Georgia Weekend

What a fabulous weekend! We enjoyed much-needed family time (in both Richmond and Georgia), attended the Masters Golf Tournament and spent a few days on a lake...

Click to read more ...

Atlanta Evening

Best part of an Atlanta layover? Hanging out with my Hotlanta ladies! It's been way too long! So great to see these amazing girls. Now... off to study whale sharks in Mexico. Adios!

Shark Swim, Stay Tuned!

Last night I went on a thirty-minute swim in a giant tank filled sharks, manta rays, exotic fish and more at the Georgia Aquarium. I can't wait to share all the details with you!! Stay tuned for my experience blog post + photos on the Nat Geo Inside Wild blog!

Georgia Antiques

Do you like antique shopping? My mother-in-law and I explored a gigantic antique mall during my recent stay in rural Georgia.

Over the years, I've scored some of my favorite home items from antique shops (like a croquet set and desk chair from the early-1940s). While I was hunting for an old typewriter, these particular pieces caught my eye.

A wall telephone from 1901......

.... and a vintage coffee maker.

* © passport in my pocket *

Tallulah Gorge

Very early yesterday morning I drove north on 400 from Atlanta, passing through wine country and up into the Chattahoochee National Forest. Just south of the North Carolina border, I stopped to sip coffee and watch the sunrise at Tallulah Gorge, Georgia

.

* © passport in my pocket *

Krog Bar + Great Friends + Sunset = Recipe for an Amazing Night

When my husband and I moved away from Atlanta six months ago, I met the girls up at Krog Bar to say our goodbyes. So naturally when I arrived in town last week – my first trip back to the old stomping ground – we visited this same fabulous urban wine bar. Partially-owned by the famous Chef Kevin Rathbun, this watering hole is a fusion of indoor and outdoor dining, seating about 55 people in total. Krog Bar's extensive wine list, delicious Mediterranean-inspired small plates and unique atmosphere have warranted positive press from Travel & Leisure Magazine and the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

The outside patio is the perfect place to unwind during the warmer months.

And have I mentioned how much I adore my friends? They are all such talented, intelligent, beautiful, loving women – inspirations to me on a daily basis. It was so great hanging out with them again. You might recognize these ladies (below) from Unblocked and Homemade Grits....

Check out Krog Bar online.

See the drink & food menus.

Go there.

* © passport in my pocket *

Aquarium Preview

Wow wow wow. I had such an inspirational visit at the Georgia Aquarium today. I have some REALLY exciting things in store this summer! I wish I could spill all the details, but I gotta keep my lips sealed for now. Here are a few shots I took today during my tour......

P.S. Remember when I was at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo last week? We just posted a blog on WILD about my tour of the manatee hospital. If you want to read, click here.

P.P.S. It's been great to be back in Atlanta this week, but tomorrow I head north on the last leg of my 6-week road trip. I'll be back in northern New Jersey a week from today – hard to believe!

* © passport in my pocket *

The Potted Geranium Tea Parlor

While we were visiting the lake country area of Georgia last weekend, my sweet mother-in-law took me out to the lovely Potted Geranium Tea Parlor for an afternoon excursion.

The antebellum home was originally built in the 1840s and has been restored to maintain the lovely historic details. There are six individual tea rooms as well as a screened porch. The house and surrounding gardens make the Potted Geranium Tea Parlor a charming complement to the area's antique shops, art galleries, custom homes and beautiful lakes.

We ordered small plates of delicious shrimp, chicken and spinach salads. We sipped peach and apricot tea, each fresh-brewed in a cozy-cuddled pot.

We enjoyed a long conversation over a refreshing summer Bellini, and finished off our meal with a homemade cream puff. Delicious!

My mother-in-law is such a loving woman. I am so thankful to have her in my life. We had a wonderful time at the tea parlor together, and I would highly recommend the Potted Geranium to anyone visiting the central-east Georgia area! There is also a gift shop for those who wish to purchase the tea pot cozies, loose leaf teas, antique cups, and other fun tea-related trinkets.

Learn more about the Tea Parlor.

View the menu.

Visit the Potted Geranium.

* © passport in my pocket *

Views from a Drive

I-20 toward Augusta, Georgia during sunrise.

P.S. All photos were safely taken by the passenger.

P.P.S. Does anyone watch that show V?

 

Learn about my current road trip.

See more Views.

* © passport in my pocket *

Masters Weekend

It's one of my absolute favorite times of the year - the Masters Golf Tournament! Bobby and I will be at Augusta National on Saturday, my fourth time attending the tournament. We usually sit right behind the green on hole #2 – a par 5 – to watch the golfers take a risk and shoot for birdie (although we did see Flesch eagle once a few years back).  

Who are you routing for this year?

Learn about the Masters.

Get player info.

Behind the green jacket.

Tour the course.

P.S. I hope you all have a lovely weekend. I'm really looking forward to catching up on all your blogs on Monday afternoon..... It's been a busy few days of travel, so I'm out of the loop. Stay tuned for updates next week – I'll be in Atlanta, Asheville, Richmond & Washington, D.C.       xo

* © passport in my pocket *