NewsBreak Original

Pt. 1 of 2... In this episode we visit the AMAZING Atlanta History Center thinking we were just chasing down another part of the Great Locomotive Chase... the gorgeous Texas, which was instrumental in recapturing the legendary General Locomotive. Instead, we ended up captivated by the Cyclorama, an 1886 painting of Sherman's Siege on Atlanta. The colors and artistry of the painting was breathtaking along with the mind-blowing diorama built in the 1930's. This History Center has it ALL!!!!! So much, that we're having to break it up into a two part series! We highly encourage anyone who's able, to make the trip to see the awesome displays, but make sure you plan to spend the day as just a few hours will not cut it!

In this episode, Tommy and I visit Marietta's Sope Creek Trail and the site of what was once the largest paper mill in the state. Along with these historical ruins, Sope Creek is a beautiful urban trail that offers scenic views and birdwatching. The hike down to the mill is easy as long as you pay attention to the exposed root systems along the trail. Total trail length is a 3.6 mile loop. It's definitely a place worth visiting! Parking is $5 for the day. Links: <a href="https://npplan.com/parks-by-state/georgia/at-a-glance-chattahoochee-river-national-recreation-area/park-units-chattahoochee-river-national-recreation-area/cochran-shoals-chattahoochee-river-national-recreation-area/hiking-trails-cochran-shoals-unit-of-the-crnra/sope-creek-hiking-trails-cochran-shoals-unit-of-the-crnra">https://npplan.com/parks-by-state/georgia/at-a-glance-chattahoochee-river-national-recreation-area/park-units-chattahoochee-river-national-recreation-area/cochran-shoals-chattahoochee-river-national-recreation-area/hiking-trails-cochran-shoals-unit-of-the-crnra/sope-creek-hiking-trails-cochran-shoals-unit-of-the-crnra</a>/

In this episode, Tommy and I visit the Atlanta History Center's Smith Farm and Swan House, as well as learn about Elizabeth "Lizzie" McDuffie, maid to the Inman's, and later, advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Ms. McDuffie was a pioneer for government worker's rights, as well as Roosevelt's closest advisor on affairs of Colored People. These amazing grounds of the Atlanta History Center kept us engaged the entire time, moving from stunning gardens, to 19th Century Farmstead, and then into some amazing Italian/English Classical Architecture as represented by the Swan House. Built on the cusp of the Great Depression, the Swan House is a stunning example of Atlanta High Society in early Buckhead, before the crash cost many entrepreneurs their livelihood and lifestyle. $25 gets you access to not only the museum but also to the gardens, the Smith Farm, and the Swan House.