poss

My research tells me that temperatures are usually pretty cool at that time of year. Are these gardens inside-- so that outside weather doesn't matter? Or are they really the kind of gardens that one doesn't visit in "winter"? Thanks!
(Trying to decide whether to accompany husband on business trip-- and not interested in Coke, CNN, etc.)

starrsville

I posted on your other thread.
http://www.atlantabotanicalgarden.or...nt/orchid_daze

poss

Thank you, starrsville. I did check that website, but I'm still unclear about those gardens. Is it not correct that the gardens are mainly an OUTDOORS experience-- and that end of Feb/ealy March virtually nothing will be in blossom? I'm not very interested in seeing the glassworks, though it'd be enjoyable to see the "real" orchids (we've seen many superb orchid collections, including in Costa Rica, but we never tire of them) In short, it still seems to me that early March is not a very appealing time to be in Atlanta or to see gardens-- but I've never been to Atlanta, so that could be much mistaken.
Thanks for in-put.

aileen679

They do have a section planted with camellias, a few of which will be blooming through March. I have not seen this section of the garden (it was summer when we went) and I don't really know if it will be worthwhile for you. The recent cold could have ruined the blooms. I have only been there once and my feeling is that the Garden is more of an outdoor exhibit. It was enjoyable, but I wouldn't want to stroll around if it were chilly.

I found the displays that were indoors, were interesting. If you haven't been to the Aquarium, think about it instead of the Gardens. We sat for hours just watching fish swim.

poss

thanks for responding aileen. We've been to the Monterey Aquarium and National Aquarium so many times (love them!) I doubt whether the one in Atlanta is enough different or superior to make it worth a visit. But maybe.....

starrsville

poss, check out the new aquarium. I like it FAR more than the Monterey aquarium.

http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/

The glassworks exhibit is in the Fuqua conservatory. It's worth seeing every day of the year.

Here's a map of the gardens -
http://www.atlantabotanicalgarden.or...arden_map.html

Here's a list of what's in bloom -
http://www.atlantabotanicalgarden.or...ens/InBloom.do

I've not been in winter, but evidently there is a "winter garden".

Day temps have gone up to the high 40's and 50's lately. Who knows what the end of Feb may be?

Laura147

I too will be accompanying my husband on a trip at the end of February... Atlanta in February is pretty dismal as far at the weather goes. I have been to Atlanta many times in February. I have been to the aquarium, (disappointing after all of the hype), the zoo (love the pandas). Usually I pack gym clothes, make a spa appt., and go to the movies while I am there. I have found over the years that indoor activities win out over anything outside.

starrsville

I enjoy the Preservation walking tours of Atlanta - including the Fox theatre.

There's a Louvre exhibit at the High.

I like Natural Body spa - they have several locations around town.

Dismal? That makes me sad. So many of us are hiking up Stone Mountain (a little over a mile up the trail), biking, kayaking, running and walking.

Spa treatments and movies are wonderful no matter where you are. Be sure to go to the new Atlantic Station. Shops, restaurants and a great new movie theatre.

Laura147

Sorry starrsville, I must hit unlucky weather every time I go to Atlanta in February. Gray skies and a cold rain. I too love to hike, but not in rainy cold weather.

starrsville

No, movies and a spa sounds like a good option.

How about a drive out to Chateau Elan and do a wine tasting?

aileen679

Another idea, if you are interested in antiquities from the really, really old civilizations, is the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University. It is great!!

For a list of displays and activities, check out the web site.

http://www.carlos.emory.edu/

Donna

The gardens can be pretty dismal in February, but there is the Orchid greenhouse and a walk through Piedmont Park if the weather is nice (sunny and 50's should be OK). There is also Fernbank Science museum - with IMAX theaters. A lot of theater in Atlanta and shopping, of course. Try www.accessatlanta.com.

poss

I appreciate everyone's in-put. I think I'll probably pass on this trip, since I've no great desire to do inside things and it's unlikely the temps will permit enjoyable outside kinds of activities. (Was sorry to hear the disappointment in the aquarium.)