Photo by Pam the Nomad.
I hope you all had a wonderful, wonderful weekend! On Saturday we had a tantalizing glimpse of spring here in the ATL (70s and sunny). My bf’s family were in town, so we spent the day taking advantage of the free tours the Atlanta Preservation Center had along the historic Auburn Avenue.
These first three photos of this post are taken by my bf’s talented photog sister. That first one is of me sitting outside of my new favorite place- the Sweet Auburn Bread Company. You have to try their sweet potato muffins! Or if you like something a little richer, the sweet potato cheesecake cooked on top of a thin layer of biscuit is out of this world! Bill Clinton agrees.
Photo by Pam the Nomad.
What makes Auburn Avenue so sweet? Cheesecake! Oh yeah, and gobs of toe-tingling history. Ebenezer Baptist Church is here, so is Martin Luther King Jr.’s childhood home, which is down the street from Big Bethel, the Royal Peacock and the Sweet Auburn Curb Market (still in operation today).
Photo by Pam the Nomad.
Above is our lovely tour guide Mary from the Atlanta Preservation Center telling us about the Royal Peacock’s famous performers and clientele: Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters, B.B. King, the Four Tops, Ray Charles, James Brown, Sam Cook, Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, The Supremes, Joe Lewis, Jackie Robinson, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Ike and Tina and and Gladys Knight. Amazing, non?
That’s Cath sitting on the steps of Big Bethel AME Church. Historically the church was a spiritual home as well as an unofficial city hall of Sweet Auburn and a landmark for party goers (you could spot the glowing “Jesus Saves” signage on the spire from anywhere in Atlanta).
Atlanta definitely had its very dark and abysmal moments in history, but I love living somewhere with a diverse culture and past. And if the slow revitalization of Sweet Auburn is any indication, I think this city is on track for more toe-tingling goodness.
What did you guys do this weekend? During our rainy Sunday, my bf and I stayed indoors and watched C-SPAN for hours and hours until the health care bill(s) finally passed. Anyone else watch? We kept hoping the House would be as entertaining inspiring as the House of Common debates we sometimes see. I don’t think the orange hues of Rep. Boehner would be allowed near the Houses of Parliament, do you?
Thanks for the tour. I’m always driving Auburn but rarely stopping.
It looks like you guys had a blast in town this weekend! I’m glad you got to enjoy the glorious weather–can you believe it was snowing this morning?!
Hi there-sounds like a wonderful weekend and such lovely pictures too! Auburn looks a wonderful place to see, lucky you indeed!
Thanks for your comment! I indeed had a terrific time in Cairo – you should definitely try to get there, even though I thought the Sphix was wayyyy smaller than expected 😉
All the best!
New visitor here and I am hooked! 🙂
Thanks so much for stopping by Bored and Crafty!
You ladies are so awesome for doing “local” tours. I need to learn more about my OWN city!
I’ve missed you two. I HAVE MISSED YOU TWO.
Did I mention I miss you guys?
You had me at Sweet Potato Muffin
It’s funny that you watch C-Span.my husband always tries to make me watch it but I feel embarrassed at how the polititians act. I don’t know what it’s like in the US but in Canada they yell insults at each other like children on the playground.
A representative from Texas did yell “Baby Killer” to Rep. Stupak during his speech about the anti-abortion amendment (sigh), but personally attacking a member of the House is usually a big no, no. which makes for much less excitement. I have to make-do with heckling Boehner and his spray-on tan from my living room.
That Jesus saves sign is like a landmark. I like seeing it when I come in town from being away.
WG, I had never noticed the sign before. After almost 10 years in Atlanta and I’ve never seen it. No wonder I’ve never been “saved”! hahaha!
It looks like a beautiful sunny weekend. I realize now that I have never been to ATL. All I know about your home is collected from “Real Housewives” episodes . so probably not representative. Must get out more.
Ohhhh fabulous photos!! I loveeeee that big yellow bag! So cute! 🙂
Hey! Just wanted to say that I’ve been lurking for some time now, but really love your blog. These local tours are fantastic. Photos, as always, are superb.
Aww thanks so much for the comment, Taryn! We love hearing from our readers 😉
What a great post! Love it. Lar – you look so adorable in the first pic! Did you hear about the N.O. theme event at Park Tavern this coming Saturday? Thought about you (your blog) when I read about it. 🙂
I hadn’t heard about it, Deanna! Thanks so much for letting me know!
Yay! What a fun summery outfit. I watched/heard about the healthcare bill being passed too! congrats!
oh and lauren, i have to thank you for your AWESOME tips on scotland! They were so helpful and it’s made me even more excited to travel! i know maybe one person who has been that way years ago, so your advice is very valuable!
Brilliant photos. It looks like a beautiful time in Atlanta!
Great photos! You look so cute in the first pic and I love the brown boots. We also had similar weather in LA this past weekend. loved it!
xo, becs
love this! i have been thinking a lot lately about taking a “staycation” in atlanta. staying in the highland inn or something and doing all kinds of touristy things. it’s easy to forget how much history there is here!
Oooh I love that first photo, the weather look so beautiful. Nice to learn a bit more about where you live too! Definitely a rich history there.
Love the bag and boots.oh, and that pic of le BF 😛
Lusty x0x0
that first photo is so beautiful! love the colours! and what an nice outfit!
xxx