Oakland Cemetery is the oldest cemetery, as well as one of the largest green spaces, in Atlanta. Founded as "Atlanta Cemetery" in 1850 on six acres of land southeast of the city, it was renamed in 1872 to reflect the large number of oak and magnolia trees growing in the area. By that time, the city had grown and the cemetery had enlarged correspondingly to the current 48 acres. Since then, Atlanta has continued to expand, so that the cemetery is now located in the center of the city.

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After walking under the arch at the entrance, we were immediately entranced by the trees, flowers and old grave markers.

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Because of its age and location, the cemetery directly reflects the history and changing culture of the City of Atlanta and the significant events it has seen. Names of Atlanta streets, buildings, parks, subdivisions, and more can be found within the cemetery gates. An estimated 70,000 people are interred at Oakland.

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While the last plots were sold in 1884, there are still regular burials today. These are largely conducted on family-owned plots or areas owned by Atlanta (one of the most recent was former mayor Maynard Jackson, whose plot was contributed by the city). The dogwood trees were beautiful and brought me back to my Connecticut days. We took a walking tour and got to see where people like Margaret Mitchell (Gone With The Wind) and Bobby Jones (golf great) are buried.

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Bulloch Hall, located in Roswell, Gerogia is the 1839 childhood home of President Theodore Roosevelt's mother Mittie. It is an example of Greek Revival architecture and is built of heart pine.

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The floor plan which is typical to this period is called "4-square". It features a lofty center entrance hall with an equal number of rooms on each side. There are 11 fireplaces and a basement kitchen with a beehive oven. The grounds had many shade and fruit trees (some which are on the Historic Tree Register) as well as osage orange trees which were planted near the house because of their ability to discourange flies and rodents.

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In 1838 Archibald and Anne Smith moved from coastal Georgia to help settle the town of Roswell. Their plain plantation style house was completed in 1845. The furnishings and household items throughout the house are original artifacts that were owned and used by the Smiths. It is an eclectic collection starting in the 1840's and ending when the last Smith died in 1981. The home and its contents are one of the best examples of architectural, cultural and historical interpretation found in the region.

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Lunch today was at the Swan Coach House that was formerly an outbuilding of the famed Inman Swan House. This elegant restaurant that sits amongst the tall trees of the Inman mansion was a perfect place to enjoy the south!

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The Swan House is an excellent example of the Second Renaissance Revival style and represents the architectural and decorative tastes of affluent citizens in the late 1920s. Built by Edward and Emily Inman, heirs to a cotton brokerage fortune, the house was designed by well-known Atlanta architect Philip Schutze in 1928. He adapted Italian and English classical styles to accommodate 20th century living for Swan House.

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The driveway to this mansion was to the back. Upon entering, we saw this beautiful, winding stairway. The doors behind the staircase would be the front door if indeed one could enter that way! The name of the house is drawn from the swan or bird motifs that grace many of the interior rooms. The interior of the house is as elaborate as the exterior.

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This is the front of the Swan House. As you can see, there is no way to approach the house from here. The Inmans moved into their new home in 1928 and just three years later, at the age of 49, Mr. Inman passed away. Mrs. Inman didn't like living in this elegant home alone so she asked her oldest son to come to live there with his wife and small children. Mrs. Inman lived at Swan House until her passing at the age of 84 in 1965.

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The Atlanta Botanical Gardens mission is to "develop and maintain plant collections for the purposes of display, education, conservation, research and enjoyment". The garden is home to two glass art pieces by Dale Chihuly. This piece sits in the middle of a formal garden that was abloom with tulips when we were there.

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I couldn't resist including this picture of a snowball tree. I think it almost looks like cottonballs have been attached to it!!

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The Atlanta Botanical Garden makes tremendous efforts to ensure that there is something fantastic to enjoy on site throughout the year. During the colder months, they feature the orchids asthey are housed inside. This year, the exhibit was titled Pop! and featured this display inspired by Pop artist Andy Warhol.

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