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...

Atlanta History Center's "Fall Folklife Festival" 2017

The range of the programming at the Atlanta History Center is astounding! And the quality of their events is awesome! This past weekend, I went to their annual Fall Folklife Festival and enjoyed a step back in time AND some great fun in the present.

Fall Folklife Festival 2017 | Atlanta History Center | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

This festival is packed with activities, entertainment, artistry, tours, stories, performances, and demonstrations, including a live blacksmithing demonstration...and festival-goers get a front row seat!

Fall Folklife Festival 2017 | Atlanta History Center | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

Culinary historian, author, and blogger Michael W. Twitty had just a couple days before given a lecture as part of the Atlanta History Center's Author Programs, and was on hand giving a Cooking Demonstration in the Smith Farm Kitchen and a book signing. 

Imagine how hot it would be in a 1840s kitchen with a blazing fireplace and no air-conditioning. That's exactly what it was in this kitchen, but Twitty and fellow festival-goers were all smiles.

Fall Folklife Festival 2017 | Atlanta History Center | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

There were "Bees!" tours in the Farm Kitchen Garden. Why is the Atlanta History Center giving bee tours? With Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) significantly threatening humankind's food supply, CCD has firmly secured its slot in human history.

But, that's not what these tours were about. They were a wonderful opportunity to "learn how humans work with honeybees to share in their sweet harvest" in a hands-on, meet-the-bees experience!

Fall Folklife Festival 2017 | Atlanta History Center | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

I had the awesome pleasure of meeting Suzy Sue Smith (pictured above) at the festival's Folk Art Marketplace! "Smitty Sue" is a nature-inspired painter, found-object artist and a photographer! I had a lovely conversation with her. She's equally enthusiastic about all of her artistic interests! 

I encourage you to chat with artists at festivals, as long as it doesn't interfere with their making a sale. As friendly as they are, remember that they're at work. Suzy had "Sold" tags on a number of her pieces, which are awesome! I later saw a photograph of the above pictured piece when it was finished...absolutely stunning!

Fall Folklife Festival 2017 | Atlanta History Center | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

The Whiskey Gentry, an Atlanta-based Americana band, performed in the Mable Dorne Amphitheater behind the Center's main building. As promised, they delivered some special-stripped-down, acoustic/ folks sets, and they had a great time doing it! 

The Amphitheater is a popular spot for music and other entertainment at Atlanta History Center events, even in winter! And it's a great spot for lunch or a break when you're visiting.

Fall Folklife Festival 2017 | Atlanta History Center | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

Atlanta's oldest surviving farmhouse at Smith Family Farm was built in the 1840s and was eventually relocated to the Atlanta History Center's 33-acre complex. When it was a working farm, there were quite a few animal residents, including sheep, and there are again today! 

The sheep are wholly entertaining...they love people, and evidently love the camera. Look at that adorable smile!

Fall Folklife Festival 2017 | Alanta History Center | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

I didn't catch his name, but the gentleman hosting the woodworking demonstration was awesome. He was building a bench using period woodworking tools...not power tools, just hand tools. That's a lot of hard work—he should have biceps the size of a Giant Oak—and incredible skill! 

Seriously, would YOU sit on a bench YOU made with just hand tools? Okay, some of you would, but not me...I'll stick to my digitally-designed seating, thank you very much. The demonstration was quite remarkable, though. Applause and admiration to anyone keeping the hand-made furniture art alive.

Fall Folklife Festival 2017 | Atlanta History Center | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

There were a number of hands-on activities, including "Sachets and Poultices", "Pinch Pots", and "Corn Husk Dolls". I don't know what all of those things are, but there were a lot of fellow festival-goers who were experiencing the fun they offer.

Fall Folklife Festival 2017 | Atlanta History Center | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

This weaving loom, in the Smith Family Farm farmhouse, wasn't in demonstration mode, but it often is and visitors to the farmhouse can always see this magnificent once a household piece of equipment and some of the gorgeous fabrics created on it.

Fall Folklife Festival 2017 | Atlanta History Center | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

A permanent exhibition at the Atlanta  History Center, "Shaping Traditions: Folk Arts in a Changing South", is a must-see during any visit. Among the exhibition's more than 500 artifacts on display are quite a few, quite fascinating, Face Jugs. 

If you didn't make it to this year's Fall Folklife Festival at the Atlanta History Center, come see "Shaping Traditions" now and do plan on attending next year's Festival! 

Cover: Atlanta Arts Festival Always Delivers

Fortunate for us city-dwellers, as well as visitors from near and far, Atlanta is not at all shy on festivals. One of my favorites is coming up soon...the Atlanta Arts Festival!

Atlanta Arts Festival mask

Now then, you'll hear people say, "I might go, but they have the same stuff year after year." I charge that those who utter such nonsense could use a renewed sense of adventure. 

True, there are some artists who a "regulars" at some of our festivals, and for some that's a good thing. Personally, I love it when Greg Stones attends any of our festivals. Greg is a watercolor artist with a unique sense of humor who visits us all the way from Rhode Island. I love his work that I've seen and am always excited to see his new work.

One of the most fun aspects of a festival is the people-watching. Atlanta always delivers when it comes to animated scenarios, a plethora of fashion expressions, and some pretty sweet 'eye candy' from time to time. And nothing beats the joviality that a festival brings...not to mention, they're a great excuse to get out of the house!

The Atlanta Arts Festival is usually the second weekend after Labor Day making this year's Saturday and Sunday, September 15-16. The artist line up looks rather impressive...and yes, Greg Stones will be there!

What is it about Greg you ask? He totally reminds me of Douglas Adams...an American version of course, but I see a remarkable parallel in their writing styles...and Greg paints too!

Enjoy the above pre-sized Facebook Cover Photo, a shot I took at a previous Atlanta Arts Festival, and then head over to the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page to explore further!