Under the Sea

For as long as I can remember, I have loved the ocean. It has more moods than most humans and although it is eons old, it can drown you with vigor.

This is why I spent my recent birthday (December 21st) at the Georgia Aquarium. Admission is free on your birthday, and while I didn’t attend any shows, I did see several denizens of the deep, including the Aquarium’s most famous resident, a whale shark that has resided in Atlanta for 18 years.

(Shark swimming, photo by me)

(seals)

Whale sharks are the largest extant fish species and, fittingly, the Georgia Aquarium is the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere with over 11 million gallons of fresh and salt water tanks and over 500 species of fish and aquatic mammals, including hammerhead sharks, beluga whales, and manta rays.

(Japanese sea nettle)

(reef fishes near a fake shipwreck)

The Aquarium is located near Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, near the World of Coca-Cola. Its main purpose is to encourage marine literacy (if that’s a thing) and conservation efforts. It’s also open 365 days a year.

(Whale shark in the background)

The views here remind me of Captain Nemo’s words in the 1954 Disney film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: “See how peaceful it is here.”

(Leopard shark)

There are presentations involving sea lions (see picture above) and bottlenose dolphins in addition to a touch tank with quiet, gliding stingrays that feel like velvet when you pet them.

(bottlenose dolphin)

(beluga whale watching)

Admission is normally $59 and parking nearby is around $20, but spending the afternoon in the company of such beautiful creatures is priceless. 


It’s autumn and sunny–perfect day for a hike

One of the easier hikes in White County, Georgia, is Dukes Creek Falls, which stands at the site where gold was first found in 1828. Dukes Creek is about 8 miles long and empties into the Chattahoochee river. 

In case you have a bad knee like me, know that there are stairs at the top and bottom of the trail near the observation point. The trail itself is about 1.1 miles down and back up again, partially paved, and a lot of fun. Dogs are welcome as long as they’re leashed.

The top of the trailhead has a gorgeous view of Mount Yonah. 

This is where you’ll park and hit the trail. Restrooms are also available. 

(Yonah is also a great hike but more challenging)

There is an ADA accessible platform at 0.1 mile on the trail, and this is where the pavement ends. The hike drops in elevation (the stairs) and there is a trail junction at 0.3 mile. Kids and dogs might want to take a right turn at this junction and head over to Davis Creek, where water flows over mossy boulders. 

The main trail can get muddy at times, and swings a hard left at the intersection, hiking southwest and descending into the creek valley. The sounds of the waterfall can be heard at various points along the trail.  My friend Kate and I brought our dogs, Georgia and Emma, and they didn’t have too much of a problem with the trail with the exception of the stairs; Emma doesn’t like those.

The trail reaches the Falls viewing platforms at 1 mile, with amazing views of the 150-foot tall falls.

The trail is only about 20 minutes north of the tourist town of Helen, GA, famous for its Alpine looks and Oktoberfest. Anna Ruby Falls and Unicoi State Park are also nearby.

Escape to a Woodland in Gainesville

Summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature. Plan a short excursion to the Atlanta Botanical Garden in Gainesville, where thirty minutes allows you to enjoy some stunning plants as well as artwork by a local artist.

The botanical garden is a gift from Douglas and Ada Ivester. Douglas is the retired CEO of the Coca-Cola Company, whose headquarters is in Atlanta. The gardens feature several walking paths including one especially for children with “shrub tunnels”, a fairy village, and a stone dragon made for climbing. 

There are benches if you get tired as well as a Little Free Library if your children feel the need to read about nature in addition to experiencing it. The day I toured, there were several small children playing and exploring and it’s encouraging to see parents allow their children to learn through play.

Starting June 7 and running through October, there is an art exhibit from Atlanta-based artist Huelani Mei, entitled Woodland Wonders. Shown below is Mike, the Wise Owl. Other creatures include an ant army, a fox, and a cardinal. 

Admission for adults is $14.95 and $12.95 for children ages 3-12. Children under 3 are free. Grab a map from the Visitor Center (check out the gift shop as well) and have a beautiful day.

Ellijay Apple Festival

If you’re heading to Ellijay this weekend or the next for the annual Georgia Apple Festival, here are a couple of things you should know.

The traffic situation can be ungodly. Ellijay and Gilmer County as a whole have grown so much, but the roads haven’t kept up the pace. The main roads you’ll need to get to the festival are Highway 52, Highway 515, and Big Creek. These are the main roads to and from Ellijay and out to the more rural areas and apple houses.

While you’re there support Ellijay’s local businesses. The historical district is known to the locals as “the square”. There is a wonderful cigar lounge that has great staff, a winery, a rooftop restaurant that has pet-friendly outdoor dining, a chocolate store, and an antique shop.  Check them out when you’re done in the orchards. Past the public safety building and schools, you’ll find Mr. P’s, a nice restaurant famous for its custard. If you want to head out, there’s a nearby mushroom farm (you’ll want to use GPS). 

You should also enjoy a visit to Green Willow Soap Shop if you’re into self-care. Everything is made in the store and it smells heavenly.

The actual festival is only held on Saturday and Sunday, but the orchards are open during the week. If you go, stay safe and have a beautiful day!

(Photo courtesy of the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce)

A really annoying day

Atlanta is a wonderful city to visit, but we asked ChatGPT to plan an annoying day for potential visitors:

7:00 AM: Morning Commute

  • Start your day by heading out during rush hour. Drive on I-285, Atlanta’s Perimeter Highway, known for its heavy traffic and frequent accidents. Aim for a section where there’s construction, such as near the I-85 interchange.

8:30 AM: Breakfast at a Crowded Fast Food Chain

  • Stop by a popular fast-food chain near a busy intersection, like the Chick-fil-A on Northside Drive. Order during the peak breakfast rush and wait in a long drive-thru line. Consider ordering something complicated or with substitutions.

9:30 AM: Visit the DMV

  • Visit the DMV on a day without an appointment. Pick the busiest location, such as the one on Pryor Street. Ensure you have incomplete or incorrect paperwork to maximize waiting time and frustration.

11:00 AM: Mid-Morning Trip to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

  • Head to the airport to pick up a friend who’s arriving late. Circle the terminal a few times because they didn’t provide you with the correct gate information. Then, wait for an extended period due to delayed baggage claim.

12:30 PM: Lunch at an Overhyped Restaurant

  • Head to Ponce City Market, but instead of going to a renowned spot, pick a trendy, overpriced restaurant with mediocre reviews. Wait in a long line only to be seated at a cramped table next to a noisy group.

2:00 PM: Afternoon at an Art Museum During a School Field Trip

  • Visit the High Museum of Art right as multiple school groups arrive. Endure loud, chaotic children as you try to enjoy the exhibits. To add to the annoyance, go on a day when the museum has a limited exhibit.

3:30 PM: Coffee at a Slow Café

  • Stop by a hipster coffee shop like Octane, where the barista takes a painfully long time to make your order. There might also be no seating available, so you’ll end up standing awkwardly with your drink.

4:00 PM: Ride MARTA During Peak Hours

  • Take a ride on MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) during peak hours, possibly around 4:00 PM. Choose a route that’s known for being crowded and slow, such as the Red Line towards North Springs. If possible, find a car with a broken air conditioner.

5:30 PM: Unnecessary Trip to Lenox Square

  • Visit Lenox Square Mall during rush hour. Endure the crowded parking lots, aggressive drivers, and busy stores. Just browse, but don’t buy anything, and waste time looking for items that are out of stock.

7:00 PM: Dinner at a Noisy, Overbooked Restaurant

  • Try to get a last-minute reservation at a noisy, overrated restaurant in Midtown, like The Varsity, and wait for a table. End up seated near the kitchen or restrooms, where it’s loud and constantly busy.

9:00 PM: Attend a Sports Event with No Parking

  • Attend an Atlanta Hawks game at State Farm Arena, but leave late and struggle to find parking. Park far away, and then deal with the post-game traffic and crowds when leaving.

11:00 PM: Late-Night Traffic Jam

  • Wrap up your day by trying to head home via I-75 during a random construction-related traffic jam. Expect to sit in traffic for an extended period, possibly due to lane closures or an accident.

This plan should ensure a day filled with inconveniences and annoyances across Atlanta!

Scenic route from Atlanta to Nashville

To get from Atlanta to Nashville via the interstate highway system takes about 4 hours, but if you’ve got some time to spare, you can try some of the back roads through Georgia.

Get on Georgia 52 near Ellijay and Fort Mountain State Park. There’s lots of scenic views, and Ellijay is famous for its apple barns (https://www.redapplebarn.com/) and ciders, and many are open year-round. You can get to Highway 52 from Dahlonega, a picturesque small town that was once the center of the first U.S. gold rush, starting in 1829. The town supported 15,000 miners and lasted until 1848, when gold was discovered in the Sierra Nevada mountains and everyone headed west.

Just south of Chattanooga, TN, is Lookout Mountain, which is well worth the visit. You can climb the mountain via well marked trails and see seven states from its summit. There’s also Lover’s Leap, a waterfall that drops about a hundred feet. If you want to stay awhile, also see Ruby Falls, a gorgeous underground waterfall. It’s located not far from Lookout Mountain. Both can be done in a day. The southern end of Lookout Mountain hosts Cloudland Canyon State Park, which has some moderately difficult hiking but gorgeous views.

Once you get to Tennessee, you may enjoy a drive up TN 28 and US127 in the Sequatchie River Valley. Fall Creek Falls State Park (north of Dunlap, TN) is beautiful. Once you get to Nashville, enjoy some of the best live music from multiple genres.

Tickets for Lookout Mountain and Ruby Falls can be bought online here: https://www.lookoutmountain.com/

Northwest Georgia’s best place for fall foliage

It’s officially fall, ya’ll, and many are heading out to the Georgia state parks to do some leaf-watching.  The fall colors are spectacular and one of the best places to see them in northwest Georgia is Cloudland Canyon State Park.

(Image credit: Explore Georgia)

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the best time for fall foliage is late October-early November north of Atlanta. If you’re heading to the Rome or Cartersville areas, check out Cloudland Canyon (on the back side of Lookout Mountain, also a fun trip). 

Cloudland Canyon has 60 miles of hikes with waterfalls, biking trails, horseback riding, and fishing..  There’s even a disc golf area and geocaching. The hike is considered moderate, but it’s doable for most people. 

For the more adventurous, get a permit and head into the Cloudland Caves.  Please note that this is for experienced wild cavers only!  The caves are open April, June July through September and October.  

While in the area, check out River Remedy Brewing Company or The Foundry Growler Bar:

(Image Credit: foundrygrowlerbar.com)

The Foundry has plenty of options from appetizer-type dishes in their dining room to wine tasting to packaged craft beers and a Spanish cedar humidor.

If you want to find out the best time to see fall foliage anywhere in Georgia, check out the Leaf Watch guide.

As always, happy fall and have a beautiful day!

St. Simon’s Island – a beautiful place to spend a weekend

It’s summer and everyone, it seems, is headed to the beach.

Make your reservations at Ocean Inn & Suites, where you’ll be about half a block from the beach. Pack plenty of sunscreen, a towel, and a calm attitude. You’ll also be close to the pier, the lighthouse, and all the tourist-y areas they encompass.

Massengale Park also has a nice beach.  If you do choose to climb the lighthouse, there is a combination ticket you can buy for the WWII Homefront Museum.  You can also tour Fort Frederica.  The Avenue of the Oaks makes for a beautiful photo setting.   If you don’t want to drive much (and who does, on vacation?), you can rent bikes and ride all over the island.  There’s even a trolley tour of the island. 

For meals, check out Southern Soul BBQ and Frosty’s Griddle & Shake. Also check out Barbara Jean’s. East Beach (Coast Guard station) has a concession stand.  Look for the carts from Sunset Slush when on the beach.  Brogen’s (by the pier) is also good.  Mullet Bay is a good seaford choice with plenty of outdoor seating.

(Some of the menu selections at Barbara Jean’s)

Jekyll Island is nearby with beautiful large pieces of driftwood that make for a magical photo op.

On your way back home, stop in Brunswick at Silver Bluff Brewery for beers before heading to Reid’s Apothecary for a good meal.

How to Succeed in Business

I wanted to take a moment to spotlight my friends and their Georgia-based businesses.

First, there is Andrea Green. She’s an optician with 20 years’ experience (and an opera singer!) who just opened a new eyewear boutique in Roswell, 2C Facewear.

Be sure to join her on April 29, 2023, for a trunk show featuring the latest in designer eyewear.

Second, there is entrepreneur Brianna Case, who owns Honeybee Card Shop (https://www.etsy.com/shop/honeybeecardshop), which has a variety of luxury paper goods. She is responsible for my daughter’s Star Wars-inspired wedding invitations. She also thrifts and can host tea parties and other networking events locally in Buford, Georgia. Be sure to check her out on IG and FB.

As a bonus, her husband Elijah Case, is a terrific DJ. (Check him out as DJ Honeybeats on FB and IG).

Third, there is Audrey Hunter Stine, who bakes delicious cakes for a variety of occasions. Her cake page is on FB as Audrey’s Cake Page [https://www.facebook.com/stinechick08]. This is a recent creation of hers, for a graduation party:

There are a lot of great small businesses to support in Georgia, including farmer’s markets. The Flowery Branch farmer’s market is open on Thursdays from 10 am to 6:30 pm in downtown Flowery Branch, which is undergoing some renovations, so use caution.