Country Gone to City

Us suburbanites invaded Midtown Atlanta this afternoon

to take our first foray on the Atlanta Beltline.

We parked at Ansley Mall and accessed the Beltline near our old house.

This part of the Beltline replaced the old train tracks

that ran just south of Ansley Mall, crossing Monroe near 10th Street,

and crossing Ponce de Leon next to the old Sears Building.

The path was gravel all the way from Ansley Mall to Monroe Drive.

We passed the Shops at Amsterdam (above),

which included one of several restaurants along the way.

People were using the Beltline to get to Piedmont Park,

where every Sunday night they have free music (above).

After crossing Monroe we welcomed the smoother pavement. Soon we could see Ponce City Market in the distance. We passed the magnolia tree that once stood in centerfield in Ponce de Leon Park (below left).

The tall tower at Ponce City Market was the site of the reception for the wedding that Ceil and Molly provided flower arrangements for yesterday. Photo below taken while crossing the old railroad bridge crossing Ponce de Leon Avenue.

Ceil went to Binders at the Ponce Market while Barney and I rested in the shade, people-watching and dog watching.

 Saw an interesting pair of high-heeled Nikes (below).

Ceil wanted me to take a picture of the painting

behind the bench I was sitting on.

 People were walking from the Beltline (and the parking lot). 

Vendors selling their wares across from the old magnolia tree.

Midtown Atlanta rises behind the shopping center

on the site of Ponce de Leon Park.

The name of the artist caught my eye.

Wondered what he was doing in retirement.

Artwork underneath the Virginia Avenue overpass. The red you see at the far right is my former coworker Greg Wheat's butcher shop. When we stopped to get Barney water behind his shop I ventured inside to say hello. Greg came out to meet Ceil, and we caught up with each other.

More artwork on the trail.

Walked two miles to Ponce City Market and two miles back.

Next time we'll try another section of the Beltline.

Since we didn't make it to Krog Street Market (another mile south)

we drove over to Westside Provisions to get Jeni's Ice Cream there.

Click here for more information on the Beltline.