Sunday, October 6, 2019

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

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
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
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
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
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
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, 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
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
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
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
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!