We Be Trippin': The Great DIS-nee Road Trip

[KigerKat]

Click here for more info​

I've got drinks ready for everyone!!

Tonight, we'll be watching an IMAX feature about one of my favorite creatures in the world: Dolphins!!

Before the film starts, we'll stop by the Fernbank Cafe for some dinner.

Menu

Looks like tonight's musical entertainment is a band called Kingsized.



And now it's time for our feature film:

 

[tothesea]

Pay Stalls??? Wow, I guess your out of luck if you were broke. Did you have to pay to get in and pay again to get out? Is that what happened to your mom? She had $$$ to get in and did not have enough to pay to leave?

Well, that could have happened I guess! I don't really remember the details...seems like you had to put a dime? in the slot for it to open. I think it just got jammed or something. I remember running out to go find someone to come and let her out!

 

[AnnDisneyFan]

Click here for more info​

I've got drinks ready for everyone!!

Tonight, we'll be watching an IMAX feature about one of my favorite creatures in the world: Dolphins!!

Before the film starts, we'll stop by the Fernbank Cafe for some dinner.

Menu

Looks like tonight's musical entertainment is a band called Kingsized.



And now it's time for our feature film:

BTM ------ THANKS FOR THE GREAT TRIP!!!! Looking forward to KigerKat continuing!

KigerKat, I always laugh to myself when you post......I look at the writing of posts first and I see the "comic sans" font and I say to myself EVERY TIME, "Hey, I don't remember writing that!"

I love to use Comic Sans too..........So just know, when you post and use that font, I giggle a little every single time. You would think I might catch on more quickly?

Ann : )

 

[BigThunderMtn]

Click here for more info​

I've got drinks ready for everyone!!

Tonight, we'll be watching an IMAX feature about one of my favorite creatures in the world: Dolphins!!

Before the film starts, we'll stop by the Fernbank Cafe for some dinner.

Menu

Looks like tonight's musical entertainment is a band called Kingsized.



And now it's time for our feature film:

They call him Flipper, Flipper faster than lightning....oh wait...wrong film.

I am enjoying the film so far.

20 minutes and and 1 martini later:
Those dolphins are just so darn cute and funny...look at them swim!

another 20 minutes and 1 more martini later:
LOOK! That dolphin is racing the other dolphin!

60 minutes in and my 3rd martini:
This iz tha funyust ting evr...luk at tem...iz it werm in her or iz it jist meee? *thud*

What can I say...I'm a lightweight.

 

[Mrs. Fleagle]

They call him Flipper, Flipper faster than lightning....oh wait...wrong film.



60 minutes in and my 3rd martini:
This iz tha funyust ting evr...luk at tem...iz it werm in her or iz it jist meee? *thud*

What can I say...I'm a lightweight.

Very Funny!

Good morning BTM!

 

[KigerKat]

You didn't think we'd let you leave the city just yet - did you???

Atlanta Cyclorama

"Nowhere can the true drama of the Civil War battle of Atlanta be more appreciated than at the Cyclorama. The thrilling Cyclorama allows visitors to step back to July 22, 1864 and experience the Battle of Atlanta. The heroism of soldiers fighting bravely for causes they believed in is brilliantly portrayed as the painting, foreground figures, music and narrative combine to astonish the visitor.

The Atlanta Cyclorama has been on display in Atlanta since 1893. It is the longest running show in the United States. A cyclorama is a large cylindrical painting. It is theater-in-the-round. First developed in the late 1700s, cycloramas saw resurgence in popularity following the American Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War. The triumphant parties commissioned stirring portrayals of the climactic battles. General John A Logan of the Union army commissioned 11 German artists to paint the Battle of Atlanta. When completed in 1886 it was 50 feet high, 400 feet long, and weighed over 9,000 pounds. Due to years of moving around the country and extensive repairs, today it measures 42 x 358. It is still the largest oil painting in the world. George V. Gress, an Atlanta businessman, donated the Cyclorama to the City of Atlanta in 1898.

In 1921 The Cyclorama moved to its current home in Grant Park. A diorama was added in 1936. This foreground provides a three-dimensional quality, blending perfectly with the painting. It was in 1979 that the City of Atlanta decided to shut down the Cyclorama for a two-year period to repair the painting and update the museum and theater.

The centerpiece of the museum is the locomotive TEXAS. It was on April 12, 1862 that the Texas chased and recaptured the locomotive General stolen by Union raiders led by James J. Andrews. Following the war The Texas remained in service until 1908. It was moved to Grant Park in 1911 and into The Cyclorama in 1927.

In addition to the Texas there are two floors of displays of Civil War artifacts, weapons, photographs, uniforms and videos. A touch screen computer system details the war day-by-day. Other videos highlight the restoration of the Cyclorama and recount period history.

A Cyclorama tour begins in the first floor auditorium with a short film that describes events leading up to the Battle of Atlanta. Visitors are then escorted into the Cyclorama to experience the battle in the Cyclorama. As the theater rotates through history, guests are treated to surround sound with music, sound effects and narration in 5 languages. At one time Civil War Veterans were the docents that told the story of our colorful history. Today, City of Atlanta guides entertain and educate 200,000 visitors each year, telling the story of The Battle of Atlanta."

 

[KigerKat]

Just outside the city is a beautiful Stone Mountain that holds one of the largest exposed granite stones in the world! Most importantly, is the largest low relief sculpture in the world - the Confederate Memorial Carvings - on the northern face of the mountain. The three Confederate war heroes depicted in the carving are President Jefferson Davis, General Robert E. Lee, and General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. The mountain is 825 feet tall and covers 583 acres. The top of the mountain is 1,683 feet above sea level. The entire carved surface of the Memorial Carving measures three acres, larger than a football field. The carving of the three men towers 400 feet above the ground, measures 90 by 190 feet, and is recessed 42 feet into the mountain. The deepest point of the carving is at Lee's elbow, which is 12 feet to the mountain's surface.

Surrounding Stone Mountain, is Stone Mountain Park. Here, we can step back in time at Crossroads and watch crafts such as glass blowing, candle making or blacksmith. We can have lunch at Miss Katie's Sideboard Restaurant, where they toss rolls to your table!

Next, we will take the Summit Skyride to the top of Stone Mountain (unless most of you would rather hike up to the top, but we've got a pretty busy day!).

Here, you will see breathtaking views of the Atlanta Skyline. On a clear day, you may even see the Appalachian Mountains!

​

 

[HauntedMansionFan]

Wow KigetKat.... that is breathtaking!

 

[3guysandagal]

Hi everyone!
Finally getting back after a very busy week and am trying to catch up.
BTM...Great tour of Atlanta.
The Georgia Aquarium looks like a "must see" as well as the Underground.
And a trip to Krispy Kreme!!..Cool.
We had them up here for a while and they were very popular at first (read..HALF HOUR LINE UPS FOR DONUTS!!) but seem to have disappeared now.
Tim Horton's is THE place for donuts and coffee here....Yummmm.
The Chattahoochee trip sounds fun as well.
By the way, when I have been able to get online to see what was happening, I have been voting for your bags!

KigerKat...Keep up the good work!
Seems we will have to do a Georgia trip at some point!
Maybe drive down to the World one trip and make a bunch of stops along the way instead of doing the 20 hour Commando drive.

Looking forward to more and am hoping I will have more time to be back regularly!!

 

[Mrs. Fleagle]

Enjoying the trip KigerKat! Beautiful pictures!

 

[Circusgirl]

WOW! More places to go and things to see! Thanks so much for the fun.

 

[KigerKat]

Sorry about the trip delay, everyone! I guess you can say we got stuck in traffic!! On with the road trip...just a few more ATL stops to go!

 

[KigerKat]

In honor of Mother's Day yesterday, I thought we would make a quick stop at the place where many young girls become mothers for the first time-at BabyLand General Hospital in Cleveland, GA. Yes, this is where ALL of the Cabbage Patch Kids are born!! (I'm trying to go with the "odd" roadside stops DISGeeks was looking for!)

BabyLand General Hospital

At BabyLand General Hospital, you can adopt a new baby from the nursery while the fathers can wait in the "Father's Waiting Room." If your baby requires surgery, there is a TLC staff there on-site to take care of your little one. There's even a special school and playground for your new children to play! (Okay, after looking at some of these pictures, it's a little creepy... )

​

 

[catotigger]

Hey! You guys are doing a great job on the virtual trip!

Thanks for all the great trip ideas!

 

[3guysandagal]

Cat!
I'm laughing again!!
Love the barrel!!

Keep up the good work KK!!
That pesky traffic can be a bummer, I know, did you hear about the U-turn?

 

[KigerKat]

Now we will continue our drive further away from the city, to some more scenic areas of Georgia. DH and I went to this restaurant recently with the Atlanta Minis Club, and I have to say it was delicious! There are no menus, they just come and start piling food on your table. I hope you're hungry!!

The Dillard House

Eating at the Dillard House is a legend in North Georgia and beyond. Meals are served "family style" in the generous proportions that are the hallmark of southern hospitality. All of our vegetables are farm fresh. Most are grown right in the surrounding area. You will be amazed at the variety of delectable selections that grace the table at any Dillard House meal.

Here's what's for dinner tonight:

* Fried Chicken
* Country Ham
* Prime Rib
* BBQ Chicken
* Potatoes au Gratin
* Green Beans
* Creamed Corn
* Steamed Broccoli
* Glazed Carrots
* Harvard Beets
* Ford Hook Lima Beans
* Tomatoes/Onions
* Cole Slaw
* Melon
* Yeast Rolls
* Cornbread
* Cobbler a la Mode

The restaurant offers breathtaking views of the countryside while you eat. Here is a picture from one of the decks:

​

 

[catotigger]

Yum! I want to stay at Dillard House! Forever!

 

[HauntedMansionFan]

Now we will continue our drive further away from the city, to some more scenic areas of Georgia. DH and I went to this restaurant recently with the Atlanta Minis Club, and I have to say it was delicious! There are no menus, they just come and start piling food on your table. I hope you're hungry!!

The Dillard House

Eating at the Dillard House is a legend in North Georgia and beyond. Meals are served "family style" in the generous proportions that are the hallmark of southern hospitality. All of our vegetables are farm fresh. Most are grown right in the surrounding area. You will be amazed at the variety of delectable selections that grace the table at any Dillard House meal.

Here's what's for dinner tonight:

* Fried Chicken
* Country Ham
* Prime Rib
* BBQ Chicken
* Potatoes au Gratin
* Green Beans
* Creamed Corn
* Steamed Broccoli
* Glazed Carrots
* Harvard Beets
* Ford Hook Lima Beans
* Tomatoes/Onions
* Cole Slaw
* Melon
* Yeast Rolls
* Cornbread
* Cobbler a la Mode

The restaurant offers breathtaking views of the countryside while you eat. Here is a picture from one of the decks:

​

Mmmm.... continuous food.... my kind of place.

 

[KigerKat]

Next we will travel up into the North Georgia mountains.

Click here for some good, old fashioned mountain music.
(Don't worry - we won't run into any scary mountain men up here!)

Welcome to Helen, GA!!

"Prior to 1800, this area was the center of Cherokee Indian culture, with villages scattered throughout Nacoochee and what is now known as Helen valleys. A townhouse was located on top of at least one of the four ceremonial mounds in Nacoochee Valley. In 1813 the Cherokees approved construction of the Unicoi Turnpike, a wagon road through their Nation from the Savannah River headwaters to northeast Tennessee. This trail, now Highways 17 and 75, ran through the valleys toward Hiawassee. The Cherokees left the area on this “Trail of Tears”, and were replaced by white settlers.

Gold was discovered on Dukes Creek in Nacoochee Valley in 1828. The Great Georgia Gold Rush belt was bound by Dahlonega on the west and Nacoochee-Helen Valley on the east. Thousands of miners came into the Valley and mined in the foothills for over a century, generating thousands of pounds of gold. The historic England Gold Mine, site of Helen's current gold mine, and Hamby Mountain were mined extensively. Mining operations ceased by the end of the century, and settlers moved on.

Timber officials came into the Valley , saw huge virgin timber, and built a great sawmill, Matthews Lumber Company. Simultaneously, the Gainesville and Northwestern Railroad came up the Chattahoochee River to Helen. In 1913 the Valley was named "Helen”, after the daughter of the railroad surveyor. The lumber company, located in the center of Helen on the Chattahoochee River, continued sawmill operations until 1931, shipping to Europe and the U.S. until all timber was cut. Settlers again left for opportunities in other places. By the 1960's, there was nothing left except a dreary row of concrete block structures.

In 1968, local businessmen met to discuss what could be done to improve their town. They approached a nearby artist friend, who had been stationed in Germany. He sketched the buildings, added gingerbread trim, details and colors to the buildings, giving an Alpine look to the entire town. In January 1969, business owners and local carpenters began turning ideas into reality. Now all downtown stores have been renovated and many buildings and cobblestone alleyways added. Faces of buildings were painted with scenes of Bavaria and North Georgia, mirroring the migration of early settlers.

Helen has accomplished much; it has created a new town and industry, providing jobs for more people and boosting the economy of the entire area. Helen also commemorates its historic past when the early settlers came to this remote area. A village with mountain heritage and a touch of Bavaria, Helen has created a unique experience for its visitor.

So…this is the story of Helen, the miracle of a small, remote mountain community who revitalized itself in various ways throughout several centuries, and who today hosts millions of visitors each year."

​

 

[KigerKat]

Now we will drive up to one of my favorite, scenic places to visit in the North Georgia Mountains:

Amicalola Falls State Park

"It’s easy to see why this is one of Georgia’s most popular state parks. Amicalola, a Cherokee Indian word meaning “tumbling waters,” is an appropriate name for these 729-foot falls ~~ the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. An 8.5 mile approach trail leads from the park to Springer Mountain, the southern end of the 2,135-mile Appalachian Trail. However, numerous other trails are available for shorter journeys. A beautiful lodge at the top of the mountain is popular with guests who prefer hotel-type comforts, while a 5-mile hike leads to more remote accommodations at the Len Foote Hike Inn. Be sure to stop by the visitor center to see nature displays, live exhibits and a gift shop."

Let's go all the way to the top of the falls, and get a better look!

WOW!

Don't get wet!!​