Beyond Giant Turkey Legs...

The Georgia Renaissance Festival is so much more than giant turkey legs and high-energy jousting, although both of those are totally awesome! The Festival brings a sense of community to its visitors, a sense of connecting with something so monumentally fun that you want the day to go on and on and on. 

This year I went with my friends Matty, Sara, and Cody—Cody and I went with other friends last year—and proceeded to laugh, watch some jousting, laugh, eat some giant turkey legs, and laugh some more, until we were totally exhausted. Great fun!

Washing Well Wenches | Georgia Renaissance Festival | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

At the top of your GaRenFest entertainment list should be the Washing Well Wenches! Sprout and Gerty are my favorite people at this Festival. After seeing them last year, we couldn't not see them and we went to the first available show!. 

Matty and I, the brave souls that we are, sat on the front row. No matter where you're sitting, you're going to have a great view and some of the entertainment comes into the audience, too! These incredibly talented women bring you non-stop laughter! 

Sprout and Travis | Georgia Renaissance Festival

I look terrified and Sprout is just having a great time! I was, too, I just looked terrified when the camera clicked. (laughing inside) Tips aren't required, but they're certainly appreciated, and...you get strategically place your tip in one of a few different places depending on the bill's denomination. 

The Arena | Georgia Renaissance Festival | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

Of course we went to the jousting tournament. But this time we got the VIP tickets ("Very Important Peasant"), received a crown and sat on cushions with royalty! They were, of course, perched above we VIPs, but we were right there next to them!

There are three jousting tournaments throughout the day:

• Joust of Chivalry
• Queen's Royal Joust
• Joust to the Death 

Be sure to pick up a schedule and map (double-sided) when you come in the main gate so that you can plan accordingly and not miss something you'd have loved to have seen. We're already making plans to go back this month...for the fun and to see some things we've yet to see and do.

Jousting Hostess | Georgia Renaissance Festival | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

I didn't get her name, but this was our hostess for the jousting tournament, a very friendly lady. In fact, every staff member I've encountered at the GaRenFest has been gracious, delightful, hilarious and just super fun! That's a huge part of why I go back. "Thank you!" to all the GaRenFest staff for being so awesome to all of us!

Sara and Matty | Georgia Renaissance Festival | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

This might be the best photo-op of all...the Game of Thrones throne! That's Sara and Matty pictured above. 

Anyone care to venture a caption?

Parrot | Georgia Renaissance Festival | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

The 'Parrots of the Caribbean' is a free-flight aviary featuring exotic birds that have been rescued from being abandoned, orphaned, or unwanted. The minimum donation of $2 goes toward food, shelter, and care for these beautiful birds. I highly recommend stopping in here!

This awesome experience is presented by the non-profit organization EarthQuest.

Barely Balanced | Georgia Renaissance Festival | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

Watching Barely Balanced is an adrenaline rush! Everything he's standing on is moving...it's edge-of-your-seat entertaining! And that they're hilarious is a huge bonus!

That's Cameron Tomele doing the balancing in this photo (above). You might have seen him already...he was featured on the cover of the April edition of WhereTraveler/Atlanta!

The Craic Show | Georgia Renaissance Festival | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

The Craic Show is another must-see, especially if you enjoy live music, of a different sort. Watch their official promo video to get a taste of what you'll hear and see!

Mona or Sara | Georgia Renaissance Festival | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

There are photo-ops galore throughout the GaRenFest, including this Mona Lisa!!! Sara is such a great sport, too! I wonder what Leonardo da Vinci would think about Sara's stylish glasses? They totally go with the outfit, right?

Travis and Ded Bob | Georgia Renaissance Festival

I love The Ded Bob Sho!!! This year I got a photo with Ded Bob! You never know what's going to come out of his mouth! Er, his jaw bone, rather. Some of Ded Bob's jokes are cleverly subtle, some are over the kiddies heads, but hilarious for the older folks, even the ones that are close to Ded Bob's age. The Ded Bob Sho is an perennial treat for me!

This post covers only a fraction of the fun to be had at the Georgia Renaissance Festival. I highly recommend going as soon as you can, because, like me, you very well may want to go again before the last day on Sunday, June 3.

Enjoy some more photos on the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook page. 

"I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do."

                                                                                                       - Leonardo da Vinci

The Fabergé of Nutcrackers

A Ballerina, a Nutcracker and a Terrifying Rat King are central characters in a story that's about 100 years old, so you can imagine how many times it's been told and reinterpreted. But none have done it so magnificently as Atlanta Ballet, which has performed what has now been an Atlanta holiday tradition for 20 years at the Fox Theatre.

If you think you've seen Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker before, think again! This year's performance, its 20th season at the Fox, is even more magical, more entertaining and wrapped with an enormous, tight glittery bow...it's the Faberge of any Nutcracker performance I've ever seen!

Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker | Photo: Charlie McCullers

I probably never told you about my obsession with nutcrackers. I started collecting nutcrackers—had always been fascinated with them—when I lived in Washington, DC. In a mere three years my collection topped off at 65 nutcrackers! 

My sharing that is not to chronicle an obsession, but to note that my intrigue with "Nutcracker" is genuine. When I moved back to Atlanta, I gifted that collection to a friend who I know has used quite a number of them during holiday seasons since.

I've enjoyed various renditions of Nutcracker over the years, but it had not stuck with me that the story takes place in St. Petersburg, Russia. On the other hand, it's difficult to not pick up that it takes place on Christmas Eve. 

Another holiday tradition also dating back more than 100 years were Fabergé's Imperial Eggs—lavish Easter eggs created by Peter Carl Fabergé for the Russian Imperial family—which were also fashioned in St. Petersburg. Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker, in my mind, is just as intricately detailed and visually spectacular as the works of Fabergé.

Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker | Photo: Charlie McCullers

John McFall joined Atlanta Ballet in 1994 as only its third Artistic Director. His retirement from the organization in June 2016 had been previously announced. 

While Atlanta Ballet has performed some version of Nutcracker since 1959, Opening Night of "Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker" on December 11, 2015, marked the 20th anniversary of what has become one of Atlanta's more beloved traditions, one created by McFarland. 

Immediately prior to the Opening Night performance, McFall was presented a Phoenix Award, the highest honor bestowed by Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, recognizing McFall's outstanding leadership and contributions to Atlanta. It was heart-touching to see Atlanta recognize Mr. McFall in this manner...so well-deserved. 

My friend Michelle Khouri, Editor of Where Atlanta, tapped John McFall for an exclusive interview about his time with Atlanta Ballet. I encourage you to read it! (interview) 

Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker | Photo: Charlie McCullers

Always an audience favorite, Mother Matrushka’s gown is made of 25 yards of red jacquard. The dancer who wears the 75-pound costume stands on a platform 15-feet tall...and, surprise-surprise, Mother Matrushka is always played by a man.

Arrive early enough to make a photo with a larger-than-life Nutcracker—on the balcony level—or make time during the 25-minute intermission. If you drive, I highly recommend pre-purchasing your parking and remember that traffic is always heavier during the holidays...so, make plenty of time to get to theatre and relax into the show.

Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker | Photo: Charlie McCullers

I was impressed to see Alan Vella, President & CEO, Fox Theatre, there on Opening Night. This Atlantan is grateful to see our attractions—whether attended by faithful fans or visiting tourists—supported by their executives. It speaks volumes when I see that they're as invested as those spending their time and money to support the arts and the local economy. "Thank you, Mr. Vella!" for being at the ballet!

Preparation for Nutcracker begins in early August and goes through November to ensure every detail is in place for opening night in early December, including the transport of all the lighting, scenery and costumes from the Ballet's West Midtown campus. And Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker is the only version in the metro area performed with a live orchestra and choir! 

Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker | Photo: Charlie McCullers

Atlanta Ballet premiered George Balanchine's Nutcracker—second act only—in April of 1959, not December, making it one of the first companies in the U.S. to perform what would soon thereafter become a holiday classic. The full-length version of Nutcracker was first performed by Atlanta Ballet in 1962. Atlanta Ballet’s third and current artistic director John McFall recreated Nutcracker in 1995. 

Over the past 20 years, since McFall created "Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker", more than 3,000 metro Atlanta children have performed in the production, which was created especially for the city of Atlanta.

Nutcracker, at the Fox Theatre through Sunday, December 27, is the opening show of Atlanta Ballet's 2015-2016 season, which has some other fantastic shows coming up! In particular, I'm personally looking forward to "Moulin Rouge: The Ballet", as well a couple of world premieres!

See you at the ballet!

Zoo in the winter? Of course!

I went with Mary Jo and the guys to Zoo Atlanta last weekend. This was our return visit after a "mini visit" in May of this year. It was cold, but it warmed up to be a beautiful day and although all the animals weren't out—which is never a guarantee, of course—the ones we saw were great fun! And we had the opportunity to speak with more zoo staff than we usually would have.

Zoo Atlanta, with MJ and The Guys

The statue of the world-famous Willie B. is a fantastic photo-op for family photos, as in the one above of Mary Jo and the guys. We've taken advantage of this opportunity more than once.

We were at Zoo Atlanta courtesy of Where Atlanta. Earlier this year I entered a photo contest and won tickets to see The Lion King at The Fox Theatre. 

I thought that was the extent of my prize, but when the tickets arrived, there were also four tickets to Zoo Atlanta and a gift card to Hard Rock Cafe, which we enjoyed after our visit to the zoo on this particular visit. The guys had never been to Hard Rock, which made it even more fun. "Thank you," Where Atlanta!

I also want to give an extra shout-out to Zoo Atlanta for making this trip extra special. When we visited in May, we arrived in the afternoon, shortly before the zoo was closing early for a special event. One of the zoo staff heard the disappointment in the guys' voices (they weren't complaining, just a little deflated that we wouldn't be able to get in a full visit, if we stayed at all). She kindly invited us in with the tickets we had to enjoy as much of the zoo as we could fit in and then gave us tickets to return later...that's what this visit was. "Thank you!" Zoo Atlanta!

Zoo Atlanta, with MJ and The Guys

They guys very much enjoy the World of Reptiles, so that was a highlight of the visit. I had the pleasure of sharing with them the news of Scaly Slimy Spectacular: The Amphibian and Reptile Experience, a new structure and animal home at Zoo Atlanta scheduled to open in late 2015. We saw the top of the under-construction building off in the distance when at the African Savanna habitat.

With the neighboring Cyclorama painting moving to the Atlanta History Center and Zoo Atlanta taking over and transforming the Cyclorama Building into a special events facility, as well as renovating the Savanna Exhibit, there's a LOT going on at Zoo Atlanta!

Zoo Atlanta, with MJ and The Guys

Kam was a super-fun this trip! Sometimes camera-shy, he was a ham for the camera on this particular visit, which is always fun. 

I was quite impressed with the guys' knowledge of amphibians. I thought a trip to the zoo would be an educational experience for the guys, and it was, but it was also a wonderful educational experience for me. These guys are smart!

Zoo Atlanta, with MJ and The Guys

With some of the animals not on view—nestled warmly in their indoor quarters—you pay more attention to the magnificent art throughout of zoo. You realize there's quite a lot of art at the zoo when you take the time to look around, and there's more than statuary, so keep your eyes peeled.

Zoo Atlanta, with MJ and The Guys

We knew it was going to be a cold day, but not as cold as the Saturday two weeks before when we were going to be there (the winds were torrential that day!). But there are plenty of habitats that are indoors—and heated—to break up being in the elements.

One of the more cool indoor diversions was a discussion with a Zoo Atlanta keeper who showed and told us all about the Blue-Tongue Skink. They're awesome! And we got to see its blue tongue. It really is blue...and not just because it was cold. 

Its blue tongue is a defense mechanism. Think about it. Not many things in nature are blue. When threatened, the Blue-Tongue Skink will flash its blue tongue, which startles a number of predators. We learned a lot from the keeper, who was highly knowledgeable and super nice.

Zoo Atlanta, with MJ and The Guys

Many visitors don't realize the size of Zoo Atlanta's reptile collection. There are more than 450 at the zoo, but many are not on exhibit because of space limitations. The new reptile and amphibian complex will be home to many of those, as well as large crocodilians and other new arrivals. 

The complex will also feature "interactive indoor venues and state-of-the-art exhibits showcasing the amazing extremes in size, speed, color and behavior that make reptiles and amphibians such compelling animals to observe, study, and protect."

Zoo Atlanta, with MJ and The Guys

As one who dabbles in Graphic Design—and my minor in college—I love when museums and attractions make the most of details. All throughout the Zoo the sidewalks are stamped with leaves. The sidewalks near the panda habitat, pictured above, are stamped with bamboo.

Zoo Atlanta, with MJ and The Guys

Mary Jo is one of my dearest and longest friends. We've been through a lot together and we're those kinds of friends who can go a long time without seeing each other—like the years I lived in Washington, DC—and pick right up where we left off. 

Zach made this photo of us (above). He's a promising photographer, don't you think? 

Zoo Atlanta, with MJ and The Guys

It was the middle of November when we went, which can be cold in Atlanta, but it's undoubtedly a beautiful time of year. The above photo was made just outside the gorilla habitat.

The gorillas and orangutans weren't on view...not until later, after the temperatures surpass 40 degrees, at least (I believe that's what I remember them saying about the orangutans). Good to know that they're cognizant of the animals' sensitivities to temperatures.

The bears and pandas were, of course, out in their habitats. The pandas were delightfully playful, but the bear (the one we saw) was lazing around sunning himself atop one of his climbing structures. I didn't blame him on bit!

Zoo Atlanta, with MJ and The Guys

I'm a kid again when it comes to things like carousels. I've not rode one in many years, but I've long admired their beauty and how much fun they bring to those who do ride.

Zoo Atlanta's carousel, The Nabisco Endangered Species Carousel, features 38 hand-carved, festive animal mounts and seats, I believe unique among carousels. 

If you're a fan of carousels, specifically carousel horses, I invite you to check out "Flying Horses: The Golden Age of American Carousel Art", written by Peter J. Malia, a colleague from my years on Washington, DC. It's a gorgeous hardcover book and a must-have for any carousel horse enthusiast.

I'd like to offer another "Thank you!" to Where Atlanta for the tickets and gift card—the contest and experiences were great fun! And a "Thank you!" to Zoo Atlanta for making our visits such great fun, as well. I'll be back again and again!

Lions Invade Atlanta...Atlanta Loves It!

The Lion King opened at The Fox Theatre last week and I was there! I won four tickets to opening night by winning a giveaway conducted by a tourist-favorite magazine, Where Atlanta. 

I was blown away by the performance! The puppetry—the interpretation, the technical marvel, the artistry of the acting and dancing—is brilliant! The acting and singing are superb. The stage's design and all its moving parts brought the performance alive! I just can't say enough good things about The Lion King at one of Atlanta's most beloved icons, The Fox Theatre.

My story of The Lion King, Travis and Frog at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

But let me back up. My story of The Lion King, its most recent iteration at least, begins with a frog. Well...it begins with a Facebook giveaway that ultimately leads to a photograph with a frog. 

Where Atlanta conducted a giveaway on their Facebook page for tickets to see The Lion King. All you had to do was share a photo of yourself reading Where Atlanta magazine. Simple enough, right? 

Well, I procrastinated—I wish I could say that I was super busy, which wouldn't be a lie at all, but everyone's busy, right? It wasn't until the last day that I submitted my entry...and I was the last one to enter, too.

I'd picked up a copy of Where Atlanta magazine at Underground Atlanta, where I ran into my buddy Stephen, new father and tour guide at ATL-Cruzers. It was great to catch up with him and learn about their new segway and food tours!

As a docent at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, I'm familiar with their amphibian research and conservation efforts—quite remarkable and admirable, I must say. And I love it when I see visitors making photos with the larger-than-life frogs throughout the Garden. 

I thought it was rather clever of me to make a photo with the frog in the Garden that's reading a book...the frog is reading, I'm reading—fun! Thanks to a visitor from out of town who I asked to make the photo for me, I think it turned out great...now one of my favorite photos.

The Lion King at the Fox Theatre

Of the submissions for the Where Atlanta giveaway—and there were some super fun photos!—I won, in a random drawing, four tickets to see The Lion King at The Fox Theatre! 

But, as it turns out, the prize was more bountiful than I thought. In addition to Lion King tickets, I also received four tickets to Zoo Atlanta—to see the lions, no doubt—and a gift card to Hard Rock Cafe! Thank you, Where Atlanta! 

Early next month I'll be going to—and later blogging about—Zoo Atlanta with decades-long-friend Mary Jo and her boys. That's going to be a fun outing!

If you drive down Peachtree Street right now, there is absolutely no doubt that The Lion King is in town. They're rather brilliant to park one of their trailers on North Avenue (above photo), near Peachtree Street—kudos to their Marketing staff. When I drove past the trailer, it super-amped up my excitement to see the show.

The Lion King, street banner near The Fox Theatre

The street banners lining Peachtree Street served as a constant reminder of the wonderful performance I was destined to experience. I've been impressed by the street banners in Atlanta...they're consistently tasteful, unobtrusive, and serve as reminders of shows, performances, or initiatives that I want to see and support.

And I love the marquee at The Fox Theatre. Did you know that if you host a private event at The Fox Theatre, one of the package options is to rent the marquee? I've seen wedding messages, congratulatory messages...how cool to have your name in lights! At the Fox, nonetheless!

Livingston Restaurant + Bar, chandelier at the corner of North and Peachtree Street

The evening of the performance, I met friends at Livingston Restaurant + Bar in the Georgian Terrace. Livingston is one of my favorite Atlanta restaurants and often where I'll dine or enjoy a libation prior to seeing a show, performance or film at the Fox. 

Did you know that the cast of Gone With the Wind stayed at the Georgian Terrace during the premiere activities in Atlanta? 

Open nearly two decades before The Fox Theatre, the hotel itself has a grand history. I've been a hotel guest, attended special events there, and dined in its restaurants, all of which have consistently been great experiences. 

I love the chandelier just inside the North Avenue and Peachtree Street corner entrance (photo above). And it's a fun place to meet for a drink or dinner prior to a show...or 'just because', which is my favorite reason!

Perry, John, and Barry, Livingston Restaurant + Bar

Seeing The Lion King was something I wanted to experience with friends, and people who appreciate the performance arts, as well as people I thought would enjoy The Lion King AND each others company. 

I sometimes find it challenging to put together even a small group...the amount of travel that Atlantans engage in is mind-boggling, as well as the general busyness of your average Atlantan. But I was very happy to have great friends Perry, John and Barry (pictured above, left to right) join me for the performance. We all had a great time!

The Fabulous Fox Theatre

If you're on the fence about whether or not to go see The Lion King at The Fox Theatre, get off the fence and go! 

And while you're at it, head over to the Center for Puppetry Arts to see several of the masks used in the Broadway production of The Lion King. In a temporary exhibit, "THE LION KING: Up Close" features four amazing masks and a Zazu puppet...amazing! Oh, and a behind-the-scenes tour of The Fox Theatre would be cool, too.

The Lion King is playing at the Fox through Sunday, April 27, 2014, which doesn't leave many opportunities  to see it, considering how busy we all are. Make the time to see this truly spectacular show! I think this is one lion invasion you'll enjoy.