Elegant Atlanta Elopement

Did that someone special surprise you over the holidays with a romantic proposal and the ring of your dreams?  Now it is back to the real world of working long hours, school and life.  Then you have that “Ah Ha” moment when you realize when will I have time to plan every little detail of our Atlanta Wedding. As you talk with his family, your family and friends you realize there is no way for this not to become complicated, time consuming and expensive.  Our stress-free, Elegant Atlanta Elopement Package   may be just what you are looking for. Let our Atlanta Bed and Breakfast plan the Atlanta Wedding of your dreams!

Shellmont has a long romantic history that began when our Atlanta Bed and Breakfast was built by W.T. Downing for Dr. Nicholson as a wedding present for his bride, Carolyn Crane. The wedding announcement called it “The wedding of the south with the most eligible bachelor marrying the Belle of the South”. Her bridal veil was adorned with fresh orange blossoms! One of our brides favorite features of the inn is the highly carved newel post that features a wedding bell on top.

So whether you are looking for a Garden Wedding or prefer all the grandeur of a Victorian Mansion, let us plan your wedding, while you make “memories that will last a lifetime”!

Toasting The New Year, Photo courtesy of www.sandraandgreg.com

Some of our fondest memories in 2011 are sharing in celebrating your anniversaries, birthdays, Atlanta weddings and other milestones. The sounds of happiness and laughter as guests stroll thru the inn and gardens. But our most precious memory is having the opportunity and privilege to meet wonderful people from around the world.

When you celebrate  this evening, whether with an intimate gathering of your closest friends, family or just the two of you, when the clock strikes midnight on New Years Eve in Atlanta, Georgia,  we will pause at our Atlanta Bed and Breakfast and raise our champagne flutes to you, sending our Best Wishes for a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year in 2012.

May All Your Dreams and Wishes Come True in 2012,

Ed and Debbie McCord, Shellmont Inn

Chicken Dip – A Favorite for New Year’s Eve (from N. Storey)

1  8 Ounce Cream Cheese, Softened

2 Cans Swanson Chicken Breast, Drained

4 Ounces Buffalo Wing Sauce

8 Ounces of Monterey Jack Cheese (Sliced)

Layer in order above in 8 x 12 pan, ending with Monterey Jack Cheese. Bake at 400 for 20 Minutes.  Serve hot with Corn Chips.

ENJOY!

Breakfast shot by Mayday Productions

Last week was an exciting week at our Atlanta Bed and Breakfast. We were selected from all the Atlanta Bed and Breakfast to be the Georgia film location for “Bed and Breakfast Across America”, a TV pilot. The excitement began in November when we met with Tony May of Mayday Productions and some of his crew to discuss all the details. The dates for the filming were set for mid December. Heidi Rew , an Atlanta radio personality from 104.7 The Fish, was chosen as the shows host. From the moment we met with Heidi, we knew this was going to be a great experience! Hedi immediately made you feel so comfortable.

The Atlanta Production crew arrived early to began setting up all the lights and sound equipment. Over the years we have filmed many things from HBO movies, Publix Grocery Commercials and International Fashion shoots and products. I must say, Mayday Productions was one of the most professional film production companies that we have had the pleasure to work with. Once everything was in place, then we began shooting each room and just talking with Heidi about what was so special about our Atlanta bed and breakfast. As many of our guests know, the Inn was built in 1891 and we are the proud second owners.

Don’t be surprised if you hear” Lights, Camera Action” as you check in to your next Select Registry Inn as Mayday Productions may be filming another episode of Bed and Breakfast Across America.

That’s a wrap, until next time!

Heidi Rew during filming of B&B Across America

One of the things I like about being an innkeeper is meeting all the wonderful and interesting guests that past thru our door. Last week I had the pleasure of having renowned author, pastry chef and food stylist, Julia Usher, as a guest.  Julia was on a book tour sponsored by Fancy Flours promoting her latest book, Ultimate Cookies. During her visit to our Atlanta Bed and Breakfast I was able to observe her prepare icing for her cookies to be used on a segment she did for Good Morning Atlanta and I even learned a little of her cookie magic. My guests will have some new cookies to look forward to on their next visit to the Inn.

If you are looking for a unique Christmas present for the chef or novice in your family that loves cookies, this is the cookbook you are looking for. She will inspire you with her unique combination of flavors and scrumptious icings. Learn the specific tools you need to make perfect cookies. One of the things I love about the book is how you can use these delicious cookies as decorations and centerpieces for your table and wow your guests.  Ultimate Cookies is available at Cooks Warehouse at Ansley Mall for those in Atlanta or you can purchase it online from Julia Usher

Shellmont Inn Christmas Gift Certificate

When you are checking your list off and still looking for that perfect Christmas gift for your friends or family, don’t panic.  Settle back in your favorite chair with a hot cup of tea and finish your Christmas shopping with the click of a mouse and give the Gift of Travel, a Gift Certificate, to our Atlanta Bed and Breakfast, Shellmont Inn. As soon as they open their Gold Presentation Envelope tied with our Signature Burgundy Ribbon, that someone special will know you searched long and hard for that perfect present! Let them select the perfect time to book the room or suite of their choice. They can indulge in one of our sumptuous breakfast, relax in a spa tub or unwind on our verandas. We are always happy to assist them in planning their visit to Atlanta. Your guests will have an Atlanta Bed and Breakfast experience like no other. Gift Certificates are available on-line in increments of $50 to $500 dollars. Please call us at 404-872-9290 if you desire to purchase a value greater than the on-line availability or click here To Purchase A Gift Certificate (Click “The Inn” Gift Certificates)

Santa and the Shellmont Elves Wish You A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

A Christmas Gift Certificate

Thanksgiving at Shellmont gardens

As the fall winds gently swirl the brightly colored orange and red maple leaves and the frost has settled on our herb garden, they are reminding me that Thanksgiving is almost here.  This special occasion is the perfect time to gather with loved ones and friends, both old and new, and celebrate the season. A centerpiece of our favorite gourds, pumpkins and greenery anchor the Thanksgiving table adorned with our finest china, silver and crystal.  Our senses are tempted with the sweet, spicy and savory aromas drifting thru the Inn as our Thanksgiving feast begins.

We send our special guests, family and friends that have crossed through our Atlanta Bed and Breakfast  door this year and in the past our Thank You and Blessings. May your Thanksgiving Day be filled with the good fellowship of family and friends, laughter and wonderful food and spirit.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM ED AND DEBBIE  AND STAFF AT THE SHELLMONT INN!

SOUTHERN CORNBREAD DRESSING – ONE OF OUR FAVORITE THANKSGIVING RECIPES

4 Cups of Crumbled Cornbread ( I like to use Stone-ground Cornmeal to make the Cornbread)

3 or 4 pieces of day old bread, biscuits or English muffins, crumbled

1- 27 ounce container of Organic Chicken Broth ( or two 13 3/4 ounce cans)

1 large onion, chopped

3 ribs celery, chopped

3 eggs

1 Cup of Butter, Melted

Spray a 9 x 13 pan with PAM.  Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl, combine the cornbread, bread, and chicken broth and allow to soak.  Add the onions, celery, and eggs, mixing thoroughly.  Add the melted butter and mix throughly. Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes.  Serves 6.

ENJOY!
 

Mountain View in North Georgia

Let us plan your fall getaway to see Atlanta and the North Georgia Mountains. You can immerse yourself in the beautiful red, bronze and orange colors. One of your rewards for staying at a Select Registry Inn is their Golden Quill Loyalty Program. It is EASY, stay 12 nights, register on-line and receive a $100 Gift Card to use on your next trip!

One of our most popular Atlanta attractions is the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Don’t miss the Canopy Walk and the Art in the Garden, including sculptures and water features. After a morning at the gardens its time to head over to the High Museum of Arts newest exhibit, Picasso to Warhol – Fourteen Modern Masters. One of the best kept secrets for lunch is Table 1280 at the Woodruff Arts Center, next door to the High Museum of Art. After an afternoon of seeing how these fourteen artists changed our ideas about what art is, stroll back to our Atlanta Bed and Breakfast for some late afternoon treats.

Start the day with one of our scrumptious breakfasts before you tour the Georgia Aquarium and visit with all the fish. After an early lunch at the DeKalb International Farmers Market, it is a short drive to Stone Mountain. On a clear day you can get a great view of the city and even see the North Georgia Mountains. Have an early dinner at Swift & 4th before returning to Shellmont Inn.

Tomorrow drive north towards Chattanooga, and check- in to one of my favorite Georgia Bed and Breakfast, the Chanticleer Inn in Lookout Mountain, Georgia. Spend the afternoon 1,800 feet above sea level with wonderful vistas of three states, Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia. Rock City Gardens is located just across the street with views of seven states. Wonderful restaurants are located just 10 minutes away in downtown Chattanooga.

After a delightful breakfast of Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes it is off to see Ruby Falls and Point Park. Finish up the day with a ride on the steepest passenger railway in the world, The Incline. Climb up Lookout Mountain with spectacular views of the mountains and the valleys. Your own Chocolate Fondue awaits you back at the Chanticleer Inn. Tomorrow we are off to Georgia’s Wine Country and and another Inn.

After arriving at the Beechwood Inn located in Clayton, Georgia it is time to explore Black Rock Mountain State Park. Black Rock Mountain State Park is the highest state park and offers wonderful hiking trails with scenic waterfalls. Spend the afternoon amazed at the wonderful colors and vistas of the  North Georgia Mountains before returning to the Inn.  Be sure and be back in time for the Daily Wine-Thirty at 5:30 for a complimentary wine tasting of Beechwood Inn Wines made from local grapes.

After a late breakfast, it is off to tour Tiger Mountain Vineyards  located on our way to  Glen-Ella Springs Inn in Clarksville, Georgia. Don’t miss all the wonderful art and antique galleries in Clarksville before checking-in. Be sure stroll over the inns 17 acres with meadows, perennial herb and flower gardens. Make sure to make your reservation for dinner when you book your room. Let Glen-Ella Springs Inn tempt your palate with a wonderful selection of entrees from Rainbow Trout to Beef Tenderloin.

After breakfast it is time to go back to home and dream about your next trip. Be sure and register your Golden Quill Loyalty Points. It is easy, stay 12 nights and get $100.00 Certificate for your next trip.

Hope to see you this fall!

Tasty treats at Taste of Atlanta

One of our guest’s favorite Atlanta events is just around the corner, Taste of Atlanta, October 22 & 23, 2011.  It all happens just blocks from our Atlanta Bed and Breakfast in Midtown at Tech Square, the corner of Spring Street  & 5th Street. Don’t miss the kick-off event, The Big Grill – A Midtown Block Party, Friday evening celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Taste of Atlanta.  Kevin Rathbun, one of Atlanta’s favorite chefs and Aaron Sanchez, one of my favorite Food Networks chefs, will fire up the grill. Indulge in birthday cake, live music, cold beer and the best bites around.  This Atlanta event is sponsored by Amstel Light and will benefit Georgia Organics.

Saturday morning stroll over to Taste of Atlanta and celebrate everything food with our Atlanta Chefs. There will be three live cooking stages with demonstrations and friendly competition.  Inside the Food Studio you will learn about Atlanta’s food history and current and future trends by some of Atlanta’s top foodies.

More than 80 of Atlanta’s Favorite restaurants and their chefs will tempt your palate with their specialties. Some of my favorite restaurants that will be there are Serpas, the Bakeshop, Gordon Biersch and Top Flr. You will experience the wide diversity in Atlanta’s culinary palate.

VIP Tasting Tents will tempt your taste buds with more than 40 of the best craft beers and amazing wines from around the world. Brewers will be on hand to answer all your questions on how to make that perfect “Home Brew”.

See you at Taste of Atlanta!

Read My Pins Exhibit

On your next visit to Atlanta, don’t miss The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum’s latest exhibit, Read My Pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection, on display through November 27th, 2011.  The exhibit showcases over 200 pins that Secretary Madeleine Albright wore during her career as Ambassador and Secretary of the United States.

Secretary of State Albright became known for selecting pins and broaches that expressed her opinion regarding a particular diplomatic situation, to send messages to the other side and just to express her moods. Balloons signaled she was happy, turtles that negotiations were moving to slow and spiders and crabs that it was a bad day. The pins were purchased at flea markets, antique stores and gifts from diplomats.  One of her Americana pins is her Lady Liberty Silver Broach  with two watch faces for the eyes, with one of the faces upside down.  This was so she and also the person she was meeting would both know when the appointment was to end.

Secretary Albright’s book, Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat’s Jewel Box was published last year. This exhibit was designed by the New York Museum of Arts and Design with the generous support of Coca Cola.

Before you head back to our Atlanta Bed and Breakfast from the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum be sure and save some time to wonder around the 35 acres that include a lake  and Japanese Garden, you might even see President Carter.

Picasso Girl Before Mirrow , High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art continues to WOW our guests with each new exhibit, Picasso to Warhol – 14 Modern Masters opens October 15, 2011 to April 29, 2012. Don’t miss your opportunity to enjoy over 100 Modern Masterpieces; this is the  largest collection of modern art masterpieces ever exhibited in the the southeast. This exhibit is in collaboration with The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York.

The Picasso to Warhol exhibit takes an in-depth look at each artists and their stylistic developments and highlights their role in the 20th century.  They were the Modern Masters of the invention of Cubism, the development of Surrealism and brought us Abstract art. A few of my favorites are Henri Matisse Dance (I), 1909, Pableo Picasso, Girl Before a Mirror, 1932, Andy Warhol’s Self-Portrait, 1966 and Jackson Pollock’s, Number 1A, 1948.

Purchase your tickets on-line from The High Museum of Art before October 14, 2011 and be eligible to Win a Warhol Weekend Getaway to New York City.  It includes round-trip airfare for two people, two nights accommodations, two tickets to the Museum of Modern Art, a private Warhol walking tour of the city and $200 for meals.

After a morning at the High Museum of Art head over to Table 1280 in the Woodruff Arts Center for lunch.  Be sure and save room for desert, as the tiramisu is divine. Then take a  leisurely stroll south on Peachtree Street back to our Atlanta Bed and Breakfast.