Today is my second day on my Atlanta Tour for the Simply Southern Contest.
Yesterday I checked in to the GA Terrace Hotel. After getting settled in my room I we to tour their rooftop pool. It was hot and somewhat smoggy day, but still an amazing view.
Since the entire hotel has wifi I decided to take my lap top downstairs to the patio area of the Livingston and enjoy a cocktail. I sat there looking at the city through the eyes of a tourist. There were so many things on Peachtree Street that I noticed for the first time, such as the architectural details of the Fox Theatre. I began snapping pictures and for the first time seeing little details around a city that I have spent a decade driving through.
I sat there watching people walk up and down the street and noticed how many people kept their heads toward the direction they are headed as they moved rapidly along their way. I wondered how many people travel long distances to be wowed by scenary and activities that they have simply not noticed in their own backyard?
The tour group met in the lobby of the hotel a couple of hours later. We toured through the 4 ballrooms that are here, including the beautiful ballroom that was featured in the movie Gone With the Wind. The hotel has two sides, one which was built in 1911 and the other that was built in 1991 and you can stand in the middle of the lobby looking up to see where the two sides meet.
From the hotel we departed to dine at Dogwood. I have to tell you I do not ever think to order grits, but we ordered a sampling of grits as an appetizer for the table and they were amazing. The GM said they secret ingredients were cream and butter. Yum. Our server told us a few unique activities that happen at the restaurant. For example on Tuesday and Thursday evenings they host a "toss up" at the bar. Basically after you have enjoyed some appetizers and drinks they will toss a coin to decide on who gets the check, you or them. If you win the coin toss they will pick up the check.
After filling ourselves with rich food and beverages we headed over to PittyPat's Porch, a southern style indoor patio with amazing deserts and a fascinating history with a concept based on Gone With the Wind. The restaurant only opens for dinner, but will open up for lunch for a large (40ppl or more) reservation.
This morning we are meeting at 7:45 for breakfast, a bike tour and to visit many other places that I have yet to visit in the 10+ years that I have lived here. Be sure to follow along with me on Twitter.