50 States: Georgia (17)

May 19th, 2008 · No Comments

50 States: Georgia

Ah, the World of Coca-Cola, circa 1997. Filled with fascinating (and self-congratulatory) history, as well as all-you-can-drink samples of the strange products Coke distributes around the world, the place proved amazing enough that I had to take Aimee there when we went to Atlanta the next time, for George’s and Anne’s wedding in 2005.

World of Coca-Cola II

Those are the only times I’ve visited Georgia, though the first time around, we did see a little more than just Atlanta. We headed in from South Carolina and made a pilgrimage to Athens to visit R.E.M.’s birthplace, from Wuxtry Records to the 40 Watt Club, and generally enjoyed the special blend that is the southern college town.

Between Athens and Atlanta, we stopped in a book store to research a place to stay for the night in Atlanta, and picked up a copy of Roadside America, “which might be our guide from here on out,” as I prophesied in my journal that day. Indeed it became just that, and had an immense influence on the rest of the trip, and on every other road trip I’ve taken since. Our first stop was in nearby Marietta, home of the five-story tall sheet metal chicken, and it was all downhill from there.

We’ll be back to Georgia before long, as Turner Field is one of eight remaining ballparks we haven’t visited yet, and we’ll probably go back for another sample of Lilt from England or Cappy from Latvia.

Tags: Photos · Travel ·