Artsy Chow Roamer

AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER

Sleep vacations

A ROUND UP for 2026

We are sleeping less and are stressed out more. We spend too much time on devices and news channels watching polarizing politics, rising prices and war games. What is trending in 2026 to help alleviate the situation? Sleep vacations. I’m not kidding. Hotels around the US and the world are putting together packages for the weary and the sleep deprived. It’s all about the Z’s instead of sightseeing. Here’s a round up of a few of my favorites.

The Springs REsort

The Springs Resort in the heart of Pagosa Springs, Colorado is one of the hottest tickets around for this latest trend. Offering stunning views with natural geothermal springs, this resort has its own in-house medical director, Dr. Marcus Coplin, the resident guru of sleep. He oversees visitors stays with over 50+ different pools, waterfalls, cold river plunges and steam grottos to make your wellness a priority.

Choose adult-only experiences for the maximum quiet reset or the family-friendly spaces should you need the kids to begin a journey of self-care. Take part in wellness activities like aqua yoga and forest bathing hikes. Salt and aroma therapy saunas with sound bathing make for a more beautiful relaxed you both inside and out. Try a deep sleep sauna or spa treatment before retiring to your room where everyone receives a Dr. Coplin approved deep sleep tray to enhance their chances of a solid undisturbed eight hours of bliss.

Dining is an experience in itself at the resort. Start your day with coffee, mimosa and crepes from The Cafe. Want healthy snacks around the pools? They have you covered. Jump into the Barefoot Grill or The Canteen for casual fare like burgers and wraps. Elevate your dining in the evening with a visit to the Wild Finch offering craft cocktails and a globally inspired menu.

You can design your own daily package to put emphasis on areas in which you want to concentrate. There are choices at all budget levels. Can’t stay? They also offer memberships and day passes if you’re only passing through or live in the area and want to take advantage of the services. Pagosa comes from the Ute indian language meaning “healing waters”. Yes indeed!

go rustic with yurts

Sometimes you just need to go rustic and get out in the middle of nature. I prefer being on the water when doing this as the sounds of waves lapping, birds calling and fish jumping just resonates with me. While it might be a tent, it is glamping of sorts with a yurt at Sweetwater Creek in the Georgia State Park system. There are ten different tents available. You bring your linens and pillows and fold out futons with mattresses become your beds. While you can’t cook inside, you do have picnic tables, grills and fire pits outside to enjoy.

During the season, fishing boats, paddle boards, canoes and kayaks can be rented and fishing supplies are available in the bait shop. Some of the best forests and land for hiking provide rejuvenation and quiet contemplation far away from “can you hear me now” devices. Spend time with your partner and/or family talking, reading and journaling instead of scrolling. Cooking freshing caught fish while watching the sun set puts a different perspective on your attitude and rest.

new york city luxury

Located in midtown Manhattan in the beautiful landmark Crown Building, the Aman New York is known as one of the most luxurious expensive five-star experiences you can have. Designed in soothing tones of beige on beige, the atmosphere is both sophisticated and calming. The world class spa offers an incredible number of services and experiences for your spiritual journey and enjoyment.

You can pick a special three-day detoxification program personally curated for you by Novak Djokovic. Day one might include a visit to a wood-clad sauna using plants and massage to stimulate and exfoliate the skin. A hot bath and cold plunge will prepare you for further detox and perhaps a long nap afterwards. Cryotherapy, meditation and Zen sessions on Day two help with cellular repair, recovery and inner balance promoting better digestion, energy and sleep. Yoga tops Day three supporting flexibility, tone and the body’s natural renewal processes.

You’ll find amazing practitioners in the spa for a variety of signature treatments, services, medical aesthetics and fitness. The classic rooms and suites offer fireplaces, water features and music designed to immediately relax the visitor and suggest that the best in sleep awaits in the luxurious beds and linens. There are many different options for dining should you want to venture out of your room. The Lounge Bar, Corner Bar and Garden Terrace have stunning views with light casual menu options and beverages. Italian and Japanese cuisine are featured at Nama and Arva for the ultimate in fine dining experiences. Finish with a visit to the speakeasy jazz club for a fantastic end to your evening.

health & wellness at the whitley

Back to the city of Atlanta with a hidden gem in The Whitley found in the heart of Buckhead. Recently renovated, the hotel is steeped in traditional Southern charm. Awe-inspiring views of the city skyline go hand in hand with the sophisticated interior design and color schemes of beige, brown, sky blue and moneyed green. The property is from the Marriott Luxury Collection where an entire floor has been dedicated to health and wellness.

The spa level includes a lounge, boutique shop, treatment rooms, and a Himalayan salt room. Guests can indulge in a variety of treatments and enjoy complimentary valet parking, even if they’re not staying at the hotel because they do offer day passes for outside visitors. An expansive list of services are offered on a menu with massage, body treatments, facials and nails coming in high in popularity. Fitness equipment allows you to get in a work out at your own pace while products in the retail shop promote self-care and luxury. Ask about their tips and features to help you get a good nights sleep.

body holiday in st. lucia

Calling all travel enthusiasts! Hit the road and head to one of the most beautiful islands in the Eastern Caribbean Sea for a visit to Body Holiday in St. Lucia. This all-inclusive resort is meant to be a judgement free zone promoting a holiday that is unique, authentic and inspiring. Enjoy yoga every day beachside with stunning views of the sea. Nap while receiving a facial or body treatment in the lap of luxury that visitors return to again and again to experience. The program focuses on wellness and rejuvenation with exercise, nutrition and relaxation while putting devices away for your stay. Join an endless array of activities, lessons and classes while enjoying the meals and beverages designed to aid in all areas of your well being and sleep.

post ranch inn Big Sur

We couldn’t possibly cover this topic without a visit to the Big Sur area of California. Often called one of the prettiest spots in the state, the expansive sea views of the Pacific Ocean tick off a BIG box on the luxury destination search and the Post Ranch Inn should fit the bill nicely. Don’t expect TV screens, alarm clocks and other distracting devices, you won’t find them there. Modern rustic rooms boast textures, fine linens and fireplaces with balconies that allow you to do nothing but enjoy and count the clouds and stars.

Relax, unwind and discover calming spa treatments, wellness activities and moments to slow down while creating your own special journey to rejuvenation and health. Heated pools allow leisurely laps after morning yoga and sound classes. Forest bathing among the trees promote meditation and discovery within. If desired, enjoy an award-winning wine list during your fine dining experience in the sky at Sierra Mar, a farm-driven concept that will deliver a five-star meal. Sustainability is at the heart of this property which is a win win all around. Don’t you want to visit now?

vilnius, lithuania

Most folks don’t know where the little European country of Lithuania is much less that it likes to promote its’ quiet calming city of Vilnius as one of the sleep capitals of the world. Located in the Baltic States, the city lies in the Southeastern portion near the border with Belarus. The city was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 for its’ notable architecture in Old Town. As sleep tourism is expected to grow by 12.4% annually from 2025 to 2030, “the demand is rising for sleep-centric accommodation, located in green and calm city environments.”

According to Laura Bojarskaitė, PhD, one of Lithuania’s leading neuroscientists and sleep researchers, rest-inspiring capitals share some special characteristics: “less noise and pollution, walkable cities, green spacess and parks, visable sky and open spaces with calmer evenings.” Turns out Vilnius is exactly what you need for better health and sleep.

One of the top spots to stay is the Hotel Pacai in the heart of the walkable Old Town set in the grandeur of a 17th century Baroque building brought back to life by a talented group of architects and designers. Enjoy the surrounding museums, churches, book shops, restaurants and bars that make it the cool hipster place to be and be seen. An expansive menu of spa and body treatments are meant to help lull you to sleep after retiring to your room where amenities await to assure a quiet, deviceless experience promoting health and wellness to the max.

IN CONCLUSION

These are just a small sampling of destinations you might consider to get your sleep on. There will be more places offering packages with sleep specialists to help you understand any ongoing issues you might have and how to deal effectively with them. The key is to find spots with no devices, comfy bedding and sheets, the smells and sounds that support your efforts to relax, recharge and get your solid eight hours in. Try it soon. Good night and sleep tight! 🥱

Hey, don’t be a stranger! Let me hear from you if you got something you want to add to the list of January fun things to do! Until next time…

Cheers,

Artsy Chow Roamer

AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER

longhorn steakhouse

UNTOLD TRUTHS BEHIND THE CULINARY GIANT

You heard the whispers about the land down around the Walmart; a Longhorn Steakhouse was coming to Jasper soon. It was years ago and we just waited and waited and then something went under construction up the road in front of the new Publix and cheers went up when that recognized exterior became apparent. It was finally here. You might think I’m kidding but we were two of the first customers the week it opened and it was packed with folks waiting outside to get in.

a little history

That’s kind of how it was back in the day when the first location opened in 1981 on Peachtree Street in a black building that used to house an adult bookstore. It was across the way from Harrison’s Bar, a famous local watering hole where they would line up to get in on a Friday night before they crossed the street to eat at their favorite steak joint. I say joint because that was the vibe with a little urban cowboy thrown in for interest and musical taste.

The menu was simple and written on a chalk board. You could have just about any kind of steak you wanted with a salad and a side. The grill was open to the room if you got a seat at the bar and you could watch them cook it for you. Loaded bowls of peanuts in the shell were everywhere and you just threw the shells on the floor. No really. Booths had black and white checkered vinyl tablecloths and the lighting was very low. The walls sported that varnished plywood look and there were cowboy references of all kinds as well as some nifty neon signs advertising beer while the honky-tonk music played on.

It didn’t take off at first like you might expect. Most people don’t know that the founder, George McKerrow, had a partner who vanished with the opening funds and he had to borrow money from his father to finish it. Things were slow until the great snow storm hit that we still refer to as snow jam ‘82. The weather guys got it wrong. It hit early and hard. People were stranded on Peachtree and Longhorn put a sign up that offered drinks for $1 as long as it snowed and success was finally born along with a little folklore.

the sale

George McKerrow Jr. came from a background in hospitality with stints at many different restaurants including his own supper club in West Virginia. He had an idea for a casual steakhouse with a real Texas feel and Urban Cowboy theme based on the popularity of the movie itself. Borrowing the money from his father turned out to be a very good thing as he partnered with his son for over 25 years and helped grow the restaurant into a national chain with over 15 locations and expansion into other states under the RARE Hospitality company label.

By the year 2000 McKerrow decided to retire from RARE and by 2007 the decision was made to sell Longhorn to Darden Restaurants Inc. which also owned Olive Garden and Capital Grill for a cool reported price of 1.4 billion. In 2002, McKerrow teamed up with Atlanta media mogul Ted Turner to open the bison restaurants that would become Ted’s Montanta Grill built upon a model of sustainability.

modern design

Today’s Longhorn is a long way from the original concept. The vibe is still cowboy but in a more chic kind of way. The stone and brick exterior with black trim feels handsome and modern while the leather booths, wall decor and art all feel upscale casual with a saddle aesthetic. It feels warm and comfortable and even when packed it some how manages to seem quiet. At least you can have conversation on date night without having to yell as in most restaurants being designed today.

You can still sit at the bar and yes there are TV screens but with no sound turned on. The paging system works great with seats a plenty inside and out if waiting. If you want to stay at the bar and eat they are happy to bring you a menu and get your order in. There is a specific spot for the to-go people to put in their orders and wait.

While Darden may have kicked up the overall look a notch, the one thing they didn’t change was the quality concept of the food as dependably delicious steaks with sides. Did they expand the menu? Absolutely by offering more side choices, burgers, chicken and even seafood.

I have to admit that I haven’t tried nearly as many things on the menu and I may not be the only one like that. Every fan has their favorites and they stick to them. I have noticed that if the servers know you, they know what you want and how you want it cooked. The grill masters are legend to the point that on holidays they have a hotline for tips for those of us silly enough to think we can do it ourselves at home.

cocktails bread & Salad

The drinks menu is expansive with beer, wine and cocktails of a signature nature. They are known for their margaritas with five selections like the patron with dragon fruit, the texas, the perfect, strawberry and mango. You can still get a Longhorn Old Fashioned, a Moscow Mule, Texas Tea or Jack and Coke. There are quite a few white and red wine choices starting at $8 and 9 a glass. Beer drinkers are happy with the list of bottled and draft on offer.

You will also be happy to see that warm bread with fresh butter on the signature board to go with your drinks. They always ask if you want it and in a lot of places it is because they charge for it but not at Longhorn. They still bring you that nice big bowl of your desired salad with your favorite dressing which tastes like they make it themselves along with the super croutons.

Beef Pig and burgers

But let’s get down to the real reason people come. It’s all about the beef. Whatever cut you want is available and ready to grill. Flo’s filet has been on the menu since the beginning and is still the hands down pleaser for the smallest tender portion. Then there is the Outlaw Ribeye and Longhorn Porterhouse for original choices that are great for sharing. Even a sirloin which might be meh for some people was recently an excellent choice for me.

Did I say they know their way around a rack of ribs if that’s your thing. They know how to do them low and slow and grill finish for the drop off the bone goodness you want. Now you can also get a burger their way and what a burger it is. I don’t care how good you are at the grill in your backyard, you are never going to produce something this juicy and good. This is what McKerrow promised from the beginning which was the best in beef every single day.

bird & fish

So you say you aren’t a red meat eater? The original probably said this ain’t the place for you. Not so much for Darden’s vision of the restaurant. They want all meat eaters including the bird, lamb and seafood folk. Parmesan crusted chicken is one of their best sellers with a creamy sauce over the top. Lemon garlic chicken comes in a close second and is always tender and juicy-never dry or tough.

The grilled lamb and pork chops are massive portions and we have found you will need that little black box to take home your leftovers. I don’t do seafood at a steakhouse but my friend always does and goes with the salmon which she says she could never do as well herself. Grilled rock shrimp with rice is also a great option.

desserts & kids

I can’t remember if the original spot had desserts or even a kids menu honestly but the new concept certainly does. Don’t miss classics like strawberry shortcake and molten lava chocolate cake. Kids will be happy to see chicken tenders, a super cheeseburger sized just right and classic Kraft mac and cheese with a side. Giddy-up!

FINAL THOUGHTS

I’m still a big fan of the best little steakhouse in town. It is rare that a founder sells to another company that manages to keep the quality as good or better than it was originally, maintain it through exponential growth while modernizing in a way that doesn’t offend your customers (looking at you here Cracker Barrel). It is still one of the best places to go for a date night that is also good value and easy on the wallet. So saddle up and head out and don’t be surprised if you have to wait for a good table because it’s worth it!

If you enjoyed what you read, you might also enjoy other posts under Edible Fare. There you will find restaurant reviews, recipes, foodie tips and best spots to eat in a variety of cities. I also put emphasis on food experiences in my travel posts under Explore the World. Until next time…

Cheers!

Artsy Chow Roamer

AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER

FROM THE VAULTS:

THOMAS DEANS PRESENTS AN ONLINE EXHIBITION

Thomas Deans Fine Art on Miami Circle is celebrating twenty-five years in the Atlanta art scene after moving from London to Florida and on to Atlanta in 2000. Normally, I would be writing about his Summer Pleasures exhibition that begins in June and runs through September every year as it is a favorite of mine. This spring he has broken out a new concept for an online exhibition that will be highlighting his more traditional historical works on paper, hence the title, From The Vaults.

SOME HISTORY

Originally established in 1983, the gallery specializes in contemporary paintings, contemporary and historical works on paper, and selected sculpture and photography from emerging to highly established artists. For more than four decades, the gallery has collected a significant number of artworks spanning several centuries. In response to numerous queries, they thought it was finally time to break out some of these lovely pieces for another look see.

The gallery has exhibited works from the estates of some significant 20th-century artists, including British draughtsman Randolph Schwabe (1885-1948), Polish-born modernist Marek Zulawski (1908-1985), and beloved Scottish painter John Boyd (1940-2001). Other exhibitions have been devoted to the work of the great Sculptor-Printmaker Henry Moore (1898-1986), paintings by the  brilliant but tragic British artist Cynthia Pell (1933-1977), etchings by Lucien Freud, Paula Rego, and Frank Auerbach, and many more.

sketches & drawings

Deans began by reviewing and photographing some of his favorites in the collection to pull together a group that worked well in a salon style installation-a preference of his when displaying these smaller historic works. The artists range from unknown to world famous with all forms of media from pencil, chalk and ink to gouache, watercolor and acrylic.

Almost all were created on different types of paper like rose, buff, antique and letter and every piece tells a story. His decision to hang on a handsome navy blue wall instead of white was masterful as it allows the pieces to pop in a way white walls never would which you’ll notice if visiting in person.

Included in the drawings selections is a particularly nice gouache and ink piece by artist Eugene Berman called Man in Turkish Costume. There is a wonderful amount of detail from the beard noted on the face to the turban, button closures and shoulder/collar design on the costume shown from both the front and back.

I found a nicely rendered drawing by an unknown German artist to be very simple and compelling. The text reads that it is most likely a dairy worker or Alpine sheep herder on market day. Several studies by the famous Royal Academy of the Arts in London member, James Ward, have been included and a couple of my favorites are Two sketches of a seated man and A Card Party: Mr. Rich and Mrs. Bonny.

Soft watercolors

There are a number of lovely soft watercolors included in the display right now. I am drawn to Boy with a Pond Boat which is from the artist’s estate of Lady Edna Clarke Hall (1879-1979) for both the selection of colors and the sweet way the boy is painted in knee pants looking out across the water. It is a quiet thoughtful work done on ribbed paper giving it nice texture as well.

Other great pieces in this grouping include An Artist by John Absolon (1815-1895) which is a portrait of the subject looking in another direction instead of directly at the viewer. This is an old-style trick that reminds me of my great-grandmother’s portrait which adds interest and a little mystery as to what they might be gazing at. An unknown British artist is shown in another piece with a sweet page from a ladies watercolor drawing album with detailed nicely done studies of flora and fauna.

pencil & chalk

There are a lot of beautiful choices in the simply rendered pieces made in pencil, chalk and charcoal. These works speak to me the most of all as the point seems to be to provide the least number of strokes to capture the subject in a recognizable way that reminds me of techniques from artists that would come much later.

Henry Jenkins (1906-1975) shines in this method in two stunning pieces, Pigs at an Irish Market and Baseball Player. Both are created with black chalk on buff paper utilizing minimally clean marks, finishing no subject completely yet making the composition more than recognizable. They are from a collection that was exhibited in London at Martyn Gregory and are beautifully framed in 22K gold leaf with an antique wash.

I was also drawn to a lovely graphite drawing by Fortunino Matania (1881-1963) from a collection in his studio named Life Study: Seated Nude. This particular piece was of a model holding a pose during a life study class. Matania was famous for his illustrations of the sinking of the Titanic which are still circulating over 100 years later.

soft LANDSCAPES

There are a number of great landscapes on display in different media if that’s what you are looking for. I liked Guy Malet’s (1900-1973) Farmyard at East Hendred, Berkshire in watercolor over pencil which has a washed look about it and a bright pop of blue in the gates and doors.

Employing some of the best traditional techniques, Edward Hargitt (1835-1895) gives us River Landscape done in gouache and most likely came from a posthumous sale out of his studio. I love the contrast of the shades of blue set against the different greens, yellows and whites as the two tiny figures make their way along the path on the right.

Shout out to the pencil and colored chalks work by artist Lucien Ott (1870-1927) called Figure in Tall Grass as well. Lots of energy and texture in the piece which makes it feel like a quick study that he went back and added more to after the fact to create depth.

lovely PORTRAITS

French artist Bernard Buffet (1928-1999) might be one of the most recent artists included in the collection and I find his work to be very fun and whimsical. Known as a painter, print maker and sculptor, Buffet built an extensive body of work exclusively in figurative work in an exprssionist style. His work was characterized by thick black lines, elongated forms and shallow depth of field. To me, he feels very much like Pablo Picasso and he would begin to be compared to the famous artist throughout the 1950’s at the height of his appeal.

Other portraits that are really nice in the grouping are Classical Head and A Lady by artist William Hoare of Bath (1707-1792) the former done in red chalk on laid paper and the latter in black and white chalk on gray paper. They are from an album compiled by the artist’s family descended through his son, Prince Hoare to Lady Franklin Lewis and later to painter Charles Eastlake. I also quite like Randolph Schwab’s (1885-1948) soft black chalk on rose paper piece, Seated Figure: Lady Perdita Joliffe. The lady was a friend of the artist and his daughter valued the piece very highly.

William Walmsley’s (1923-2003) incredible monoprint on unique brown paper called Reclining Nude is simply stunning and I think my favorite of the exhibition with its abstract representation, lovely colors and soft one-of-a-kind presentation.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Thomas has a good eye for hanging a show preferring to mix artists, letting the colors and subject matters play a sort of song as you move through the exhibition. His salon style installation with these historical works on paper make them small treasures and look very special hung together in a single presentation thought.

The idea of changing out the pieces every few months and reintroducing us to the historical archives the gallery has collected is a very good thing. He can do both, serving his newer more contemporary clients as well as the older ones who always loved these pieces. Check out the online or in gallery version of this very nice exhibition.

If you enjoyed what you read, you might also like other posts under Artful Ideal. You can find other artists that I really love and you might want to add to your own collection. Until next time…

Cheers,

Artsy Chow Roamer

Author: Artsy Chow Roamer

BENT TREE LODGE & VINEYARD

TOP GEORGIA WINERY PICK

I had relatives visiting and wanted to come up with a fun destination that would be a short drive away from my North Georgia home. I had heard some great things about a new winery that had opened off Cove Road that was associated with the Bent Tree community so when a beautiful Saturday occurred begging for a little wine and music, we hit the road and headed to Bent Tree Lodge and the Cairn View Winery.

DESTINATION ARRIVAL

Located at 253 Happy Trails Way in Jasper, the turn off from Cove Road is onto Long Swamp Church Road which zigs zags through some scary woods and properties. You feel increasingly alone and quiet, which turns out to be a very good thing when you make the final right turn into their driveway. Drive by the first building where you get your first impression of the cute farmhouse style lodge, super views of the vines to the right and back and lush views of the full property with surrounding gardens and outdoor spaces.

We continued down the slope to the tasting room first which was already geared up for the day’s entertainment with several tables and group areas full of wine sippers. A quiet zen water fountain provides white noise with a pretty rock garden to set it off at the entrance. Outdoor tables for 2, 4, 6 and more sport Adirondack chairs in a cheery shade of blue that coordinate well with the charcoal gray and natural wood exteriors. A large comfy living room set up surrounds a two-sided fireplace for an intimate grouping while a short walk away allows for a lot of folks to warm up around a nice fire pit.

TASTING lounge

Owners, Brent and Debi Hancock have worked very hard to find the right place to fulfill a dream for themselves that most would have said the odds were against them successfully achieving. After a sublime experience at an appointment only wine tasting in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the personalized service they enjoyed became the inspiration for the vision of their own property and what they wanted to provide their customers in the North Georgia mountains. The acres are now cleared with vines and exotic trees planted, a 5-star lodge and lounge built, providing the setting for a cozy spot to visit for a day of relaxation, a weekend of wine exploration or a wonderful private event.

The tasting room offers a well-designed farmhouse style space with exposed bricks, fun wine references, a large Founder’s loft and seats at a pouring bar. Natural wood columns and rails add warmth against the floors that give that cool wine cellar vibe. Lounge seating around the fireplace is perfect for a bite and tasting flight. All in all it is a warm, inviting space that feels comfortable and curated without being stuffy.

cafe menu

Menus arrived quickly and our super friendly server gave us an informed tour of how it worked and provided recommendations on what to try and in what order to do so. While it might not be considered as extensive as some other wineries menu, it seems very thoughtful with an eye towards a nice grouping in each area for a full experience. Nine choices are offered in the red, four in the white and seven under the sweet wine heading along with five different tasting flight options.

We all started with a glass of white in the Weeping Willow and Springer Mountain Blend. We were pleased with them both but preferred the Willow. One of our party tried the Mountain Laurel Rose and found it very pleasant, maybe the best they had for the day. I wanted to try something with longer legs and took the 2022 Malbec. It was the best I had for the day but I always prefer a red if given a choice especially with food.

All choices are offered by the glass or bottle. I would suggest you consider ordering bottles as the one complaint in our party was the five ounce pour for a $12, 14 & 17 a glass price. They felt those prices were going to be difficult for the area on that amount and they must know it as they do make you aware of it at ordering.

While there isn’t a full kitchen kind of menu, they do offer some bites and dishes that go well with their wines. Charcuterie, cheese and fruit, Mediterranean and Dessert plates are sharable and perfect for this purpose. For a bigger lunch choice you might want to go with a couple of different empanadas, Barbeque Sliders, Chicken Salad Croissant or loaded Bake Potato Soup ranging in price from $8-15. Wine-tails with booze and beers are also a available drinks if wine alone just isn’t your thing.

EVENTS MUSIC & mORE

Memorable experiences can be had in this smaller more intimate venue whether it’s a boutique wedding, rehearsal dinner or corporate event. It was designed to provide everything you need for weddings of up to 50 guests and private events for up to 60 including the cozy warm ambiance, dance space, catering and musical support. With the lodge providing accommodation, who wouldn’t want to attend your next party? The winery offers its own events as well as a wine club. Musical guests are scheduled monthly with local favorite Bill Pound entertaining the day we visited. Check out the website to see both wine club membership options and prices with all the goodies listed that you’ll get in your package.

bed & breakfast LODGE

Say yes to this property for your best in places to stay in the area. Even other event venues like The Historic Tate House list the property as one of their choices for guests. An inviting entrance with rocking chairs steps into a welcoming living room lobby with fireplace and a view to an outdoor dining and gathering space. That overlooks another garden area with comfy chairs and fire pit for roasting marshmallows and chilling.

HGTV’s Fixer Upper is inspiration for the six suites that are timeless, simple and elegant. Priced from $195 to $315 a night, each space has its own theme with a fabulous breakfast and their own coffee brand included each morning. The Rustic Cabin is the lowest priced moving to Seaside Escape, Vineyard and Farmyard in the middle finishing with the premiere Gibbs Gardens and Tabacco Pouch Suites, the largest with the best views.

Rooms and bath rooms are spacious with luxurious linens, ceiling fans, amenities trays, wifi, cable TV, hair dryers and more. Color schemes and high quality furniture coordinate with artwork and accessories to complete the signature designs in the same warm comfortable way of the tasting lounge. Packages are available to add to your reservation to make your stay as pleasurable as you want. In room spa services, flowers, picnic baskets, cakes and catered dinners are just the beginning to a better stay.

final thoughts

Lush landscaping and walking paths blend with beautiful gardens and outdoor gathering spaces to provide the perfect background for making memories at Cairn View Winery. Whether it’s for a social gathering, getaway weekend, event or a simple romantic date, escape soon for a visit and bring your family and friends. I promise you’re gonna like it.

If you enjoyed what you read you might also like other posts from Explore the World. Look for my next post on an artsy adventure you might like! Until then…

Cheers!

Artsy Chow Roamer

AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER

Sidelines Grill

Sports, food & fun

When Fats closed in Jasper, lots of people wondered what would take its place. There were rumors about a sports bar which made most everyone including me roll my eyes. Afterall, how many places do you really need to go watch a bunch of screens, talk loudly and eat chicken wings washed down with your choice of local craft beer? I thought we certainly had enough choices in that category but as we watched Sidelines Grill slowly come into being with a good refresh inside and out we decided to do a little research and pay a visit.

I was glad to see for instance that Jasper is the sixth location for the restaurant after already being established in Cartersville, Marietta, Woodstock and Canton. In food speak this means they already have their stuff together on the menu to know what folks like and what sells well-no guinea pigs necessary! They describe themselves as a casual family-friendly destination serving up a diverse American menu with some gosh darn good wings, a staple across the South for sports day of any kind.

The staff are super friendly and remember you when you come in especially if you got a favorite cocktail. They know there are a lot of screens to watch and you want to sit near the one showing your favorite sport so most times they just let you pick your table. You can also settle in at the comfy bar if you just want to grab a quick beer and bite. The place is much smaller making for a quieter experience than your average sports bar which is a very good thing to me.

GREAT COCKTAILS

I judge most restaurants on the kind of pour you get in a dry martini while my husband wants to see some great craft and international beer choices (read no Miller Lite here please). Both are a big check in the yes box at this spot with an affordable price too. I consider a $7 cocktail to be good value these days. You’ll find a great mix of signature drink choices along with some super beers and wine for game day or any day really.

SHARABLE APPETIZERS

The menu assures you a good number of items to pair with your favorite poison to start. Since wings are featured, you will be happy to see them available in both original and boneless with four different sizes to please at 6, 10, 20 and 30 respectively. Match that with four levels of heat and nine different flavors and you got the mack daddy of choices in that one dish.

Love that Buffalo flavor but wanna change it up? Try the shrimp served up with bleu cheese crumbles and chives and a ranch dressing dip. Yum! Standards like fried cheese curds, mozzarella sticks or dill pickles are super crisp and tasty. Some twists on mac and cheese are sure to please with Mack Jack bites and Mac Chili and chips.

Classic queso and chips are a favorite with loaded baked potato skins coming in a close second. If you can’t make up your mind, they do offer a Sidelines Sampler Platter with a choice of four different items and a whole host of good dipping sauces. This really can be the only category you have to look at on the menu in order to put a huge spread on the table for you and your crew.

sOUPS & sALADS

Should you want a little healthier or lighter approach, especially if the ladies are dropping by for lunch after shopping in town, there are a variety of soups and salads that fit the bill for you. I am fond of the chili which is great on a cold day with spicy tang, cheese and a nice spoon of sour cream on top. My BFF’s really like the grilled chicken salad with greens, cucumbers, tomatoes and nuts with a nice helping of dressing to pour over.

You can get that salad as a meat, steak or Cobb type and standards such as House, Wedge or Caesar are available as an add-on or side. Other soups like red pepper gouda and loaded potato are lovely choices if chili isn’t your thing.

BURGERS & dINNERS

Sidelines also state they have bragging rights on their smashburgers which is why they offer you seven different kinds. I prefer the American with that great melting cheese and bacon albeit without the fried egg. I don’t know-it’s probably great that way but something about a fried egg just doesn’t scream burger to me. You might love the new very irresponsible burger with four patties or the big hurt with three if you think you got the room to put that much smash meat away!

The Grill also has some nice unexpected dinner options like a chopped steak smothered with grilled onions, mushrooms and gravy with mash. We’ve also tried Lola’s meatloaf and the fish and chips which are some of the best around. They also like a good tater tot on the plate with some of their dinners and who doesn’t as an option to always having fries?

TEX MEX & HANDHELDS

There are eight different Tex Mex choices for those that want to add some spice to the meal. Grab an order of Redneck or regular loaded nachos and you got enough for the whole table to get a start on. Tex Mex bowl, two kinds of tacos, quesadillas, fajitas or chicken with rice round out the options for a second course. You’ll find the hand helds are big and sharable as my husband and I often split the Reuben served with crispy onion rings. Classic clubs, Philly steaks and a well-done Cuban are also delicious and great choices for a quick lunch.

TRIVIA MUSIC & KID STUFF

Along with all the sport choices you got with the many TV screens, they host weekly team trivia nights at all the different locations. Weekly Sound Checks is for all you musical bingo geniuses. There are often kids eat free nights and lots of drink specials and discounts offered as well.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Turns out, I’m kind of a fan of the latest sports bar in town. I don’t go if I want a quiet date night but I do if I wanna catch a game or sport I can’t get at home, sip on a favorite cocktail while doing it and have a good menu of classics to go along with it. Add in the smaller friendly local spot kind of atmosphere and it’s pretty much a home run or touch down…well you get the idea!

If you enjoyed what you read, you might also enjoy other posts under Edible Fare. There you will find restaurant reviews, recipes, foodie tips and best spots to eat in a variety of cities. I also put emphasis on food experiences in my travel posts under Explore the World. Until next time…

Cheers!

ArtsyChowRoamer

AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER

The CULINARY CAPER

(BY COOK OR BY CROOK)

As most of you know, when I do a book review it has usually been for a new cook book with good recipes and beautiful photography of finished dishes. For some reason when I got an email about my interest in writing about The Culinary Caper, I got interested.

It was listed on Amazon as fiction with humor, mystery and a bit of action. A food truck owner slings pirogi and gets the Russian mob on his tail because of his actions to deal with his money woes. Who doesn’t like a little suspense and mystery along with their action/adventure for some cozy winter reading? It caught my attention for a variety of reasons.

A BIT OF BACKGROUND

The author’s background is mixed just like mine. Nick Greenberg started out as a composer and professional bassist playing a nice variety of music like jazz, classical and Broadway tunes with a solid list of concerts and gigs to back it up. I play the piano and fancy I could land a gig anytime playing classics, jazz and country tunes in some club, restaurant or bar.

His first job was a busboy who graduated to dishwasher. Mine was a dishwasher who graduated to a table server. He did stints as a caterer and prep cook while I dabbled in interior design and an art gallery. He decided he liked traveling, eating in nice restaurants and writing fiction. I decided I would keep traveling, eat in nice restaurants, visit museums/galleries and write about it in a blog.

Nick is a former chocolatier, current winemaker and award-winning home brewer while I am a former home canner, current she-chef of note and master pasta maker. In 2020, he publishesd his first book, Buried Treasure and his short story, Eat, was recently published in the literary journal, Jelly Bucket. And I…well…I have my monthly column in the newspaper. See where I’m going here? There is more than one path to get to any creative end. But I digress…

ABOUT THE BOOK

Nick draws on all his life experiences with the colorful eccentric characters of both the food and music industries he’s been a part of. He tells the story of Chef Anton Cherny who owns a food truck and is “up to his eyeballs in debt”. Turns out the business and trying to support a son he has never even met costs a lot more than he makes. Mounting tensions with his truck partner and the fear generated from a Russian loan shark are taking a toll on his emotional well-being.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Anton met his ex-Julia, a talented pastry chef, in chef school and finds out after she moves abroad that he not only is a baby daddy but a daddy to a son with heart problems that have been expensive to treat. He not only runs his food truck during the day but starts taking on catered events for the extra money which he has been leaving his partner Rollie out of by not sharing the money.

Turns out before becoming a foodie, Anton was a pretty darn good sculptor who went to art school with his buddy Ricky who can paint in almost any style demanded. Ricky has ties with an insurance company who tracks stolen art and will pay good reward money for their return.

Ricky is hooked into professional sports players who have a lot of money to spend on art collecting only they don’t know they have been buying stolen pieces. He hits Anton up about catered events for the players in order to replace stolen paintings with forgeries. With thousands of dollars being offered it is too good for Chef to turn down.

IT’S THE art stupid!

The only problem with the plan is that Anton’s new girlfriend Trina is on to them and wants in for a cut. The bad idea about that is her father, Peter, is a part of the Russian mafia and things are getting a lot more complicated. Add in a suprise visit home from Julia for Anton to meet his son Francois for the first time and there is a lot of stress as well as unexpected consequences to his decisions.

it’s a love story

BTW, turns out Trina is an herb garden grower of note and can sing her little heart out. This makes for an even greater love match for Anton since he also plays a little jazz on the side with a band for the pleasure and the extra money. I mean when does the boy sleep?

While it is about the love and the art, the foodie in me got plenty to think about with the recipes Chef was constantly coming up with for the truck and the catered events. Gourmet tacos like soft shell crab with kimchi, duck Reubens and scallops with lobster caviar sound delicious while duck fat fries and short ribs with greens and garlic mash had my mouth watering.

There are a lot of plot twists I can’t tell you about but I can say that Anton will have a lot to think about as things come to a head at a final event that affects everything in his life. Should he continue with his food truck business or accept a job offer from an unexpected source? Are Julia and Francois staying to be a bigger part of his life? Is Trina the right girlfriend and can he shake the influence of her father and the loan sharks?

CONCLUSION

This is a fun winter read of a book as far as I’m concerned. It is written by someone with more than a passing knowledge of subjects I love like art, music, food and travel. Throw in the Russian mob and the constant reference to pirogi’s and you got yourself a well written caper that keeps you on your toes throughout. Pick up a copy and give it a read!

If you enjoyed what you read, you might also like other posts under Edible Fare and Artful Ideal. Look for my next post on a review of a local winery you won’t want to miss. Until then…

Cheers,

Artsy Chow Roamer

AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER

Prague for the Holidays

making a list-Czeching it twice!

When I got an email during the summer with some unbelievable air deals with SAS for Prague, I snagged two in a hurry. Yes, we have lived there but haven’t returned for Christmas with friends and family in forever. I knew it would be a lovely gift to ourselves, full of fabulous decorations and Christmas markets for shopping. There is so much to see, eat and do in this architectural beauty of a city, I could never tell you all but here are some of my favorites.

WHERE TO STAY

There are any number of fantastic hotels but I prefer to look for more quirky options that offer studios and apartments when visiting the city. I like to be able to have breakfast before venturing out to see the sights or have a glass of wine on a balcony or in the garden in the afternoons. One of my favs is The Botanist by Adrez located just steps off Old Town Square.

Not only is it good value for the money considering the excellent location but it also has that artsy quality I want in the properties I recommend. You can pick from six different studio floor plans that offer spacious rooms with living, dining and kitchens. King beds with lux linens and large walk-in showers are a super plus and everything you need to make breakfasts and simple meals with microwaves and electric kettles are waiting for you too.

Not big enough? There are two different one bedroom apartments and a lovely suite that will give you more room to spread out you and your stuff. Some of these places have shared garden spaces and city views with full kitchens for longer stays and kids in tow. I love the clean contemporary lines of the design and from $120 a night and up, you can’t go wrong.

Shout out to our choice for a New Years celebration is Malevil Resort about two hours outside of Prague. Its all about the fireplaces, comfy rooms and rustic elegant dining choices. Year round amenities and beautiful views of the various local mountain ranges with a solid chance of a coating of snow makes for the perfect holiday and at a $119 a night holiday rate….run don’t walk. Cheers!

Wenceslas and old town squares

Another enjoyable aspect of where we stay is how easy it is to walk around the Old Town and Wenceslas Square neighborhoods for holiday spirit with decorations, lights, food, music and shopping. Both are pedestrians only but you will have to fight with some horse carriage traffic which is fine for taking a grand tour yourself if you want an easy lay-of-the-land start to your visit.

I will do most of my gifts from browsing the Christmas market stalls set up on Old Town all around the famous Astronomical Clock located in the only building that sustained any damage during World War II. The crowds gather on the hour to watch the clock do its thing while sipping on some hot mulled wine with spices and fruits called Gluhwein.

Paper products are a favorite of mine and there are plenty of journals, watercolors, books, pencils and pens for your creative friends. Scarves, gloves, sweaters and jackets are available everywhere. Rugs, leather handbags and wallets are popular as well as Czech foods and glass.

They have some of the cutest handmade wooden toys for children. Stall after stall have jewelry of all types, styles and price points. Pretty necklaces, earrings and bracelets make for great stocking stuffers. I love the year-round Havel’s market located between the two squares and hit it most days for seasonal foods, fruit and veggies as well as handmade art, clothes and gifts.

CHARLES BRIDGE & MALA STRANA

The Charles Bridge is one of the most recognized pieces of architecture in Prague and is even more beautiful after a winter snowfall. The medieval stone arched bridge crosses the Vltava River and connects to Mala Strana or Lesser Town as it is known by in English. Built under the auspices of King Charles IV, it was finished in the early 15th century.

There are many vendors and street performers spread out across it giving you another option for gift browsing. Mala Strana is for glass lovers and is full of galleries, shops and restaurants where you can eat some of the best traditional foods in the city.

The area historically housed many of the ethnic German and Italian citizens and you will still find many of the noble palaces nestled in the hills that rise to meet The Castle above it. Duck into stores offering traditional Czech glassware if you want to ship some home. I prefer the contemporary glass shops that are found around the base of the bridge where you will find both cast and brightly colored blown pieces.

NAMESTI REPUBLIKY

Next up is the Namesti Republiky area where Obecni Dum is located. This famous Municipal House was fully restored to its previous Art Nouveau glory after the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Here you will find the lovely Smetana Hall for glorious musical events, the American Bar for the best martinis around and the fancy French restaurant where President Obama once dined.

I like to sit and have lunch, brunch or high tea just to watch the people come and go. Drop in for holiday drinks while shopping or purchase tickets for an evening concert. Art galleries in the area are where you can find affordable signed pieces of glass, drawings, photographs, sculpture and paintings. Don’t miss the Palladium mall for festive decorations, delicious bakery delicacies, excellent espresso and the latest in European fashion.

Shout out to the Hotel Paris. This is hands down my favorite fancy shmancy place to see and be seen. Built in 1904, it was totally renovated in the same Art Nouveau style and is the five star, luxury, UNESCO World Heritage property of your dreams. Don’t miss it for tea, drinks or dinner.

the castle & golden lane

One never goes to Prague without a visit to The Castle starting with the changing of the guard which always draws big crowds. Built in the 9th century, the complex is the seat and official residence of the current President. The “Hrad” houses the Bohemian Crown Jewels in a hidden room and is one of the largest castles in the world with over 750,000 square feet (lookin’ at you PT with your silly ballroom addition!)

There are areas you can freely access along with a tour of St. Vitus Cathedral where patron saints and archbishops are buried. The most important temple in the Czech Republic, this is where the coronations of kings and queens took place and is simply breathtaking from an architectural standpoint. The complex also houses the Basilica of St. George, Powder Tower and the Old and New Royal Palaces including Spanish Hall.

Continue walking towards the back of the complex to Golden Lane where you find the tiny colorful homes that once housed the servants of the castle and even the famous Franz Kafka at one time. They are shops with wonderful handmade gifts from decor, nutcrackers and nativity sets to puppets, books and candies. End your tour with a wander down the picturesque Old Prague steps that connect The Castle to Lesser Town.

EATING IN prague

First stop for food is always Kulatak in Prague 7 for our first traditional Czech meal of every trip. The area is where most the pretty embassies are located and there is a whole slew of great restaurants to choose from because of that. It is the place for roast duck, dumplings and red cabbage. Top if all off with a Pilsner Urquell, the best beer anywhere, and you’re in heaven!

Just cause you are in Prague doesn’t mean you have to go without your ethnic food fixes either. We love Mexican and you can’t beat Agave for top of its kind. Their street tacos are simply sublime with their homemade salsas and a fresh squeeze of lime. Signature cocktails are fantastic of the tequila variety. The spicy bowls of Yam Yam are also a favorite with their extensive menu and a location at the underground station at Vysehrad, where you can visit the old fort and the cemetery where Dvorak is buried.

There used to be a fabulous Indian place right off Old Town Square where we once ran into Wesley Snipes and Chris Rock dining together. It’s gone now but the food is pretty darn close at Lal Qila in Vinohrady where we used to live. You’ll like both the prices and the underground cellar design features as well as the curries and papadums.

CONCLUSION

While many people might think Prague is only worth visiting during the spring and summer, I have found fall and winter to be a lovely time. The holidays, while more crowded because of the Christmas markets, still beckon you in ways that other cities simply can’t hold a candle to.

To wrap it all up, the beauty of the architecture and the holiday spirit are magical. Don’t be afraid to visit as I highly recommend spending your holidays in the fabulous city of Prague so make your plans and Czech it out!

If you enjoyed what you read, you might enjoy other posts under Explore the World. There you will find my tips and guides on exciting places to visit with an emphasis on art and food as well. I also give you a taste of some fabulous spots under Snap Shot which will help you add to your bucket list. Until next time…

Cheers!

ArtsyChowRoamer

AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER

Pick of the Month:

THE LUCKY HARE

When the strip center was built outside the North Gate of Big Canoe, there was general excitement for what we might expect to fill all those spaces. We of course wanted some places to meet and eat with our friends and neighbors. While the largest space has remained empty, most of the others have been filled with businesses like dentists, vacation planners, insurance companies and shops.

We got the first restaurant in Fuego’s before they moved down the road and Sourwood took over the space. The partners used to work together in the old days of The Pleasant Peasant in Atlanta so expectations ran high only to be disappointed as the partners broke up, the menu never varied and it closed.

FRESH, LOCAL, from scratch

Enter The Lucky Hare-where you “make your own luck” as the logo says. I’ll admit…I was not a big fan of the name at first. Was it a casino or a restaurant? J. Cornelius and family admit on their website that they aren’t really restaurateurs…this is their first. But they did want to create an oasis. A place with locally sourced ingredients and a great wine list. A friendly welcoming place where everybody knows your name so to speak.

They believe freshly prepared from scratch is the best and healthiest way to eat. Whenever possible, they source from local farmers to get the best produce and pasture raised meats which make for the most delicious in flavors, a difference you will note immediately when eating there.

They support small businesses by partnering with folks like Springer Mountain Farms, Ellijay Mushrooms, Smoky Mountain Produce, Enchanted Springs Trout and Aaron Family Orchards to name a few. Check out their humidor for fine cigar selections from Black Label Trading Company.

HAPPY HOUR

We are addicted to happy hour on Wednesday through Saturday from 4 to 6. Started for just seating at the marble bar, they have had to expand to include tables because of the popularity. Sohpia always calls out our names in welcome as we walk through the door. She pours a mean martini with just the right chill that she calls “our medicine” as she lays down placemats and napkins.

A nice little bar menu assures you of a good number of items to pair with your favorite poison as the full kitchen begins to open. One of the most delicious sharable is charcuterie with three choices of cheese served on a beautiful hand-made artisan board by ART. You can also buy one to take home.

The toast is perfectly browned and is soft crisp if there is such a thing. Blue, soft and hard type cheeses work beautifully with tiny pickled mushrooms, toasted nuts, sauces and honey. You can also add meats for an additional charge.

APPS & SMALL PLATES

For apps or small plates, try fast-food crispy fries and they are not stingy with the amount they give you either. Depending on what’s fresh available, you might find some tasty smoked trout or pimento cheese dip, PEI mussels, roasted cauliflower or fried Brussel sprouts.

They often pop on some freshly made focaccia or crostini with peppery olive oil for dipping. Beef carpaccio with arugula and horseradish cream is light and well-done. Three different salads can have chicken, steak, shrimp or scallops added to make it an entree.

specials & entrees

A blue-plate special is served throughout happy hour usually for around $19. My husband and I can share it adding a side salad and are plenty full when done. We always look forward to finding out what homey choices will be on offer like meatloaf, fried chicken, pasta ragu or short ribs which is one of the most popular of all.

When they first opened, rabbit was listed among the regular entrees. I was surprised not having seen it on a menu in years as it used to be considered a less-than protein choice. I would venture to guess that even though it was delicious, it was listed at a more-than price and has since sadly disappeared. But you can nosh on dang tasty pork belly, snitzel and picattas along with a nice 8 ounce cut of filet mignon.

DESSERTs and brunch

Don’t forget to save a little space for dessert after your meal as they make them in-house. Standard choices include a brownie sundae, tiramisu, vanilla creme caramel and a chocolate peanut butter bar. There is usually a seasonal cobbler, sorbet, and gelato and you might just get a last-minute special to choose as well.

Sunday brunch is served from 11 to 2 and is considered to be one of the best around. Classics like chicken and waffles and eggs benedict will delight. Try their Southern take on Nashville hot chicken biscuit, steak and eggs or biscuits with gravy. I’ve had one of their excellent moist, tender omeletes and my husband loves their pancakes and French toast. Top that off with a great Bloody Mary or Mimosa and you’re good to go.

A WORD ABOUT WINE

They may just have one of the best wine lists in North Georgia. Choose from a wide selection of sparkling, rose, whites, varietals, blends and reds from Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. Wednesday happy hour is also the spot for weekly wine tastings with different importers hosting. You can not only taste (sometimes for free) but also pick up discounted bottles of your favorites to take home. Check the website for events.

You can also join the wine club for $49 a month which gives you access to and discounts on over 34,000 wines and a whole host of VIP perks. You also get three bottles of hand-picked wines a month; two red and one white or rose with a special focus on family-owned vineyards and small producers of a type you won’t find in your local grocery store.

night train

Finally, that great little space next door with the cozy fireplace, tables and its own bar is called Night Train and is owned by the same folks. It’s all about the pie and they are offering some super tasty types that you can get by the slice, whole or for takeout. Crispy crusts and the freshest toppings are their secret to success.

CONCLUSION

I’m kind of a big fan of The Lucky Hare…they have done a beautiful job and I’m more than a bit picky according to friends and family. It took time for them to find their way but they have it down now and I think they are going to last. Apparently, the third time is the charm.

If you enjoyed what you read, you might also enjoy other posts under Edible Fare. There you will find restaurant reviews, recipes, foodie tips and best spots to eat in a variety of cities. I also put emphasis on food experiences in my travel posts under Explore the World. Until next time…

Cheers!

ArtsyChowRoamer

AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER

Halloween ROUND UP

FUN STUFF TO DO

I love the colors of fall as September turns into October, and we get ready for all things spooky, pumpkin spice and trick or treat. I don’t have kids or grandkids, but I know a lot of my readers do, so I try to find things that will interest both the little guys and the big kids that are still in all off us. This means everything from scary movies and events to tasty recipes for treats and drinks that all can enjoy with family and friends.

BRADLEY’S FARMS

Located on the way to Dawsonville on the back roads at 25 Lawrence Drive is the Bradley family farm. We discovered it by accident just taking a nice drive on a pretty day in the fall one year. We stopped and what a cute little place it turned out to be. At this time of the year there are lots of pumpkins to choose in all sizes for carving and decorating. Hayrides introduce you and the young’uns to the entire farm and a nice little country store offers special goodies to take home for yourself or others.

The Weaver family is at the heart of the business with Bradley working it since he was five years old. It is a “outreach to children” showing them how things work in nature, about growing your own food and giving back to your community. They are proud to have sustainable products that they produce themselves and they also support other local growers and producers in the area.

Stop by and give them some love cause you’ll have a lot of fun and find some treasures to enjoy as well. Don’t forget about them at the holiday season as they sell christmas trees and goodies with fun events for the kids during that season too.

Photos: Courtesy of Bradley’s Farms

outdoor attraction

Located at 218 Matthews Road in Jasper, Haunted Hills Farm is North Georgia’s premier outdoor attraction with over fifteen acres of “immersive horror”. Family owned and operated, the seasonal attraction offers “actor driven, scream-worthy” thrills and chills that go way beyond the usual Halloween experience. A single ticket gets you into all on Scare Night every weekend of October for $30-35 dollars depending on the night. Two special kids nights are available for $15 and a black out date for November 1st gets you in for $28. Fast passes are available too to avoid long lines.

Best if done with a group, you can try out the Haunted Hayride, Walking Trail or Blacklight Haunt for the ultimate in triple scare fun. Take a break in between your spook time on the Midway. Music, roaming ghouls, games and photo ops run amok. Concession stands and firepits offer snacks, drinks, smores and more providing the necessary sustenance for the freaky shows.

HAUNTED HOUSE

One of the best haunted house experiences is House of Four Scythes in Cumming. Located at 235 Castleberry Road, this non-profit brings not only top-notch scares but money to some pretty great charities like cancer research and the Boy Scouts of America. Every dollar raised goes back into the community to touch lives and support causes.

Photos: Courtesy of House of Four Scythes

Their dedicated group of volunteers create a spooky journey into the unknown wrapped around the story of the Vespers Mortuary and its director Alistair Vespers in the creepy town of Wedgewood. A decaying relic, overgrown with tangled vines near the crumbling memorials of the local cemetery, the once elegant home is now nothing but layers of dust, peeling paint and moldering damp hallways filled with sorrow and memories of yesterday. Experience the supernatural with demons, vampires, ghouls and the guards who are called up to fight them.

Step right up into the carnival theme tent where you navigate the maze and all the unexpected things that go along with it. Colorful lights and music guide you on your fantastical journey that will have you screaming and laughing throughout. New this year-Haskills Meats-family serving families since 1975 (cue the Vincent Price laugh)!

Open for fifteen days only, this adventure sells out every year so plan early for a $20-25 ticket with fast pass and VIP tickets available as well. This house is not approprate for children under 12 so stick to the fairgrounds for the carnival experience with them.

HOCUS POCUS

I did a review previously on a fun cookbook by Bridget Thoreson called Hocus Pocus: A Spellbinding Cookbook. She gives you a lot of ideas and recipes for cocktails, appetizers, main dishes and desserts both for Halloween and the fall and winter cooking seasons.

Recipes are easy and can be done with the kids. I have tried the Clever Little Witch’s White Chocolate Chunk Cookies and the Witch’s Brew Espresso Martini; perfect for movie night. I also made the Pumpkin Soup with the leftover guts from my carved pumpkin and paired it with some super Shush ke-baby Kebobs for a dinner with friends. Check out the post on the link above for more on the goodies and recipes in the book and it is available on Amazon if you want a copy.

Photos: Courtesy of Warner Brothers, HBO and Scribner Publishing

KING OF CREEP

I’m an avid long-time Stephen King fan who is the absolute owner of the horror genre. The thing about his writing is the stories are as good now as they were ten or twenty years ago because he is the master of character development. Hollywood agrees apparently as they continue to adapt and develop movies and series from his books, short stories and novellas.

I remember the first time I read Cujo back in the early ‘80’s. I was so freaked out I stayed up all night to finish it. I still have an OCD fear of rabies-carrying bats! It’s a great pick for a scary movie night with Dee Wallace and Danny Pintauro playing the terrified mother and son duo. A new version is on the way from producer Roy Lee and director Darren Aronofsky. 😱 Pick up a copy of one of King’s latest, You Like it Darker and you’ll get a sequel to Cujo in one of the twelve horror stories with Rattlesnakes.

Welcome to Derry is the prequel to IT, one of King’s scariest ever for folks afraid of clowns. Set in the 1960’s, it tells the story of what happened to bring the horrible Pennywise out of hibernation before the events of the two movies from the 80’s. Super creepy Bill Skarsgard is set to play Pennywise again with the first episode airing on HBO and HBO Max October 26th. Don’t miss it!

MOVIES

One of the all time best Halloween movies is the 1978 cult classic Halloween starring the queen of scream, Jamie Lee Curtis. Horror director John Carpenter spins the story of Michael Myers who returns to his hometown fifteen years after escaping the institution he was placed in for killing his sister.

You can’t go wrong with Beetlejuice either in its original form from 1988 or the latest version, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice from 2024. Both are directed by scaremeister Tim Burton and the talented Mr. Keaton plays the villian in both.

Actor Tony Todd makes his final appearance as William Bludworth in Final Destination Bloodlines with the granddaughter and friends continuing the story from the first movie in 1969. Turns out escaping death ain’t so very easy. All are available on many different streaming platforms so pop up some corn with your favorite cocktail and enjoy!

If you have young kids around these are not going to be the movies you want to watch. You might pick Hocus Pocus. If you’ve never seen the movie, it follows a villainous comedic trio of witches (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy) who are inadvertently resurrected by a teenage boy in Salem, Massachusetts, on Halloween night…”Amuck, amuck, amuck!”

STONE MOUNTAIN PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

One activity you’ll definitely want to do with your kids is the Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain. A $40 ticket gets you the Play by Day experience with pie eating contests, comedic shows, storytelling, character meet-and-greets and park attractions like the cable car, scenic railroad and dinosaur attraction.

Explore amazing outdoor experiences for Glow by Night with thousands of lights, massive jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin tree and mini-golf. Participate in the great pumpkin parade with special floats and high energy dance party and end the evening with the pumpkin drone light show and one of the best firework displays in the state. In all you get ten themed areas, forty storybook scenes and five different enchanted glow night adventures. That’s a lot of value for the price. Don’t forget about all the opportunities for food and drinks too.

SCARECROWS IN THE GARDEN

The Atlanta Botanical Garden gears up for it’s twenty-third year with Scarecrows in the Garden. Running from 9 AM to 6 PM from October 1st through November 1st, not only will the garden be in glorious fall bloom, the walks will be lined with local creations of colorful scarecrows for the Halloween holiday. Entries will be judged by a panel of judges with prizes like gift baskets from the shop, family memberships and tickets to future events. Back again will be the visitors chance to vote as well for a yearly membership prize. Get in early on the Great Pumpkin Carving event for real family fun and to show off your creativity and talents.

CONCLUSION

You never really outgrow Halloween even if you don’t have kids around. We still enjoy making the trip on a beautiful day to a pumpkin farm to bring home a treasure, design the face and carve out something wonderful from the unique shape while saving the guts for a yummy pie! A plate of sweet chocolate chunk cookies with a witch’s martini is super tasty for movie-o-rama or rereading a much loved King novel.

Dressing up in costume to jump out for some events or trick or treating with the kids is great family fun done together. So grab a book, rent some movies and start making your Halloween memories special.  BTW, Hocus Pocus 2 is just as fun as the first one and I’m looking forward to time with the Sanderson sisters. Check out the trailer above.

If you enjoyed what you read, you might also like other posts under Just Because. Until next time…

Boo! 😱

Artsy Chow Roamer

Author: Artsy Chow Roamer

DESTINATION

THE HISTORIC TATE HOUSE

I write frequently about exploring in my own backyard as people are always asking me for recommendations on who to see, what to eat and where to go. Most recently, a visiting British friend asked where to take her granddaughter for consideration on planning her wedding. After telling me what she had in mind, I recommended a tour of The Historic Tate House located just 45 minutes from Atlanta off Highway 53 at Georgia Marble Road.

My friend said she was familiar with it having passed by it on her way to visit me but didn’t really know what it was. I told her we were coming up on the 100th anniversary of the home and that they were building a beautiful English conservatory that would make it the perfect spot for her granddaughter’s wedding.

You might have noticed all the activity as the beautiful black metal frame began to climb slowly towards the sky. Having found the panels at a company called From Europe to You, the owner and general manager, Marsha Mann then turned to Big Canoe resident and architect, Gray Reese of Gray Reese, LLC to help put the 5,000 square foot building together and place it on the site with all the glass panels, chandeliers, sconces and furniture that will finish it off as a sort of “Tavern on the Green of Tate, Georgia”.

SOME HISTORY

The house was originally built by the Tate family after moving to the area from Lumpkin County, Georgia. Samuel Tate purchased the land in 1834, and his son Stephen began mining the rare pink marble known as Etowah that would put Tate on the map. It would be the choice of stone for the facade and would make it forever known as the Pink Palace after it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Stephen’s eldest of 19 children, Colonel Samuel Tate, began the construction in 1921, finishing in 1926 and moved in with two of his unmarried siblings. Sam, Luke and Florentine lived in three of the four bedrooms upstairs entertaining friends and family throughout until Sam’s death in 1938, Luke’s in 1955 and Flora went into hospital care. The house remained unused and neglected until 1974.

It was then discovered by Ann Laird of Arizona who purchased it and began the restoration project that would bring some of the shine back to the property. In 2001, the estate was purchased by Holbrook Properties, LP. Lois Holbrook and her daughter, Marsha Mann continued the restoration of the gardens and mansion to bring the property to where it is today.

THE BUILDING & GROUNDS

Designed in the second renaissance revival style, the venue is an example of both English and Italian classic detailing with each side of the house offering a different entrance and design. The front is very Southern with two story columns and staircase down to walking paths in the garden. The right is typically English with portico, fountain and roundabout. The left styles as Mediteranean overlooking arbors and statues while the back is an Italian piazza overlooking a small lake.

The gardens feature centuries old oak, pecan and black walnut trees and invite leisurely strolls on walks laid out between rows of carefully manicured plantings, shrubs, blooming crepe myrtles, six flowing fountains and picturesque views. Those views are panoramic around the entire property with mountains in the background set off by thoughtful landscaping details from the arbors separated by hedges of shrubs to the lush heirloom rose bushes and white hydrangea dropped in for drama amidst the buzz of nature and quiet bell tolls from the church next door.

One of my favorite spots on the grounds is what’s left of The Spirit Tree; one of those oaks brought down by a storm in 2017. The landscapers broke five blades, trimming off all the limbs leaving the body of the massive tree where it fell due to a form of concrete it was filled with as an arborist’s attempt to save it back in the day. It has now started to grow beautiful moss and ivy looking like a fantasy prehistoric creature and will soon be alive with 10,000 new jonquil bulbs in the future. It is still the spot for camera bugs to style stunning wedding pictures.

tHE INTERIORS

The mansion’s interiors are kept true to the original style reminiscent of the Great Gatsby era of the roaring twenties. The floors are striking black and white marble, and all the rooms are painted in historically correct colors. The breakfast room presently overlooks the front gardens and terrace and is where the new conservatory will connect with the existing house as a new cocktail and “dancing under the stars” facility.

An elegant winding stairway is open to the second story ceiling with a lovely mural on the walls and a player piano. The dining, living, library and parlor all open on to this beautiful grand foyer which leads to the Jewel Guest Room and the three bedrooms of Sam, Flora and Luke. While the downstairs can be toured for weddings, the bedrooms are on offer at Christmas only.

The facility offers three sites as ceremony choices: the garden, the covered pavilion and the piazza each offering its own elegant ambiance. In all there are 19,000 square feet including a 4,000 square foot ballroom, speakeasy bar and now the new conservatory providing ample space for any wedding you might plan.

THE BRIDAL & gROOM cOTTAGES

Cute little cottages have been constructed along the black iron and masonry fencing to the rear of the property. They provide the wedding party comfortable places to relax and get ready for the big event. Chairs, lighting and mirrors offer the glamour team the best setting for make-up and hair for the bridal party while bedrooms are suitable for getting dressed in formal wear before photography.

The grooms party can play a little poker or snooker game while sipping a little brandy with cigars. You can chill in the living room with fireplace and the kitchens can provide a spot for catering if the couple wants to share with friends and family or plan a day of spa services.

WEDDING SERVICES

Tate House is proud to offer three differently priced wedding packages with a variety of items and services included. The Magnolia, The Georgia Peach and The Southern Classic in ascending order of cost provide for the first 100 guests and your choice of items included on timing of use, menus and services. You will get your own wedding planner with the Tate team to help you achieve your dream event utilizing their flower and decor services. They also have and an excellent established vendors list so you can pick your photographer, videographer, make-up, hair, limousine services, invitations, music providers and more.

WHERE TO STAY

The venue works with many property managers offering a variety of accommodations including luxury rentals, hotels and mountain cabins. An example highlighted on their website is a gem of a French cottage rental in Ballground or a cute little mountain rental in Big Canoe in Marble Hill. There are also two nice boutique hotel properties in the Woodbridge Inn & Tavern and Bent Tree Lodge & Winery.

CHRISTMAS TOURS

Known for its well-attended Christmas tours that usually see 7 to 10,000 visitors annually through the beautifully decorated house, Tate will also offer Royal tea on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays for three seatings at 2:00, 2:15 and 2:30. Reservations can be done on the website. More information will also become available as plans are firmed up for more events. A 6,000 square foot pop-up shop will have wonderful options in Tate House swag, gifts, jewelry, apparel and holiday decor.

CONCLUSION

The beautiful and romantic setting of the house creates the perfect backdrop for a classic Southern wedding which has only been enhanced with the elegant conservatory. While hundreds of events have been planned and executed in the past, many more will happen in the future with that lovely addition proving the capable team at The Tate House can create any fantasy wedding you can dream up. I do indeed!

If you enjoyed what you read you might also like other posts from Explore the World. Look for my next post on an artsy adventure you might like! Until then…

Cheers!

ArtsyChowRoamer

AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER

Pick of the Month:

PASTA DA PULCINELLA

When I lived and worked in Midtown Atlanta, I had a two-story cross-over unit at Colony Square on 14th Street. That gave me easy access to walk most everywhere to eat. One of my favorite spots was around the corner on Crescent called Pasta da Pulcinella. It was a cozy small place with just the right number of tables. The kinda place you would want for a date night with a booth in the back in the corner in the dark. There, you would find the pasta of your dreams.

SOME HISTORY

Operating since 1994, the place found its way into the renowned Zagat Survey and Frommer’s Guide to Atlanta. You never knew who might wander in with it playing host to an ever-widening circle of Italian food lovers. They made all their own pasta, and the menu was and still is very original with their own ideas of specialty dishes.

You might think all good things must come to an end but not so as we found on a recent visit. The big developers came knocking for the land on Crescent and the little pasta restaurant that could moved to a new location at 1100 West Peachtree across from the Forth Hotel keeping its Midtown sensibility with a newly updated contemporary vibe that somehow manages to still feel cozy.

KEEPING IT ORIGINAL

Tables still sport linens while paintings of Tuscany hang on the walls. Classic tunes mix well with the fresh smells of sauces, pasta and garlic. Head Chef Bibbiano has been with the place for over fifteen years. He continues to provide the original recipes that made the spot famous while devising additional specials each week that only add to its reputation. Quick with a smile, you can see the joy and laughter he brings to the kitchen since it is open to the diners while they prepare the antipasti, salads, flat breads and more that will be coming to your table.

COCKTAILS & FIRST COURSEs

There are lots of fabulous choices on the menu that meet the simple prep and fresh ingredients test that are a staple of Bibbiano’s. You’ll want a signature cocktail while studying on it. We sipped our usual martini because they know how to make it; precisely chilled and very very dry with a little extra on the side. Munching on the fresh bread with the best in peppery olive oil and balsamic vinegar will get you started.

Pair the martini and bread with a nice antipasti selection like crispy calamari with egg white breading and tomato caper sauce. This is not the rubber band dish you have had elsewhere-trust me! It is tender and crispy fresh with a delicious bit of heaven in that bright tomato sauce on the side. A cheese platter with three choices or grilled asparagus with prosciutto also make excellent first dish picks.

SECOND COURSE

The second course has got to be a salad and their classic Caesar is one of the best you will ever have. Super chilled romaine is dressed perfectly with a killer recipe made with real anchovies and topped off with aged, shaved parmesan and fresh crunchy croutons. Arugula dressed with lemon, topped with pine nuts and feta cheese is also a favorite of the foodies who visit while a caprese would surely please with freshly made mozzarella and sliced juicy tomatoes.

You might consider one of their flat breads with your salad if wanting to eat on the lighter side. Pepperoni and basil come with provolone and a garlic pomodoro that the kids will love. Foodies will veer towards the fig, shallot and prosciutto or the frisee with lots of garlic, cheese and fresh greens dressed in lemony dressing.

THIRD COURSES

Since our second course was light, we decided to go with a pasta dish for our third course. I went for my usual which is the best dish on their menu in my opinion. It is a specialty they have been known for from the beginning. Tortelli di Melli is a house made round ravioli filled with a sweet Granny Smith apple, sausage and parmesan filling that has been browned in butter with sage.

I have tried and failed to replicate this beautiful dish at home. It is simply fantastic! Sweet meets savory holiday meets love on a plate. It never fails to please after all these years. Also a specialty, my husband went for the Ravioli di Funghi. Wild mushroom stuffing with black garlic and rosemary infused oil topped with chopped tomatoes and veg, the fresh simple ingredients key to the success of the dish. Lovers of mushrooms must pick this one for real pleasure in food.

Classic linguini, Bolognese with tagliatelle and chicken cannelloni with gorgonzola cheese sauce are on offer as other pasta choices. You can also pick from several different meat dishes such as a pan seared rainbow trout, fettuccine with sauteed shrimp or black pepper gnocchi with grilled chicken and eggplant. There are always flavorful choices for vegetarians as well.

DESSERT AND AFTER DINNER

Since we were celebrating and the restaurant knew that they brought over a wonderful chocolate ganache cake with fresh cream on the side. It was moist, decadent and delicious reminding us of old European styled desserts. Of course we also ordered a couple of espressos and grappas to go along with it for the perfect finish to a delightful Italian meal.

A WORD ABOUT WINE

This little place offers a fine list of wines. There are Italian Varietals, Super Tuscan, Chianti, Pinot Noir, Cabernets and more in the red section. Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Brunello, Piedmont and Sauvignon Blanc round out the white. Of course there are a few Zins, Malbecs and some great sparkling selections. You will be suprised at the choices you have if you want wine instead of signature cocktails are.

CONCLUSION

Pasta da Pulcinella has not lost a thing in all these years and through all the changes in location. It is still one of the best places to hang out for lunch, brunch and date night dinner in Midtown Atlanta. Being included in Frommer’s Guide is well deserved and if you want a cozy spot to linger over some of the best pasta dishes you’ll ever eat, make your reservations today and go visit. You’re in for a special treat!

If you enjoyed what you read, you might also enjoy other posts under Edible Fare. There you will find restaurant reviews, recipes, foodie tips and best spots to eat in a variety of cities. I also put emphasis on food experiences in my travel posts under Explore the World. Until next time…

Cheers!

ArtsyChowRoamer

AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER

SUMMER PLEASURES

& GALLERY STROLLS RETURN

For over twenty-one years now, Thomas Deans Fine Art has been presenting his annual rotating summer exhibition called Summer Pleasures. My favorite contemporary gallery is located on Miami Circle and normally hangs a diversity of work ranging from whimsical to serious.  Having opened on June 14th, the show will run through August 30th, exhibiting long-established artists in genres ranging from realism to abstraction, while featuring emerging talent and new artists to the gallery.

Happening in conjunction with the summer Miami Circle gallery strolls, over a dozen galleries will open later than usual on some Saturday evenings offering light refreshments and lots of fabulous art on view. One of these events will be on July 19th from 4:00 to 6:00, where Thomas Deans will host a reception with featured artists present to meet, greet and tour the gallery with you.  This post we will take a look at the background of some of the artists highlighted in the exhibition.

IVY WU

Atlanta artist Ivy Wu is an Assistant Professor of Art, teaching painting in the Kennesaw State University's College of the Arts.  The works are abstract and gestural, vibrating with pops of bright color and exciting lines. She manipulates the paint, working rapidly with intuition towards her inspiration found in both nature and personal storytelling.

Lived experiences are at the heart of her work rooted in imagination and the forming of stable and unstable shapes utilizing a sort of blind drawing technique. Based on her art, she received an Honor Award Scholarship to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), receiving her Master of Fine Art in painting. Her paintings were featured in The Museum of Contemporary Art in Georgia, AAPI Talents Exhibition in Coca-Cola's headquarters, Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, Hollis Taggart Gallery in New York, Kenna Xu Gallery in Shenzhen and West Bund Art & Design in Shanghai.

She is the winner of the 39th SCAD Sidewalk Art Festival, a SCAD Alumni Atelier Ambassador, was reported on in Whitewall Art Magazine, ARTNET and featured as a passionate contemporary artist in Visionary Artistry Magazine as well as other publications. Her paintings have been collected in private, cooperate and public collections across North America, Europe and Asia.

TOM FRANCIS

Wisconsin-born artist Tom Francis is an Emeritus Professor of Painting at SCAD-Atlanta. He arrived in city in 1978 with three degrees from the University of Wisconsin in hand to take a professorship at The Atlanta College of Art which ultimately led to teaching at SCAD. The move proved to be a revelation that radically changed his approach to his own work. Reflective of Wisconsin winters, his previoius paintings were dark, moody and intellectual but the move to the South brought out the wanna be biologist from his early years in college.

His work became more joyous, a celebration of the saturation of light and the lush flora and fauna found in his new home. Defined by lots of paint, layering, vivid color and a variety of motifs, Tom’s paintings are both lyrical and provocative without losing complexity. And they are also just gosh darn whimsical and fun. His early love of animals found expression in these new paintings in a range of creatures from turtles, cows and fish to dragonflies and birds.

Southern life is represented in memories of a long queue of yellow buses lined up for visits to the Woodruff Arts Center, the historic Oakland cemetary and suburban windows that revealed the riotous dining experiences happening within. Palm trees, reefs and pyramids recall the road trips made to the Caribbean and the Yucatan. Imagery is the muse for the artistic expression. Tom’s work has been exhibited at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, the Georgia Museum of Fine Art in Athens, Georgia, the Chapelle de la Sorbonne in Paris and the Palazzo di Venezia in Rome.

JANET HAMILTON

Nashville artist, Janet Hamilton, works in contemporary abstract mixed media deeply inspired by color and its interactions together. She produces heavy texture and multiple layers in her paintings utilizing oil, acrylic, beeswax, found paper and spray paint. As a master of color choice, each palette she brings to the canvas creates a specific emotion and mood as she builds layer upon layer in a “passion-filled process”.

Instead of brushes, she chooses to work with knives as she stacks paint, in sometimes chaotic patterns, to create the depth she desires. Her spontaneity and youthful spirit bring boldness to landscapes and life to geometric designs.

MICHAEL McHUGH

New Zealand born now living in Australia, artist Michael McHugh grew up taking bushwalks and gardening with his Dad enjoying the sand, water and nature all around him. The natural world is his muse for the joyous, magical, mysterious and provocative paintings that are made in acrylic with bold happy colors. His curiosity has led him from his studio in Sydney to libraries, gardens and museums, sketching and photographing new specimens that go into the planning of his large-scale paintings.

Researching at Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garde and London’s Royal Horticulture Society allowed him to discover a “new world” of flora in the botanical illustrations that helped him to develop his “own botanical language” for depicting both extinct plants as well as his newly imagined plant forms. They are a celebration of color and design that bring a smile, joy and happiness to the viewer which Michael feels we need much more of in this world.

BRIAN HIBBARD

North Carolina artist Brian Hibbard begins with capturing his subject in a representational form and then moves on to a more contemporary mindset, painting in a more abstract fashion. He often experiments with tar, metallic latex and resins, sometimes entirely covering the original substructure. He views it from all angles and in a mirror to find harmony in the mix as he creates intuitively and spontaneously. Some pieces happen very quickly while others take months or years of consideration.

He paints as he lives-a worldview that is grounded in reality but still allows him freedom to invent and explore new potentials for growth. Constrasts are important in the works as are the bigger sizes which allow the viewer to enter them and better experience the work at the same level as the artist. Tradition meets modern with classical figures and subject matters while new techniques of presentation provide the base form and structure.

CLAUDIA RILLING

Philadelphia-based Claudia Rilling is both a teacher and a painter, known especially for her depictions of landscapes, urban subjects and floral still lifes. Loving both the formal and pictorial aspects of painting, she chooses to work in the sensual realm of oil as her chosen medium which allows for nuanced edges and subtleties of light.

Employing her motifs of landscape, cityscape and floral compositions, she often works on all three at once. Moving between paintings, she pushes around thick layers of oil to create visually exciting lines and perceptions that seem to connect in a more seamless way with each other. Each painting is carefully considered as changes and layers are built over months showing a history of the work as it progresses.

KEVIN GILLENTINE

Artist Kevin Gillentine lives and works in New Orleans with his own gallery featuring both his sculpture and landscape paintings after moving to the Big Easy in the 1990’s. He began painting at age fourteen and went on to get his degree from Memphis State University. A period in New York City found him working on Broadway and in film while attending the Fashion Institute of Technology.

He now concentrates on his atmospheric landscape paintings that are created through a process of tonal gradations utilizing a limited range of colors. In all of the works, lighting effects create a sense of tranquility and beauty. His paintings are often referred to using a historical term called “tonalism”; a style that conveys a quality of “hushed contemplation”. They are soft, beautiful and a favorite of both designers and a group of international collectors.

CONCLUSION

Along with the artists listed above, an international group of artists will be featured along with American artists. Works by Linda Henningson, Deedra Ludwig, Debbie Ezell, Janet Hamilton and Christine So will be on view. Artists representing Atlanta and North Georgia highlighted include Ana Guzman, Evan Jones, Carl Linstrum, David Kidd, Elise Thomason, Gwen Wong, Eileen Braun, and Lauren Betty among others.

Thomas Deans Fine Art was established in 1983 and specializes in contemporary paintings, works on paper, sculpture and selected photography. He has a good eye for hanging a show preferring to mix artists, letting the colors and subject matters play a sort of song as you move through the gallery.  I always make sure I get to this exhibit every year. The successful joining of old and new artists and the mix of price points make it a must on any collectors list.

If you enjoyed what you read, you might also like other posts under Artful Ideal. You can find other artists that I really love and you might want to add to your own collection. Until next time…

Cheers,

ArtsyChowRoamer

Author: Artsy Chow Roamer

DESTINATION

THE FALLS AT BLUE RIDGE

I’m always happy to explore in my own backyard as Georgia has a lot of beautiful towns and cities that offer much in the way of things to do and great food to eat. While I’m not planning any events at the moment, I still like to share super destinations with my readers, especially if they offer the opportunity to just take a pretty drive for tasty signature cocktails, fancy menus and rustic charm.

My latest discovery is The Falls at Blue Ridge. Located at the foot of Blue Ridge in Ellijay, this venue offers 70 spectacular acres of manicured grounds with beautiful views, waterfalls and expansive event spaces. Thoughtful planning and design have provided a perfect spot to gather for any occasion from a smaller friend’s getaway or family reunion to the larger corporate retreat or wedding.

aRRIVAL

The entry at 1654 Old Northcutt Road is well landscaped and takes you to pretty buildings that are designed to meld well with the scenic woodsy surroundings. Continue around the curve until you see the beautiful pond at the restaurant and bar. Free valet parkers will take your car and let you walk down the steps to get your first views and impressions of the place which will be very positive.

The steps down open into a large flag stoned courtyard with gathering spots of all kinds surrounding the restaurant and bar spaces. Comfortable sofas, chairs and tables arranged in a living room fashion provide excellent lounging opportunities for groups. High-top barrels and chairs make cozy two-top spots for wine sipping date night.

The expansive patio can host a variety of events with spectacular views of the Majestic Waterfall on the property. This space is so versatile, it can be set up with high tops for a party with easy mingling, rows of chairs for smaller wedding ceremonies and dining tables for some spectacular seasonal dining offerings or receptions.

THE RESTaurant

The restaurant has a wonderful rustic farmhouse charm to its design. High ceilings, wooden beams and walls of textured stone make a cozy surrounding for modern tables and chairs. Group tables set in front of fireplaces make cool evening gatherings the romantic spot to be on holidays like Valentines which just happened to be when we visited ourselves.

Early diners began arriving at 5 for the lovely menu developed just for the day which seems to be a thing at The Falls. If you sign up for their mailing list on the website, you will always get notification for special dining opportunities with fresh seasonal menu offerings. Starters for our evening included butternut squash soup with crispy bacon, lobster and crab phyllo roll, a raclette cheese meatball dish, italian sausage bun or a salmon and beet infusion gravlax.

Main course offerings included a classic old school filet with pancetta, truffle mashed potatoes and sauteed mushrooms with bernaise sauce and a ribeye surf and turf dish with demi-glace and lemon butter. Non-meat eaters would have loved the salmon in papillote with veg and cherry tomatoes which was my choice for the evening. Others in our party selected one of the two pasta dishes: fettuccine with lamb ragu or wild mushroom pappardelle in a creamy truffle sauce. All agreed they were both delicate and delicious.

Three thoughtfully chosen desserts made it hard to choose so we ordered all three and shared around the table. I’m a citrus kinda gal and the lucious lemon pie cup provided the sweet tart creaminess you want in a light airy dessert finish. My husband craves chocolate and felt the cube of light and dark mousse was both rich and delicious. Tiramisu was turned on its head with a pistachio praline filling making it the hit for the night.

Executive Chef John Emanual and Chef de Cuisine Eddy Villata are the guys behind your menus and food experiences at The Falls. Under their watchful eyes, “exquisite flavors meet stunning scenery” offering innovative dishes with international culinary techniques that celebrate local fresh ingredients. The hours of operation are lunch 12-3:30 Tuesday to Saturday, Sunday brunch 11-3:00 and dinner 4-10:00 Tuesday to Saturday and 4-8:00 on Sunday.

An extensive dinner menu makes it nearly impossible to decide what to have, there are so many super choices. A smaller but beautiful collection of lighter versions of that menu are offered at lunch. Brunch is a real spread of different stations including carving, egg, croissant and bagel, all served alongside signature dishes like chicken and waffles, hash brown and potato casseroles and pancakes with syrup. Add on a fancy dessert station that will keep you coming back and the $49 price per person is totally worth it.

THE CONSERVATORY BAR

Step in side one of the most elegant bars around the area and you will find The Conservatory. Dress code: smart casual. Drinks: exceptional. Views: stunning. I would make the drive just to sit at the bar enjoying both the waterfall and pond views while sipping on any of 10 different martinis or specialty cocktails like a Moscow Mule, Smoked Old Fashioned, Falls Sunset with tequila or Rum Espresso. An impressive wine list and an amazing number of fine liquors, especially in the bourbon and scotch categories, might make this the spot to hit in the evening when a cigar is calling your name.

WEDDINGS

Say yes to this property for your best in wedding venues. With its romantic allure and stunning views, the backdrop sets the stage for your cocktail hour, rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, indoor/outdoor celebrations and truly breathtaking photoshoots. With unparalleled client service and a gourmet chef to help you plan your menus, you will create the memories of a lifetime as a wedding should be. Only an hour and twenty minutes from Atlanta, your guests will find it easy to access and enjoy the charm of a small-town setting with a lot to offer visitors.

WHERE TO STAY

The venue works with many property managers offering a variety of accommodations including luxury rentals, hotels and mountain cabins. An example highlighted on their website is Talona Mountain Viewhaus with 6 bedrooms and 4.5 baths located 10 minutes from the property. The wedding party will want The Bowling Cottage on property with 3 bedrooms, 4 baths, game room, pool, outdoor fireplace with lounge and its own bowling alley. This is true luxury offering rest, ease, fun gathering spots and space to spread out and enjoy the wedding or weekend getaway.

THE VENUE

Because the spaces are so expansive, the set ups are limitless for your event planning based on type, scale, theme, numbers attending and desired atmosphere. The ballroom is a breathtaking space with high ceilings, beams, chandeliers and stone floors accommodating up to 255 guests. The Conservatory can be an intimate cocktail gathering, corporate or shower luncheon or small rehearsal venue while the restaurant space can accommodate ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners and corporate events of all types and sizes. Book your next family reunion or retreat at The Pavillion with a bar, lounge with fireplace and its own pizza oven.

CONCLUSION

Lush landscaping and lawns, beautiful gardens, creeks, a serene lake, koi-pond, waterfalls and the Majestic Waterfall on the patio in the courtyard provide the perfect background for making memories at The Falls. Your guests, family, friends and co-workers will be very happy indeed that you decided to bring them to this wonderful destination at the foot of Blue Ridge in the North Georgia mountains. Whether it’s for a social gathering, getaway weekend, event or a simple romantic date night dinner, escape soon for a visit…you’ll like it…I promise.

If you enjoyed what you read you might also like other posts from Explore the World. Look for my next post on an artsy adventure you might like! Until then…

Cheers!

ArtsyChowRoamer

AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER

BEST IN GLASS

BLOWN AWAY

Many of you might not know that in a former life, this artsy writer had a gallery in the Tula building in Buckhead which is the present home of the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia. I specialized at first opening in Czech glass having lived in Prague and become obsessed with the contemporary colorful medium that so many well-known artists are famous for.

I spent a lot of time traveling around the country visiting different factories and artist ateliers to learn as much as I could about the different types and techniques used to make the lovely items I saw displayed in galleries and stores and began exporting back home. Prague is one of the top five spots to visit in Europe with glass being just one of the many reasons why.

The delicate beauty in the blown instruments of the Czech artist Rene Roubicek, is what began my love affair with glass. I purchased a flute and a clarinet for our own collection while living abroad. The mix of the raw product is what gives Czech glass the brilliant contemporary colorations it’s known for that would later be copied by artists around the world. Petr Notvotny and apprentices would become collaborators on the instruments before the elderly Roubicek passed away in 2018.

A GLASS COMPETITION

So imagine my surprise when I sat down in the dentist’s chair and the TV was tuned into Netflix showing a group of artists standing in front of their own glory holes (yes, that is what it’s called) softening glass for individual pieces. I asked the tech what the show was and she said it was a wonderful glass competition called Blown Away. She said you have to watch it to believe it so I went home and binge-watched all four seasons.

A LITTLE BACKGROUND

The show is Canadian reality TV where 10 artists compete for a prize package worth over $100,000 and the title of Best in Glass champion. It debuted in July of 2019 with 10 episodes and was such an instant hit that Season 2 quickly followed in 2021, while Season 3 and Season 4 dropped in 2022 and 2024.

Katherine Gray is a glass artist, associate professor and chief judge for the competition having been aided by Nick Uhas, a former Big Brother contestant and You Tuber geek in Seasons 1, 2 and 3 and by Hunter March in Season 4. Other exciting guest judges make appearances to help present each round with a specific artists brief telling them what they’ll be doing and how it will be judged.

The show is filmed in a converted warehouse in Ontario, a facility that was "custom-built to accommodate 10 glass blowers working simultaneously". Industry experts from the Craft and Design Glass Studio, Pilchuck Glass School, and the Corning Museum of Glass (CMOG) consulted with producers during the construction of the facility and “provide advice and evaluation to the contestants each round”.

CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS

CMOG has been a creative partner of the competition since its inception. From serving as thought partners to providing expert judges, Hot Glass Team members serve as assistants for each season’s finale. A key element of the show’s prize package is the offer of an Artist Residency at the Museum’s Hot Shop, a state-of-the-art facility that hosts daily demonstrations for the public.

The residency offers the chance to blow glass with the expert Hot Glass Team for a week in a life-changing opportunity to further their careers. In addition to the residency, the winner’s final installation is displayed for fans of the show to see in person at the Museum after every season is over. The combination has substantially helped all four winners in their quest to become better known in the world of glass while the competition has a lot to teach us about just how tough glassblowing really is.

THE PROCESS

As you watch the contestants work, you immediately see why it took a while for women to break into this type of art making. It is hot, smelly and physically challenging at best; a road paved with burns, LOTS of broken glass and heartache when your idea doesn’t pan out and drops to the floor. The medium teaches you quickly whose boss and you’ll have to work at making yourself a master of it. Glassblowers sweat so much they need to take in a liter of water an hour to make up for it so they don’t faint or puke.

In other words, glass ain’t playin’. If you decide it’s your jam, then you better have commitment. I know artists who have been in the thick of it for over 30 years and say they still haven’t learned everything they need to know. This competition shows you exactly what is required as it takes you through each episode and season where the contestants make everything from their own designed pieces, to vessels, glasses, fashion, jewelry and more. The finale is an installation that must hold down their piece of pristine white gallery space, completed with the help of two CMOG Hot Glass Team members.

MEET THE WINNERS

Meet Season 1 winner Deborah Czeresko. I was not surprised to find out this trash-talking contestant had been a fit volleyball player and psych major before getting into glass. Let’s just say she puts both of those things into her glass and is good at telling a story about the women’s issues behind her work; possibly the very reason she won.

Enter Elliot Walker from Season 2; a London-based artist with a cool dude vibe, tattoos and piercings that give him instant street art cred having studied under the famous Peter Layton. You’re going to do well in a competition if you have both sculpting and free-form skills which got Elliot four best in glass before taking it all.

John Moran told a very personal story with five bests across his journey in Season 3. His tremendous sculpting capabilities were shown off in the detailing of his hand pieces and the sheer size of the works he could physical handle on the blow tubes and in the glory hole. A gentle underdog that many didn’t see coming.

Finally, meet the sassy Morgan Peterson who seemed to know she had it sewn up from the beginning in Season 4. She hoped her quirky sense of humor and dark view of the world would shine through and be understood by the judges. It was, and she was rewarded with the win.

TELLING THE STORY

It is apparent that the artists who get chosen to compete come from a wide variety of countries, ages, backgrounds and experience. Both male, female and every letter in LGBTQ is represented as well as an artist who is non-binary. This creates much more interest because of the imaginations, creativity and individual design skills that different life experiences bring to the table.

As a former designer and gallerist, I’m a tough critic and I have been amazed to see the fabulous pieces that have come forward. It’s exciting to watch more well-known artists work elbow to elbow with virtual unknowns. People with over thirty years in glass showing newbies a thing or two while being impressed with the creativity and processes of the inexperienced. While the briefs are specific with what they want, it is clear that an artist’s vision can be very different from person to person and so are the impressions and understanding of those viewing the works and that’s a good thing.

CONCLUSION

I highly recommend you watch the show because it doesn’t matter if you know anything about glass or have an interest in art, I promise you will find the process interesting and educational. In fact, you just might decide, like Dale Chihuly, that glass is both magical and one of the best mediums to work in and collect.

If you enjoyed what you read, you might also like other posts under Artful Ideal. You can find other artists and galleries that I really love that you might want to visit or use to add to your own collection. Look for more upcoming posts on my recent adventures in art, food and travel from this quirky tourist. Until then…

Cheers,

ArtsyChowRoamer

Author: Artsy Chow Roamer

FORTH HOTEL & Club

ATLANTA beltline HOTSPOT

It is the considered opinion of this writer that staycations are the new vacation. Why? Because we have access to so many fantastic areas of interest to choose from in and around the city of Atlanta. My latest laser focus is on Forth Hotel & Club and I’m obsessed!

Located in the Old Fourth Ward district along Atlanta’s Beltline, this luxury boutique hotel is the first of its kind both for the area and the city. Designed by the team of the gifted architect Morris Adjmi, the building’s contemporary design features a dynamic concrete diagrid juxtaposed with a wall of glass windows creating depth without obstruction to stunning views.

Method Company and New City properties have collaborated to ”bring design, wellness, cuisine, culture and social connection together into one holistic destination” and boy, have they done it in a big way. The sixteen-floor building offers 196 luxury guest rooms, four different food and beverage concepts, an expansive pool, state-of-the-art fitness center and a comprehensive list of spa services.

The property also hosts a members-only club where curated programming and events are highlighted with spaces to work, play and socialize. Enjoy an exclusive bar, restaurant, lounge and terrace designed just for you and your guests with optimal relaxation and wellness in mind.

CHECK IN

Your tour begins with check-in tucked into the corner of a handsome lobby, richly designed with tailored choices of furniture, accessories and art. Architectural sofas and chairs are softened with textured rugs, dramatic plant choices and a cozy fireplace creating warmth and welcome to guests. Curated vintage pieces with found objects create a “sense of place that exudes craftsmanship in an old European way mixed with the traditions of Americana” you would expect in a luxury property.

GUEST ROOMS & sUITES

Head on up to your fabulous room where four different options are on offer such as king, double queen and chamfered corner. All are spacious with loads of natural light, views galore, comfy seating and soaking tubs for the ultimate restoration. Bring your book, order a glass of wine and relax.

Thoughtful design details set the tone for three different suite plans joined with luxury bedding by Bellino Fine Linens, bath amenities from Le Labo and custom designed wallcoverings. Floor to ceiling glass highlights breathtaking skyline views, while some suites offer two bedrooms and baths and one grand includes outdoor patio space with dining table, lounge grouping and a wood-burning fireplace.

RESIDENTIAL SUITES

Do you just need more space for a longer stay? The property also offers 39 residential suites, combining the service and design of a boutique hotel with full-size kitchens, washers and dryers and separate living spaces. There are three different floor plans available with a studio, one bedroom and two bedroom which will help out with family travel for sure.

Kitchens come well equipped, boasting full-size appliances, lovely farmhouse sinks, coffee machines and tea kettles for that soothing morning or afternoon cuppa. In other words, just bring your groceries. Beautiful patterned rugs in soft suble colors highlight the plain-sawn oak floors and custom furniture. Spacious bathrooms give you plenty of places to store your stuff and those luxury throws, fluffy pillows and bed linens will give you the restful spot you want to come home to after a busy day.

WELLNESS

After settling in, start with a visit to the wellness facilities where you’ll find a state-of-the-art fitness center with all the top equipment to help with your strength training, core building and cardio. Group rooms offer classes in yoga, HIIT, spin, Pilates and stretching. Recovery can be had when you hit the cold plunge, steam room or sauna while vibrating massage balls and rollers help relieve some of those tired achy muscles. Maybe spa services are more your thing. A little massage goes a long way towards relieving the stresses of the day. A range of other treatments are available like hot and cold therapies and customized treatment plans developed just for you.

THE POOL & Club

The pool deck is a crown jewel for the property. Lots of sun and umbrellas depending on your wants with luxurious towels and deck chairs with which to enjoy it all. Partake in delicious signature cocktails and snacks from the nearby restaurant while you lounge the hours away.

Did I mention the private club which is the talk of the town? Many of the cities’ luminaries, creatives and top leaders will be gathering seeking the wellness and alignment in all aspects of life that Forth promotes. 30,000 square feet of space will offer members new American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the exclusive dining room seven days a week, event spaces for meetings, a dedicated lounge for relaxing, an outdoor terrace and a bar specializing in whiskeys and tequilas. Members will also have total access to the fitness facilities and spa services with exclusive use of locker rooms.

BARS

Forth features a distinct set of food and beverage concepts from the ground floor to the rooftop meticulously designed by Method Studios in collaboration with a Philadelphia-based design group. Bar Premio in the hotel lobby offers specialty coffees, pastries and light entrees such as soups, salads and sandwhichs day and night. IL Premio on the ground floor offers fine dining in their bar in a rich comfortable lounge setting featuring a beautiful wall mural. Afterwards, you can head up to the rooftop for some amazing views, mid-century design and a seat at the fireplace while tending to the perfect after dinner drink at Moonlight.

RESTAURANTS

Poolside, you’ll find Elektra, a lovely spot with Mediterranean fare and a light coastal inspired design. Dine on the genius dishes of Chef Jonathan McDowell featuring fresh fish, prawns, merguez, labneh, shish kabobs and sharable platters of hummus with all the toppings. An extensive signature cocktail and wine list was built to complement the menu, all of which are available with snack plates and sharables by the pool during the day.

IL Premio is the prize fine-dining setting at Forth offering a modern Italian steakhouse approach in a beautiful date-night atmosphere. Think booth in the back, in the corner, in the dark. Dine on fresh homemade pasta, premium meats and fresh seafood from the coast with ample choices of world-class wines to set off the experience. Finish with any number of luscious Italian desserts, espresso and grappa.

Don’t forget this property when planning your next happening. Corporate event planners should take notice of the flexible spaces designed to host both intimate and grand gatherings. I promise you this will be THE place in the coming days for the perfect wedding setting offering seating for up to 350 guests with menus developed just for the occasion and theme.

CONCLUSION

In a neighborhood that has undergone dramatic revitalization in recent years, FORTH Hotel & Club sits against the backdrop of the Old Fourth Ward’s developments, Ponce City Market and The Beltline’s Eastside trail. The area is already a big draw for the trendy minded, creatives, foodies and culturally conscious from Z to Boomer. The neighborhood is known as the coolest place to be, an area brimming with history including the Martin Luther King Jr. historic site, parks and Ebenezer Baptist Church. Walk, ride a bike or Uber over today to check it all out and hey…do a relaxing staycation for yourself at the Forth.

If you enjoyed what you read you might also like other posts from Explore the World and Edible Fare. Look for my next post highlighting the exciting world of blown glass artworks. Until then…

Cheers!

ArtsyChowRoamer

AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER

Pick of the Month:

FERRARO’S KITCHEN

I kept hearing people talk about an Italian restaurant in Blue Ridge, Georgia that sounded new to me. Why hadn’t I already discovered this wonderful place with the chef from Venice offering authentic bites in a casual spot right next door to his cozier formal dining room?

Why in all my walkabouts had I not wandered upstairs to the inviting place where the crowds sat outside enjoying the day along with their wine and appetizers while speaking the language of foody heaven? Hello Ferraro’s Kitchen! I know you now and am ready to share.

SOME HISTORY

The family-owned restaurant is a second spot for Chef Igor Ferraro and his wife Christina. Having established their style and flavors in the “Mimo district” of Miami, they have brought it now to Blue Rdige, creating accessible menus prepared with the finest ingredients and presented in two casual, comfortable dining environments.

Chef believes that ingredients should be stellar and simply prepared with kind and efficient service.  He is batting a thousand having met all objectives while beautifully pairing his menu choices with some of the best wines available. A background as a sommelier will do that for you.

two choices

You have a choice of two places to dine; the Bites location is right next door to the fancier Kitchen location. Bites has been offering three-course lunch or dinner menus that price $35 and $60 respectively. You get your choice of one of three options on each course for a very memorable dining experience.

For our visit, we decided on the Kitchen option since we were celebrating the holidays. Stepping inside the cozy dining room, you get the aromas of Italian herbs and fresh bread mixed with the heavenly scents of seafood, sauces and cheese. The colorful Italian glasses on the table settings set off the copper light fixtures and soft contemporary design to create just the right atmosphere on a cold winter’s day.

The open kitchen view brings all the sounds of food prep to bear. Dish after dish of pastas, apps and entrees pop out to be whisked away by muscled Italian servers with dreamy accents dressed in classy gray slacks, white shirts and suspenders.

COCKTAILS & FIRST COURSEs

There are lots of fabulous choices on the menu that meet the simple prep fresh ingredients test. You will want a cocktail while studying on it but remember, the wine list is special by the bottle or the glass. We sipped on martinis and negronis while munching on the fresh bread which had the best of peppery olive oil for dipping.

Pair the bread with a lovely Caprese di Mozzarella with organic tomatoes, fresh cheese and basil with a nice pour of that super olive oil and you got yourself perfection on a plate. This is what Italians get so right when making food; keep it simple stupid!

You can always go for the classic Caesar which is better than you could ever make it at home because of the way the dressing is made. There is also a delicious Greek choice that highlights black olives and feta cheese.

SECOND COURSE

We were looking forward to Vitello Tonnato which I had seen on the website and were super disappointed to find it was offered only on the Miami menu. I am unsure why Chef Igor thinks only Floridians would like thin slices of veal with a saucy pour round of savory tuna and capers love. I assure you that is not the case for anyone who has had the tradtional dish prepared by an Italian who knows what they are doing. Shout out to add it please!

Having said that, you can not go wrong by having one of the carpaccio dishes as your second choice. I was very pleased to see that instead of the usual beef, the chef was preparing tuna or venison and we opted for venison. So paper thin, you could see through it and the slightly gamy taste was well suited to the simple addition of arugula, cracked black pepper, crispy parmesan chips and tart lemon citronette. I’m sure the tuna would be equally good with shaved black truffles on board.

THIRD COURSE

Since our second course was light we decided to go with a pasta dish for our third course. Fiocchi di pere e gorgonzola defies description. The pasta pocket is al dente with such sweetness from pears and no other cheese choice would have complemented it like the gorgonzola in the smooth rich sauce. Add on the earthy, garlic truffle oil with a hint of onion flavor and there are just no words that properly convey the sophisticated flavor profiles of this dish.

The plate could have benefitted visually from a sprinkle of fresh herb but I think the chef decided nothing should interfere with the primary tastes of the simple dish. This is a kitchen that knows what it’s doing. No matter what pasta you choose like pappardelle with wild boar, paccheri with seafood or spaghetti cacio and pepe prepared in a warm ooey gooey cheese round of Parmesan Reggiano, you’re gonna love what you get here.

If you have room for the main courses, then go for it. We did not, but if we had skipped a few things we would have liked to try a venison filet with wild berry sauce or a lamb ossobuco with lemon and rosemary gremolata. A fresh catch of the day and a Chilean sea bass are the choices for the folks who don’t like meat.

DESSERT AND AFTER DINNER

As families and dates lingered to enjoy their Saturday meals, many were sipping glasses of grappa with a small espresso on the side. We joined in and found the grappa to be excellent and the espresso fresh, rich and flavorful served with the correct sized spoon and cup that so many American restaurants get wrong.

Don’t skip dessert as the usual suspects are all on offer in the classic style you would expect. Ask for an affogato if vanilla and espresso are your thing. Choices of sorbets and gelatos will please for a lighter pick. Those with a sweet tooth might prefer tiramisu or cannoli but the chocolate temptation with hazelnut cream and crunch is the surefire winner. Bellissimo!

STUFF TO DO

Blue Ridge is a destination tourist area with lots of interesting retail, art galleries, bars and restaurants. It is a great place to spend the day doing leisurely browsing in book stores and antique shops while hopping in and out of wine tastings. Don’t forget to grab a ticket for a holiday train trip. There is still an operating drive -in running two movies a night when the weather cooperates. There are also some pretty cool rentals and hotels for weekend trips with views and fireplaces for cold weather visits.

CONCLUSION

Ferraro’s is our new Italian hot spot place to be. It’s perfect to include on your five-star weekend getaway with friends, a romantic pick for date night or wedding rehearsal, a super Sunday brunch idea or just a drive up for a special lunch anytime place. Get the idea? Mangi mangi…

If you enjoyed what you read, you might also enjoy other posts under Edible Fare. There you will find restaurant reviews, recipes, foodie tips and best spots to eat in a variety of cities. I also put emphasis on food experiences in my travel posts under Explore the World. Until next time…

Cheers!

ArtsyChowRoamer

AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER

JANUARY

ATLANTA EVENTS ROUND UP

As folks recover from the long run of holidays from Thanksgiving to New Years, they often think of January as the month of doing nothing. That would be a mistake if living in or around Atlanta, as there are many things to do that can keep that holiday vibe alive for you and yours. Here’s a round up of my favorites.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

This years Martin Luther King Jr. holiday happens to fall on Inauguration Day. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the former and ignore the latter! Atlanta plans a lot of activities around Dr. King’s day beginning with the parade and church services at Ebenezer Baptist; the church where he was both baptized and euologized. The Atlanta History Center keeps a calendar of events that will occur which include a special celebration this year for the women involved in advocating for civil rights.

You can participate in civil rights themed trivia, kids activities, specially curated exhibits, panel discussions and more at the center on family events day January 18th. You can also find places to volunteer for the weekend into Monday’s holiday on the 20th which is what the day is really all about; giving back and helping others less fortunate.

Don’t forget to tune in to Ebenezer’s memorial service at 10:00 AM on the 20th. The many speakers and music never fail to lift the spirits and remind us how important Dr. King’s own words were before his assassination in 1968. The Interfaith Children’s Movement will also be participating in the annual Atlanta parade for the holiday ending with a Have a Heart Legislative Writing Party prioritizing children’s well-being in Georgia.

WILDWOOD AGLOW AT FERNBANK

Included with after-hours museum admission, WildWoods: AGLOW is “a multi-sensory experience that immerses visitors into the mesmerizing wonders of nature” through the real environment and glowing displays that are uniquely curated to highlight the native plants within WildWoods. Original music and zen-like artistic compositions create a magical exprience for children and adults alike. New this year will be large dandelions, fluttering dragonflies, swarming bats and more along the boardwalk. Tickets available for $23.95 and up for non-members-less if already a member.

GARDEN LIGHTS & HOLIDAY TRAINS

Garden Lights and Holiday Trains are two don’t miss annual events at The Atlanta Botanical Gardens for both family and fun date nights through January 12th. The stunning light show features millions of colored LED lights strung amid the trees, plants and sculptural artworks of the gardens with timed tickets that allow you to purchase and plan your visit on the specific day and time of your choice. Don’t miss the Tunnel of Lights, Alice in Wonderland and dancing to the Orchestral Orbs!

Gotta a model train addict in your family? Everyone seems to and the holidays are the best time to enjoy setting up and running your own cars after going to get some ideas and inspiration from the gardens. Presented by Norfolk Southern, kids and adults alike will be enchanted by the sites and sounds of the magical set up with stations, lights, Santa’s Workshop, candy adorned homes and more. Don’t forget to grab your tickets on a non-rainy day as the tracks must be dry! All aboard!

NATIONAL College Football PlayofF Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

The City of Atlanta has an entire weekend of events planned around the 2025 College Football Playoff which is a National Championship game. More than 100,000 residents as well as visitors from across the country are expected to attend at the beautiful Mercedes Benz stadium on January 20th and you don’t have to have tickets to the game to be included in all the fun events leading up to it.

The celebration will get started Saturday, January 18th, with the opening of Playoff Fan Central at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The free family-friendly interactive experience will include games, clinics, pep rallies, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history.

Downtown Atlanta will again host one of the largest traveling music festivals which has featured top talent in the past like Pitbull, Flo Rida, Doja Cat, Usher, Lenny Kravitz, John Mellencamp, Darius Rucker and more. Sunday morning will be the 5 and 10K running events with participants receiving medals and T-shirts. Sunday evening, the Georgia Aquarium will play host to some of the best chefs in town to bring all attendees one of the most elevated and unique local cuisine experiences on offer. Get your game on football fans!

COCKTAILS & BITES ON THE BELTLINE

Calling all foodies! Atlanta Food Tours is known for the best experiences in town whether it’s touring the Ponce City Market for a little taste in food, art and history, building your own burgers or craft cocktails and bites around the Beltline. You will eat like a local while supporting the local businesses with the fun thrown in for free. I personally love the Beltline tour for $120 that lasts two hours, gives you a good mile of walking, three craft cock or mocktails with bites included that begins at Bazati. Check out their website to customize your own group tour if you prefer. Cheers!

THE TWO MARTINS AT THE FOX

I suppose that working together on their Hulu series, Only Murders in the Building, just isn’t enough for the two Martins so they will be bringing their act to the Fox Theatre January 24th. “The Dukes of Funnytown” will be live and on stage as of 8:00 PM with doors opening at 7:00. Go early as you’ll want to grab yourself some drinks and take in the beauty of the Fox which is always lovely but especially so at the holidays. Expect some music from The Steep Canyon Rangers and a guest spot for Jeff Babko who I suspect will be a great sidekick for the two guys that can still make you laugh til your sides hurt! Tickets start at $80.00.

Photo: Kwame Brathwaite (American, 1938–2023), Untitled (Radiah Frye Who Embraced Natural Hairstyles at AJASS Photoshoot), ca. 1970, printed 2018, pigmented inkjet print, The Dean Collection, courtesy of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. © Kwame Brathwaite. Photo by Joshua White/JWPictures.com

Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys

The High Museum is playing host to a giant of a collection brought to you by Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys, otherwise known as the Deans. Both have always been collectors of sorts but since their marriage, have become collectors of note known for their knowledge, taste and spirit assembling a world-class collection of paintings, sculpture and photography that exemplifies their lived ethos of “artists supporting artists”.

The exhibition illuminates the renown and impact of legendary preminent “giants” such as Barkley L. Hendricks, Esther Mahlangu, and Gordon Parks as well as contemporary modern Black creatives like Hank Willis Thomas, Qualeasha Wood, Deana Lawson, Mickalene Thomas, Amy Sherald and Titus Kaphar. It also highlights their earlier acquisitions of BMX bikes, musical albums and equipment. To the Deans, all artists are “giants” as they continue to add to the wonderful collection you will see only a small portion of during its run through January 19th at the High. Don’t miss it!

sKATE THE STATION

Open until January 20th, Skate the Station at Atlantic Station presents your chance to ice skate in the great outdoors and pretend you are doing it in New York City (or at least that’s what I like to do)! You can spend a little of that Christmas money you got on the shop sales and grab yourself a nice dinner and hot drinks after you are done. Normal hours are 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM and there will be two special evening skates from 6-9:00 PM on January 7th (Musical Night) and January 14th (Great Gatsby Night). No walk-ups allowed so get your tickets ahead of time please!

CONCLUSIONS

As you can see, there are still plenty of fun events to do in and around Atlanta to keep the holiday vibe alive for January. Most are family friendly and many would be great date night experiences as well. Grab the kids, your better half or just a great group of friends and get your tickets now for any of these upcoming events so ya got something to look forward to after the ball drops and you’ve made your resolution list!

Hey, don’t be a stranger! Let me hear from you if you got something you want to add to the list of January fun things to do! Until next time…

Cheers,

ArtsyChowRoamer