The Wandering Disciple

Atlanta Georgia:  Atlanta is the birthplace of one of the world's most iconic beverages: Coca-Cola. A visit to the World of Coca-Cola is more than just a museum trip; it's an immersive, effervescent journey into the history, marketing genius, and global impact of Coca-Cola.  The story of Coca-Cola begins not in a corporate boardroom, but in a small pharmacy in 1886. Dr. John Pemberton, a local pharmacist, concocted the original formula as a medicinal tonic. It was his bookkeeper, Frank M. Robinson, who coined the now-famous name and scripted the flowing, Spencerian script logo that remains instantly recognizable today. The first servings were sold for five cents a glass at Jacob's Pharmacy soda fountain.  The true genius in the early days, however, was Asa Candler, who purchased the formula and the company in 1888. Candler turned a local curiosity into a national sensation through innovative marketing, establishing Coca-Cola as a bottled beverage and a brand with mass ap...

The elevated boardwalk through the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is an immersive experience that carries visitors deep into the heart of this delicate and vital ecosystem . Spanning a vast, protected wetland, the slough is an area of seasonal freshwater flow , critical for filtering water and providing a natural habitat for a multitude of species. The carefully constructed walkway offers a unique vantage point, ensuring minimal disturbance to the environment while maximizing the opportunity for wildlife viewing . This rich environment supports a diverse population of flora and fauna, including alligators basking in the sun , wading birds like herons and egrets hunting in the shallow waters, and turtles paddling beneath the cypress trees . The preserve is a living testament to the importance of wetland conservation , offering both a serene escape and a profound educational experience about the intricate balance of nature in Southwest Florida .  You can see more photos from Six M...

  Atlanta stands as a foundational city in the American Civil Rights Movement . It is from this fertile ground that the initial spark and enduring momentum of the struggle for equality emerged. To pay tribute to this journey, it is home to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights . The center serves as a vital institution dedicated to chronicling and illuminating this pivotal period in American history. Within its walls, the museum provides a powerful and unflinching spotlight on the painful past of discrimination and the arduous struggles undertaken by countless individuals in pursuit of fundamental civil rights and human equality for all. It acts as both a memorial to those who fought and a continuing call to action in the ongoing global fight for human rights . Click on the photo above to see the entire gallery of photos. Taken: April 29, 2021 at National Center for Civil and Human Rights (Atlanta, GA)

  The ascent of Kennesaw Mountain in the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is a pilgrimage through history, culminating in a spectacular panoramic view. The journey starts on well-maintained trails that cross preserved Civil War battlefields from the 1864 Atlanta Campaign . The climb recounts the intense fighting, adding historical depth beneath the refreshing forest canopy. The true reward is the 1,808-foot summit. The breathtaking 360-degree vista sweeps across northern Georgia , with the Atlanta skyline visible on clear days. The summit, marked by monuments and observation points , offers a peaceful sense of accomplishment, where the physical effort is instantly replaced by the inspiring, expansive reward of the view.  You can see more photos from the park by clicking on the photo above. Taken: April 30, 2021 at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park ( Kennesaw, GA )

PopStroke is a state-of-the-art entertainment and dining venue centered around a premium miniature golf experience . Developed in partnership with Tiger Woods and TGR Design , the facility is known for elevating the traditional putting course with two 18-hole courses—one challenging and one family-friendly—that incorporate synthetic turf , bunkers , and rough , mirroring the conditions of a full-size golf course .  Click on the photo to see more photos from Pop Stroke .  Taken: May 9, 2021 at Pop Stroke ( Fort Myers, FL )

The Pisgah Covered Bridge stands as a testament to the classic American engineering of the 19th century . The bridge features the distinctive Burr Arch Truss design , a structural system patented by Theodore Burr that utilizes a large wooden arch combined with a series of vertical and diagonal king posts and braces , providing exceptional strength and stability. The covering, which gives the bridge its name, serves the practical purpose of protecting the massive wooden trusses and decking from the elements, significantly extending the bridge's lifespan The bridge has been meticulously maintained to preserve its historical authenticity. It continues to stand as a proud symbol of the area's past and an enduring example of American architecture . Visitors today can still drive or walk across its historic span, stepping back in time to appreciate the craftsmanship and engineering ingenuity of a bygone era.  You can see more photos from the Pisgah Covered Bridge here .  Taken...