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

I always enjoy Atlanta in mid August when there is a buzz around our Atlanta Bed and Breakfast. Parents are excited and nervous for their young adults to begin their new college life. Atlanta is honored to be home to ten institutes of higher learning.

The U.S. News and World Report just released their edition of America’s Best Colleges and Georgia Institute of Technology ranking was #7. They have been in the top ten for the past decade. Georgia Tech was founded in 1885 and officially opened in 1888 with 84 students. Now they have 20,000 students with a campus of over 400 acres in the heart of Midtown.  Their focus is on preparing students to solve world problems and improve life around the world.

One of the highlights of Georgia Tech’s vibrant campus life is the Ferst Center for the Arts. This state of the art facility serves to enhance the students educational experience and as a bridge to Georgia Tech’s neighboring communities. This years season opens on September 11th with Debbie Reynolds. I am excited about the upcoming performances of the  David Sanborn Trio on October 1st, Paula Poundstone on October 22nd and  Michael Bolton on October 28th, 2010.

The Georgia Tech Conference Center is located in the heart of Technology Square, a vibrant place with an array of activities, restaurants and shops.   It provides the perfect location for continuing education courses. If you are looking for that perfect Georgia Tech souvenir be sure and stroll over to the Barnes and Noble campus bookstore.

For all you Yellow Jacket Fans, I am hoping for a Great Football Season. The Jackets have been ranked 17th by the Coaches Pre-season poll this year. Be sure and save October 9th on your calendar for Homecoming, Georgia Tech will play Virginia. It should be a good game. As you know the most important game of the season is the Georgia Tech vs Georgia game on November 27th , 2010 in Athens.  When the coin is tossed on the field, Ed and I will be cheering for his almamater and just happy we are here to see another game and visit with friends.

On September 24th and 25th, Georgia Tech will host the annual Family Weekend. This is a great time to visit and marvel to yourself what a great job you did preparing your daughter or son for campus life.  Take an afternoon for yourself and head over to the High Museum of Art to view the Salvador Dali:  “The Late Work” exhibit.   See you in September!

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.

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.

"Diana:A Celebration" Exhibition just blocks from the Shellmont Inn

Princess Diana's Wedding Dress near our bed and breakfast in Atlanta, GA

Our bed and breakfast in Atlanta, GA is excited to be located just blocks from the final stop of the US Tour of  ”Diana:  A Celebration” at the Atlanta Civic Center, presented by Delta Airlines.  The exhibit is opening, Saturday, January 23rd and will close on June 13th, 2010.

This tribute chronicles the life of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, “the peoples princess”.  The exhibit celebrates her life as a shy school girl, kindergarden teacher who captured the heart of a Prince and the world, Royal Bride, devoted mother and tireless humanitarian.

I was one of the over one billion television viewers who watched the Royal Wedding and was in awe of her charm, beauty and grace.

There are nine galleries with over 150 objects showcased.  My favorite is the Dress Gallery, which highlights Diana’s Royal Wedding Gown with its 25 foot train, the Riviere Necklace and her Tiara. Also, you will find 28 designer dresses by Chanel, Versace, Valentino and Azagury.  Many of the dresses are paired with her favorite hats.  One of her favorite milliners was Philip Somerville. The other 8 galleries highlight her family heirlooms, personal mementos, paintings and rare movies and photos.   Earl Spenser presents the audio tour of the exhibit. Also, the original text of his moving tribute to his sister at her funeral in Westminster Abbey is on display. The original musical score and lyrics of Elton John/Bernie Taupin’s composition adapted from “Candle In The Wind” and played by Elton John at her funeral in 1997 are also available for viewing.

When this exhibit concludes these personal and priceless artifacts will be returned to Princess Diana’s ancestral home, Althrop Estate in England.

 When planning that perfect Romantic Atlanta Getaway to tour the “Diana:  A Celebration”,  remember  to make your reservations at Shellmont Inn.  We  will always exceed your expectations!

Shellmont Inn Gift Certificates

Looking for that perfect last minute gift for a very special person?  Whether you are located on the other side of the world or right here in Atlanta, GA, a Shellmont Inn Gift Certificate is your perfect solution. Why hassle with the holiday traffic, fight the crowds at the  malls or immerse yourself in endless gift idea confusion when just a few clicks and keystrokes on the keyboard solves your dilema?  A relaxing stay at our Atlanta bed and breakfast is just what the doctor ordered!  Indulge in a sumptious gourmet breakfast, relax in a spa tub and unwind by strolling through our gardens or shopping at one of our nearby boutiques. A gift of lodging shows how much you really care. Our Gift Certificates are available online in fifty dollar increments from $50 to $500. Please call should you desire to purchase a value greater than the online availability. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!!

Evening at Cavalia near our Atlanta B&B

Show Horses

When staying at your favorite Atlanta bed and breakfast, the Shellmont Inn, of course, it’s wise to follow the advise of the resident Innkeeper regarding dining and entertainment options. As many of our regular followers already know, one of our favorite local restaurants is Mitra, a fusion restaurant with a Latin twist, located just around the corner from our bed and breakfast in Atlanta. A unique equestrian extravaganza opens today near Shellmont entitled Cavalia, billed as the largest touring show in the world with 65 horses traveling in 85 semi-rigs. Cavalia is the inspiration of the co-founder of Cirque du Soleil who has bedazzeled previous crowds with a modern mix of theatrical aerial ballet combined with amazing riding skills upon some of the most beautiful four-legged creatures of nature. For tickets and further info, visit cavaili.net or call 1-866-999-8111. Be sure and check out Shellmont Inn’s “Specials and Packages”  when planning your trip to Atlanta.