Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear

Don't walk...RUN!

Run to Fernbank Museum of Natural History to see Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear before it disappears. C'mon...don't be afraid to have a little fun this week. It's not scary in the "traditional" sense...you'll actually learn a lot and have a giggle or two, but there might be some adrenaline involved. 

And don't actually "run"...I totally just meant to "hurry" so you don't miss this awesome exhibition! You've got one week left. Go! Or...finish reading this post, and then go.

Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

When Fernbank says this exhibition is "So much fun, it's scary!", they're not kidding around. It's also highly informative—I learned a lot about fear that I didn't know before (how scary is that?!)—and there's fun throughout!

Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The exhibition leads with a Wall of Phobias...and a brilliant one at that. It's quite eye opening. I knew there were a LOT of phobias out there, but I had no idea that the range was quite so broad! 

Ever heard of alektorphobia? Or aurophobia? Count yourself lucky if you don't live with either of these...life would be quite a different thing, for most. 

Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Visitors, soon after entering the exhibition, are introduced to Mr. Goose Bumps. That's him in the photo above. He's the host of Fear Lab, which demonstrates how the brain and body work together with regard to fear response.

Brilliantly presented, in the form of video and hands-on activities, Fear Lab just might shed some light on just how many times fear has actually saved your life! It’s a natural response, but sometimes it can be a hindrance. This exhibition helps us understand fear in a more logical sense.

Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Fear in the Wild is an interactive demonstration of how fear helps animals survive in the wild. Visitors walk into the room where they'll see their own silhouettes projected on the screen...soon to interact with a creature from the wild. It's fun to do...and fun to watch!

Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The Challenge Course is comprised of interactive experiences that focus on four of the more common fears—Fear of Animals, Fear of Electric Shock, Fear of Loud Noises and Fear of Falling.

I was quite surprised by my own reaction to these. I've been skydiving, I've gone snorkeling eight miles off the beach, I love roller coasters...I thought I had a pretty strong resolution when it came to "being afraid". 

Turns out, I was something of a scaredy-cat when it came to receiving an electric shock. I knew full well that it was perfectly safe. Fernbank is extremely mindful of visitor safety. But still...I wasn't going to let myself be shocked! That was a shocking revelation, actually.

Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The Fear of Falling is by far the most popular experience on The Challenge Course. You get strapped in and then you fall! Yes...you fall! Backwards. That's another one that's fun to observe. 

If you're with a group and it's crowded or you don't have an optimal line-of-sight, step around to the back of the booth where there's video of the fall. Are you afraid of falling?

Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The Faces of Emotion display is awesome. It shares how we share our feelings with others, including fear and fright, through facial expression. I know it's a serious topic, but some of these are pretty funny!

There's a lot more to this exhibit than I'll cover here, but be on the lookout for Fear Theatre, What are the odds?, the display behind The Challenge Course, brain comparisons, and measuring your own fear response. Just keep an eye out...there's lots to see and do!

Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

I was glad to see the inclusion of popular culture that for some—in some cases many—can cause great fear. It was a reminder that not everyone copes the same. I for one love robots and enjoy the humor of clowns. Other people...not so much. But those same people may have been brave enough to experience the Fear of Electric Shock back on The Challenge Course.

Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

I was even more glad to see the Museum include a section on coping with fear and how it affects people, throughout their lives. When you visit, even if you're running short on time, please take at least a few moments to explore this section of the exhibition.

Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear | Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Fernbank artist John Trotter did a magnificent job on the Goose Bumps! gift shop…it’s one of the best I've ever seen! And Crystal Garner did a marvelous job of purchasing for the gift shop. And, yes, I made a zombie-related purchase myself!

John told me, "It's a very collaborative process that we've developed making these stores. This one in particular was a LOT of fun to put together. How often do you get to paint little monsters and zombies on the walls at work and not get in trouble?"

I was also reminded that proceeds from the gift shop go directly to the funding of educational programs, so shop to your heart’s content!

Now...get yourself over to Fernbank Museum of Natural History to see Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear, and get there by Sunday, January 4. It'll be the most fun scare you've had all year!

Winter Wonderland is quite...Wonderful!

If you've not been to Fernbank Museum of Natural History this holiday season, there's still great holiday fun to be had. Winter Wonderland is open through Sunday, January 11...and there's lots more to experience at Fernbank to extend the warmth and festivity of the season!

Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Winter Wonderland is an annual exhibition of more than 30 trees and displays that “recognize the diversity of celebrations, holidays, traditions and events from around the world.” It’s a personal favorite of Atlanta holiday festivities and a delightful learning experience for kids and grownups alike. 

I start with Greece (above), having lived there for more than two years during my Navy days—what a wonderful experience! Each tree and display is provided through partnerships, this one with the Consulate General of Greece, and decorated to represent the particular country and culture. 

Understand of course, that a single tree or display is extremely little real estate to truly reflect the whole of a culture's holiday celebration customs, but Winter Wonderland is a fun place for young ones to perhaps learn something new about a country or culture...in a festive atmosphere!

Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The tree representing Puerto Rico pays homage to Three Kings Day, celebrated in Latin America and Spain, a holiday that commemorates the adoration of the Magi and carries as much importance, in those cultures, as December 25. 

I encourage you to research Three Kings Day. That's one of the things that I love about this exhibition...you get to learn so much! This holiday occurs annually on January 6, however the Atlanta History Center will be holding a public celebration of Three Kings Day on Sunday, January 4.

Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History

I love that the tree representing Germany has a prominent showing of soccer balls, speaking to its World Cup champion status, having won this year's FIFA World Cup tournament in Brazil, it's fourth win since the tournament started in 1930. Can you imagine how busy Der Biergarten was during that time?! 

This tree was provided through partnership with German Consulate General Atlanta and Goethe-Zentrum/GermanCultural Center Atlanta.

Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History

I have fond memories of the IMAX film Flight of the Butterflies, which I saw at Fernbank, last year I think it was, so it's a delight to see even more butterflies at this Atlanta favorite museum. In this particular iteration, the butterfly sighting is upon the holiday tree representing Taiwan, once known as the Butterfly Kingdom. 

Today, Taiwan is today home to more than 400 species of butterflies.

Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History

I mentioned that in addition to trees there are displays that are also part of Winter Wonderland. Be sure to check those out. One in particular I recommend is the display for Israel. The display features menorahs, inspired by Israeli innovation, created by 7th graders from the Atlanta Jewish Academy. 

If you're interested in catching an IMAX film while you're visiting, may I recommend Jerusalem, showing through Thursday, February 12 . It's one of the best IMAX films I've ever seen! Also on the IMAX docket is Galapagos: Nature's Wonderland, showing through Thursday, March 5.

Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Norway's history, ancient and modern, has long fascinated me. And their 2014 tree holds the greatest fascination for me! Provided through a partnership with Sons of Norway Vennekretsen Atlanta, this tree is absolutely fun, and one of my favorites in the Winter Wonderland exhibition.

Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The tree representing Trinidad and Tobago is highly representative of Carnival, celebrated in that country from the end of Christmas until the beginning of Lent. Festive, festive, festive! I used to work with a lady from Trinidad and Tobago when I lived in Washington, DC...she was awesome.

Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Imagine the hours that went into the decorations for the tree representing Kenya! The decorations are representative of their wide cultural diversity. Many of the people of Kenya, a country that is a contributor to the global economy and home to many Olympic athletes, retain their native local traditions and customs.

I have a friend from Kenya who I worked with when I lived in Washington, DC. He now lives here in Atlanta. The first time we saw each other after I moved back to Atlanta was at a Martinis & IMAX event at Fernbank! Small world.

Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The tree above, representing Argentina, is one that even in its simplicity I like a lot. One decade ago I vacationed in Argentina for two weeks. It was magnificent and the wine was exceptional—thus the grapes adorning their tree. Keep in mind that the trees in Winter Wonderland highlight cultural aspects, not necessarily how a culture decorates their holiday trees.

Winter Wonderland covers two floors overlooking the Great Hall, which also serves as the "gallery" for the Giants of the Msozoic permanent exhibit. One of the dinosaurs featured is Argentinosaurus, the largest known dinosaur to have ever walked the Earth. Argentinosaurus (that's him peeking from behind the tree) was first discovered in...you guessed it, Argentina.

Winter Wonderland 2014, Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Poinsettias, indigenous to Mexico and Latin America, adorn the tree representing Mexico, provided through partnership with Consulate General of Mexico and Institute of Mexican Cultures. 

Winter Wonderland at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History is not only an exploration of world culture and a demonstration of cultural cooperation, it's a great reminder of just how international Atlanta truly is.

That's one of the things that I truly love about our city. While Atlanta has suffered and endured culture clashes, today, many, many of we Atlantans, while honoring our Southern culture, embrace and celebrate cultures from around the world. Thank you Fernbank for allowing us to do so in such a festive manner!

Candlelight Nights at the Atlanta History Center

Happy Holidays, Everyone!

Let me tell you about some of my unexpected holiday cheer...

What I did expect was that "Candlelight Nights" at the Atlanta History Center would be another pleasant holiday excursion, but "Wow!"...what a fantastic time I had! 

My intention was to pop in to check it out and then head home to do some work around the house and do a little writing. Didn't happen. Instead, I had one of the most delightful holiday experiences I've had in years!

Candlelight Nights at the Atlanta History Center

I arrived early, in time to check-in at McElreath Hall and then get over to the Swan House for one of the timed "Carolers on the Steps" sessions. They performed in front of the tree in the photo above and they were magnificent. They immediately ignited my Christmas spirit.

I listened for a while, enjoying the other visitors smile and hum along, hold their sweetheart's hand and sip hot chocolate all bundled up in their scarves and festive hats. I wandered down to the front lawn to see just how amazingly the Swan House was lit up. It's incredibly beautiful, up close and from afar. Explore all the vistas...I think you'll enjoy them.

Candlelight Nights at the Atlanta History Center

The Swan House itself was open and bustling with activity, and activities. And they were allowing (non-flash) photographs that night! Of course, I was super excited about that!

One of the timed activities was a dramatic reading of "The Night Before Christmas", on the stairway in the foyer. That stairwell is a show all on its own, but decorate it for Christmas and recite poetry from it...absolutely delightful!

Candlelight Nights at the Atlanta History Center

The Swan House was also populated with historic personalities, with whom visitors could chat. Among them were Edward Inman, Lucille Arnold (who was offering visitors sips of delicious hot chocolate!), and Grant Carter, the chauffeur, with whom you could have a photo made in front of the 1929 Hudson Super Six Sedan!

I was impressed to see President & CEO Sheffield Hale onsite. We chatted for a moment and I thanked him for being there. I mention this because I want my readers to know that the Center's executive management cares a great deal about the visitor experience at the Atlanta History Center, and for that I for one am grateful.

Candlelight Nights at the Atlanta History Center

One of the things I enjoy most about being a tourist is seeing others having such a great time. See the couple at the right sitting near the fountain? What a great memory they're making for themselves. It was a delightful evening on so many levels.

Candlelight Nights at the Atlanta History Center

Oh, but back inside...while exploring the house, I heard a couple of visitors talking about the basement. I knew that there was something down there—I was thinking it was something to do with the Swan House Capitol Tour—but was I ever wrong! There's an entire museum down there!

Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life is fantastic! At first I thought it was a gallery, but further inspection revealed room after room, collection after collection. There's so much to share, I'll have to do that in another post, but for now just know that it's there and don't miss it...like I've been doing for months! 

I told you this was a fun night!

Candlelight Nights at the Atlanta History Center

The evening's programming spanned the entirity of the 33-acre complex. Over in the Wood Family Cabin, past the Swan House, were performances by "Shape Note Singers". I'd never visited the Wood Family Cabin nor heard shape note singing live...yet another fantastic experience.

As I was leaving the Cabin, I saw a couple that looked familiar. I spoke. And sure enough, it was a couple that I'd chatted with for quite a while just the night before at the Atlanta Botanical Garden—I was volunteering and they were there to see "Garden Lights". Of the millions of people in Atlanta, what were the chances that I'd see them two nights in a row?! We exchanged contact information and I hope to have made new friends.

Candlelight Nights at the Atlanta History Center

Among the ongoing activities of the evening included time with Luceller Smith Collier at the Smith Family Farm. She was making traditional 1860s tree ornaments for visitors. She and her helpers would assist visitors in cutting out their design of choice, and then Luceller would "cook" them in a cast iron skillet—which she told me she prefers because you can "see" how the cooking is going. 

Before cooking, the assistants would carve the kiddies' initials into their ornaments so that when they returned 15 minutes later—cooking and cooling time—they would know which was theirs and they got to take it home. They were reminded, however, that they weren't for eating—they had no sugar—but to enjoy placing the keepsake on their holiday tree.

Also at the Farm was blacksmith Jasper Smith, who was busy forming hanging hooks and answering tons of questions that the kids had. All the "residents" of Smith Family Farm were in 1860s costume and spoke in the dialect of the time.

Candlelight Nights at the Atlanta History Center

The campus is beautifully decorated...I was quite impressed. I particularly enjoyed the Members' Lounge...cozy, inviting, fun for the kiddos, and an exclusive hour with Santa! 

There was more programming than I got to see during the 3.5 hours I was there. Seriously, I was going to be there maybe 30-40 minutes, but the fun just kept on coming! 

There were bars set up throughout the grounds and there were sweets and of course there had to be food. We knew going in that the food options were limited. That it would be a single food truck set up in McElreath Circle. 

That food truck was "Mac the Cheese"...and it was soooooo good! I love some good Mac & Cheese, but this was ridiculously good! I had the Buffalo Mac & Cheese, and ate every bite of it. Hope to come across them again!

Candlelight Nights at the Atlanta History Center

I have long enjoyed a cappella singing, and I have a new favorite. Octave Atlanta was performing that night and they are wonderful! They're so wonderful in fact that I attended two of their performances that night and I left having purchased a CD, which I'm anxious to hear all the way through.

They sang their set, took requests and in-person are as charming as beautifully they sing. I do hope to hear "Atlanta's favorite women's a cappella singing group since 1996" again! "Like" them on Facebook to see where they'll be performing!

Candlelight Nights at the Atlanta History Center

The evening was packed with highlights, one of them being my visit with Santa. This was the most awesome Santa of all. Why, you ask? He gave me exactly what I asked for...a photo with him offering a Vulcan Salute. How awesome is that?! That photo (Thank you, Hillary) is my profile pic on my personal Facebook page for a while, but it's a memory I'll cherish always.

While "Candlelight Nights" at the Atlanta History Center is finished for the year, I do hope you'll make time on your busy holiday calendar for it next year. Personally, I can hardly wait to see what they'll do to make it even more magical!

May I offer a personal "Happy Holidays" to all my friends at the Atlanta History Center—you're totally awesome! And a grateful "Happy Holidays" to my wanderlust ATLANTA friends and fans...thank you for making it such a fun year!

Saint Nick at the Garden

Known by many names—"Father Christmas" in England, "Papa Noel" in Argentina, and "Weihnachtsmann" in Germany—Santa Claus is being tracked by NORAD around the world...as I type! Many, many children are hopeful, as am I, that he and his reindeer stop in Atlanta.

Before he started circumnavigating of the globe—which he does in a single night, nonetheless—Saint Nick was at the Atlanta Botanical Garden for a visit with kiddies and families, now a Garden tradition of more than a decade. 

He shared with some of the kids his name variations in the different countries he visits, and they listened quite attentively, a favor he returned when they shared their Christmas gift wish lists.

Saint Nick at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

I've had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Saint Nick during more than one holiday season and I have to say...he's awesome! And he's brilliant with the kids...even the hesitant ones. A "gimme a high five" or a "are you a princess" and they're quick friends, anxious to share with him what they hope to be gifted for Christmas.

Saint Nick has made photos with visitors in various parts of the Garden over the years. When regaling his years of visits to the Garden, he recalled the Chihuly in the Garden exhibition back in 2004. For at least the last couple of years, he's visited with families in the Fuqua Orchid Center. 

Poinsettia Tree at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

This year's Poinsettia Tree, located in the Orchid Center, is yet another spectacle of holiday gorgeousness! This one, the backdrop for this years photos with Saint Nick, was made with a total of 500 plants—230 Jubilee Pink Poinsettia and 270 Dracaena Lemon Lime! At the base are more pink and green plants and flowers, including a smattering of pure white Amaryllis. 

Learn more about the creation of the Poinsettia Tree in The Orchid Column, authored by Fuqua Orchid Center Manager Becky Brinkman.

If you've not met Saint Nick at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, keep an eye out for next year's holiday events listing on their website. Oh, and photos with Saint Nick—which a Garden volunteer is happy to make with your own camera—are free with Garden admission.

Ho, Ho, Ho and Happy Holidays, Everyone!

Dinosaurs have invaded Atlantic Station!

Extreme Dinosaurs is awesome! 

For some odd reason, I thought this exhibition was going to be totally cheezy, but it turns out to be quite fascinating. The specimen are HUGE and many of them are animatronic! You can even "operate" some of them! 

Atlantic Station impresses again with another amazing exhibition!

Extreme Dinosaurs, Atlantic Station, Atlanta

I've shared in other posts that before I wanted to be an astronaut I wanted to be an archaeologist...Louis Leakey was a childhood hero. So, an exhibition about dinosaurs...I'm so there! Especially when it's one that is this much fun.

Extreme Dinosaurs, Atlantic Station, Atlanta

There are 17 animatronic "extremely" large dinosaurs in the exhibition. The smaller ones are toward the front and they get progressively bigger as you progress through the corridors of naturalistic landscaping.

Did you know that T-Rex remains have been found in the Western United States and Alberta?  

Extreme Dinosaurs, Atlantic Station, Atlanta

One of the more fun, and interesting, aspects of Extreme Dinosaurs is that it features "Advantages of Bizarre Characteristics" on many of its specimen...often those characteristics had to do with "staying alive or attracting a mate."

Extreme Dinosaurs, Atlantic Station, Atlanta

Extreme Dinosaurs entertains from the moment you walk in until you leave...it's non-stop fun, learning, interactivity, awe and more fun.

Speaking of walking in...it took me a few minutes to find the exhibition, and I thought I knew Atlantic Station rather well! It's on Level 2 near Escalator 5. You can't miss the escalator signs, so that'll help you find it.

Extreme Dinosaurs, Atlantic Station, Atlanta

The exhibition also features skeletons and quite a few fossils...some replica and some real, as well as some dinosaur eggs!

Extreme Dinosaurs, Atlantic Station, Atlanta

There are the crowd favorites—T-Rex, Velociraptor and Hadrosaur—and there are so many more...many of which I'd never heard! They also feature some feathered dinosaurs, which were just discovered in the last couple of decades, according to the exhibition.

What's your favorite dinosaur?

Extreme Dinosaurs, Atlantic Station, Atlanta

One of the brilliant aspects of the Extreme Dinosaurs exhibition is the use of color and lighting to display the specimen. Of course kids like typically like the brighter colors they've used, and the bigger kids—like me—appreciate the dramatic lighting. The sound they've used is pretty awesome, too.

Extreme Dinosaurs, Atlantic Station, Atlanta

Here's a bonus you might not learn before visiting Extreme Dinosaurs...they have TWO specimen of Tyrannosaurus-rex! 

Did you know that T-Rex grew to a mere 13 feet tall? I thought they were the size of buildings when I was a kid...then again, 13 feet would seem like a building to a wee little kid. A kid asked me at a Hawks game once if I was Larry Bird! I'm nowhere near 6' 9" tall, but to that little kid I was.

Extreme Dinosaurs, Atlantic Station, Atlanta

Extreme Dinosaurs put me in a nostalgic mood, returning memories of dig sites near where I lived in Wyoming and later in Greece. Unfortunately, I didn't develop the patience required of an accomplished archaeologist. I'm patient...just not "that" patient, so I have great admiration for those who do.

Extreme Dinosaurs, Atlantic Station, Atlanta

Of all the dinosaurs, my favorite has always been the Triceratops, and there's a BIG one in Extreme Dinosaurs! I don't know why I liked this dino so much...perhaps because his head was wider than I was tall, but not so big that I couldn't wrap my head around. Who knows!

Here's a quick video preview of Extreme Dinosaurs...




Right next door to Extreme Dinosaurs is BODIES: The Exhibition, which I saw in Washington, DC, and highly recommend. It may be extreme for some, but I was quite impressed with the number of parents who used the exhibition as a teaching opportunity for their youngsters.

Check out Extreme Dinosaurs at Atlantic Station...and visit Atlantic Station's website before you go, so you know of all the other fun activities going on there!

10 Things To Do Before Wanderlusting

There are approximately a bazillion checklists out there of things to do to before you go sightseeing. So I figured...why not?

Atlanta, Midtown Skyline as seen from Piedmont Park

Here’s 10 of my top items, in no particular order, that you should be sure you do before heading out to wanderlust in Atlanta…

•  Charge your camera batteries!

Yes, I said "batteries"...plural. If you have only one, invest in a second battery...and remember to fully charge both before going to a museum or attraction you've been dreaming of seeing. 

When I went to Day Butterfly Center at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia--this was before the advent of the digital camera--I shot through three rolls of film and had to go waaaaaay back to the car for more! Today, invariably, the time I run out of battery juice (fortunately a rare occasion now from having learned my lesson) is right at the moment I'm about to capture "the" moment that would have been the perfect memory of my visit. 

Charge your batteries!

• Make sure where you're going is in fact open. Especially if you're visiting later in the day. 

Many of today's museums and tourist attractions generate much-needed revenue by doubling as a special events facility. Check their website and Facebook page before you head out--especially if you don't have a backup destination. You wouldn't want to get there and find out that they're about to close. Not everyone is as lucky as I am.

Imagine driving to Hapeville to visit the Delta Flight Museum--one of my favorites!--to learn that they've closed early to get ready for a high school prom or a wedding reception. You didn't get to fly the flight simulator or tour the inside of The Spirit of Delta because you didn't double check. 

It's relatively rare that you'll happen upon an early closing, but do yourself the favor of not being disappointed double-check in advance.

• Bring backup snacks.

Especially if you have kids or are prone to low blood sugar (something my friends know about much too well), bring backup snacks when you're playing tourist. Of course, observe a destination's "no outside food" policy (it's not always about snack shop sales!), but have something on hand for emergencies, even if it's a few protein bars that you keep in the car.

If you're visiting on the weekend, and sometimes during the week, you may have the good fortune to happen upon one of our amazing farmers markets near some of our fantastic tourist destinations, such as Green Market in Piedmont Park, Freedom Farmers Market at the Carter Center, or Grant Park Farmers Market near Zoo Atlanta.

• Water! Water! Water!

I can't tell you the number of times I've allowed myself to become dehydrated. Not good! Bring water, for yourself and the kids and your other guests...they'll love you for it. If you're hiking Stone Mountain or visiting Piedmont Park, you want to stay hydrated. Remember, if you get thirsty, you're dehydrated at that point...stay hydrated, especially in summer. Water! Water! Water!

Everywhere has a water fountain, but some places are massive! Think about the 221 acres of Gibbs Gardens! They have water fountains, but not out in the middle of their vast gardens. There's usually water at the Manor House and the cafe is amazing--they make their own bread! Just remember to hydrate before you head out and when you see the next water fountain--not water feature...water fountain!

• Remember your reading glasses.

This one may seem silly, but I've been out playing tourist and then gone directly to dinner countless times...sometimes with friends who didn't remember their glasses. If you're dining at ONE Midtown Kitchen, you luck out because they have reading glasses at the hostess stand. If you find yourself with your glasses, ask your server if the restaurant has any--don't be embarrassed to ask!

And that's just the post-tour dinner. What if you get to where you're going--let's say the Atlanta History Center--and you can't read the map? That's 33 acres of attraction, much of which you're likely to miss out on if you can't see the map. That'd be horrible. Remember your glasses!

• Wear comfortable shoes.

I've always been active and I can go forever in work shoes and even in a tie and jacket, but I've been on tours with friends who didn't wear comfortable shoes and weren't able to enjoy an attraction to its fullest. 

I've seen high heels at Six Flags Over Georgia! I can't imagine those would be comfortable on Dare Devil Dive Coaster or Mind Bender. Wear your tennies and go enjoy the new in 2014 "Holiday in the Park" at Six Flags! Millions of lights, Santa, AND thrill rides...but not in high heels.

• Wear appropriate clothing.

This one might be more of a pet peeve, but if I spent a considerable amount of money to go to the Atlanta Ballet, for instance, I'd love to not have the experience diminished by the clacking of flip flops.

Yes, I find the old movies of when people "dressed" for cultural affairs as romantic. The first time I went to see Phantom of the Opera at The Fox Theatre, I arrived in a limousine and wore a tuxedo (and my theatre companions that evening also wore tuxes and formal gowns). It was magnificent!

At the same time, why would you wear a tie and jacket to the Atlanta Bar-B-Q Festival? Wouldn't make one very approachable.

Now the, with that said, I urge everyone to show some Southern Hospitality and not ridicule or ostracize anyone for the way they're dressed, at any cultural affair. You never know why they're dressed the way they are. Someone in flip flops at the Ballet may have been invited at the last minute...and who would say no? Someone in a jacket and tie at the Bar-B-Q Festival may have just come from an important business meeting. Don't judge.

By the way, I am going to see "Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker" at The Fox Theatre this season...a seasonal classic here, to which I'll wear my seasonal favorite. See you there?

• Charge your phone!

Remember to put a full charge on your phone before you leave the house...and bring your charger! Running out of phone battery when I'm playing tourist is never fun. And it's the reason I have multiple charging cords (I need one at work, too). 

Sometimes you don't want to lug around a camera, but you want to capture an experience to remember later. That and you may want to text, check-in, post, or call someone.

Always, always...please, oh please...honor an exhibit's photography policy. As a volunteer, I can tell you that it's not at all fun to have to remind a visitor that photographs aren't permitted, even with a phone camera. 

I'd much rather tell you something fascinating about the exhibit you're enjoying. I don't want you to remember your people interaction as less than fantastic. If photos aren't permitted, it's for a reason (a very hard lesson for me to digest sometimes, as a photographer). This one is all about respecting the museum's agreement with the curator or loaning museum.

• Remember to bring money.

This one is hard for someone like me who uses plastic all the time. I don't make a practice of carrying cash. But, there are times when you're going to need it. Not all the time, for sure, and not too much.

Also, just because a place doesn't have an ATM, doesn't mean you're out of luck. For instance, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is open Thursday nights during the summer for "Cocktails in the Garden" and for seven weeks of evenings during the holidays for "Garden Lights". There's no ATM on-premise, BUT the bars, gift shop and parking deck are all set up to take credit and debit cards. Remember...when the answer is "No" when you ask "Do you have an ATM?", the follow up question is "Do you take plastic?"

• Save money on membership.

This especially applies to local and neighboring tourists...if you absolutely loved the place you just visited, ask if that day's admission counts toward the purchase of an annual membership. In many cases, it does!

Also, here in Atlanta, we have Swaptember. During the month of September--I know that's not now, but remember this for next year--being a member of a particular museum or attraction may give you a discount toward membership at another museum or attraction.

• Ask questions!

At most attractions and museums, the staff and volunteers are there because they love providing visitors a wonderful experience. Many of them have institutional knowledge that few others possess...and most are anxious to share that knowledge.

As a tour guide myself, I can tell you that I know more about the places where I give tours than I could possibly impart in a single tour. I love it when people ask me questions. It allows me to tailor my tour, it allows me to share my excitement for having learned so much about a place, and it enriches the experience of the person who asked the question. Ask away!

• Stop by the gift shop!

Was I paid to include that one? No. But I get it. I get it from the point of the non-profit museum or attraction and I get it as a tourist. 

Many museums and attractions depend on gift shop proceeds to help keep them in business--I don't want to imagine an Atlanta without the Michael C. Carlos Museum or Georgia Aquarium. And as a tourist, I've found many, many a memento and gifts for friends and family in those gift shops. Believe me...there's much more than the standard shot glasses and t-shirts.

Probably my favorite gift shop right now is the one at the end of "Goose Bumps: The Science of Fear" exhibition at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. It's the most brilliant gift shop I've ever seen! And yes, I shopped at it. It was impossible not to...it's just that much fun...and incredibly clever!

Okay, okay...I admit it, as embarrassing as it is in front of my mathematician friends, that was twelve tips, not 10. But let's consider your favorite two a bonus, shall we?

Now...go wanderlust in Atlanta!