Stone Mountain ("The most appropriately-named mountain in the Southeast")

That's right, Stone Mountain is made of stone: granite to be exact...or maybe not exactly according to Wikipedia. If you go there and hike up the mountain (1-2 hours, with a cool view at the top) you'll call it granite.

Stone Mountain Park is most well known for the carving in the side of the mountain: it's Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and Jefferson Davis (and NOT Pac-Man, despite what Squidbillies would have you believe). Make no mistake, you are in the South.

There is plenty to do in the park besides hiking, but Alyssa and I haven't really done any of it. Take a look at the website and maybe you'll find something else you'd like to do. It's a bit of a drive from Atlanta (20-30 minutes - bring good directions or bring a local!), but it can definitely be worth it.

If you're looking for something to do the evening after the wedding (Sept. 19th) head on out for the WORLD FAMOUS LASERSHOW SPECTACULAR!! Bring a blanket and some food, and prepare to be amazed! Well, it's kind of cheesy, but it can be a lot of fun. If you're lucky some good ol' boys will show up (while the mullet has been replaced by the buzzcut, they usually do stand out) and stand up when Lee Greenwood sings, "...I gladly stand up, next to you..."




(This video isn't great, but it's the best I could find on YouTube...)

Fox Theatre!

One of the most beautiful and interesting historical landmarks in Atlanta is the Fabulous Fox Theatre. It was built in the 1920's, and its design draws influence from several cultures around the world, most notably Egyptian (it was started soon after the discovery of King Tut's tomb) and Islamic.

You can read all about its history here: http://www.foxtheatre.org/history.htm or, better yet, go on a tour of the Fox Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Saturday mornings at 10:00 (and 11:00am on Saturday).

The Fox hosts movie festivals, Broadway shows, concerts, and more. The week of our wedding it is featuring the musical of The Color Purple (starring Fantasia(??))...

It's definitely worth a visit just to see the outside of it, but be sure to walk all the way around it, and even cross the street to see all you can. (Safety note: The Fox is in an area with a large homeless population, and while a majority of them are very nice and polite there are a few that are not.)

While you're in the area of the Fox, you can stop by the Jazz Club, Churchill Grounds next door. There is usually a cover charge, but the drinks are great and the music is usually awesome. And just two blocks down Ponce you'll find some of the best Southern food in Atlanta (vegetarians can at least eat the bread and have mac 'n' cheese) at Mary Mac's Tea Room. And if nothing else, a block past Mary Mac's is a Krispy Kreme (be sure to go by when the "Fresh Donuts" sign is lit!).

Or go the other way when leaving the Fox and head down North Ave. a block or two and you'll find another of Atlanta's institutions: The Varsity. When you walk in, head straight for the counter, everyone working behind it will yell at you, "What'll ya have!" Your answer needs to be loud and clear, probably something to do with a chili dog, onion rings, and a Frosted Orange (kind of a frozen Orange Crush...). Not for those on a diet, and not the best option for vegetarians. But fun for just about everyone!