Nan - Thai Restaurant

I haven't been lucky enough yet to eat at Nan but love their giant pea pod on the corner of 17th and Spring - I hear the food is excellent - hopefully soon I can try it.

Cirque de Soliel - KOOZA

Cirque de Soliel is in town to perform KOOZA - I just love these bright yellow and blue tents at Atlantic Station - you can see them from the expressway - very interesting!

Got Jesus?

I see this van once and a while on my way to work. I happened to see it today and my camera was laying there in the passenger seat so I picked it up and snapped this shot. (Note: I normally do not take pictures while driving - but the traffic was very slow so I was practically at a stop when I took it). I'd like to meet the person that drives this van one day - I'm sure he would be an interesting person to talk to.

CNN Offices

This is the inside of the CNN center - it is actually in the lobby/food court area - this is an escalator that goes up to the Cable News Network offices - pretty cool that you have to go through the world to get there. This area is in between the Omni Hotel and Philips Arena (where the Omni used to be - I like the Arena but the Omni held a lot of fond memories for me)

Eddie's Attic

In my opionion (and several other's I'm sure), the best place to see live music in Atlanta is Eddie's Attic. It is in Decatur town square on the 2nd level (across from the courthouse). They have a great patio area if you prefer the outdoors (or if you smoke) and the inside music room is just the right size - not too big but yet not too small. Lots of now famous folks have started at Eddie's such as John Mayer, Sugarland, Shawn Mullins & Josh Joplin. Others who've frequently played are Indigo Girls, Michelle Malone, Kristen Hall, Caroline Aiken and one of my faves Cowboy Envy.

It is mostly a singer/songwriter place - lots of acostic musics and occasionally original owner, Mr. Eddie Owen himself will get up and do a song or two (he's very good, by the way). They have a pretty good menu too. I love the Thai Salad. If you go, get there early to ensure you get in - this is a popular night spot and fills up pretty quickly.

The Majestic

The Majestic is a downtown diner that has been in business since 1929 - I love the outside of this place - reminds me of the art deco section in Miami. The menu is a typical diner menu - they are most famouse for their breakfast and after a concert the place to go is either the Majestic or Waffle House. It's located on Ponce de Leon Avenue (in Atlanta we don't say it with the French accent - we say Ponce Da Lee - on (rhymes with neon) - if we hear someone pronounce it like the French explorer's name - we know they are from out of town.

Inside The Fox

This picture does NOT do this justice. I went to the Fox Theater to see the movie Bolt today and afterwards, hung around to take a few pictures - this is the curtian that is on the stage (in front of the screen today). It is really very beautiful. You cannot see it in the uploaded photo but it really shimmers and glitters.

It is extremly ornate and very stunning in realy life. The Fox Theater is another one of of those beautiful old buildings saved from the wreaking ball (thank heavens). It is also one of my favorite places to go. I have season tickets (for the Broadway series) so you are likely to see more pictures of this treasured theater.

Cool Building I

I don't know the name of this building - it used to be a hotel and at one time I think it was set for demolition but some wonderful developer or company came along and saved it. It makes me so sad to see old building torn down, especially the ones that have so much character. These are now condos. I love the design of the building. It is on Peachtree @ Ponce.

There is a restaurant downstairs now, but it used to be the home of the Agora Ballroom. Man! A lot of great bands played there in the late 70s, early 80s.

Night Traffic

Don't think this pic is out of focus - well, it may be but I did it on purpose - just playing around with the night lights and my camera. I kind of like the effect. People say NYC is the city that never sleeps but Atlanta is right behind them I think. There always seems to be something going on, somewhere and at anytime.

Atlanta is famous for its traffic jams (especially during Braves season) but this shows that even at 10 pm, you might get caught in a traffic jam. Aaaa - the joys of city life.

Mary Mac's

The sign outside says "Mary Mac's Tea Room" but locals don't really consider it a 'tea room' - unless you take into consideration that they have the best sweet ice tea in all of Atlanta. They also serve the best southern cookin' in town.

Mary Mac's opened in 1945. The original owner, Mary McKenzie, decided to open it and use her excellent southern cooking skills to earn money. Back during WWII, women just didn't open their own restaurants so she used a more genteel name and that is where the "Tea Room" part came from.

This is a hot spot for tourist and locals alike. If you ask most locals where to get the best southern cooking in town - this is where you will be told to go. I recommend the Fried Chicken, Collard Greens, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy and of course you have to start out with Pot Likker and Cracklin' Bread. Also, if you go here, you must order the table wine of the south - a big glass of sweet ice tea. So good - it will make you slap your grandma.

Trackside Tavern

One of the greatest bars in town burned down about 5 am this morning - The Trackside Tavern. I met so many of my friends there and spent many, many, many, many evenings of my life there. I don't know if they will rebuild but I can't imagine it being the same. What a sad sight.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Since MLK, Jr. was from Atlanta, it is a widely celebrated day here. However, today, there were some people that protested the ceremonies held at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Rick Warren, author of "The Purpose Driven Life" and the man who will deliver the invocation at tomorrow inauguration spoke at the former church home of Dr. King.

Protestors were there because Pastor Warren helped rally support to outlaw same sex marriages. The protestors were there because Rev. King believed in equal rights and they are saying that Mr. Warren there since he is not the voice of equality.

Link: Martin Luther King's I Have A Dream Speech

Oakland Cemetary

I love Oakland Cementary and will probably post quite a few pictures from there. You have a beautiful view of the city from here. It is full of beautiful statues and is so peaceful and serene. I can (and have) spent hours here.

Hands On Atlanta

I took this picture on the side of a bus waiting station. It is a poster for Hands On Atlanta. It is a wonderful organization, which I have been a part. Volunteers do all kinds of things from building playgrounds for inner city schools, planting shrubs at medical facilities, delivering meals, etc. It is a great way to get involved and help your community.

Margaret Mitchell House

This is the Margaret Mitchell House. It is the home where Margaret was living when she wrote "Gone With The Wind". The house, which was built in 1899, was divided into 10 small apartments in 1919. Margaret and her husband John moved into Apt. #1 in 1925 when it was known as the Crescent Apartments. She wrote the famous novel while living there The place didn't quite look this nice when Margaret lived there.

Apparently, during Margaret's time living there, the place was not as nice as it is today (it was restored in 1996). She lovingly called it "the dump", which is also what many locals called it before restoration, since the place was falling apart. There were 'mysterious fires' that occurred during restorations - apparently set by arsonist and thought to have been racially motivated (as far as I know, no one was ever caught or charged with the incidents).

I learned more about Margaret there then I thought I would. She apparently was quite the fun-loving girl. She and John moved out in 1932. If you are ever in Atlanta, I recommend this place-especially if you are a GWTW fan.

The King and Queen - Atlanta Style

Like many others, I am facinated by these buildings. They are called "The King & Queen" by the locals. They are called this because the tops resemble the king and queen chess pieces. They are very stunning and beautiful and I look at them all day long - I can see them from my office window. I love how they stand out as part of Atlanta's growing 2nd skyline (we are growing a 2nd skyline somehow) - I fear that one day more tall buildings will come in and hide them, just like they did with the Regency Hotel. But for now - they stand quite tall - the King and Queen of Atlanta.

Hot Doughnuts Now!

Krispy Kreme is not excuslive to Atlanta, of course, but the downtown location is a very beloved establishment. Everyone knows that when the "HOT" sign is on - you don't think about it, you just pull in and go in and get you some. These are the best doughnuts in the whole wide world - but when the hot sign is on - they are taking them right out of the cooker - they practically melt in your mouth. I saw this sign lit up tonight after I was leaving church. I just had to pull in and get a couple. Oh man, are they good !!

Men Holding the World

This sculpture is located on top of a slender tower downtown on Peachtree Street. I must admit, I quite like the sculpture but do not know why it is there or exactly what it is.

It is kind of hard to read in the image above and sadly, it is kind of hard to find in the city. It is just a small little plaque imbedded in the sidewalk on Peachtree Street. It marks the turning point of the (now long gone) Peachtree-Ponce de Leon Springs trolley line. I'm too young to remember when Atlanta had trolleys but occassionally will see remnants of it (parts of rail lines or markers such as this one). This marker is dedicated to the memory of the trolley line and all its riders that passed along its tracks.

Church of the Common Ground

This is the Church of the Common Ground. It is a church service that takes place every Sunday in Woodruff Park. The congregation is mostly comprised of homeless people, but it is also designed for those that feel as though traditional church services are just not for them. Just like any other church, they offer Bible studies, but they also offer medical clinics. What a wonderful ministry!

Govenor Protest Sticker

Sonny Perdue is our Governor. I spotted this little protest bumper sticker right across the street from the Capitol. I realized later that it had the old Georgia flag on it. I guess whoever wanted to "Punt Perdue" was un-happy about the change of the Georgia flag. I, personally, think overall he has been a pretty good Governor. I don't agree with all his politics or some of decisions he made (mainly that dumb million dollar fish farm he is having built), but overall, think he has done a pretty good job. Guess someone else thinks otherwise.

Corey Smoke Stack

I took this picture after leaving a meeting at the "Sloppy Floyd Building". The 300 foot Corey Smoke Stack is a very well known landmark in Atlanta - often when people give directions, they will say "it is near the Corey Smoke Stack". It is right across the bridge from the State Capitol Building.

57th Fighter Group

These army jeeps were a big part of my inspiration in starting this blog. I drive by them a few times a week and keep saying to my self "I need to take pictures of that".

They are silently parked in front of the 57th Fighter Group, which was a wonderful restaurant that was one of those little tucked away places, that many locals frequented. It was near Peachtree-Dekalb airport and at certain tables, you could sit near the window and see the planes take off and land. They had the BEST beer-cheese soup in the entire world.

You will notice I am using past tense. Yes, sadly this wonderful Atlanta restaurant, which looked like a WWII bunker (complete with sandbags and war memorabilia closed in Dec 2006. I wish I could have taken so pics of the restaurant but it is fenced off. At least the jeeps are still sitting out front. I miss this place - they had the best Sunday brunch in town.

Winter Sunset

Atlanta really can have some beautiful sunsets - especially in Winter. It can be difficult to photograph them though due to all the tall buildings and power lines that want to get into the shot. I saw this one while on the way home from work today. I pulled into the closest office park and snapped this one. I really like the way the clouds looked.

Vietnam Memorial

This is the Vietnam Memorial located at the "Sloppy" Floyd Building. I love that there is a woman soldier as part of the memorial- not something I expect to see when thinking of the Vietnam war. It was dedicated on Veteran's Day (Nov 11) in 1988.

The inscription written on the base says:
THIS MEMORIAL IS DEDICATED TO THOSE GEORGIANS
WHO FOUGHT, DIED AND ARE STILL MISSING IN ACTION
IN SOUTHEAST ASIA. THEY ANSWERED THEIR COUNTRY'S
CALL TO DUTY WITH COURAGE AND SACRIFICE AND THEY
SHALL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

01.05.09 - M. R. Ducks

I just love this photo for some reason - I think it is because I caught this duck in action - he (or is it a she) looks like he is about to dive right in and is stepping on his tip toes (or is it tip webs) getting ready to do his Olympic practice dive - so cute. Photo was taken at the pond at Century Center.

01.04.09 - Foggy Day

It has been quite foggy in the ATL over the last few days - foggy and somewhat drizzly. Today you could not even seen the top of most of the buildings. This is the NationsBank Bldg on Peachtree Street - a very tall building but draped in fog today.

01.03.09 - Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta's top attractions - it is the largest aquarium in the U.S. - a great way to spend the day !

01.02.09 - Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Tech is one of the nation's top research universities and just one of a few universities/colleges in the Atlanta area. It is about 400 acres and is right in the downtown area. It is full of engineering, architechural and bio-chemical students (amoung other majors offered). It was founded in 1885.

This photo was taken from across the street in the YMCA's parking lot.

01.01.09 - Gorillas in the Mist (of Atlanta)

I've been inspired by one of my favorite blogs - Paris Daily Photo to start my own daily photo blog. While Paris is probably one of the most beautiful cities in the world, I believe that my own town of Atlanta is quite an interesting and photogenic city too. So I thought I might give it a shot. Not sure if I will be able to keep this up for a whole year (which is my goal), but I will give it a try.

First up... a GORILLA. You may be wondering what a gorilla is doing in Atlanta. Well, it just happens to be one of my favorite photos that I took at Zoo Atlanta. I was fortunate enough to have a chance to go behind the scenes there and was literally maybe 10 feet from this gorilla when I took the picture (we were separated by a very, very deep trench) - he seemed quite interested in having his picture made. Zoo Atlanta has made a lot of improvements over the years and is really a wonderful place to spend the day.