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.

Wanderlusting Zoo Atlanta

I recently had the wonderful honor and great pleasure of a grand tour of Zoo Atlanta! My friend Peggy is a member, donor and a volunteer at the Zoo. For our tour, she donned her interpreter gear and we were off on a 5.5 hour adventure...

We toured the entire Zoo—what an amazing learning experience—and Peggy interpreted for other zoo visitors when I was making photos. It was awesome seeing how much joy it brings her to enhance a visitor's experience with information they might not otherwise be privy to.

Orangutan | Zoo Atlanta | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

My personal favorites are the Orangutans, probably from the first time I saw the movie Every Which Way But Loose, starring Clint Eastwood and Manis the Orangutan. 

Years later, I would move to Pinedale, Wyoming, where I finished high school. We would drive 100 miles north to Jackson Hole—where the movie was filmed—once a month to shop for groceries. It was so awesome recognizing filming sites from that movie when we were there!

Scarlet Ibis | Zoo Atlanta | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

Zoo Atlanta is home to many, many avian species and some fascinating ones at that! When we happened upon the Scarlet Ibis, I was awestruck by its beauty. I couldn't stop watching (and taking photos). It's no wonder that this striking bird has been the subject of a number of literary works!

Bald Eagle | Zoo Atlanta | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

Typically a zoo would not have a resident Bald Eagle, but in the case of wing damage—as is the case here—a zoo provides food and protection from predators, as well as being an educational opportunity that most would never enjoy otherwise. Even with a damaged wing, THIS Bald Eagle is gloriously majestic! 

Iguana | Zoo Atlanta | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

This was my first time exploring the new Scaly Slimy Spectacular: The Amphibian & Reptile Experience and it's AWESOME! Home to more than 70 species, plan plenty of time to meet some of Zoo Atlanta's most fascinating residents, including a Komodo Dragon, a mesmerizing chameleon, and some baby diamondback terrapin turtles! 

If you're a beer aficionado, you may know that the diamondback terrapin is part of the logo of Terrapin Beer Co. in Athens, Georgia.

The digital, interactive animal identification signage is a first for Zoo Atlanta. This signage also shows whether or not the animal is endangered or not, including the "extinct except in human care" category.

Alpaca | Zoo Atlanta | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

Some of the newest residents at Zoo Atlanta are the Huacaya Alpaca, this one's name is Smurf, I believe, and they're sooooo cute! Originally from Peru, they now live all over the world in human care. 

This domesticated species is so popular right now. They've been showing up at weddings all over the country! 

#DidYouKnow: Alpaca and Llamas are often mistaken for one or the other, but they are totally different species!

King Vulture | Zoo Atlanta | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

This avian is so brightly colored that you might not immediately recognize that it's a King Vulture. It took me a minute because I was so fascinated by all the colors.

I think vultures unduly get a bad rap. They have a vital role in our ecosystem. Yes, their eating habits are disgusting to us, but by eating carrion, they're cleaning up what could otherwise be a breeding ground for disease. Next time you see a vulture, you might replace "eewwwww" with a "thank you".

African Elephant | Zoo Atlanta | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

There are two African Elephants—the largest of elephant species—at Zoo Atlanta. There will be more when the new African savanna habitat is completed.

The elephants are one of the many "Wild Encounters" that visitors can experience. During a Wild Encounter: Elephant experience, you get to give Tara or Kelly an afternoon snack, up close and personal! I've not done this yet, but it's on my list.

Golden Lion Tamarin | Zoo Atlanta | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

One of the things I love about Zoo Atlanta is its extensive conservation work, the endangered Golden Lion Tamarin being among the many projects they're currently working on.

Zoo Atlanta's Mission: We save wildlife and their habitats through conservation, research, education and engaging experiences. Our efforts connect people to animals and inspire conservation action.

From everything I seen, Zoo Atlanta is continuously demonstrating their mission, one that this blogger is excited about and proud of. Education and conservation would be enough, but a Zoo Atlanta experience is so much more!

Nubian Goat | Zoo Atlanta | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

I was looking forward to the Petting Zoo, getting to hang out with the goats! Zoo Atlanta is home of several kinds of goats, the one pictured above being a Nubian Goat, the kind that I lived with the summer after high school graduation. 

I lived with my art teacher and his wife, Duane and Pip, on their goat ranch. There were about 40 goats, each with a unique personality and each wanting all of your attention. We were up at 5:30am every day to milk the goats. During my time there, we made a few batches of goat cheese and ice cold goat's milk is delicious!

Chilean Flamingo | Zoo Atlanta | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

The Chilean Flamingos are the greeting committee at Zoo Atlanta...they're the residents of the first habitat visitors see. On this particular morning, they were in the midst of a grooming session, wanting to look their best for the day's visitors, no doubt.

#DidYouKnow: Flamingos get their pink color from the beta carotene in their diet? There's a food dispenser to the left of the habitat, so you too can feed them!

I am so thankful to my friend Peggy for the wonderful grand tour of Zoo Atlanta. Before I left that day—after our 5.5 hours of exploration (including lunch), I purchased a membership and look forward to exploring Zoo Atlanta on many of the 363 days per year that it's open! 

I invite locals to check out the various levels of membership and I invite everyone to explore the many ways in which you too can support our amazing Zoo Atlanta.

Enjoy some additional photos from the day on wanderlust ATLANTA's Facebook page.

Chinese Lantern Festival 2016

I recently went to the Chinese Lantern Festival with my friend Nikki. It's lighting up Centennial Olympic Park like I've never seen...it's quite spectacular! The 200-foot dragon is particularly amazing. You can see it, too, through Sunday, January 15, 2017!

Chinese Lantern Festival 2016 | Centennial Olympic Park | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

The colors are incredibly vivid and we could not have asked for better weather the night we went! There was a great crowd, but it wasn't at all "too" crowded, and the guests were from all over the country and from all over the world! This is truly an international event!

Chinese Lantern Festival 2016 | Centennial Olympic Park | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

The Festival includes nightly cultural performances at 7:00 p.m. and again at 9:00 p.m., with ample seating. 

Don't expect a Broadway performance, but I do think the Erhu (Chinese Violin or Chinese Fiddle) portion of the show is exceptional...it's amazing to hear such a wide range of sound coming from an instrument with only two strings!

The Erhu performer is also a pop singer and enthusiastically offers a pop song in Chinese, with only two discernible English words..."Oh, baby". He's definitely the star of the show and everyone enjoyed him...even a rather talented dancing toddler who gave his own performance immediately in front of us from one of the side walls where we were sitting.

Chinese Lantern Festival 2016 | Centennial Olympic Park | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

If you've read that there are 25 lanterns at this Chinese Lantern Festival, that's just not true. Perhaps there are 25 installations or exhibits, but there are hundreds, if not thousands of individual lanterns! There were parts that we walked through and around a few times...lots to see and from many perspectives. Have fun exploring!

Chinese Lantern Festival 2016 | Centennial Olympic Park | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

As you explore the lanterns on display, you very quickly realize that they don't all represent China. There may be a tie-in to the country, but I'm not familiar with any windmills in China. Then again, I've never been to China.

I personally like this exhibit, tulips being my favorite flower. Also, when I was a kid, my family followed certain Dutch traditions around the holidays...I still have no idea how that got started in my family, but it was fun.

And I've always loved windmills. I've not seen many in real life, but was wholly fascinated by the Golden Gate Park Windmill in San Francisco...it's stunning!

Chinese Lantern Festival 2016 | Centennial Olympic Park | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

Even some of the musical artists in one of the displays appear to represent various cultures, but of course there are many cultures within China. 

Imagine trying to select a single American culture to represent the entire country. Would you pick someone from Savannah, the Bronx, Austin, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles or New Orleans? It'd be impossible. Same for China!

Chinese Lantern Festival 2016 | Centennial Olympic Park | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

Native to China, the Giant Panda is a favorite worldwide, and there are lots of them at the Festival!

Zoo Atlanta has had quite a lot of Panda excitement this year. In September, twins were born and they received their new names following the traditional 100 Days Celebration. Ya Lun and Xi Lun will be on view to visitors later this month or in January 2017. You can watch the Zoo Atlanta Panda Cam in the meantime!

Chinese Lantern Festival 2016 | Centennial Olympic Park | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

Also important in Chinese culture is the fish and they're well represented at the Festival. I love the ones in the photo above, and there's a "tunnel" featuring fish feeding at the top of a pond...but you're watching from below. It's brilliantly and beautifully designed!

Chinese Lantern Festival 2016 | Centennial Olympic Park | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

Many of the exhibits are animated, either through moving parts or rotating color show displays. This huge peacock is among the most festive!

Chinese Lantern Festival 2016 | Centennial Olympic Park | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

If you didn't eat before you get here, there's food available within the Festival, but I'm not sure if it's Festival specific or one of the regular food vendors in the Park. There is also shopping, live artists who will paint your name in gorgeous calligraphy, and painting demonstrations. For a small space in the Park, they've packed in a lot to experience!

Chinese Lantern Festival 2016 | Centennial Olympic Park | Photo: Travis S. Taylor

The entrance to the Chinese Lantern Festival is at the corner of Centennial Olympic Drive and Andrew Young International Boulevard. There are separate lines for ticketed guests and guests who need to purchase tickets. Be sure to ask about combo tickets that include ice skating and SkyView Atlanta. But you can save a little money if you buy tickets online.

There are multiple, guarded exits from the Festival, granting easy access to other parts of Centennial Olympics Park and nearby attractions and restaurants.

Go, enjoy the lanterns, learn a little history and enjoy a performance. 

wanderlust ATLANTA's 2014 Photo Review

I love this time of year, not because the weather is cooler (read: not a fan of cold!), not because because the evenings are longer (read: give me sunshine until 9pm any day!), and not because it's time to hibernate (read: I'm always on the go, go, go!). 

I love this time of year because it's when I get to reflect on all the fantastic wanderlusting I've done in the last twelve months. In previous years around this time, I start thinking of how little I did during the year...then that myth is put to rest as soon as I start looking through my photos. 

What I'd like to share with you today, this New Year's Eve, are some of my favorite 2014 photos, which include some of my favorite outings and experiences, but not all of them. Remember, photos aren't allowed at all tourist destinations and events, so those won't be represented here, but I invite you to explore wanderlust ATLANTA at your leisure...I think you'll enjoy what you discover.

Here we go, and in no particular order...

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

I start with this view of Atlanta's Midtown skyline because it's the photo that I chose for my current business cards. I made the photo earlier this year at the Red Bull Illume exhibition in Piedmont Park, one of the few stops it made when traveling the world.

Okay, I absolutely must include this one video (click above to watch). One of my most incredible experiences this year was Journey With Gentle Giants...Barry, my best friend, and I went swimming with the Whale Sharks and Manta Ray at Georgia Aquarium. (Our experience begins at the 1:37 mark, but the preceding video is beautiful.) 

I can only compare that experience to the exhilaration of skydiving or the out-of-this-world experience of viewing a live satellite launch at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. I've done some pretty amazing things in my life, and this counts as one of them!

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

I love this photo for so many reasons! One...it's just cool. But the coolest is that it won a contest! Where Atlanta magazine awarded me four tickets to The Lion King at The Fox Theatre, four tickets to Zoo Atlanta, and a gift certificate to Hard Rock Cafe..."Thank you, Where Atlanta!" That turned into five outing with various friends.

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

This photo is one of the most precious to me. It was my first Atlanta Movie Tours tour—their Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind Tour—which I did twice this year, AND it was the day I met Sally Smith.

Later, Sally—who portrays Margaret Mitchell on the tour—granted me an interview. We dined at the Georgian Terrace Hotel, where Margaret has a history. The hotel and Livingston staff were wonderful to us and treated us with the utmost hospitality during our 3.5 hour visit! "Thank you, Ashley!" I've been back many, many times since.

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

Many of you know that I'm a docent and volunteer at the Atlanta Botanical Garden and I'm a member and I've been a visitor since 1987. It's one of my favorite places in the city. So to say that I've been more than a few times this year would be an understatement. The occasions: Atlanta Blooms, Orchid Daze, Imaginary Worlds, Cocktails in the Garden, Garden Lights...the list goes on and on! 

A special "Thank you" to Josh, Koya and Jason for making my volunteer experience at the Garden so great.

The above photo was made during Atlanta Blooms! It's one of the Cherry Trees in front of Mershon Hall. I love all the flowers that are part of Atlanta Blooms, but the Cheery Trees remind me of the Cherry Blossom Festival on the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC.

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

Being a space and aerospace enthusiast—which is putting it mildly—I was super excited about the renovation and reopening of the Delta Flight Museum this year. They did an awesome job, and the photos ops are awesome, too!

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

I discovered Gibbs Gardens last year, but this year was the first time I'd been to their Daffodil Festival. Have you ever seen 20 million flowers of any kind? There were 20 million daffodils. Yes...I said 20 MILLION!

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

One of the most popular exhibitions in Atlanta this year was Dream Cars. The High Museum of Art did it right, too! I think I saw the exhibition at least five times...it was that amazing, and I still feel like there was so much more to see and learn about the AMAZING automobiles on exhibit!

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

One of the wonderful things about Atlanta is that it's the heart of the South, which means there are a LOT of day trips and weekend trips just a drive away. This year I went back to New Orleans with my best friend Barry and we had an incredible, whirlwind visit, that included Emerald Mound near Natchez, Mississippi. And I love the serendipity, and total luck I had, when making this photo.

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

Some of you know that I'm, oftentimes, just a big kid. I think that's maybe why I have so much fun at Medieval Times. On the particular visit of this photo, I happened to be sitting next to the young lady who would be crowned the Tournament Princess! How much fun is that!

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

I can't imagine going a year without a few excursions to Cartersville, Georgia. This year, after a number of plan changes, Tellus Science Museum made the agenda as one of Barry's birthday outings. He was a geology minor in college, and he'd not been to Tellus since they were in a tiny building, so we had a magnificent time playing with the gems and minerals, dinosaurs and spaceships...an awesome day!

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

I was also a sailor in the U.S. Navy, so I'm particularly fond of the chronicling of President Jimmy Carter's Navy days at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum. Atlantans and visitors who miss this attraction are missing out on quite a lot!

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

I'm also a foodie, so when I happened upon this Presidential China exhibit at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum, which was on its last day, I still posted about it just to show that it pays to explore...you never know what you're going to find!

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

Speaking of exploring, I usually go to the Georgia World Congress Center a few times a year, either for work or play, and I always try to make time for a walk through Georgia International Plaza, where The Flare is located. Again, serendipity was my friend as I happened upon The Flare to make this photo at sunset. Atlanta has some amazing sunsets!

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

It seems so long ago already, but this summer the Atlanta Botanical Garden hosted Four Seasons, an awesome exhibition of four 15' tall sculptures based on Renaissance paintings. "Winter" was my favorite! Not season, but sculpture.

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

I told you I can be a big kid, right? Well, you can imagine how excited I was to meet Miss Piggy, Kermit, and characters from "Pigs in Space!" Thank you Daniel and Center for Puppetry Arts for that and many other wonderful experiences!

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

I also had the pleasure of a number of cultural experiences, including a visit to Frogtown Cellars where I made a new friend, Jacky. She's awesome! She was our sommelier when we went for a tasting, but we became quick friends and have been in touch ever since. But I don't make it to Dahlonegha very often, but every time I have it's been a blast!

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

There were monsters this year, too! Sea Monsters, in particular. This exhibition at Georgia Aquarium, the world's largest Aquarium, is more than awesome...there aren't words. It's a must-see! Sea Monsters and the entirety of the Aquarium! 

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

Speaking of monsters, Atlanta is full of zombies! FULL...of,,,ZOMBIES! And it's so much fun. As I was writing this, I had a "The Walking Dead" (filmed in Atlanta) marathon running in the background.

I discovered this year the JoeLanta Toy Convention, which is very close to where I live and where I photographed this flaming zombie. 

I mentioned Atlanta Movie Tours earlier. They host two zombie tours: The Big Zombie Tour: Part I, and The Big Zombie Tour: Part II. I went on Part I not too long ago, so look for that post to be published soon. 

But most importantly, I made new friends...Patti and Carrie, the totally awesome owners to Atlanta Movie Tours. Seriously...they're AWESOME!

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

Not exactly monsters, Extreme Dinosaurs is a brilliant exhibition at Atlantic Station. Imagine, 17 life-size dinosaurs...colorfully lit, in natural settings, and many of them animatronic! Stegosaurus has been my favorite dinosaur since I was a kid, so this was fantastic to see.

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

Ice Cream! Not only did I attend the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival for the first time, in Piedmont Park, it was also the first occasion that I experienced a Human Hamster Ball! It was a sad, and not so subtle, reminder that I need to get to the gym more often! But what incredible fun! And we met some totally awesome young couples!

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

After years and years of visiting the World of Coca-Cola—seriously, I've been a fan since they were located adjacent to the Georgia State Capitol Building—I finally had my photo made with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear...twice this year! I have no idea who's under that this white fur and festive red scarf, but they're brilliant!

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

Zoo Atlanta is a great zoo and it's about to get totally awesome! This year, courtesy of the Where Atlanta contest I mentioned earlier, I got to go to Zoo Atlanta twice with Mary Jo and the guys, two pretty amazing teenagers whom I've known since they were babies. They're so grown up! And my friendship with Mary Jo is one of the longest and strongest of my entire life. 

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

I've mentioned that I'm a foodie and you already know I'm a tourist, so it's no surprise that The Sundial Restaurant & View is a destination I frequent. On the particular visit of this photo, I was treating a friend to a birthday brunch, which was wonderful, but sometimes I'll pop in for a little after-work relaxation and libation. I don't know why more locals don't go here! Seriously...it's spectacular!

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

I've been a fan of Fernbank Museum of Natural History since they opened! Yes, I remember its 1992 opening quite well and I've seen every recent exhibition—they have awesome exhibitions—and quite a few of their IMAX films. 

But this year, I finally got to meet, "in-person", Giggy A. Dinosaur! "Thank you, Deanna!" I was so excited! And to prove this is indeed a small world, that's Rachel in the photo with Giggy. I'd met her not too long before at Georgia Aquarium and again later at Dragon Con...three Rachel sightings in one year!

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

If you've been following me for any length of time, you know that I've written about EVERY Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) exhibition since the last one they had in their downtown location, just before they moved to Midtown, across the street from the High. I became a member on my first visit and have been ever since. 

A special "Thank you" to Laura, Katie, Barbara, Jennifer, Clare, Carrie, Neil and Sam (and the other awesome museum team that I'm forgetting!) for making me feel like part of the MODA family...you're all amazing!

The photo above is from their current exhibition, Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair, but you have to hurry if you're going to see it, and you totally should, it moves to the next city in early January.

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

Dragon Con! Dragon Con! Yes...everyone who knows me knows that I'm a sci-fi fan. Since I was six years old, which is as far back as I can remember. I enjoy most science fiction, but Star Trek is my absolute favorite. Not only because I've been watching it since I can remember, but also because I met Leonard Nimoy in 2002, which set me on an insatiable celebrity-spotting hobby. Dragon Con is a fantastic event for celebrity-spotting...I even met a "Spock Monkey" this year!

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

I can't claim to be a foodie and not share a food experience with you. This particular dish wasn't mine, but I had the great fortune to have a most incredibly delicious bite. Barry, my best friend, and I were visiting Montaluce Vineyard and were treated to lunch at Le Vigne Restaurant, where Chef Austin was the executive chef at the time. He's now in Atlanta, but I'm certain the food is still amazing. Our visit to Montaluce was way beyond my expectations...we were there for more than five hours, just for a tour and lunch! I'm ready to go back!

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

Scarecrows in the Garden has graced Atlanta for more than a decade! It's one of the mastermind exhibitions that President & CEO Mary Pat Matheson brought to the Atlanta Botanical Garden. She will be remembered as one of Atlanta's true visionaries, and even today is revered by many, many Atlantans as such, including me!

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

This was my second year of Gibbs Gardens' Japanese Maple Tree Festival, one of the most spectacular near-Atlanta excursions I could possibly recommend. Imagine...221 acres of display gardens. The Japanese Garden alone is more than 40 acres and has more than 70 species of Japanese Maple tree, and so much more! Treat yourself.

A wanderlust ATLANTA 2014 Photo Review

One of the highlights of the end of 2014 for me was experiencing Candlelight Nights at the Atlanta History Center. I've done so much there this year...because they have so much to offer. You already know I'm a trekkie, so you can imagine my excitement when Santa gave me the gift of a photo with him of us both offering a Vulcan Salute! "Thank you, Santa" and "Thank you, Atlanta History Center" (especially Hillary and Martha) for an amazing year!

So, there you go...just a few highlights of my 2014 explorations of Atlanta. That's a lot, but I feel like it just scratches the surface.

Now, go wanderlusting in Atlanta...wanderlust ATLANTA!