Medieval Times, Atlanta

I have a confession. I have often imagined what it would have been like to have lived during the Middle Ages. I’ve dreamed of wearing the rich, ornate  gowns of the nobility. Never mind that it was likely they only owned one or two dresses, that hygiene was poor and living conditions a bit unsanitary, even filthy, a major contributor to the Black Plague! Just think, if it hadn’t been for that time period, perfume may never have been invented or needed!

In my mind, I have completely romanticized the Middle Ages into something that it most definitely was not. I guess it’s that crazy notion that has attracted me to Renaissance Faires, Shakespearean plays and knights in shining armor.

In light of that admission, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that when my husband was working in Georgia, one of the attractions I wanted to visit was Medieval Times Atlanta.

Last week, after waiting nearly a year, my  family finally had that opportunity. We traveled to Atlanta to be transported back in time to the 11th century as guests of King Philippe and Princess Leonore for a celebration featuring a feast and tournament. The Castle is located at the Discover Mills mall and you really can’t miss it.  Just look for the huge stone fortress in the parking lot.   

Medieval Times Atlanta, one of nine Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament locations in North America

We’d arrived early to hook up with our group, to look around and to tour the Torture Museum that was located in the Dungeon. We had been cautioned that the Torture Museum was not intended for young children due to the graphic nature of the illustrations and equipment on display. Since I have teenagers I really didn’t think it’d be a problem, we do watch the History Channel, you know. I was wrong.

I can’t say that I found the pictures terrible, in and of themselves.  After all, they were crudely drawn,  simple black and white drawings, authentic to the style of the time period. What was disturbing was to see the objects of torture and then READ how they were used by the accompanying descriptions. That was disturbing.  All fondness I had for that age quickly disappeared after glimpsing the chastity belt and other devices that I’d rather forget. As I escaped the dungeon I found myself wishing I’d never entered.

After looking at the souvenirs available for sale, we waited in the Hall of Arms  for our number to be announced which would allow us to enter the arena where the festivities were to be held.

Since we’d booked as a school group,we found small cheering banners and commemorative programs at our seats. Unlike evening shows, the matinee includes special educational programming explaining different aspects of the time period to the audience. My oldest son really enjoyed that aspect of the show. My daughter hated it.

The food was served to us by serving wenches. Keep in mind we were in the Middle Ages so there were no utensils. Our menu consisted of a piece of chicken,  corn on the cob, a potato, garlic toast and a chocolate chip cookie. Hmmm….not sure that the chocolate chip cookie fits in the time period but we ate it, so who’s complaining?

I’d love nothing more than to say that my family absolutely loved the show at Medieval Times Atlanta, or rather that I loved the show. It’s not that I didn’t like it, it just wasn’t what I’d expected or built it up to be.

There were some aspects that I really enjoyed—the falcon demonstration was incredible, the dancing horse was pretty neat, and the jousting was entertaining.

Bottom line, I’m glad we went but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I was just a teeny tiny little bit disappointed. But then I’ve discovered that sometimes happens when I blow things up, larger than life,  in my mind.  My biggest disappointment of the day? Medieval Times Atlanta does not have a smashed penny machine!  My son did buy a really cool sword though.

My family saved over $100 visiting as part of a school group, so if arranging a field trip is an option for you, it would be well worth checking into.

If you REALLY love horses, really LOVE the Middle Ages (and not just the clothes from that time period), and have never been to a jousting event, I think you’d be thrilled with the experience, the other families in our group seemed to be.  

Have you been to Medieval Times Atlanta or any of the other locations? What was your experience like?

Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta Homeschool Field Trip Days

 
Join other homeschoolers the first Tuesday of every month for HomeSchool Field Trip Days at Zoo Atlanta. Cost is $8 per person for everyone over the age of  three. Reservations are required up to two weeks in advance in order to receive the discounted admission. You can check out the website for more specific information and while you’re there make sure you take a look at the Homeschool Classes and the Holiday Homeschool Program that is specifically for homeschooling families.

You may also be interested in the Atlanta History Center and The High Museum of Art events for Homeschooler’s.

A Few Fun Stops

I know my blog posts have been a bit nonexistent lately and I do apologize. My computer crashed a couple weeks ago and it took me some time to replace it. But, now that it’s here, I promise, I’ll get busy adding some more posts. In the meantime, if you’d like to find out where we’ve been the past few weeks, here are a few posts from my other blog:

Disney's Christmas Carol Train comes to Atlanta, GA

I have to admit, after our first experience in Atlanta, I swore I'd never step foot in the city again. Well, I know the Lord has a sense of humor, because it wasn't long before my husband’s job led us back to the very place I intended to avoid for the rest of my life. Though I wasn't initially excited, a friend challenged me to make the best of our visit by finding five really cool attractions to visit. Well, that was a challenge I was up for and when we returned, not only did I find some really awesome outings to go on with my family, but I also discovered some reasons to return ... again ... and again ... and again.... (read the entire post here)

What'll ya have, what'll ya have?

When we planned to visit Atlanta several months ago, I sent out a plea on one of the yahoo groups I belong to asking for some recommendations of what we should or could do in the city. One of the suggestions I received over and over was to eat at The Varsity, the world's largest drive-in restaurant. Though we planned to go several times, we just hadn't made it. Until today. And it was worth the wait. Visible as soon as you exit I-85, the famous red V icon beckons you. (read the entire post here)

The B-17 Aluminum Overcast

This past Tuesday we found out that an historic WWII plane would be flying into our area and would be open for tours for two days only. Having studied that time period last year in school, and having two boys that are particularly interested in historic war planes, my husband and I knew that this opportunity was not to be missed. Thankfully my husband had a short day of work already planned on Wednesday so we were able to view this fascinating marvel. On the short drive to the airfield, my boys were taking turns impressing us with their knowledge of the B-17’s. Were they excited? You bet! (read the entire post here)

What'll ya have? What'll ya have? A trip to The Varsity downtown Atlanta

When we planned to visit Atlanta several months ago, I sent out a plea on one of the yahoo groups I belong to asking for some recommendations of what we should or could do in the city. One of the suggestions I received over and over was to eat at The Varsity, the world's largest drive-in restaurant. Though we planned to go several times, we just hadn't made it. Until today. And it was worth the wait. Visible as soon as you exit I-85, the famous red V icon beckons you.

Around back, a delivery truck was unloading. According to the brochure, that's only one of three or four that arrive throughout the day guaranteeing that only the freshest ingredients are used to prepare the treats that are served to thousands of visitors a day. Check out these facts: 2 miles of hot dogs, 2500 pounds of potatoes, 300 gallons of chili, and 3000 pounds of onions are devoured each day at The Varsity!

Stepping inside, you'll see the wall of fame, a collage of notable Who's Who that has eaten the world famous cuisine/fare. Elvis, our favorite redneck Jeff Foxworthy, Ryan Seacrest and Presidents Carter, Bush and Clinton, have all darkened the threshold of this landmark.

Instantly you'll hear the famous What'll ya Have, What'll ya Have bellowing from the food service workers waiting to introduce you to the taste of a Naked Dog, Rings or famous F.O. Yes, The Varsity even has a lingo all their own. The service is quick and well practiced. It's clear to see how they could serve 30,000 people on game days.

Fascinated with the diner decor, we chose a window booth on the upper floor overlooking the parking lot where we had a magnificent view of downtown Atlanta.

The fries and onion rings were so delicious, we ordered a second time. I've not ever eaten greasy rings like them but they were yummy. The F.O. or Frosted Orange was like drinking a push-up, the first few sips were yummy, but after that the tangy sweetness was a bit much. My husband didn't care for the chili on the hot dogs, comparing it to Skyline Chili and though my kids loved the burgers, it was certainly the onion rings that got our vote for favorite menu item served at our table.

So, if you find yourself passing through the Atlanta area, don't pass up an opportunity to eat at the World Famous Varsity! Just be sure to grab a napkin or two on the way to your table.

Thumbs up from our family though more from atmosphere than anything else!

Atlanta