wanderlust ATLANTA's 2021 Photo Review

Where to begin...where to begin?!  2021 was quite the year, to say the least. You know I like to keep things upbeat, so here goes...The Atlanta Braves won the World Series! Theatres that had been only operating online for 18 months are now beginning to reopen. Legendary restaurants have closed forever and new restaurants are popping up all over the place! We have a new mayor. And there's so much more...

Dogwood Bench in Piedmont Park | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I forget every year how much I enjoy writing this annual post. Not because it's initially fun, but once I start reviewing it I realize just how much I've done and get to relive some awesome bits that I otherwise might not have. It's truly my favorite post to write, I just forget. 

This year, given "everything" that was going on, my posting was light so the photos I'm sharing here are from the blog as well as its social media channels. I expect posting to return to "normal" in 2022, though, so stay tuned!

Hero Doughnuts & Buns | Travis Swann Taylor selfie

One of the incredibly exciting things that happened to me this year was being nominated for 2021 Author of the Year, 'Specialty' category, by the Georgia Writers Association. I didn't win—the competition was phenomenal—but I can still say "nominee" until perhaps one day I do win. Never say never, right?!

Among my early 2021 posts were some places in bustling Summerhill, now growing exponentially! Hero Doughnuts & Buns is a fun destination, especially for this doughnut-loving guy. I have to limit myself otherwise I'm "taste testing" everything in the window! 

Hot Dog Pete's | Photo Travis Swann Taylor

My very first post last year was from Hot Dog Pete's which shares a patio with Hero Doughnuts & Buns. I've been back to both and have even attempted to replicate Hot Dog Pete's loaded fries at home...they were good, but theirs are the best!

I'll share some more of my other dining adventures—from luxury to comfort—a little further down.

The Flair | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I received my first two vaccinations at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the U.S. Army was on hand managing logistics and administering the vaccines! "Thank you!" to MBS and the Army for doing this for Atlanta! I later got my booster at my doctor's office. Not as exciting but what a relief having it done!

I snapped the above photo of "The Flair" in Georgia International Plaza, next to the stadium, but didn't realize that it looked like "he" was getting his vaccine too, courtesy of the Westin Peachtree Plaza, until after I was home.

Daffodil Days at Oakland | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Spring is beautiful in Atlanta! This year I got to go to Historic Oakland Cemetery during Daffodil Days at Oakland. Already a beautiful cemetery, the bright yellow flowers made it even more special.

Carmen and Colomba | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

My dear friend Carmen (left) visited from DC and bought her delightful and wholly fun friend Colomba who was visiting from the Dominican Republic. We visited a number of places! They stayed at The Georgian Terrace (my recommendation) and we had dinner at TWO urban licks, a personal favorite that they too enjoyed.

SUPERnatural at the Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

We went to see SUPERnatural: Glass Art in Bloom at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. I would return to see it a number of times throughout the summer.

Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

The two days we had together was a super packed, fast-paced tour of Atlanta. Some of it was a driving tour but we also got out and walked a bit. Pictured above is the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and we also saw the nearby Margaret Mitchell House.

Mumbles the Rhino at Zoo Atlanta | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I got to go to Zoo Atlanta a few times this year and one of the highlights was seeing Mumbles, the zoo's first Southern White Rhinoceros, one of the newest residents. One of my Zoo visits was to a fundraising gala with my friend Peggy. There's something quite special about being 'dressed to the nines'...at the Zoo!

Downton Abbey: The Exhibition | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

A fan since Downton Abbey hit the airwaves, seeing Downton Abbey: The Exhibition was mesmerizing! I saw it in October and will be going again soon before it leaves, this month I think.

Battle & Brew | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

After seeing the Downton exhibition with my friends MaryJo and Michelle, we tried to go to one of my favorite sushi restaurants in Sandy Springs but they were not yet open. Across the parking lot was Battle & Brew, a video game and gaming bar and restaurant. It'd been on my list for years and it did not disappoint! Such fun and great service! And that Tardis in the photo above...that's all the bathrooms, so it is bigger on the inside! 

Bank Street Cafe | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

MaryJo and Michelle live in Griffin and I spent a long weekend with them this summer. They took me on a whirlwind tour of the city, including drinks at Bank Street Cafe—awesome service! I'll be going back, to see MJ and Michelle but also so I can blog about it! This place is really happening!

Blood Orange Mimosa at Babs Midtown

I've done interviews on the blog throughout the years, but have been doing quite a few more in recent years and I very much enjoy them! Here are some that I did this year:

• Randy Adler, Babs Midtown
• Luc Helterbrand, author and illustrator
• Janet Montgomery, "From My Big Eyes"
• Marykay, Decatur Alpaca Cottage
• Corrina Sephora, Metal Artist (publishing soon!)

I have others in the works so keep an eye out!

Evereman | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I'd seen the "Evereman" image for years and even seen this sculpture many times, but never knew the story behind it until I was walking through Castleberry Hill with my friends Patti and Eric. I highly recommend exploring a city on foot...you'll see so much more!

This year also saw the first annual "111 Places Day", a global celebration of the 111 Places series of books. You'll remember that I had the great honor and pleasure of writing the 111 Places Atlanta book. I took this opportunity to do a video discussing my (growing) 111 Places books and how I have or plan to enjoy them. Lots of fun...I was having so much fun, in fact, that I forgot to brush my hair before recording the video, LOL! 

East Point Historical Society Museum | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Speaking of my book, I had my second in-person book presentation and book signing of 2021 at the Senoia Area Historical Society Museum and it was awesome! Several friends from around the area came and one friend, on his way from Nebraska to Tampa, timed his trip so that he could be there for my presentation—a wonderful surprise! And the mayor was there, too!

And just last month I was so honored to be the keynote speaker at the East Point Historical Society Museum's Open House event not long ago. Another success! I've been there a number of times now and will keep going. I used to live in East Point, just down the street as it turns out!

I also had a virtual book event via the Wren's Nest, historic home of Joel Chandler Harris and today a museum. And I did a radio interview with John Clark on iHeart Radio which was broadcast on more than 170 radio stations throughout Georgia! THAT was fun!

Coq Au Vin at Aria | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

If you've never been to Aria in Buckhead before, put it on your list! I went with some dear friends and the chef prepared specially for us Julia Child's recipe for Coq Au Vin. I'm salivating as I type this. I could have bathed in that dish! So incredibly delicious. The whole experience was elegant, warming, and one that I'll remember for a very long time.

Flatiron Bar & Restaurant | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Flatiron Bar & Restaurant, in East Atlanta Village, is THE place to go for comfort food. And it's not your typical, overdone comfort food either! They're one of the "tips" in my book but they could be a chapter! They could be a whole book, actually!

Inman Park Police Box | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I've read about and driven by it hundreds of times, but I had never actually seen the Inman Park Police Box! Finally I made it a point to find it and there it was...in plain sight!

SUPERnatural at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

One of my visits to the Atlanta Botanical Garden this year was to see SUPERnatural: Aerial Art in Motion. It was magnificent. Mary Pat, the CEO of the Garden, is truly visionary. I can hardly wait to see what she does next!

Scarecrows in the Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

My autumn just isn't complete without seeing Scarecrows in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. It's so much fun! This year was different, but in a good way!

Food That Rocks 2021 | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph a couple of days of this year's Food That Rocks event in Sandy Springs. Such a fun and delicious event...with live music! It's from the creator of Taste of Atlanta so you know it's fun! I've actually photographed both events in the past...I truly do enjoy it!

Family Photo Book for Theresa | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

As you know, I was also the photographer of "111 Places in Atlanta That You Must Not Miss". Even though I'm not the caliber of many of my photographer friends, I have been a paid photographer for many years. This year I got to do a family coffee table book for my dear friend Theresa and her family—such a fun day! We started at the Millennium Gate and finished in Piedmont Park.

Last but certainly not least, in 2021 I hit the 1,000,000 views milestone! So, "Thank you!" to everyone who has been a fan for more than 11 years and to everyone who's ever shared a link or complimented a photo...I'm grateful to you all!

I wish that something wonderfully remarkable happens to each of you in 2022. A lof of somethings wonderful, in fact! Also, I encourage you to look back at last year with a sense of gratitude at some of the great things that did in fact happen and let's carry gratitude exponentially into 2022...let's make it a fantastic year, together.

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...

10 Reasons to See "Nobody Loves You" in the Park

Horizon Theatre's production of "Nobody Loves You" is coming to Piedmont Park! 

For the third consecutive year, Horizon is sharing one of its super-popular musical comedies at the Park's Promenade. This year's show—one of the theatre's mainstage plays earlier this year—has been met with hilarity, fantastic acting, super-fun musical numbers, and awesome reviews.

With only four performances, Wednesday through Saturday, June 14-17, this is a can't miss-show. In no particular order, here are 10 awesome reasons why...

1.) It's free! 

That's right. Horizon Theatre is giving away thousands of free tickets to see the four-day run of Nobody Loves You in Piedmont Park. There's also reserved seating for a nominal fee, closer to the stage, and if you're not a fan of sitting on the grass, there are tables available, too!

How awesome is it that Horizon brings free theatre to our local community and many others visiting our fair city. Thank you, Horizon Theatre!

Jeanette Illidge and Patrick Wade | Nobody Loves You | Horizon Theatre

2.) The cast is phenomenal!

If you're an Atlanta theatre regular, you'll recognize names and faces of many of the cast, several of them multiple Suzi Bass award nominees and winners!

Pictured above are the stars of the show. Patrick Wade (Jeff) plays a skeptic of the reality television show Nobody Loves You and he's taking action to blow their cover...to prove that they're not really making love connections, but it's all just a sham. Hilarity ensues.

Jeanette Illidge (Jenny) plays a producer of Nobody Loves You and the love interest of Jeff, whose secondary objective of joining the show was to win back his ex. You're laughing already, aren't you?

3.) It's in Piedmont Park, "Atlanta's Favorite Greenspace"!

This is the third year that Horizon Theatre has brought one of their mainstage shows to Piedmont Park, which is in the heart of Midtown and easy to get to! The Promenade is near the Atlanta Botanical Garden—accessible from the Garden's entry road—and the Sage Parking Deck, accessible from Piedmont Avenue and Monroe Drive. 

I've attended the last two Horizon Theatre shows in Piedmont Park and can personally attest to their being great fun...the shows and seeing them in the Park! [2015] [2016] 

4.) It's a show-within-a-show!

If you're a fan of reality television, this one is on steroids, but has an actual plot.

"The game of love is on! Tune into 'Nobody Loves You,' the TV show-within-the-show that follows attractive singles pairing up to find love...Take a behind-the-scenes ride through this hilarious musical comedy about the intimate and gut-wrenching quest for love while millions of viewers watch!"  

Austin Tijerina, Travis, Leslie Bellair | Nobody Loves You | Horizon Theatre

5.) You get to meet the cast and take photos with them!

In the wonderful Horizon Theatre tradition, after the show you'll get to meet the cast and take photos with them! Being the celebrity-spotter I am, this perk is a huge one for me and I love seeing so many other theatre-goers talking with the cast, congratulating them on their performances and getting to know them a little more. 

If you saw Nobody Loves You at Horizon Theatre in Little Five Points earlier this year, you'll notice a cast change in the Piedmont Park show. Pictured above from the earlier show is Austin Tijerina, who played Evan, a hilarious character being played by Leo Thomasian in the Piedmont Park show. 

And the lovely young lady in the red jacket is the totally awesome Leslie Bellair (Samantha) who will be the only actress to have performed in all three Horizon Theatre productions in Piedmont Park. I'm a huge fan of her work! 

6.) It's sexy!

It's a story about people falling in love, and yes...there is sex. Or at least the innuendo of perhaps, maybe that happening. Okay, maybe there's only some sexy dancing and sexy outfits, and maybe a shirt comes off and maybe there's some crushing, and some flirting and kissing, and...well, let me just say that it's one of the sexiest musicals you'll see this year.

7.) There will be food and drinks!

You're going to get hungry and thirsty, right? Of course you will! 

The grounds will open at 6:00 p.m. (show starts at 7:30 p.m.), so bring a picnic and enjoy. NOTE: Feel free to bring your own food, water and soft-drinks, but no alcohol and no glass, please.

There will be food trucks and concessions, as well as beer, wine, water and soft-drinks available for purchase. [more info]

Remember, the earlier you arrive the closer you can get to the stage! But it's such a big show, they're all great seats. 

The set of "Nobody Loves You" | Horizon Theatre | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

8.) The set is awesome!

Twin sisters and Suzi Bass award winners Isabel and Moriah Curley-Clay have done it again! The above photo is of the in-theatre set, which isn't as static as you might think. I can only imagine how much more spectacular the set will be when it's up in Piedmont Park. We're talking lots more real estate...more possibilities!  

9.) You're going to laugh!

Yes, it's a musical. Yes, it's about a reality television show. Yes, it's about the drama of people falling in love. And it's all incredibly funny! From the lyrics of the songs (listen closely so you don't miss this fun!) to the "off camera" shenanigans, to the plot twists and turns, prepare to have your funny bone tickled all night long!  

10.) Horizon Theatre loves YOU for your support!

Lisa Adler, Co-Founder and Co-Artistic/Producing Director, shares every opening night of every show that ticket sales make up for only about half of what it takes to run the theatre. Not everyone can see a show at the theatre, but most everyone can go to a free show...and then tell friends and family how great it was! 

I can't speak for the theatre, but I'm certain that Horizon is grateful for your support, whether in ticket purchases, subscriptions and/or sharing how much you enjoyed your theatre experience with friends and family. 

There you go...10 great reasons to come to Piedmont Park to see Horizon Theatre's production of Nobody Loves You. I think you're going to love it!

Focus on 5 from "Atlanta in 50 Objects"

"We want to be a community-driven organization that responds to our audience—indeed, we hope to appeal to a wider and more diverse audience by being inclusive of multiple viewpoints," said Atlanta History Center Executive Vice President Michael Rose. 

That's exactly how Atlanta in 50 Objects came to fruition. It represents the expertise of Atlanta historians at the Center and suggestions from Atlanta's citizens, at the request of the Center. Nominations were accepted via Facebook, other platforms and an onsite suggestion box. Hundreds of Atlantans responded!

The 50 objects selected to represent the history of Atlanta range in predating our founding in 1837 to showcasing objects that will take us far into an exciting future. However, Atlanta in 50 Objects features more than objects...this collection of treasures includes artifacts, people, events and even ideas. 

I've been a member of the Atlanta History Center for a number years and this exhibition is one that resonates with reasons I love this city. Our history is rich and our future bright, a story extremely well-told in Atlanta in 50 Objects.

I'm going to discuss only five objects in this writing and encourage you to visit the Atlanta History Center to discover the others...I believe you'll be as fascinated as I was, and that that you'll find some delightful surprises.

Atlanta in 50 Objects | Atlanta History Center | Portman Buildings

My first Atlanta experience was seeing her star-soaked glistening skyline. I was driving in from the north for an evening on the town. Mesmerized by her skyline, I knew then and there that I wanted to live in this vibrant city. Meeting her citizens soon thereafter cinched it. It would not be much longer after that first visit that I would make Atlanta home. That was in 1987. 

One of the first names I learned in Atlanta was that of architect-developer John Portman. Anyone who has visited downtown Atlanta has experienced the brilliance of John Portman, from the sparkling 72-story glass cylinder—the Westin Peachtree Plaza—the tallest hotel in the world at the time it was built, to the magnificent SunTrust Plaza at the northern tip of the downtown area. Atlanta's skyline will for countless generations carry Portman's artistic expression, as will the skylines in dozens of other cities throughout the world.

The above pictured object in the exhibition highlights Portman building in downtown Atlanta. I've not yet been, but hear good things about the latest Portman project, the downtown restaurant JP Atlanta.

Atlanta in 50 Objects | Atlanta History Center | Portman Buildings

As magnificent as Portman's other works are, I have over the years remained particularly fond of the Hyatt, and more specifically of Polaris, Atlanta's first revolving restaurant, now (after been closed for a few years) renovated and reopened as a bar and lounge, it's a popular destination for craft cocktails, delicious bites and stunning vistas of Atlanta's skyline.

The Hyatt was constructed 20 years before I moved here. When it opened in 1967, it was the tallest building in Atlanta! Today it's practically dwarfed by Atlanta's newest skyscrapers, but none possess the fascination of the "blue bubble", an experience that Jim Morrison likened to flying in "Victorian Rocket Ships".

Atlanta in 50 Objects | Atlanta History Center | 1985 Exposition

1895 was a busy year in history! In Atlanta it was especially so, particularly during the 1895 International and Cotton States Exposition, hosted for 100 days in Piedmont Park.

The vast majority of the buildings constructed for the Exposition were built as temporary structures, but some of the large stone planters and steps remain, although many who walk those steps wouldn't know that Buffalo Bill Cody also walked the same steps back in 1895! 

One of the then-modern features that fascinates me most is that the Exposition was opened remotely by U.S. President Grover Cleveland, when he flipped an electric switch in Massachusetts! I can just imagine the look of marvel on attendees' faces that day.

The Exposition featured then-modern technology, including an early version of the motion picture—which few actually experienced because the building wasn't air-conditioned. And there was a "Phoenix Wheel"—instead of a Ferris Wheel, either because there wasn't the money for royalties or they wanted to build their own...I've read and heard various versions of that story.

There was a building dedicated specifically to featuring the accomplishments of women and another featuring the accomplishments of African Americans. And the Liberty Bell itself was on display! To say there was a lot for the more than 800,000 visitors to experience would be an understatement.

One fun way to learn more about the Exposition—in addition to so much I've learned at the Atlanta History Center—is to go on a Piedmont Park Historic Tour, in Piedmont Park.

That Exposition, considered by some not wholly successful and by others a venture that breathed new life into Atlanta, is fascinating no matter how you look at it. I'm  continually learning more about it and its benefits to our city.

Atlanta in 50 Objects | Atlanta History Center | MLK's Nobel Speech

Two Georgians have won the Nobel Peace Prize. One was a U.S. President Jimmy Carter, and one was modern Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The object representing MLK, Jr.'s prestigious prize is his hand-written acceptance speech. It's a magnificent  document, one that when you read it you hear his voice in your head. The speech is nearly a full 20 pages in length and I encourage you to read it when you visit. Recognized for his campaign for nonviolent social change, there's a lot in this document that I believe we can all learn from.

A sign of the times, the announcement of King's winning the Nobel Peace Prize was on October 14, 1964, but it wasn't until January 27, 1965 (which happens to be the day I was born) that a celebration was given in his honor of winning the Prize. 

There were some who were not wholly thrilled about his winning, but a small group of Atlantans, including Atlanta Constitution editor and publisher Ralph McGill, Rabbi Jacob Rothschild, Morehouse President Benjamin E. Mays, and Archbishop Paul Hallinan came together to organize the honorary dinner for Dr. King.

Atlanta in 50 Objects | Atlanta History Center | Ramblin' Wreck

If you attended Georgia Institute of Technology or know someone who attended or is attending Georgia Tech, or if you've spent even a little time in Atlanta, you'd have known the answer on March 4, 2013, to the Jeopardy! clue—a Final Jeopardy round—"One of its mascots is a restored 1930 sport coupe that's been in use at the school since 1961." 

The question to that clue—which none of the contestants got right, evidently none of them from Georgia—was, "What is the Ramblin' Wreck." Georgia Tech is world renowned for the caliber of professional it produces, the scientific research it fosters and the fierceness of its college football fans...of course Ramblin' Wreck is one of the 50 objects that defines Atlanta's history!

Atlanta in 50 Objects | Atlanta History Center | Michonne's Katana

I'd heard of The Walking Dead and quickly became aware of its intense following. I love science-fiction and a good apocalypse flick, but I did not anticipate my own immediate addition to watching The Walking Dead...I turned as quickly as someone bitten by a Walker. 

And there was nothing subtle about my addiction to the show. I would binge, my appetite for more was relentless and I tirelessly sought out time to devour as many episodes as I could. 

Also, being the good tourist that I am, I went sought out real-life zombie experiences and went on Atlanta Movie Tours' Big Zombie Tour (twice!) and Big Zombie Tour 2 (when I got locked up with Daryl). They've recently announced their Big Zombie Tour 3, which  I hope to experience sometime soon.

In case you didn't know, The Walking Dead, filmed here in Atlanta and other parts of Georgia, is the #1 rated cable television drama...EVER! Georgia is now #3 in television and movie production in the United States and #5 in the world! 

On that note, when you're visiting the Atlanta History Center, check out their Swan House Capitol Tour...several films in The Hunger Games franchise include scenes shot in the 1928 Swan House!

See, I got carried away talking about zombie and almost forgot the object! The object pictured above is Michonne's Katana, one she wields with precision, intensity and a ruthless drive to survive the zombie apocalypse. Michonne is one of my favorite characters on the show. She's quiet, introspective and determined, and she's kicking zombie butt all over Atlanta! I love the Atlanta History Center's choice of object to represent The Walking Dead.

So, there you have it...five of the 50 objects that quite magnificently represent Atlanta history. Do make time to see Atlanta in 50 Objects at the Atlanta History Center, and don't wait until it closes at the end of December...you'll very likely want to see it more than once, just as I have.