I was recently invited to a luau at Lake Lanier in Flowery Branch. Lake Lanier is 26 miles long. Members of the Black Boaters Club shuttled myself and members of the 30+ meetup group to a private cove. Little did I realize that there are at least two marinas in the small town of Flowery Branch. Unfortunately, I ended up at the wrong marina! I was supposed to meet them at Aqualand Marina., said to be the largest inland marina in the United States. I ended up at Starboard Cove Marina, which was down the street, well down the street and around a few corners.  Check out my YouTube video to view the rest of my story!

About Lake Lanier

Lake Lanier in Flowery Branch, is located about 45 miles north of Atlanta. The lake is a popular summer destination for boating, skiing, and bass fishing. I am told that people also go swimming in the lake. According to the Great Lakes of Georgia about 8 million people visit the lake a year. Lake Lanier has been severely affected by a drought in the area, see photos in The Diatribune.  According to the Diatribune, the lake receded to 19 feet below normal and has impacted many people who live there (property depreciation) and depend on the lake for their livelihoods. When I went the water  off of the Aqualand Marina was fine for a luau or other water activities. So that you have better luck getting to the marinas, here is a list of some Lake Lanier marinas. I’m in a generous mood today, so here are some driving directions to Flowery Branch from Atlanta.

Accommodations

The Lake Lanier Islands Resort, 7000 Holiday Road, Lake Lanier Islands, is a 216-room resort and spa with 30 villas and additional houseboats. Call 770.945.8787 for reservations. 

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler

I was just minding my own business on the last day of the Georgia Renaissance Festival on Sunday. The festival features costumed actors and actresses, food (I ate a giant turkey leg) demonstrations, and shopping. The festival lasts about a month, and I was surprised to see festival-goers wearing costumes. Anyway, I went to the festival alone, just to see what was going on and get some pictures for you all. I happened into one of the pavilions, and saw the royal court. I thought it would be neat to get pictures of them, so I started snapping away with my digital camera/video camera.

Anyway, I had just come from church, with no time to change. The queen noticed me and asked me why I was there all alone. I didn’t want to get into a long drawn out discussion about trifling men in Atlanta and often going dateless, so I just smiled nicely and shrugged or something.

She suggested that two men in her court woo me (which means that they try to date me). She suggested that we have a contest. A nice man in the pavilion took my fairy box (camera) and captured the moment.

The Georgia Renaissance was located in Fairburn, off I-85.  Tickets were $19.95 for adults and $8.50 for children. The festival had demonstrations, like glass blowing, wool spinning, juggling and jousting. There were also tons of shops, selling medieval clothing, shoes, contemporary food, and gifts. The festival lasted from April to June 1.

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is a great educational family attraction in Atlanta. Permanent collections at the museum include: A Walk in Time in Georgia, Giants of the Mesozoic, Sensing Nature, Reflections of Culture, The Children’s Discovery Rooms, World of Shells and First Georgians. There are also special treats just for the adults. Every Friday, from January through November, and  from 5:30 to 10 p.m. the Museum has Martinis and Imax, an evening of music, relaxation, and food. Tickets are $15 for adults.

Photo Credit: Ms Info, Flickr Creative Commons License

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler

May 3

Spring into Jazz Brunch, an All You Can Eat Caribbean Buffet with Rev. Al Sharpton and Warren Ballentine at Cafe Circa, 464 Edgewood Ave
Atlanta,  from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Rotary Club RotaRally

The Rotary Club has a fun event. It is called the Rotally. You get a map, clues and some items to find for a scavenger hunt.  At each checkpoint you may be asked to find something or answer a question. The theme is the Chattahoochee. Only 100 cars can participate and the course is 75 miles long. So, if you have time on your hands, and are looking for something fun to do this weekend, go for it! Meet at the Marta Station in Brookhaven at 13:30. The route information will be passed out at 12:45. The race begins at 1 p.m. Yes. There will be an after party. The event is a fundraiser for the Atlanta Children’s Shelter. Various prizes will be awarded for best outfits, best derby hat and my favorite, Most Directionally Challenged. Rally Champion(s) will also get a prize.

May 10

Ride to Live in Gwinnett is on May 10.  Several hundred motorcyclists are expect to take a police escorted ride through Gwinnett County. Sign up at 9 a.m. and the event begins at 11 a.m. from Hooters, 3550 Gwinnett Plaza Drive in Duluth. Hey, there’s a cookout at Hooters after the ride!

Photo by Maurice, Flickr Creative Commons License

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler

Anyway, performers like old-time musicians, Norman and Nancy Blake, Fiddler James Bryan and his daughter, Rachel will appear on stage. The Carolina Chocolate Drops are the headliners during the festival. Tickets for events that are on the Main Stage are $10 per day. Here you will find ticket information and a map.

For the arts portion of the festival, you can buy mountain crafts during the juried Mountain Marketplace. There, you’ll find pottery, baskets, jewelry, most from the Appalachian culture.

The Bear on the Square festival is sponsored by the Smith House Inn, which is near Dahlonega’s Public Square. During the festival, and after I’m sure, you can head on over the the Smith House Inn and eat loads of fried chicken, sweet baked ham, homemade yeast rolls, vegetables, and good old candied yams. Now, that’s what I call Southern-style eatin’!

Photo by Marieke Kuijpers, Flickr Creative Commons Image

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler

The Braves will also play Pittsburgh on Wednesday, April 2nd  at 7:10 p.m. and on Thursday, April 3rd at 7:10 p.m, also at Turner Field. The team will then play the New York Mets on Friday, April 4th,  at 7:35; Saturday, April 5, at 3:55 p.m., and Sunday April 6 at 1:35 p.m. at Turner Field.

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler

Dozens of people came out to the High Museum to chill and listen to jazz music during Friday Night Jazz at the High. Some patrons sat on the lower floor of the atrium, listening to the Friday night jazz performers while other people walked upstairs to view the art in the gallery. There was a mellow, laid-back atmosphere at the museum, as couples cuddled and friends bantered. The performance, itself was upbeat, and a few people danced. The dancers may have been friends of the museum; they danced like experts. I didn’t catch a glimpse of the food, but I did see that there was a  loaded cash bar there. Friday night jazz is from 5 to 10 p.m. every third Friday. Wear casual (nice jeans are o.k.) or dressy attire.

Ladies, take my advice. Don’t wear high heels, especially with all of the construction going on near the parking garages. The sidewalks are ripped up in some areas, and I’d hate to see you ruin some good shoes while trying to listen to that cool jazz at the High. Even if you do get a close parking space in the deck adjoining the high, you should be prepared to walk up stairs or walk up the ramp that leads to the gallery. All I’ve got to say is that I wore cute pumps and by the end of the evening my dogs were barking! Translation: My feet were hurting!

This is the ramp, that you climb to see the art gallery. It looks steeper than it is. There is a nice view from the top floor of the ramp, looking down at the performers and guests. I withstood the pain to take this picture.

Photos from Claudine Williams’ personal collection

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler

Imagine being high up on a giant mountain. The air is nippy, but you don’t mind the chill. A huge wooden cross is there to remind you while you are there.  Then you see the glow of the sun rising and pouring color into the sky like orange lava. All is well. That’s Easter in Atlanta.

The Atlanta Easter sunrise service at Stone Mountain National Park is a tradition. The park gates open at 4 a.m., and two non-denominational services, one at the top of the mountain, the other at the base of the mountain will begin simultaneously at 6:15 a.m.

It’s free to walk up the mountain, but if you are like me and would rather take the skyride that early in the morning, you can pay $9 for the lift up. Children, 3-11, can ride the skyride for $7. Parking is $8 for a day-pass.

Easter Services at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Atlanta

The church is located at 4465 Northside Drive in Atlanta.

Good Friday — March 21
Life South Blood Drive
10:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. — McDonough Hall
Seven Last Words
12:00 p.m. — 2:30 p.m. — Church
Confessions will be heard throughout
Stations of the Cross
2:30 p.m. — 3:00 p.m. — Church

Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion
8:00 p.m. — Church

Holy Saturday — March 22
Easter Egg Hunt
11:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m. — Church grounds

Holy Saturday — March 22
Easter Vigil Mass
8:00 p.m. — Church

Easter Sunday — March 23
Mass Schedule
6:30 a.m. Sunrise — St. Francis & St. Anthony Outdoor Chapel
8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., & 12:00 p.m. — Church

Atlanta Easter Brunch

• Two Urban Licks, will serve Easter brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Easter Bunny will be on hand to entertain the children who are searching for Easter eggs. Two Urban Licks is located at 820 Ralph McGill Boulevard in Atlanta. Call 404-522-4622 for reservations.

• Have your Easter Brunch high in the sky at the Sundial Restaurant on top of the Westin Peachtree Hotel at 210 Peachtree Street. Brunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Easter Sunday. The menu is available on the Sundial Restaurant site. Click on the March 23rd date on the calendar. Call 404-589-7506 for reservations.

• Eat a la carte. VII fifty Restaurant and Lounge at 1570 Holcombe Bridge Road in Roswell will have an a la carte brunch menu from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 678-206-0850.

• Enjoy an Atlanta favorite. The Vinings Inn at 3011 Paces Mill Road will serve brunch from 10:30 to 5 p.m. Brunch is $39.95 for adults and $19.95 for children under 12. Call 770-438-2282 for reservations.

• Choose from more than 100 dishes at the Ritz Carlton, 3434 Peachtree Road,  in Buckhead. Old favorites as well as exotic new dishes, carving tables, and dessert presentations that will knock your socks off are available for brunch. Call 404-237-2700 for reservations.

Where are you going to worship or have brunch for Easter? Let us know! Send a comment. I’d love to hear from you. I would like to wish you all a wonderfully happy and blessed Easter in Atlanta, and keep the true meaning of the holiday in mind.

Photo Credit: Stone Mountain National Park, Used with Permission

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler