Seeing Friends in Atlanta with a Coke and a Smile
A few days in Atlanta in a stop between New York and the West Coast
We recently concluded a multi-day visit to Atlanta, Georgia. Home of the Brave(s), Falcons, CNN and Cocoa Cola. As Debbie and I have been criss- crossing the United States, we originally missed this vibrant city heading east. Given a new opportunity, we were happy to spend a few days here.
We actually could have extended our stay more than a few days. We arrived just prior to #8 Alabama (11-1) was slated to take on #1 Georgia (12-0) in a marquee college football game last weekend. However, we didn’t have tickets. We missed a good one, a 27-24 ‘Bama victory setting up the four team college football playoff games.
In any case, we previously had scheduled plans. A rarity for our journey but it was time to go. We had to settled by staying at the SEC headquartered hotel for the game, the Hyatt Regency off of Peachtree. A terrific property. We were able to exit before college football madness took over.
When I knew we would be in Atlanta, I reached out to a few industry friends. I quickly connected with Phelps Hope and asked if he was available to get together. Lucky for me, he was. We found time for lunch and to catch up in person.
I first met Phelps soon after I accepted the CEO job in Northern Nevada. Shaun Tracy our Southeast Regional Sales person called on him and Shaun and I made joint sales calls. That’s how we originally met.
Not long after that, Phelps agreed to be an early participant on our new Customer Advisory Board. He was a valuable and active volunteer on our 20-plus member board. He and I have been friends ever since.
I met Phelps at a Sushi restaurant in the city. There was hardly a moment of silence between us. We spoke about what has changed since we last spoke, shared the latest tourism industry news, updates from our individual families, outlook on life, what was new in Atlanta and of course what’s next for each of us.
I am grateful for the friendships made in the travel and tourism industry. Phelps is a gem of a guy.
Once lunch was over, I had time to explore more of the city. Debbie was tied up in meetings so I was on my own. Other than coming back to Atlanta for sales meetings for work, it had been years since I visited Atlanta.
The very first time I ever visit Atlanta was immediately after I graduated college at UCI. My high school friend and neighbor Scott and I created a once in a lifetime adventure. We drove 10,000 miles in six weeks. Oh yeah, we also took in Major League League Baseball Games in 23 different stadiums, saw the Carlsbad Caverns, and my first broadway musical. Atlanta and Fulton County Stadium was one of those stops during the post-college trip. Atlanta holds a special place for me for an entirely another reason, but baseball related. In my first season as an executive with the Dodgers, April 10, 1991 to be exact, I was on the road with the team as we beat the Braves, 6-4 on opening day.
During my post college trip with Scott, we also experienced The Varsity, a local and delicious greasy restaurant that first opened its doors in 1928.
I passed on a return visit to The Varsity this time and opted for a new and fresh experience. I decided on the World of Cocoa Cola, a short walk from my hotel. The Museum featured movies, interactive exhibits, an extensive history and of course a tasting room from the many different brands owned by the company.
![Photos from the Cocoa Cola Museum in Atlanta Georgia](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F820d9c86-557d-4c3f-912b-698fee1fde52_3024x4032.jpeg)
![Photos from the Cocoa Cola Museum in Atlanta Georgia](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1ec5c4c5-2898-4866-be81-02a930a81e76_2945x4032.jpeg)
The facility is located on a campus, with the Georgia Aquarium and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights just steps away. Adjacent to the facilities is Centennial Olympic Park, site of the 1993 Olympic Games.
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Next up, a unique challenge in our journey. Could we drive cross country, from Atlanta to Arizona in two days and back to Southern California on the third day? Details later this week.
Catch Up on Past Posts
Post Thanksgiving: We Ate at a Drive Through Steak and Sushi Restaurant
Anteaters, USC and a College Basketball Game
Now Back to Regularly Scheduled Programming
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