INTERVIEW: Marykay, Decatur Alpaca Cottage

Atlanta has many fabulous places where out-of-town guests — or staycationers — can opt to stay, but Decatur Alpaca Cottage is among the most unique and utterly adorable! Guests consistently say that their experience was "above our expectations".

Marykay, the owner and awesome hostess, gifted me an interview. Her story is quite fascinating and I'm certain that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Enjoy...

Marykay at Decatur Alpaca Cottage |  | Photo: Sarah Vitel Photography

wanderlust ATLANTA: Thank you for talking with me, Marykay. Please tell us a little about you. Where are you from? How did you come to live in Decatur?

Marykay: I was born in Ohio and we moved to the South when I was a preteen. I've lived in South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Hawaii, and of course Georgia. Atlanta is "home". I love Atlanta and I love Georgia. My family moved to an urban farm about 16 years ago. Before that we lived in Tucker. I've been in the area for about 30 years. So, that's where I'm from, but you asked about me. 

When I was a kid, I loved playing with my "dollhouse" — this Cottage is the grown-up version of that. As an adult, I've been called innovative and interesting (and sometimes even quirky), and a lot of my guests admire my attention to detail. In addition to caring for the alpacas, the farm, and the cottage, I also have a day job in global executive benefit that I love. I'm also a writer. I've completed about nine chapters for my book, so far and hope to finish it this year.

Decatur Alpaca Cottage

wanderlust ATLANTA: Why and how do you have a herd of Alpacas and Llamas in Metro Atlanta? What a delightful surprise!

Marykay: Decades ago, I had wanted to become a veterinarian and was even accepted to vet school, but instead I opted to have kids because the years were passing quickly Instead, I fulfilled my love of animals by having quite a few pets and even doing wildlife rescue back in the day. Some years ago, I was visiting with friends in North Georgia who had a herd of alpacas and was asked "Would you want to take on a herd of rescue alpaca?" With little hesitation, I enthusiastically said “Yes!” and set about learning how to care for them including renovating an existing outbuilding on my farm to serve as their barn. Our first herd was four older males.

Typically, alpacas who need to be rescued is because circumstances have changed, health issues, changes in a financial situation, or even an owner passing away. In the case of this herd, the owner’s husband had died and the herd was too much for her to care for. The life span of an alpaca averages between 15 and 20 years, so having a good plan in place for a herd is important. I actually have a plan for mine included in my Will as well as some financial support to facilitate any transition that might need to take place. In short, a commitment to alpacas and llamas is a long-term commitment.

In addition to the original four alpacas, I have adopted and rescued others over the years. "Skyboy Blue" — yes, they have their own names — is from Florida. He has blue eyes which is unusual. Two are from Kentucky. I currently have four alpacas, one miniature Himalayan llama ("Beau"), and one huarizo ("Mr. Bingley"). A huarizo is a cross between a llama and an alpaca and huarizos tend to be much smaller than llamas given that they are half alpaca. I also work closely with the nonprofit Southeast Llama Rescue as a volunteer to help raise funds.

wanderlust ATLANTA: Okay, we have to talk about the chickens. What's their story?

Marykay: That’s a fun story! One day when my son was 8 years old, he said, "Momma, we need chickens." Of course, I asked, "Why?" His response, "Momma, because they're healthy and the cholesterol in a backyard chicken’s egg is way healthier than a grocery store egg! It's 'green' and we can use our kitchen scraps for compost AND feed the chickens. And they’re educational!! Do you know how much I'm going to learn from having chickens?"

At that point, he’d convinced me, if only because he was so clever in his "chicken sales’ pitch," so I agreed with the caveat that he meet three requirements...

• They have to fit into the budget I set;
• We would take great care of them, first and foremost as pets; and
• They would have to lay pretty eggs (I wanted blue, brown, etc.).

We got the chickens and they each have their own name. We have "Peck-a-rino" and a rooster named "Irma" because it was born when Hurricane Irma came through. We still have chickens today and have fresh eggs every day!

I usually sell our organic eggs to friends, family, and neighbors, but last Spring, as we all went into quarantine, I told my neighbors I would gift our eggs to the neighborhood for as long as I could. In the end, I gifted more than 123 dozen eggs during the first four months of the pandemic. That eggs were also in short supply at the grocery stores made it all the easier to choose to gift the eggs and it was something my family could do for others during a difficult time.

Decatur Alpaca Cottage

wanderlust ATLANTA: Okay, the reason we're all here...tell us about the cottage!

Marykay: If we start at the very beginning, although my house was built in the mid-1950’s, based on architectural clues, we think the cottage was built in the 1940s. When I was in the market to buy a home, Cherie King, of Atlanta Intown Dwellings, took me to this property. It was a 50s brick ranch, the front yard was nondescript, and there was not a lot of curb appeal.

Already in my mind I knew I wanted a more cottage-like home and suggested we skip this one and move on to the next house. Instead, Cherie put her hand on my knee, and said, "Marykay, these people have left their home so you can look at it. Get your ass out of the car and let's go." So I laughed and got out of the car! I kid you not, two steps into the kitchen of the main house, I knew it was "home"...it had everything we needed.

Cherie then said, "Let's go see the rest of it!" Mind you, I had NO idea there was anything other than the main house. As we toured the acre and a half that comprises our urban farm, I saw the cottage, a workshop, several outbuildings, and a large field that was a part of the original dairy farm long ago. My grandparents had a dairy farm in Ohio so it seemed a really amazing symmetry moment! I was very excited, thinking “How many people have an opportunity to live on a legacy farm?”

In no time, I crunched some numbers and bought it! That was 16 years ago! I actually have stayed in touch with the former owners' children. The oldest son came and stayed in the cottage a couple years ago and before he left, I shared some starts and plants from my garden that his parents had planted. So part of my garden is now in his garden in Tennessee. With tears in my eyes, he said, "This means so much to me." There is something really beautiful about the gifting and sharing of plants with others. It adds to the story of a garden and keeps the legacy living, so to speak.

When his family lived here, his grandmother lived in the cottage until she moved to a retirement community. At that time, the prior owner turned it into a long-term rental. When I bought the house and moved in, the same renter had been in the cottage for 15 years! When I bought the house I was more than happy to let her stay and she stayed another five years until she decided to buy her own home. After that, I had two more long-term renters and when it was empty again, I thought I would turn it into a writer’s retreat for myself so I started fixing it up.

Remember, I loved playing with my dollhouse as a kid, so this was a FUN project! I then reconsidered because my kids were growing and I would soon be an empty nester, so I started thinking about other uses for the cottage. I knew I didn’t want it to be a long-term rental again. About that time Airbnb was becoming a "thing" so I gave it a try. Now in our fifth year, the Decatur Alpaca Cottage is one of the top wish-listed Airbnb’s in the South!

I'm currently considering a second a "tiny home" Airbnb for my urban farm. Depending on how the rest of the year goes, it may be a really fun project for 2022!

Decatur Alpaca Cottage

wanderlust ATLANTA: When is Decatur Alpaca Cottage available for bookings?

Marykay: We are open year-round. Weekends definitely fill up first throughout the year. Weekends tend to book 4 to 8 weeks in advance. I also recommend booking further in advance if there is a specific weekend guests want. Weekdays are typically easier to book with less notice and also have a lower rate than weekends. The Decatur Alpaca Cottage has a a two-night minimum and our pricing varies, like hotels, based on season, events, and day of the week.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I closed voluntarily for 3 months and, before we reopened, I expanded our already-robust cleaning approach with an even more rigorous cleaning and social distancing protocol to ensure our guests’ and my family’s safety. I've known my cleaning team for 25 years and that’s really helpful to know that the protocol I’ve laid out will be adhered to every single time. I have an incredible team of helpers who help me keep up with the demands of running a side business and keeping up with our urban farm.

When I made the tough decision to close the cottage in the first months of the pandemic, I continued paying my team. Their loyalty and diligence are important to me and I didn’t want to create a hardship for them if I could possibly avoid it. Not only were they appreciative, but it further solidified the long-standing relationships we have in partnership to make the cottage an amazing experience for my guests! In my opinion, kindness is rarely a mistake and, although it was a terrible situation, the pandemic created lots of opportunities for kindness, in big and small ways.

Before COVID, 60% of our guests were locals. Our farthest guest came all the way from Singapore! Since the pandemic, 90% of our guests have been locals. I expect that this ratio will fluctuate a bit as travel restrictions ease, but it is wonderful to have a safe haven to offer Atlantans and surrounding communities during this time!

We only do bookings on Airbnb. There are two parking spaces next to the cottage and it sleeps four in a cozy 600 square feet.

We're also available for weddings, birthday parties, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and other special events on a limited basis. During the pandemic, however, we are only hosting micro-events with no more than 15 guests. Although we've hosted events with up to 50 guests, the niche for our venue is smaller, more intimate events. The brand is about beauty and peace and intimate gatherings are more in alignment with that.

From time to time, I get requests to host pets. As much as I love animals (and I do!) we are unable to host fur babies. Alpacas see strange dogs as predators and it’s just not worth the stress on the herd. Our guests are very understanding and respectful about the need to prioritize the health of the herd and I appreciate that!

Decatur Alpaca Cottage

wanderlust ATLANTA: What are the most common questions you receive?

Marykay: Over the years there have been many questions, a few bizarre, but all respectful. The most frequently asked questions are:

#1 Don't they (alpaca) spit? 

Answer: Yes, they do, but there’s always a reason when this happens. It's not a random occurrence. Usually, there's competition involved. It's usually to do with food, breeding, or space, or neglect. I've only been spit on once, on purpose, and I totally deserved it. I was being somewhat clumsy with one of the monthly injections the herd gets and Loverboy (one of our alpacas) let me have it. Rest assured that spitting on people is the exception, not the rule. If you hear a warning gurgle, they might be getting ready to spit, but it's probably at each other.

#2 What's the difference between an alpaca and llama?

Answer: They're cousins and they get along well. There is a pecking order in a herd, always an Alpha of the herd. Both are Camelids, the same family as camels. Llamas tend to be more independent and have longer banana-shaped ears, and alpaca have short ears. All need to be in a herd of at least 3 and preferably 5 alpacas/llamas to be healthy and safe. No matter how cute it is, solo alpacas living with a family are not healthy and are apt to have behavior issues down the road. I’m a big advocate of responsible alpaca/llama ownership and pretty cut and dry about this aspect of alpacas, particularly as alpacas and llamas have become more popular.

Decatur Alpaca Cottage

wanderlust ATLANTA: This is how sweet Marykay is...she added my new book, "111 Places in Atlanta That You Must Not Miss" — some of the places are in Decatur and DeKalb County — to the small collection of books in the cottage for guests to enjoy and the response has been excellent! Thank you, Marykay!

wanderlust ATLANTA: What can guests expect upon arrival at Decatur Alpaca Cottage?

Marykay: I host from a place of generosity. I truly enjoy going the extra mile and our guest reviews reflect this. Upon arrival guests are treated to a bottle of wine and special, custom cookies from a local bakery (Cookies by Kacie). One of my favorite special touches is a piece of art that I commissioned with Tiny Doors ATL. It is a copy of the cottage door in miniature and is absolutely adorable. It’s a wonderful feature next to the front door of the cottage.

The cottage is just a few steps away from the field gate. I'm meticulous about keeping the field clean to ensure the health of the animals and manage any odor. That said, alpacas are incredibly clean so it is very manageable. Many guest have commented that there's no odor and it’s important to me that they notice that! Guests can interact with herd from outside the field gate any time during their visit. I also give guests a bag of carrots with an instructional note of how to feed them. Our guests LOVE treating the herd with carrots and the herd loves it as well (of course!). After the pandemic, we hope to start up a "Meet & Greet" with the alpacas again, but won’t be able to offer those for the foreseeable future.

We are an ideal option for a staycation. We're near downtown Decatur and we're close to Atlanta, but far enough away to enjoy a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

# # #

Decatur Alpaca Cottage

Doesn't Decatur Alpaca Cottage sounds like a marvelous getaway? Be sure to follow Decatur Alpaca Cottage on their social media channels: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. And Marykay has a newsletter, too!

A big "Thank you!" to Marykay for the interview and for giving Metro Atlanta a delightfully unique experience!

(NOTE: Unless otherwise noted, all photos are courtesy of Decatur Alpaca Cottage.)

Daffodil Days at Oakland

Happening now at Historic Oakland Cemetery, Daffodil Days is absolutely beautiful and it's a vibrant signal that spring is well on its way to Atlanta!

Daffodil Days at Oakland Cemetery | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

This year's Daffodil Days runs from February 20 to March 15, but don't worry if you don't make it by the 15th. There are still a number of daffodils in bloom and yet-to-bloom, so you have a little extra time, but not much. Don't wait too long and totally miss this celebration of the daffodil.

When you enter the main gate, look for a sign that has a QR Code to a map that shows the largest concentrations of daffodils. Some smartphone cameras are automatically QR Code readers, but if you have to download one you can do so for free. The map is also available on Oakland's website.

Oakland is 48-acres, but a map isn't absolutely necessary, unless you're here to see the daffodils and only the daffodils. My visits to Oakland are never for just one thing. Personally, I love exploring for fascinating architecture, interesting grave-marker designs, and read the epitaphs which are sometimes humorous...on purpose. I love reading the names, too. And let's certainly not forget the gorgeous stained-glass windows in some of the mausoleums.  

Daffodil Days at Oakland Cemetery | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

If you can, and you're wanting make photographs, come by during the Golden Hour, which is about an hour before sunset (or an hour before sunrise). I find this time and date website an accurate resource. If you're seeking out that fabulous Golden Hour light, you might want to plan multiple trips...this particular light, as beautiful as it is, is fleeting.

Daffodil Days at Oakland Cemetery | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

There are approximately 70 varieties of daffodils planted here! Look for as many as you can possibly find. They come in a variety of whites, oranges, and yellows, not to mention the vast array of shapes they proudly show off.

Daffodil Days at Oakland Cemetery | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Not only is Oakland historic, so are many of its daffodils. Look on the map I mentioned earlier. Daffodil blooms mark where you'll find signage that shares the some of the history behind some of Oakland's beautiful yellow and white daffodils. You've heard of rescue dogs and rescue cats. Well, Oakland has rescue daffodils!

Daffodil Days at Oakland Cemetery | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Be sure to check out the Cemetery's blog where you'll learn more about daffodils as well as an incredibly wide array of topics relative Oakland. It's truly fascinating!

Daffodil Days at Oakland Cemetery | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Did you know that Historic Oakland Cemetery is one of the few historic cemeteries that has a giftshop (currently open only online). It's in the Bell Tower which also serves as the Welcome Center for cemetery visitors.

Don't let that weird you out. In fact, cemeteries were basically the first public parks in the United States. While today we have many beautiful parks across Atlanta, Oakland has continued to be a place of gathering, many of its events being fundraisers that bring in funds to help care for and restore the cemetery grounds, and many of the events are also educational.

Daffodil Days at Oakland Cemetery | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

If you'd like to do a little celebrity-spotting while you're here, check out the Famous Residents page on Oakland's website. There are dozens of former Atlanta Mayors, former governors, civic leaders, famous golfer Bobby Jones, and Gone With the Wind author Margaret Mitchell, to name a few.

Daffodil Days at Oakland Cemetery | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

There's a lot more in bloom here than just daffodils, including other bulbs, other flowers, and flowering plants and trees! Of practically every color! It's truly a beautiful time to visit Oakland. I'll include more of the other flowers in bloom on the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page.

Daffodil Days at Oakland Cemetery | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

There are benches on some of the gravesites for families of the deceased to use when visiting, but there are additional ones on pathways and gardens for general public use, including this one gifted to Oakland by the Piedmont Garden Club, which was founded in 1931...90 years ago!

You'll see a lot of rosemary throughout the garden, also in bloom right now. While many of us use rosemary in our cooking, it's also a symbol of remembrance, thus the reason you'll see it in so many cemeteries.

Daffodil Days at Oakland Cemetery | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

If you'd like to learn more about the harbingers of spring, the beautiful daffodil, please visit the Georgia Daffodil Society's website. Founded in 1954, this is an excellent daffodil resource for our growing region.

Make your way to Historic Oakland Cemetery soon so you don't miss this year's Daffodil Days. As always, this event is self-guided and free, as is (limited) nearby parking. See you there!

Hero Doughnuts & Buns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Merch! 

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

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

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

INTERVIEW: Janet Montgomery - From My Big Eyes

When you meet an Atlanta blogger, you can pretty much bet that you will hear some interesting stories. Keep in mind that not all bloggers are reporters, but all bloggers are indeed storytellers. And each blogger is passionate about their chosen niche. It's made for some fascinating reading since the cultural phenomenon of blogging first came about in the late 1990s.

Especially in the last 10 years, since I launched wanderlust ATLANTA in August 2010, I've had the great honor of meeting quite a few Atlanta bloggers, one of those being Janet L. Montgomery, author of From My Big Eyes.

From My Big Eyes | Janet's ensemble inspired by First Lady Michelle Obama

I first met Janet when I worked for a company that was promoting private events at the Fox Theatre. I hosted a group of bloggers for a behind-the-scenes tour and Janet was one of the guests, and a highly enthusiastic and engaging guest at that! We've followed each other on social media over the years and I'm happy to now share an interview that she so graciously granted me recently.

wanderlust ATLANTA: Please tell us a little about you. Where are you from? What bought you to Atlanta? What’s your profession? 

Janet: I am from the small country town known as Newville, Alabama, which has a population of only about 500. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science I left historic Tuskegee University and moved to Los Angeles for job opportunities. The Aerospace industry was booming in California and I wanted to experience and gain exposure to the big city life. I earned a Master of Management Info Systems (MMIS) from West Coast University while there. 

My parents weren’t big fans of flying to California to visit me. After 10 years, I decided I wanted to be closer to my family, so I headed back South, to Atlanta, Georgia. Professionally, I'm an IT certified Project Manager with more than 30 years of IT experience.

I'm also a freelance writer. My first nationally distributed published article was in Upscale Magazine. “The Godfather Quincy Jones: The Life and Legacy of a Music Giant". I'm also a content creator, working with campaign managers to promote various Georgia brands and businesses. 

Janet attending an Atlanta Tuskegee University Alumni scholarship event

wanderlust ATLANTA: Why did you start blogging?

Janet: I needed a platform to share information and things that I wanted others to know about — to inspire, inform, and influence. Blogging is a passion. It started out as a hobby, but now, it’s turned into a small business used to help fund my son’s college educational needs. I am a single mother and he’s my WHY! 

Janet on the red carpet

wanderlust ATLANTA: Tell us about “From My Big Eyes”, please.

Janet: I launched the blog on May 15, 2016. It was my birthday, so it's a date I can easily remember. It's a lifestyle blog with the tagline "Sightings of People, Places, & Things". You'll find posts about celebrities, places, products, home, money, fashion, beauty, travel, and entertainment! And even more! My website just underwent a redesign to include additional topics. Please let me know what you think!

Janet meets actor Tony Cox

wanderlust ATLANTA: Your logo is fabulous! Tell us about that? 

Janet: My logo was created from my own eyes — they're "my" eyes! I wanted something unique, different, and original. I wanted something that could help people easily remember me and my brand. I worked with a graphic designer and that's where the blog gets its name, From My Big Eyes. I write from my perspective and about my life experiences. 

wanderlust ATLANTA: What have been some of your favorite blogger experiences?

Janet: Shortly after I started blogging, in 2016 I went to New York City and was in the audience of Good Morning America (GMA). Meeting Robin Roberts, Michael Strahan, and the GMA team was absolutely incredible. Experiencing all the behind the scenes was unforgettable. 

Janet on the set of Good Morning America

Janet: Also, opportunities to attend amazing red carpet events in Atlanta and opportunities to meet and interview A-List celebrities, movie writers, producers from Tyler Perry, to iconic and legendary Civil Rights leader John Lewis, Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg, sports figures like Shaquille O’Neal and Michael Strahan, and R&B singer Kelly Price, and so many more.

Janet with Congressman John Lewis

wanderlust ATLANTA: You shared with me one of your bucket list items – to be an actress! Tell us about that experience.

Janet: I decided I wanted to work on the set of a television production here in Atlanta. It happened! I was an extra for two episodes of Saints & Sinners on Bounce TV and I also worked as an extra (clip) on the tv show American Soul.

Janet meets actor Mark Wahlberg

wanderlust ATLANTA: What’s one person, place, or thing that Atlantans must not miss? 

Janet: The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View! The view is the perfect place to really capture 360° of Atlanta, and also the Jackson Street Bridge for Atlanta’s picturesque Skyline.

wanderlust ATLANTA: Immediately after my book was published, "111 Places in Atlanta That You Must Not Miss", Janet and I partnered on a giveaway of a copy of my book and one of her "From My Big Eyes" t-shirts, which come in at least 26 colors!

Janet on Jackson Street Bridge | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

wanderlust ATLANTA: What pearl of wisdom would you share with someone considering starting a blog? 

Janet: Consistency is key, so show up everyday. Brand yourself.

Janet on the red carpet

wanderlust ATLANTA: When you have spare time, what’s your favorite Atlanta tourist destination and why? 

Janet: The National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Such a great place filled with history that every American needs to visit just to see how far we have progressed and also to help understand how much work there is still to be done in terms of Civil Rights in America. 

Janet on the red carpet

wanderlust ATLANTA: What’s something I’ve not asked that you would like to share? Something Atlantans don’t know about you.

Janet: In my early twenties, I attended the John Robert Powers Acting and Modeling School in Pasadena, California. My dream was to become a fashion model one day. Now, I model outfits at home using my driveway as the runway for fun and to showcase fashionable styles.

Janet Montgomery - From My Big Eyes

Janet Montgomery has big eyes and big dreams. She treats life as an adventure, enjoying so much of what life has to offer, and then shares her experiences with us! Check out her blog, From My Big Eyes, and like and follow her social channels as her adventures continue...

Hot Dog Pete's

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

Hot Dog Pete's | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

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

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

Hot Dog Pete's | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hot Dog Pete's | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

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

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

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

Hot Dog Pete's | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

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

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

Hot Dog Pete's | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

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

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

Hot Dog Pete's | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

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

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

Hot Dog Pete's | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

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

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

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