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Atlanta, GA

Posted on August 2, 2011 by Admin of TBJ

If you’ve been to Atlanta, Georgia and had a bad time, please don’t tell me – I won’t believe you anyway. Atlanta, or “Hotlanta” or ATL or what-have-you, is a great hub of culture and commerce (the airport is beastly, but is the biggest – in terms of flight and passenger volume – in the US). While Atlanta is definitely a southern city, as its wealth of Civil War (check out Decatur Square and Cabbagetown) museums and civil rights-era hotspots attest; die-hards of bygone Dixie can satiate their Gone With the Wind lust with a visit to Margaret Mitchell’s house. But there’s much more to ATL than history – there’s tons of parks and places to chill out, like Piedmont Park or the West End, and there’s tons of places to party, like Little Five Points (lots of great shops and music) and the Underground. There are several great art galleries and swanky shops in Buckhead, and you can always tour the Coca-Cola Museum and sample variations of the soda giant’s wares from around the world, which is a treat for all ages. Midtown offers a range of activities and sights, like the Atlanta Brewing company, some phenomenal bowling, and theaters; Atlanta is a prime spot for music of all kinds, so check before you go and you could catch some world-class acts. Of course Atlanta has some big sports names, like the Braves (MLB) and the Falcons (NFL), as well as Centennial Olympic Park, which highlights the innovations the city made for the 1996 Olympics. Finally, the Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest in the world and has some fantastic interactive exhibits. Driving in Atlanta can be nightmarish, so plan ahead and consider taking the MARTA, or just hang on and enjoy the ride.

Filed under: North America | Tagged: airport, art galleries, ATL, Atlanta, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Brewing Company, Atlanta Falcons, Bowling, Buckhead, Cabbagetown, Centennial Olympic Park, Civil War, Coca-Cola Museum, Decatur Square, GA, galleries, Georgia, Georgia Aquarium, Gone With the Wind, Little Five Points, Margaret Mitchell, Midtown, museums, Piedmont Park, shopping, theaters, Underground Atlanta, United States of America, USA, West End | Leave a Comment »

Anderson, SC

Posted on November 29, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

Located across part of Lake Hartwell and off of I-85 south, Anderson, SC is a cute little town that might be worth your stopping by before a trip further south (say, to Atlanta) or a trip further north (say, Spartanburg or Asheville). Anderson’s got a great, authentic Irish pub (McGee’s) which hosts everything from live Irish music to local bands to local art shows for Clemson University and Anderson College students. Also check out The Fox Pub for good food. The re-vamped downtown area of Anderson has several cool spots to eat as well as some boutique shops; you can go all out and get yourself something Palmetto themed, as the state pride in South Carolina is rivaled only by Texas. Anderson’s Farmer’s Market is HUGE and is made up almost entirely of local vendors; go here during peach season and gorge, check out fresh corn and the like as well. If you’re traveling into Anderson via Clemson on Highway 76, check out roadside vendors – there’s a few that even display their fresh veggies and then leave, promoting faith in the honor system of your donations:) Timms Mill and the Old Stone Church are worth a visit for those interested in historical sites, and Broadway Lake and Sadlers Creek State Recreation Area offer great places to go explore outdoor sports, or maybe just for a quick dip in the cool Upstate waters. Of course, Anderson is often noted by Clemson alumni like me as “the place to go to get stuff,” as Anderson has a small mall and big chain stores and restaurants that wee Clemson doesn’t, and it’s also known to have more hotels available if you’re in town to see the Clemson Tigers play. Check out Anderson, SC, next time you’re passing through – you won’t have a bad time, it’s certain.

Filed under: North America | Tagged: Anderson, Anderson College, Anderson Farmer's Market, Broadway Lake, Clemson, Clemson Tigers, Clemson University, downtown, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, hiking, honor system, hotels, I-85, Lake Hartwell, McGee's Irish Pub, Old Stone Church, Palmetto, roadside vendors, Sadlers Creek State Recreation Area, SC, shopping, South Carolina, swimming, The Fox Pub, Timms Mill, walking | Leave a Comment »

Mendocino, CA

Posted on November 18, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

I will always be grateful to my mother, an eternal Earth champion, for setting me on the reduce-reuse-recycle/ composting/organic living and gardening mentality early in life; due to her influence, I often have to nod politely as I watch other people suddenly embrace green lifestyles as if it’s a new and groundbreaking behavior – however, the world would be a better place if more people were like my mom in that respect. So, thanks to my mom and her influence, my first impression of Mendocino, CA was our lodging, the vegetarian/eco/super-green bed and breakfast Stanford Inn By the Sea. The Stanford Inn grows all of its own vegetables and serves them proudly in their award-winning restaurant The Ravens’. The food’s pretty decent, but I was more impressed with all the fun stuff available for guests to do (think outdoor and nature activities), as well as the large amount of dogs and cats allowed as guests and thus roaming about (Stanford Inn is very pet friendly!). While I am not a vegetarian (you’d think being raised by one would make it stick, but I just can’t give up chicken and seafood – luckily Mendocino has that in spades as well) or a weekending San Francisco-ite (Mendocino’s about 4 hours away from SF), I could not help but be charmed by Mendocino. It’s one of the flagships of locavorism, and it’s loaded with food and more food, most grown or made in Mendocino: boutique spots, organic spots, ice cream parlors; you will not go hungry here (or thirsty – try the local microbrews). The town sees plenty of tourists, so it’s more than accommodating in terms of fun things to do: fishing, whale-watching, hiking, spas, horses, lighthouses, nearby parks, the Pacific Ocean, kayaking, biking, shopping, art galleries… The Artist’s Co-Op is great, and you’ll trip over art in Mendocino anyway. I’ll never forget the concrete armchair, tiled with glass mosaic pieces, perched innocuously in a local public area. It was comfortable; I wanted one, but it’d be hard to ship a concrete chair… Perhaps someday I will make my own, and if you visit this gem on the Northern California coast, you’ll probably want to make your own art; Mendocino has a way of inspiring your mind to wander freely into those creative reserves often neglected.

Filed under: North America | Tagged: art, art galleries, Artist's Co-Op, CA, California, dog friendly, eco-lodge, environmentally friendly, fresh fish, friendly folk, hiking, horse back riding, ice cream, kayaking, locavore, Mendocino, microbrews, organic farming, organic food, Pacific Ocean, San Fran, self-sustaining, shopping, spas, Standford Inn By the Sea, The Ravens' Restaurant, vegetarian, whale watching | Leave a Comment »

Bath, UK

Posted on November 10, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

Let’s just get it out of the way quickly – the Roman baths in Bath, England (hence the name) make for an amazing visit to Western culture’s historical past. Of course Rome or the whole of Italy might better suit your need for Roman history, but knowing that the Romans traveled as far as Bath to set up their geothermal wonder is enough of a fulcrum for your imagination to hinge upon; the baths are still running, thousands upon thousands of years later, and the water is still warm. The friezes in the Roman Baths are still intact (mostly) and beautiful; for a pound, you can drink from the waters of the baths, but don’t expect a refreshing drink. Other than the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey (right beside them) is a great place to hang out; grab your lunch to go and watch the street performers, whose varied talents and piccalillis may charm you into thinking Bath is all about fun. And why not? Aside from the historic landmarks, such as the impressive architecture of the Royal Crescent and the Pulteney Bridge, there’s the great Sydney Gardens and the Royal Victoria Park, where all sorts of interesting folk are hanging out and having a good time. Bath’s rugby presence is strong; ask random people wearing rugby jerseys questions and you won’t wont for more enthusiastic conversation. Staying in Bath is easy, as it’s a tourist-heavy town, and there’s more food and artisan shops in the city to keep you occupied for months. Fun fact: if you take the train to Bath from Paddington Station in London (very easy train ride, and Bath’s small enough so that getting from the train station to the inner part of the town could be walked, if you felt like it) you’ll see at least two of the mysterious white horse “hill figures” carved in the sides of England’s hills and dales. Bath is all about history, theater, and art, but there’s a lot more to the city than just tourist attractions; hang out and see what all this city has to offer.

Filed under: Europe | Tagged: artisans, Bath, Bath Abbey, drink, England, food, freizes, friendly folk, geothermal, hill figures, history, London, Paddington, pubs, Pulteney Bridge, Roman baths, Romans, Royal Crescent, Royal Victoria Park, rugby, shopping, shops, Somerset, street performers, Sydney Gardens, train, UK, United Kingdom, Western culture, white horses | Leave a Comment »

Corolla, NC

Posted on October 27, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

The Outer Banks of North Carolina draws thousands of visitors every year; maybe it’s because of the history and lighthouses, maybe it’s because it’s so hard to get to, but, to this traveler, Corolla, near Duck, is like an outpost on the edge of the sea. There’s a general store, a pint-size library (I still have my card), and sandy roads that, if you venture too far off of them, you’ll need four-wheel drive. The Currituck Lighthouse, stately in it’s red brick, is a great way to catch a breeze (and great views) while you’re relaxing at the shore; make sure to note all the iron detail on the inside of the lighthouse, and try to spot a wild horse while you’re up there. Speaking of the wild horses, the folks in Corolla respect their equine neighbors, and certain areas of the island are kept wild and rugged in order to deter you from interfering with the horses, though there are some “tours” available if you really must seek them out. There are some great little boutique shops if you’re looking to spend some cash or soak up some AC, and jewelry, along with ubiquitous sand dollar art, are available for your purchasing pleasure. The main point of Corolla, along with the rest of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, is to rest and enjoy the unspoiled prettiness that the local residents have worked so hard to preserve. The proximity of the area to pirate treasures and graveyards only enhances the vibe that you’ve truly gotten away from it all, and that you are on an adventure, even if it’s just to see how many sand crabs you can find between naps on the beach.

Filed under: North America | Tagged: Atlantic Ocean, beach, Corolla, Currituck Lighthouse, friendly folk, history, library, NC, North Carolina, ocean, Outer Banks, pirates, relaxation, sand, shopping, sun, surf, swimming, wild horses | 1 Comment »

Greenville, SC

Posted on October 25, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

The Greenville-Spartanburg area of SC is often seen as a nuisance en route to other, more exciting destinations, like Atlanta or, well, Florida. But Greenville is more than a mess off of I-85; it’s a neat little part of South Carolina’s Upstate, a fairly progressive, pretty area, with history, shopping, and a general laid-back Southern atmosphere that the sophisticated traveler could appreciate (just seeing if you’re paying attention). Greenville has an art museum and a Civil War museum, but it’d be best if you spent the night out in the city’s theater area. The Warehouse, Children’s Theater, and the Greenville Little Theater, and the Greenville Shakespeare Company all host wonderful shows around the downtown area, which is conveniently on the Reedy River; if you’re into nature, check out the park during the day, otherwise, use it as a quiet backdrop to your stroll to the theater. While you’re downtown, peep the various shops and galleries, which have everything from local pottery to upscale kitchen utensils; there’s something for everyone. If you’re game, check out North Main Yoga for the best yoga classes in town, or dip over to the Spa at West End for total body rejuvenation. You could check out the mall areas (Woodruff Rd), or tour the BMW plant, but it’d be worth your time to just meander downtown, grabbing a meal at the chi-chi-steaks spot High Cotton, Maverick Bar and Grill (that’s the full name) or try the Overlook Grill, which grants you an outdoor patio with a view of the falls, or grab some ice cream at Spill the Beans. There are plenty of pub-type places (Brew and Ewe) and also plenty of bars of which to catch the Clemson game – who else would you cheer for? Greenville’s a great little city; consider it next time you might be driving through.

Filed under: North America | Tagged: BMW, Brew and Ewe, Civil War, Civil War museum, Clemson, friendly folk, galleries, Greenville, Greenville Little Theater, Greenville Shakespeare Company, High Cotton, High Cotton Maverick Bar and Grill, North Main Yoga, Overlook Grill, park, pottery, Reedy River, SC, shopping, South Carolina, South Carolina Children's Theater, Southern History, Spa at West End, Spill the Beans, theater, unique gifts, Warehouse Theater, Woodruff Road | Leave a Comment »

JR: Siena, Italy

Posted on October 5, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

For an adult full of intellectual, historical, and artistic curiosity (that phrase may eliminate most Republicans), the entire region of Tuscany is a treasure trove. However, every container full of riches has one special little jewel hidden within its wealth, one in which the perfection of each varied facet combines to create a gem greater than the sum of its parts. For me, this has always been the small town of Siena, beginning with Piazza del Campo, the town square that Henry James once called the greatest plaza in Italy and the whole of Europe.
The Piazza, which is actually a fan or shell shaped area paved with individual hand-laid bricks, seems to be constantly full of brightly colored tourists feeding brightly covered pigeons. A few steps off the Piazza, outdoor cafes serve up mussels and clams and every kind of pasta imaginable along with liberal offerings of gelato and glasses of wine from the Sangeovese grapes grown a few kilometers away. Sadly, you’ll have to pay a hefty price for these fine meals, about as much as lunch at McDonald’s in some dreary little town in America. Boo Hoo!
After lunch, you may stroll to Plazzo Publico, or Town Hall, and inside stare at the wall of the civic museum in amazement. The allegory of Good and Bad Government, a series of frescoes painted by Ambroggio Lorenzetti in the 14th century, portrays the struggle between order and chaos. This contrast is an example of what makes art a cultural heritage, its timelessness. We struggle with the same conflict in the 21st century. Don’t worry about leaving the Piazza and having nothing to do. A short distance away, the Duomo of Siena stands. This cathedral was built with alternating blocks of black and white marble and the reliefs in the Baptistery were painted by Donatello (and I don’t mean one of the Ninja Turtles). If you have time after visiting the leather shops and watching the street comics, stop by the old Medician Fortress that is now the Siena Jazz School and maybe you’ll be lucky enough to hear one of the free concerts that go on year round. These things I’ve mentioned are only the beginning
of sights, sounds, and tastes available to any tourist in Siena. There are more churches, a university, an opera house, museums, professional soccer and basketball games, and a host of jewelry and clothing stores to keep you occupied. The town is accessible by bus Florence (1 hour), Rome (three hours), and Milan (four hours).

Juror #3/Jim McGarrah

Filed under: Europe | Tagged: Ambroggio Lorenzetti, art, artistic curiosity, Baptistry, basketball, cathedral, churches, concerts, Donatello, Duomo, Florence, fresco, gelato, Henry James, history, intellect, Italy, jewelry, Jim McGarrah, juror #3, Medician Fortnress, Milan, Ninja Turtles, opera house, Piazza del Camp, pigeons, Plazzo Publico, Rome, Sangeovese, shopping, Siena, Siena Jazz School, soccer, street comics, street performers, Town Hall, university, wine | Leave a Comment »

Juror Series: States Worth Driving Through; South Dakota

Posted on August 19, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

South Dakota isn’t the first state you think of when you hear the words “road trip,” but it would be a great miss if you never did it. South Dakota is the land of the Native American and cowboy, the raw mountains and windy plains, and the great bison and the elusive jackalope. How can you not want to road trip this state? My road trip took me on I-90, the only interstate to traverse this great state. Entering this state from the east you find yourself going from the smooth flat plains of Minnesota into a rolling landscape of tall grasses frothing to and fro like waves on a gentle sea. The wind in this part of the state is a relative constant 5 to 15 miles an hour, making it the perfect hair dryer as you walk from the showers back to your campsite. Interstate 90 will take you through Sioux Falls and then into the Buffalo Gap National Grassland. This is where they filmed the movie Dances with Wolves, and the scenery is simply beautiful; green as far as the eye can see and hardly a tree in sight. Also dotting the road are various farms in the distance, with the occasional silo or barn near the road, yet the state rarely loses a wildness feeling. And if you get a chance to see a storm coming in over the horizon, the show of colors and clouds is a sight that is hard to beat.

After the plains start to get boring, South Dakota changes it up again with the Badlands, which is a small side trip off I-90. Developed over eons of prehistoric land changes, these buttes, pinnacles, and hills are a kaleidoscope of mineral colors layering similar to the Grand Canyon. Rich reds, bright yellows, deep browns, and velvety blacks all hide their own treasures. As Frank Lloyd Wright put it: “What I saw gave me an indescribable sense of mysterious elsewhere – a distant architecture, ethereal…, an endless supernatural world more spiritual than earth but created out of it.” I can’t describe The Badlands any better than that because that is how they made me feel too.

Nestled outside of the Badlands, is the famous Wall Drug in the town of Wall, SD. Wall Drug got its fame from offering free ice water to thirsty travelers during the Depression, it is now a 76,000 square foot monstrosity that houses shops, galleries, and various attractions. You could call it a house of tacky kitsch or a sight to behold, I’ll let you be the judge on that, but suffice it to say, you should stop and see it for a bit.

After you have made your weird way out of Wall Drug, begin your journey to Rapid City, home of Mount Rushmore. I’m going to give you a secret about Mt. Rushmore that I wish I had known earlier. All those pictures you see of the faces being huge and up close? As a visitor you are quite a distance away, and unless you have an awesome camera, you probably won’t get such kick ass pictures. You also might be like me, and not so really impressed. However, it’s a national monument and grand in its own way, so you should probably see it.

Lastly, I have to mention Sturgis, since that is what most people know South Dakota for, the huge biker party that happens annually. Well, I wasn’t there for that, and didn’t really stop in Sturgis, but if any of you have, I would love for your comments. Until next time, keep on road tripping.

Series by: A Wandering Soul, aka Juror #11

Filed under: Drive the USA, North America | Tagged: A Wandering Soul, Bandlands, barns, bikers, Buffalo Gap National Grassland, constant wind, cowboys, Dances with Wolves, Frank Lloyd Wright, galleries, horizons, I-90, Juror #11, Mount Rushmore, mountains, Mt. Rushmore, Native Americans, plains, Rapid City, shopping, silos, sky, South Dakota, Sturgis, tacky kitsch, tall grasses, Wall Drug | 2 Comments »

JR: Asheville, NC

Posted on July 23, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

Once known for it’s counter-culture mountain ways, Asheville, NC has taken on a glossier exterior. Hippie shops and a vintage vibe have now been replaced with gleaming high rises, pricey condos and a booming tourist industry. Never the less, Asheville remains an exciting and popular destination. The walkable downtown area is a great place to shop in boutiques, talk to quirky artists, visit galleries, drink at bars, and you could spend days just sampling the restaurants and cafes. You do not want to miss the Chocolate Fetish on Haywood Street; their truffles are pure heaven. For a taste of the new south, visit Tupelo Honey on College Street. If you can afford to splurge stay at a bed and breakfast in the historic Montford neighborhood, walking distance to downtown. For a truly indulgent experience add the Biltmore Estate to the itinerary (don’t forget to visit the gardens and the winery!). For outdoor enthusiasts: The Blue Ridge Parkway runs through Asheville and you can pick it up at many places. Hiking trails are easy to find. For the water adventurers: Head out to Brevard to go swimming at Sliding Rock or head down to Saluda to go tubing on the Green River.

Juror #2, M.F./Andalee

Filed under: North America | Tagged: Andalee, Asheville, Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway, Brevard, Chocolate Fetish, College Street, Green River, Haywood Street, hiking, juror #2, Montford, NC, Saluda, shopping, Sliding Rock, truffles, Tupelo Honey | 2 Comments »

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