PLACES OF INTEREST TO VISIT WHILE IN ATLANTA Restaurants and Nearby Dining Local Restaurants (a short walk or less than a 5 minute drive) • At Cumberland Mall (take the bridge from the Galleria) o Cheesecake Factory o Ted’s Montana Grill o Jason’s Deli o Fresh 2 Order o Maggiano’s Little Italy o Stony River Legendary Steaks o P.F. Chang’s • At Aker’s Mill Square o Cinco Cantina o Maddio’s Pizza o Longhorn Steaks o Hooter’s o Top Spice (Thai/Malaysian) o Honey Baked Ham o My Friend’s Place o Subway o Corner Bakery Explore Vinings Vinings is a charming, small-­‐town community just a few miles from our hotel. It is rich in history and offers upscale shops in the Vinings Jubilee shopping center as well as some fine dining experiences. Restaurants in Vinings area • Vinings Inn • Canoe (one of only two restaurants situated on the Chattahoochee River) • Soho • Garrison’s • LaPaz Explore Historic Marietta Approximately 10 miles from our hotel is the quaint town of Marietta. The Marietta Square features antique shops, art galleries, restaurants and nearby museums including Marietta Museum of Art, Gone with the Wind Museum and Root House Museum and Gardens. The Marietta Welcome Center and Visitors Bureau at 4 Depot Street can provide walking and driving tour guides of the historic neighborhoods as well as information about attractions and events. Contact: www.Marietta.com or phone (770) 429-­‐1115. If admiring ancient conifers is your thing, there is a magnificent Calocedrus decurrens a short distance from the Square, which is the Georgia State Champion Tree and is over 160 years old. Most likely this gnarly survivor came from the Pacific Northwest by sailing ship around Cape Horn. It is the last one of what was originally an allee of incense cedars in front of the original antebellum home which was burned during the Civil War. An even larger sister tree blew over in a storm a couple of years ago. The remains are still visible on site. Pamela and Nicholas Cole welcome you to stop by. It is not necessary to call ahead. Just pull into the circular drive at 268 Cole Street and have a look. The house is on the corner of Cole Street and the North Marietta Parkway (120 Loop). Things to Do Outdoors • Explore the CHATTAHOOCHEE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA! The park is spread over a 48 mile section of the Chattahoochee River and consists of the river and 15 land units beginning downstream from Buford Dam at Lake Lanier and ending at Peachtree Creek in metro Atlanta. There are two convenient entrances to the park within a 10 minute drive of our hotel. Enjoy the trails (paved and unpaved depending on which part of the park you visit) that take you through the forest to the banks for the river. The two entrances most accessible are: o Akers Drive Entrance—enter off of Aker’s Mill Road just east of our hotel. o Interstate North Entrance—enter off of Interstate North Drive which is also east of our hotel. • Bob Callan Trail: This two mile long paved mixed use path follows both the Chattahoochee River and the scenic Rottenwood Creek, making an excellent quick getaway from the surrounding area. The multi-­‐use trail is perfect for families enjoying a walk, bikers who are looking for a short, slightly hilly path, and dogs looking to get their owner some exercise. Future plans would extend this trail another two miles to Terrell Mill Road. Parking is available at both ends of this trail. While the parking area on Interstate North Parkway is free, there are only about 10 spots. The parking lot at the Paces Mill entrance to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is much larger, but there is the standard $3 fee for these parks. • Got your bicycles? The SILVER COMET TRAIL is located 13 miles northwest of Atlanta, Georgia. It's free of charge, and travels west through Cobb, Paulding, and Polk counties. This quiet, non-­‐
motorized, paved trail is for walkers, hikers, bicyclists, rollerbladers, horses, dog walkers, and is wheelchair accessible. The Silver Comet Trail is 61.5 miles long, and starts at the M avell Road Trailhead in Smyrna, Georgia. It ends at the Georgia/Alabama state line, near Cedartown and The E som Hill Trailhead . • STONE MOUNTAIN PARK INFORMATION US Highway 78 East, Exit 8, Stone Mountain, GA 30087 Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Stone Mountain Park is a green oasis where families and friends can enjoy the outdoors together. Listed in Frommer’s 500 Places to Visit with Your Kids Before They Grow Up and cited by the Atlanta Journal-­‐Constitution as one of the Natural Wonders in Georgia You Must See Before You Die, Stone Mountain Park is located just 16 miles east of downtown Atlanta. The five square mile park is Georgia’s most visited attraction. Home to the world’s largest piece of exposed granite, Stone Mountain Park offers a variety of attractions, entertainment and recreation. There’s always something happening at Stone Mountain Park. • KENNESAW MOUNTAIN NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD PARK 900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive, Kennesaw, GA 30152 Combine an outdoor activity with a little bit of history and visit Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, a 2,965 acre National Battlefield that preserves a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign. Opposing forces maneuvered and fought here from June 19, 1864 until July 2, 1864. Although most famous as a Civil War battlefield, Kennesaw Mountain has a much richer story. Things to Do In Town GEORGIA AQUARIUM | Centennial Olympic Park Atlanta, GA 30303 The Georgia Aquarium is an entertaining, intriguing and educational experience for guests of all ages. While promoting a fun and enjoyable learning experience, the Aquarium instills in its guests a new appreciation for the world's aquatic biodiversity. WORLD OF COCA-­‐COLA | 121 Baker St NW Atlanta, GA 30313 The World of Coca-­‐Cola is the only place where you can explore the complete story past, present, and future of the world's best-­‐known brand! Taste over 60 different products from around the globe. ZOO ATLANTA | 800 Cherokee Ave SE Ste A Atlanta, GA 30315 There’s always something fun to do during your visit to the Zoo! Animal keeper talks, training demonstrations, fun shows, animal encounters and more! We strive to inspire the citizens of Atlanta and Georgia and all visitors to the Zoo to value wildlife on Earth and to help safeguard existing species through conservation. HIGH MUSEUM OF ART 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 From a stately home on Peachtree Street to its current award-­‐winning buildings in a spectacular setting, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta has grown to become the leading art museum in the Southeastern United States with its renowned collection of classic and contemporary art and renowned architecture by Richard Meier and Renzo Piano. JIMMY CARTER LIBRARY & MUSEUM INFORMATION 441 Freedom Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30307 Located in Atlanta, Georgia, the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum is part of the Presidential Library system administered by the National Archives and Records Administration, a Federal government agency. ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 Founded in 1926, the Atlanta History Center located in Buckhead is an all-­‐inclusive thirty-­‐three acre destination featuring the Atlanta History Museum, one of the Southeast's largest history museums; two historic houses, the 1928 Swan House and the Smith Family Farm; the Centennial Olympic Games Museum; the Kenan Research Center; the Grand Overlook event space; the Coca-­‐Cola Cafe, a museum gift shop, and acres of historic gardens and woodland trails. In addition, the History Center operates the Margaret Mitchell House. Located in Midtown Atlanta, the two-­‐acre campus features tours of the apartment where Margaret Mitchell wrote her Pulitzer Prize-­‐winning novel Gone With the Wind, an exhibit highlighting the life and times of Margaret Mitchell, a Gone with the Wind movie exhibit, and a gift shop. For more information on Atlanta History Center offerings, hours of operation, and admission, please call 404-­‐814-­‐4000 or visit AtlantaHistoryCenter.com Shopping Atlanta offers some great retail therapy! Here are some of the local area shopping malls: Cumberland Mall—JUST ACROSS THE BRIDGE! 1000 Cumberland Mall, Atlanta, GA 30339 Lenox Mall-­‐-­‐Buckhead 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 Phipps Plaza-­‐-­‐Buckhead 3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 Atlantic Station-­‐-­‐Midtown 1380 Atlantic Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30363 Perimeter Mall—Sandy Springs/Dunwoody 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd NE #1360, Atlanta, GA 30346 Private Gardens Take a break and explore some nearby private gardens. Several homeowners invite you to stop by their garden if you are in the area immediately before or after the conference: Wednesday June 11, Thursday June 12 or Sunday June 15. Note: *Some homeowners ask that you give a courtesy call to let them know you are coming. Around Marietta • COURTENAY AND TOM VANDERBILT 935 Cornwall Court, Marietta 30064 Woodland shade stroll garden with touches of whimsy and charming garden shed. No need to call ahead. Ring bell and if they are home, they’d love to greet you. •
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ALAN AND MICHELE BROWNE 802 Oakton Pond Court NW, Marietta 30064 Asian inspired spectacular collections include hydrangeas, conifers and Japanese maples. No need to call. A folder with description of garden features will be on the front porch in case Alan and Michele are not available when you visit. CHERYL AND MAX LENKER 3759 Waterlilly Way SE, Marietta, 30067 This garden showcases woodland trail with ephemerals, vintage roses, Japanese maples, hydrangeas, and mature camellias as well as a striking water feature with mature KOI, vintage touches including iron fencing from a family cemetery, rustic gazebo and unique interpretation of Stonehenge. Note: Please let Cheryl know when you are coming so she can put the dog inside the house! (H)(770)952-­‐2974 (C)(404)314-­‐8602 GRADY AND LYNN MCWHORTER 2816 Horseshoe Knoll Lane Roswell 30075 A welcoming and relaxing retreat combining planned gardens, hardscapes and natural areas with native plants, waterfalls, and garden rooms along their creekside cottage home. *Contact: (770) 855-­‐0924 or [email protected] GLORIA AND BRAD WARD 719 Denmead Mill SE Marietta, 30067 Sun and shade garden rooms featuring collections of viburnum, hydrangeas, Japanese maples and assorted perennials *Contact: (770)956-­‐7734(H) (404)895-­‐0074(C) DOERTE WOHMANN-­‐SCHMIETA AND STEFAN SCHMIETA 2073 Dayron Circle Marietta, 30062 Terraces of garden rooms with northern European and Mediterranean influences, children’s cottage garden, Medieval-­‐style vegetable garden, certified Wildlife and Bird Habitat *Contact: (678)560-­‐3145 Near Canton, GA These homes are located a short distance from Tom and Evelyn Cox. VIVIANE DECKER 121 Pearls Farm, Alpharetta, 30004 Over 9 acres including woods, lake, sun and shade gardens featuring Japanese maples, conifers, and roses. Viviane welcomes you between 9 and 6 Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday. If you need to contact her, she can be reached at (404) 918-­‐7635 • DAVID SULLIVAN 210 Edwards Brook Ct. Canton, 30115 Five acres of gardens featuring large collections of azaleas, camellias and day lilies mixed with conifers. David’s garden contains several large oaks including the largest white oak in the state. It is certified as the Georgia Champion White Oak. Not necessary to call before you visit, but David can be reached at (770) 479-­‐0364. Public Gardens •
GIBBS GARDENS 1987 Gibbs Dr. Ball Ground, GA 30107 Set on the sprawling estate of Jim Gibbs, these 220 acres comprise 18 gardens of various styles featuring 24 ponds, 32 bridge crossings and 19 waterfalls. It is a pleasant stroll garden. Open Tuesday-­‐Sunday 9-­‐5. Fee $20. Contact www.gibbsgardens.com or (770)893-­‐1880 • WILLIAM ROOT HISTORIC HOUSE AND GARDENS 145 Denmead St. NW Marietta 30060 Step back in time and experience a middle class merchant’s home and garden as they would have been in the 1850’s. This was home to William Root, the first Marietta pharmacist. He lived and worked on the Marietta Square. The home is furnished with period antiques. The garden reflects the horticultural practices of the mid-­‐19th century south and includes ornamentals, edibles and medicinal plants available in Marietta at the time. Open Wednesday 11-­‐4. Contact www.cobblandmarks.com (770)426-­‐4982 • OAKLAND CEMETERY 248 Oakland Ave. SE Atlanta, 30312 Less than a mile from heart of downtown Atlanta, a hidden treasure welcomes you. This Victorian garden cemetery founded in 1850 is the final resting place of many prominent Atlanta citizens. It is a showplace of sculpture, architecture and a botanical preserve for ancient oaks and magnolias. Self-­‐guided tours are available. Open Mon-­‐Fri 9-­‐5; Sat. and Sun 9-­‐dusk. Free Parking. Contact [email protected] (404) 688-­‐2107 • STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA 2450 S. Milledge Ave. Athens, 30606 70 miles east of Atlanta, the State Botanical Garden displays a fascinating array of gardens. Guided tours are available. The Gardener Sampler Tour highlights the Main Gardens, Conservatory, Heritage and International Garden collections. Parking is free. Open daily 8-­‐8. Contact [email protected] or (706)542-­‐1244. • TRIAL GARDENS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA 220 W. Green St. Athens, 30602 Located on the campus of The University of Georgia, the Trial Gardens at UGA is recognized as one of the top trial gardens in the country. Over 750 new annuals and perennials from breeding companies around the globe are evaluated each summer. Open daily from 8-­‐8. Parking is free on weekends. Contact ugatrial.hort.uga.edu. Specialty Nurseries While some independent specialty nurseries limit hours of operation after June 1, they often are able to accommodate shoppers who call ahead and make arrangements to visit. Many feature interesting display gardens. You may want to just browse to get ideas or to shop on-­‐line and arrange for shipping in the fall when planting conditions are more favorable. Around Metro Atlanta • WILKERSON MILL GARDENS 9595 Wilkerson Mill Road Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268 Located south of Atlanta, this charming garden nursery specializes in hydrangeas (note their website address: www.hydrangea.com). They also feature many other interesting shrubs and trees. Contact Gene Griffith or Elizabeth Dean. (Open by appointment only). (770) 463-­‐2400 • GARDENHOOD 353 Boulevard St. Atlanta, 30312 •
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Owner, Scott McMahan, is a plant explorer, propagator/grower who offers a collection of specialty plants gathered from his travels in China, Vietnam, Taiwan and other exotic places. Open: Tuesday-­‐Friday 10-­‐6; Saturday 10-­‐5; Sunday 10-­‐4. Contact [email protected] or call (404)880-­‐9848 for information. MAPLE RIDGE NURSERY 5907 Covington Hwy. Decatur, 30035 One of the largest collections of Japanese maples and conifers for sale in the southeast. They are grown in Georgia and suited for the humidity and hotter climate conditions of this area. Open Tuesday and Wednesday 9-­‐5. Closed Sundays. Contact: japanesemaplesandconifers.com (770)987-­‐4066 GRAMMA B’S 300 Hammond Dr. Sandy Springs, 30328 Classic cottage bungalow with whimsical garden and waterfall. Shop features garden gifts and accessories, floral arrangements and container plants. Weekdays and Saturdays open 10-­‐5; Sundays 11-­‐4. grammabs.com •
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BUCK JONES NURSERY 7470 Hickory Flat Hwy. Woodstock, 30188 13 acres featuring large selection of trees and plants. Week days: 7:30-­‐5; Saturdays 8-­‐2. Closed Sundays. Contact: buckjoneswoodstock.com or call (770)345-­‐5506 LADY SLIPPER RARE PLANT NURSERY 7470 Hickory Flat Hwy. Woodstock, 30188 This nursery is next door to Buck Jones. It features herbaceous plants and garden art. ladyslipperrareplantnursery.com (770) 345-­‐2998 Open weekdays 8-­‐4; Sat. 8-­‐2 SCOTTSDALE FARMS NURSERY 15639 Birmingham Hwy. Alpharetta, 30004 Many plants are locally grown annuals and perennials, roses, diverse trees and shrubs, tropicals and houseplants and edibles. Store features items for lawn and garden and home interior. Open every day: 8-­‐8 Monday-­‐Saturday; Sunday 9-­‐6. Contact: scottsdalefarms.com (770) 777-­‐5875 Around Athens PICCADILLY FARMS NURSERY AND GARDENS 1971 Whippoorwill Rd. Bishop, 30621 This 23 acre farm includes abundant plantings of hellebores, pasture planted with conifers, 5 acres of planted woodland gardens. The gardens and nursery were established by UGA botanist Dr. Sam Jones and his wife Carleen in 1982. Their daughter, Valerie and her husband Bill Hinesley continue the nursery business which offers hellebores, conifers, rare and unusual trees, shrubs and perennials. Bill welcomes visitors to tour the gardens before or after the ACS Meeting, but plants cannot be purchased on Sunday. Contact: [email protected] or call (706) 769-­‐6516. SPECIALTY ORNAMENTALS 3650 Colham Ferry Rd. Watkinsville, 30677 Flo Chaffin specializes in propagation and culture of unusual and hardy woody plants tested for the southeast region garden. She features native trees, Japanese maples, conifers and witches brooms. Flo and Joe request advance notice to schedule visit: [email protected] or (706) 310-­‐0143.