Hidden Magnolias

Craigie House, a historic Midtown Atlanta building, collapsed on Feb 12, 2014, because of ice. I felt very sad when I heard the news. nbcnews.com When I was younger, I would occasionally drive by Craigie House. It was one of the original meeting centers for the Atlanta Chapter of the Daughters of The American Revolution. The chapter was organized 15 April 1891, making it the oldest chapter in Georgia and the second oldest in the United States. Over the years, I watched her deteriorate. Here is picture taken in 1987. Rough, but preservable. John Spink - AJC Some of uses included a place where old, homeless Confederate veterans were once fed and bedded. During WWI, they made bandages here. Various efforts to restore and preserve and move the house have been unsuccessful. According to the AJC,  a tree fell on the home in the mid-1980s, damaging it and rendering it unusable. Repairs were made over the years, but the building was again damaged by Hurricane Opal in 1...

Yesterday, I had lunch at one of my favorite places - Henri's Bakery on Irby in Buckhead. This Atlanta tradition has been around since 1929 and has remained a favorite ever since. I just love their sign, placed on the building when they moved from Peachtree to this location in the 60's.  The building is functional and unassuming, but once you are inside the smells and sights are a delight. One of their specialities this time of year are the King Cakes that you can order for your Marti Gras party. Shortbread cookies, always a favorite, are super buttery and just melt in the mouth.  There are pastries and desserts galore.  The back wall has several counters just chocked full of goodies. The front wall has an assortment of pre-made sandwiches and salads for a quick lunch. But I came for my favorite lunch -- a freshly made to order tuna salad sandwich on white bread with mayo and pickle.  Add a few cheese straws inste...

It is that time of year and one of my favorite places to get a pumpkin is the Mt Paran County Store. The courtyard is filled with gorgeous pumpkins as well as fun Halloween art.  Pumpkins of every size and color.  Rows of them -- all lined up awaiting inspection. Lots more goodies and such a wonderful display of Halloween goodies as well.  You just can’t help being happy walking around all this. I just love how pretty these pumpkins and and yard art look, all piled up together. So festive. If you haven't been by, drop in. You will love it! Happy Halloween!!!

My daily commute takes by one of the most delightful places in Atlanta: Mt. Paran Country Store. It is truly a hidden magnolia. Nested among the trees is the Mt. Paran Country Store. The charming Mt. Paran Country Store is one of the earliest buildings that still exist in Buckhead. It is  located on prime real estate, at the intersection of Mt. Paran and Northside Dr. In 1906, this was a farmhouse and the owner, Mr. Norman, allowed people picked up their mail from him. But he got tired of them helping themselves to his coffee and food when they came by, so he started selling to them instead, and he made more money than he did farming. Only traces of the original house remain visible. The farmhouse stone fireplace peaks out from behind storage boxes. People love the hamburgers, but I love their morning biscuits. When you get a bacon egg and cheese biscuit, you get bacon – not just a token slice, but enough bacon to really tast...

Those of you that know me, know that one of my favorite places in all Atlanta is the Swan Coach House. Located behind  the Swan House, an historic Italianate estate once home to the Inman family,  the carriage house of the Swan House estate was transformed into a thriving restaurant, gift shop and art gallery. There are three sections to the building: restaurant, gift shop and art gallery. When you first enter from the restaurant door you are greeted with a beautiful painting of the Swan House.  Here is another picture so you can see how lovely the Swan House really is. Atlanta History Center Lunch is usually busy, so you have the choice of sitting and waiting, or exploring the gift shop.  Let's shop. So much eye candy. I love this guy and if he is there the next time I visit, he is going home with me. There are...