Need Your Help on Ideas

There are plenty plenty of holiday oriented events coming up. But I want to make sure I'm posting some non-holiday events and activities too - especially since not everyone is thrilled about starting to celebrate Christmas pretty much after Halloween (and Thanksgiving seems to be just a feasting formality). Know of some non-holiday events and activities in Georgia? Please let me know either by commenting to this post or emailing at eclecticgeorgia@gmail.com.

Thanks guys!

Dinosaurs!

If you haven't yet visited the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta you should! The folks there are amazing and amazingly talented! One of their many popular shows, Dinosaurs, is coming to close. This is the last week to see the wondrous creations. We're not talking about little hand puppets or marionettes - although they have great shows featuring smaller puppets too! No, these dinosaurs are big and alive! Their creativity boggles the mind. And the show is just plain fun for kids of all ages. Shows run daily Tuesday through Sunday through November 29th (with the exception of Thanksgiving Day). And if you don't already know, they offer workshops and all kinds of fun activities in addition to performances. For more information on this and other shows and to purchase tickets, visit the center's website at www.puppet.org.

PBR! That's Professional Bull Riders, not the beer!

The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) 2009 Challenger Tour Championships is this weekend at the Gwinnett Center in Duluth. Bull riding action will get underway on Friday, November 20 at 8pm, Saturday, November 21 at 7:50 pm, and on Sunday, November 22 at 2pm. $500,000 will be up for grabs as top PBR superstars from around the world will compete against the toughest bovine athletes that the PBR has to offer. 55 riders will ride in the first two rounds of competition which will take place on Friday and Saturday night. The top 40 riders on two bulls will move onto Sunday’s third round of competition and then the top 15 riders on three bulls will immediately come back to compete in the Built Ford Tough Championship Round. Tickets start at $10 and up. For more information ad to purchase tickets, visit the Gwinnett Center's website at www.gwinnettcenter.com

The Great Train Expo

If you're into model trains, well, then you probably already know about this. But if not, The Great Train Expo is this Saturday and Sunday, November 21st and 22nd at the North Atlanta Trade Center in Norcross. Apparently there are trains for kids to ride, trains for kids and adult kids to operate, workshops, door prizes and over 350 tables with model train stuff for you enthusiasts. $7 admission for adults and children are free. Should be pretty fun! www.trainexpoinc.com

Primal Atlanta

Guys, do I have an event for you!! Primal is a celebration of the culinary arts' appreciation for wood fired cooking methods, butchers and whole animal utilization. On Saturday, November 21st, Sweetwater Brewery will host 14 of the area’s best and brightest stars of the new butchery movement appear at Primal, a celebration of early cooking's revival. Butchers will give a side-by-side demonstration on how to break down a complete pig, cow, goat and lamb into cuts of meat. Afterward, chefs will create and cook meaty creations over a hickory, applewood or almond wood flame. Ten family owned wineries make up the Oregon Wine Experience. The Primal VIP experience includes 35 pounds of Allan Benton’s Bacon, wood-fired oysters, whole wheels of artisan cheese grilled over hardwood, fire-toasted breads, reserve wines and special beers. $55 general admission (inclusive of wines, butcher demo, brew, meat tasting) $100 VIP Experience at 5:30PM (reserve wines, Benton’s Bacon Bar, cheese, oysters and special brews). For more information, please visit the following websites: www.facebook.com/event. and www.artofthebutcher.com.

Make Your Own Gingerbread House

Hooray! I love Gingerbread Houses! Or at least making them. And gingerbread houses make for wonderful, whimsical holiday decor. Historic Bulloch Hall in Roswell is hosting a "Make Your Own Gingerbread House" event this Saturday, November 21st from 10am to noon. The reservation fee is $35 per house (which is limited to 2 people per house) and includes all the materials. For more information and to make reservations, visit Bulloch Hall's website at www.bullochhall.org.

I'm going to have to see if I can find a gingerbread house competition now...

Atlantic Station Gets Ready for the Holidays

Atlantic Station in Atlanta has a number of holiday events starting this Saturday, November 21st. I know it's not Thanksgiving yet, but hey, maybe some of you enjoy your holiday events early or need a boost to get you in the spirit. First, they are celebrating "The Lighting of Atlantic Station". The celebrations begin at 2pm with musical performances, Radio Disney from 2pm-4pm, children’s activities from 2pm-6pm, Holiday Fashion Show at 4pm, the Steel Mill Express Children's train, horse and carriage rides, “The Holiday Shops” and Santa. At 8pm, Atlantic Station will turn on the 250,000 plus holidays lights throughout the property and on the 50 foot Christmas tree. Afterward, they are offering a free screening of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas”. And there will be snow! Well, ideally, but there is no snow if there is rain. Many of these activities are ongoing through the holiday season, including the nightly snow! For more information, visit Atlantic Station's website at www.atlanticstation.com.

7th Annual Wild Game, Mushroom and Red Wine Festival

Wolf Mountain Vineyards offers brunch every Saturday and Sunday but on Sundays during the month of November, they are celebrating their 7th Annual Wild Game, Mushroom and Red Wine Festival. Seatings are at 12:30pm and 2:30pm. For $30 per person (not including wine, tax and gratuity) you can sample their wild game chili, grilled quail, chicken coupage, venison sausage and exotic mushroom strudel, created to compliment our uniquely blended red wines, available by the glass or bottle. The last two dates for this event are November 22nd and November 29th. Reservations are required. Wolf Mountain Vineyards is located on a beautiful property in Dahlonega with fantastic vistas. For more information on this and other events at Wolf Mountain Vineyards, visit their website at www.wolfmountainvineyards.com.

Take a Hike! At Night!

The Chattahoochee Nature Center in Atlanta regularly offers guided hikes but this Saturday, November 21st, they are offering a guided hike at night. You'll have the opportunity to experience all the activity of the woods at night! And after, you gt to relax around a campfire! Ahhhh! A nice way to enjoy a chilly fall night before the hectic activities of the holidays! Ages 5 and up. $10 for non-members. For more information, visit their website at chattnaturecenter.org.

Indie Craft Experience this weekend!

The Indie Craft Experience is back this Saturday, November 21st from 11am - 6pm. It is being held at Ambient Plus Studio in Atlanta. The Indie Craft Experience is not your run of the mill craft fair. This is an event where you will find more unusual and artistic works - no tissue box covers here! Not only does this event offer goods from over 100 vendors, but it also has workshops and entertainment. This is a great opportunity to pick up some unique and eclectic presents! For more information on the event as well as links to the vendors attending, visit the Indie Craft Experience's website at www.ice-atlanta.com.

Callanwolde Annual Holiday Pottery Sale

Here's your chance to pick up some unique and one of a kind pottery for yourself or for gifts! Callanwolde is holding its annual Holiday Pottery Sale this Friday through Sunday, November 20th - 22nd. All pottery available for purchase at this event is crafted by the pottery teachers and assistants at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. If you miss this event, you can always check out the Student Pottery Sale on December 5th and 6th. For more information on these and other events at Callanwolde, check out their website at www.callanwolde.org.

Oakland Cemetery Walking Tours

This is the last month this year to take in the beauty and history of Oakland Cemetery via a guided walking tour. Oakland Cemetery tour guides will take you through this incredible historic Atlanta landmark explaining architecture, customs of the day, art, history and period gardens. If you have not yet visited Oakland, this is a great way to explore it and learn more about Atlanta history. And if you're a photography buff, don't forget to bring your camera. This cemetery has amazing photo ops! Guided tours run through November 29th and return in March. For more information, dates, times and to purchase tickets, visit Oakland's website at www.oaklandcemetery.com.

Me and Mommy Tickets at Georgia Aquarium

This is a pretty awesome deal from the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. For only $25, the Me & Mommy (or Daddy) ticket includes aquarium admission for one adult, free admission for children age 5 and under (maximum four children per paid adult) and free parking ($10 value). This offer is valid Monday-Friday, now through November 19, 2009, and can only be purchased online. You also have to bring the little ones along to take advantage of this great offer. Tickets purchased online (before the offer expires Nov. 19) can be used through Dec. 13, 2009. Black-outs dates apply: November 23 – 26, 2009. Great deal! Check out the Georgia Aquarium's website for details and to purchase tickets. www.georgiaaquarium.org

Tour Turner Field FREE this Saturday

Hey Braves fans! This Saturday, November 14th, you can tour Turner Field and the Braves Museum and Hall of Fame for FREE! Tours are conducted from 10am - 2pm. If you can't make it this Saturday, don't fret. Tours of the field are conducted Mondays through Saturdays from 10am - 2pm for $12 for adults and $7 for children. For more information, visit the Braves' website at atlanta.braves.mlb.com/atl/ballpark/tour.jsp

70 Years of Gone With the Wind

The Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum is hosting a big 70 year celebration "Re-Premiere" event this weekend. The event starts on Friday, November 13th, with Gone With the Wind authors and cast members Q&A at The Strand Theater on the Marietta Square. Later in the day there will be the "world's largest Virgina Reel" performed by 70 costumed couples at Glover Park on the Marietta Square. Friday events conclude with a "Belles and Beaus" costume ball. Saturday, November 18th, events include autograph signings, a vintage car parade, a special appearance by TCM's Robert Osborne, and the "re-premiere" of the film Gone With the Wind, and other events. Sounds like a big celebration! So you GWTW fans, check out the Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum's website to purchase tickets and view the itinerary for this weekend event! www.mariettaga.gov/gwtw/events

Enjoy Fall from Horseback

There are several places in Georgia that offer guided horseback riding for beginners and seasoned riders. It's a great way to get out to and explore some beautiful areas of Georgia in a way you may not have seen before. And it's a great time to do so with the cooler temperatures and the changing of the leaves. This weekend is supposed to be sunny and warm so get out there and enjoy a fall afternoon from horseback!

Southern Cross Guest Ranch in Madison offers riding and riding and meal packages to non-guests. Prices vary depending on package, length of ride and season. A 1 hour guided trail ride is $40 per person. Visit their website for more information, hours and to make reservations. www.southcross.com

Lake Lanier Islands Resort in Lake Lanier offers 45 minute guided trail rides as well as pony rides for younger riders. The adult trail ride is $35 per person and the 30 minute pony ride is $15 per child. For more information, hours and to make reservations, visit their website at www.lakelanierislands.com

Georgia Frontiers in Canton offers a variety of rides. The one hour trail ride is $30 per person. They also offer a moonlight ride with dinner for $65 per person. For more information on Georgia Frontiers, visit their website at www.georgiahorsebackriding.org.

Adventure Trail Rides in Blue Ridge offer three different ride levels based on what they call the "bum level". Haha! A 1 hour ride is $25 per person. They also offer private and sunset rides. For more information visit their website at www.adventuretrailrides.com

Fort Mountain Stables in Chatsworth offer 1 hour rides for $30 per person and many other packages including sunset rides, 4 hour rides for you seasoned riders, overnight camping rides, birthday parties and "sweetheart rides". To learn more about their packages and to make reservations, visit their website at www.fortmountainstables.net.

Revision to Martinis and IMAX

I was mistaken about the last date to enjoy Martinis and IMAX at Fernbank. Please note Martinis and IMAX will continue to run through November 27th then "take a break" during December and will return on January 8th. So you have plenty of opportunities to experience it! www.fernbankmuseum.org

Family Thanksgiving Cooking Class

Piedmont Park in Atlanta is offering a family cooking class this Saturday, November 14th, from 12pm-1pm at the Piedmont Park Community Center. This class will feature the sweet potato. Participants will create a pan of sweet potato biscuits and will learn how to make butter too. $12 per family. For more information and to make reservations for the class, visit Piedmont Park's website at www.piedmontpark.org.

Guided Nature Hikes

Now that the weather has gotten cooler and some of the pesky bugs are gone, it's a great time to take a guided nature hike at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Every Saturday and Sunday at 1pm and 3pm you can enjoy in a guided tour of the woodland and wetland trails at the nature center and learn about the area. Free with admission to the nature center. chattnaturecenter.org.

Martinis and IMAX at Fernbank

From what I can tell, this Friday, November 13th, is the last day this year to partake of Fernbank Museum's "Martinis and IMAX" event. This Martinis and IMAX event is celebrating beer, blues and BBQ. Enjoy sweet tea martinis and a special selection of Sweetwater beers. The Fernbank Café will feature a special entrée of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ rib tips served with potato salad and baked beans for $12. The Breeze Kings will be performing live from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission to Martinis & IMAX Beer, Blues & BBQ is included with cover charge tickets ($7 per person) or with the purchase of an IMAX ticket ($12 for adults, $11 for seniors and $7 for members). Space is limited and advance ticket purchase is recommended. For more information, visit Fernbank's website at www.fernbankmuseum.org.

Junktique

"Junktique" is this Sunday, November 15th from 12pm to 5pm at The Solarium in Decatur (Oakhurst Neighborhood). I don't have a lot of information on this event but my friend, The Frugal Hostess, told me about it and will be selling some of her collectibles and vintage finds there. Apparently there will be all kinds of antiques, collectibles, vintage items and what not for sale by independent vendors and individuals. Seems like it could make for an interesting afternoon as there will be food and entertainment as well. Here's the flyer for the event. www.wix.com/imajin1/Junktique

Artists for Pasaquan

This Saturday, November 7th, artists from all over the Southeast converge on Pasaquan to celebrate the works of artist Eddie Owen Martin, or St. EOM. If you have not yet made the trip to Buena Vista to stroll the grounds at Pasaquan, this is an incredible time to do so and your last chance for the year. For one day out of every year, a variety of visual artists will be displaying their works while an array of performing artists will be, well, performing! All in support of the preservation of Martin's childhood home that he turned into a sprawling environment art masterpiece. The Artists for Pasaquan event will run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, November 7th which is also the last day Pasaquan is open for the year. (It reopens for tours in April.) Admission is $5 per person. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. As some of you know, I've posted about Pasaquan before and am completely enamoured with this place. It's very special and I guarantee you have not seen anything else like it. Bring your camera! For more information on Pasaquan and directions, please visit their website at www.pasaquan.com.

Changing the Rules

Well, actually I'm changing the blog parameters. I have said that I would not do restaurant reviews and I am sticking to that. But there are a few restaurants and shops that are just too funky and fun not to bring to your attention. Soon I'll be posting about these places, as I truly enjoy them and what they have to offer and I think you will too. Don't consider these posts a review so much as a recommendation. And I'm kinda picky. It takes a lot to amuse me. So if I post on a shop or restaurant, consider it fitting the "quirky, funky, fun, eclectic" category. Standby...I've got one that I'm dying to write about!

Spend an Afternoon at Chateau Elan

Looking for something casual yet romantic to do on a beautiful fall afternoon? How about a tour of Chateau Elan's winery? The beautiful resort located less than an hour north of Atlanta offers tours of their winery seven days a week with multiple tours available on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The week day tours are $5 per person and the weekend tours are $10 per person. All guided tours include five samples of wine. They also offer cooking demonstrations by Chateau Elan Chefs on Saturday afternoons at 3pm at the Culinary Studio inside the winery. The demonstration is $20 per person and $38 per couple. No advance reservations are required for either of these events. For more information on all this resort has to offer as well as the wine tours and cooking demonstrations, visit Chateau Elan's website at www.chateauelan.com.

Chomp and Stomp

Looking for something fun in Atlanta to do this weekend? Missed out on the October festivals and chili cook-offs? Well then head on down to the Chomp and Stomp in Cabbagetown this Saturday, November 7th. This community festival features a chili cook-off, artist market, bluegrass bands and, as noted from their flyer "tasty beer". Oh, and a 5K run for you active folks. The festival starts at 10am and goes to 6pm. Rumor has it that chili is available at noon so you might want to get there early if you're looking to sample some. This festival draws a crowd so contestants will run out of chili and probably fast! Check out the official Chomp and Stomp website for all the info: www.chompandstomp.com

Year Round Ghost Tours

If you didn't get around to taking in a ghost tour before Halloween, don't fret! Many of the ghost tour companies in the metro Atlanta area offer the opportunity to tour local haunts year round! One of these companies is Ghost of Marietta who offer several different tours including a "Spirits and Spirits" tour which includes ghost stories with a glass of wine at the Marietta Wine Market followed by a walking tour. Also check out Decatur Ghost Tour and Roswell Ghost Tour . They offer year round tours as well. Check their websites for a schedule of available tours and to make reservations.