Atlanta w/Mister - Days 3. 4. and Going Home

Day 3 - Good morning!!  Lo and behold -- there is a coffee shop within walking distance of our place.  Are we walking? Oh my heck, no.  It's way more fun to try and find parking spaces here.  At any rate, Condesa Coffee here we come.

I have to tell you.  This is just plain yummy.  The coffee is good as is the kouign amann sweet treat.  I really need to give these a try at home.  It seems the more this year comes to an end, the more I want to be back in the kitchen.  Did I say this last year too?  I hope not because I really want to make the change and get back to doing many of the things I love so much.

Today's  journey is going to take us a bit out of the city.  However, right now, at the coffee shop, this is the view out the window.  Yes, we are THIS close to downtown.

So, I bet you are wondering just where we are off to today.  I think Mister is too.  I haven't told him, just said we are driving a bit.  Stone Mountain is on the agenda and I'm hoping the sky will clear a bit so that we get a good view of it.

As we arrive, it's still pretty hazy so the view is not magnificent, but I think we do okay.  It appears that the entire park is set up for a Christmas/Winter park and kids are everywhere.  They have even brought in temporary sled runs.  How fun.

Ahhhh, here is a better view.  Nice job Mister.  As we stand here, we can see people moving along the top of the mountain.  Do they ride the lift up?  Let's go find out.

It turns out that there are two ways to the top.  A $12.00 one way ride on the gondola OR hiking.  So, $24.00 each way  seems a bit high to us.  Let's get to it and back to the car we go.  A mile down the road is another parking lot and the start to the trail.  I'm ready.

All along the way there are carvings in the rocks that date back to the 1800's and Civil War Era as well as the early 1900's.  It's pretty fascinating to see them along the way and we stop often to read and attempt to learn just who was here and why.

As we near the beginning of the steeper area, we pause, catch our breathe, and grab a picture or two.  I have to stay very focused now.

It's definitely a challenge, but we're up  to it and find ourselves doing better than many who are half our age or even younger.   Water would have been  good though.  I have my fingers crossed to find some at the top.

At this point, Mister has his momentum going and leaves me in the dust - or I guess, rocks.  I just keep on keeping on and soon make the top myself.

We have talked back and forth with a nice man and his son the whole way up.  He is the one who took our pictures halfway and Mister takes this opportunity to repay the kindness.

I'm almost there.  Follow the white line, follow the white line, follow the white line.  It's a chant for me as it leads to the building ahead of me that I am sure has water.  The funny part is that the signs say to stay away from the white line and follow the yellow one.  Odd??  I think so too.

I have made it.  See that building?  It has water.  Mister wants a few pictures first though.  Hurry up.

Once we have found a drink and rested for a few minutes, it is time to enjoy the view.  At the edge, the entire valley lays out before us and the park where we had stood moments before.  We are unable to see the carving in the side from here, but everything else is incredible.

See that color out there?  So pretty.

While I'm taking these pictures, apparently my sweetheart is busy photographing me.

This one makes me laugh.  He developed it at the correct angle but it makes me look like I'm tilted.

And then if he straightens the horizon . . .

After about an hour at the top, it's time to make the trek back down.

Although the first part is a bit tricky and kind of hard on the knees, the remainder is a piece of cake and goes oh so much faster.

As we approach the parking lot and museum at the bottom, the flags are waving just perfect and I manage to capture an image to remember.

Now for a stop in the museum where we arrive just in time to watch a video about the making of the carving on the stone's face.

I'm pretty impressed that I remember the name of the man who started this project as the man who went on to do the sculptures on Mount Rushmore.  See, sometimes I do pay attention to the history lessons.  Hey Mister, I'm ready for some lunch.  How about you?

Back at the car, we decide to check out the Dekalb Farmer's Market and I am so very sad to say that cameras are forbidden inside this store.  OMG.   It is a world market and the prices and variety in the store are not to be beat.  I'm very serious when I say that.  WOW.  It does have a restaurant inside as well so we grab a couple plates of food and enjoy the tastes of many countries all in one place.

A quick look at my watch tells us that it is after 4:00.  That means it's time for tonight's brewery.  This area of the city has a couple new ones that we want to try.  First up is Three Taverns, known for their sours.  I order a small ale and go to find a spot to sit.  The only open chairs are at a table with another gentleman.  After asking if we can join him, he agrees and adds that his friend is still in line so there will be four at the table.  Perfect.  They are delightful to visit with and we share information on must stop places.  Time to move on.

Just around the corner is Blue Tarp and this place is certainly unique - and not necessarily in a good way.  Inside the door you see below is a rather odd looking fellow who asks for our ID's and a credit card.  He hands us two glasses and tells us that we have already been charged for them and if we want that charge taken off, the glasses must be returned.  At this point we can go to the bar and order our beer, which are also charged by the glass.  It's all just so odd.  There is a group of people sitting on sofas watching a game.  No other seats are in the place - I guess we'll go outside.

It seems as though we have started something since the place starts filling up just as we sit down.  A group from Minnesota stops in and we are able to visit a bit.  The Vikings are playing the Falcons tomorrow, thus the reason for their trip.  Note to selves:  stay FAR away from that part of the city tomorrow.

As we are sitting at the table outside, I notice that the sign lists IDC distillery in this building.  Wouldn't that be fun?  We talk about it and then continue visiting.  Upon leaving, Mister says, "Hey, there are lights on back there.  Perhaps the distillery is open."  I am already in the car but happy to go and check it out.

What a delightful discovery.  A few minutes of discussion has us doing a tasting of their rums and one whiskey.  The spirits are clean and wonderful.  Period.  Oh so good.  The owner visits with us for a really long time, until the place starts to fill up with people again.  Mister goes for a tour of the operations while I just sit and visit.  I'm actually kind of tired tonight and sitting is quite lovely.

It's REALLY time for some food and we don't appear to be able to agree on what to eat so Thai it is.  No one should eat late and then go to bed, but that is absolutely the plan.  See ya'll tomorrow.

Day 4 - Today is our early day.  We are planning on the zoo for the morning and it opens at 9:30.  First things first and I've found a coffee shop 5 minutes from the zoo.  Score one for me.  As we walk through the door, I literally stop in my tracks and stare.  The pastries here look amazing and it'll take me forever just to pick one out.  With that task finally accomplished, now I have to choose a coffee and this is when we discover that two separate businesses are occupying this space and thus, we have to pay separately for the pastries and coffee.  It's a little crazy, but if it works for them -- go for it.  Here's a peek around the shop, which also has a third enterprise -- a bar inside.

The two shops we are at today are The Little Tart and Octane.

Mister has a chance to talk with the baristas and check out their machines.  Treats arrive at the table and I'm oh so ready.  I chose an apricot scone and it is just so dang good.  Each time I do this, I swear I am going home to play with my recipe some more and make adaptations.  I know I can, I just need to take the time and do so.

The fog outside is finally starting to lift (or burn off depending on what part of the country you live in) and the zoo is about to open.  Time to get our walking shoes on.

We arrive about 5 minutes before opening.  Woohoo.  Let's hope the animals are awake.

Thankfully, our membership at the Dallas Zoo helps out here because this zoo is twice the admission cost as ours.  WOW.  When the gate opens, we make a beeline towards the pandas.  Yes, that is the reason we are here.  Along the way are some birds and they catch my attention quick.  Look close at this one.  It is a Southern Ground Hornbill and the eyelashes are sooooo long and cool.  What a great start to our day.

"Hurry up," Mister says.  Ooooh, he's right.  We want to be there when the pandas enter the habitat and are their most active.  Let's go.  I'm back in the game.

Look. look --- the twins are out.

A few minutes later, they are playing in a nearby structure.

Then, back to the food, with Mom along.

Dad is next door, doing his own thing.

Such a fun shot.

We've been here about half an hour, let's go see what else this zoo has to offer that Dallas doesn't.  Isn't that the fun of visiting different zoos?  If they were all the same with the same animals, it wouldn't be near as fun to me.  Next up is a Sun Bear.  We don't have any bears at all and I wish we did.  Oh look, they are awake.  One of the ladies standing near us says she comes here all the time and they are NEVER awake.  Woohoo, we are on a roll today.

Around the next bend are the orangutans.  Another non-Dallas animal and it appears a large group live here.  Some are up close, including a juvenile, causing both of us to stand and watch for quite awhile.  Waaaay too many pictures are taken while watching, but a few turned out fun.

A mouthful of leaves.

Mom waiting for her little.

Awww.

And one last one that just makes us smile each time we look at the picture.  The hand on head never moved as long as we stood there.  Too funny.

It turns out we have entered a one-way path due to some construction here.  A super fun turtle stands outside the old (read closed) reptile building and a red panda hides in a nearby tree forcing us to cross our fingers for a glimpse of his face.  Success.  Now to turn around and find another path to follow.  As we move back into the area, another unknown to us is caught hiding at the back of a habitat below.  It's a Tanuki.  I am having such a great time with the variety of different animals we are able to observe today.  They are not all "new" to me, but a few fit that category and the Tanuki is one for sure.

An otter delighting in the sun - well and some food too.

The last in this section of the zoo --- the gorilla family, where babies are being carried and a chase is taking place between older siblings(?) with Mom having to intervene.

The aviary awards us with an up-close encounter (seriously less than a foot away and not interested in moving).

The day would not be complete without a tour of the new reptile building.  How fun that the first thing we spot is a snapping turtle.  Ooooh.

It is a nice, new center but apparently has a few issues as many areas are closed and in the process of being repaired.  Hmmmm.

He's almost as interested in us as we are in him.  Another tank has a Snake-Neck Turtle bale and one is so sweet as to almost pose for us.  What a fun picture to have.

And that's it.  Our morning here is coming to an end.  One the way here, we noticed a "farmers" market in the park and opt to check it out now as we leave. 

The color in the park is just beautiful right now and I'm almost as happy to be immersed in it as I am to check out the tents.  The greens, golds, and occasional reds are simply stunning.

As hard as it seems to imagine, no purchases are made and we are once again back on the road.  Right at the end of this street is the Oakland Cemetery and the last item on my list of "want to visit" places. 

The plaque outside the cemetery reads, "In 1850 the City of Atlanta established a public cemetery on this ridge overlooking downtown.  Originally known as Atlanta or City Cemetery, the name Oakland was adopted in 1872 because of its many oaks.  It was the principal burial ground for Atlanta residents, travelers, and paupers.  The cemetery contains separate African American and Jewish burial sections, as well as distinct areas for Confederate and Union Soldiers.  This 48-acre cemetery is the burial site of several Georgia governors, more than twenty Atlanta mayors, and five Confederate generals.  Author Margaret Mitchell and golfer Bobby Jones are also buried here.  Developed in the style of the 'rural' cemetery movement, Oakland is an example of the Victorian interest in funerary art and English landscape aesthetics." 

I LOVE old cemeteries (does this sound strange?) and am just going to share a few of the images with ya'll.

We wander the whole cemetery and many areas have been restored as it is laid out in sections.  The city is doing a great job of preserving the history here and yet, teaching at the same time.

After a stop at the visitor center, we understand more of the layout and are able to pick out the different sections a wee bit easier.  Some are very obvious, other's not so much.

Confederate soldiers.

Entering the Jewish section

Just a couple more images

I have declared myself officially hungry.  Mister secretly sets the GPS and off we go.  Oh look --- there is the Capitol building.

And here is our destination.  Apparently The Varsity is a "must do" for the city.  Well, alrighty then, let's go inside.

This place is hopping and that's putting it mildly.  Wow.  With our food in hand, off to the second level we go.  The windows overlook a parking garage below as well as the second level for cars.  Yes, this place is just that big that it needs all the spaces.  Crazy, but true.

Our time in Atlanta is rapidly coming to an end and we have one more brewery we would like to check out before heading back to the room for an early night.  Along the belt-line is a place called Orpheus Brewing.  As we walk up, a small little parking lot event is going on and the atmosphere is definitely festive.

They also specialize in sours (something we did NOT know) so after a great discussion with the bartender, I order a light IPA and wander up to the outdoor deck to find a couple of seats.  Mister joins me and we just bask in the sun and fun of the area.  This is the perfect place to end this trip.  A couple of hours later, we're ready to pack and call it an evening.  The sun has gone down, there is a chill in the air, and the glasses are empty.  Thank you, my love, for a truly wonderful Christmas trip.

It's off to the room to pack and get to bed early.  We rise at 3 a.m. and believe it or not, will be back in Dallas before 7:30 a.m. 

Going Home - In the wee hours, we quietly leave our room so as not to disturb anyone else and make our way to the airport, return the rental car, and do the airport thing.  See ya again sometime Atlanta - we sure have enjoyed it here.  (not done with the post yet)

The sunrise moves along with us all the way home.

Back safe and sound in Dallas, Mister says it's still vacation and where should we go for a nice breakfast.  The choice of Bread Winners is made and look at how beautiful this food is.  The amount is scary and we won't have to eat again all day, but it is definitely lovely.

That's it.  This trip is in the books and I simply can't wait for our next adventure to begin. 

By the way, if you have seen anything you like, this trip was crazy inexpensive.  Our flights were less than $300.00 for both of us, room was less that $300 for 4 nights, car rental was $104.00 and we didn't even use a full tank of gas.  Our memberships covered costs at Botanical Garden and the Zoo - CDC and Federal Reserve were free.  No cost for cemetery or Stone Mountain either (oh we had to pay to park at Stone Mountain).  That pretty much just leaves the breweries and food.  Truly less than $1,000 for four fun days.  Never think it' can't happen.