We had an absolutely fantastic experience at the Museum of Illusions Atlanta! Laci and the entire…read moreteam were welcoming, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic, which made the visit even more enjoyable. They took the time to engage with guests, explain the exhibits, and make sure everyone was having fun. The museum itself is interactive, creative, and perfect for all ages--but it's the staff that truly makes it special. Huge thanks to Laci and the team for creating such a memorable and entertaining experience. We can't wait to visit again! Aloha, Johnny

It's something to do if you're bored, but I've been to better by far overseas for a museum of…read moreillusions. When we went it was during Valentine's weekend and it was PACKED. It did its job to entertain and be unique, but the cameras were fuzzy when taking our pics and the gift shop was so-so. There are bathrooms which are nice to have in there. I say it like that because it seemed too tiny to have any sadly not gender neutral.. in any case. I would say go here if you have nothing else to do, but once you been, that's kinda it. Was hoping it was more elaborate and bigger and maybe even informative and more scientific perhaps.

Excellent. I'm a member at this museum because I always love being able to swing by and enjoy the…read moreart. Last night, I pre-paid (about two months ago) for parking and the Friday Night jazz event. The Jazz was great. The museum exhibits were great.

Can't give it a 5-star because of the websites clarity, with the add ons. I lost 25.00 for reserved…read moreparking... that is for evening events(6pm) and I had a 1pm visit. The website did not make that clear. Lucky enough, the young lady gave me a sticker, normally given to members for validation parking. She told me I was not the only one who had done the same. Besides that, such a wonderful experience! I love the crisp white and architectural look of there building. The courtyard had cute seating. The entry was very open and spacious. They do offer a coat check, had a cute little café style area off to the side, and there gift shop was everything! Get a taste of some nice art pieces in there lobby. Each staff member that I came in contact with, from the beginning to the end was so nice and helpful. And there's nothing greater than a clean restroom...WIN! I had the opportunity to catch the Viktor & Rolf exhibit. I'm a fashion lover girlie and this was, such a joy of a time for me! I did get turned around a little trying to locate the exhibit... but when I did, the elevator doors opened and boom... the art in fashion slapped me in my face(lol). They did a awesome job and recommend, if it returns or has a showing in another city go see it.

I brought a birthday cake for my birthday and when we checked in for my reservation the staff…read morebasically took the cake out of my hands saying "we'll bring it to you it's no problem!" and I said thank you and we were sat. At the end of our meals, the cake was brought out, no knife, no plates. He asked after I blew out the candles (that my mom brought) if we wanted the cake cut and he would take it to the back to have it sliced. I said no I want to cut it myself and that was fine with him. When we got our check, a $25 fee was added to our bill for the cake. We were not made aware of the add on whatsoever. I think if they would've mentioned from the get go that we had to pay for my cake to be brought out we would've declined and kept the cake with us.

This is a beautiful welll kept garden that has been around for a long time and is part of the…read moreCalloway Legacy. We went in September and there was much green but very little blooming. The Calloway house is beautiful and is well kept. There are many original pieces in the house from 1916. The tour was excellent and the guide answered all your questions. You could not take pictures in the house. There are 3 stories in the house and do not expect elevators. This is not a place To take young children.

If you find yourself in Douglasville, GA I suggest you have lunch at Gabe's, my favorite Cajun…read morerestaurant. (They close at 2:00, before re-opening for dinner. Leave room for their bread pudding. You'll thank me!) Afterwards, plan to spend an hour or so in the museum across the street. We walked in, the only visitors in the building. An employee came out and said someone would show us around. "No need," I replied. "We can go through the museum on our own." Because doors are locked -- the museum is a series of rooms -- they insist on a guide. And y'know --- it was great! Our docent had a ton of information and stories. With donated 'artifacts' from past and present Douglas County residents, there's a diversity of exhibits: Coca Cola memorabilia, lunch boxes, medical equipment, washing machines, fossils ... you name it, they likely have it. There are rooms devoted to local luminaries. (The docent made a big deal about an American Idol runner up who returned from the show's finale to a parade in her honor.) A photo of retired Cubs pitcher Taylor Phillips caught my eye. I met him at my mother's senior residence, in nearby Dallas. The tour culminates in the gift shop. There's a water cooler filled with local mineral spring aqua. "People buy this -- not at the museum -- for its medicinal properties. $18 a gallon!" our guide said. We tried some, and well .... save your money! 'Bleah!' to quote Charlie Brown's dog Snoopy. Admission is free. Donations gratefully accepted. And frankly -- this may have been the best thing I've done all week!

Not being a Georgia native, I love exploring new destinations. Last year got relocated by my…read moreemployer to the Douglasville area, and I must admit, this place is a hidden gem (even by many locals). Make sure you get a tour of the museum, instead of doing a self guided tour. The guides are very knowledgeable, and are also the ones that are expanding the exhibits. The building itself is "ugly", however the architecture style has become famous, and visited by many architectural students (feel free to ask why when you're there). Additionally, a movie was also filmed there. Douglasville is rich in history, and if you want to learn about it, then this is the place to be. As you can tell, I'm not giving many details in hopes that you'll visit (don't want to spoil it for you). The tours are free, and houses several private collections as well. Enjoy!

Abner's in Good Hands -- Champ's Clocks is a Treasure…read more Some businesses are more than just a service -- they're a tradition. Champ's Clocks is exactly that. I first met Nick in 2021 when my grandfather clock stopped working. When the same clock needed attention again recently, reaching out to Champ's Clocks was an easy call. Nick worked me into the schedule without hesitation, and what followed reminded me why small businesses like this one are so special. Nick's father joined him on the second visit, and the experience became something far more meaningful than a simple repair. He shared the rich history of the business -- how the craft was passed down from his own father, and how they've been serving their community with this rare and deeply respected knowledge for quite some time. Listening to him explain the parts and the mechanics of a clock that has been in my family since 1984 was genuinely fascinating. I also had the privilege of experiencing their annual event, held the day before we spring forward, where the chimes ring out in celebration. It was a wonderful moment that perfectly captured how Champ's Clocks has become a true staple of their local community -- a business that genuinely appreciates the people it serves. During the event, we also had the chance to browse their inventory -- which was incredible -- and found the perfect clock for an upcoming milestone birthday. It was a reminder that Champ's Clocks isn't just a repair shop; it's a destination. Most recently, the pendulum became detached. I sent a photo of the part, and Nick not only had it on hand but came out the very next day. I had a scheduling conflict and couldn't be there -- no problem. They came in, completed the repair, sent a photo of the finished work, left the invoice, and had the clock set to the correct time before they left. That kind of trust and professionalism is rare. What also speaks to their integrity is that they could have easily recommended a full rebuild -- but instead they focused on preserving what I have, replacing only the parts that made sense to do together rather than attempting a repair that wouldn't serve me long term. They have always been mindful of cost and genuinely have my best interest at heart. That kind of honesty is everything when you're entrusting someone with something irreplaceable. Our grandfather clock -- named Abner, after my great-grandfather -- is the heartbeat of our home. Its rhythm, its chime, its presence through life's most meaningful moments makes it irreplaceable. Knowing it's in the hands of Nick and his father gives me tremendous peace of mind. In a world increasingly defined by technology and disposability, Champ's Clocks is a reminder that some things are worth preserving -- and that the people who dedicate their lives to that preservation deserve our deepest appreciation. Thank you, Nick, and thank you to your father and the entire Champion family.

WOW!!! What an amazing experience. Andy and Chevy gave us a tour of the store and were very…read moreknowledgeable about all of the inventory. We happened to be there at the top of the hour when all of the chimes went off...GOOSEBUMPS! We took [pictures and have been showing them to everyone who will look at them. If they do not have the clock for you, then you don't need a clock. We left our clock for repair and we were told up front that it may be several months before they could complete the work. We were OK with that. Thanks Andy and Chevy for a great experience.

Millennium Gate Museum was a complete waste of time and money on our most recent trip to Atlanta…read more Coming from Tennessee, I felt this would be a unique and similar experience to the Parthenon Replica in Nashville complete with curated exhibits, art galleries, statues, and a park. However, the entire experience was lacking and felt like a dated, run down tourist trap. Upon arrival the actual monument is beautiful. The park is pretty and has nice views of the city. We paid for admission to the museum which is $12 for General Admission and $10 for Students. Even with the student discount, this felt like an overreach for what we got out of the experience. There was only one worker and there were no other patrons in the museum this day AT ALL. It was very quiet and awkward. The indoor galleries consisted primarily of a long hallway with antique furniture with pictures of random people from Atlanta. The gallery was primarily pictures (that I could see online for free) with descriptions and did not contain many actual artifacts or items to look at. The few cases had weird assortments of items such as plates, buttons, and kitchen utensils. It felt like I was looking through the remains of a yard sale, with many items not even having descriptions. Overall the exhibit did not feel very curated, but rather felt like an odd assortment of someone's old junk put on display. We were unable to see the rooftop conservatory that was advertised online with pretty views of the parks. I feel this should be excluded from the website and marketing for General Admission if it is not accessible and staffed properly. The outdoor spaces are pretty; however, these could be visited for free outside of museum admission and did not require payment. Overall the entire museum took approximately 20 minutes to walk through, and left us feeling scammed. It was awkward walking past the one worker after we quickly walked through what little the museum had to offer. I would not recommend this to anyone and will skip this on our next trip to Atlanta.

This was the highlight of my trip since it was an unexpected delight. I was on a stroll around the…read morehotel and saw this beautiful European style arch with a huge French flag. It piqued and I decided to take a closer look and it turned out to be a history museum! I wandered in and it was deserted so was unsure of how it was going to be. It turned out to be a beautiful but small museum with a lot of interesting artifacts from Georgia/US history, WWII and also has fragments from the Bodmer Papyrus (worth Googling) There were also a lot of moving letters on display about a board member who had recently passed, Asa Candler VI (descendant of the Coco-Cola founder). Based on the letters, he was a truly wonderful man who had an amazing life and touched a lot of people positively. Condolences to the family.

The Super Bloom at the Atlanta Botanical Garden was such a beautiful sight and happy I got to see…read moreit. Tickets run about $26.95 for standard adult admission, with slight variations depending on the day and if purchased online or in person. Given the sheer scale of the grounds, it feels like a fair value. I went on a weekday, which I highly recommend. Parking is incredibly straightforward, you park right on-site at the SAGE Parking Facility. It starts at $3 per hour, but keep in mind that the garage is entirely cashless, so you will need a card. Also if there is an event at Piedmont Park, parking may be impacted. Check-in was quick, and while there were visitors, it never felt crowded or overwhelming. The entire experience flowed smoothly from start to finish. This is perfect for a solo adventure. They were celebrating their 50th anniversary with the Super Bloom display, and it showed. There were over 200,000 tulips and spring bulbs throughout the garden. When I reached the Great Lawn, it opened up into a full sea of color. The visual texture of so many layered, vibrant petals blooming all at once was stunning. Each section felt different. One moment I was surrounded by vibrant florals, the next I was walking through lush greenery that felt almost like a rainforest and the air was so clean. It naturally slowed me down in the best way. The Orchid Daze exhibit was a highlight for me. It was calm, lightly fragrant, and tucked away enough to feel like a quiet escape. I ended up staying longer than expected. It would have been nice, if they had more dedicated seating areas. There weren't many spaces designed for just sitting and being, closer to the flowers especially if you wanted to relax without being in the middle of foot traffic. The grounds were clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed. There were also great spots for photography, I saw everything from casual photos to full-on portrait sessions. On-site Dining If you plan to stay for a while there is a restaurant on-site, which is convenient. The menu was simple, light bites, sandwiches, and seasonal options. Pricing was about what you'd expect for a major attraction, averaging around $25 to $40 per person for a casual lunch. Overall: A way to slow down and take things in. Peaceful, beautiful, and worth the visit. I'm already curious to see how it will transform for summer.

My experience at this botanical garden was pretty mid. Not worth the $35 paid in my opinion…read more The garden overall was pretty neat and clean. A good place to walk around. However, the variety of plants and exhibits weren't very impressive. It was also disappointing to see the lady flower landmark not fully ingrained with flowers around late April. The most impressive part to me were the greenhouse plant exhibits. There was a good variety of plants there from different corners of the world. The outdoor exhibits were just not that interesting. Parking is an additional charge, so my friend and I did free street parking nearby and just walked to the entrance. They also have a couple food options within the gardens. My friend and I got some popsicles for $5 which was nice since it was pretty humid at the time we went. Unfortunately, I wouldn't recommend, but I didn't have a terrible time here.

I visit this treasure of a museum every time I'm in Auburn. I've been here at different time to…read morecapture it's beauty and also attended an evening event a few months ago. The Jule Collins Smith is not large, so it allows you to take your time walking the galleries. Upon entering look up at the Chantilly chandelier in the lobby. Admission is free, however a donation of $5 is a suggestion. There is a gift shop and cafe up front. Visitors can see unique wood art known to the area as "wood turning". A special collection from the 1930's Alabama state fair stored for 70 years was displayed during my visit. The museum is owned and operated in conjunction with Auburn University. If you have and hour or so I would recommend a tour. Although the museum closes in the late afternoon its lighting in the evening is spectacular.

Sure, it's not the Met, but for this college town, the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art is…read morepretty dandy. I will admit to being in love with the museum building itself and the grounds. They'd be a perfect setting for a wedding or some such event. It's a modern spacious building that gets lots of light and overlooks a pond next to College Street. The small size works to its advantage. Sometimes extremely massive museums can be overwhelming. Since the Smith Museum isn't that large, you can see it all in a reasonable timeframe. Just a heads up that the museum is often closed during school breaks and holidays. So check the website or call before you head over if it's during those times. But all is not lost if the museum isn't open; you can stroll around the property which includes fountains, gardens, and outdoor art. The current exhibit outside is called Out of the Box, and it is really cool. Highly recommended and Instagram-able. The little gift shop is worth a quick peek. There is lots of parking. And best of all, it's free! Pop in for your dose of culture and class.

We visited on a Saturday. We had tried to visit in 2019, but it wound up being closed that day…read more(without any notification). We returned one weekend in early 2020. While it is free, they suggest a donation to tour it. The venue itself is fairly nice. It is built into a former church, and has ~ 2.5 levels of galleries. I thought the space was quite good. The staff (one individual we dealt with) was very friendly and accommodating. This museum is also associated with another museum / site about 0.75 miles away on the campus of LaGrange College (the Lamar Dodd Art Center). However, its hours / days are more restrictive, so if you want to visit it you should check it out on the web in advance. We were not aware of it and were unable to visit it. The exhibit when we visited was not overly impressive. It was some juried show involving a fair number of artists. There were a few pieces that I liked, a lot to which I was sort of indifferent, and a few that I found actively offensive. You can check the website for what rotating exhibit is available at the time of your visit.

Great small museum. We saw the Pasaquan exhibit here which was very nicely done. Nice stop when you…read moreare in Lagrange.

This is a great museum! I've been coming here since I was a child and they've done a great job of…read moreimproving it and changing the exhibits for the better. I especially love how much they incorporate local natural features, live caves and all of the incredible natural diversity in the state. They really do a good job of going from local to global natural history. Also, they one of the largest collections of bird specimens, even including some extinct birds. And, we can't forget the Bird of Prey trail behind the museum with resident bird ambassadors! The Educational Interpreters work with the birds and do such a fantastic job presenting. I highly recommend the Creature Feature and Saturday Alive! programs - check out their website at exploreamag.org to see descriptions of all the live animal ambassadors. Lots of fun stuff for the kids both at the museum and all the extra programs offered!

This museum is great everytime.It has a very large collection of animals,birds,reptiles from around…read morethe world.It has 2 Egyptian mummies.Dinosaurs,a living cave,etc.The Berman Museum is next door and has a huge weapon collection.The grounds are a very beautiful park with picnic tables in the shade.Check out my next ,The Working Man Review.