U.S. Tour – A Flying Road Trip #2 – Atlanta, GA

Here is our second installment on Flying Road Trips. Like most travel days, the alarm is set and a list of things still to pack or take care of grows  we chose a noon flight out of DCA. At the airport we heard clapping and excitement. An honor flight from Iowa arrived with many veterans   What a privilege it was to welcome these honored veterans to our nation’s capital!

The short flight to Atlanta was full of bumps but we arrived early. From touchdown to driving off the car rental lot it took us 2-1/2 hours! So we managed a quick pit stop on the road and even though it’s not in the book, I’ve dubbed this guy Paul Bunyon of Tires (Atlas Obscura?).

Then it was heavy traffic to navigate to the hotel. Today’s special event? Catching up with high school classmates that I haven’t seen in over 50 years. Kathy Hinds and husband Tony Wolf joined us for dinner at Bar Margot .  Have to say I was very disappointed in our table service. We notice these things unfortunately due to both of our hospitality backgrounds and known company standards. Oh well. The conversation never stopped for over 3 hours!  What a great ending to the day! 

Day 2 Road Trip Day

The only time I get up by an alarm is for early morning doctor appointments and when on vacation. Being retired does have some perks besides a senior discount!  But another day without a nap?  We’ll see how I do!,  

Our first stop on the road was to a town called Dahlonega that Kathy mentioned it to us, so of course we slid it into our itinerary for the day. Hopefuly a good breakfast stop .  No on the breakfast but a tasty chicken salad with (not enough) fresh Georgia peach pieces on a croissant shared with Karen. We had German meal plans for dinner. 

Ultimate destination? Helen, Georgia. A cute Bavarian town nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains. Before Covid changed everyone’s plans, we had reservations to visit their Christamas market. But before we wander around Helen, we headed a few minutes outside of town for a nature walk (bears?) up the steeply-paved ADA trail to Anna Ruby Falls. Wow!  Tallest falls in Georgia. There was some doubt and anxiousness about my scooter’s capabilities from the gift shop lady and Karen, but it tackled the task like a pro. Now if it only had shock absorbers. We always try to do something different and/or interesting. This side trip checked that box. We headed back down the “road to Hana” route in search of a much needed pit stop. The falls are so powerful. As we were driving next to the very rocky creek we could hear water rushing by. Lots of picnic spots. Pack a lunch and take a hike!

Being a clock watcher and working at keeping us on a flexible schedule, it was time to drive to Helen. About 15 minutes away. Karen enjoyed a German beer at King Ludwig’s  Biergarten while we rested for a few minutes. We visited many shops. And of course added to our travel ornament collection with a couple unique finds.

When we were in Germany last year we opted out of the Heidelberg excursion. We ended up having dinner at Helen’s Heidelberg restaurant for some German food. I had pork scnitzel, hot German potato salad and spaeczle (not my favorite. Will pass on this side in the future). Karen enjoyed a Rueben sandwich with lots of lean corned beef pronouncing it the best corned beef she’s ever tasted. We ended the meal with shared hot apple strudel. Again we’ve had better strudel overseas and in San Antonio. But we are fussy when it comes to some things! We brought a huge Bavarian pretzel back with us for tv snacking later. Early bedtime after relaxing to watch a couple of favorite shows. 

Day 3

Fly time. Our flying road trip is coming to and end and we already have another flying road trip planned. This one will knock a couple states off Karen’s list helping her reach her 50th state years before I even completed my 50 states! So breakfast at the hotel.. pack..drive to airport for a midafternoon flight back home. 

ADA- free handicap parkin g in Helen. Some rubble on the sides. Sidewalks all were well marked and had ramps. 

The buildings had some beautiful murals and decorations. I can’t imagine Helen, Georgia at Octoberfest or Christmas!,  yikes!  

I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on the list.