Spectacular in Moutainvision that brings the mountain to life at night with a stunning magical display that offers state-of-the-art graphics and awe-inspiring effects to create multi-dimensional magic on one of the world's largest outdoor screens - Stone Mountain". We haven't mentioned it before but there is a carving on the north side of the mountain. Also on the north side, at the base of the mountain, is a collection of attractions, one of which we will describe further in a moment. The carving is a tribute to Confederate heroes - General Lee, Jefferson Davis and Stonewall Jackson. I'm not sure how any of them would feel about the laser show presented on their carving, but the assembled masses sure enjoyed it.
We took a shuttle bus from the campground to the viewing lawn toting our new folding Airstream chairs with us. That was a very wise decision because all of the parking lots were jam packed. The show began at 9:30pm and we got there about 8:30pm.
The crowd beginning to gather.
Lee in the foreground, Davis on the left and Jackson on the right.
See Frederick in the middle of the picture? Patiently waiting?
Overhead the ariel tram was still operating.
The show is about to begin.
The lighting creates a dramatic effect.
The laser show lasted about 35 minutes and was big on Georgia sports teams, music, and laid back culture. There was also an interesting depiction of the Civil War from a more southern point of view. This was all done with lasers and cartoon -like figures and dramatic music. The final selection was about the military and local heroes - mostly firefighters. The ending was a prolonged playing of the Star Spangled Banner, we were all asked to stand, and a three minute fireworks display. It was fun being there with all the other people, many of them multi-generational families with lots of very young children.
This morning we went back to the base of the mountain to visit one of the attractions that is a small Georgian version of Old Sturbridge Village called Antebellum Plantation at Stone Mountain Park. It is a collection of original buildings from around the state of Georgia, built between 1792 and 1875. They were chosen for their authenticity and historical value and representation of the diverse lifestyles of 18th and 19th century Georgia residents. Each building was moved from its original location in Georgia and carefully restored.
When we arrived the parking lot was mostly empty even though it was late morning. At the entrance we asked about a tour and we were told that there was one scheduled for 1pm but that the interpreter, John, was out and about and she would ask him to find us. We had just gotten to the first house when John arrived and preceded to give the two of us a full village tour for the next two hours. There are 18 separate buildings and John not only explained the houses, but the original families that owned them, and a wonderful description of the culture of the times. We were so fortunate!
There are three "plantation" mansions on the grounds but only this one fits the stereotype of a plantation mansion. This is the Dickey House and was on a one thousand acre plantation.
This wing chair is in the Kingston House, a more modest, but still fine, plantation mansion. This house was on a plantation of only 500 acres. This wing chair is one of the oldest pieces of furniture in the village, c.1690.
A rare double, connected, chimney on the Thornton House, the third plantation mansion.
This is John outside the slave cabins that were part of the Thornton plantation.
Scott, notice the chimney built with no mortar and semi-detached from the house.
John, slightly out of focus because he moved so fast, explaining the cookhouse for the Dickey mansion. He said that 900 meals a day were prepared in this cookhouse; two meals a day for the family, the slaves and the paid employees.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Antebellum Plantation. How could we not with such an informed guide!
Then after eating our lunch we started on the Cherokees Trail that circumnavigates Stone Mountain. The trail is about five miles in length and there were many folks that had the same idea. The trail passes through several other attractions that were being enjoyed on this super fine day.
Families enjoying the water at the old grist mill, another authentic building brought to the park.
A covered bridge. This lake that is on the north side of the mountain is man made.
As we were nearing the end of our trek we noticed a young family of ducks.
Wow, I'm not sure about the laser show either. What an odd venue for it, and referencing your previous post there certainly is a lot of focus on the civil war down there. I will be sure to show Scott that chimney, did they say why it wasn't connected to the house?
ReplyDeleteYes. In case there is a fire in the chimney they can pull it down before the house burns.
ReplyDelete"I'm not sure how any of them would feel about the laser show presented on their carving." Well, you did walk up their backside, didn't you? Which would you rather regret?
ReplyDelete