The ‘111 Places in Atlanta That You Must Not Miss’ Challenge
I like to stay busy. It’s difficult for me to spend a full weekend indoors or have blank stretches of time on my calendar. Typically, I fill the void by planning little challenges for myself or dreaming up my next vacation. But, in March 2021, it didn’t look like I was going to be traveling anywhere, anytime soon. Like so many other people, I was spending my time online, trading in-person events for virtual ones. One of these programs, an author chat, turned out to be the inspiration I needed.
Travis Swann Taylor, an Atlanta photographer and writer, shared his new project, a book called 111 Places in Atlanta That You Must Not Miss. This book was the latest installation in a series of 111 Places publications that highlights cities around the world. Travis spoke about his travels around Atlanta, some of his favorite finds, and pieces that Atlanta residents might be familiar with — but not know the full story.
That’s all it took. I had found my next challenge! March 2021, I bought myself a paperback copy (which Travis graciously signed for me) and started working my way through the list of 111 places. It took 12 months, a couple of tanks of gas, several willing friends, many coordinating emails, and a few small incidents of trespassing — but I did it! I visited all 111 places. I also kept tabs on my travels by creating the Instagram account @Megan111Places and tagging Travis and book publisher Emons each time I saw one of the spots. Emons encourages its readers to participate in the 111 Places Challenge and even has an online Wall of Champions for those who complete their 111 Places adventures. (Hopefully, I’ll be making an appearance there, soon).
Here are a few of the highlights from my 111 Places adventures:
Hidden Gems: Atlanta’s Memorial to the Six Million, Army Aviation Heritage Foundation & Flight Museum, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple, Historic Sylvester Cemetery, “Lifting the Veil of Ignorance” statue at Booker T. Washington High School, Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University, Old Car City USA, SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film, Public Stargazing at Georgia Tech, Southeastern Railway Museum
Most Difficult to Access: Atlanta Federal Reserve Monetary Museum, Besharat Gallery, CDC Museum, Crypt of Civilization at Oglethorpe University, Waffle House Museum
Sorry to See Them Go: Agatha’s: A Taste of Mystery, Atlanta Movie Tours
Best “New” Stories: 1895 Exposition Steps at Piedmont Park, Biltmore Radio Towers, Centennial Tower, Noguchi Playscapes at Piedmont Park, Rainbow Terrance at The Lullwater Estate, Trilon Fountain, World Athletes Monument
Of all the places I’ve visited over the past year, my hands-down favorite was the Booth Western Art Museum. I wasn’t sure what to expect (what does Western art entail?), but this museum is fantastic. The modern structure is filled with paintings, artifacts, pictures, movie memorabilia, and an entire room dedicated to US Presidents’ handwriting. The museum’s sculptures spill out from the hallways onto the beautiful grounds outside. I haven’t stopped talking about the Booth since I visited in July and I can’t wait to go back.
I was so excited to learn about Travis’ book, and working my way through 111 Places in Atlanta has been such a fun adventure. I highly recommend picking up a copy and exploring the city. As for me, I’m looking forward to joining Emon’s Wall of Champions and finding my next challenge…