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.

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.