Shellmont Inn is featured in the June,2010 issue of North Georgia Living Magazine

We are thrilled that our Atlanta Bed and Breakfast was featured in North Georgia Living Magazine’s June Issue, titled “Just for Two” article.You can click on this link to view the article Just For Two As many of our previous wedding and honeymoon couples know, June is the favored month for weddings and anniversary celebrations. Garden Weddings with all of our fragrantly scented flowers and trees abound and signal the start of a new beginning and making wonderful memories.

Many of our guests are surprised to learn that Shellmont was built by Dr. Perrin Nicholson as a wedding present for his bride. It was described in the Atlanta Journal Constitution as ” the wedding of the south”, with the most eligible bachelor marrying the popular and beautiful socialite, Elizabeth Crane. One of the inns highlights is the ornately carved staircase, framed by a two story set of five panels of Tiffany Stained Glass and the foliated wedding bell at the bottom of the staircase.

So when planning your next romantic getaway visit to Atlanta remember Midtown has wonderful restaurants with-in walking distance of our inn. Unique attractions to get lost in such as the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, The High Museum of Art, Piedmont Park and the Georgia Aquarium. Or, if you are like Ed and I, just sit back on one of our verandas and listen to softly playing music with water cascading in the ponds as hummingbirds cruise the gardens and watch the world go by.

Imagine yourself here on Shellmont's Rear Veranda

The Atlanta CityPass is a real deal!

When planning your trip this summer to see our Atlanta attractions do not forget to buy your AtlantaCity Pass.  The pass allows you to see six of our favorite Atlanta attractions in nine days for only $74.00 per adult.  As a bonus you will save $78.11.  The pass may be purchased on-line or at any of the attractions listed below.  After you purchase your AtlantaCity Pass, most Atlanta attractions allow you to bypass the main ticket line, but not the security line.

The world’s largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, has over 8 million gallons of fresh and marine water.  There are five galleries for your viewing pleasure.  Also, included in the Atlanta CityPass ticket is the Quick Dip Tour and the 4-D theatre.  The Quick Dip Tour gives you the highlights of the aquarium in 20 minutes.

Located next to the Georgia Aquarium is the World of Coke.  Experience the impact of how a small glass Coke bottle played a part in shaping Atlanta and the world.  Sample over 60 beverages that Coca Cola markets.  Follow Coca Cola’s Company history displayed in ten galleries with exhibits.  The Coca Cola artifacts might remind you of your childhood.

Stroll through Centennial Park to CNN’s global headquarters.  As you enter, be sure and take in the world’s largest free-standing elevator.  CNN was started in 1980 by Atlanta Entrepreneur, Ted Turner.  It was the world’s first around-the-clock all news station.   CNN Networks are available to over 1 billion people in 212 countries and territories.  This tour allows you to experience the newsroom from the inside and see the advanced technology used in broadcasting the news at CNN. 

Atlanta Skyline

 Our tour moves to the Atlanta Zoo next with over 1,000 animals from around the world.  One of the main attractions is the Giant Pandas, Lun Lun and Yang Yang.  There are only four US zoos with Giant Pandas.  The lush habitats of the Rain Forest provide the perfect vantage point to see the nations largest collection of Western Lowland Gorillas and the endangered Drill Monkeys.  The Atlanta Zoo has the largest aviary in the Southeast with over 500 free-flying parakeets that will mesmerize you with thier bright colors.  Also, there is a diverse collection of reptiles and amphibians, many whom are endangered.

The Atlanta CityPass booklet allows you to select one of the following attractions from the following categorys, The Fernbank Museum of Natural History ; The Atlanta Botanical Gardens and The High Museum of Art; The Atlanta History Center.

One of Atlanta’s hidden gems is The Fernbank Museum of Natural History, set on 140 acres in Druid Hills.  As you enter the sun drenched six story arena a Argentinosaurus, the largest classified dinosaur will greet you.  Eighteen galleries with exhibits will entertain and educate you on how Georgia evolved.  After spending the afternoon wandering thru Georgia’s past, sit back and take in a breathtaking film in the Imax Theatre.

The Atlanta Botanical Gardens is located on 15 acres in Midtown, just a stroll from our Atlanta Bed and Breakfast.  It has the country’s largest orchid collection, Japanese Gardens, and edible garden and a 600 Ft. Canopy walk among the native woodlands.

The High Museum of Art is also located in Midtown.  It was designed by Richard Meir and Renzo Piano.  The permanent collection has over 11,000 pieces.  The African Art Gallery features sculptures, mask, bead work, metalwork and ceramic arts from 1850 to 1950.  The American Art Gallery has amazing works from the 19th and 20th century.  The High Museum of Art is renowned for its unique and thought proviking special exhibits, such as the current exhibit ”Allure of the Automobile”.

The Atlanta History Centeris set on 33 lovely acres in the middle of Buckhead.  There are two house museums to tour, the Swan House and the Tullie Smith Farm House.  You can experience life as a Southerner in years past.

  The Atlanta History Center houses the largest and most comprehensive collection of Civil War artifacts.

After a day of touring Atlanta, you can look forward to relaxing on one of our verandas with a cold glass of peach tea and one of Debbie’s homemade treats.  See you this summer!

Blue Angelfish at the Georgia Aquarium

One of the most visited Georgia attractions is the Georgia Aquarium. It is located next to the World of Coke, Patriots Museum and Centennial Park.

It has been a busy first half of 2010 at the Georgia Aquarium. They have added two rare Albino Reptiles, welcomed back the Beluga Whales, rescued five Loggerhead Sea Turtles and added four Harbor Seals. The Georgia Aquarium has 8 million gallons of fresh and marine water and is home to tens of thousands of animals representing 450 species. It is divided into 5 galleries for your viewing.

The Cold Water Quest features fish and marine mammals from Oregon to Japan and from South Australia to South Africa. A few of the animals you will discover are the African Penguins, Giant Pacific Octopus and the beloved Beluga Whales. Maris is a 15 year female and weighs over 900 pounds. Beethoven is an 18 year old male and weighs in at over 1740 pounds. There are only 36 Beluga Whales in captivity in six facilities across North America.

My favorite gallery is the Georgia Explorer showcasing our Georgia Coast. This gallery is very interactive with touch pools full of Horseshoe Crabs, Sea Stars, Stingrays and Shrimp. There is also a large exhibit of Loggerhead Sea Turtles. Five Loggerhead Sea Turtles were rescued off the coast from the cold snap the Southeast experienced this year. Loggerhead Sea Turtles weigh over 300 pounds and are on the Endangered Species List.

Two Manta Rays and Whale Sharks, known as the Gentle Giants of the sea reside in the Ocean Voyager Gallery. It has over six million gallons of saltwater and even an underwater tunnel in which to view. Nandi and Tulluhah, the two manta rays are the only ones in a United States Aquarium.

In April the River Scout Gallery added two rare Albino America Alligators. There are fewer than 50 living in the United States today. There coloring is due to a rare genetic mutation that affects the production of melanin, a skin pigment. Their eyes appear pink or red.

The Georgia Aquarium saved the best gallery for last, the Tropical Diver. A tropical coral reef of rainbow colors with seahorses, glassy sweepers and garden eels gliding in and out of the coral. Also, there are three exhibits of jellyfish that will mesmerize you. This is the largest reef exhibit at any aquarium in the world.

In addition to the five galleries there is a 4 D theatre that combines digital projection, High Definition 3 D film and unique special effects that allow you to experience the mysteries of the underwater world.

The Georgia Aquarium has several behind the Scenes Tours that allow you to experience the Aquarium from behind closed doors and learn the secrets of the aquarium.

When you are making your reservations at our Atlanta Bed and Breakfast be sure and inquire about the Atlanta City Pass. It has all the must do attractions including the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coke and the Georgia Zoo at a discounted price.

Sunset at Ecco Restaurant

One of our favorite things about Midtown is the large selection of restaurants, from the casual Bakeshop featuring an array of homemade breads, soups, salads and deserts to the sophisticated Ecco Restaurant.  There are over 50 restaurants you can walk to from our Atlanta bed and breakfast.

Ecco Restaurant has an Old World Style from the minute you walk through the Hugh glass doors to the rich walnut furnishings and glistening Italian marble floors.  The focal point of the restaurant is the open kitchen featuring a tile wrapped wood burning stove, perfect for those wood-fired pizzas.  The contemporary lighting sets the tone for a unique dining experience.  If you prefer to just sit back and relax with one of their Signature drinks, and take in the Midtown skyline, there is a large patio widely enjoyed by many of their customers.

Diners enjoy the open kitchen & wood-fired stove

Executive Chief Micah Willix brings over twelve years of culinary experience to Ecco.  His bold approach in developing the Ecco Restaurant Menus is European inspired and ever changing.  His classic culinary roots focus on using the freshest ingredients available.

The menu begins with a large selection of Meats and Cheese to entice your palate.  One of my favorites is the Thomasville Tomme, a semi-firm cow’s milk cheese produced by Sweet Grass Dairy in Georgia.  You can read more about Sweet Grass Dairy in one of our previous blogs.

A few of the outstanding appetizers under the Taste and Share small plates is the Fried Goat Cheese with Honey and Fresh Ground Pepper or Piquillo Peppers stuffed with Braised Short Rib.  The main courses will delight your taste buds with unique flavors such as Homemade Pasta with Chili Braised Pork and Garlic and Homemade Pappardelle or Grilled Georgia Quail on Polenta with aged Balsamic Vinegar.

If you just want something a little sweet to top off that perfect dinner, don’t forget to order desert.  All deserts are made on the premises, from the truffles and  ricotta cheesecake to the sorbet.

On your next visit to Atlanta, please try one of our Midtown Restaurants.  I know where Ed and I will be making our dinner reservations for tonight!

Atlanta Braves fans celebrate the 2010 season

When springtime arrives in Atlanta with blue skies, sunny afternoons and crisp evenings, it is the perfect time to spend the day at Turner Field. Be sure and check the Atlanta Braves schedule so you can catch a game.

The Atlanta Braves history began in 1871 in Boston, Massachusetts where they were called various names, the Red Stockings, Beaneaters, Doves, Rustlers and Bees. In 1953, they moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and stayed until 1965. Atlanta became home to the Braves in 1966. At the Atlanta Braves Museum you will see a few of my favorite artifacts, such as Hank Aaron’s 715th home run bat and ball, the 1995 World Series trophy and Dale Murphy’s 1982 and 1983 MVP (Most Valuable Player) awards. The Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame has honored 20 players, managers, coaches and other individuals that have contributed to the Atlanta Braves success. The Museum and Hall of Fame are open 2 1/2 hours prior to each game and close in the middle of the seventh inning.

Turner Field was used in 1996 for the Summer Olympics. After the Olympics it was retrofitted into a baseball only, open air stadium with natural grass. In the the spring of 1997 the Atlanta Braves moved into there new home. It is equipped with a superior sound system and has over five hundred television monitors throughout Turner Field. One of the unique features is the two boards, one for seating area and one for the plaza. The Braves Vision Board is 29 ft. by 38 ft. and weighs over 21 tons. The Plaza Board is 17 ft. by 22 ft. The playing field is Prescription Athletic Turf featuring a mechanical drainage system and hybrid Bermuda Grass. The turf is grown beneath the scoreboard and beyond the center field wall. Turner Field is a state of the art stadium with the feel and atmosphere of an old time baseball park.

While watching the game you will have over 100 food and beverage vendors throughout the ballpark to choose from. Two of our favorites are the Smokehouse BBQ featuring Southern Pulled BBQ Pork and La Taqueria that makes, made to order tacos, burritos and nachos.

Bobby Cox, the Atlanta Braves Manager, was hired in 1978 and will be retiring after this season. He has the longest tenure in Major League Baseball. He ranks 4th on the Baseball All-Time Managerial wins list. He will remain with the Braves providing expertise in other areas. We will miss him and wish him our best!

While you are in Atlanta for the ballgame why not stay and see the Atlanta Aquarium and the Atlanta Zoo. We look forward to seeing you at our Atlanta bed and breakfast on that next sunny day at the Atlanta Braves Stadium.

Starshine route summit, WI4, Whiteside Mountain, Cashiers, NC

Starshine route, WI4, Lower pitch

Starshine route, WI4, Whiteside Mountain

Intermediate pitch, Sam's Knob route, Pisgah National Forest

If you’ve read some of my previous blogs then you know I’m really into alpine climbing and mountaineering in general. Since I’ve gained some experience over the last six years, I decided to up the ante, so to speak, and venture into the realm of more difficult routes. One of my goals for this year is to climb one of the following routes, all of which are in Washington state: Mount Baker North Ridge; Mount Rainier Kautz Glacier or Forbidden Peak West Ridge. All involve some degree of vertical or near vertical ice climbing. Sometimes retreat on mountains is not an option, thus you must fail upwards and achieve the summit. I did not want to find myself stymied on a hard route staring at a vertical pitch asking myself, “so now what do I do?”

I recently bought a matched pair of Black Diamond Venom ice axes from REI Atlanta Georgia. Chomping at the bits and following the rainy and extra cold winter here in the Southeast, I knew the ice in North Carolina would be fat. All I needed to do next was find a good ice climbing instructor near Brevard and the Pisgah National Forest which was my climbing destination. Well, I really lucked out and found Applachian Mountain Institute located in the Pisgah National Forest. After talking several times with the owner, Patrick Weaver, I decided to sign up for a full day of private climbing instruction. We drove deep into the Pisgah Forest to a highway cut on Hwy. 215. What an exciting day…so much to learn. Well, Patrick is a stellar climbing instructor, so much so that several weeks later I decided to treat my best friend, Stefan, for his birthday,  to a climb of Sam’s Knob, a long ice gully route, also located in the Pisgah Forest. This climb was very enjoyable, rated WI3 and had a definite alpine feel to it. Multi-pitched, snow and ice intermixed with ice bulges and near vertical short pitches. We had a blast! As we topped out on the route, Patrick pointed out that we could see the appalachian mountain Blue Ridge Parkway nearby as well as Tennessee and Georgia farther out. As he said that, a falcon flew closely overhead with its’ characteristic schrill screech.

My birthday is in March, so Stefan decided to return the favor and so he contacted Applachian Mountain Institute to arrange a more challenging ice climb in NC. He and Patrick selected “Starshine” a/k/a  ”Sympathy for the Devil” located on Whiteside Mountain near Cashiers (Bottom photo,wider ice to right).  Easily viewable from Hwy. 64, Starshine is a NC favorite WI4 ice climb. Believe me it did not disappoint! At over 200′ height, the lower half is moderate angle while the upper half is near vertical to vertical. We were graced with a cool morning, warm afternoon and bluebird skies. We will return to NC many times next winter to sharpen our skills. Now, I’m not so worried the next time I’m on a big mountain climbing route and encounter vertical ice. Now I say, “GO for it!”

The video below is highly descriptive of the Starshine Route and the climbing philosophy is one with which I agree. Enjoy!

North Carolina Ice Climbing from greg berry on Vimeo.

Starshine route, WI4, Whiteside Mountain

Sweet Grass Dairy Cheese platter at the Inn

One of our guest favorite in-room indulgences  at our Atlanta bed and breakfast is our Artisan Cheese Platter. We always include a couple of cheese selections from Sweet Grass Dairy in Thomasville, Georgia. Our love for Sweet Grass Cheese began a number of years ago when we were introduced to Green Hill Cheese and learned it was made right here in Georgia. Sweet Grass Dairy began with 11 dairy goats and a herd of Jersey cows. They now have 150 goats and growing.  Sweet Grass Dairies employes the unique technique of rotational grazing developed in New Zealand. This allows the animals to graze on lush green pasture,resulting in a herd of happy healthy goats and cows. Sweet Grass Dairy is committed to sustainable, earth friendly farming practices at both dairies, Sweet Grass Dairy, Thomasville and Sweet Grass Dairy, Greenhill. This allows them to produce a flavorful and healthy food for us to enjoy.

Our favorite at the Inn is Green Hill Cheese. It is a cow’s milk cheese that has been pasturized and is soft-ripened. This cheese is a cross between Brie and Camembert style ripened cheese. Green Hill Cheese has a thin rind with a rich sweet buttery flavor. It has received numerous awards throughout the years.

Two of Sweet Grass Cheeses that we always look forward to are Kelle’s Blue and Thomasville Tomme. Kelle’s Blue is a goat’s milk cheese. It has a soft crumbly texture with heavy bluing. It is not like any other blue cheese you have tried. Yumm…
Thomasville Tomme is a raw grass based cow’s milk cheese. The buttery and mellow taste appeals to everyone.

We serve these cheese pairings with fresh organic fruit (strawberries, grapes, apples) and water crackers on a natural bamboo tray. It is the perfect end to a wonderful day touring the city. So the next time you are having a few friends over be sure and try some cheese from Sweet Grass Dairy. I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed. You can find Sweet Grass Cheese at Whole Foods Market.

Dogwood Festival Exhibits & Participants

April is the beginning of the Atlanta Festivals that meander through our parks and neighborhoods during the year.  We are looking forward to the Atlanta Dogwood Festival 2010 in Piedmont Park on April 16 thru April 18, 2010.  A few of the other festivals you will not want to miss are the Atlanta Jazz Festival and the Atlanta Arts Festival.

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival began in 1936 when Atlanta invited the world to look at all the beautiful dogwoods in bloom.  Dogwood trees were planted by Atlanta’s garden clubs, the  Junior League and spirited citizens in our parks, city streets and private gardens.  In 1941 it was discontinued because of World War II.  Atlanta’s Woman’s Chamber of Commerce renewed  its revival in 1964.  A few years later it was the largest civic celebration showcasing a parade, fashion show and symphony performances.

During the 1970′s to the present it has became a well-known juried art show with a variety of musical performances on  different stages, food vendors and the Frisbee Disk Dog Exhibition.  The general festival is free.

Friends of Dogwood Pavilion offers a wonderful opportunity to experience cuisine from some of our local restaurants at the newly renovated Greystone facility in Piedmont Park.  Patrons will be wowed  with a variety of food, deserts and wine.  This ticketed Atlanta event is for Saturday and Sunday, with ticket prices from $10 to $45.  A few of our favorite restaurants that will be participating are:

1. TAP
2. Bakeshop
3. Veni Vidi Vici
4. Dogwood
5. Thrive

An insiders secret is to go to the Atlanta Dogwood Festival on Friday afternoon. The crowds are less and you will have the best selection.  We will wander thru Piedmont Park in amazement at the varied artist and their wonderful wares.  My favorite mediums are the wood turned into fine bowls and other objects, paintings in brilliant watercolors and beautiful jewelry of glass and clay.  As always, I give into temptation and find that perfect piece to bring back to our Atlanta Bed and Breakfast.

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

One of our favorite date nights out away from our bed and breakfast in Atlanta is to walk up Peachtree Street from the Fox Theatre to the Woodruff Arts Center.  Along bustling Peachtree Street you will pass some of our favorite restaurants, Baraonda Caffe Italiano, the Bakeshop, Oceanaire Seafood Room and TAP.  TAP is a great place to sit outside and people watch.

At the Woodruff Arts Center you will find the Alliance Theatre, the High Museum of Art and the Atlanta Symphony.  The Atlanta Symphony  is celebrating 65 years of dazzling music making.  It is the foundation of artistic excellence in Midtown.  They have produced 6 recordings with Grammy awards.  This cultural and artistic fabric is the face of Atlanta.

For the last 9 years Robert Spano, the Music Director, has invigorated and expanded the Orchestra’s repertoire and is recognized internationally as one of the most imaginative conductors.  A few of the effects he may use are film and images synchronized with music, art installation, lighting effects and staged performances.

During his tenure Mr. Spano and the Atlanta Symphony have performed over 100 contemporary works, 13 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra commissioned world premieres and 3 additional world premiers.

Parterning with Mr. Robert Spano in leading the Atlanta Symphony is Principal Guest Conductor,  Mr. Donald Runnicles.  Conductor Donald Runnicles is well-known for his opera and symphonic repertoire.  Together they have created a bond with the musicians and the community.

A few of our favorite upcoming Atlanta Events are:

• March 27th, 2010 – Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchesta
• April 8th-10th, 2010 – All Tchaikovsky, All Powerful
• April 30th-May 1st, 2010 – On Broadway with Marvin Hamlisch
• May 13th-May 16th, 2010-Love Blooms: Tchaikovsky, Piano Concerto No. 2
• May 20th-May 22nd, 201-Beethoven’s 5th Symphony

The much anticipated 40th Annual Decorators Show House opens on April 17th. til May 19th, 2010.  This Atlanta Symphony fundraiser features a house in the prestige area of Buckhead that  interior designers decorate and open to the public.  They also have a gift store and cafe.

On your next visit to Atlanta between an Atlanta Braves game and a visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden, don’t forget to immerse yourself in music with an evening at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Beef Chili

One of our favorite things to do on a cool crisp winter afternoon is a brisk walk north on Piedmont Avenue to Lake Clara Meade in Piedmont Park. We always bring some  bread from the inn to feed the mallards and geese.  Once they discover you are the one with the food, they will follow you anywhere.  As we stroll back to our bed and breakfast a steaming bowl of Mountain Beef Chili is awaiting us.

Everyone has their own distinctive chili recipe whether it is Beef Chili or Vegetarian Chili.  President Lyndon B. Johnson’s favorite Chili Carne Recipe became known as “Pedernales River Chili” after the location of this Texas Hill Country ranch.  On Doctors orders he eliminated the traditional beef and added tomatoes and onions.  Lady Bird Johnson had the recipe printed for the thousands of requests the White House received during President Lyndon B. Johnson’s time in office.

My Mountain Beef Chili recipe was given to me by Ed’s family.  Over the years we have tweaked it to our taste.  I was honored to have it selected to be in “The American Country Inn and Bed & Breakfast Cookbook” by  Kitty and Lucian Maynard.  Sometimes we substitute Plainville Ground Turkey Breast (available at Whole Foods) for the ground beef.  I can hardly tell the difference.

So, please try our Mountain Beef Chili recipe and adapt it for your palate.  ENJOY!

Mountain Beef Chili     

• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 1 Medium Onion, Chopped
• 1 Clove of Garlic, Minced
• 1 Organic Green Pepper, Chopped
• 28-ounce Can of Tomatoes
• 16 ounce Can of  Dark Kidney Beans, rinsed
• 16 ounce Can of Black Beans, rinsed
• 1 TBLS Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 TBLS Vinegar
• 1 tsp. Dry Mustard
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 1/3 tsp. Black Pepper
• 1/3 tsp. Red Pepper
• 1/3 tsp. Chili Pepper

In a stock pot, brown the Ground Beef with the onions, garlic and green pepper.  Drain.  Put back in stock pot.  Add the remaining ingredients.  Simmer several hours.   Serves 6.