seeing the Texas Locomotive fully restored (now on exhibit) was exciting and getting a behind the scenes tour of the Atlanta Cyclorama during restoration was fascinating!
Imaginary Worlds: Once Upon a Time |
Imaginary Worlds: Once Upon a Time at the Atlanta Botanical Garden far surpassed anything I could have imagined! It'll be back next year, too, with new installations!
Atlanta Blooms! 2018 |
Tulips are my favorite flow so a visit (or several) to "Atlanta Blooms!" at the Atlanta Botanical Garden is an annual must-do.
NEUVOlution: Latinos and the New South |
The Atlanta tourism landscape, in my humble opinion, doesn't give enough attention to how much Latino culture has shaped our international city. I was excited to see NEUVOlution: Latinos and the New South exhibition at the Atlanta History Center.
Zoo Atlanta |
I've been to Zoo Atlanta countless times, but this year I became a member!
Georgia Guidestones |
The Georgia Guidestones had been on my list of places to visit for years and I finally made the trek with my friend Wayne. In one word...fascinating!
Grecian Gyro |
Many know of my love for Greek food, so dining at and interviewing the owner of Grecian Gyro was awesome! Can hardly wait to go again!
Watson Mill Bridge State Park |
Visiting Watson Mill Bridge State Park was wonderful. The bridge was built in 1895 not using a single nail and it's still in use today!
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Tour |
Early in the year I went on a tour of Mercedes-Benz Stadium with my friend Lauralyn and her husband Leo. Even if you've been here for a game, go on this grand tour!
Interview with Chef Hugh Acheson |
Went to Athens, Georgia, specifically to dine at The National, one of Hugh Acheson's restaurants, and he granted me an interview!
Big Bird |
Carroll Spinney, who acted Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, announced his retirement from Sesame Street this year. Fortunately for those living in and visiting Atlanta, we can see Big Bird and Oscar anytime at the Center for Puppetry Arts.
The Peace Tree at the Atlanta History Center |
Every spring should include an exploration of the gardens at the Atlanta History Center. There are surprises around every corner!
Fox Theatre Ghost Tour |
The Fox Theatre introduced a new and improved Ghost Tour this year!
Scarecrows in the Garden 2018 |
Great fun for kids and grownups alike, Scarecrows in the Garden is a must-see in October at the Atlanta Botanical Garden!
Travis Swann Taylor | Photo: Barry Holland |
I announced this year that I'm going to be an author, a dream come true!
It was a good year and again I want to say how grateful I am for my friends and fans. The ultimate goal of my being a blogging has been and continues to be to encourage people to get out and explore their own city, to explore their "own backyards".
Again, thank you to everyone for this wonderful journey!
It was a good year and again I want to say how grateful I am for my friends and fans. The ultimate goal of my being a blogging has been and continues to be to encourage people to get out and explore their own city, to explore their "own backyards".
Again, thank you to everyone for this wonderful journey!