Valentine's in Atlanta - 10 Romantic Outings

"Love is in the air..." Oh wait, that was a 70s television show. But it's true all the same, especially this time of year. There are infinite possibilities for Valentine's experiences to be shared in Atlanta.

Whether you're celebrating the heart-shaped holiday with your sweetheart, boyfriend, girlfriend, husband or wife, or perhaps you're sharing a special outing with your best friend or a beloved family member, Atlanta rolls out the red carpet for Valentine's.

I'd like to share with you a few of those "infinite possibilities", for consideration in your planning time with your special someone. Some of these are romantic traditions and some are likely not on your radar at all. Personally, I like to bestow (or enjoy) the occasional unexpected pleasant surprise.

Romeo et Juliette, Atlanta Ballet, Photo - Charlie McCullers

1. Romeo & Juliette (Atlanta Ballet) 

Romeo et Juliette, presented by the Atlanta Ballet, with the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra, will be playing at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Friday, February 6, 2015 through Saturday, February 14, 2015—Valentine's Day. I'm going Opening Night!

You can add an extra splash of romance with an optional Champagne and Chocolate Covered Strawberries experience, to be enjoyed pre-show or during intermission. Tickets


2. Valentines in the Garden (Atlanta Botanical Garden)

This annual tradition is set in Atlanta's "Oasis in the City", the beautiful Atlanta Botanical Garden. Enjoy cocktails, dancing, live music, photo ops, and you can even design your own fragrance—for him and/or her! Tickets

The Garden gift shop is one of the more brilliant in Atlanta, should you also want to pick up a unique gift. 


3. Sips Under the Sea (Georgia Aquarium)

Sometimes we're not able to make things happen on the exact day of a holiday. Fortunately this year, it's on a Saturday, which opens up a greater range of opportunity, BUT...if you're not free on February 14, consider celebrating a little early at Sips Under the Sea at Georgia Aquarium on Friday, January 23.

This genuinely unique cocktail party, at the world's largest aquarium, will feature cocktails, tapas and live music...and no kids. Tickets


4. Valentine's with a View (SkyView Atlanta)

I love a great view...and SkyView Atlanta offers a most unique view—and experience—of Atlanta. I rode for the first time this past Christmas Day...loved it!

May I recommend, especially for Valentine's Day, reserving the VIP Gondola for you and your sweetheart. You get to skip the lines and the concierge can arrange for you to enjoy a libation (beer or wine) during your flight! 

On a double-date? No problem. The VIP Gondola can fit up to five guests. The other more than 40 gondolas seat up to six guests. All are climate controlled, too! You have the opportunity to have photos made by SkyView staff, but bring your own camera/camera phone to make photos from more than 20 stories above Atlanta! Tickets


5. Medieval Valentines (Medieval Times, Atlanta Castle)

What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than by treating your sweetheart like a prince or princess! Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament is an exhilarating experience...there's jousting, sword fights, and romance. Arrive early for the pre-tournament festivities, then enjoy a two-hour tournament and a generous meal! And there's full bar service before, during and post-show. 

I've had the great pleasure of experiencing Medieval Times a number of times now. My most recent visits were a great fun!

There are three performances on Valentine's Day! Tickets


6. An Elegant Valentine's (Mandarin Oriental Hotel)

Thinking luxury? May I suggest cocktails and light fare at the Mandarin Oriental in Buckhead before your night on the town. Or enjoy dinner and stay the night! I've personally dined at the Mandarin Oriental in Washington, D.C., and in Miami...both superb experiences! Dinner Reservations

If you're visiting from out of town, or live here and want to stay in the city Valentine's Night, the Mandarin is offering a "Romeo et Juliette Romance" package, which sounds amazing!


7. Elevating Valentine's (Sun Dial Restaurant & View)

My very first date in Atlanta was at Sun Dial Restaurant & View, more than 70 stories above Atlanta, and it's one of only two revolving restaurants in Atlanta. Even today I enjoy dining there for special occasions, and sometime just for a happy hour libation. 

Their Valentine's Weekend Celebration menu looks delectable! Lobster or Filet Mignon, anyone? Reservations


8. Valentine's Day Love Songs (Michael C. Carlos Museum)

Another unexpected sweet experience option...the day before Valentine's, enjoy a noon "Valentine's Day Love Songs" concert at the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University. It's budget-friendly (read: free) and it's at Emory, so you know it's going to be world-class!

The concert is presented by Music at Emory and performed by Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta. Information


9. Dinner and Stargazing (The Farmhouse at Serenbe)

Emory's Michael C. Carlos Museum and The Farmhouse at Serenbe are partnering for a wonderfully unique Valentine's experience...Dinner and Stargazing! 

Your casual yet elegant dinner will be prepared by Chef Thaddeus Barton. Then, with hot drinks in hand, you and your sweetheart get to enjoy stargazing with astrophysicist Erin Bonning, director of the Emory Planetarium, with telescopes provided by the Atlanta Astronomy Club. Sounds like a delightful evening, right? Reservations


10. Cupid at the Castle (Rhodes Hall)

If you want a Valentine's Day wedding anniversary, this is a grand opportunity. Cupid at the Castle is your chance to get married, have your commitment ceremony or renew your vows at The Castle on Peachtree! 

Magnificent Rhodes Hall is one of my favorite historic homes in Atlanta and it's one of only a few remaining mansions on Atlanta's Peachtree Street, once lined with mansions! It doesn't get any more romantic than getting married in a castle! Your Wedding


Whatever your fantasy for a romantic Valentine's Day, or leading up to it in celebration, have a magnificent time. Enjoy any of the wonderful destinations and experiences that Atlanta has to offer. 

Happy Valentine's!

A Closer Look at Rhodes Hall

I wrote about Rhodes Hall shortly after I returned to Atlanta, back in September 2010, so I won't go into great detail about the available tours or event rental space, but I would like to go into some of the finer architectural and decor details of the mansion...

Rhodes Hall

When you visit—and definitely splurge for a behind-the-scenes tour—observe everything...look up and down and sideways. There's so much detail to take in here!

Rhodes Hall

The stained glass windows, which depict the story of the U.S. Civil War, have a considerable amount of detail...you could spend the entire day just gazing at the windows!

Rhodes Hall

Those stained glass windows frame one of the most beautiful stairwells I've ever seen. It's no wonder so many Atlanta brides choose Rhodes Hall as the perfect location for their wedding ceremony.

Rhodes Hall

Already possessing a rich history, Rhodes Hall continues to make memories that Atlantans will recall for centuries...what's your memory here going to be, I wonder?

Rhodes Hall

There are numerous fireplaces throughout the mansion...be sure to study each in great detail, because that's exactly what they offer—an immense amount of detail!

Rhodes Hall

And keep an eye out for the more subtle details. Looking at this photo, you wouldn't think this radiator is at all subtle, but there's so much going on in this house that any of the hundreds, if not thousands, of details could be easily overlooked...so keep your eyes peeled.

Rhodes Hall

Not everything in the house reeks of masculinity...there are some gorgeous feminine appointments as well.

Rhodes Hall

Remember, I said to look up. If you don't, you'll likely miss this kind of detail...actually all of the ceilings have very intricate details, details you definitely want to see!

Rhodes Hall

Even knowing that Rhodes was the man behind Rhodes Furniture, I think you'll still be blown away at the detail he put into his home. I probably shouldn't be surprised, but still...

Rhodes Hall

And of course the total package is something right out of Hollywood. You would never dream that while standing on Peachtree Street looking in this kind of beauty awaits you. And I guarantee everyone who ventures in for a tour of Rhodes Hall is destined to be pleasantly surprised.

ATLANTApix: Castle For Rent

Rhodes Hall and Equifax

Drive by Rhodes Hall, one of only a couple of what used to be hundreds of mansions lining Peachtree Street, and you'll see a sign in the front yard that reads "Castle for Rent."

No, no, no...you can't move in. The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation has their headquarters on the upper levels and the rest of the house is open for daily tours, but...you can rent the "Castle" for special events. This time of year, especially on a weekend afternoon or evening, you just might catch a wedding ceremony underway...and what an incredible backdrop--one of the most beautiful homes in Atlanta.

The glass building you see on the right is the headquarters for Equifax, the largest credit bureau in the country. Founded in Atlanta in 1899 as Retail Credit Company by brothers, Guy and Cator Woolford, the company grew to become a world leader in the realm of modern credit reporting.

Don't get too excited. Your credit records are not in this building. They're actually housed in another high-security facility further outside the city.

ATLANTApix and ATLANTAvidz of the tourATLANTA blog features a daily photo or video relative to Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

ATLANTApix: Rise and Fall of the Confederacy

Rhodes Hall

To say that the South is obsessed with the Civil War would be an understatement, but it's not as pervading as one might think...until you start looking.

Fortunately, some of the examples of the fascination with this event are quite beautiful, such as the nine (three sets of three) stained glass windows depicting the rise and fall of the Confederacy (photo) in Rhodes Hall on Peachtree Street.

Built in 1904, Rhodes Hall was originally the home of Amos Rhodes, founder of Rhodes Furniture. Today it's a house museum, an incredible event facility (many weddings are held here), and the headquarters for The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation.

ATLANTApix and ATLANTAvidz of the tourATLANTA blog features a daily photo or video relative to Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

ATLANTApix: Rhodes Hall

Rhodes Hall (The Castle on Peachtree)

It's a challenge to convey the grandeur and beauty of Rhodes Hall, former home of Rhodes Furniture founder, Amos Rhodes. This weekend, the "Castle on Peachtree" will be the site of many, many weddings.

Cupid at the Castle will take place this Saturday, February 12, 2011. Couples can reserve a time slot of 15 minutes for a modest donation of only $225 (that has to be the absolutely best deal in Atlanta for premium event space) and can have up to 20 guests. A minister, photographer, and a beautiful setting will be prepared to ensure that their wedding day is as unique as it is special.

Headquarters of The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation since 1983, Rhodes Hall is available for weddings of the more-than-15-minutes variety throughout the year.

ATLANTApix of the tourATLANTA blog features a "photo-of-the-day" of Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

ATLANTApix: Castles in Atlanta?

Oglethorpe University

Are there castles in Atlanta? Drive by Oglethorpe University and you'll certainly think so, but the university was in fact designed after the alma mater of the university's namesake, the founder of Georgia, James Edward Oglethorpe.

Oglethorpe University opened its doors in 1835, three years after its original charter. The cornerstone of its Peachtree Road location was laid in 1915. To honor the founder of Georgia, Oglethorpe is fashioned after Corpus Christi College, Oxford, founded in 1517.

Open to the public is the Oglethorpe University Museum of Art, located in the Philip Weltner Library Building (photo). Their next exhibit, "Students Draw the Line...Against Prejudice," opens Sunday, January 16, 2001.

And while I'm talking about castles in Atlanta, there's of course Rhodes Hall (built 1904), which is actually called "The Castle on Peachtree." They too offer a phenomenal tour.

ATLANTApix of the tourATLANTA blog features a "photo-of-the-day" of Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!

Rhodes Hall: The Dream on Peachtree

Rhodes Hall

One of only a handful of mansions still standing on Atlanta’s "main street"—Peachtree Street—is the former home of Amos Giles Rhodes, founder of Rhodes Furniture. Today known by locals as "Rhodes Hall" or "The Castle on Peachtree," Mr. Rhodes himself dubbed his home "Le Reve," French for "The Dream."

I hadn’t decided until the night before that I would be touring Rhodes Hall on this particular day. After finishing some work I scurried to ready myself for departure. Camera, check. Phone, check. Keys, check.

I was ready, but alas, looking at the clock I knew I wouldn’t make the 11 a.m. tour. So, I ran a couple of errands and then headed to Midtown. I arrived at Rhodes Hall at approximately 11:35 a.m., snapped a few photos of the outside of the Castle (constructed of granite from Stone Mountain—it actually looks like a castle) and then proceeded inside to secure a ticket for the 12:00 o'clock tour.

There were people scurrying about the place (Rhodes Hall is also the headquarters of The Georgia Trust, an organization that provides preservations resources to individual and communities throughout Georgia). I was welcomed by a passing Georgia Trust employee. I advised him, "I'm here for the noon tour." He acknowledged and asked me to wait and then he promptly scurried to another part of the house.

The Parlor

I soon was greeted by Caley Ross, Director of Sales, who told me that the designated tour guide for the day was unable to make it to work that day. She offered to let me take the first floor self-guided tour and handed me a packet of information.

I must have been pouting because she continued to explain that the tour of the third and fourth floors was only available with a tour guide and that she was trying to leave around noon. I expressed that the upper floors were the ones I was interested in seeing, that I’d toured the first floor on a previous visit (although that was in the 1990s).

Without giving it a second thought Caley immediately switched to the role of gracious host and grand tour guide and off we went.

I remembered the splendor of the house was quite impressive, but it was obvious that there had been a significant amount of restoration done to the home since my last visit.

All the surfaces were shining or sparkling or painted to depict a time or event in Southern history. From the staircase bannister to the numerous chandeliers throughout the house, Caley pointed out the areas that contained furniture and fixtures that were original to the mansion.

Of spaces on the first floor I believe my favorite room is an equal tie between the Reception Hall (grand in scale and detail), the Parlor (elegant and well-lit), and the Dining Room (all of its contents original to the house, including: a collection of stemware and dishes and a brilliant chandelier, certainly the centerpiece of any dining occasion, only outshined by the home's hostess).

"The Rise and Fall of
the Confederacy"

The mahogany stairwell and its painted windows leading from the Reception Hall to the upstairs quarters is by far one of the most impressive sights I've seen in quite some time. Three panels of three windows each serve as a memorial entitled "The Rise and Fall of the Confederacy." The sun illuminates the first panel as it rises (depicting the beginning of the Civil War) and finally the third panel as it sets (depicting Robert E. Lee bidding farewell to his troops). Included in the mosaic of the memorial are state seals and portraits of confederacy heroes. Impressive by any standard, the artistry of these windows is truly unveiled when it is pointed out that they were created not for a museum or public display, but for a private residence.

We then headed to the second floor, which is now office space for The Georgia Trust. The rooms on the second floor include the bedrooms and dressing rooms for Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes. It was on this part of the tour that I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Mark McDonald, President & CEO of The Georgia Trust. At the end of my tour, he and I briefly discussed what it must have been like to live in "The Castle on Peachtree" in 1904. Mr. McDonald is indeed a gentleman—professional and charming.

The third floor contains a servant's room and a billiards room, both with sun lights. Adjacent to the billiards room was Mr. Rhodes's smoking room.

The fourth floor contained a room that is believed to have been used as a playroom for the Rhodes’s grandchildren.

Rhodes Hall coffer

Continuing the VIP treatment (I was already more than pleasantly astonished by the Southern hospitality demonstrated up to this point), after I asked about the stairs leading up from the fourth level, Caley offered to take me up to the roof. I of course accepted the offer! Caley collected the key for the roof access door and up we went. The rooftop may be modest in size but it is grand in view. Nestled between Midtown and Buckhead (an area today being called "Uptown"), I was able to see in great detail the craftsmanship that went into the construction of the Rhodes Hall rooftops and roof caps, as well as the magnificent Midtown skyline.

I can’t thank Caley enough for her generous gift of time and for taking me on a special tour of Rhodes Hall, one of Atlanta's not-so-hidden gems. It's a true treasure and I highly recommend adding "The Dream" to any list of must-see Atlanta landmarks.

Of particular interest, following Mr. Rhodes's death, he passed Rhodes Hall to his two children, Joseph and Louanna. They later deeded the house to the state with two conditions: it can never be sold and it must be used for state or historical purposes. That's music to the ears of preservationist and tourists who enjoy a flare of history in their visits to Atlanta.

Will I return to Rhodes Hall? I hope so. It would be great to attend as a guest at one of the many special events held at Rhodes Hall. In fact, I will return to Rhodes Hall, whether attending a special event or as a tourist who wants to relive the grandeur of what it was like in the early 20^th Century to live on Peachtree Street.

Touring Rhodes Hall

Date toured: Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Location: 1516 Peachtree Street, NW (directions and map)
Parking: Free, behind Rhodes Hall
Cost:
$7 – Behind-the-Scenes (all four floors)
$5 – Guided tour of the 1^st Floor
$4 – Seniors, student and children (ages 6-12) – 1^st Floor only
Free – Georgia Trust members and children under age 6
Hours:
Tours begin every hour, on the hour. The last tour begins one hour before closing.
Tuesday-Friday – 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturday – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Closed Sundays and Mondays
Website: http://www.georgiatrust.org/historic_sites/rhodeshall/

Rhodes Hall, stained glass
front door transum