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.

Hero Doughnuts & Buns

Yes, yes, I ate all the individual doughnuts in this post. No, no, it was not in a single sitting, but it easily could have been … they're delicious! #Yum #Yum #Yum #Nom #Nom #Nom You can tell I don't do selfies all that often … you can't even see my eye through the doughnut hole! But that's alright because this post is about deliciousness, a huge patio, and excellent service. 

The new Hero Doughnuts & Buns on Georgia Avenue in Summerhill is outstanding! And it's a lot more than just a doughnut shop.

Travis at Hero Doughnuts & Buns | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Pictured above is their Cereal Milk doughnut—absolutely delicious! It's reminiscent of Saturday morning cartoons and lifting your cereal bowl to drink in the cereal flavored milk, not wanting to miss out on every sweet drop. I think on my next visit I'll try the Strawberry doughnut and the Pistachio doughnut. Their mouthwatering selections are quite varied.

Hero Doughnuts & Buns is located at 33 Georgia Avenue SE, in the Summerhill neighborhood where the 1996 Olympic Games were hosted, and it's serving doughnuts, sandwiches, burgers, custard, and more in their 1,872-square-foot space with an awesome 1,664-square-foot patio.

Nick Pihakis, co-founder of Jim N’ Nick’s Bar-B-Q, Wil Drake, and Jeremy and Tammy Chambers, the Atlanta operators of the Alabama-based Hero chain, are the business partners behind bringing Hot Dog Pete’s and Hero Doughnuts to Atlanta.

Hero Doughnuts & Buns, Summerhill | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Spring is upon us and we Atlantans love a great patio, and I think you're going to love this one. It's shared with neighbor and sister restaurant Hot Dog Pete's, which I visited for the first time in January. The restaurant group that owns these two knows what it's doing!

The two-tier all-weather patio has an open area with umbrellas and a covered area, both of which offer some views of Atlanta's downtown skyline, including the sparkling gold dome of the Georgia Capitol Building and the 1996 Olympic Cauldron. Georgia Avenue has become quite the bustling place with more and more businesses opening all the time. In fact, renderings of some of the plans for Summerhill depict exactly what you'd expect in a futuristic, international metropolis.

Hero Doughnuts & Buns, Summerhill | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Fresh is the order of the day here … every day! Hero's doughnuts are made in-house, including the creamy filling in their Boston Cream doughnut, pictured above just before it met my belly. Both of my visits were later in the day, but the doughnuts were still fresh. 

I'm generally a giving person, but I'm not going to share my doughnuts with just anyone. Doughnuts are the treat of all treats! If it has chocolate on or in it, all the better. Just kidding, sort of. I'd share of course, especially when they're this good … it'd just be wrong to keep this kind of taste sensation to ones self.

Hero Doughnuts & Buns, Summerhill | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Okay, it's not brand new, but this was my first (and second) time there. After reading about its imminent opening for months, it lives up to every expectation I had and then some!

The menu, as the shop's name suggests, includes buns, aka burgers! And a lot more...part of their mission is to bring joy. It's "a restaurant that continues to evolve with fun, satisfying sandwiches, salads and treats."

Hero Doughnuts & Buns, Summerhill | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I was a doughnut fan long before Homer Simpson came onto the scene, but after the iconic Randy's Donuts became internationally famous. I should say inter-planetarily famous. Remember the extra-terrestrial visitor making "the international sign of the doughnut" in Mars Attacks!? So, am I a doughnut connoisseur? No, but I've probably had as many as have many doughnut connoisseurs. I wonder if one can actually become a certified doughnut connoisseur? I'll have to conduct more research, just in case.

These doughnuts are totally a treat, so when I find one that's this good, it becomes my go-to. I still have a few more varieties to get through before I've sampled Hero's entire doughnut menu, but I'm totally excited about doing just that!  

Hero Doughnuts & Buns, Summerhill | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

On this visit I enjoyed a fresh, hot cup of coffee. On my first visit I had a beer. Their beverage menu has something for everyone, from the soda fan to the libation lover.

Hero Doughnuts & Buns, Summerhill | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I've seen some people call Summerhill a "new" neighborhood, while in fact it's one of Atlanta's oldest neighborhoods. “Before World War II, Georgia Avenue was lined with grocery markets and restaurants, shoe repair shops and convenience stores, butchers and bakers and ice cream makers, even a movie theater,” reported Marni Davis in Curbed.

Hero Doughnuts & Buns is part of a resurgence of Summerhill, making it not only a strong community, but a destination, one that will be fun and delicious for all Atlantans and those who visit her.

Hero Doughnuts & Buns, Summerhill | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Merch! 

Hero Doughnuts' merchandise game is a fun one. From Hero t-shirts to Hero beanies, Hero stickers to Hero coffee mugs, their merch game is strong.

Hero Doughnuts & Buns, Summerhill | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

The next time you're craving a sweet treat, head to Hero Doughnuts & Buns and enjoy one, or a few, of their delicious doughnuts, and try it for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner, too!

Hot Dog Pete's

The BEST hot dog in Atlanta is at Hot Dog Pete's in the increasingly bustling Summerhill neighborhood. This is not your childhood hot dog experience! Actually, I can't tell you the last time I had a hot dog that wasn't at a cookout or a baseball game, but that has officially changed for me. I'm now on a mission to make my way through Hot Dog Pete's menu, which means numerous returns to this awesome spot on Georgia Avenue, which boasts not only delicious dogs, it also offers beautiful views of Atlanta's downtown skyline.

Hot Dog Pete's | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Hot Dog Pete's is owned by Nick Pihakis, of Jim N’ Nick’s Bar-B-Q (also amazing!). Nick named Hot Dog Pete’s for his business partner, and co-owner, Pete Graphos. Pete is the mastermind behind the Alabama-based chain Sneaky Pete’s Hotdogs, founded in 1966, and sold by Pete in 1986. The Atlanta shop pays homage to Sneaky Pete’s 50-year hot dog legacy in Alabama.

If you can't tell by the last names, Hot Dog Pete's has decades of Greek-American food culture behind it. If you know me, you know that I lived in Greece for more than two years and absolutely loved (and still love) the food and the people. Of course I had to dine here!

Hot Dog Pete's | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I'm thrilled to see Summerhill coming to life again. It's one of the oldest neighborhoods in Atlanta, formed in 1865. It gained lots of attention as home base of the 1996 Centennial Olympics and the Olympic Stadium, which was immediately reconfigured as a baseball stadium for the Atlanta Braves. Unfortunately, the expected development in the neighborhood did not happen after the Olympics. It wasn't until the Braves left for Cobb County that Summerhill began experiencing a resurgence. 

I was upset when the Braves left downtown, but now that I see Summerhill growing into a popular destination, with numerous restaurants, shops, and a brewery, it's become obvious that the Braves' departure was a good thing for the neighborhood. Win-win!

On this particular visit, my first time here, I enjoyed Pete's Special Dog. This one has Pete's original meat sauce, diced onions, and mustard. Sounds pretty basic, but it takes hot dogs not only to the next level, but a few levels beyond that. 

The wieners are custom blended by Fritz’s Smoked Meats and Superior Sausage–Kansas City’s oldest smokehouse, founded in 1927. Those wieners (and sausages) are cooked over charcoal, totally creating a sense of hot dog nostalgia. Also in the present, there's a vegan dog offering, too. 

The buns are brioche buns that are are baked fresh at Atlanta's own Alon’s Bakery and Market, founded in 1992. Alon's is also where I get my birthday cake and cakes for other special occasions when celebrating at home. The best! 

Check out the menu and I think you'll find Hot Dog Pete's on your must-visit list.

Hot Dog Pete's | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

You can get fresh Waffle Fries, but why do that when you can get Loaded Fries! We're talking waffle fries, Pete's famous meat sauce, cheddar, pico, and mustard! Yes, I had the Loaded Fries on my first visit and I'm not sure I can go back to regular. 

I've had loaded fries before, but nothing quite like Hot Dog Pete's Loaded Fries. I'm one of those people who usually drown my fries in ketchup, but Hot Dog Pete's drowns theirs in hot dog toppings! Seriously...look at those! There are waffle fries under that glorious mound of hot dog toppings. And they're not just topped with toppings, there are toppings mixed throughout the fries, so you get toppings with every single bite. I even had some left to scoop up after the fries were gone.

Some of the other sides are chili, onion straws, collard green slaw, cucumber and feta salad, and more. Portions are generous, so if you leave here hungry, it's your own fault.

Hot Dog Pete's | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

The patios — one covered and one with umbrellas and bistro lights — are spacious and nicely appointed with comfortable seating.

Beverage-wise, they have soft drinks and iced tea AND milkshakes and ice cream floats! Next time I'll have a strawberry milkshake, but this time I opted for a beer. They have several local beers — Yay! — and some domestic selections, too.

Hot Dog Pete's | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

If you enjoyed your Hot Dog Pete's experience and want to tell you friends, why not tell everyone by sporting a hat or t-shirt? 

In case you didn't know, that's a Georgia State University Panthers helmet on top of the merch shelf. Hot Dog Pete's is supporting their local team — Center Parc Stadium next-door (the former Olympic Stadium turned Turner Field, home of the Atlanta Braves before they moved to Cobb County) is home of the GSU Panthers football team.

Hot Dog Pete's | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Hot Dog Pete's has its own free parking lot behind the restaurant, accessible from the front, and there's additional free parking nearby. This is the awesome view from the parking lot (Olympic Cauldron, Georgia State Capitol Building, Westin Peachtree Plaza, Georgia-Pacific Center, and 191 Peachtree Tower) and you also see the skyline from the street level patio seating. Quite the view, right?

If you have room for dessert when you're done here, pop in next door to Hero Doughnuts and Buns. I'm hoping to blog about Hero soon! Hero and Pete's are both part of Pihakis Restaurant Gruop.

Hot Dog Pete's | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Did you notice that "Pete's" is spelled with hot dogs? Clever, right? You'll notice that everything here, every detail is done with thoughtfulness and for the purpose of creating a unique, totally fun experience for the customer. The service is awesome, too.

I can think of 100 reasons to go to Hot Dog Pete's just off the top of my head. In their own words, this is the perfect reason to visit: "Hot Dog Pete’s is a celebration of flavor, history and people—a delicious story told through an iconic food." Hope to see you there soon!

(This post is NOT sponsored. The opinions expressed here are my own and not influenced by anyone else.)

Atlanta Skyline, From the South

I love that skylines have (seemingly) infinite perspectives, at the very least. The Atlanta skyline—so often breathtaking—can range from the entire horizon to a cluster from a distance. And the sunsets that go with it....

Atlanta Skyline, from the south

This particular shot was made in Summerhill, adjacent to Turner Field, just as sunset was approaching. The windows in the two buildings in the foreground are already turning a gorgeous copper color.

Also in this shot, left to right, are the Equitable Building, the Westin Peachtree Plaza (72 story cylinder), the Georgia-Pacific Building (site of The Loewes Grand, where Gone With the Wind premiered), the 191 Tower (with the double open Gothic cupolas), the Suntrust Building peeking out, and the "pregnant" Marriott Marquis.

Where ever your visiting in Atlanta, spy the skyline...you're most likely to see something you've never seen before...and even if you've seen a particular visita a bazillion times, check it out during the next sunset...if we have even a few clouds, you're guaranteed to see a sight that's as unique as every of our citizens.

Now, go explore Atlanta...it's a gorgeous weekend!