Features

BY ANGELA GARY

Stepping back in time to explore a Native American village, exploring a vast collection of western artwork, checking out life on the farm and then relaxing for the night at a wonderful resort property await visitors to Northwest Georgia’s Historic High Country.

The state of Georgia’s official tourism and travel site, www.exploregeorgia.org, divides the state into nine regions. The Historic High Country region is comprised of 17 counties and offers a cross section of things to see and do. On a recent visit to the area, I made stops in Adairsville, Canton, Rome and Cartersville and made plans to return soon to explore other areas of the region. It’s a perfect destination for a family adventure as there are activities offered that will appeal to all ages.
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Metro Atlanta ramble includes stops in Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Ackworth, Marietta

BY ANGELA GARY

Exploring Atlanta by electric car, trying out sweet and savory treats in Sandy Springs, a ghost trolley tour in Marietta, a tea room stop in Alpharetta and touring Bulloch Hall and Raiford Gallery in Roswell were highlights of a recent ramble through Metro Atlanta area.

We started off our adventure with a fun tour of Atlanta by electric car with ATL-Cruzers. This is such a fun way to travel with lots of local history and culture included in the narrated tour. It really is the best way to see the city. We got up close views of some of the most amazing architecture, neighborhoods and historic sites.

The tour includes several stops, including a visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. historic site, where we saw the gravesites of Dr. King and Coretta Scott King. We also had a sweet treat at our stop at Lotta Frutta where the Cremolatta is amazing. It is fresh cut banana, grapes, melon, papaya, strawberry and watermelon served with a homemade crema. The Sweet Auburn Market, the oldest farmer’s market in Atlanta, was another fun stop and we tried samples from several of the vendors. The tour includes a drive by Oakland Cemetery, where Margaret Mitchell and other notables are buried, as well as Mitchell’s Atlanta home. [Full Story »] 

Tina Turner’s school, tea room, maps and globes among treasures found

BY ANGELA GARY

Too often, travelers stay on the interstates and rush to their destination without stopping to explore some of the treasures found on the back roads. This is too bad because some of the most interesting hidden jewels are found off the beaten path.

On a recent week-long visit to Western Tennessee, we took the time to explore the back roads and find some of the hidden treasures.
In Brownsville, the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center is a great place to stop for a visit. A highlight of your stop will be checking out the one-room Flag Grove School, which was built in 1889 and was superstar Tina Turner’s school for first through eighth grades. The school is currently being restored and is expected to be open in September. [Full Story »] 

Jackson visit also includes rockabilly, car museum and Sky Zone

BY ANGELA GARY

Start your visit to Casey Jones Village in Jackson, Tenn., with a scrumptious Southern buffet with ribs, fried chicken, cracklin’ corn bread and much more, leaving room for a creamy milkshake in the ice cream parlor and some time to check out the unique items in Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store. Next up, stroll over to the historic Casey Jones museum, home and train, also checking out the 108-year-old chapel and 1837 Antebellum home.

A visit to Casey Jones Village, located between Nashville and Memphis, is a highlight of a visit to Western Tennessee. It’s such a fun spot with so much to do that you can easily spend hours exploring, shopping and eating. The latest plans include a bakery and on-site vegetable garden.

Casey Jones was an American legend, a railroad man from from Jackson who was killed in the 1900s. Find out about his life and train history in Western Tennessee as you visit the 8,000 square foot museum in the train station. [Full Story »] 

BY ANGELA GARY

Looking for the perfect menu for a family dinner for New Year’s Day or perhaps a romantic dinner for Valentine’s Day. A new cookbook offers some of the most enticing Southern favorites, paired with the perfect wine, for these special occasions, as well as other special events in the South, including an old-fashioned fish fry and a football kick-off party.

Lara Lyn Carter shares some of her favorite recipes in “Southern Thymes Shared,” while Doc Lawrence pairs the dishes with the perfect wine. These Southern classic recipes and menu suggestions will become family favorites. It provides a look at the Southern culture and heritage with a modern twist and will become a must-have cookbook for Southern cooks and those who want to bring a little of the South into their kitchen.

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Entertainment offered at West Tennessee attraction

BY ANGELA GARY

(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is part of a series on travel to Western Tennessee. Next up, join as we travel to Jackson, Tenn., the home place of rockabilly.).


Country music is known for telling a story. The songs pull at your heart strings and make you laugh out loud. I often wonder what led the songwriter to come up with a certain verse or song.

A Singer Songwriter Night is a great way to hear the songwriters tell the stories behind their songs. The Bluebird Café in Nashville, Tenn., is one of the most famous places that feature the “Songwriter in the Round” format of show. The Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tenn., recently featured a Singer Songwriter Night in its traveling exhibit hall. The night was a huge success and other live entertainment events are planned at the West Tennessee attraction. [Full Story »] 

A red carpet grand opening was held recently for the Hyatt Atlanta Perimeter at Villa Christina.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and Hospitality Ventures Management Group officials, as well as local government officials and special guests gathered out front for the ribbon cutting and then walked a red carpet into the hotel as staff members lined on the sides cheered. Special food items and drinks were offered, as well as entertainment.
The hotel opens as the first new full service build in Atlanta’s Central Perimeter market in 25 years.

“After many months of anticipation, we are excited to introduce the brand new Hyatt Atlanta Perimeter at Villa Christina,” said Vincent Bucci, General Manager. “Every aspect of the hotel is designed with today’s traveler in mind. Our business and leisure guests demand high-tech, stylish hotels that cater seamlessly to their 24/7
lifestyles, and that is what we deliver.”

Located inside the Perimeter and minutes from the upscale Buckhead neighborhood, Hyatt Atlanta Perimeter at Villa Christina has 177 guestrooms, including 15 suites. The property sits on an 83-acre development and offers expansive outdoor gardens, meeting and conference facilities wedding and special event venues, along with fine dining and recreational options. [Full Story »]