Inside the HotHouse (at least I think that's what it's called).
The Atlanta Botanical Garden in Midtown is truly one of Atlanta's gems. Just east of the Midtown business district and adjacent to Atlanta's Piedmont Park and next door to the historic equestrian Piedmont Driving Club established in 1887, The Atlanta Botanical Garden is open all year long. There is always something to see with special showings, events and plantings that physically change each year with the seasons - so what you see in the spring with all of the tulips won't be the same when you return in the fall. The Fuqua Orchid Center is really magnificent with specimens from all around the globe - fragrant to non-fragrant, those that are really showy with brilliant colors to those that are monochromatic. The Atlanta Botanical Garden hosts special events like the famed "Chihuly in the Garden" (pictures included with this review) with it's beautiful colored glass sculptures and "Locomotion" that uses model trains to other well known traveling exhibits that are incorporated into the garden scene.
Chihuly's water sculpture facing toward Midtown and the Bank of America/Bellsouth buildings (left to right).
If going on a Saturday, I recommend getting there early to avoid the crowds and to allow for a more self-paced stroll.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a short stroll from the MARTA Art's Center Station (N5) on the North Line. Be sure to check out the High Museum of Art and the Woodruff Arts Center, home of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra when exiting the station. Take Peachtree Street south to 14th street, turn left on 14th and go to the entrance of Piedmont Park where 14th dead ends at Piedmont Avenue. Turn left and follow the sidewalk along Piedmont Ave for a short distance to the ABG entrance on the right hand side of the road.
Here's a link to Dale Chihuly's magnificent work: Dale Chihuly - Artist
