Return to Rich's

I used to love shopping at Rich's! And was saddened when it eventually met with its demise through modern day mergers and acquisitions. But I have to admit, I had no idea the store had nearly 138 years of history and that it connected so strongly with the community.

The current exhibition at The William Breman Jewish Heritage & Holocaust Museum, Return to Rich's: The Story Behind the Store, tells quite a captivating and an amazing tale!

For those who do not know, Rich's was started by Mauritius Reich, a Hungarian Jewish immigrant, in 1867, who had immigrated a number of years before, driven largely by Antisemitism. With only $500 to start the store, which he'd borrowed from his brother, the legacy of Rich's was well on its way.

One of my favorite parts of the exhibition is the fashion on display. Atlantans frequented Rich's for everything from school clothes to haute couture...from wedding dresses to the latest party fashion, including some pretty awesome denim from 1974, also on display. 

I was elated to discover that among the cross-generational couture is the full length velvet evening coat worn by Margaret Mitchell at the premier of Gone With the Wind right here in Atlanta in 1939. How cool is that?!

The wedding dress on display was worn by Shirley Brinkman in 1955 and 26 years later by her daughter Teresa. The wedding dress, and all the other clothes in this display were purchased at various Rich's stores and departments.

Rich's even hosted an annual fashion show—Fashionata—which drew hundreds, primarily mother-daughter outings. 

There's a great section dedicated to shopper feedback and the 1967 book Dear Store by Celestine Sibley, columnist for the Atlanta Constitution 1941-1999. The book was an homage to Rich's and highlighted its dedication to superior customer service.

There are also cards available for visitors who were Rich's customers and/or employees to share their memories.

The GIANT patriotic teddy bear above—it's really big!—is an ornament that adorned the 60-foot tall Rich's Great Tree in 1976. Today, The Great Tree tradition continues as the Macy's Great Tree.

The Rich's Great Tree tradition started in 1948 and the tree was typically 60-feet tall...a tree so massive that it could drink up 10 gallons of water a day!

Rich's legacy is so intertwined in modern day Atlanta. The above sculpture, titled Composition, by world renowned artist Henry Moore, was purchased by Rich's in 1952 for the Atlanta Art Association, known today as the High Museum of Art. It was the first modern sculpture acquired by the Museum. Fascinating, right?

One of the Rich's, Walter Rich, helped establish the Atlanta Dogwood Festival way back in 1936...my grandmother was a young girl when Atlantans were attending their first Dogwood Festival.

The legacy stories go on and on and on...

Rich's keen insight and community involvement, I believe, contributed to many, many successful advertising campaigns, including the above partnership with the Atlanta Braves. This particular photo was made shortly after the announcement that the Milwaukee Braves would be moving to Atlanta...so soon after the announcement that the players were still wearing hats with an "M" for Milwaukee.

The heading reads, "Atlanta has a big league  ball club and a new stadium to match. It also has Rich's."

Another annual tradition began by Rich's was riding the Rich's Pink Pig during the holidays. The one's that belonged to Rich's, Percival and Priscilla, are now with the Atlanta History Center and Macy's has new, remodeled Pink Pigs...the tradition continues.

As it turns out, the creation of the Pink Pigs was quite by accident. In 1956 Rich's debuted a monorail for children. A few years later, in 1959, the "Snowball Express" lost it's headlight. That's when the rail car received a snout, a curly tail and a coat of pink paint...thus the birth of the Rich's Pink Pig.

Percival is on display in the Return to Rich's exhibition.

There's a video near Percival with recordings of people who rode the Rich's Pink Pig as part of their holiday tradition. Some stated that they grew up thinking that the Pink Pig was a typical part of Christmas. 

Return to Rich's: The Story Behind the Store is on exhibit through Tuesday, May 27, 2014. I've barely scratched the surface here, so be sure to make plenty of time to take in the exhibition and to read the placards. You'll be surprised to learn just how much Rich's truly meant to the development of the Atlanta Community.

Georgia International Plaza

I've long wondered about the white light towers positioned throughout Georgia International Plaza, and I've blogged about The Flair, the fantastic bronze gymnast sculpture also in the Plaza, but finding out about them was certainly no easy task. Perseverance pays...I finally learned a bit more about them. 

First of all, Georgia International Plaza is also the roof of a 1,000-space, 7-story underground parking deck for the Georgia World Congress Center, and surrounding venues. The Plaza is between the Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia Dome (home of the Atlanta Falcons), and Philips Arena.

Georgia International Plaza

Installed in conjunction with the 1996 Olympics buildout, Georgia International Plaza has some pretty cool designations, including one of "America's Top 10 Lawns" and one of the "10 Largest Green Roofs." 

This six-acre space is covered by sixteen 70' perfectly placed structures and one 110' structure at the center of the park. And there are numerous water features throughout the park. The towers have no practical function, but they're still quite beautiful, I think...and one of the most attractive parking deck roofs I've ever seen!

Georgia International Plaza

I made these shots when leaving the Atlanta Boat Show last weekend, very close to sunset, so you don't see that they're actually white. If you'd like to see what the entire Plaza looks like during daylight, just Google "Georgia International Plaza" and click on "images" and you'll see quite a few.

So, when you're next attending a conference, a football or basketball game, or a concert in the area, take a few minutes to explore Georgia International Plaza. It's serene, beautiful, and a relaxing escape from city life...for a few minutes, at least.

Mummy

Did you know that the oldest Egyptian mummy in the Americas is right here in Atlanta?

Every time I go to the Michael C. Carlos Museum, the Egyptian, Nubian, and Near East gallery is a must-see, regardless of how much or how little time I have. 

Mummy, Michael C. Carlos Museum

This particular mummy, that of a young man, is from the Old Kingdom, Dynasty 6 (2345-2181 BC). This person's body was placed on its side, in a sleeping position. It wasn't until after the Old Kingdom that the deceased were consistently positioned in the supine position.

Ancient Egypt is such an incredibly fascinating culture. It's hard to believe that it wasn't until the 1920s, with the discovery of King Tut's tomb, that Ancient Egypt gained widespread popularity. 

I'd actually gone to the Museum that day to see the currently running Romare Bearden: A Black Odyssey exhibition—a series of collages and watercolors based on Homer's The Odyssey. Unfortunately, photography was not permitted, so I don't have anything to show you, but I can tell you that the show is extremely well done...I was beyond impressed, fascinated, and left in awe that I'd never seen an exhibit quite like this one.

Mummy, Michael C. Carlos Museum

When you're visiting the Michael C. Carlos Museum—on the Emory University campus—you'll get to see among their permanent collection ten mummies, nine coffins, and a wide variety of other artifacts. The other galleries are equally fascinating. Make plenty of time to explore!

Atlanta Boat Show

Now I can say I've been to a Boat Show...and it was one I almost could have taken a boat to with all the rain we had yesterday! I'd passed by a boat show in Miami a bazillion years ago, but that's certainly not the same as attending one. And I have to say, there were many things about the Atlanta Boat Show that impressed me.

Atlanta Boat Show, 2014, Georgia World Congress Center

Boat beauty galore! There are quite a few gorgeous specimens at this show. I went with my best friend who said the only thing missing was the multi-story house-like boats, but being my first time, I was impressed with everything there! 

Atlanta Boat Show, 2014, Georgia World Congress Center

I've been to countless trade shows and conventions—for work and play—but I've never seen booth holders so engaged with conventioneers. Very impressive! Seriously, every one of them were engaging visitors...I've never experienced that before. It was great to see!

Atlanta Boat Show, 2014, Georgia World Congress Center

I do not own a boat, I assume most Boat Show attendees don't, but I love boating and have always enjoyed excursions on them. 

Among my favorite excursions were a party on a pontoon on Lake Lanier when I was in my early 20s—great fun; another was my friend's undergrad graduation party, which was held on a 67' yacht on a river in Michigan where we could see Canada...great party; and a boat in Key Largo that took us out to the only coral reef in the continental U.S. to snorkel. 

But I think my most favorite was a fishing trip in Wisconsin. It was a modest fishing boat, but the experience was one I've loved always. My friend Mary Jo and I went up for a fishing vacation, for a week. We had the BEST time. We fished during the day (I caught the most and the biggest fish!) and ate, imbibed, and played cards in the evenings. What an amazing vacation that was!

 Wow...hadn't thought about it, but I guess I've been on a fair amount of boats.

Atlanta Boat Show, 2014, Georgia World Congress Center

The Show had plenty of entertainment, including a Gator Show! There could have been more seating and viewing area, but I guess it's a first-come, first-served kind of thing. We didn't stay for the whole Gator Show, but it was fun to see nonetheless. Dora the Explorer was at the Show, too!

Atlanta Boat Show, 2014, Georgia World Congress Center

I was particularly fond of the ski jets...they're sooooooooo much fun! The first time I ever rode one was on the beach behind the Fontaine Bleau in Miami. Had a blast! I was surprised at how much riding one was similar to riding a horse (I worked on a horse ranch in Wyoming when I was in high school). Lots of leg work.

Atlanta Boat Show, 2014, Georgia World Congress Center

The Show is sponsored by Progressive Insurance (who I have my auto insurance with, coincidentally), so I was really surprised that the Geico Gecko was there. Then again, it's all about getting sponsors, right? It was fun to see the Gecko, but I would really have loved to have seen Flo, who has 5.3 MILLION "Likes" on Facebook!!!

Atlanta Boat Show, 2014, Georgia World Congress Center

The Show is the normal size of a convention, perhaps a little more modest, but that's understandable given the economy. I think it'll be a while longer before substantial numbers are investing in the pleasures of owning a boat. However, looking at the prices, many of them are quite affordable...not much more than a regular car payment.

I told my friend that I think I'd rather be the guy who hosts amazing parties in the beach-side penthouse condo and have friends who have boats. I love a good party and I love a good boat ride. Sounds like an equitable arrangement, yes?

Atlanta Boat Show, 2014, Georgia World Congress Center

The Show was packed! There were all kinds of people...from obvious boat enthusiast to whole families...and everyone was well-behaved. Although, I will never understand why someone would bring a MONDO baby stroller to a show like this. I just don't get it. I don't think my mother ever owned a stroller, and she's just fine. 

Atlanta Boat Show, 2014, Georgia World Congress Center

You wouldn't believe all the different products on display! There was everything from ski jets to surf boards to Swarvoski rings, which the ladies were loving! Of particular fascination was the above slide, fastened to the back of a boat. It just screams FUN!

Atlanta Boat Show, 2014, Georgia World Congress Center

Sorry I don't have more technical information to share, but like I said, I'm not a boat owner, just a boat fun loving fan. 

I will say again though, that I was extremely impressed with the engagement of the various vendors. I think their talking and connecting with the attendees make the show well worth attending and an enjoyable time...that and all the amazing, beautiful boats!

There's still a little bit of time to head down to the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) for the Atlanta Boat Show. Oh, and if you go, park in the GWCC parking. The outlying lots are charging more than double what the GWCC is charging. Go have fun!

Indians and Georgia

My great grandmother was born on the Cherokee Reservation in North Carolina, so most anything to do with Native American culture captures my attention. The Native Lands: Indians and Georgia exhibition at the Atlanta History Center certainly did.

Native Lands: Indian and Georgia | Atlanta History Center

Unfortunately, this exhibition has just closed, but I wanted to give it a shout out in appreciation to the Atlanta History Center for bringing it in. And, I hope everyone will check out the next exhibition to occupy the same space (the gallery across the hall from the Bobby Jones exhibit).

Native Lands: Indians and Georgia, a traveling exhibit, "celebrates the state's original inhabitants beginning with the Mississippian peoples continuing with their descendants, the Creeks and the Cherokees."

Native Lands: Indian and Georgia | Atlanta History Center

"Long before the European settlers came to what is now called Georgia, the Mississippian Indians developed complex societies on these lands—complete with art, music, ceremony, agriculture, architecture, and trade industries." - Atlanta History Center website

This exhibition delivered everything it claimed. 

Native Lands: Indian and Georgia | Atlanta History Center

One of the things that I really liked about this exhibition is that it didn't stop at the Trail of Tears...it continued on to discuss Indians' connection to Georgia today. The only thing that I missed was an ample display of actual artifacts. There were a few, but mostly they were reproductions. The important thing though is that visitors learned a lot about Indian culture in Georgia. Again, color me grateful.

Oh, and one of my favorite parts of the exhibition was a station that teaches visitors some Cherokee vocabulary. That was fun!

Native Lands: Indian and Georgia | Atlanta History Center

I'd never thought about it, but learned in this exhibition that—prior to colonization—no individual could sell or give land away...no individual could own land. Indians' concept of land was considerably different from the European settlers.

Native Lands: Indian and Georgia | Atlanta History Center

An emotional challenge to read through, the exhibition noted in a decent amount of detail, the process of removal—and use of "camps". The number of Native Americans lost to relocation and removal is staggering, and heartbreaking!

If you're studying or are an enthusiast of political science, you'd find the markers showing the influence by various politicians of the day—both for and against relocation—of great interest. There are some surprises there, I think.

On the flip side of that coin, the exhibition brings to light some of the contributions Native Americans made to modern day society...and there are more than most think. And it shows the European influence in Indian culture, as well.

Native Lands: Indian and Georgia | Atlanta History Center

I told you that my great grandmother was born on the Cherokee Reservation in North Carolina. My more than half Cherokee grand mother—who passed a number of years ago at 83...I miss her so—was a mere 4'9" and I loved spending time with her. 

My other grandmother and one grandfather had a considerable amount of Cherokee, so I have a lot of Cherokee in me, even though what you see is the English/Irish from my father's side of the family. You would never know that my mother is my mother. She has dark hair, a dark complexion, brown eyes, amazing cheek bones...and she did some modeling when she was young (said her proud son). 

Sadly, there's been more than once when someone said something off color about Native Americans, not knowing my heritage, to which I made it very clear that such comments are totally unacceptable. Be careful what you say...you just never know!

Native Lands: Indian and Georgia | Atlanta History Center

This exhibition, like most exhibitions at the Atlanta History Center, was included in regular admission...and free for members! The next listed upcoming exhibition is titled Following the the Bartrams' Footsteps, an exhibition that promises to excite and fascinate!

Jerusalem...As Never Before Seen

I just came from seeing Jerusalem, the new IMAX film showing at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Presented by National Geographic, you know it's going to be good. It's considerably more, by far.


Official Trailer - Jerusalem: Filmed for IMAX and Giant Screen Theaters from JerusalemTheMovie on Vimeo.

When I walked out of the theater, I immediately texted my best friend and said something to the effect of, "You MUST see this movie!" I went on to say that as much as I loved Space Station, which I saw at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum, as well as many others, I think Jerusalem is the most stunning, awe-inspiring IMAX film I've ever seen. 

From the first image to the last, this film's beauty—cinematography, narration and content—is breathtaking. My attention never left the screen—not a common accomplishment given today's typical movie-going experience. I didn't want it to end.

I don't care much for spoilers, so I won't share bits of the abundance of what I learned from this film, but do enjoy the trailer above. You'll see a glimpse, and I mean only a glimpse, of the magnificent journey the film Jerusalem will take you on. 

The film is 45 minutes, so plan a couple or few more hours to explore the wonders of Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

2013...A Photo Review of the Year

It's not until I look back through the wanderlust ATLANTA blog that I realize just how much I did in a year, and 2013 was quite a busy year. I'd like to share some of my favorite photos from the year, which do not necessarily cover all of my favorite places, but 25 photos that I really like...I hope you enjoy.

2013 Year in Review, wanderlust ATLANTA

Since today is New Year's Eve, why not start with a glass of bubbly. This shot was made at the Blooms & Bubbly event at the Atlanta Botanical Garden back in the spring.

2013 Year in Review, wanderlust ATLANTA

"Go Braves" took on a whole new meaning this year, with their announcement that they've moving to Cobb County. But I've been a loyal fan since 1990, so I'm sure I'll still go to see the occasional Atlanta Braves game.

2013 Year in Review, wanderlust ATLANTA

I just love this photo! This was made in one of the permanent galleries at Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

2013 Year in Review, wanderlust ATLANTA

I love this photo, too! This was made at the currently being renovated Delta Flight Museum, which I believe is slated to reopen in mid-2014.

2013 Year in Review, wanderlust ATLANTA

Getting to tour Fire Station #19 was so much fun! "Thank you" to our first responders for everything you do all year long!

2013 Year in Review, wanderlust ATLANTA

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love going to DragonCon, and the great admiration I have for the conventioneers who create their own costumes. This was a 2013 favorite!

2013 Year in Review, wanderlust ATLANTA

What a wonderful find! Only an hour north of Atlanta, Gibbs Gardens is one of the most remarkable gardens I've visited. So much so that I bought a Four Season Pass, so you'll see more from here.

2013 Year in Review, wanderlust ATLANTA

The World of Shells at Fernbank is an exhibit that I wish got more attention...the collection is truly quite remarkable.

2013 Year in Review, wanderlust ATLANTA

Having lived in Greece for more than two years, attending the annual Greek Festival on Clairmont Road is a treat in culture, tastes, music, and nostalgia.

2013 Year in Review, wanderlust ATLANTA

I have loved Rhodes Hall since the very first time I saw it. That it's garnered the name The Castle on Peachtree I think is very befitting. 

2013 Year in Review, wanderlust ATLANTA

Scarecrows in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden is such a fun and festive exhibition. This year's bought in a record number of scarecrows, many of which were quite impressive!

2013 Year in Review, wanderlust ATLANTA

The Museum of Design Atlanta is one of my favorite museums, in large part because of the "community" they've created. One of the ways they do that is through Field Trip. This chandelier was at DEX Industries when we visited earlier this year.

2013 Year in Review, wanderlust ATLANTA

It's not very often one gets to pose with creatures of this sort, so I love it when such opportunities present themselves. If you couldn't guess, this is at Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

2013 Year in Review, wanderlust ATLANTA

One of the great pleasures of being a tourism blogger is the opportunity to discover exhibitions an destinations that most would not...and then sharing said discoveries with one's readers. This painting of Joan Crawford I discovered in an exhibition at Arts Clayton.

2013 Year in Review, wanderlust ATLANTA

So, I visited Gibbs Gardens twice in 2013, once in the summer and once for their Japanese Maple Festival. I'll be going back in the spring to see their 20 million daffodils!

2013 Year in Review, wanderlust ATLANTA

I can hardly wait to go back to Medieval Times...what a fun experience! You get a "medieval" dinner--that you get to eat with your hands!--and a professional horse show, sword fighting, jousting...there's a lot going on here!

2013 Year in Review, wanderlust ATLANTA

I visited a lot of churches this year during Phoenix Flies, a program early in the year that facilitates hundreds of free tours around Atlanta. 

2013 Year in Review, wanderlust ATLANTA

I'm learning more and more about the Atlanta Beltline and look forward to further tours. This work of art on the Beltline spoke to my love of columns, which perhaps stems from living in Greece?

2013 Year in Review, wanderlust ATLANTA

As a photographer, I'm always on the lookout for beauty, and you can find it in the most unexpected places. These poppies were in a flower bed on the property of the Atlanta History Center...love them!

2013 Year in Review, wanderlust ATLANTA

Piedmont Park was the very first destination I blogged about more than three years ago and I still enjoy my visits there, which are fairly regular.

2013 Year in Review, wanderlust ATLANTA

The High Museum of Art is renowned for its spectacular exhibitions. The currently running Paris on Peachtree delights on numerous levels.

2013 Year in Review, wanderlust ATLANTA

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is a wondrous place, a place where you not only have the opportunity to increase one's knowledge of the world, but that also a place that inspires the imagination.

2013 Year in Review, wanderlust ATLANTA

The new 20-story SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel has caught the attention of thrill-seeking Atlantans and visitors, alike. And it offers views of Atlanta that no other attraction can!

2013 Year in Review, wanderlust ATLANTA

Atlanta tourist destinations also offer some brilliant holiday photography, such as this dinosaur at Fernbank which I edited to be somewhat ghostly for a Halloween announcement. Great fun!

2013 Year in Review, wanderlust ATLANTA

Atlanta's public art is quite phenomenal, in large part significantly increased in profile by winning the 1996 Olympic Games. This sculpture, The Flair, stands proudly outside Georgia Dome.

Well, there are approximately a bazillion more photos I'd love to share with you, but go enjoy your New Year's Even and Day. Have a wonderful time exploring Atlanta, exploring your own backyard, and showing friends and family around our beautiful city.

Happy New Year!

Travis