Panda Po, Photo Courtesy of Zoo Atlanta

If you are looking for things to do in Atlanta, don’t miss one of our guests favorite Atlanta attractions, Zoo Atlanta.  Zoo Atlanta was established in 1889 in Grant Park.  It consists of 39 spacious acres in a naturalistic setting with plenty of trees, shrubs and water features. The animals run free in their natural habitats.

One of Zoo Atlanta’s newest residents is Panda Po.  He was the only Giant Panda born in the United States last November.  Po is beginning to make morning appearances with his mother Lun Lun, between the hours of 9:30  and 10:30 a.m. at the Arthur Blank Family Foundation Giant Panda Conservation Center.  If you love pandas and can not make it to the Atlanta Zoo, you can catch him on the Zoo Atlanta PandaCam.  Zoo Atlanta is one of only four zoos in the United States with Giant Pandas.  They contribute 1.1 million per year to China’s Giant Panda Conservation.

This year has been declared the” Year of the Turtle”. There are over 8,200 species of turtles in the world, on every continent except Antarctica.  Presently there are  25 turtle species in danger with an extremely high rate for extension.  Zoo Atlanta houses three of these species, the McCord box turtle, Burmese star Tortoise and Sulawesi forest turtle. In addition, another six species housed at the Atlanta Zoo are on the very likely extension  list. It is surprising to learn that one of our own Georgia species is on the list. Bog turtles are most threatened by the loss of their habitat.  Their world-wide cousins are endangered from extreme over-harvesting for food.  Let’s learn what we can do to help preserve turtles in our own backyard and world-wide.

After spending the morning at the zoo, it is time to head over to the westside of Grant Park and see the Atlanta Cyclorama, the worlds largest oil painting.  It was painted in 1885-1886 by German artists and deplicts the Battle of Atlanta.  It has been a fixture in Grant Park since 1893.  Then it is back to our bed and breakfast in Atlanta to relax and enjoy our new gardens.

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.

"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!

Not one, but two photograpers shot an array of photographs celebrating the season, from our elegant dining room to guest rooms bedazzled with Christmas gifts for the eight page article in Victoria Magazine.  So, if you are looking for a unique gift or ”Favorite Thing”  to share with someone special this Christmas, reserve a Shellmont Inn Gift Certificate soon.  Happy Holidays!!

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.

Horseman Fighting a dragon by Leonardo da Vinci

Most people think of Leonardo da Vinci as a inventor, painter and artist but rarely as a sculptor. But secretly, Leonardo aspired to be a sculptor and many of his drawings were intended to be utilized as prototypes for sculptures. Fortunately, the Atlanta High Museum of Art is hosting the exhibit entitled “Leonardo da Vinci: The Hand of the Genius” from now thru February 21st. The exhibit highlights the artists contributions to the Renaissance era of sculpture thru over 20 studies and sketches, some of which have never been viewed by the public. Also included in the exhibit are works of Rubens, Donatello, Rustici and Verrocchio, Leonardo’s teacher. One of Verrocchio’s best known works “Beheading of St. John the Baptist” is also on display.  But best of all, the High is located only blocks from the Shellmont Inn, a bed and breakfast in Atlanta. What better time to visit Atlanta than early fall when leaves are changing, temps are cooling, seaonal shopping for the holidays is in full swing and art is front and center stage. And when you are looking for the b&b Atlanta experience, come stay with the best! For more info and tickets for Leonardo, call 404-733-4444 or contact the Atlanta High Museum of Art.