Atlanta Botanical Garden

It's difficult to keep up your own gardening; there's the trimming, cutting, planting, watering and so much more. Your own garden's always in some sort of transition.

"We're fixing the pond.'' OR "We're repotting our planters."

Whatever the case, home gardens remain in a state of flux and are never quite the way the gardener envisions them. This is why people enjoy going to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Here there's teams of landscapers, horticulturists, and others who make these gardens their full time job. The best part: You get to take in the multiple lush gardens with no work. Take notes in the outdoor gardens and stare in awe at the inside life-sized terrariums showcasing everything from desert to tropical plants and atmospheres.

New Addition:

The Canopy Walk offers a chance to view the garden from a Birdseye perspective--literally. Stroll at your own pace while suspended mid-air amongst the trees. Lounge and relax on the sporatic benches and gaze at the Atlanta skyline. It's never looked more beautiful, and you'll swear the air quality is better.

Summer Treats

1. "Cocktails in the Garden": Nothing eliminates that heavy summer heat better than a cool refreshment. Take in the sweet floral smells and sights while basking in the knowledge that the only decision you made today was shaken or stirred.
2. "Garden Chef Demos" : On Saturdays and Sundays at 12 p.m. and 1 p.m., garden chefs use veggies, herbs and more from their edible garden to make delectable treats for viewers. Eat up that day and then use these recipes in your own kitchens.

Other Worthy Stops

1. Fuqua Orchid Center: Ooh-la-la. Orchids aren't just for Mother's Day anymore! You'll find yourself oohing and awwing over the dozens and dozens of breathtaking orchid types. If you thought purple orchids were exotic, you'll flip for this display, and you'll never look at a purple orchid the same.
2. Cascade Garden: Much of the garden touring involves walking, but here visitors get a real chance to relax. Recline yourself onto one of the many available benches and soak up the sun while listening to the calming sounds of falling waters. Feast your eyes on the surrounding flowers like hibiscus bursting with color.
3. Aquatic Plant Pool: Be sure to stop by this massive pool housing lily pads and the biggest frogs you've ever seen

$12-$15. Tues.-Sun. 9 a.m.-7.pm. through October.

Charleston

South Carolina Makes Waves for Vacationers

The best part about Charleston is that you can make this town your own. No matter what you seek in a vacation, Charleston can provide it. If you crave an Epicurean-style trip of endless wine, food and nightlife, you can find it. If you're feeling the explorer within bubbling to the surface, there's no better place to experience art, architecture and historic sites. And for the shoppers out there, the historic downtown area offers a plethora of high-end retail cloaked in 18th century structural integrity.

Points of Interest:

• South Carolina Aquarium: Makes a good pit stop because although it's small, it packs some big punches with a bald eagle, an albino alligator and a two story tank mimicking the mysteries of the deep.


• Cinebarre: This theatre isn't your cookie-cutter AMC. No need to sneak your beer in here because the front is a huge bar surrounded by pool tables and other goodies. After buying tickets (and drinks) from the bartender, head straight back to the stadium theatre seating equipped with counters right in front of each row. Cinebarre boasts a full menu including Princess Leias, which are scrumptious handmade cinnamon rolls served with vanilla cream frosting dip. Guests enjoy full service for the entirety of the movie.


• Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: This 500 acre, 17th century plantation offers a full day of activities, so be sure to dedicate a good five hours (at least!) to take in all the sights. There are several tours including the house, gardens, boat tour, nature train, swamp garden, petting zoo and their newest tour, slavery to freedom. Walking the grounds is truly an astonishing experience, especially the swamp garden where you stand less than 40 feet from 12 foot alligators and countless species of birds.


• Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum: Regardless of how you feel about war, you can't help but become swept up in the history and grandeur of the USS Yorktown. This self-guided tour includes multiple sites including a Cold War submarine, a Vietnam support base, Medal of Honor Museum and a planes and flightdeck aboard the USS Yorktown.

Whether you consider yourself an adventurer, romantic, or historian, Charleston can provide what many places can't--all three.

(Picture Magnolia Plantation)

Summer Fun

Get Outta Town

Summer's just a few perfect days away. Before southern heat and humidity becomes unbearable, I suggest you get on the road. My favorite stops include a touch of history, a taste of southern cuisine and a return to nature. It was all a part of Creative Loafing's Summer Guide. We did the research and now all you have to do is take the trip.

Unfortunately, due to print space, I was unable to say all the things I wanted to about my experience at Stately Oaks Plantation. The house tour was absolutely delightful with tour guides knowledgeable not only about the house itself but about the ins and outs of work and family life during the antebellum period. The guides dressed for the period, pantaloons and all. Turns out they work on a voluntary basis making their work all the more impressive.

If you ever feel a call to nature (other than the restroom), you should also check out Tallulah Gorge. The views from the trails surrounding the gorge are absolutely breathtaking. Whether you prefer take the two mile scenic route, or test your strength with the more athletically challenging courses; you're sure to enjoy the peaceful waters and fresh north Georgia air.

Upcoming on the blog: Fun things to do while in Charleston.

(Photo Stately Oaks Plantation)

Fashion Benefit in Atlanta

You can check out my fashion benefit review online at Creative Loafing's Culture Surfing blog. The clothes were killer and the cause was more than worthwhile. The event raised around $5,000 for Alzheimer's and author Jeannette Montgomery Barron sold 150 books.

(Photo Cullen Branch)