Saturday, July 23, 2016

Atlanta Environs - Brevard, NC

One of the Famous white squirrel and a scene from O. P. Taylor's

Our random stop in Brevard, NC on the way to pick up our camper from Camp Highlander last month provided my crew's #1 surprise of the summer.  

Led by our now required travel companion Atlas Obscura,  we made a minor detour in hopes of catching sight of one of the city's famed white squirrels.   Guided by locals, we struck out at the beautiful grounds of the Silvermont Mansion before heading to the campus of Brevard College on the edge of town.  After finding a colony of baby rabbits, the kids were ecstatic to discover the character above.

My favorite discovery of the day was O.P. Taylor's downtown, justifiably billed as the Coolest Toy Store on the Planet. We spent an hour here exploring two stories of every imaginable Lego set, model car kit, magic trick and board game.  I would make a return trip in the fall just to have more time here.  A must for kids and parents missing the old school experience of  pre-Amazon toy shopping.

After hitting a pop-up bluegrass performance on the square and a tour of the WSQL Radio studios, we had a quick dinner at Mayberry's Soups and Sandwiches before heading out.  

Brevard is less than an hour south of Ashville, NC and well worth the three hour drive from Atlanta.  See you on the road.

Tuesday, June 07, 2016

Flashback to the ARU Reunion

John McLaughlin and Jimmy Herring


My most Zambi experience of 2015 was the chance to be back in the scene for a day when the Aquarium Rescue Unit reunion rolled into Atlanta for a stop on their 26th Anniversary Tour.

Get a taste of the magic yourself with this audience recording from the first gig of the tour at the Ram's Head in Baltimore.  This show includes a guest appearance by guitar god John McLaughlin.




Wednesday, June 01, 2016

Making the Scene in Little Five Points

Little Five Points

Little Five Points always offers some of the best people watching in Atlanta, but the Little Five Art Alive weekend events take gawking to the next level.  Come beat the heat with a little freak.