wanderlust ATLANTA's 2019 Photo Review

This is always my favorite post of the year, not because it's the end of a year, but by time I get to the end of a year I've forgotten how many wonderful things I've done in the previous 12 months. This post allows me to meander back through the year to relive those awesome experiences.

I blogged a lot less in 2019, but only because I've been working on my book. It's almost finished! My final deadline is the end of January 2020 and it's scheduled to launch in spring!

111 Places in Atlanta That You Must Not Miss

My publisher, Emons, granted my request for the book cover of having the symbol be a Phoenix and the color being the blue from the City of Atlanta flag. Serendipity stepped in, my book cover is very close to Pantone's 'Color of the Year' for 2020, Classic Blue! 

The book is already listed online in their spring catalog. It's not for sale just yet, but will be soon and I'm honored and grateful to those who have already pledged to buy a copy and to those who have so graciously already offered to host book signing events. This truly is a dream come true!

Let's have a look back at the year... Here are a few things that happened:

• I worked on my book!
• I'm also the photographer, so I've visited dozens of awesome places!
• The book cover was revealed and I love it.
• I visited Milwaukee, which was amazing! Serendipity at its finest, the weekend I was there was the weekend that "111 Places Milwaukee" launched so I got to meet the author and photographer of that book!
• I visited Jekyll Island, Georgia, for the first time! Attended a beautiful wedding and went to Driftwood Beach.
• A dear friend from my Navy days visited. We'd not seen each other since 1986. I took her and her daughter to 5Church Atlanta, the Center for Puppetry Arts and to the Atlanta Botanical Garden. It was a wonderful day!
• Visited Plains, Georgia, birthplace of President Jimmy Carter.
• Went to Laughing Skull Lounge after wanting to for years...laughed so hard!
• Revisited Poplarville, Mississippi, and had a super-fun time!
• Went on my first hot air balloon ride! It was tethered, but still a blast.
• Went to Biltmore Estate for my birthday and stayed in The Inn.
• And so much more...

Let's revisit some blog posts...

Orchid Daze 2019 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

There's always something to see or do at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Orchid Daze in February and March is an excellent example!

Atlanta Blooms! 2019 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Hundreds of thousands blossoms spring forth during the annual Atlanta Blooms! exhibition at the Atlanta Botanical Garden...absolutely beautiful!

Phoenix Flies | Plaza Theatre | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Phoenix Flies, an Atlanta Preservation Center program, offers hundreds of free tours every year! In 2019 I toured Plaza Theatre.

Plains, Georgia | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Visiting various sites in Plains, Georgia—birthplace of President Jimmy Carter—was great fun! I learned quite a lot about Carter and his childhood life.

Dragon Con Parade 2019 | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

2019 was the 10th Dragon Con Parade I've been to...always great fun!

Medieval Times Atlanta Castle | Photo: wanderlust ATLANTA

Medieval Times has a new Queen and an updated show. I enjoy going to the Atlanta Castle once or twice per year...it's that much fun!

Imaginary Worlds, Alice's Wonderland | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

This year's summer exhibition at the Atlanta Botanical Garden was Imaginary Worlds: Alice's Wonderland and it was absolutely wondrous! 

Houdini | Breman Museum | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Inescapable: The Life and Legacy of Harry Houdini was magical! The special exhibitions at The Breman Museum are consistently amazing!

Big Bugs | Fernbank Museum | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

The Big Bugs exhibition at Fernbank Museum of Natural History was AMAZING...the bugs are enormous!

Panda | Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Made it up to the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Gainesville and it's splendid! Will definitely go back again and again...they have lots of room to expand into!

Atlanta Balloon Glow | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I got to go on my very first hot air balloon ride! It was tethered, but it was still great fun!

Scarecrows in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Autumn brings Scarecrows in the Garden to the Atlanta Botanical Garden, another fun event, especially Thursday nights for Fest of Ale!

2020 will be a whole new chapter for me. I will finish my book, host book signings, return to Corporate America, ramp up my blogging frequency, launch a newsletter, and who knows what else!

Thank you so very much for following along on this journey I call life, for following and being a fan of my blog—YOU are the reason I enjoy it as much as I do and I'm grateful.

Scarecrows in the Garden 2019

Scarecrows in the Garden is back and it's as festive as ever! They're on display at the Atlanta Botanical Garden (and Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville) through Sunday, November 3, 2019. And there are LOTS of events going on, too!

Scarecrows in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

The two ladies in blue dresses seem to share the garden's 30 acres well enough. Actually, "Dorthy" here is having a bit of a makeup crisis, while Alice (of the Imaginary Worlds: Alice's Wonderland exhibition) is over in another part of the garden taking a nap.

Oh wait, that's not our Dorothy at all. That's "The Thrift Witch...As Dorothy" by the Assistance League of Atlanta and it's quite remarkable!

Scarecrows in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

"Tragedy Ann" has a clever name because all the Atlanta Roller Derby skaters have clever names. A few examples: Rosie Derivator, Madditude Adjustment, and Genie in a Battle. I've met a number of them in recent years, everyone being incredibly passionate about the sport, super smart, wonderfully hospitable, and totally pumped to enjoy their bouts!

If you've not yet been to an Atlanta Roller Derby (formerly Atlanta Rollergirls), I highly recommend treating yourself to some serious excitement! Don't worry if you're not sure how the game works; they have people there just to answer your questions! 

Scarecrows in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I think my personal favorite scarecrow is "Nutmare on Peachtree Street" made by The Boo Crew. The monocle-wearing Mr. Peanut is dreaming about a circus elephant, a Nutcracker, and a jar of Planters creamy peanut butter. A smooth move by Mr. Peanut to not wear his spats to bed, but check out those adorable woolen lamb bedroom slippers! 

Scarecrows in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

You may have heard the awesome Amp'd Entertainment at a wedding reception, a mitzvah, or a company party, but if not, you totally get to during Fest-of-Ale during Scarecrows in the Garden, Thursday evenings at the Atlanta Botanical Garden! 

Scarecrows in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

When you get to Scarecrows in the Garden, I recommend visiting the scarecrows in the two-acre Children's Garden first, and then go back and enjoy the rest of them. Historically, the Children's Garden closes at dusk, well before the garden closes at 9pm during Fest-of-Ale. So don't miss all of those fun, festive scarecrows!

Scarecrows in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

The must-not-miss event of the season is the Great Pumpkin-Carving Contest taking place at 7pm in the Skyline Garden! It's presented in the fashion of a television competition, and there are lots of other activities going on that night, too. There's a film screening in the Rose Garden, a gaming midway, face painting, a magician, and of course wine and beer, and so much more!

Scarecrows in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

All throughout school I was always in some kind of art class and Picasso has been a personal favorite since childhood. "Pablo Picasso-crow" was created by Jamie Gunnin. Of Picasso's many periods, I find myself most fascinated with Cubism.

Scarecrows in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

"Girls United" was created by Girl Scout Troop 16580 and what a great job they did! Obviously they're huge fans of Atlanta United, our professional soccer team. I also noticed that their troop crest is the unicorn, so they must be super excited to be here during Imaginary Worlds!

Scarecrows in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Positioned in front of Longleaf, which is open during Fest-of-Ale, this alien-looking, but totally fun sculpture was created by Peachtree Petals, perfectly disguised among the towering banana trees. Longleaf does take walk-ins, but during popular events like this, reservations are recommended. 

Scarecrows in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a beautifully colorful place year-roung, but Scarecrows in the Garden take its colorfulness to a whole new spectacular level! Be sure to check out all the events happening during Scarecrows in the Garden.

Plains, GA, Birthplace of President Jimmy Carter

On the occasion of President Jimmy Carter's birthday, I'm excited to share some photos from my visit last year to his boyhood home, Plains, Georgia. President Carter is the first former U.S. President to celebrate a 95th birthday!

Plains, Georgia | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Created for a presidential campaign visit to Indiana, this 13' tall Jimmy Carter Peanut was transported to Plains, Georgia, following that 1976 visit...and it's still there! 

Carter Family Farm | Plains, Georgia | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

The Carter's moved to this farm in 1924—Jimmy was born in 1928—which did not have running water or electricity until 1938! A wind-powered mill like this one powered a water pump, easing the burden of having to pump water by hand for the family and farm animals.

Carter Family Store| Plains, Georgia | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

This is the Carter Family Store where they sold a variety of clothing, foods, medicine, and gasoline, among other items. 

Here are a few prices from that era:

• Fatback - 5 cents per pound
• Sugar - 25 cents per 5lb. bag
• Overalls - $1.00 to $1.75
• Castor Oil - 10 cents per 1.5 oz bottle
• Gasoline - 17 to 20 cents per gallon
• Octagon Soap - 5 and 10 cent sizes; 3 for 25 cents

Carter Family Farm | Plains, Georgia | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

There are numerous barns and sheds on the Cater Family Farm, including a milking barn, a harness shed, a pump shed, and a large barn, which served as a gathering point. Certainly, President Carter spent a considerably amount of time in this barn. 

Carter Family Farm | Plains, Georgia | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

The Carter family lived here until 1949. Jimmy became an officer in the U.S. Navy and planned a career as a Naval officer. When his father passed away, Jimmy returned to Plains, Georgia, but not to this farm. Today, he and Rosalynn again live in Plains.

Plains, Georgia | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Plains' antiquity is apparent throughout the town. Nearby, and subtly marked, is the childhood home of Rosalynn Smith, the then future First Lady of the United States. Rosalynn Carter was, and is, a strong advocate for mental health research.

Campaign Headquarters | Plains, Georgia | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

This 1888 train depot, in Plains, Georgia, served as Governor Jimmy Carter's presidential campaign headquarters for two years. Its modesty bought Plains onto an international stage. Today, it houses campaign memorabilia, including a television of the period 'broadcasting' campaign footage.

Plains, Georgia | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Practically everywhere you go in Plains you'll see Jimmy Carter presidential campaign memorabilia. When Carter began his campaign in 1975 he was called "Jimmy Who?", then won the Democratic nomination over 17 others, and proceeded to become the 39th President of the United States of America.

President's Desk | Plains, Georgia

Built in 1921, Plains High School, where Jimmy and Rosalynn both attended, is today the site of the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site Visitors Center and Museum. Enjoy making a photo at the President's desk here!

Nobel Peace Prize | Plains, Georgia | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Twenty-one years after leaving Capitol Hill, Jimmy Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, one of only two Georgians to earn this distinction. Most will agree that the humanitarian work Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter have done since leaving office is remarkable and, by far, more than any former president has done for humanity. Regardless of political affiliation, Jimmy Carter is one of the greatest humanitarians in modern times.

I encourage you to visit Plains, Georgia. There's considerably more to see and do than what I've mentioned here, which I discovered thanks to my travel friend Wayne. Put it on your calendar and also go with a friend or family to see this piece of Georgian and presidential history!

Dragon Con Parade 2019

The annual Dragon Con Parade, Atlanta's largest parade, begins with a lovely lady playing bagpipes and a full color guard. But, just ahead of that, 'Forrest Gump' runs a stretch of the parade route to chants from the crowds, "Run, Forrest, run!" 

Run, Forrest, Run! | Dragon Con Parade 2019 | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

The Dragon Con Parade is free to the general public, meaning you can be/see part of Dragon Con even if you're not an official conventioneer. The Parade is a sneak peek at the wide ranging programming and events that take place at Dragon Con. 

Cosplay, events, and the parade aside, there are more than 30 tracks packed with programming that conventioneers have access to. Some of my personal favorite tracks are Trek Track (all about Star Trek!), Space, Writers' Track, Science, Puppetry, Film Track, and the American Sci-fi & Fantasy Media Track, to name just a few. 

Mark Sheppard | Dragon Con Parade 2019 | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

The Dragon Con Parade's Grand Marshal this year was Mark Sheppard! He's had quite the television and film career, my person favorite role being that of Romo Lampkin in the Battlestar Galactica reboot from the late aughts.

You can see that Pikachu was quite excited to see him, too!  

Captain America | Dragon Con Parade 2019 | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Speaking of excited to see, the crowds loved Captain America roaring in on his Harley-Davidson! 

I was recently in Milwaukee, Wisconsin—my friend Barry was on business travel and I tagged along to play tourist—and visited the Harley-Davidson Museum and got to see the motorcycle that Captain American rode in one of his Marvel films...spectacular!

Cosplay Volunteers of Atlanta | Dragon Con Parade 2019 | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I had the great pleasure of recently meeting the above Game of Thrones couple through my friend David. They're all members of Cosplay Volunteers of Atlanta, a nonprofit organization that provides cosplayer appearances for children's nonprofit events! What a wonderful and fun way to give back to the community, and I bet the kids just love it! 

Lucy & Ethel, Chocolate Scene |  Dragon Con Parade 2019 | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Walking in a parade is exciting enough, but eating chocolate while walking in a parade...the best! And who doesn't love Lucy and Ethel! If you saw the I Love Lucy episode "Job Switching" (S2,E1), you know the hilarity of Lucy and Ethel getting jobs at a local candy factory. 

Atlanta Movie Tours  |  Dragon Con Parade 2019  |  Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Atlanta Movie Tours (AMT) was in the Dragon Con Parade for the first time! That's my friend Carrie, founder and owner of AMT, driving one of their vans. 

Atlanta Movie Tours started with one tour showcasing film sites from The Walking Dead. They've now grown to 10 different tours and they offer custom tours! You won't believe how many film sites you walk, bike, or drive by every day! And the tours a led by industry professionals, including some former zombies!

I've been on almost all the tours and can personally vouch that they are a great time! They have the best tagline, too... "Get In, Geek Out!"

Rocket Raccoon  |  Dragon Con Parade 2019  |  Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Speaking of filmed in Atlanta, Rocket Raccoon from Guardians of the Galaxy was in the parade! Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was filmed right here in the ATL! If you didn't already know that, you would probably learn it on an Atlanta Movie Tours tour. 

Dragon Con Parade 2019  |  Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Dragon Con is an inclusive organization and event. Everyone is welcome. Except for bullies. That simply will not be tolerated at Dragon Con.

Dragon Con even has a diversity track, its 'Diversity in Speculative Fiction & Literature Fandom" track. Dragon Con believes, and I agree with them, that "understanding that we have similar interests or beliefs can encourage cooperation and cohesion within our community." I love how welcoming to all and how diverse Dragon Con truly is. 

The Flying Spaghetti Monster | Dragon Con Parade 2019 | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

The Flying Spaghetti Monster is great fun! Did you know that the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster is a legally recognized religion in several countries? You'll spot the most devout of pastafarians by the colander on their head, considered religious wear in the noodly religion. The Flying Spaghetti Monster is the chief deity in the religion. 

Dinosaurs | Dragon Con Parade 2019 | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

The hilarity and exponential number of these T-Rex costumes is astounding! And I can't stop laughing. I don't even know what this type of humor is called, but I love it. They make me laugh and laugh and laugh. #ilovedinosaurs

Spartans | Dragon Con Parade 2019 | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

The men and women of Sparta are iconic in the Dragon Con Parade. They've trained for months, all year, for years, and some surely a lifetime to be in Spartan shape. Like many cosplayers, these Spartans spend a lot of time and money creating their costumes, PLUS determined focus and energy preparing their physiques for this event. #GoSparta!!!

Stan the Zombie | Dragon Con Parade 2019 | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Listen up ladies and gentlemen. If you don't take care of yourselves like the men and women of Sparta, you could end up looking like my friend here, Stan the Zombie! Then again, Stan the Zombie is a total celebrity.

I have photos with Stan the Zombie at various conventions and even one at a Braves game. He's a great sport! Stan is a pretty awesome living person, too! 

Jawas & Sandcrawler Ice Cream Truck | Dragon Con Parade 2019 | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Even before you noticed the Sandcrawler on the horizon, you could hear the unmistakable ice cream truck music. When the ice cream pop-wielding Jawas got to us, we were laughing so hard. At least I'll know why I'm craving ice cream when I watch Star Wars again.

Year after year, the walkers in the annual Dragon Con Parade continue to amuse, mesmerize, and entertain in the most unique and clever of ways. "Thank you!" to all who organize, coordinate, volunteer, and walk in the parade! 

See you next Labor Day Weekend!

More photos on the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page...

Atlanta Balloon Glow

Atlanta's first ever Atlanta Balloon Glow was recently held in Piedmont Park, "Atlanta's favorite greenspace", which is now Atlanta's favorite place for tethered hot air balloon rides! 

Atlanta Balloon Glow | Piedmont Park | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Originally scheduled for Valentine's Day weekend, hot air balloons finally rose from the meadow in the park with thousands in attendance the first weekend of August. Threatened with typical summer afternoon showers, Mother Nature cooperated last-minute allowing all ticket-holders to take flight.

Atlanta Balloon Glow | Piedmont Park | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I'd totally forgot about the event and was reminded only a couple of days before it happened. By time I saw it online, all the website tickets were sold out. I found it exciting that so many were excited about hot air balloon rides! I'd never been on one, but have had a lifetime love of hot air balloons, a fan since their first flights in France--not that I was alive in the 1780s.

Atlanta Balloon Glow | Piedmont Park | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I loved that there were so many fellow photographers there...lots of camera envy from my end, but I was also totally blissful having the opportunity to photograph such beautiful balloons. Such a rare opportunity living in the city.

There were LOTS of food trucks, bringing a wide range of cuisines, and a number of retail tents, making for a genuine festival atmosphere! There were tickets for a VIP experience--a reserved seating/viewing area and a couple-ride experience. There was also a separate kids' experience area.

Atlanta Balloon Glow | Piedmont Park | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

There was a guy (event employee) checking the pre-paid line to make sure that everyone's tickets were in order, but I was hopeful that there might be some extra spots, given that it was supposed to be raining (it cleared up on my way home that night, so I went back to the Park), and he told me that they'd be selling tickets after all the current ticket-holders had gone through the line. 

Atlanta Balloon Glow | Piedmont Park | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

He and one other person told me that there would be tickets for sale after all pre-paid ticket holders were in line to go up. I waited in line a couple of times, hoping to get to go up (remember, I'd only learned of the event a couple of days before). Well, it was getting late, and I was quite happy with the photos I'd been able to make and to have been so close to balloons that were taking folks up, so I was headed out...happy for such a beautiful experience!

Atlanta Balloon Glow | Piedmont Park | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Then, a lady who sounded like she was in charge, announced that they were indeed sold out for the evening, BUT I heard her later tell someone that after all the ticket-holders were through the line that they would evaluate if they could get more through, making additional tickets available for purchase.

LESSON LEARNED: Do not wait! Next year and in coming years, as soon as you see tickets for sale for this event, BUY THEM! Do not chance, do not wait, just get your tickets so that you're sure to get to ride. 

Atlanta Balloon Glow | Piedmont Park | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Fortunate me, my friend James gave me a ticket, gifting me a first-time experience! "Thank you!" James, it was soooooooo awesome!!! I crave first-time experiences and this is one I'll always remember and it has fueled my desire to go up again, and probably again and again!

Atlanta Balloon Glow | Piedmont Park | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

This was the balloon that I went up in, and I was on the edge of the gondola, so had a perfect view of the balloon's interior. The flames were HOT, not that they would be anything but...still, it was quite the sensation. 

Atlanta Balloon Glow | Piedmont Park | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Our balloonist, handlebar mustache and all, looked a lot like the Wizard of Oz, AND he was having a great time...so funny! A brief ride, his humor totally enhanced the experience. Grateful he made the ride memorable and fun.

Atlanta Balloon Glow | Piedmont Park | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

When next year's Atlanta Balloon Glow is announced, get your tickets FAST! This is one Piedmont Park experience that you don't want to miss. Even if you don't go up in a balloon, this is a full-fledged festival, one that's rife with amazing photo opportunities that you won't want to miss. Come early, and stay for sunset...stay for the balloon glow!

See more photos on the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook page...