One of Georgia’s most successful football coaches was a field general on the gridiron, nearly doubling the team’s all-time victories and coaching the school’s first All-American. And as a Captain in the US Army on the French battlefields of World War 1, he was awarded the country’s second highest miliary honor for bravery and leadership.
(In the 1910 team photo above, Cunningham is in the first row to the far right, wearing a sweater with a large V.)
The rolling hills of Marietta National Cemetery are the final resting place of more than 15,000 American soldiers and their family members. Each headstone hides stories of how brave men and women served to protect our freedoms. And some made the ultimate sacrifice in their service. As Memorial Day approaches, we’ll be sharing stories of these heroes in the Marietta hills.
Ask any Bulldog fan to name the top coaches to lead the University of Georgia football team, and three names come rapid fire: Kirby Smart, Vince Dooley and Mark Richt. And indeed, those three coaches won the most games and have the highest winning percentages during their coaching tenures.
But if you’re looking for a former Georgia head coach who was a football field general and a decorated hero on the battlefields during war, that distinction goes to Colonel William A. Cunningham. He coached the Bulldogs for eight seasons over a 10 year span between 1910 and 1919. During his tenure, Cunningham’s Bulldogs won 43 games, nearly doubling the total wins UGA had achieved in its first 18 seasons. And his all-time winning percentage of 68% puts him in fifth place among Georgia coaches who coached at least 10 games – and only one place behind the legendary Vince Dooley.
William Cunningham was hired as Georgia’s football coach after his visiting Gordon Military Institute baseball team beat the Bulldogs 11-0. Georgia athletic director Steadman Sanford offered Cunningham a $1,350 contract, and the deal was sealed.
Cunningham was hired by Georgia Athletic Director Steadman Sanford after Sanford watched Cunningham coach his Gordon Military Institute baseball team to an 11-0 victory on a visit to UGA. Published reports indicate that after a brief conversation, Sanford offered Cunningham a $1,350 contract on the spot.
Cunningham recruited one of his GMI baseball players to join him at Georgia. That baseball player, Bob McWhorter, became Georgia’s first football All-American in 1913.
The Atlanta Georgian and News Monday newspaper described Georgia’s 1912 offensive attack as “bush league,” and noted that coach William Cunningham “needs some assistants in Athens.” Despite the negative editorializing, Georgia won this game and went 6-1-1 in the season. George McWhorter, shown at the right running the ball, had a stellar year. In 1913, he was named Georgia’s first All-American.
College football then wasn’t the multi-million dollar, full-time enterprise it is today. So when he wasn’t coaching UGA football, Cunningham attended Georgia’s law school and served as faculty advisor to the Delta Chapter of the Sigma Chi fraternity.
Oh, and as if that wasn’t enough, Cunningham served as Georgia’s head basketball coach during the 1910–1911 season and again from 1916–1917, compiling a 62% winning percentage.
Under Cunningham, Georgia’s football team were top-rated in the region. In his eight seasons as head coach, Cunningham had seven winning campaigns. His 68% winning percentage puts him in fifth place among coaches who completed at least at least ten games — one spot behind the legendary Vince Dooley.
According to published accounts, Cunningham’s Bulldogs were fierce competitors and among the top teams in the region. But compared to the determination and bravery of their coach, the Bulldogs were mere pups playing together on a peaceful field.
In 1917 and 1918, University of Georgia and many other colleges suspended their sports programs as World War I required young men to serve their countries on a foreign battlefield. Although he was over 30 years old and not subject to being drafted, Coach Cunningham joined the US Army with his football players as new recruits headed to France.
Cunningham served with 321st Machine-Gun Battalion, 82d Division, A.E.F., near Sommerance, France, participating in battles of the Meuse-Argonne offensive. Rain dampened the battlefields in early October. German bombs fell heavily on the US and Allied positions across the front as the Germans fought fiercely to stem the slowly advancing Allied offensive which had broken out of the trench war stalemate.
Georgia’s new Sanford Stadium was empty in 1917 and 1918, as many players and Coach William Cunningham were serving in the US Army during World War 1. Though he was over 30 years old and not a prime Army recruit, Cunningham volunteered for service.
On Oct. 12, 1918 – on a day when Cunningham likely would have been coaching his team on Georgia’s new Sanford Field – Captain Cunningham led his unit in an attack on the German lines. Painfully wounded in the face by shrapnel when his battalion was seriously engaged in battle, Cunningham continued leading his men through the heavy shell fire.
On a battlefield like this near Summerance, France, Georgia football coach lead his unit against German troops, advancing through a hail of machine gun fire and bombs despite a severe shrapnel injury to his face. Cunningham was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Cross, with the citation commending him for “leading his men with skill and inspiring them with courage.”
For his outstanding service, Cunningham was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second highest military honor. The citation lauded Cunningham for his efforts “leading his men with skill and inspiring them with courage” despite his serious head wounds. He also was inducted posthumously into the 82nd Airborne Division Hall of Fame.
After the war, Cunningham returned to his coaching position at Georgia and led the Bulldogs on another winning campaign in the 1919 season. He left UGA after the 1919 season having compiled a final football record of 43–18–9.
Rejoining the US Army, Cunningham also served during World War 2. He ended his Army career with the rank of colonel. Cunningham later served as the professor of military studies at Clemson University from 1943 to 1946.
Colonel Cunningham is buried at Marietta National Cemetery at gravesite Q 181-C
Legend has it that the D in Disney doesn’t stand for discount. That’s generally true, but we found free things at Disney.
We recently took an extended-family trip to Disney World that included three days of park admissions. To get a break from the Disney park death march and let our adult children enjoy some free time, we volunteered to watch our three-year-old granddaughter for the day. We were torn between another paid park admission, hanging out at our condo pool or finding some other activities. And that’s how we created our own “free” Disney Day and saved hundreds of dollars in admissions while enjoying a full day of activity, adventure, fun and rides.
Legend has it that the D in Disney doesn’t stand for discount. And that’s generally true, unless you’re a Florida resident or a member of a group. Otherwise, typical Disney park admissions are expensive for us commoners who typically purchase a three-or-four-day pass. And while daily admission prices do decline with tickets for longer periods, who has time – or the patience and energy – to endure even more.
Chances are that if you’re in Orlando for the typical five-to-seven day visit, you’ll want a slower day without high-price tickets to rest your body and wallet. But the little ones will still be screaming for their “daily Disney fix,” especially if you’ve been building up their expectations for months in advance.
When you’re tired and the wallet’s empty, the little ones will still want their daily Disney fix. Our grand kids pooped out before we could enjoy all the free activities we planned.
Let’s stipulate that this plan may not work with travel-and-activity-savvy tween-agers or older, but it’s a perfect idea for tired youngsters. And grandparents and parents, the kids will still have a blast riding, playing, and enjoying a Disney experience when you use your creativity and these ideas.
Parking at Disney Springs is free. Take a picture of your row number in case you’re too Disney-dazed to remember where you parked.
Here are a few things we did, plus some other ideas for creating your own admissions-free Disney Day:
Free Parking. For your admission-free Disney day, you’ll find plenty of free parking at Disney Springs. Despite the years-ago rebrand, we still alternate calling it by its previous names of Disney Village, Pleasure Island or Downtown Disney. There’s plentiful free garage and surface parking at this mixed-use shopping, dining and entertainment complex. Just find a spot and take a picture of your row number just in case you’re too Disney-dazed to remember when you return later.
Disney Transportation. The free Disney bus system covers the entire resort area very efficiently. However, there is no bus transportation directly to any park from Disney Springs, likely because of the aforementioned free parking. You can get to any Disney resort, and transfer there to a park if you’re inclined. Buses do run from parks back to Disney Springs after 4 pm. Except for times near park open and closing, most buses are not crowded. Unless your kids are regular riders of public transport, getting around the resort by bus is a treat for many youngsters. Our granddaughter was thoroughly entertained by the character-themed busses, and we made a game of picking our favorites to ride — to any destination that Minnie or Mickey were going!
Lego Store and Once Upon a Toy. Lego fans love these stores, and this one features fantastic Disney character displays and plentiful merchandise. And like many located around the US, the Lego Store at Disney Springs offers free play areas where you can let the little ones exercise their creativity while you rest your body. There are numerous building spaces for creating every imaginable shape. In the center of the outdoor area, more experienced builders can create cars and other vehicles for racing. We sat comfortably and peacefully sipping Starbuck’s from next door while our master builders worked. Similarly, at Once Upon a Toy offers a Mr. Potato Head building area, with no obligation to purchase.
Have your little ones wait for this special visit to select from every conceivable Disney choice.
Disney Store. Not your local mall store, World of Disney is the largest Disney store on the planet, with plans for even more expansion. Hopefully, you’re reading this before starting your Disney trip. If so, encourage your little ones to wait for this special visit to make their souvenir purchases from every conceivable Disney choice. That way, you won’t be stuck carrying things around all day at a park, or retrieving items held earlier for what seemed to be your convenience – until you saw the exit pick-up line! Shirts, hats, mugs, cups, characters and more – yes, they have it and everything else here.
At T-Rex in Disney Springs, the food isn’t free, but the animatronic dinosaurs, meteor shower and Paleo Zone are, and will entertain the little ones while you wait for food or enjoy a beverage.
Paleo Zone (and lunch) at T-Rex. OK, the food at T-Rex is not free, but it is a reasonable value for a Disney location. Plus, where else can you eat food with dinosaurs instead of being food for dinosaurs? The animatronic dinos weren’t too frightening for our little ones, and neither was the meteor shower. While you wait for a table or food, let the kids play (it’s free!) at the Paleo Zone or dig for fossils at Discovery Dig. You can make a reservation in advance on Open Table.
Splash Pads. For a post-lunch or early afternoon cool-down, Disney Springs features two splash pads. On the upside, kids love getting drenched in the unpredictable streams of jumping water. Of course, the downside is if parents or grandparents don’t have a change of clothes handy for those soaked kids.
Character Selfies and Hidden Mickeys. Walking through Disney Springs, resorts and elsewhere on property, you’ll come across countless opportunities for selfies with Disney character statues, sculptures, images and more. Posing for selfies with Stitch outside the Disney store, we got a surprise shower and squealed with delight when he spit on us. We also made a game of finding and counting the “Hidden Mickeys” hiding in plain sight through the parks and property. One of the most famous and largest “hide” off I-4 just west of the parks: The Power Line Mickey. Thought you saw a Mickey head on an dick body swimming in the fountain by Muppets 3-D? No, that wasn’t an illusion. And was that Mickey on a cookie press in the Norway pavilion in Epcot? Yep. The list goes on, as does the fun of the game.
Free Boat Rides. Hop a free boat ride from one the Disney docks. We jumped on at Disney Springs for a 15-minute boat to the Old Key West Resort, gliding past beautiful golf courses, wild swamps and the ever-popular Disney Tree House accommodations. We also rode the Friendship boats from Epcot to the Boardwalk. And we hopped on a mini-steamer from Magic Kingdom to the Polynesian resort. You’ll find similar boat rides connecting Epcot and Disney Studios to nearby resorts, and more near Magic Kingdom’s Seven Seas Lagoon (covered separately below.)
At Disney Springs, we jumped aboard one of the resort launches for a restful tour along golf courses and swamp scenes.
Resort Play Areas. Most of the Disney resorts feature very nice kids’ play area, offering opportunities to tire your energetic Disney juniors with sliding, swinging, climbing, exploring and other physical activities. You can check a resort map to find them. We’ve not encountered any that require ID or a resort key for entry. By my calculation, when I bought that overpriced beverage and bland food at the snack outlet on resort property, I met the definition of “guest” if there is any such requirement.
Monorails thrill kids of all ages. Zip around the Seven Seas Lagoon and through the Contemporary Resort, or take the longer loop around Spaceship Earth and Epcot. And if the kids or grandpa fall asleep, just stay on and go around again.
Monorail Riding. Because of the crowds at park open and close, we didn’t use the monorail on our paid admission days, so this was the highlight of the admission-free day for our grandkids. We hopped a bus from Old Key West Resort to Magic Kingdom, then walked across to the monorail station, stopping to watch the steam train arrive at Main Street Station. We chose the direct monorail to the main ticket plaza, then transferred to the Epcot line. The smooth, air-conditioned ride to Epcot is 15 minutes, including a circle around Spaceship Earth and above Future World before entering the station. Feel free to stay on board for the 15-minute return loop – or even make the full circle twice if the kiddies or grandpa has fallen asleep. On the route between the main ticket plaza and Magic Kingdom, you can choose an express train with direct service, or stops for the Polynesian, Grand Floridian or Contemporary Resort. We also like stopping at the Contemporary, so the kids can watch the monorail glide almost silently through the lobby — still amazing after all these years.
At the Polynesian Resort stop, our littles got a tour of the monorail cockpit.
Get High on Skyliner. While the skyride inside of Magic Kingdom is long gone, Disney now offers another skyride that’s free to non-ticket holders. The Disney Skyliner provides convenient and scenic transportation and aerial views while traveling between Disney destinations. Gondolas are themed with various Disney characters and designs, adding to the fun. You can catch outside of Epcot or Hollywood Studios, are at one of several Disney resorts. Note that the Skyliners will shut down in high winds and frequent thunderstorms.
Outside of Epcot Center we transferred from the Skyliner to the colorful Friendship Boats for a ride to the Boardwalk.
Seven Seas Lagoon Boat Rides and Ferry. Walt Disney was a master showman, and loved building anticipation of his guests. That was the inspiration of the steamboat-styled ferries that carry eager visitors across the lagoon. Because of crowd sizes today, many guests fail to appreciate this simple pleasure and, in fact, see the ferry as a nuisance. If you’ve followed our admission-free day path, take the ferry from the TTC to Magic Kingdom. It won’t be crowded, so head upstairs and walk the top deck for the best views as the spires of Cinderella’s Castle rise slowly and grow magically taller. You’ll also have excellent views of the Polynesian and Contemporary, and likely will cross paths with resort launches and rental boats zipping across the lagoon.
Climb to the top deck of the Disney ferries to watch the spires of Cinderella’s Castle rise slowly and grow magically taller.
Disney Water Parade. While the Main Street Electrical Light Parade has passed into history, the nightly Electrical Water Pageant parade continues on the Seven Seas Lagoon. And like everything else in our “free day,” no admission ticket is required. Check this link for the daily schedule. Some of the best viewing spots include any of the Seven Seas resort hotels, and the main plaza directly in front of the entrance to Magic Kingdom. The parade lasts approximately 15 minutes, and includes an abundance of sea creatures, flags and music. Times vary based on sunset and other events, and the parade can be cancelled due to weather. We missed the full parade on our most recent visit, because our little ones pooped out on our “free” day. You can see the parade from the ferry, too, if you plan it just right. The best viewing spot on the ferry is on the upper deck, but the floats will be distant and you won’t hear the music.
Our little ones pooped out before we could do all the free activities at Disney.
Grab Free Disney Swag. Yes, there is such a thing. And though they are just little touches, the kiddies love it. Many Disney workers carry a variety of stickers, which they are happy to share with little ones. Our stroller was filled with Disney stickers offered by cast members. At the Port Orleans resort, cast members offered colorful free doubloons to throw into the fountains and slip into a pocket as a neat souvenir. And if you’re celebrating a special occasion, stop by Guest Relations and get a celebration pin. Our granddaughter’s “First Visit pin got her lots of extra attention from characters and cast members, which made her day extra special. You can get birthday pins, anniversary pins, and a more generic “I’m Celebrating” pin.
We didn’t enjoy ALL these free Disney adventures in one day. But on the day that we devoted to free activities, we explored the resorts over more than 10 hours with these free activities. Turns out that our “free” Disney day — intended to be a rest day — was as enjoyable for our granddaughter as any of the paid days.
If you have other ideas or experiences for a Free Disney Day, please leave your comments.
April 12, 2024, marks the 162th anniversary of The Great Locomotive Chase. It’s an epic story that began in Kennesaw and ended just outside of Ringgold, GA. In today’s environment, no major public commemorations mark the event for a variety of reasons, all of which we’ll choose to ignore for this blog.
Rather, after visits to the Southern Museum in Kennesaw and the Marietta History Center plus the purchase of Russell Bonds’ best-in-class book about the event, we’ll focus on where you can experience the story. And we’ll consider how the event became ingrained in the collective memory in books, songs, major Hollywood movies, festivals and history museums.
A view from above, looking down on The General from the second floor viewing platform at the Southern Museum. April 12 marks the 120th anniversary of The Great Locomotive Chase, which started near the site of the current museum.
Some Essential Background
Early Saturday morning, April 12, 1862, a group of approximately two dozen passengers boarded a northbound passenger train in Marietta. The group’s leader, James J. Andrews, had planned a daring raid that would unfold over the coming hours.
Around 6 am, the train pulled into present-day Kennesaw (then known as Big Shanty) for a quick stop. The conductor, William A. Fuller, called out to passengers, “Big Shanty, 20 minutes for breakfast.” He then joined the engineer and others at the trackside Lacy’s Hotel.
As the unsuspecting train crew and passengers grabbed breakfast, Andrews and his raiders decoupled several cars. Then, they commandeered the engine and few remaining cars for what they expected would be a northbound journey of destruction in support of the Union Army.
A new podcast by transplanted Acworth resident Bob Ugi, Go South Old Man, features an oral history of The Great Locomotive Chase. You can listen to a preview here. The podcast is available from most major podcast sites, including Amazon, Apple, Audible, Spotify, iHeart, and others.
The Marietta Starting Point
The historic Kennesaw House, one of Marietta’s oldest buildings, has served as a warehouse, hospital, morgue, and hotel. Today, it’s home to the Marietta History Center, a museum meant to “preserve and display the artifacts from Marietta and Cobb County and their role in world history.”
On the second floor, overlooking the railroad tracks and a small railroad engine built at the town’s Glover Machine Works, the Andrews Raider’s Room recreates an 1860s hotel suite. Authentic furnishings from the Kennesaw House set the period. A timeline outlines the story of Andrews planning and the later train theft. There’s even a bearded mannequin, in period clothing, peering out of the window, perhaps anticipating events at the next station.
If you’re not inspired to visit because of the link to the Great Locomotive Chase, the museum’s other collections focus on the general history of the area, the home life of area residents, and other military history of the area. If you’re a history lover and reader, plan to spend approximately 2 hours for a visit.
The Andrews Raiders Room at the Marietta History Center includes a second floor room furnished with period pieces. A bearded mannequin peers down at the railroad tracks. The raiders spent the night at the former Kennesaw House Hotel before boarding The General in Marietta.
Breakfast at Big Shanty
If you’re looking for Big Shanty or the Lacy Hotel, you won’t find either. Used by both Union and Confederate forces, Union forces torched the hotel in 1864. And Big Shanty disappeared from maps in 1887, with the official founding of the city of Kennesaw.
Today, the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, which celebrates its 50th anniversary on April 12, 2022, occupies the approximate site of the Lacy Hotel. The museum opened in downtown Kennesaw as the Big Shanty Museum on April 12, 1972. Great fanfare accompanied the opening of the new museum, dedicated to documentation and retelling of the Great Locomotive Chase. The museum’s star attraction then and now: the restored General locomotive of chase fame.
Now a Smithsonian affiliate, the museum most often uses its shortened name, The Southern Museum. Walking through its galleries, visitors are taken back to the railroad times of the 1860s. The strategic importance of railroads as manufacturing, transportation and military resources is well-documented in the exhibits.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Big Shanty Museum opened on April 12, 1972. In addition to The General, the current museum features a large exhibit focused on Marietta’s Glover Machine Works and other railroad history.
Then, artifacts from Marietta’s Glover Machine Works illustrate the operation of this historic railroad locomotive builder. Visitors can also see a film about The Great Locomotive Chase, which reflects a Southern-centric perspective of the story.
Finally, the restored General awaits, gleaming in bright red with brightly polished brass fittings. A second story viewing area provides a birds-eye perspective of the engine and its fuel car.
End of the Line
When the General ran out of fuel before reaching Chattanooga, some of the group escaped on foot. Andrews and most of the raiders were captured. Imprisoned in Atlanta and tried as spies, Andrews and his raiders received death sentences, then hanged in June 1862. Following the war, the group was reinterred in the Chattanooga National Cemetery. A memorial topped by a scale replica of the General, marks their burial sites, just inside the main gates.
Just inside the main gates of the Chattanooga National Cemetery, a monument featuring a scale replica of The General marks the final resting place of James Andrews and six of his raiders. Blue flags commemorate the Medal of Honor Recipients, the first in the history of the US.
Rescuing the Texas
Commandeered by conductor William Fuller near Calhoun, the Texas joined the chase. After its retirement in 1907, several women’s groups in Atlanta sought to have it restored. The Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railway donated the locomotive “to the ladies of Atlanta.” After restoration, the Texas resided on display in the basement of a building housing the Atlanta Cyclorama. The Texas now enjoys a new home at the Atlanta History Center’s railroad exhibit, which opened in 2018.
Retelling the Story Over Time
As our nation continues to grapple with how to understand and tell the story of this great period of national tragedy, its no surprise that the Great Locomotive Chase and its participants have received various treatments over the years. Depending on perspective, the Great Locomotive Chase has been – and continues to be – considered ALL of the following:
A daring military operation meant to shorten a war.
An ill-conceived plan conducted by poorly organized spies.
The heroic story of a determined railroader foiling a dastardly scheme.
A military footnote with no true strategic value.
The Texas is part of the railroad exhibit at the Atlanta History Center. The locomotive is restored to its 1880 appearance, when it remained a workhorse engine for the Western and Atlantic Railroad. Photo courtesy of Atlanta History Center, All Rights Reserved
While history buffs, sociologists and culture warriors may see all these perspectives differently, one fact is undebatable: the legend of the Great Locomotive Chase grew beyond any expectations. Consider that the tale has spawned:
US Medal of Honor. Considered the highest military award in the country, Private Jacob Wilson Parrott, a Union soldier in the raid who was physically abused as a prisoner, received the first Medal of Honor in US history. Later, a total of 19 participants also received the Medal of Honor for their parts.
Concert Music.Music of The Great Locomotive Chase by composer Robert W. Smith is often played by concert bands and symphonies. The piece “stages the train chase complete with fascinating textures and effects. Listeners become engulfed in the vivid sounds,” says program notes from the publisher.
Multiple Books. The first, entitled The Great Locomotive Chase, was written by raid participant William Pittenger. Other well-known accounts are found in “Wild Train: The Story of The Andrews Raiders,” by Charles O’Neill and published in 1956; and “Stealing the General: The Great Locomotive Chase and the First Medal of Honor,” by Marietta resident Russel S. Bonds in 2006.
A Slapstick Silent Movie. Film legend Buster Keaton directed and starred in the 1926 feature film, The General. An ad for the movie described it as, “LAUGHS to the right of you- LAUGHS to the left of you- they volley and thunder. Join the LAUGH Brigade. Enlist for Fun with the Commander-in-Chief of LAUGHTER. See him and shriek!”
A Disney Movie. This 1956 Hollywood version, starring Fess Parker and Jeffrey Hunter, portrays the historic story made by the Walt Disney Company. Actors Harry Carey Jr. and Slim Pickens also appeared in the film. Major portions were filmed near Clayton and Tallulah Falls, GA. The movie is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video.
A Television Special. In 1961, the Disney re-edited the movie into a two-part feature for television’s “The Magical World of Disney.”
Community Festivals. Both Adairsville, GA, and Cartersville, GA, celebrate Great Locomotive Chase festivals.
Having served as a warehouse, hospital, morgue and hotel, the Kennesaw House is now home to the Marietta History Center. The second floor near corner is the Andrews Raiders Room, where a bearded mannequin looks down on the station and tracks.
It’s official: those giant-sized fusion eggrolls that made Eggroll Boyz one of the most looked-for food trucks around North Georgia are now available at the Marietta Square Market food hall.
You may have seen that news posted elsewhere in February. But having spent a lifetime in the global restaurant business, we know better than to judge a new food outlet with a visit in the first month of operation. So, after Eggroll Boyz opened on Feb. 10 at Marietta Square Market, we let them work out all the kinks with operations, suppliers and personnel before visiting in mid-March to sample their fusion eggroll menu.
And believe us, it was worth the wait! We were rewarded with quick, friendly service and the giant-sized, fried-to-perfection fusion eggrolls we’ve experienced in previous visits to their food truck and Alpharetta location.
On our first visit to the Marietta Square food hall location, we selected the large Island Boyz roll with standard accompanying fries and fried rice. It was enough for two at lunch.
Not Your Regular Eggroll!
Compared to traditional eggrolls found at Chinese restaurants, that just ain’t how the Eggroll Boyz roll. Instead, based on their travels and food experiences, Eggroll Boyz create fusion eggrolls that use everything from Philly Cheese steak and lobster to burgers, barbeque, buffalo chicken and more.
On our first (yes — there will be MANY more!) visit to the Marietta location, we chose the Island Boyz roll with accompanying fried rice and french fries. Knowing the portion sizes from previous visits to the food truck and Alpharetta location, we opted to share the plate between the two of us. And when we were done, we were both as well stuffed as any of the huge rolls dished out by the Eggroll Boyz.
Of course, the highlight was that eggroll — stuffed with seasoned pulled chicken, accompanied by angel hair cabbage, and topped with the Boyz’ special jerk sauce. From first bite to the last, every mouthful was a flavor explosion that transported us to the Caribbean. If there was a Jimmy Buffet song in the background and boat drinks on the table, this just might have been heaven.
Hitting Stride at Marietta
As mentioned, we had visited Eggroll Boyz elsewhere previously, and this visit in Marietta matched each wonderful experience we’ve had. So if the Boyz had any of those first-month “jitters” that ruin the openings of so many new restaurants, they were all gone and cleared by our Mid-March visit.
You’ll find Eggroll Boyz located down a side hall at Marietta Square food market, occupying the space previously housing Cousin’s Lobster Rolls. The eggrolls are much better than the lobster rolls of the previous occupant.
We should mention that Eggroll Boyz isn’t really a value dining outlet. But then again, these aren’t the tiny, greasy, side-order items you get when ordering off a Chinese menu, either.Depending on the size you choose, you’ll pay anywhere from $15 up to $28 for one of their standard menu rollz and accompaniments. A lunch menu offers up a $15 option that includes a drink. And there are kids rollz offered at a lower price point.
On this visit, we didn’t have room for any of their specialty fries, though we’ve had their Cheezy Boyz Fries and Bacon Boyz fries on other visits, and enjoyed every bite. We haven’t ever had room left to try their desserts, but we are planning a special “dessertz-only” visit soon. We’ll post another story when we do, as they look amazing!
On our food truck visit, we went for the Barbeque Boyz roll, with a side of cheesy fries. This plate easily was enough for two people.
What Others Say
We dug through the reviews for Eggroll Boyz and found the most comments on the three following items:
Burger Boyz Full – Priced at $18.95, this large entree is a standout item on the menu, offering a substantial meal for customers to enjoy.
Lunchy Boyz Combo – Available only from 11 am to 2 pm, this combo meal is priced at $14.99 and is a popular choice among patrons looking for a satisfying lunch option.
Philly Boyz Half – Priced at $14.95, the Philly Boyz Half is another well-received item on the menu, known for its delicious flavors and generous portion size.
Frankly, those all sounded good, but a little “standard” for our taste buds. We checked out some of the more “exotic” offers and found fans had high praise for the Bayou Boyz Full which offers a seafood delight with crab, lobster, and shrimp. Returning fans appreciate the innovative combination of flavors and high-quality ingredients. This one is definitely on our “to-do” list for a future visit.
In addition to physical locations in Marietta and Alpharetta, you’ll often find the Eggroll Boyz food trucks in Cobb County cities and towns, and at local events.
The annual long journey of the tiny hummingbird is underway, and the migrating masses likely will be reaching Atlanta, Cobb County and the rest of North Georgia later this month and beyond as they head north for the mating season. Georgians are most likely to spot ruby-throated hummingbirds here.
Based on historical patterns reported by various tracking sources, the first in the hummingbird migration generally reach South Georgia by early March. Sightings increase in the areas around Atlanta by mid-March, then up to the Tennessee and South Carolina borders by April 1. On both spring and fall migrations, several websites like Hummingbirdcentral.com offer interactive maps where birdwatchers can register their sightings and help track the hummingbird migration schedule. The website JourneyNorth.org offers a map that can be animated over time.
Hummingbirds are always looking for sweet nectar to power their migration. They stop frequently and often drink as much as three times their body weight to sustain their high metabolism.We photographed this Black Chinned Hummingbird at a botanical garden in Arizona.
When you spot the first hummingbird of the season, you can submit your sighting to help track the hummingbird migration. Individuals are encouraged to submit winter or unusual species sightings to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Georgia hummingbird enthusiast
A few hummingbirds remain in Georgia year-round, mostly in coastal and Southern areas of the state, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. However, the majority migrate, traveling along a path from winter home lands in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean to spring and summer nesting grounds along the Eastern US seacoast.
Based on historical patterns, hummingbirds should start reaching North Georgia around March 20. Sites like Hummingbirdcentral.com offer tracking and interactive maps.
In the spring hummingbird migration to their nesting areas, hummingbirds take a leisurely approach to their journey. Typically, they will travel approximately 20 miles per day, then stop for resting and frequent feeding periods. With the highest metabolism of any species, they feed at hundreds of flowers and up to six times or more per hour, according to Hummingbirdsplus.org. Those stops are essential as hummingbirds generally consume at least half of their weight and as much as double or triple their weight in nectar each day. They also add some protein to their diets by eating some insects and spiders. (For lots of other cool hummingbird facts — like hummingbirds don’t “hum” at all, but rather create a humming sound due to the fast beating of their wings — visit hummingbirdsplus.org)
To spot migrating hummingbirds, don’t look up for sky-darkening flocks or neat V-style formations of the tiny birds traveling together. Hummingbirds are loners and fly individually. So the best chance of spotting them is as they fly around a garden looking for food. Some local botanical gardens like Smith-Gilbert Gardens in Kennesaw, Gibbs Gardens in Ballground and Atlanta Botanical Gardens feature special hummingbird areas where they concentrate nectar-producing flowers and other bushes that attract the tiny birds.
Want lots of cool facts and great information on everything hummingbirds? The website, hummingbirdsplus.org is a great resource and lots of fun to explore.
You can increase the number of hummingbirds near your home by making your yard and garden more hummingbird friendly. Hummingbird feeders that hold commercially-produced or homemade nectar. The US National Zoo and Smithsonian Institution publish a homemade recipe for nectar, plus lots of other tips for attracting hummingbirds. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources also publishes a list of native and exotic plants that help attract hummingbirds. Hummingbird enthusiast Elizabeth Donaldson has written an informative site that features Georgia hummingbird facts, pictures and sounds. She also publishes similar information for other states.
More Georgia Natural Content
OurTravelCafe.com focuses on North Georgia content that includes family-friendly outdoor activities and more. Some of our articles also appear on Newsbreak. Following are links to some of our recent Newsbreak nature and outdoor articles:
As early blooms peak through the soil and the first leaves appear on trees, Lake Allatoona ospreys will soon return to their nesting sites for spring hatching season. Each year, pairs of these large birds of prey begin the mating season in March and April, before the female lays her eggs in a large nest high up in tall trees or man-made structures.
At Lake Allatoona, ospreys have more places to nest since 1998. That’s when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Georgia Power began a cooperative program to erect nesting platforms at six locations. Georgia Power provided 40-foot-tall poles for the nests. The Corps and Georgia Power provided equipment and manpower to erect the nesting towers. More towers were added in 2013.
Man-made osprey nesting platforms dot the lakeside at Lake Allatoona, thanks to a partnership between the Army Corps of Engineers and Georgia Power.
According to Army Corps of Engineers, the osprey population at Lake Allatoona has grown from one pair of nesting birds in 1995 to more than a dozen in recent years. Considered an endangered species in the 1970s due to the environmental impacts of DDT, osprey have rebounded in recent decades. The species was removed from the endangered list in 1983 but is still protected by the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Early in the mating season, male osprey perform a mating flight or “fish dance” high above the lake. The male osprey soars high in the air, then treads air before diving more than 100 feet. It rises quickly and treads air again. The male may repeat the dance multiple times to attract the attention of a nearby female.
Ospreys soar high above the lake, then dive down to capture fish in their talons, where a reversible toe and sharp spines help to secure their prize.
The female osprey lays her eggs in the April-May timeframe in North Georgia. While the eggs incubate, both the male and female osprey tend the nest. Once the young birds hatch, the adult pair share duties. The female tends and defends the nest more, while the male does most of the food-gathering. The young ospreys take their first flights approximately 55 days after hatching. They remain in the nest tended by the adults for approximately 100 days.
Once paired, ospreys are believed to be largely monogamous and faithful to both the mate and nest. Paired osprey live in the same area and return to the same nest for years, according to the National Wildlife Federation.
Both male and female ospreys tend to the nest when the young are incubating and growing. Young ospreys begin flying approximately 55 days after hatching.
Where to See Lake Allatoona Ospreys
With more than a dozen man-made nesting platforms and other natural sites, it’s not unusual to see ospreys soaring high above Lake Allatoona. The impressive large birds have a wingspan of over five feet. Due to their size and white heads, they often are confused with the larger bald eagle. Ospreys hover above the water, locate their prey and swoop down to capture shallow-swimming fish with their talons extended. A reversible fourth toe and short spines on the undersides of each foot help them grasp slippery fish.
The Army Corps of Engineers does not publish a map with osprey nesting locations. Made-made nesting platforms can be spotted near the shoreline of the lake atop utility-style poles. One example is located along the Allatoona Battlefield Park hiking trail. A natural nest rests in the steel girders of the Red Top Mountain Road bridge leading to Red Top Mountain State Park.
A natural osprey nest with two adult birds rests on the steel girders of the Red Top Mountain bridge.
Walking through Marietta National Cemetery or any US National Cemetery, visitors feel awed and silenced by the stunning symmetry and meticulous care for the hallowed grounds. Within these final resting places for hundreds of thousands of our nation’s protectors and heroes, glistening white headstones share small details about those who rest here below the thick carpet of dark green grass.
Scattered throughout most national cemeteries, a few larger monuments also commemorate gallant actions, tragic events and heroic moments remembered for their indelible mark on our country’s history.
Visitors often feel awed and silenced by the stunning symmetry and meticulous care for the hallowed grounds of National Cemeteries. We’re offering this guide to finding and viewing monuments and notable burial sites at Marietta National Cemetery.
At Marietta National Cemetery, curious and intrepid visitors can find several such monuments scattered throughout the more than 18,000 gravesites. But unlike Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC, there are no regular tours at Marietta National to take visitors to much-visited locations. Neither are there any on-site resources available for self-guided exploration. So finding, viewing and understanding the monuments in Marietta National Cemetery takes curiosity, determination, some physical stamina and prior research.
With Memorial Day approaching, we’ve made several recent visits to Marietta National Cemetery. Following our own exploration and with help of other local resources, we’ve compiled the following information about significant monuments and individual memorials located at Marietta National Cemetery. We offer this as our personal memorial to all those who have died in service of our country on this Memorial Day. And we hope to find and share more of these stories in the future.
Marietta National’s Monuments
The Entrance Arch to Marietta National Cemetery at Washington and Cole Streets stands 35-feet tall, and is one of five monumental archways at national cemeteries in the South.
Entrance Arch. A 35-foot tall arch spans the main entrance to the cemetery at the corner of Washington and Cole Streets. It is one of five monumental masonry archways that originally served as the formal entrance to national cemeteries found in the South at Marietta; Chattanooga, TN, Nashville, TN, Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, and Vicksburg National Cemetery in Mississippi. The Roman-inspired structures feature Doric columns, a pair of ornamental iron gates, and inscriptions above the arch. Marietta National’s inscriptions read, “Marietta National Cemetery, Established 1866,” and “Here rest the remains of 10,312 Officers and Soldiers who died in defense of the Union 1861-1865.”
Pearl Harbor Memorial. Located just inside the gate and dedicated by the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association on Dec. 7, 1996, this monument honors “those who died and those who survived the Japanese attack.” The circular monument features bricks engraved with the names of the deceased, with a headstone-shaped granite marker overlooking the space.
The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association helps to commemorate the Dec. 7, 1941, attack and those involved in it with this monument near the main entrance. Bricks are engraved with names of the deceased.
20th Army Corps Monument. A ten foot tall by two foot square obelisk located in Section B, it was erected in May 1870, only four years after the cemetery’s dedication. The monument is dedicated to the “dead heroes” of the second division of the 20th Corps, and includes a listing of battles fought by the division from Antietam in 1862 through Atlanta in 1864.
Gold Star Mother’s Monument. The Atlanta chapter of this organization donated and erected this two-foot-tall marble monument in 1960. Located near the base of the flagpole, it is inscribed: IN MEMORY OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES MISSING IN ACTION.
Rostrum. Built in 1940 in the style of Greek temples at the Acropolis, this white marble and concrete structure overlooks the cemetery from the highest hill. Three marble benches offer a peaceful location for reflection. On multiple visits, we’ve found – and left undisturbed – personal items left behind to commemorate loved ones by families visiting the cemetery. To reach the Rostrum, you’ll walk under a wisteria-covered arbor built on the remains of the original 1883 Rostrum.
Viewed through an archway of the Rostrum, the 12-foot-tall Wisconsin Monument features the likeness of a badger. More than 2,000 people attended the dedication on Memorial Day, 1925, according to local newspaper reports.
Wisconsin Monument. This 12-foot tall columnar monument near the Rostrum is made of Wisconsin granite, and topped by the likeness of a badger, the Wisconsin symbol of heroic tendency. Celebrated with a huge parade and attended by more than 2,000 people, the monument was dedicated on Memorial Day 1925. With Biblical inscriptions and a listing of the Wisconsin units which fought in the Atlanta campaign, the monument honors the 405 sons of the state of Wisconsin who had perished in Georgia during the Civil War and who are interred in the cemetery.
Notable Burial Sites
Each time we visit Marietta National Cemetery, we find more sites for additional research. Following are a few of those where we’ve been able to find additional, sourced information. We’ve included links to additional information on most of these. And we continue searching for information on many others, noted at the end of this list.
Medal of Honor Sites. Two recipients of the country’s highest military honor are memorialized at Marietta. Near the flagpole in Section MB, a cenotaph honors Georgia native Marine Corporal Lee Hugh Phillips, recognized for heroic leadership in Korea. Killed in action, his remains were never recovered. In Section G, Canadian native and New York regiment member Private Dennis Buckley was awarded the Medal of Honor for his Civil War service. We did a full story on the Medal of Honor recipients.
Medal of Honor recipient Corporate Lee H. Phillips never returned home from Korea. He is commemorated with this cenotaph near the flagpole in Section G.
Former Georgia Governor John Clark, 1766–1832. Clark was an American Revolutionary War veteran, a US Congressman, and served as Georgia governor from 1819 to 1825. In 1825, he was defeated by 683 votes in the first governor’s election decided by popular vote of citizens. He died and was buried in Florida in 1832, then was reinterred at Marietta in May 1923 by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Clark is buried in Section D, Site 10391.
Freed Slave and Army Nurse Emma Stephenson, died 1864. As an Army nurse, Stephenson cared for wounded and ill white Union soldiers until her own death from a camp illness in July 1864. Her story was featured in a five-part series on PBS, “Civil War: The Untold Story.” She is buried in Section F, Site 4841. Also buried in Section F are 238 black Union soldiers who were killed from 1864 to 1866, some killed while patrolling Marietta after the War.
Section F is the final resting place of Civil War US Army Nurse Emma Stephenson, a freed slave who cared for wounded soldiers until her death from a camp illness. And 238 black Union soldiers killed between 1864 and 1866 also are buried in section F.
Professional Wrestler Frank Simmons Leavitt, (1891–1953). In as colorful a story as you’ll ever find, this Hell’s Kitchen, NY, native used his father’s birth records to join the Army in World War I. After serving five stints, he had a storied career as a professional wrestler, known Soldier Leavitt and eventually as Man Mountain Dean because of his huge 300-plus-pound frame. He became a movie star, was fired from a police force for being close friends with Al Capone and then rejoined the US Army during World War II. As a Master Sergeant in World War II, he was assigned to a top-secret training camp in Maryland dedicated to a counter-intelligence force comprised of immigrants from Germany, Japan and Italy. Leavitt taught deadly hand-to-hand combat techniques to the enrollees, as they also learned the art of spying. He also appeared in US Army propaganda films supporting the US war effort. Sports Illustrated did an outstanding feature on Leavitt in May 2022. Leavitt is buried in Section J, Site 9672-D.
In addition to training in hand-to-hand combat, Frank Leaveitt, AKA Man Mountain Dean, used his acting talents to help create war films for the US Department of Defense. Here, on the left, he plays a Nazi officer addressing troops. Photo: U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence Command History Office, Fort Huachuca, Arizona
Georgia Tech President Col. Blake Van Leer (1893 –1956). Former president of Georgia Tech, and founder of Marietta’s Southern Polytechnic State University (now part of Kennesaw State). An orphan and holder of two PhDs, Col. Van Leer was in active military service in World Wars 1 and 2, earning the French Croix de Guerre for acts of heroism. He was the first engineer to serve as president of Georgia Tech and led the institution through a name change from Georgia School of Technology to Georgia Tech. Van Leer fought for, then gained approval, to admit women to the university, and also supported integration of the school. Van Leer is buried in Section A, Site 10316-D
Army Nurse, Artist and Activist Ella Lillian Wall Van Leer (1892–1986). Known as First Lady of Georgia Tech, Ella Lillian Wall Van Leer was a wartime nurse, architect, artist, and women’s rights activist. She received the US Legion of Merit for medical service in the military. Two of her map art works featuring women authors have been displayed in the Smithsonian Institute. Known as First Lady of Georgia Tech, in 2002, the Georgia Tech alumni magazine called her the “backbone of women” at the school and their “unofficial dean” for her work in overturning the statute barring female students from enrolling at Georgia Tech. Van Leer is buried with her husband, Col. Blake Van Leer, in Section A, Site 10316-C.
UGA Football and Basketball Head Coach General W. A. Cunningham (1886–1968). Cunningham became 15th head coach for UGA football in 1910. He served as head football coach for 10 years, and his 68% winning percentage is the fifth highest among all multi-year Georgia football coaches – just behind legends Vince Dooley and Mark Richt. Head football coach when World War I commenced, he joined the Army and reached the rank of general. He returned to UGA to coach one more football season, then rejoined the Army, serving through World War II. Cunningham also served as head basketball coach for two separate stints. Cunningham is buried in Section Q Site 181-C.
W.A. Cunningham, bottom right wearing the “V” sweater, joined the Army and became a general when the Georgia football program was suspended due to World War I.His 68% winning percentage over 10 yearsplaces him 5th among multi-year UGA football coaches, behind Kirby Smart, Vince Dooley and Mark Richt. Photo: UGA Special Collections Library Online Exhibitions
Vietnam Special Forces Member Wilford A. Phelps, (1939-1986). Lt. Col. Wilford A Phelps was a highly-decorated Vietnam veteran of US Special Forces. He received the Distinguished Service Cross, the second-highest military award behind the Medal of Honor. He also received the Silver Star with Oak Cluster, indicating he twice qualified for the nation’s third-highest military honor. His headstone lists these honors and citations: Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star with Oakleaf Cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with Valor V, Air Medal with Valor VI, Purple Heart VI, Vietnam Medal of Honor, Vietnam Cross for Gallantry IV, and Presidential Unit Citation. But in searches of military citation databases and other records, we can find only one reference to Lt. Col. Phelps, for a Silver Star issued in 1976. The commendation reads, “for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving as a member of the Special Forces (Tiger Force) Platoon, on 4 November 1966.” We’ve read many other Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross and Silver Star citations which are more specific in their recounting of actions. Given his Special Forces assignment and the vague nature of this citation, this leads us to believe that many of Lt. Col. Phelps’ commendations and citations may have occurred in classified operations. Phelps is buried in Section A Site 739-A,
The heroics and numerous high-level citations of Lt. Colonel W. A. Phelps are still shrouded in secrecy, years after his service in the special forces in Vietnam. Phelps was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and two Silver Stars, the second and third-highest military awards in the US Armed Services.
Others We’re Researching
With each visit to Marietta National Cemetery, we find additional headstones and stories that we want to research. If you have an interesting story you want to share, post it in our comments. And following is a list we’re currently researching to learn more:
Multi-War Service Personnel. We’ve discovered many dedicated service personnel who served through multiple conflict periods. These include Air Force Colonel Frederick Kuhlman and Chief Warrant Officer Thomas O. Crocker, both of whom served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam; Master Sergeant Joseph Lewis Plant, serving in World Wars I and II.
Plane Crash Victims. In Section A, a headstone remembers five members of the 29th Bomb Group of the Army Air Force who died in a plane crash on April 29, 1942. The training mission crash occurred near Tampa, FL, between a bomber and chase plane operating out of what is now McDill Air Force Base. The unusual monument to this crew is a curiosity, and we’re wondering if there’s a local connection to the Marietta Bell Bomber factory, which built the B-29 bomber.
Brig. General John William Middleton, a one-time commanding officer of the Chinese Training Center in Kunming, and also served as the President of the War Crimes Commission.
We love hiking in all seasons. And whenever we hike, we have a camera or phone along, always taking lots of scenic photos of the landscape and surroundings. So now that fall is approaching, we’re mapping out some nearby Northwest Georgia hikes where we know fall colors will be plentiful, and where we can compare the colors to other seasons in our photos.
A spectacular fall color palette is just steps from the main parking lot and all along the canyon rim trail at Cloudland Canyon State Park.
Here are five hiking spots where we know the landscape, terrain and trees likely will deliver both fun hiking experiences and some awesome shots of colorful foliage:
Cloudland Canyon State Park. Fall colors don’t get easier or more plentiful than this. Just park at the canyon overlook lot, walk 100 yards and peer into a beautiful fall palette of green, yellow, orange and red on the opposite canyon wall. But wait, it gets even better if you take an easy walk along the overview trail for an ever-changing array of colorful foliage throughout the canyon along the one-mile round trip. But wait, there’s more! For the determined and fit, take those infamous Georgia State Park steps down on the waterfalls trail and capture great memories and photos at Cherokee Falls, Hemlock Falls, and into Sitton’s Gulch. Just remember as you walk along that you’ll have to climb up those steps to return. The combination of the canyon overlooks and foliage-framed waterfalls makes this our top spot for fall photos, and explains why it ranks nationally as one of Georgia’s best state parks.
For the adventuresome and more fit, hiking down those Georgia State Parks leads to great waterfall colors at Cloudland.
Red Top Mountain State Park. The Iron Hill trails twists and turns along the lakeshore, offering great lake views from secluded coves. Those still waters are great for reflection shots and some excellent panoramas, too. Where the trail ducks into the woods, we often capture unexpected ground level shots of colorful mushrooms and leaves matting the forest floor. We also enjoy the scenic mountainside and bridge views from near the beach and picnic shelter seven, located on a small peninsula. Or head up to the marina area to capture cross-lake shots of Pine Mountain and Vineyard Mountain, where the Allatoona Dam spans the 1,270 gap to create Lake Allatoona. You can’t beat Red Top Mountain for shots from the lake, so bring a kayak or rent a boat for some unique perspectives. Also, check out our story on the best dam views nearby.
The main photo at the top of the blog is from Red Top Mountain and Lake Allatoona. We also enjoy the spectacular colors along the trail routes.
Pine Log Creek. When you visit the small hidden quarry and see the trees reflecting from the surrounding mountainside, you’ll understand our recommendation. We’ve visited here on multiple occasions, and rarely have seen other people at the quarry or along the way. We also enjoy stops along the creek for shots up and down the waterway, where we can get overhanging trees reflecting into the shallow water.
Colorful foliage reflects beautifully in the still waters of the abandoned quarry at Pine Log Creek.
Amicalola Falls State Park. Just seeing the tallest falls in Georgia tumble more than 700 feet is worth the trip. Add the changing fall foliage, then consider the various vantage points, and it’s easy to understand why this ranks so highly. Taking the West Trail to the mid-falls bridge overlook always guarantees great shots. But we always start at the base, where anglers often surround a small pond which is great for reflections. And we never miss a stop at the lodge, where a walk out on the rear balcony offers a stunning panoramic overview of the large valley. You also can get valley shots from the top of the falls, though the field of view is a bit more limited. We did a short video of the falls in all four seasons.
We visit Amicalola Falls several times each year to capture the transitions in bright colors and subtle sunlight changes.
East Palisades. The parking lot and trails can be crowded. But you can’t beat the water-level elevations along the river for stunning fall shots. The water rushing through the large rocks offer excellent long-exposure opportunities. And we’ve never failed to see a few colorful mallard ducks.
In addition to changing leaves, we often spot colorful mallard ducks swimming in the river at the Palisades NRA near Atlanta.
And One More
Lula Falls Preserve. Yes, we promised five, but our Louisiana heritage requires us to provide some “lagniappe,” a little extra. Scenes around the falls are the most frequently-captured here. But we enjoy walking the Middle Trail, Bluff Trail and High Adventure trails first for some great photos. The downside: Lula Falls has limited opening days, and a reservation is required. You can get all the details at our blog.
Though we captured this shot in a spring visit, we can’t wait to return in the fall to recreate it with colorful foliage.
Georgia’s Tallulah Gorge consistently ranks as one of the most visited, beautiful and rugged state parks in Georgia. The Northeast Georgia natural wonder also makes several lists as one of America’s best state parks.
And on July 18, 1970, Tallulah Gorge was in the world spotlight as famed tightrope aerialist and acrobat Karl Wallenda walked the half-mile wide, 1,000-foot deep chasm. He tiptoed, stumbled and even performed handstands on a specially designed 5/8-inch-thick steel cable anchored to towers that were constructed on both sides of the gorge. An estimated 30,000 people watched in person as Wallenda walked the high cable, while millions more people watched the stunt as it was broadcast live on television around the world.
If you visit Tallulah Gorge State Park today, you’ll find the rusting hulks of the Wallenda walk towers laying near the edge of the gorge. Signage at the site provides limited information about the stunt.
If you visit Tallulah Gorge, you’ll find the rusted hulks of the two towers which held the tightrope for the Wallenda walk. Information signs provide some details about the spectacular stunt.
The World Watched
Wallenda, the patriarch of the famous Flying Wallendas, was a household name at the time, having performed death-defying stunts around the world for decades. But the Tallulah Gorge Wallenda walk rated as his most daring yet.
Scheduled for 11:00 AM EST, weather delayed the start. The wind was blowing a bit stronger than expected, and the organizers wanted to make sure that the conditions were safe for Wallenda to walk.
At noon EST, the 65-year-old daredevil stepped onto the wire. The wind was blowing at 10-15 miles per hour, with gusts up to 20 miles per hour. That wind speed was a bit stronger than Wallenda had anticipated, and he had to adjust his balance accordingly.
Wallenda completed the Tallulah Gorge tightrope walk in 18 minutes. The most harrowing moment of the walk came when Wallenda lost his balance and began to sway. He managed to regain his footing, but the incident left the crowd on edge. After recovering his balance, Wallenda performed two headstands on the narrow, swinging steel cable while suspended 750 feet above the ground.
Despite higher-than-expected winds and a shaky stumble during the Wallenda walk, Karl Wallenda performed two handstands while on the cable above the gorge. (Associated Press Photo)
Darling, Are You There?
Wearing a microphone during the feat, Wallenda narrated and joked. Addressing his wife, Helen, who refused to attend in person, Wallenda asked, “Darling, are you there? I am coming.” He added, “It’s martini time. I’d better hurry.” Apparently, Wallenda had remarked the night before the event that he wanted a martini as soon as he finished the walk.
A cheering crowd greeted Wallenda as he reached the other side. The stunt was a major success, and it helped to cement Wallenda’s reputation as one of the greatest tightrope walkers of all time.
Did Wallenda actually stumble, or was it part of his act? There’s no record of his comments on the matter, but to those watching, the stumble looked convincing.
Amazingly, this famous Wallenda walk did not earn any money for Karl Wallenda walk, according to published reports. As a world-famous personality, he could have earned a large sum for the stunt. However, he performed the daring walk as a publicity stunt for the town of Tallulah Falls, Georgia. The town hoped that the stunt would attract tourists and boost the local economy, which, of course, it did.
Planning, Practice and Engineering
While the 18-minute walk captivated attendees and millions who watched on live television, the event required extensive planning, practice and special engineering.
Organizers designed and built two concrete and steel towers to hold the tightrope, and anchored them into the rocky cliffsides high above the plunging gorge. The stunt required a customized cable. Made of high-strength steel, the cable had to withstand the weight of Wallenda and the wind.
Manufactured by the American Steel and Wire Company, the cable weighed over 1,000 pounds. Once across the gorge, the cable was was stretched to a tension of 20,000 pounds. And while stable footing was essential to Wallenda, the cable was lubricated with a mixture of beeswax and tallow to prevent rusting during it’s time exposed to Georgia’s weather.
Wallenda practiced for days on a shorter cable before his July 18 walk. The spectacle was an engineering marvel as well as an incredible display of showmanship. (Georgia State Parks Photo)
For days prior, Wallenda rehearsed his walk in on a shorter cable in the Georgia summer weather conditions. On the day of the walk, he personally inspected the cable and monitored the weather conditions before starting the stunt.
International Media Coverage
The Tallulah Gorge walk was a major media event, with coverage in newspapers, magazines, and on television around the world. The New York Times ran a front-page story about the stunt, and ABC News broadcast it live.
There are several videos of Karl Wallenda’s tightrope walk over Tallulah Gorge available online. One of the most popular videos is a clip from ABC News that shows the entire stunt. The video has been viewed over 1 million times on YouTube. This one includes pre-walk footage and the full walk. Wallenda does his first headstand at approximately 44:45 in the video.
The coverage helped to make Wallenda a household name, and it inspired a new generation of daredevils. His great-grandson, Nik Wallenda, has continued the family tradition of tightrope walking, and he has performed some of the most daring stunts in history.
Karl Wallenda’s Career
Karl Wallenda was born in Germany in 1901. He began his career as a tightrope walker at the age of 14, and he quickly became one of the most acclaimed performers in the world. He performed all over the globe, recognized for his daring stunts and his showmanship.
Wallenda’s career was not without its setbacks and tragedy. Himself injured several times, he witnessed family members die and suffer severe injury while performing their family tightrope act. On January 30, 1962, at the Shrine Circus in Detroit, Michigan, the Flying Wallendas were performing their signature seven-person pyramid stunt. Something went wrong as the pyramid was nearing completion. Dieter Schepp, a Wallenda nephew, was on the top. He lost his balance and fell. The other six performers fell with him, and Schepp died instantly. Wallenda’s son Mario was paralyzed from the waist down.
The Flying Wallendas perform their seven-person pyramid stunt on the highwire in this undated photo.
The fall was a tragedy for the Wallenda family, and it had a profound impact on Karl Wallenda. Deeply shaken, he considered retiring from tightrope walking. However, he eventually decided to continue performing.
A Fatal Fall
Karl Wallenda’s career and life ended in a fatal fall on March 22, 1978, at the Condado Plaza Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He was attempting to walk a tightrope between two towers of the hotel when he lost his balance and fell to his death. Wallenda was 73 years old at the time of his death.
The fall was a shock to the world, and it was a major loss for the tightrope walking community. ABC News carried this report on the accident. Caution: it includes footage of the fall, and also includes video and sound from the Tallulah Gorge walk. Wallenda was considered one of the greatest tightrope walkers of all time, and his death was a reminder of the dangers of the sport.
Will A Wallenda Return to Tallulah?
As previously mentioned, Karl Wallenda’s great grandson, Nik Wallenda, still performs highwire stunts. Back in 2015, Nik planned to reenact Karl Wallenda’s feat at Tallulah Gorge. And, like the true show biz family member, he announced he would up the ante. Nik planned to use television graphics technology that would put his great grandfather on the tightrope simultaneously, and the two would complete the feat in sync. The technology had been used in the Winter Olympics, and similar editing allowed singers of different generations to “perform together” in videos.
But, the walk was cancelled a few months after the stunt was announced. Nik Wallenda stated that the TV technology wasn’t quite good enough, so he would postpone the stunt. In 2023, we’re still waiting for a reschedule.
Approximately the same age as Karl Wallenda when I first visited Tallulah Gorge, I held onto the rails while crossing the wide suspension bridge!
Looking for a different and lighter dining experience after a matinee at the Fox Theatre, we headed over to The Iberian Pig, nestled beneath an overpass near the heart of Atlanta. From the moment we stepped foot into this cozy, yet elegant establishment, we were captivated by its inviting ambiance and the tantalizing aroma wafting from the open kitchen.
Having visited Spain and spending some time in Barcelona, we were transported in our minds back to the Iberian Peninsula to enjoy a relaxed meal of tapas and sangria. In fact, the Iberian Pig takes its name — and most of the pork items on the menu — from the world-famous, free-range Iberian pig breed that originated in Spain.
We ordered some sangria to set the mood. Then, the knowledgeable and helpful wait staff guided us through menu and specials recommendations.
Charcuterie, from an Iberian Pig
The tapas-style menu at the Iberian Pig is great for sampling a wide variety of dishes. But first we ordered some sangria to set the mood. Then, the knowledgeable and helpful wait staff guided us through recommendations on a charcuterie and cheese starter featuring three Iberian hams and three cheeses made from cow and sheep milks.
The culinary journey through Spain had begun, with the charcuterie and cheese acting as the guide. Our favorites were the Manchego DOP cheese, a sheep’s milk product of La Mancha, Spain, the Valdeon cheese, a blended cow and sheep’s milk blue cheese from Leon, Spain, and the chorizo Iberico de Bellota, a slightly-spicy ham.
The culinary journey through Spain began with a charcuterie tray, as cured meats and aged cheese acted as the guide.
The next selection came from the daily specials, also described tantalizingly by the wait staff. The asparaggos con jamon arrived just as described, with tender asparagus spears wrapped in a slightly crispy ham, then drizzled lightly with a tarragon cava vinaigrette. The sweet cava blended tastily with the fresh tarragon, a perfect accompaniment to the asparagus.
We ate our greens: tender asparagus spears wrapped in a slightly crispy ham, then drizzled lightly with a tarragon cava vinaigrette.
We followed that with two choices from the Iberian Pig core menu. The attention to detail and the commitment to authenticity is evident in every item. We asked to have them delivered individually, so we wouldn’t feel rushed, and we’d enjoy the best temperatures. And, of course, the wait staff and kitchen obliged.
Date Night, with Bacon
First at the table was the BWD. A plate of five medjool dates stuffed with Manchego cheese, the flavor bombs come wrapped in browned applewood bacon strips. It’s all served over a romesco sauce. The sweet dates paired well with the creamy cheese and crisp bacon. Then, we dipped into the romesco sauce for some smokey and tangy contrast. If you’re not familiar with romesco, it’s a Spanish sauce. It’s filled with charred tomatoes and roasted red peppers, puréed with toasted almonds and bread. Those flavors blend and rise with the raw garlic, vinegar, chili or red pepper for a bit of heat.
Beautiful and delicious, this plate of five medjool dates stuffed with Manchego cheese were flavor bombs wrapped in browned applewood bacon strips.
Next up was the Gambas al Ajillio, five sauteed Argentinian shrimp served in a sherry garlic butter sauce. Each shrimp was tender and sweet, and dripping with that luscious buttery sauce. Two slices of grilled sourdough bread rested on the side of the bowl. And I’m not too proud to admit that when my wife declined a slice, I used both to sop up every tasty drop of that butter sauce.
I’m not too proud to admit that I used the slices of sourdough bread to sop up every tasty drop of that butter sauce.
No Paella? At the Spanish Iberian Pig?
By this time, filled from the delicious tapas, we stopped, although we had planned on two more dishes. In fact, we had our hearts set on their Paella de Mariscos and the Octopus Carpaccio. I mean, how could one visit a Spanish restaurant WITHOUT having paella. And, we had heard from friends that Paella de Mariscos is a true masterpiece. Comprised of saffron-infused rice, studded with an abundance of succulent shrimp, clams, and mussels, it explodes with flavors. But skip it, we did, along with the dessert churros about which we had heard equally fabulous recommendations.
Arriving after a Fox Theatre matinee, we were seated immediately in the beautiful Iberian Pig dining room.
So, lesson learned. Next time, we really WILL start with the dessert churros, then go for a course of paella. And that means we’ve already begun planning our next visit to the big city from our Cobb County base.
Driving down South Marietta Parkway, it’s easy to overlook The Red Eyed Mule. Operating in a former Huddle House location and surrounded by an assortment of body shops, used car lots and nondescript commercial buildings, the small restaurant is out of sight in the blink of an eye.
So, be on the lookout for this tiny and terrific dining spot, especially if you’re in the mood for great biscuits, a variety of breakfast options, and a lunch menu focused on outstanding burgers.
We snagged the last parking spot in the lot, and then got lucky with a table, too. But the dining room and take-out area was extremely busy during our weekend breakfast.
We stopped in to Red Eyed Mule on a busy weekend morning. The parking lot was nearly full and a constant flow of hungry folks were stopping in for carryout orders. We were lucky, timing our arrival to catch the last parking spot. Then we snagged a table right away as several small parties finished and left simultaneously.
Order Up at Red Eyed Mule
Our luck continued with an outstanding and filling breakfast, perfect for starting off our busy weekend activities. While one of us saved our table, the other ordered up the goods. Our order: a smoked and grilled pork tenderloin breakfast biscuit topped with fried egg and tomato, a BLT, and accompanying sides of grits and sweet potato fried.
Even while the place was packed, our food arrived quickly, fresh off the grill. When my biscuit basket was placed on the table, the expansive biscuit and bigger pork tenderloin nearly covered the entire surface. OK, that’s a slight exaggeration, but they were seriously HUGE!
Size matters to me at breakfast, but the flavor of this grilled tenderloin biscuit with fried egg and cheese was the unequivocable highlight.
But while size matters to me at breakfast, the flavor really was the highlight. The smokey grilled pork tenderloin blended perfectly with the fried egg atop the fluffy biscuit. I was worried about the tomato, concerned that the acidity might not work with the breakfast dish. But I was wrong, as it blended wonderfully with the breakfast bite.
Across the table, my wife refused to speak to me! But only because she was so busy devouring the BLT and the hot, perfect potato fries. When I reached for a few potatoes, I nearly lost a hand! That’s how possessive and protective she was for the tasty orange strings.
I nearly lost a hand when I reached for some of these sweet potato fries.
More Than Breakfast
Now, Red Eyed Mule is a breakfast-and-lunch-only restaurant, closing at 2 pm each day. And we’ve only visited for breakfast. Among the other popular breakfast items the Southern Breakfast Burrito and Chicken and Waffles top the list. Both are hearty breakfast options.
The burrito features a flour tortilla filled with fluffy scrambled eggs, savory sausage or bacon, and melted cheese. A side of salsa or creamy hollandaise sauce accompanies the dish. The chicken and waffles are a classic breakfast favorite. The Mule’s crispy fried chicken is paired with fluffy Belgian waffles, topped with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
For us, it’s the biscuits that bring us back. Light, fluffy, and buttery, with a perfectly golden exterior, they practically melt in your mouth. And the generous sizes make a satisfying breakfast or brunch accompaniment, even if you carry half a biscuit home with you.
An outdoor seating area is perfect during breakfast, featuring larger tables in a pet-friendly environment.
For those seeking a lighter breakfast option, the Avocado Toast at Red Eye Mule is a standout choice.
A lunchtime return is high on our list. We can’t wait to try the Mule Burger, a true crowd-pleaser based on word-of-mouth and reviews. It features a juicy, hand-formed beef patty topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, tangy pickles, and a special house sauce.
Also tempting: the fried chicken sandwich, accompanied by house-made slaw, pickles, and a zesty sauce, which sounds like a satisfying balance of crunchy and tangy elements.
Pimento Cheese Fries!
Whatever we order as a main, it will be accompanied by the pimento cheese fries. A Mule-regular favorite the crispy, golden fries come generously topped with a creamy and cheesy pimento sauce that adds a bold and savory twist to this classic dish.
If you’re in doubt about the local favorites, you don’t need to read beyond the front of the menu.
Of course, you can order anything on the menu anytime, so you don’t have to be bound by our conventional meal selections. You do you. But just don’t miss the Red Eyed Mule when you’re in the area.
And, one more note. There’s an outdoor eating area that’s perfect in the morning for enjoying breakfast and coffee. And even though it was in the low 60s when we enjoyed our breakfast, there were quite a few folks who chose one of the outdoor tables with their families and pets.
Driving by Yeero Village in Northeast Cobb County on the way to an early afternoon appointment, we stopped in for a Greek lunch at Yeero Village, a family-owned restaurant which is part of the Marietta Family Restaurants group owned by local entrepreneur Gus Tselios.
For us, this was an unusual decision as Greek food isn’t in our regular restaurant rotation. During a two-week Mediterranean cruise, we made three stops on the Greek islands of Corfu, Kefalonia, and Santorini. Breaking away from tour groups, we rented a scooter on Santorini and explored the backroads, farms and smaller towns before reaching the picturesque cliff-side town of Oia. After exploring, we headed back to Fira.
Beef and lamb gyros, meats perfectly roasted on a rotating spit, wrapped in a grilled pita, and surrounded by tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce — with a Greek lunch side salad loaded with feta cheese.
Thus, yes, we had tried Greek food before, including on our Greek trip. No, we hadn’t had any bad or disappointing experiences that prevented us from choosing Greek as a regular dining option. But frankly, there just aren’t lots of Greek options nearby, which means we aren’t as familiar with the cuisine as others. And thus, since we aren’t familiar, we hadn’t been out looking for Greek lunch options. (If you’re interested in our other restaurant adventures, check out our blog, where advertising may provide revenue for the site and author.)
Greek Lunch at Yeero Village
Yeero Village was the perfect place to break our cycle of ignorance and neglect of Greek lunch cuisine. The fast casual dining concept had a large and detailed menu, which helped us understand our options. The friendly staff — many of Greek heritage — happily answered our questions and sharing their favorite items as we were there before the lunchtime rush. And the wide variety of menu options allowed us to sample multiple dishes that piqued our curiosity, tantalized our taste buds or were suggested by the staff.
Our chicken souvlaki were bite-sized morsels of chicken grilled on a skewer, and moistly basted in a seasoning sauce., accompanied by a Greek lunch salad.
When our platters arrived, we knew immediately we had ordered too much. But that was perfect for our Greek lunch tasting adventure. As to what we enjoyed while visions of Santorini danced in our heads, here’s the summary:
Pita and hummus, a perfect appetizer, sized for sharing, with a chickpea-based and sesame dip.
Greek lunch salads, heaping helpings with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions and olives, plus a tasty homemade dressing with a wonderful hint of lemon.
Beef and lamb gyros, meats perfectly roasted on a rotating spit, wrapped in a grilled pita, and surrounded by tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce,
Chicken souvlaki, bite-sized morsels of chicken grilled on a skewer, and moistly basted in a seasoning sauce.
Greek potatoes, or as I now refer to them, perfect potatoes from heaven. So good that words fail to describe them, so just get some yourself!
We arrived before the lunch crowd, and enjoyed helpful tips on staff and fan favorites from the friendly team at Yeero Village.
The plentiful leftovers made for easy carryout — as it turned out, enough for two-plus additional take home meals.
Attentive, Friendly Staff
Twice during our Greek lunch, one of the staff stopped by to check on our progress and satisfaction. Maybe that’s because they had made suggestions, or perhaps that’s just part of the friendly service at Yeero Village. In either case, it’s unusual – and delightful – to get that kind of attention at an order-at-the-counter casual dining restaurant.
As we savored our lunch, the large restaurant dining room filled for lunch. Virtually all the inside tables were filled, with several large groups occupying the tables at the center.
Part of the Marietta Family Restaurant Group, Yeero Village is located on Sandy Springs Road in Roswell.
Now we mentioned previously that Yeero Village is part of the Marietta Family Restaurant group, and we’d definitely endorse the “family” part of that moniker. In our pre-blog days, we’ve enjoyed dining at Marietta Diner and Atlanta Fish Market, both of which we enjoyed immensely. We’ll plan a trip back to those during the summer of 2023 to enjoy then again.
You’ll find Yeero Village at 4751 Sandy Springs Rd in Roswell.
Our Greek lunch transported us back to the small towns and colorful harbors we found on the backroads of Santorini.
