WILD ADVENTURES – VALDOSTA, GA
Are you scared of the dark? Do heights make your knees shake? Does the sight of small critters make you scream? Wild Adventures dares you to face your fears at this year’s Phobia. With an all-new haunted village, phobia shows, and friendly frights, everyone can enjoy the Halloween season at Wild Adventures, beginning September 27 through November 1.

Several improvements and changes to this year’s haunting season will focus on family-friendly attractions as well as a consolidated Scare Zone. With the addition of a theatrical show and a creature show, even the youngest adventurer can take part and enjoy this event.

New to Phobia is Hatterville. No longer a quaint little farming village, the inhabitants of Hatterville have been brought back to life by the self-appointed Mayor Hatter. The beady eyed mayor saunters around the village in a black silk top hat, luring in new residents. Scare Zones in Hatterville include Carnival of the Macabre, Dominion of the Dead, Mummy House, and the Hatterville Hotel. Visit www.phobiaevent.com to reveal the tale behind the village.

If mayhem, madness and motorcycles get your heart pounding, watch the Globe of Terror. The stunt show features a 16-foot round steel cage with high speed motorcycle stunt drivers speeding inside. Big-air freestyle jump is also a part of this heart-stopping show.

Be careful where you step in the Black Forest. The only way out of Hatterville, the foreboding forest abounds with human-like trees and vines. Beware, many people mysteriously disappear within its boundaries. Conquer your fear of critters and nocturnal animals at Creepy Critters, a phobia show. Learn amazing facts about these nocturnal creatures that play when the rest of the park is asleep. In the mood for Halloween romance? Bumpkin Patch is the story of cowboy love as the hero falls in love with the sweetest ghost to come back from the dead. Watch as the kooky cast sings and dance in this graveyard-come-to-life romance.

Even little ghosts and goblins can enjoy Phobia with family-friendly activities. The Spooky Hayride will take you on a strange ride through Wild Adventures with unexpected twists and turns along the way. Come see the park like never before. Little ghosts and goblins can visit the “haunted” Boo House featuring cheerful puppets, talking flowers and just the right amount of excitement. Halloween doesn’t have to be all scary!

For more information, please visit ur Trusted Tours web page at:
http://www.trustedtours.com/store/Wild-Adventures-Theme-Park-C229.aspx

The “new” buildings for the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia  are a sight to behold. Clean, sleek design by Architect Renzo Piano flows from gallery to gallery with ease. Moving through the space is a pleasure. The collections that fill the space are a pleasure, too.

I was lucky enough to visit during the special Louvre exhibit, “The Eye of Josephine” and “The Ancient World.” I truly enjoyed the beautiful Egyptian works and ancient sculptures. Since it was a first time visit, I began my journey there but soon discovered other treasures waiting inside.

The High Museum of Art is well known for its extensive folk art collection but they really have a little bit of everything here. Monet, Rodin, Rameriz, Heade and Rowe.

Very diverse works that cover a wide range of mediums. Grazing through the galleries is a full meal taken in small bites. It was satisfying to see works from 1630 and 1930.

Take your time in this wonderful space and drop in at their full service restaurant, Table 1280. A refreshing, renewing experience can be had at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia for art lovers of all kinds. Don’t miss it. More photos here.

When you need to escape downtown Atlanta, Georgia, the solution is not far away. Walking the grounds of the Atlanta Botanical Gardens will restore your energy and renew your focus. It is a refuge of flowers, trees and tranquility.

On the edge of Piedmont Park, the mood is peaceful, quiet and reflective as you leave the hubbub of the city behind. Orchids, tropical forests and sweeping panoramas remind you to breathe deeply and notice the details. You can see the tall buildings in the distance but feel a world away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Benches everywhere invite you to take your time. Research libraries encourage you to learn. Everything reminds you to conserve. If you look carefully you may see some of the residents here. Dart frogs, turtles, finches, quails and geckos. Don’t miss the poison arrow frog display in the lobby. Research is a big part of the mission here.

Enjoying the Atlantic Botanical Gardens is easy and summer hours extend until 7pm. Piedmont Park just next door is a place where Atlantans walk their dogs, jog and bike. The neighborhood surrounding the Gardens is charming and architecturally interesting. When you’re in Atlanta, Georgia take the time to visit this delightful attraction and the area around it.  More Photos Here.

Get this. The Atlanta Zoo in Georgia started in 1889 when a bankrupt circus left their animals south of town. No really. That’s how it started. The animals were relocated to Grant Park where they remain to this day. The big attraction is the elusive Giant Panda.

Most Giant Pandas are “on loan” from China and when a new one is born the cubs must be returned to China. This endangered species draws big crowds and Zoo Atlanta is no exception. It is a highlight of the visit since only five U.S. zoos have Giant Pandas and the cub, Mei Lan, will soon return to China.

While Pandas are the major attraction here, African Elephants and Western Lowland Gorillas deserve your attention too. This impressive triumvirate steals the show. Add to that Elephant training demonstrations and Gorilla feedings and you’re set!

Zoo Atlanta is not large, so getting around is simple. The crowds tend to move quickly from one exhibit to the next. I would prefer to see fewer cages and closer views for many of the animals here. Sometimes viewing and photos are tough to access. A small petting zoo lets you interact but the variety of animals and encounters is limited.

Food service is pretty standard with lots of pizza, burgers, ice cream and pretzels. The Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog stand is very popular and the Wild Planet Café is the main dining option. Great place for a snack.

Zoo Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia is not flashy or glamorous. It’s a modest Zoo with some star attractions and an old-fashioned feel. Children of all ages will enjoy a visit.

More Photos Here.

Who would expect to see four Whale Sharks (let alone one) in Atlanta, Georgia? If you visit the Georgia Aquarium, you will. Four of the most elusive creatures on the planet are on exhibit there along with thousands of other watery citizens.

You walk in the Georgia Aquarium anticipating an adventure and you get one right away. A touch tank filled with Stingrays and Sharks. As you glide your hand over the silky wings of the rays, the bright light and vivid colors of the main hall draw your eye. One of the best features of the World’s largest aquarium is the open floor plan that spokes out to the five smaller galleries. It is easy to navigate and allows great traffic flow for visitors.

Naturally, the Whale Sharks attract much attention but they have wisely put them amongst other creatures that inspire too. Sawfish, Hammerhead Sharks, Goliath Grouper and legions of interesting fish fill the habitat. Viewing opportunities are plentiful and sneak ahead of the crowds for some of the best spots.

I was pleasantly surprised with the food at the Georgia Aquarium. Café Aquaria serves up salads, pizza, burgers and sandwiches with flair but I almost passed out when I saw the dessert table. Daily creations of sugar, eggs and flour dipped in chocolate, drizzled with icing and swimming with pecans. Yum.

The 4D theater is a wonderful experience too from the funny introduction to the applause at the end. The main character is “Deepo” the clownfish whose adventures begin in an unexpected way. Since Home Depot sponsors the show it all makes sense.

The Beluga Whales are popular. So are the Otters and Sea Lions. I love Jellyfish and Leafy Sea Dragons. The Electric Catfish is a surprise as was the giant Japanese Spider Crab. Surprises appear everywhere here.

The Georgia Aquarium is a must do attraction in Atlanta, Georgia so plan on spending much of a day there to really appreciate all it has to offer. With more than eight million gallons of water and endless creatures, you’ll have plenty to see and do.

More Photos Here.

The World of Coke in Atlanta, Georgia pays tribute to this bubbly sensation and more. It’s like entering Willy Wonka’s factory in a way. Located next to the Georgia Aquarium, it’s a one two punch that shouldn’t be missed.

Partially guided, the tour starts out with the history and symbols that made Coke famous around the world. Old signs, posters and Norman Rockwell paintings prepare you for the latest buzz. A short animated film tells the tale of what happens to your quarter after it enters the coin slot of a soda machine. The wonderful pageantry and colorful characters that ensure your soda is delivered cold and refreshing! Lots of fun. Next they turn you loose to learn more about the history, impact, art and story of this century old drink.

It all started in 1886 with Atlanta pharmacist John Pemberton mixing a concoction which he carried a few doors down to Jacobs’ Pharmacy. After carbonating the liquid it was sold to customers, who agreed it was delicious. The Statue of Liberty was being constructed in New York Harbor at the same time. Over the next three years, an Atlanta business man named Asa Candler secured rights to this new drink and the rest is history…well almost. It took the new idea of bottling Coca-cola in 1899 by two Chattanooga lawyers to really increase sales. In 1900, there were two Coca-cola bottlers. By 1920, there were about 1,000.

After learning and seeing the reach of this America icon, you get to taste dozens of global formulations in the tasting room. From Limca in India to Mare Rosso in Spain this international quest for refreshment is fun to experience. As you exit to the superb gift shop you are invited to take a souvenir bottle of Coke home. Sweet.

The World of Coke is an amazing tribute to a global brand that touches many lives. It’s infectious to hear, see and taste the story of the secret formula heard round the world. When you’re in Atlanta, Georgia make sure to have a Coke and a smile.

More photos here.

Atlanta, Georgia is a city of contrasts. Sophisticated and simple, intense and laid back, satisfied and restless. Visiting there is like having to taste a hundred excellent dishes in one meal. Which is best? How do you decide? It’s better just to dive right in.

Atlanta, the city, started as a railroad crossing in 1837. Transportation and commerce would forever define its economic success. Just prior to the Civil War, the city grew hard and fast mushrooming out of the Piedmont as a frontier town. All the vices and virtues of frontier living were alive and well in Atlanta at that time. The Civil War soon had an enduring impact on this rough and tumble place, changing it forever as General Sherman made his march to the Sea with the town smoldering in ruins. Only a few hundred buildings survived the devastation. Within five years, the town was rebuilt and the population doubled. Atlanta was on its way.

Visiting today, you must explore the entire area in and out of The Perimeter to truly enjoy the city. Downtown. Midtown and Buckhead to Virginia Highland, Marietta and Alpharetta. Every area is different and charming in its own way. Driving around here is challenging and the good stuff is spread out but the MARTA public transportation system works well. I found staying in Midtown was an excellent blend of location, convenience and interest. Just remember that you can’t walk to everything you want to visit.

If you want to see the best of the city, get to know the locals. So much is going on all the time in this corporate town that it rarely shows up in the usual information sources. Very impromptu gatherings. Talking to the locals gives you the skinny on food, drinks, art, music and happenings. Atlantans are proud of their town and are eager to show it off. Don’t be surprised if they ask you to pull up a chair and join them at dinner! Just make sure you order a Coke.

Atlanta, Georgia is a city filled with Southern hospitality, vibrant creative energy and strong local pride. Spend some time exploring every facet of this glittering gem from an insider’s perspective and you won’t regret it. More pics here.