The best thing about Fall in Atlanta (other than the Dawgs) is festivals and events!  Laura and I went to the Candler Park Festival last week, and I remembered how much I love being outside in this weather.  I discovered the coolest brands there, and cot the cutest stuff for my house.

I am at that age where great things are happening to all my friends.  Marriages, births, new houses, and showers of some sort are happening almost weekly. It's wonderful, and it means I'm in the market for a lot of gifts (which is fine with me since I love shopping).  The other day Lindley and I were exploring Krog Street Market, and we wandered into The Merchant Atlanta.  

I've lived in Atlanta my whole life.  I was there for the opening weekend of Underground Atlanta.  The day 400 opened my dad took us for a joy ride from top to bottom, gleefully tossing his $50 cents in the toll.  We attended almost every Olympic event possible, and we spent time in the Olympic Village and the brand spanking new Centennial Olympic Park.  My friends and I went to Phipps Plaza as soon as it opened and then became regulars at the movie theater.  When Kevin Gillespie returned from Top Chef and took his place back at Woodfire Grill, I had reservations the first week.  I rejoiced at the opening of Atlantic Station and took my family down to stroll the avenues and check out the shops.  I support the local festivals, and we make an annual trek to Chomp and Stomp and the Piedmont Park Arts Festival.  I was one of the first to learn about what was The Streets of Buckhead and had a front row seat as they finally built Buckhead Atlanta.  I'm a member of the High Museum of Art and Zoo Atlanta, and I go to the Botanical Gardens Night of Lights every year...  

I love Atlanta.  It's in my blood.  I cheer for her success.   I always believe in the spirit of Atlanta and that her next big break is around the corner... unless it's actually here...

The opening of the Atlanta Beltline, Krog Street Market and Ponce City Market is the truest representation of Atlanta Spirit I've ever seen.  The sense of community is palpable.  People are meeting and walking and enjoying each other and their community.  We go almost every weekend, and there is always something new and exciting happening.  We saw our favorites, The Whiskey Gentry in the park, and the next night we accidentally got caught in the lantern parade.  We ate burgers at Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall and sampled beers at Hop City Beer.  We go for margaritas and tacos at Superica and walk over to Jeni's for ice cream.  

Photographer Katie Oblinger and I set out to interview The Optimist's new head chef Wesley True last week.  It was our first chef interview and photo shoot, and we were both a little nervous.  As soon as we walked in and met Chef True we were immediately at ease.  He was warm and friendly, and the restaurant had clean lines, contemporary design, and great vibes. Katie got photos of True that captured his spirit and fun loving personality.  After the shoot, I sat down with him and let him tell me his story.