Piedmont Park Historic Tours

I'd wanted to go on a Piedmont Park Historic Tour for years. I finally made it! Having once wanted to be an archaeologist, I've always found history fascinating...and I'm curious by nature.

Many of us already know that Piedmont Park has a rich history, from the earliest days of Atlanta's settlement to the 1895 Cotton States and International Exposition to today's site of Music Midtown and the Atlanta Dogwood Festival. But there's more...

Piedmont Park History Tour

I'm not sure when they installed the park 'features menu' pylons (Evidently, I'm not sure what they're officially called either.), but they're a fantastic feature within the park...a great way to orient yourself when visiting and there's one at every major entrance. Look for them!

Now, a little history... Most Atlantans know about the 1895 Cotton States and International Exposition, but just how much do we really know about it? 

Many are surprised to learn that it lasted 100 days, was built for 6,000 exhibits, and received 800,000 visitors (from 37 states and countries)...and that was when the local population was only 75,000! You'll learn the important role of railroads, relative to the Exposition, on the tour!

Piedmont Park History Tour

The Piedmont Park Historic Tours begin in Green Market, the park's Saturday morning farmers market, where, for a number of years now, I've shopped and taken in a chef demo from time to time.

Don't even think about letting the summer heat keep you away from Green Market...just treat yourself to a King of Pops pop to cool down! My favorite is Chocolate Sea Salt. They're easy to find, just look for the rainbow umbrella. 

Piedmont Park History Tour

The first stop on the tour is the Visitor's Center, known as "Dockside". The building, which faces Green Market at the 12th Street entrance to the park, is the oldest continually standing structure in the park. You'll learn cool factoids like that throughout the tour!

The dock, where there was a fitness class taking place the morning I went on the tour, is a destination for a lot of park goers, as well as the site of many wedding ceremonies...it's a beautiful setting! You'll learn more about Lake Clara Meer on the tour!

Piedmont Park History Tour

Now, my followers know that I'm an avid explorer. So you can imagine my surprise when it dawned on me during the tour that there's so much of Piedmont Park that I've yet to explore. I've seen a LOT of it, but there's so much more to discover! 

It turns out that the above pictured playground is the only one of its kind in the United States! It's from a 1976 project...but you'll learn more about that on the tour!

The tour doesn't take you through the entire park, so if you've been worrying that it'd be too much walking, not to worry. There is of course walking involved, but not as much as you might think. But I did have a coffee at Green Market and was sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Piedmont Park History Tour

Let me fast-forward to the present, just for a moment. Piedmont Park Conservancy is, in my humble opinion, demonstrating its mission quite wonderfully. 

Their mission reads:

To enhance and preserve Piedmont Park as a vital urban green space and as a cultural and recreational resource that enriches the quality of life for Atlantans.

Piedmont Park is home to numerous festivals, concerts, soccer, volleyball, fitness programs, jogging, two fantastic dog walk parks, Green Market, environmental learning programs for kids, a fantastic swimming pool and so much more! 

Now, back to the past... The Active Oval—where you'll often see soccer, volleyball and/or softball games taking place—was originally a driving track for the businessmen property owners, to drive and race their buggies. Remember, this was long before the popularization of the automobile. Again, you'll learn more on the tour!

Piedmont Park History Tour

There are more monuments and memorials in Piedmont Park than I ever realized. The one pictured above is marked "To the Atlanta Pioneer Women | 1847 - 1869". 

Given how short our memories are, I find myself grateful for such memorials. I mean, just imagine the excitement, as well as the hardship, of settling a new land.

Piedmont Park History Tour

The above memorial, presented from two different area schools, is dedicated to soldiers who sacrificed their lives in World War I (upper plaque) and World War II (lower plaque). 

I know, from personal experience, that when you visit Piedmont Park, it's usually for a specific reason—a festival, a game, to walk the dog—and it's not always easy to get away to explore other parts of the park. That's all the more reason to go on one of the Piedmont Park Historic Tours!

Piedmont Park History Tour

To our great fortune, there were those who realized that if Atlanta was to thrive after the U.S. Civil War, we would have embrace our Northern friends, we would have to unify as a country. There are those, even today, who think "the South will rise again", but I believe it rose again all those years ago through leadership of those brave souls who helped Atlanta, and the South, adjust to its future role in the United States of America.

The Gate City Guard statue, pictured above, on the Piedmont Park lawn on the Piedmont Avenue side is a can't miss. Not only because it's so massive, but also for what it represents, which you'll learn about on the tour.

Piedmont Park History Tour

Our tour guide Patrick, nine years with the Piedmont Park Conservancy, was fantastic. It was a toasty day but he kept his composure, his enthusiasm, and his humor. And during the fantastic tour, he showed us some photographs of the park that I'd never seen before...they were pretty awesome!

That's Patrick, pictured above, on an observation deck overlooking Lake Clara Meer, a vantage spot that's a favorite of park visitors—my current wanderlust ATLANTA business cards actually feature a nighttime shot of the lake and Midtown skyline from that spot!

Believe me when I tell you that what I've shared here is merely the tip of the iceberg of what you'll learn on the free Piedmont Park History Tour. Go with questions, go prepared to learn a rich and fascinating history of Atlanta's favorite green space to play in. 

Piedmont Park History Tour

Back over between Greystone and the Active Oval... I find it interesting that what could be considered the "center" of Piedmont Park holds a significant piece of history. The above photo is merely a section of what is the largest single remnant of the 1895 Cotton States and International Exposition. 

And it's remarkable...to think that we get to everyday walk the same steps and pathways once walked by Buffalo Bill Cody, Margaret Mitchell, Hank Aaron, and a host of thought leaders, game changers, history makers...and millions of grandparents, parents, and the children who will shape the Atlanta of tomorrow.

Learn more about Atlanta's favorite green space on a Piedmont Park Historic Tour!

Under the Sea...

The Little Mermaid was the first full-length, animated, feature film by Disney that I'd ever seen...and I was mesmerized. A 1989 film, I wasn't a kid. We had moved around so much that I never had the opportunity to see the Disney classics. Still, what a great first Disney animated film to see!

When I received the invitation to attend the touring Broadway performance of The Little Mermaid at The Fox Theatre, there was only one answer..."Yes, please!" And what an incredible show it is!

The Little Mermaid (Photo by Bruce Bennett, courtesy of Houston TUTS)

I'm usually a fan of a show's protagonist, but in this case, Ursula stole the show...but then again, would you expect anything less from a Sea Witch? 

It wasn't until the day after that I read the Julie Bookman article in the program (Read it!), which featured Liz McCartney (Ursula), that my decision was confirmed and totally made sense. And it turns out that I've seen Liz perform in other shows...The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserable, Wicked...she truly is a wonderful performer! 

Yes, it's true, I've seen a fair amount of theatre...but it's not until I start listing the shows that I actually realize it. I've been fortunate to lead a rich cultural experiences life, all over the world, for which I'm grateful.

The Little Mermaid (Photo by Bruce Bennett, courtesy of Houston TUTS)

The one thing that impressed me most about this performance of The Little Mermaid was the movement. The actors' performance in every scene made you feel like you were watching them under the sea. Graceful and convincing, every one of them were.

Jessica Grove (Ariel) was enchanting...what an amazing voice! She brought Broadway to Atlanta. Eric Kunze (Prince Eric) was beyond charming...you couldn't help but wish he would fall head over fins for Ariel...okay, he doesn't have fins, but you know what I mean.

Did I mention that there are gallons upon gallons of fishy jokes throughout the performance? And that you never tire of them? You actually giggle all night long!

There were so many wonderful performers, I wish I could note them all. The Mersisters (Loved them!), the gulls, Flotsam and Jetsam (Ursula's partners in crime, and tentacle operators)...they were all amazing. 

Christian Probst (Flounder) was especially sweet...a small fish in big pond. Would have loved to have seen his character "played" up a bit more. Then again, he was totally in character and played it well.

The Little Mermaid (Photo by Bruce Bennett, courtesy of Houston TUTS)

Under the Sea, performed by Alan Mingo, Jr. (Sebastian), was brilliant! It instantly transported me back to 1989. His character, one of the ones who were "grounded" throughout the performance, was quite amazing...and laughter-inducing throughout. It amazes me how a mere 'movement' can elicit laughter and emotion.

Many of the characters, including Ariel, King Triton (Steve Blanchard), and Scuttle (Matt Allen), mostly performed on wires, which contributed to the swimming visual effect that so brilliantly brought the show to life.

The Little Mermaid (Photo by Bruce Bennett, courtesy of Houston TUTS)

Chef Louis, performed by Brian Ray Norris, was amazingly agile and super funny..."Les Poisson, Les Poisson...How I love Les Poisson". Being the foodie that I am (Did you know that about me?), I was particularly humored by this sequence...and quite impressed with the stage interpretation. Lots of movement!

As has become my tradition when I take in a show at The Fox Theatre, I enjoy a pre-show visit to Livingston Restaurant + Bar, which happens to be my favorite Atlanta restaurant, so it works out quite nicely as a tradition. It also happens to be a sponsor of the Fox.

You know how it is when you become a "regular", you end up having favorites, whether a dish, a beverage, or a person. Shanna waited on us again and she was her usual self, the definitive professional. And I'm tremendously grateful that she found for me the blue cheese-stuffed olives I'd hoped would accompany my martini. And the Fried Green Tomatoes were amazing! "Thank you, Shanna" for the consistent wonderful service!

And compliments to chef Michael Semancik, who I've not yet met, but hope to in the near future. I'm loving his culinary creations! The restaurant has changed since I first wrote about it in 2010, and I've shared numerous Social Media posts about the restaurant since, but I think the changes have been for the better. One typically won't hang around if an establishment doesn't change for the better, right?

The Little Mermaid (Photo by Bruce Bennett, courtesy of Houston TUTS)

There was tap dancing...tap dancing Seagulls! Of all the performing arts, tap dancing is the one that I truly wish I had learned. It's a dying art, which is such a shame. The late Gregory Hines is of course a favorite, and I saw Riverdance at the Fox years ago...LOVED it!

Tap dancing remains on my 'Bucket List', one of the items that I truly, truly hope I make happen one day. Let's hope I can tap dance nearly as well as The Little Mermaid's flock of seagulls, also a favorite band when I was younger.

The Little Mermaid (Photo by Bruce Bennett, courtesy of Houston TUTS)

Wow! How do I wrap this up? No, no, no...not in a sushi roll. How distasteful! But I actually do love sushi...don't tell Ariel!

I'd like to offer a huge wanderlust ATLANTA "Thank you!" to BRAVE PR and The Fox Theatre for the tickets to see the show.

I also want to remind my readers that even when I'm gifted media passes, I only write about what I enjoy. If I have nothing good or wonderful to say about a performance, museum, or attraction, I just won't write about it at all. With that said, keep in mind that there are a number of places I've yet to visit...even as much as I get around!

Head on down under the sea, currently known as The Fox Theatre, to see The Little Mermaid...she's only there through Sunday, July 13. And if you have the time, stop by Livingston Restaurant + Bar and say "Hello" to Shanna.

3D Spaceships!

I attended a 3D printing class at the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) this evening...and we made spaceships! 

I was a little late in joining one of the scheduled 3D printing classes being offered at MODA, and I'm so glad I made it to one of them. And I'm ecstatic that there was a spaceship option!

There are still a number of classes available, specific to adults, families, and kids.

3D Printing Class at the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)

Yes, I've been writing about MODA a lot lately, but if you know me at all, you know that it's one of my favorite museums in Atlanta. They have done a brilliant job of creating a "community", something other attractions do and do well, but MODA is exceptional at it. I even made a couple of new friends tonight. 

So, MODA has had three MakerBot 3D printers for the last couple of exhibitions and they've hosted a number of 3D printing classes, some of them themed to specific items, such as tonight's spaceship theme.

By a count of hands, our class decided to build a Star Wars X-wing Starfighter!

3D Printing Class at the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)

The above photo is the work of classmate Andy, the model in the foreground being the object from which we worked. Actually, that's not totally correct...we worked from the brilliant tutorship of Neil Miller, MODA staff member and a designer. 

At the beginning of class Neil passed around several 3D printed spaceships...an X-wing Starfighter, a Millennium Falcon, and a U.S.S. Enterprise, as well as a 3D printed titanium ring that he himself designed. Of course I tried it on, and it fit! But alas, the ring wasn't on the auction block...I'll have to design my own!

Neil explained that 3D printing is a popular nickname for additive printing and a few other technical aspects of the technology, as well as color blocks—actual blocks—of the various colors available at MODA, my favorite being the transparent red!

3D Printing Class at the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)

I'd met Neil at MODA quite some time ago (and appreciate his calling me by name during the class), and have seen him teaching other classes. He'd already shared a fair amount about 3D printing with me, as a visitor, but experiencing his tutelage as an instructor...the man is totally brilliant! And he possesses an amazing sense of humor, which he cleverly disguises, but it doesn't slip past a master sci-fi enthusiast. 

3D Printing Class at the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)

The application we used tonight is a free multi-dimentional design program called "Tinkercad". 

Now...I think I'm a fairly bright and definitely a highly-skilled corporate communicator, but I've never used a design application like this. I know DreamWeaver and PhotoShop and Sony Vegas video editing...I do as much design work as I do writing, but this was a new—and exciting—experience! In the end, I learned a fair amount, given the newness of the program for me.

3D Printing Class at the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)

However, my classmates were not only fellow sci-fi enthusiasts—we were ALL making spaceships, after all—they were quite brilliant designers. Neil complimented one guy on creating a number of 'extra' elements for a 'traditional' X-wing Starfighter! 

Everyone's excitement and enthusiasm was remarkable and rewarding...I felt lucky to have joined such a fun group of fellow classmates.

3D Printing Class at the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)

I had the honor of sitting next to Nicole, she and Andy were last-minute additions to the class (Thank you, Neil!), who was super excited about being able to participate...I knew immediately they would be great fun! 

Andy designed a perfect X-wing Starfighter, which you saw above, and Nicole designed her own custom, "star-studded" spaceship. 

One of the things that I love most about the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA), which I've mentioned a number of times, is the community they've developed over the years. Attend an exhibition opening, go on a Field Trip, take a class...you'll discover for yourself the wonderful people who are part of the MODA family and MODA community.

Now, let me leave you with an absolutely brilliant video that Neil shared with us...

Sunday Brunch at the Sun Dial

I recently had Sunday brunch at the Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View. I'd not been in a while and it'd been forever since I'd had brunch there. One word..."Wow!"

Sun Dial Restaurant & View, Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel

I almost wrote, "For a hotel restaurant, the Sun Dial is pretty awesome," but that would not at all be accurate. The appropriate proclamation is, "The Sun Dial is totally awesome!"

Not only is it the highest hotel restaurant in the Western Hemisphere, the newly renovated space is stunning, the service was superb, and the food—with a local ingredients focus—is delicious and beautifully presented. The menu changes three times a year.

The Sticky Buns appetizer is a slice of heaven! I had the trout and my friend had the smoked salmon...all of it amazing. And the blue cheese-stuffed olives in my martini were perfection. My only regret, no room for dessert. But I left with a promise to return in the not-too-distant future just for dessert, specifically the Hazelnut Carmel Crunch!

Sun Dial Restaurant & View, Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel

Major kudos to our server, Jeremy, who was wonderfully attentive and possesses a natural friendliness. He timed everything perfectly, our glasses were always full, and he was gracious in his service...he made us feel like VIPs. I for one am highly grateful. And, just for the record, he nor anyone else on staff knew that I author wanderlust ATLANTA, or that I'd be writing about the experience.

Sun Dial Restaurant & View, Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel

If you've never been to the Sun Dial, you're in for a treat! It's on the 72nd floor of the Westin Peachtree Plaza, an Atlanta icon designed by John Portman and built in 1976—the tallest hotel in the world at the time. It also was the tallest building in Atlanta until 1987, when the IBM Tower, now One Atlantic Center, opened. 

By the way, if you've never checked out non-Atlanta Portman projects, I highly recommend you do, especially if you're an architecture enthusiast.

View from the Sun Dial Restaurant & View, Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel

I highly recommend making reservations before you go, but I've been known to visit the bar, which also revolves and is situated above the restaurant, without a reservation. When you arrive, you'll want to enter the glass elevators from the 5th floor to enjoy some spectacular views of Atlanta...and they truly are spectacular!

You don't have to go to the restaurant or bar to got to the View, but there's a nominal charge at the 5th floor entrance for that experience. It's well worth it! There's no cost to ride if you have a restaurant reservation.

The photo above is the Georgia-Pacific Tower as seen from my seat in the Sun Dial. That building was constructed on the site where the Loew's Grand Theatre once stood, the theatre where Gone With the Wind premiered in 1939—December 15th of this year will be the 75th anniversary of the film!

Sun Dial Restaurant & View, Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel

All the seating in the restaurant is prime. The majority of the tablecloth draped tables are next to the floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a one-of-a-kind view of our amazing skyline—and you can see as far as Stone Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain, and well beyond Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

If you don't get a window-side table or your party is larger than four guests, there are elevated booths that also have amazing views. The restaurant takes a full hour to make a full revolution, but that first hour goes fast—it's true what they say about time flying when you're having a good time. 

The bar revolves a little faster, making a full turn in only 35 minutes. And there's often live jazz in the evenings...I've heard them play on numerous occasions and they're fantastic!

View from the Sun Dial Restaurant & View, Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel

These aren't my best photos—all were made with my phone; didn't have my real camera with me—so check out the Sun Dial's Facebook page and their website for some superior photography.

Again, I'd like to offer a "Thank you" to Jeremy for the fantastic service and compliments to Chef Jason Starnes on a remarkable menu! I'll be back to the Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View quite soon!

There's Something Afoot at MODA: An Interview with Dr. Nicholas Giovinco

I recently had the honor and pleasure of meeting and chatting with Dr. Nicholas A. Giovinco, a foot and ankle surgeon and one of the participants in the current exhibition at the Museum of Design ATLANTA (MODA)—Design for Social Impact.

He graciously gave me an interview to discuss his work in the medical industry and his exhibit at MODA—3D Printing for Surgical 'Practice' Templates. The interview is below, and you have the opportunity to meet him at a MODA Design Conversation event on Thursday, July 10.

An Interview with Dr. Nicholas A. Giovinco, MODA

wanderlust ATLANTA: Tell us a little about who are you and what do you do?

Dr. Giovinco: My friends call me "Nick". What I actually do is probably the hardest question of this interview already. I’m a foot specialist by trade, but rarely pass up an opportunity to learn something new. From an early age, I've always been fascinated with surgery and foot mechanics. By my late teens, I knew I wanted to be a foot surgeon.

Along the way, I've always kept a strong interest in technology an active part of my life. One of the coolest days of my adult life was when Buddy Smith, co-author of a paper on preoperative planning in Chracot food reconstruction, invited me to visit the Hackerspace called Freeside Atlanta to check out his work with 3D printing. Now, my current work with surgery and foot care have crossed paths at my new job at the University of Arizona, where I get to blend technology and doctoring together.

An Interview with Dr. Nicholas A. Giovinco, MODA

wanderlust ATLANTA: What's the most dramatic social impact your research/work has made?

Dr. Giovinco: My current boss, and mentor, Dr. David G. Armstrong has always told me that the most valuable thing you can provide somebody is "perspective". Having some of our efforts displayed in the current exhibit at the MODA is one of the most gratifying and humbling feelings I can remember. Although 3D printing has not influenced the vast majority of the healthcare industry, I would hope that our work inspires more creative perspective and exploration in this space.

An Interview with Dr. Nicholas A. Giovinco, MODA

wanderlust ATLANTA: What previous limitations in foot and ankle surgery/treatment have been overcome since the adoption of 3D printing for medical purposes?

Dr. Giovinco: Good question. We have noticed a progressive uptake of additive manufacturing applications in foot and ankle care, as well as other medical and surgical specialties.

For example, orthotics are able to be 3D printed with a relatively decent material strength. 3D scanning of foot deformities and wounds is becoming increasingly convenient and can be performed from a smartphone, in an instant. This allows for improved and rapid planimetric assessment in a fairly objective manner.

Some current work we have done is to test the material properties of 3D printed surgical instruments. As well as some collaboration with our fellow cancer researchers in devising new chemotherapy ports for mouse studies.

Future work includes the construction and testing of an open-source Stem Cell printer with our colleagues at the University of Arizona’s Heart Center. As I said before, I have a hard time saying "no" when there are so many fascinating opportunities to explore with some very bright people. 

wanderlust ATLANTA: What aspect of your work do you find the most fascinating, relative to 3D printing?

Dr. Gioviinco: 3D printing continues to become more durable, faster, larger, smaller, and detailed everyday. The most fascinating aspect of this space is the community innovation that is happening. Artists, Makers, Hackers, and Designers alike are pouring countless hours and ideas into these designs and sharing them freely at places like Grabcad or Thingiverse. The hobbyist creativity and exploration of this area is probably the most inspiring.

An Interview with Dr. Nicholas A. Giovinco, MODA

wanderlust ATLANTA: Any thoughts on what 3D printing may do to launch or bring to fruition the next step in medical/bio technology?

Dr. Giovinco: I feel that the biggest and arguably most important dilemmas in medical innovation are safety and funding. 3D printing and rapid prototyping are a process and not a product, per se. This creates challenges with regard to FDA clearance and such. Currently, additive manufacturing of prosthetics and other durable items, do not match up with traditional manufacturing methods for strength and repetitive loading. Also, true bioprinting would need to get very small to synthesize collagen fibers and "smart-scaffolds", where currently we are far from this level of detail. These are all issues that would need to be resolved before 3D printing is able to be applied broadly in medicine and surgery.

wanderlust ATLANTA: What do you expect the next generation (or two or three) of 3D printers to allow you to do or areas to be advanced?

Dr. Giovinco: I see high-resolution printers with multi-materials being possible for home and hobbyist printers, shortly. I also see other printing methods being more popular than just fused deposition modeling (FDM) as more and more patents expire. It's possible that the our biggest benchmark of the proliferation is comparable to some previous ambitions.

The Lunar Missions of the 1960s brought us microwave ovens, velcro, Tang, etc. The Human Genome Project of the 1990s brought us Polymerase Chain Reactions, Microarrays, and eventually Synthetic Life. The RepRap project of the 2010s could show great promise in crossing the boundaries between the digital world, virtual reality, and physical reality together, while democratizing the physical commodities. Buckle Up!

An Interview with Dr. Nicholas A. Giovinco, MODA

wanderlust ATLANTA: How reluctant or excited have patients been to see this amazing, yet seemingly simple, technology as a force in designing treatment for their particular ailments?

Dr. Giovinco: A #1 rule that Dr. Armstrong has always tried to remind me of is that, "Patients don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." That said, most people are genuinely intrigued to see this 3D replica of their own anatomy. I've had several patients request to keep a copy for their own surgical souvenir. I think it's validating for someone to know that their issues are being taken very seriously and that they are getting the best treatment possible.

wanderlust ATLANTA: What advice or insights would you like to impart to young people who are considering a career in foot surgery, relative to 3D printing?

Dr. Giovinco: More and more, I find myself saying that "science itself, is a liberal art". I believe that there is such a convergence of technology and technique, that we all need to be technologists as well as scientists. There are more options for specialization and exploration than ever before.

In a strange and familiar way, 3D printing reminds me of my first experience with programming. In programming, it was a very neat experience to write code and then see it do something on the screen. With 3D printing, it's a unique feeling to imagine something in your head, design it in the CAD software, and then see it manufactured right before your eyes.

When you hold it in your hands, there's a certain visceral satisfaction to it. I want young kids to have that same tangible feeling for something they did. That was something I never seemed to get from school, but it is clear that being engaged in your work is key to your long-term success.

An Interview with Dr. Nicholas A. Giovinco, MODA

wanderlust ATLANTA: Is there anything else you'd like to share with MODA/Social Impact visitors?

Dr. Giovinco: The only thing I could ask, is that visitors take a good look at the other features on display in this exhibit. The museum coordinators and curators have done such an amazing job gathering such a variety of projects together with this exhibit. It's a real honor and a pleasure to work with these passionate members of the MODA family. Stop a museum curator and tell them "thank you", because they're playing just as important a role in this exhibit as anyone being featured.

A huge wanderlust ATLANTA "thank you" to Dr. Nicholas Giovinco for the interview, the amazing insight into a world that I for one knew nothing about, and for vividly showing us such a strong passion for a career of helping others feel better.

Remember, you can hear and meet Dr. Giovinco at the July 10 Design Conversation event at MODA when he'll discuss more about 3D Printing for Surgical 'Practice' Templates—his display in the Design for Social Impact exhibition.

A Polar Bear & A Vault

I'd not been to the World of Coca-Cola in a while, not since the Vault of The Secret Formula exhibit opened, so I was anxious to see it. AND, I was hopeful to finally make a photo with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear. I'm happy to report...mission accomplished...on both counts!

Coca-Cola Polar Bear and Travis, World of Coca-Cola

I've wanted a photo with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear since the first time I knew photo ops were possible, I just never had the opportunity when visiting to make it happen...the timing wasn't right. On this visit, the timing was perfect. 

I was impressed that the Coca-Cola Polar Bear made my particular photo so much fun. Most of the folks going up for a photo—which you can purchase from the museum and/or use your own camera (they have two photographers on duty—very nice!)—were kids, parents with kids, or families. I was on my own that day, but instead of it looking weird, the Coca-Cola Polar Bear made it fun, mussing my hair and getting a giggle from the crowd. "Thank you, Coca-Cola Polar Bear!"

Would you believe that the Coca-Cola Polar Bear was first introduced in 1922?! Color me surprised!

World of Coca-Cola

So, when you visit the World of Coca-Cola, you'll learn immediately that it's an experience unlike most museums. Instead of just walking in and exploring, you and the folks who arrived around the same time as you are invited into a 'waiting area' where you'll momentarily be treated to a docent-led introduction and video presentation. 

In the waiting area is a collection of giant carved and decorated Coca-Cola bottles and a video wall that features the various cultures that enjoy the world-famous bubbly beverage.

World of Coca-Cola

After a laughter-inducing introduction to the World of Coca-Cola—seriously, our docent was hilarious!—our group was invited into a theatre to view the new, full-length Moments of Happiness film, which showcases 'happiness', surprisingly not so much the Coca-Cola product...a brilliant move by the museum—says one who has made a career in Corporate and Marketing Communications.  

Finster, World of Coca-Cola

One of the other motivations in revisiting the World of Coca-Cola was wanting to see the new Howard Finster exhibit. His art isn't quite my cup of tea, but I do find it fascinating. Especially given that he was a self-taught, Georgia artist...Finster passed in 2001.

Finster also has a permanent installation at the High Museum of Art. And his outdoor museum, Paradise Garden, has been on my to-visit list for quite a while...I think it's time to head up there.

World of Coca-Cola

I love old postcards—and love that World of Coca-Cola features many that showcase Coca-Cola and cities across the United States. 

I lament the lost art of writing. Seriously, when was the last time you received a handwritten letter...or card...or even an abbreviated postcard? I have to admit that even I have fallen out of the habit of making an occasion to write letters and cards to friends and family, which I love to do just so they get something in the mail other than junk mail or a bill. I should really get that going again. 

Are you up to the challenge...send one letter, a card or a postcard to someone you love or like a lot this week! Challenge accepted? 

The Vault, World of Coca-Cola

The Vault of the Secret Formula exhibit is FASCINATING! It's so much more than I was expecting. Vault is my new favorite exhibit at World of Coca-Cola...they did an amazing job on it, not the least of which is the entrance!

The technology in the Vault exhibit is attention-grabbing...totally attention-grabbing. The exhibit chronicles Coca-Cola from its innovation in 1886 to how its marketed with 21st Century technology. 

World of Coca-Cola

The photo above is a display that one could easily miss, just make sure you don't (I was very close to the glass to get this photo). It's totally mesmerizing! It 'discusses', if I can say that, the copycat onslaught following the success of Coca-Cola. 

This display, through the use of mirrors and other technology that I'm unfamiliar with, puts on a "3D show" of copyright infringement and how the company has rallied to protect its brand. I'm impressed.

World of Coca-Cola

On your way out of Vault of the Secret Formula, there's a photo-op unlike any I've seen,and I've seen a LOT! I love this! There's a screen, with a camera pointed toward visitors, that morphs them into a bubbly Coca-Cola...and I thought the closest I'd ever get to effervescence was Alka-Seltzer! 

It's a super cool effect and timed right, you can easily get a fun selfie! Yes, that's me in the photo above, bubbling (pixelating) away, just like hundreds of helium balloons disappearing into the night sky... It was time to move on to the next exhibition anyway.

World of Coca-Cola

There's so much more to see and experience, but I'll leave that to you—our visiting AND local tourists. And I invite you to share your experience here. I'd love to know what you think of the museum and its exhibits. And I hope you get a photo with the Polar Bear!

World of Coca-Cola

The 'grand finale' of visitors' experience of World of Coca-Cola is a tasting. You not only have the opportunity to sample Coca-Cola beverages from around the world—and believe me, there are some fascinating, lip curling, would-not-have-missed-that beverages—you get to experience Coca-Cola Freestyle...a unique beverage machine that allows visitors to sample more than 100 refreshing beverages! It looks like so much fun!

This was the first time I'd visited the World of Coca-Cola in a couple of years, but I've been visiting since they were at the old location a block or two from the State of Georgia Capitol Building. I'm so glad I returned and hope you get to experience it soon, whether for the first time for once again.