Thursday, March 31, 2022

Atlanta Blooms! 2022

"Atlanta Blooms!", now in its second decade, is one of the most beautiful events in all of Atlanta, and it's in your own backyard, at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

If you know our Garden you know that there is always something going on, something new growing or expanding. If you haven't been in more than a year, it's time to go back and check out all that's new, which is a lot!

Atlanta Blooms! 2022 is featured throughout the Garden! You'll have the marvelous opportunity to explore hundreds of thousands of tulips, daffodils, crocuses and hyacinths, as well as other spring blossoms. And check out the Garden's Events Calendar for opportunities to check out a variety of ways to grow bulbs, including container gardens and floating islands. 

Also, be sure to watch for updates on peak bloom times at atlantabg.org.

Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

There's a LOT blossoming right now! The usual suspects--tulips, daffodils, etc.--are fully present, but there's also flowering shrubs, flowering trees...there are blossoms everywhere you look! It's definitely one of the more beautiful times to visit the Garden.

The day I went, earlier this week, was a heavy pollen day, so I wore my COVID mask. It cut way down on pollen inhalation and it didn't look weird! How awesome is that?! I think we'll see masks around a lot more in springtime in the coming years. When I lived in DC I used an umbrella when it was snowing--a lot of people did--and I saw others using umbrellas when the sun was beating down, wholly unbearable. I don't think any of those protective measures are weird anymore!

Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

My favorite flower is the tulip, so this exhibition is especially wonderful for me. I've told the story before, but please allow me to share it once more. When I was barely able to walk, we'd had a late frost at my grandmothers. Little Travis ventured outside and picked the only surviving tulip and brought it inside and said, "Flower, mommy, flower." I loved hearing that story growing up and it was the catalyst for my love of tulips. 

Did you know that tulips are a symbol for true love or deep love? And the various colors have meanings, too. My favorite floral arrangement is red roses with white tulips. It's stunning!

Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

There are several Chihuly sculptures in the Garden--part of its permanent collection--that blend beautifully with spring blossoms. The one pictured above is in the Levy Parterre, right about the middle of the whole of the Garden.

Speaking of sculptures, check out Orchid Daze, running in conjunction with Atlanta Blooms!, on display in the Conservatory and Orchid Center, but only through April 10. It features sculptures by Kristine Mays.

Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

There's so much to see at this exhibition, so please explore the whole Garden! Get a map when you first come in--the Garden volunteers are super helpful and sweet. I was a volunteer and docent here for years and it was a wonderful experience. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a way to share your time.

Look right, look left, look across the Garden, and definitely look behind you for some truly awesome vistas/photographs that you just won't get if you don't look around. 

Here are a few tips for photographing flowers with your phone camera. There are a lot on tips and tutorials on the Internet for flower photography. I recommend spending a little time viewing/reading those and use the ones that resonate with you. You stand the chance of developing your own style or perhaps improve on your current style! 

Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

All these blossoms bring out the beautiful pollinators! There's not reason to be afraid of them; they're busy pollinating and care more about the flowers than us visitors. And they make for some great photographs! 

Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I remember the first time I saw an orange azalea, many years ago at Callaway Gardens. I was mesmerized! The Atlanta Botanical Garden has had them for a number of years now which I find exciting, and their azalea collection is growing with the relatively new Azalea Walk!

Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I love the purple flower pictured above, but I didn't know what it's called. I turned to the Garden's trusty Plant Hotline (which you can call or email) and they came through--as they always have! It's a Camassis quamash, sometimes called a Camas. "Thank you!" to Master Gardener Jeanne for the assist! 

FYI, the Plant Hotline is operated by a team of Master Gardeners who answer questions from all over the world! They respond remotely and onsite in the Sheffield Botanical Library. They're truly remarkable experts, always super nice, and, in my humble opinion, one of the greatest assets at the Garden! 

Camas are typically found in the Western U.S., so it's a real treat for us to get to see them here. The ones pictured above are over near the Glade Garden where you'll find the Dale Chihuly "Radiant Yellow Icicle Tower" (which has replaced the former "Saffron Tower"). You can't miss that tower!

Also, the new "creek" in Storza Woods is complete so if you haven't been to the Garden recently, this will be a delightful treat for you!

Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

While the Garden's Camellia Show was last month--because many Camellia varieties bloom in winter--there are still quite a few gorgeous Camellia blossoms on the Camellia Walk near Earth Goddess in the Cascades Garden

If you're a member of the Garden, remember that your membership includes admission to the Atlanta Botanical Garden, GAINESVILLE! They have super-fun exhibition going on right now titled, "Nature Connects". The exhibit includes 15 larger-than-life (much larger in some cases) LEGO sculptures! It's going on through May 30, but don't wait...you know how quickly the days and weeks tick by!

Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Atlanta Blooms! 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I'll share some additional photos over on wanderlust ATLANTA's Facebook and Instagram pages, but do go see Atlanta Blooms! in person...it's truly magnificent! 


Wednesday, March 30, 2022

"The Light" at Horizon Theatre

A must-see, "The Light" at Horizon Theatre is brilliantly written and exquisitely acted by Cynthia D. Barker and Enoch King. You will laugh. You will cry. You will have conversations. Playwright Loy A. Webb said, "I write to point toward hope. I want my work to be a neon sign in the darkness: This way out. This way to hope."

The Light | Horizon Theatre | Cynthia D. Barker and Enoch King
The Light | Horizon Theatre | Cynthia D. Barker and Enoch King

"The Light", onstage now through Sunday, April 17, was set to open just before COVID hit in 2020. Believe me when I say it was worth the wait. I'm extremely grateful that Horizon Theatre moved forward with this production and believe it to be the must-see for 2022!

But don't just take my word for it. Local actor, playwright, narrator, and activist Lee Osorio said in a social media post, "If you do not see @cynthiadbarker and @enochaking in this play, you will miss one of the most amazing and necessary pieces of theater. Go see this play. Do whatever you have to, but see this play."

ABOUT THE PLAY

The press release announcing the play shared, "A surprise marriage proposal takes an unexpected turn that upends the world of Genesis (Barker) and Rashad (King), forcing them to confront secrets from the past. The Light is a roller coaster journey of laughter, romance and reckoning that unfolds in real time, peeling away layers of truth, doubt, pain and ultimately, the power of love."

The Light | Horizon Theatre | Cynthia D. Barker and Enoch King
The Light | Horizon Theatre | Cynthia D. Barker and Enoch King

ABOUT THE CAST

When I saw the cast announcement for this play I was ecstatic! Cynthia and Enoch are world-class performance artists...I recommend seeing everything they're in!

Suzi Bass award nominee Cynthia D. Barker has been seen at Horizon Theatre in Citizens Market, How to Use A Knife, and other popular plays. I love her work and she's a beautiful human being.

Atlanta native and film star Enoch King has been part of the Horizon Theatre family for nearly two decades, with credits including Sweet Water Taste, Constellations (which would be his breakout dramatic role), The Waffle Palace, and many years of The Santaland Diaries

Co-director, Marguerite Hannah, has been on this blog numerous times (The Waffle Palace, Freed Spirits) and is the only person pictured twice in my book, 111 Places in Atlanta That You Must Not Miss. You'll find both photos of Marguerite in chapter 47 featuring Horizon Theatre. She's an absolute delight on stage and off.

"The Light is a present-day love story complicated by the many things that go unsaid," explains co-director Marguerite Hannah, Horizon's Associate Artistic Producer. "The characters explore many questions about love universally... They unearth the questions we have been taught not to ask: Is surviving our past enough? Is a Black woman's accomplishments and personal strengths a strong enough salve for emotional wounds? Is gender bias a tangible issue for a community historically defined by racial discrimination?" 

The Light | Horizon Theatre | Cynthia D. Barker and Enoch King
The Light | Horizon Theatre | Cynthia D. Barker and Enoch King

The first part of this play, set in Chicago in 2018, is funny—sometimes hilariousplayful, and romantic. In the second portion (75 minutes total, no intermission) things get serious and emotional. If you have a heart you'll want a tissue or at least a sleeve. The very last scene, the last moment of the play, is my personal favorite. Even the actors were in tears...impactful!

The Light | Horizon Theatre | Cynthia D. Barker and Enoch King
The Light | Horizon Theatre | Cynthia D. Barker and Enoch King

I recommend seeing this as soon as you can so that you can tell everyone about it and/or bring other friends and family to see it. Get your tickets here and—always a bonus in Atlanta—parking is FREE! If you happen to be at Horizon Theatre for the performance on Thursday the 14th, I'll see you then! "The Light" will be onstage through Sunday, April 17.


Sunday, February 27, 2022

Orchid Daze 2022

Orchid Daze 2022 is in full bloom! Whether you've seen this gorgeous exhibition every year for the last decade or it's your first time, you will experience it with a dreamy sense of awe. Make your way to the Atlanta Botanical Garden by Sunday, April 10 to see this magical exhibition.

Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

This year's exhibition includes works of art by Kristine Mays, a San Francisco-based artist. The exhibition, most recently displayed at Hillwood Estate in Washington, D.C., is titled "Rich Soil".

Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Mays creates life-sized, three-dimensional figures from fine metal strands intricately woven together that often evoke a spirit of flowing movement or dance. Much of the inspiration for her work is a series of photos capturing the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's performance of “Revelations.”

Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Now going on for more than a decade, Orchid Daze is a beautiful way to experience the Garden during the winter months. When I went the other day, it wasn't crowded, but there was a lot going on. There were visitors, from all over the world, and what looks like renovation of certain parts of the Garden. There is always something going on here!

Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

For the exhibition, Orchid Daze orchids are on display in the Conservatory Lobby and the Orchid Center. Both the Conservatory and the Orchid Center have multiple display rooms so be sure to explore them all. If it's your first time to the Garden be sure to pick up a map on your way in through the Visitor Center.

Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

The exhibition sculptures are displayed in the Reflecting Pond in front of the Conservatory, in the Conservatory lobby, inside the Fuqua Conservatory, and the Fuqua Orchid Center. There's also a wall display with information boards about the artist in the hallway leading to the Conservation and Training Center and the Outdoor Kitchen.

Mays' said, “My sculptures . . . create a form that reveals an invisible occupant, a soul, a life. I often say that I am ‘breathing life into wire.’ I love the idea of creating work where the focus reveals the essence of a person and that speaks to humanity as a whole.”

Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

If you're on the fence about what date to see Orchid Daze, consider going on Sunday, March 6 for "Vanilla Sunday". Did you know that vanilla is an orchid

Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Orchid Daze overlaps another spectacular exhibition, "Atlanta Blooms!". It officially starts March 1 and there's lots to see and there will be much more in the exhibition throughout its run which goes on through the end of April. I love having a membership here so that I can go any time of year I want, which fairly often is impromptu. 

Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Some of the sculptures rise from carpets of golden Dancing Lady orchids as delicate moth orchids hover in the background and long strands of exuberant Vanda orchids encircle them.

Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Also happening concurrently with Orchid Daze is the Atlanta Bonsai Society's "Spring Bonsai Show", running the weekend of March 19-20. If you've never seen this show you're in for a real treat! 

Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Orchid Daze 2022 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Did you know that the Atlanta Botanical Garden is home to one of the largest orchid collections displayed at a public garden...in the world? And Orchid Daze is a wonderful way to experience the Garden in winter! Go, enjoy.


Sunday, February 6, 2022

INTERVIEW: Keena Redding - Renaissance Woman

Meeting Keena Redding was like meeting a friend of many years, except for the simple matter that we had not previously met. Nor did I then know that she's a wholly remarkable Renaissance Woman. Keena, a native Atlantan, is an actress, a classical singer, and theatre artist. At Horizon Theatre, where I first met her, Keena is the Development Director and it was recently announced that she is also their Director of Equity & Impact, a new role for the theatre. And there's more...

Keena Redding
Keena Redding, Actress, Singer, Playwright

Keena holds a Master's degree in Vocal Performance, she teaches theatre and gives music lessons, and she's the Music Director at Horizon's annual children's Christmas show, Madeline's Christmas. She's a mother--of the human and feline persuasions--she's an activist, and she's a playwright, which is why we're here today. 

Keena has graciously gifted me an interview about her first play, soon to be part of Theatrical Outfit's The Graham Martin UNEXPECTED PLAY FESTIVAL 2022, a four-part series of digital readings of brand-new plays by Atlanta playwrights in partnership with Working Title Playwrights

I'll share more about the Unexpected Play Festival immediately following the interview with Keena. Let's jump right in...

wanderlust ATLANTA: Congratulations on your first playwrighting venture! Please, share with us a little about the play.

Keena: Travis, thank you so much for having me on your blog. THE BULLET chronicles the long-time friendship of Buddhists Robin Simmons (black) and Kristen Frazier (white) as they navigate critical issues, including parenting adult children, in vitro fertilization, and politics. Sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking, the play takes the audience on a powerful journey of friendship, betrayal and hope.

wanderlust ATLANTA: You've acted, you've sung, you've directed...what made you want to become a playwright? 

Keena: I have always loved writing and am excited to expand my creative expression into the world of playwriting. I feel so fortunate to have my play included in this important new play festival. I hope THE BULLET positively impacts all who experience it and that it helps to promote radical individual change.

wanderlust ATLANTA: I had the great pleasure of listening in on one of your music lessons last year, online during the COVID-19 pandemic. You spoke of enunciating one's consonants. That single piece of wisdom was a huge help to me in doing radio interviews for my book, in which Theatrical Outfit is included. Thank you so very much. When did you know that you wanted to pursue a career as a professional singer?

Keena: I am so happy to hear that my music lesson had a positive impact on you. Thank you so much. I have known since I was a child that I wanted to pursue a career in theatre and music. Almost every Sunday afternoon when I  was growing up, I would ask my parents and younger siblings to watch plays and musicals I would write, direct, and perform in. I love performing and  anything to do with the arts and still do. The arts are my passion. 

wanderlust ATLANTA: You've performed all over Metro Atlanta...share with us a few of those places?

Keena: I have been so fortunate in my career. I have worked at the Alliance, Georgia Shakespeare, ART Station, Atlanta Lyric, Theatrical Outfit, Aurora, Georgia Ensemble, Out Front (where I am on the advisory board), and  Horizon.

wanderlust ATLANTA: I've never heard life in the performing arts called dull. Please share with us a unique or unexpected happening your stage career.

Keena: I had the honor of performing alongside my amazing daughter, Miquela Rivers and fabulous student, Eden Mew, this past December in the concert version of The Salvation of Ebby Scrooge by Larry Larson and Eddie Levi Lee at Horizon Theatre. Miquela and Eden were both dynamic in the production and I was delighted to be on the stage with two young actresses whose talents and careers I have helped to nourish – truly an honor.

wanderlust ATLANTA: I'd be challenged if I said that most activists are shy people, so I'll ask the question. What issues/topics are you most passionate about and for what changes are you fighting?

Keena: I am most passionate about fighting against racism and the intersectionality of all “isms” that serve to marginalize and oppress. I deeply believe that unless we create authentically equitable, anti-racist systems, policies, laws, and hierarchical structures, our country and way of life is jeopardy. 

wanderlust ATLANTA: This being a tourism blog, I must ask...when you do find some free time, what or where in Atlanta is a must-do experience for you?

Keena: I love Little Five Points. I love the people, the culture, the food, the shops, and the vibe. I have been going there since I was in high school. When folks come to visit Atlanta and ask me where they absolutely have to visit, I always say Little Five Points. Shout out to Sevenanda, Crystal Blue, and Cameli’s

wanderlust ATLANTA: If you could meet and perform with any actor, singer, etc., real or fictitious, who would that be and what would you perform and why?

Keena: I would have performed with Prince on his Purple Rain Tour.

wanderlust ATLANTA: I've only ever seen you with a bright and beautiful smile on your face. What's your secret to work-life balance when you're involved in such a multi-faceted career?

Keena: I love to read, write in my journal, dance, exercise on my elliptical, and meditate. I also love watching British, female lead detective shows and snuggling with my cat, Giselle.

wanderlust ATLANTA: "Thank you, Keena!" for making time for this interview. I am so grateful to know you and look forward to watching your career as it continues to blossom. Thank you also for the way you brighten every room you enter. You always make me smile.

Theatrical Outfit's UNEXPECTED PLAY FESTIVAL 2022

Theatrical Outfit's The Graham Martin UNEXPECTED PLAY FESTIVAL 2022

Over four nights, from Theatrical Outfit, some of the best talent in Atlanta will come together to share fresh and topical stories with you February 20-23, 2022, in a live streaming event. Plus, you the audience gets involved as every reading will be followed by a facilitated discussion led by Amber Bradshaw from Working Title Playwrights to give the writers immediate feedback for their next draft.

Keena's play, THE BULLET, will stream on Monday, February 20, 2022, at 7pm. Tickets are free, but reservations are required. And do check out Theatrical Outfit's main stage plays, as well as the plethora of other entertaining content!

Theatrical Outfit's UNEXPECTED PLAY FESTIVAL 2022
"THE BULLET" by Keena Redding at Theatrical Outfit

Friday, January 14, 2022

TOUR: Porsche Experience Center ATL

"Engineered for magic. Every day." That's one of Porsche's taglines—and a brilliant one at that. But it also applies to tours of Porsche Experience Center ATL! Earlier this week I went on one of those tours and it was indeed an experience!

Porsche Experience Center ATL | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Porsche Experience Center ATL | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

We had two tour guides, one an engineer and one retired military and both friendly and funny. The tour is 90 minutes and is approximately 1 mile, so wear comfy shoes! We toured multiple floors, saw lots of exhibits, went to the simulator room, and went out on Carrera Café patio which overlooks the driving tracks!

I don't know if they do this for every group, but I got the sense they do, but they let us hang around after the tour and revisit the galleries we'd visited. They let us know that ahead of time which made it easy to relax and not feel like I missed something or didn't get all the photos I wanted. YES, you may make photos during the tour!

Porsche Experience Center ATL | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Porsche Experience Center ATL | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

This digital timeline display is interesting enough on its own, but getting to hear stories from our tour guides using visuals was excellent. The cool thing about this display is that you can tap an image and it pops out, then you can touch and stretch the image (easier with two hands) making it super easy for groups to see the image being discussed.

When you're standing here, look up. There's an art installation hanging from the ceiling that doesn't make sense at first, but then walk under it and it will reveal itself to you. Snap a photo while you're there.

If you've never been here but the building looked familiar as you drove up, you may have seen it in some Avengers movies as well as in Watchmen, both using the building as their headquarters!

Porsche Experience Center ATL | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Porsche Experience Center ATL | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I now have at least a dozen new favorite Porsches. I don't think I've ever seen a paint job like this. Striking, isn't it? If I understood correctly this is their newest electric car

Speaking of electric cars, Ferdinand Porsche, the eventual founder of Porsche, had built an electric care in the late 1890s! Sometimes, things we think are new are actually old. So, electric cars are not new, but they've certainly been reinvented.

Porsche Experience Center ATL | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Porsche Experience Center ATL | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Near the electric car is a display where you can customize your own Porsche! The cars are not manufactured in this facility, but distribution is managed here and, if I recall correctly, you can pick up your new Porsche here and take it for a spin on the tracks here at the Center! 

Our tour guides told us about one customer who came in and customized their car to the tune of $130,000...basically a second car! Life is short...if you can do something like that, then do it!

Porsche Experience Center ATL | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Porsche Experience Center ATL | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Some of the cars on display are vintage, most are newer, but this one is the legendary "Speedster", first introduced in America in 1954 and it cost a mere $2,995! I do not know the year of the one pictured above, but if I had to guess I would say it's one of the older ones.

Speaking of older cars, this is fascinating! Unlike many other automobile manufacturers, Porsche keeps in stock Porsche Classic Genuine Part...52,000 of them worldwide. AND they're for cars that date back to 1948! I was stunned. I had no idea that any manufacturer had this practice. Oh, AND they're now they're even using 3D printers to make classic genuine parts! 

Oh, you'll also get a peek into their restoration shop for classic Porsches! There's so much going on here!

You can see why I love going on tours. You learn so much and you become privy to information that you just won't get on a self-guided tour. And by the way, I'm torn between which I love more, the Speedster or the 911 Carrera.

Porsche Experience Center ATL | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Porsche Experience Center ATL | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

On the tour you'll visit multiple galleries, but the "Colors of Porsche" exhibit is striking, and quite colorful! There are different model cars on display, some I've never seen before, like the pink one pictured above. You'll get to see a lot of the custom colors Porsche offers.

Within the signage in the gallery is a sign that notes: "60 percent of people say that color is one of the main factors they consider when purchasing a car." I'm 100% in that camp! To be totally happy with a car I have to love the color. More on that in a moment...

Porsche Experience Center ATL | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Porsche Experience Center ATL | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

The Simulator Lab is relatively new. In fact, they were still programming in various tracks (based on real race tracks around the world) and Porsche vehicle...you get to pick the track you want and the car you want! You can purchase a 30-minute or 60-minute drive.

There's a lot more to do here than I had previously realized!

Porsche Experience Center ATL | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Porsche Experience Center ATL | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I always thought red was the most popular sports car color, but turns out it's silver. I guess red gets more media attention and silver is the safer color because of its resale potential. I've had a silver sports car and a black one. I would totally go for a red sports car next time! That was until I saw this beautiful orange Porsche. I'll have to give color considerable thought should I get another sports car. 

What's your favorite car color?

Porsche Experience Center ATL | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Porsche Experience Center ATL | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

After my tour, I stopped in Carrera Café and had lunch. I had the Chicken Teriyaki sandwich and a glass of sauvignon blanc, which I enjoy out on the track observation deck is also a dining patio. Lunch was delicious and the view spectacular.

There's also the upscale Restaurant 356. You'll want to make reservations if this is something you want to do. They're currently only doing lunch, but check back to see when they're resuming dinner service.

Porsche Experience Center ATL | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Porsche Experience Center ATL | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

One of the things that I think people will really enjoy about this tour is that it's not loaded with tons to read. What there is to read are snippets. 

For example, the display showing the Porsche crest production process is four small bits about the various steps. Even though there's not a ton of reading, like there can be at some exhibits, you'll leave feeling quite well informed. 

Porsche Experience Center ATL | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor
Porsche Experience Center ATL | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I took the General Tour, but you can opt for the VIP Tour which includes a ride around the 1.6 mile track! On that ride you're the passenger, but they have other drive experiences where YOU get to be in the driver's seat. There's something here for every automobile enthusiast, engineering fan, velocity seeker, history buff, and adrenaline-loving adventurer! 

Be sure to stop by their well appointed gift shop, too! I had my eye on a Porsche model and some really sharp sunglasses.

Check out the Porsche Experience Center ATL and follow them on Facebook and Instagram, too.