Lenox Square: Retail Therapy Heaven

Lenox Square

One of Atlanta's most visited shopping destinations is the ever-evolving Lenox Square. The city's most popular retail therapy is an "I've-done-my-cardio-for-the-day" 1.5 million square feet. Anchored by Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus, and home to more than 250 popular brand and specialty stores, as well as dining options for every budget, Lenox Square has something for everyone.

The "everyone" is comprised of an unusual demographic. I recently read that approximately 40 percent of Lenox Square shoppers are out-of-town/state/country visitors and tourists. Of course, as a tourism blogger, I think this is brilliant. While exploring Lenox Square on this particular visit, I did in fact hear at least three languages, other than English, with dialects that made it difficult to know the visitors' native lands. Whether I know or not where a person calls home, I love to see people enjoying our city.

Most surprising on this particular visit to the mall was the onslaught of friendliness and willingness to help me find what I was looking for, nearly regardless of which store or dining establishment I entered. To do that in a way that comes off as genuine—in a way that truly makes you think that they're there to help you enjoy your shopping experience—well…it's enough to convince a person that some people take it to heart when they hear, "You can get more bees with honey than you can with vinegar."

Many of the locals call the area where the mall is located "Lenox," but it's actually in an "edge city" of Atlanta, one of the city's ritziest neighborhoods—Buckhead. On the corner of Peachtree Road and Lenox Road, across from the Ritz Carlton Buckhead and Phipps Plaza—all within Atlanta city limits—Lenox Square opened in 1959 and was the area's first major shopping center.

Lenox Square

When its doors were flung open for business, the mall was a single-story, open-air plaza and included a grocery store and a bowling alley. Over the decades, additions and renovations have been completed—adding shining glass, lustrous marble and dramatic lighting—to create the mega shopping experience that it is today.

However, Lenox Square is popular for more than just shopping. It's also home of "Macy's Great Macy Lighting," a holiday season favorite that's locally televised, and an annual Fourth of July fireworks spectacle with live music and kiddie play areas. There also are, as far back as I can remember, brand new, highly polished, luxury cars on display throughout the mall. And on occasion, you might even catch a glimpse of a Hollywood star or sports celebrity…quite a few live in Atlanta, you know.

Speaking of the holiday season, when you add Lenox Square to your list of destinations for gift shopping, arrive with an extra supply of patience. Although the mall has ample parking—8,000 spaces—it sometimes seems that Atlanta's entire population decides to go to Lenox Square at the same time this time of year. Be sure to allow ample time to get there and to find parking, especially if you're in a hurry. Although it's easily accessible from Interstate 85 and GA-400, the roads coming from those areas are narrow and busy.

I've never seen any skeletons in the parking lot—no one has ever had to look for parking quite that long—so (if I may offer a little unsolicited advice), stay off of Santa's naughty list and be nice to others who are on the same adventure as you. If you'd like, you can tell Santa all about it while you're having your photo made with him once you're inside.

Lenox Square

Dining options at Lenox Square come in a wide range. You can have low-cost, get-it-in-a-hurry meals, available in the food court, or opt for fine dining at Prime, which boasts "fine steaks and sophisticated sushi." Or stop in one of the mall's many cafes for a coffee and a nosh.

If you can't find what you're looking for, there are mall directories located throughout the shopping center and there's also a Guest Services desk located on the first level exactly in the middle of the mall.

On this particular visit I received my first "you can't take photos here" slap on the wrist. I'd already ventured through the entire length of the mall—while taking photos—when a security guard stopped me from taking a photo of the multi-story atrium near the food court, where I had just had a quite tasty Mediterranean lunch.

I succumbed to the directive, but more so out of being in shock than fully understanding what had just transpired. What I really wanted to know was how they police a "no photos policy" given the millions of camera phones finding their way through the establishment every year, undoubtedly many of them clicking away. I'll comply in the future, of course, but I remain bewildered.

Before you even ask, yes, I will be returning to Lenox Square. As many shopping options as there are in a city the size of Atlanta, Lenox Square is a favorite…for shopping, window shopping, people watching and group outings, as well as the occasional need for retail therapy.

Visiting Lenox Square

Date toured: Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Location: 3393 Peachtree Road, NE (at Lenox Road) (map)
MARTA: Lenox Station
Parking: ample free parking and valet parking (for a nominal fee)
Cost: window shopping: free, shopping: as much as you want to spend
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Facebook: "Like" Lenox Square for special deals and announcements
Website: http://www.simon.com/mall/?id=207

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven to Buggs Bunny to Beethoven

Atlanta Symphony Hall

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, known as the ASO by locals, may not be your typical tourist destination, but if one has an interest in music, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is well worth the time to hear. And, top hats and coat tails are not required…the dress code is "comfortable."

I'd been looking forward to attending the ASO since returning to Atlanta. When I saw half-off tickets being offered through Groupon, the deal was on. No, it's not at all gauche to attend the Symphony on a discount ticket. As a matter of fact, I was able to get tickets in the best acoustical section in the theatre. As Groupon often does for performances, they offered a selection from which to choose. Being a Beethoven fan, I opted for Beethoven/Mahler concert.

Now then, what to wear? I've discovered that the Symphony experience varies from city to city. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's website addresses appropriate couture for their performances and they, kindly, insist on being comfortable. There is actually no official dress code however they do forewarn that most attendees will arrive in business or business casual attire, as was the case when I recently attended. I personally find that dressing up adds to the "experience."

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra musicians are world-class performers who play some of the most beautiful music ever written. They also know how to have fun. In addition to their always phenomenal classical music performances, the ASO's upcoming roster of shows includes:

• Wicked Divas - featuring music from the Broadway hit "Wicked"
• Halloween - a fun family concert
• Disney in Concert: Magical Music from the Movies

I attended an ASO concert many years ago when Dudley Moore was the guest pianist. Dudley appeared for the last song of the first half and he was actually quite horrible. I thought to myself, "I'm using two hours of my life for this?" Following intermission, Mr. Moore was brilliant! He really was an incredible musician. I quickly attributed his first-half performance as a comical nod to the movie "Arthur." It turned out to be a highly entertaining evening and the music was goose-bump-inducing phenomenal.

As I write about the evening's performance, I understand what Jodie Foster meant in the movie "Contact" (watch at mark 2:40) when she was trying to describe a celestial event: "…they should have sent a poet." The ASO's music is truly beautiful. It transports you to another time, another place, another life…song after song. I can't say it enough, "The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is an experience."

Woodruff Arts Center

Logistically, the ASO is easy to attend. It's located in the Woodruff Arts Center on Peachtree Street in the heart of Midtown. There are numerous dining options, parking options and other sights to see nearby. It shares a modern, two-story atrium with the Alliance Stage. If you're picking up tickets at the box office, it's located near the Woodruff Arts Center's Peachtree Street entrance. I usually use the side entrance near the marquee, which is also where valet parking is available.

I recall watching Buggs Bunny cartoons on Saturday mornings as a kid and that was the most exposure I had to classical music. I've often wondered how popular classical music would be if it weren't for Warner Bros. Would there be as many symphonic orchestras around the world as there are today? Would there be such a global appreciation for the genre? Fortunately, we'll never know. Classical music is the one genre that I enjoyed as a child and love as an adult.

Was the evening's ASO serenade enough to lure me back? You better believe it! This world-class Orchestra is worthy of a lifetime of returns and curtain call after curtain call. I will give this destination a standing ovation every visit!

Attending the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Date toured: Thursday, September 30, 2010
Location: 1280 Peachtree Street, NE (directions)
Parking: multiple parking options and parking at the Woodruff Arts Center
MARTA: Arts Center Station
Cost: varies by show
Hours: varies; matinees are often available on weekends
Website: http://www.atlantasymphony.org/home.aspx

Atlanta Symphony Hall

Zoo Atlanta: Climbing, Jumping, Flying, Swimming and Swinging

Orangutan

The animal kingdom's home in Atlanta is Zoo Atlanta, the longest running cultural attraction in town and an uncontestable favorite of children, locals and visitors. The Zoo opened in April 1939, only a month after the rescue of abandoned animals from a failed circus. Today, the Zoo sustains a world-class status through highly-focused education, conservation and community involvement initiatives.Zoo Atlanta is located in Historic Grant Park and is adjacent to Cyclorama. I'll tell you about those on later posts. The Zoo is very near downtown Atlanta, just off Interstate 20.

Arrival at the Zoo is grand enough, but it doesn't lend to the animal and plant life diversity one will find inside. It does hint that the Zoo probably embraces the practice of open-space habitats for its residents, and indeed it does.

The Zoo is comprised of four main sections, including:

• African Plains
• The Ford African Rain Forest
• Asian Forest
• KIDZone

Be sure to get a map of the Zoo at the ticketing counter, and not to worry…there are ample opportunities to recycle throughout the Zoo. You can recycle your Zoo map at the exit of the Zoo, which shares the same location as the entrance.

Giraffes

Visitors enter the Zoo through "Flamingo Plaza." That of course gives away the answer to the mysterious question, "Which came first, the Plaza or the flamingos?" Actually, I don’t know the answer, but I do know that Zoo Atlanta has, over the decades, continually upgraded the animals' habitats (including the flamingo marshland) and created more and more leaning opportunities and fun for visiting humans.

The first area one visits, if traveling to the left, is the African Plains. I asked one of the Zoo staff members, "What's the most popular habitat right now?" She told me that of course the panda habitat remains a favorite destination, but also currently exciting visitors is "Zuri," the giraffe calf born on July 13, 2010. Zuri is Swahili for "gorgeous"—and that she is. On a side note, supposedly still on the records is a Georgia state law that forbids the "tying of a giraffe to a street sign or a lamp post." Fortunately, the "tallest baby in Atlanta" doesn’t have to worry about that one.

Other residents in the African Plains section include zebras, lions, rhinos, warthogs (also with new babies), and another kid favorite, well-known for their amusing roles in the Hollywood blockbuster Madagascar, are meerkats.

Gorillas

Made famous by five-time father Willie B. is the gorilla habitat, part of The Ford African Rain Forest section of the Zoo. Willie B., who arrived at the Zoo in 1961 as an infant and named for former Mayor of Atlanta, William B. Hartsfield, lived indoors for the first thirty years of his life. The outdoor habitat opened in the late 1980s and in 1994, Willie B. sired his first child—Kudzoo. The gorilla habitat also ranks as a fan favorite and boasts numerous vantage points.

Residing in an habitat dubbed "The Living Treehouse" are lemurs and exotic birds. The Treehouse offers a unique vista of the living area, allowing visitors to see animals in their true natural habitat—in trees. You can also see monkeys in The Ford African Rain Forest section.

Children quickly transform into "giggle monsters" when they get to the orangutan habitat. Seemingly always on the move, the Zoo's orangutans climb, roll, jump and otherwise entertain in ways no other animal on the planet can. They certainly kept my attention…for quite a while actually.

Joining the orangutans in the Asian Forest section of the Zoo are otters, bears, tigers, leopards, red pandas, and the must-see Komodo dragon.

Giant Panda

The stars of the Asian Forest section, however, most certainly are the Giant Pandas. Zoo Atlanta is home to three of the approximately 1,600 Giant Pandas alive in the world today and is one of only four zoos in the United States that house the Giant Panda. The other zoos are San Diego Zoo, Memphis Zoo, and the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C.

Visitors will more than likely see a Giant Panda eating, an activity that consumes most of its waking day, although they do frolic for the benefit of visitors from time to time. Ninety-nine percent of a Giant Panda's diet consists of bamboo and locals have the opportunity to donate bamboo to the Zoo to keep these black and white wonders fed.

Petting Zoo

Probably the most active area of the entire Zoo is the KIDZone. The Children’s Zoo at Zoo Atlanta is a kids' paradise. Activities in this substantial portion of the Zoo include a petting zoo; an "Outback Station" featuring kangaroos and crocodiles; and rides including the Nabisco Endangered Species Carousel and a Rock Climber Wall. You can even rent the Zoo's "Birthday Pavilion" for your little one's special occasion to make for a lifetime memory.

Although Zoo Atlanta seems modest in size, compared to some other zoos I've visited, I'm glad I walked through it twice on this particular day or I’d have missed quite a few habitats and exhibits. For a regular visit, on any of the 363 days of the year that the Zoo is open, plan two or three hours to explore. Be sure to stop by the Panda Gift Shop, the Wildlife Theater and the World of Reptiles.

Will I revisit Zoo Atlanta? The baby animals are so much fun to see, I'm certain I'll succumb to the temptation to pay them a visit. Fortunately, announcements of such births usually make the local news or one can always sign-up to receive Zoo news.

Visiting Zoo Atlanta

Date toured: Sunday, October 3, 2010
Location: 800 Cherokee Avenue, SE (directions and map)
Parking: Free
MARTA: Bus route #97 (from Five Points Station), also known as the "A to Z Route"—it runs to and from the Aquarium and the Zoo.
Cost:
Adults (12+) - $19.99
Child (3-11) - $14.99
Child (2 and under) – Free
Senior, Military and college student - $15.99
Hours:
Monday-Friday – 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (ticket booth closes at 4:30 p.m.)
Saturday-Sunday – 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (ticket booth closes at 5:30 p.m.)
Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas
Website: http://zooatlanta.org/

Zoo Atlanta Elephant

Rhodes Hall: The Dream on Peachtree

Rhodes Hall

One of only a handful of mansions still standing on Atlanta’s "main street"—Peachtree Street—is the former home of Amos Giles Rhodes, founder of Rhodes Furniture. Today known by locals as "Rhodes Hall" or "The Castle on Peachtree," Mr. Rhodes himself dubbed his home "Le Reve," French for "The Dream."

I hadn’t decided until the night before that I would be touring Rhodes Hall on this particular day. After finishing some work I scurried to ready myself for departure. Camera, check. Phone, check. Keys, check.

I was ready, but alas, looking at the clock I knew I wouldn’t make the 11 a.m. tour. So, I ran a couple of errands and then headed to Midtown. I arrived at Rhodes Hall at approximately 11:35 a.m., snapped a few photos of the outside of the Castle (constructed of granite from Stone Mountain—it actually looks like a castle) and then proceeded inside to secure a ticket for the 12:00 o'clock tour.

There were people scurrying about the place (Rhodes Hall is also the headquarters of The Georgia Trust, an organization that provides preservations resources to individual and communities throughout Georgia). I was welcomed by a passing Georgia Trust employee. I advised him, "I'm here for the noon tour." He acknowledged and asked me to wait and then he promptly scurried to another part of the house.

The Parlor

I soon was greeted by Caley Ross, Director of Sales, who told me that the designated tour guide for the day was unable to make it to work that day. She offered to let me take the first floor self-guided tour and handed me a packet of information.

I must have been pouting because she continued to explain that the tour of the third and fourth floors was only available with a tour guide and that she was trying to leave around noon. I expressed that the upper floors were the ones I was interested in seeing, that I’d toured the first floor on a previous visit (although that was in the 1990s).

Without giving it a second thought Caley immediately switched to the role of gracious host and grand tour guide and off we went.

I remembered the splendor of the house was quite impressive, but it was obvious that there had been a significant amount of restoration done to the home since my last visit.

All the surfaces were shining or sparkling or painted to depict a time or event in Southern history. From the staircase bannister to the numerous chandeliers throughout the house, Caley pointed out the areas that contained furniture and fixtures that were original to the mansion.

Of spaces on the first floor I believe my favorite room is an equal tie between the Reception Hall (grand in scale and detail), the Parlor (elegant and well-lit), and the Dining Room (all of its contents original to the house, including: a collection of stemware and dishes and a brilliant chandelier, certainly the centerpiece of any dining occasion, only outshined by the home's hostess).

"The Rise and Fall of
the Confederacy"

The mahogany stairwell and its painted windows leading from the Reception Hall to the upstairs quarters is by far one of the most impressive sights I've seen in quite some time. Three panels of three windows each serve as a memorial entitled "The Rise and Fall of the Confederacy." The sun illuminates the first panel as it rises (depicting the beginning of the Civil War) and finally the third panel as it sets (depicting Robert E. Lee bidding farewell to his troops). Included in the mosaic of the memorial are state seals and portraits of confederacy heroes. Impressive by any standard, the artistry of these windows is truly unveiled when it is pointed out that they were created not for a museum or public display, but for a private residence.

We then headed to the second floor, which is now office space for The Georgia Trust. The rooms on the second floor include the bedrooms and dressing rooms for Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes. It was on this part of the tour that I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Mark McDonald, President & CEO of The Georgia Trust. At the end of my tour, he and I briefly discussed what it must have been like to live in "The Castle on Peachtree" in 1904. Mr. McDonald is indeed a gentleman—professional and charming.

The third floor contains a servant's room and a billiards room, both with sun lights. Adjacent to the billiards room was Mr. Rhodes's smoking room.

The fourth floor contained a room that is believed to have been used as a playroom for the Rhodes’s grandchildren.

Rhodes Hall coffer

Continuing the VIP treatment (I was already more than pleasantly astonished by the Southern hospitality demonstrated up to this point), after I asked about the stairs leading up from the fourth level, Caley offered to take me up to the roof. I of course accepted the offer! Caley collected the key for the roof access door and up we went. The rooftop may be modest in size but it is grand in view. Nestled between Midtown and Buckhead (an area today being called "Uptown"), I was able to see in great detail the craftsmanship that went into the construction of the Rhodes Hall rooftops and roof caps, as well as the magnificent Midtown skyline.

I can’t thank Caley enough for her generous gift of time and for taking me on a special tour of Rhodes Hall, one of Atlanta's not-so-hidden gems. It's a true treasure and I highly recommend adding "The Dream" to any list of must-see Atlanta landmarks.

Of particular interest, following Mr. Rhodes's death, he passed Rhodes Hall to his two children, Joseph and Louanna. They later deeded the house to the state with two conditions: it can never be sold and it must be used for state or historical purposes. That's music to the ears of preservationist and tourists who enjoy a flare of history in their visits to Atlanta.

Will I return to Rhodes Hall? I hope so. It would be great to attend as a guest at one of the many special events held at Rhodes Hall. In fact, I will return to Rhodes Hall, whether attending a special event or as a tourist who wants to relive the grandeur of what it was like in the early 20^th Century to live on Peachtree Street.

Touring Rhodes Hall

Date toured: Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Location: 1516 Peachtree Street, NW (directions and map)
Parking: Free, behind Rhodes Hall
Cost:
$7 – Behind-the-Scenes (all four floors)
$5 – Guided tour of the 1^st Floor
$4 – Seniors, student and children (ages 6-12) – 1^st Floor only
Free – Georgia Trust members and children under age 6
Hours:
Tours begin every hour, on the hour. The last tour begins one hour before closing.
Tuesday-Friday – 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturday – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Closed Sundays and Mondays
Website: http://www.georgiatrust.org/historic_sites/rhodeshall/

Rhodes Hall, stained glass
front door transum

Fernbank Museum of Natural History: Our Planet, One Building

Fernbank Museum Entry

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is more than dinosaur bones (which the kids love with all the enthusiasm their little hearts can muster) and fossilized leaves. In Atlanta, it's a landmark destination for learning, as well as a one-of-a-kind venue for events and special occasions.

Upon arrival you know you're in for a quite an experience when you meander by the water garden featuring three bronze dinosaurs on your way into the Museum. Fernbank is an excellent destination rain or shine, but be mindful of the weather when you visit so that you know whether to make your photos of this little dinosaur family before or after your Museum visit. I visited on a rainy day, but took a few pictures before going in…the downpour was underway when I was finished touring a few hours later.

Touring Fernbank is self-guided, although the Museum does offer "hands-on, minds-on" field trips for K-12^th grade classes. Be sure to pick up a Visitor Guide from the ticket agent or the ticket-taker at the beginning of your tour.

The Grand Hall

Historically speaking, I enjoy starting at the top and working my way down. That's what I did on this particular tour. The Museum's exhibits and other offerings are located on three floors: the upper level, the entry level and the lower level. The Grand Hall, around which these exhibits and offerings are located, is a soaring three stories high…or one story high if the building had been built 245-65 million years ago and you happen to be an Argentinosaurus—the largest dinosaur to ever walk the Earth.

The Upper Level should be called the Learning Level, I think. It's packed with opportunities to discover and acquire information about human life and geological development, just to start with.

Tornado Formation

One of the current exhibits on the Upper Level is "Reflections of Culture." This smaller, densely-packed exhibit teaches how people around the world demonstrate economic, social and political information. The colorful display includes native costumes, jewelry and photographs—you'll surely want to examine each section.

"Fun" is the best way to describe the "Sensing Nature" exhibit, also on the Upper Level. In this highly interactive exhibit, visitors learn about nature and science and have the opportunity to conduct their own television weather forecast. Be sure to look for the "coil" and truly test your senses.

The "Naturalist Center and Curators' Corner" is an area specifically designated for family-friendly activities every weekend, including an "animal encounter!"

The Museum is currently installing a new children's exhibit slated for debut in 2011. The mere mention of a multi-story tree fort makes me wish I was a kid again.

A Walk Through Time in Georgia

On the entry level, be sure to explore "A Walk Through Time in Georgia." It takes you through the Okefenokee Swamp, an underwater habitat and you can literally walk around dinosaurs that lived in what would become Georgia. The exit to this gallery is subtle. Once you're through the coastal life section, there will be a sign on a door on the right that says: "this is the conclusion" of this exhibit, please exit here.

"Conveyed in Clay: Stories from St. Catherines Island" is an insightful exhibit that shows the cultural evolution of Native Americans through their pottery. It's a modest exhibit and worthy of a visit.

Also on the Entry Level are the Museum Store, which you’ll pass when you exit the Museum, and the entry to IMAX Theatre, which features various 45-minute films throughout the year. Fernbank is also home of "Martinis & IMAX" every Friday night (January through November). The evening features live music, an array of cuisine and specialty cocktails, all amidst the former rulers of the Earth.

Giant Clam

On the can't-miss Lower Level, Giants of the Mesozoic feature dinosaurs that lived in Patagonia millions of years ago, including a flock of 21 Pterodaustro flying high over your head. Be sure to look for fossils on the floor. Much of the Museum’s underfoot is covered in limestone that contains mollusk fossils from 180 million years ago.

"The World of Shells" is a gallery featuring shells from Georgia and coastal areas around the world. The Giant Clam is the most impressive in size, but the exhibit is also wildly colorful and displays a collection of mind-puzzling shapes.

"The Star Gallery" is a special event venue at times, but during typical Museum hours, it’s an opportunity to learn about planetary evolution, celestial events and deep space activities—showing while I was there was the "Hubble Top 10" images.

The Star Gallery

Feeling a little hungry after seeing so much? Stop by the Fernbank Café for a snack and a beverage. In the summer you can also sit on the patio overlooking the Fernbank Forest and make a photo of your fellow tourists with a pair of topiary dinosaurs.

Will I return to Fernbank, you ask? Absolutely. The permanent exhibits are fascinating and there is always something new at Fernbank, whether a recently released IMAX movie, an exhibit debut or an enticing special event—and the parking is free!

Touring Fernbank Natural History Museum

Date toured: Sunday, September 26, 2010
Location: 767 Clifton Road NE (directions and map)
Parking: Free onsite parking
Cost:
Adults - $15
Students and Seniors (62+) with ID - $14
Children (3-12) - $13
Hours:
Monday-Saturday – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday – Noon – 5 p.m.
Website: http://fernbankmuseum.org/

Sensing Nature Gallery

Fox Theatre: Fabulous at 80

Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre, or The Fabulous Fox as it's sometimes called, opened its doors on December 25, 1929, less than two months after the Stock Market crash that heralded the arrival of The Great Depression. Following a brief closing in 1932 and near demolition in the mid-1970s, the Fox today holds many local and world record distinctions and is listed on the National Historic Landmarks registry. A tour of the Fox is more than a walk down memory lane; it's a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most majestic, highly-attended, historically-rich theatres in the country.

The tour took us to numerous spaces within the Theatre that one usually would not encounter in a single visit. We ventured to the Egyptian Ballroom, the Grand Salon, the Grand Terrace, the Men's and Women's Lounges and Restrooms (not something that's on every tour!), the main theatre, and attended a private performance on the "Mighty Mo" organ by none other than Larry-Douglas Embury, the resident organist.

The kickoff of the tour indeed started on time, as advertised on the Fox’s website. Our tour began at the entrance arcade on Peachtree Street. Our tour guide, Ellen, was very personable and obviously finds great pleasure in sharing information about the Fabulous Fox, which included the 1970s "Save the Fox" campaign and details about its Moorish, Egyptian and other architectural styles.

Grand Terrace

After a briefing of historical tidbits, we were escorted to the Egyptian Ballroom, named for its Egyptian-inspired décor (a worldwide trend following the 1922 discovery of King Tut's tomb), which served as a public dance hall in the 1930s. Today, the Egyptian Ballroom is used for wedding receptions, proms, corporate events and special occasions.

Adjacent to the Egyptian Ballroom—also available for special occasions—is the Grand Terrace, which offers a degree of privacy for event-goers with just enough of skyscrapers peeking over the Terrace walls to remind one that they are not attending a Pharos' birthday bash, but are  indeed still in the heart of Atlanta.

Also adjacent to the Egyptian Ballroom, but with its own private entrance, is the Grand Salon, which features a remarkable and substantial stained glass ceiling. Much of the Fox's ballrooms were restored to their original grandeur during the "Fix the Fox" campaign in the 1980s.

Organ Pipe Housing

A surprising detour that turned out to be a sight worthy of seeing was a visit to the Women's and Men's Lounges and bathrooms. Ellen described the various design elements in the rooms and shared a number of historical facts, including that women did not smoke in public during in the Fox's early years, but instead would venture out to a "smoking terrace" accessible from the Women's Lounge. Much of the furniture and other décor in the lavish and grand lounges are originals from the 1929 opening of the Theatre.

Before I discuss "Mighty Mo" and the main theatre I can tell you that our tour finished with a visit to the Spanish Room—originally the practice room for Fox Theatre musicians—which today houses many concessions windows and includes a modest size gift shop.

Now, let's get back to the main theatre and "Mighty Mo."

"Might Mo" Organ

It just so happened that the day we were touring Larry-Douglas Embury, the Fox’s resident organist, was in attendance to play "Mighty Mo" for a group of 140 school children. We had the distinct and rare pleasure of joining Larry for a private performance.

Larry talked about the vast infrastructure of the organ and pointed out the illuminated organ pipe housings flanking the main stage. He was fantastic with the kids and conducted a question and answer session for the children after describing and playing quite a few numbers on "Mighty Mo." After completing his mini-concert, he lowered Might Mo from its lofty perch to eye-level so that the kids and my tour group could snap a few photos.

Fox Theatre, right of stage

We were then off to the balcony of the main theatre so we could get a better glimpse of the Theatre's remarkable "night-time" ceiling. The lights are embedded in the ceiling and covered with crystals. The close-up view of the main stage, even that close, did not convey the size of the 8-foot lampposts or the 14-foot hanging pendants near the top of the Theatre, but fortunately our tour guide did. She also pointed out that the giant canopy that more than covers the balcony is constructed of plaster and steel beams—a perfect illusion.

Also worthy of mentioning for tourists on a budget who would like to attend a "show" at the Fox is the annual Coca-Cola Film Festival. Each summer, for less than the cost of a mainstream cinema movie, patrons can experience the grandeur of the Fox Theatre and see a classic or box office hit movie on the largest screen in Atlanta. The movie experience includes a sing-along, classic cartoon and the movie.

Will I take the Fox Theatre tour again? I definitely recommend taking this tour at least once. Personally, I know there is much to know about the Fox and I find it all fascinating, mostly because of my love for the building and its remarkable history. Their website is full of interesting factoids and historical recantings of events...and one can always find a book in the gift shop that provides considerably greater detail about the Fox Theatre.

Touring the Fox Theatre

Date toured: Thursday, September 23, 2010
Location: 660 Peachtree Street, Atlanta (at the intersection of Ponce de Leon Street) (directions and map)
Parking: numerous nearby privately-owned, attended parking lots
Cost: Adults - $10, children and seniors - $5
Hours:
Monday – 10 a.m.
Wednesday – 10 a.m.
Thursday – 10 a.m.
Saturday – 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Website: http://www.foxtheatre.org/

Fox Theatre Roof

Turner Field: Home of the Braves

Turner Field

Turner Field is home to Major League Baseball's Atlanta Braves, the longest existing baseball franchise in the world. Named for TBS mogul and former Braves owner, Ted Turner, Turner Field tours are available year-round, with few exceptions.

The structure is relatively new. The 1996 Olympic Stadium was converted to today’s baseball-only venue in only seven months following the conclusion of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Only a portion of the then-existing stadium was rebuilt.

I’d been to quite a few Braves Games when I previously lived in Atlanta, at both Fulton County Stadium and Turner Field, and have been again (to see them win!) since returning to Atlanta. However, I had never taken advantage of the behind-the-scenes tour.

Turner Field baseball

Immediately recognizing our tour guide’s broad baseball knowledge base and enthusiasm, the likes of which I've not seen on a tour in quite some time, I knew the experience would be quite informative and exciting. Rick's tour was sure to be a home run.

What was in store for us? We started with a self-guided visit of the Braves Museum & Hall of Fame and then Rick took us to Sky Field, the press box, the TV/radio booths, the Braves Clubhouse and locker room (they were on an away game), the Braves’ dugout, and then onto the playing field!

The Braves Museum & Hall of Fame serves as home to the Braves' 1995 World Series Championship trophy. Locker-shaped enclaves house memorabilia from the various pennants won by the Braves throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Time-traveling to the beginning of Braves history, displayed artifacts told the story of pre-1960s Braves incarnations. The largest artifact—bigger than the World Series trophy—is a rail car that the Braves used to travel to away games, decades ago.

Sky Field

Sky Field's panoramic views of Turner Field and downtown Atlanta are a sight to see. Anyone with a game day ticket can visit Sky Field.  This is where the giant, illuminated Coke bottle is nestled, where the giant Chik-fil-A cow does the tomahawk chop during games, and where you can sit in giant, red, Coke bottle-shaped Adirondack chairs and take in one of the best views of the Atlanta skyline.

The press box and TV/radio booths, directly above home plate, have an incredible birds-eye view of the playing field. I was amazed at the nominal amount of equipment used in the booths to cover the games.

The Braves Clubhouse and locker room are below ground level and not at all the lavish accommodations I expected. However, they do have their own chef who prepares meals before or after games and the fitness and medical facilities are impressive. The locker room is not part of the tour on days when the Braves have an afternoon game.

Braves Dugout

Sitting in the dugout was incredible, not only for the cool-factor of occupying the same space as Atlanta baseball greats such as Chipper Jones, Greg Maddux, and Coach Bobby Cox, but also for being as close to the home team as a fan without season tickets is likely to be.

Walking out onto the playing field was phenomenal. We were of course given the obligatory "do not walk on the grass" directive, but otherwise we were able to explore the area between home plate and first base. The seats in the stadium seemed a lot smaller than the players look on the field from the seats themselves. The stadium looks massive from the field. You immediately realize what a big deal it is to be a super star baseball player.

Touring Turner Field is truly an incredible experience and includes a lot more than I've shared here. It's also a great opportunity to pitch baseball stats back and forth with your tour guide—Rick was a real pro.

Will I take the tour of Turner Field again? With it being easy to get to, having free parking, and only an hour in duration, it's a great option to add to one's list of things-to-do when friends and family visit. I'm sure I'll do it again. In the meantime, I now have some ultra-cool behind-the-scenes insight for when I attend the next Braves home game.

Touring Turner Field

Date toured: Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Hours:
Baseball Season (April – September)
Monday – Saturday – 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sunday – 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Tours are not available on days when the Braves have afternoon home games
Off-Season (October – March)
Monday – Saturday – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Closed on MLK Day, Thanksgiving Day and December 23-January 2
Location: 755 Hank Aaron Drive (map)
Cost: Adults - $12, Kids (3-13) and military - $7
Parking: Free – the Green Lot (nearest Turner Field) is free for Tour patrons
Website: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=atl


Braves fan, Mickey Mouse