Mt. Yonah Dihedral Rock climbing route in North Georgia mountains

Kimber and I have been Rock Climbing several times since my previous blog on Rock Climbing in North Georgia at Mt. Yonah.  Mt. Yonah is a great venue for introductory rock climbing but also for extremely challenging and scenic climbing routes. We decided to travel to the North Georgia mountains from our Atlanta bed and breakfast this Sunday morning bright and early. Temps were cool, 21′ in Cleveland, GA., probably several degrees cooler high on the mountain. Following the 3 mile hike from the trail head parking lot to the upper head-wall, we were greeted with the unwelcome sight of Ice. Ouch!

Ice! Ice! Ice!

We scoped out the Dihedral Route at Mt. Yonah to rock climb and since you can’t see much of the route beyond the Dihedral portion, we decided to continue on to the Balance Climb area. Well, no surprise here, it too was iced across most of the routes. Undaunted, I climbed up the cables and set a top rope anchor and thus, let the fun begin! Let’s see…temp about 22 degrees, wind about 10 mph and waiting for the sun to make an appearance (the upper head-wall on Mt. Yonah faces SW…great in Winter..an absolute torture chamber in Summer). Well, after doing a “shall I trust the rubber soles of my climbing shoes” on the cold stone and “where are the small nubbins and tiny ledges” to place her feet, Kimber warmed up to the icy and cold rock and found her rhythm and scampered to the top anchor as hawks circled above the North Georgia rock catching the rising thermals. Yes…it was going to be a great day rock climbing in north Georgia at Mt. Yonah.  All of a sudden, herds of climbers descended all around us and the party was on. As the sun slowly cast its shadows on the valley floor below and the rock warmed from solar radiation, the yells of ICE! ICE! became more prevalent. Oh, the joy of dodging falling ice. Luckily, most projectiles were of the pea to marble size variety…only occasionally would a stalactite missile by our shivering bodies. After doing our Balance Climb route numerous times, we stopped for lunch to view the sideshow in progress immediately to our right. A group of young climbers were getting their first taste of top rope climbing on the Mt. Yonah face. Crawl up, grab any hold with a death grip and glue yourself to the rock. Lowering was even more fun…did I mention the 30 minutes we stood in awe waiting to see if she would ever lean far enough back to put enough weight on the rope to be able to lower her. After much coaxing by her fellow companion on another rope adjacent to her, she succumbed to her inhibitions and finally reached the deck. Whew…now we can eat our thawing lunches.

The Dihedral, Mt. Yonah

All the time, I was watching two climbers to my left on the Dihedral Route on Mt. Yonah.  Although I have climbed this route several times to the top with a walk-off to the start, I have never lead this route. It is a great route, fun and exciting with a reward of a fantastic view! After the initial Dihedral climb portion, you arrive at a wide and lengthy belay ledge with absolute perfect protection opportunities. I placed a #3 BD Camelot and two large hexes, rigged a cordelette and belayed Kimber on up. A nice, by now, watery climb (no ice, thankfully) brought me to two bolts at the base of the exit gully. Unfortunately, the gully is somewhat deep and shaded and, thus, was still icy. I decided it was too risky to attempt to lead climb, so I tied in and belayed Kimber on up. We enjoyed the North Georgia views and some welcome sunshine although the wind had picked up. I lowered Kimber and then cleaned the anchors and rapelled on down. FYI- a 60 meter rope will get you down with about 5 feet to spare from the bolts at the base of the gully.

All in all, a great climb on a great day with a great climbing partner. What more could you ask for???  So, if you’re looking for that next exciting thrill of Rock Climbing in North Georgia at Mt. Yonah, don’t pass up the Mt. Yonah Dihedral Route rated 5.6. It’s fun, guaranteed!

Rapelling the Mt. Yonah Dihedral route

Holiday Orchid at Orchid Daze, Atlanta Botanical Gardens

Come celebrate the Atlanta Botanical Gardens 10th Anniversary of the Fuqua Orchid Center and the Orchid Daze Exhibition.  This years Orchid Daze exhibit opens on February 4th to April 15th, 2012. The Atlanta Botanical Gardens Orchid Daze exhibit highlights unique varieties of orchids and tropical plants. The Fuqua Orchid Center is home to the largest collection of species of orchids in the United States. You  will be in awe of the sweetly scented lush orchids cascading from high above in a tapestry design with Moth Orchids and Amber Slipper Orchids floating above.

Orchid Daze at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens

One of the best times to celebrate a romantic evening is February 11th, 7 to 11 p.m., when the Atlanta Botanical Gardens will open for Romance Blooms. This is the only evening the Atlanta Botanical Gardens Orchid Daze will be open. Enjoy an evening of live entertainment, cocktails, dancing and scrumptious deserts  surrounded by warm candlelight and sweetly scented orchids. While at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens indulge in a Custom BLEND Perfume.  A Master Perfumer will assist you in selecting from fourteen families of fragrance and design a perfume that is truly yours! As this magical Midtown evening comes to an end take home a complimentary long-stemmed rose.

Shellmont Inn is located just a short walk south of the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. This exhibit is one of our favorites as evidenced by our previous blogs on the Atlanta Botanical Gardens Orchid Daze 2011 and Orchid Daze 2010.

Whether you live nearby or are visiting and looking for what to do in Atlanta, don’t miss the Atlanta Botanical Gardens Orchid Daze!

Guests enjoying our Atlanta Select Registry bed and breakfast

Select Registry – Distinguished Inns of North America is the perfect place to look for that exquisite luxury bed and breakfast inn for your next romantic getaway, vacation or business trip. One of the questions that our guests often ask us is “How do we find a Wonderful Inn with innkeepers who care like you?” Our answer is always the same, Select Registry! Of the approximately 22,000 bed and breakfast inns in North America, 400 distinctive inns, B & B inns and country inns have qualified to be Select Registry Members. Select Registry has an ongoing Quality Assurance Program in place to ensure only the very best of the best gain admission. This same inspection process is utilized to retain only the cream of the crop. The inspectors look at everything from appearance, amenities, food service and hospitality to name just a few.

Pursuing the Select Registry website or guide book, you will immediately notice it is like opening your favorite box of Godiva chocolates, there is a bed and breakfast inn for everyone! As innkeepers, it is always our pleasure to be able to refer to another Select Registry Inn as we know they share our same philosophy of business ethics, standards of cleanliness and hospitality.

So the next time you check-in to your favorite Select Registry Inn and you notice someone going over the inn from top to bottom, it may just be the Select Registry Inspector working for you to insure that you have a wonderful getaway!

Shellmont Inn, a City of Atlanta Landmark Property, has been a proud continuous  Select Registry member since 1994. We strongly endorse the Select Registry Quality Assurance Program. Not all Inns are created equal…there is a difference! Don’t just believe us…check out the Select Registry Blog website for yourself!

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!