Atlanta

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We rolled through Alabama, green and lush with flowering shrubs on our way to Atlanta, Georgia. Redbud, dogwood, azalea, Japanese cherry blossoms (Macon, GA has more cherry trees than DC), forsythia, wisteria and more are in full bloom. We passed through a precious little ante-bellum town, Eufaula, Alabama. The photos are from the town's web site. No stopping due to rain. We detoured due to an accident on I 85 and took a scenic drive through the countryside, passing through quaint Luthersville and a bustling commercial stretch of Peach Tree City. Sorry for the accident; but love getting off the interstate. In the morning, we programmed the Magellan and headed for the Georgia Aquarium. This is a must see. Incredible collection, and most are on view in an eco-system setting. Some of the exhibits have associated music ... dramatic for the roar of the tide in the coral reef; balletic for the Belugas . who can turn their necks around like dancers. Among the highlights are the Beluga Whales and a huge "ocean voyage" tank with whale sharks swimming among a huge collection of other fish. That tank passes over a tunnel that positions visitors to be almost totally surrounded by fish. We heard that a traveling exhibit "Tutankhamen" was in Atlanta for a few months and caught that at the civic center. It was amazing and dramatic. To think of the antiquity and the condition of the pieces, especially the gold jewelry and funereal items is awe inspiring! As at the aquarium, dramatic music played in the background, further enhanced by the faint smell of incense. We rented "audio tour's" which made our visit an even better experience. There were several school groups at both the Aquarium and the King Tut venues. The lucky children, conducting "research" with their clip boards were polite and interested. We bought our King Tut tickets as a combo deal at the Aquarium and had a free shuttle between the two venues. Atlanta seems to have good parking. We were in a garage across from Centennial Olympic Park, a Children's Museum, the Coca Cola Museum and the Aquarium. We met our cousin Michael Reilly in the late afternoon. He has been working and living in the Atlanta area for ten years so we were treated to a great tour of some charming neighborhoods like Virginia Highlands among others. Then swooped into Decatur, a very nice livable, walkable suburban community. We drove by the President Carter Museum and Library, the Botanical Gardens and other attractions to try another time. In Decatur, we stopped in at Tasting's, a unique winebar "wine experience “with computerized "by the ounce" tastings. Wes tasted a $60 bottle and we both sampled a few new (to us) wines. Tastings is at 335A West Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, Ga. For dinner, Michael guided us to Fritti, 309 N. Highland Dr., Atlanta next to its "sister restaurant," Sotto. Calamari, salads and an array of wood-fired thin gourmet pizzas delighted. We left Atlanta by 9 on Thursday morning heading through Georgia and Tennessee toward Lexington, KY. Route I75 offers some gorgeous scenery - spring is in full bloom - April 2.

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Photos

Typical Eufaula, Alabama Home
Sweet Home Alabama!

The Shorter Mansion
This is the Eufaula Historical Society's Museum

Tastings, A Wine Experience
This wine bar in Decatur features winetastings by the measured ounce; activated by a pre-paid card chip.

Mike Reilly and Wes at Tastings, A Wine Experience
This Decatur, GA winebar is unique and fun. You get a "wine card" and a glass, tour the "bottles" and select wines one at a time by the ounce, three ounce or six ounce serving. Great way to taste that very expensive bottle you likely would never purchase.

Beluga Whale
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta offered our first thrilling glimpse ever of gracedul dancelike Belugas. For another time, we might go for the "back stage" tours to the third floor feeding area. "Very worth it," said guests on the elevator.

Whale Shark
The Ocean Voyager tank is mesmerizing. And, it is huge!

King Tut
No photos allowed inside the exhibit which is traveling to major cities. The collection is amazing; especially the gold from beautiful necklaces, bracelets and earings to the unusual funeral itmes found on the "boy king." They actually covered his fingertips and toes with 14k "covers." And, then there were golden slippers - formed like flip flops.

Things Go Better With Coke
Atlanta is the birthplace of Coca Cola - We may visit the Coke Museum next time.

Comments

[Jayne]

Vive Georgia!
Hi Guys, Yes, Atlanta is a great 'town." I've been there a couple times and enjoyed the botanical gardens and such. Your dual museum experience sounded awesome, as did everything else! Be safe. Jayne

[Lauren Prock]

BEAUTIFUL
These places look absolutly beautiful. I wish that Jeff and I could go on vacation. Can't wait to hear about your trip.