Home > Social Butterfly > Archives > 2008 > April > 10 > Entry
Another move to Cobb County
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
An image from the 2008 Southeastern Flower Show. Next year, the show moves to Cobb County.
First it was the Atlanta Opera.
Then the Atlanta Ballet.
Now another venerable Atlanta institution, the Southeastern Flower Show is heading north to Cobb County.
The 2009 flower show, produced by the newly formed Southeastern Horticultural Society, is planned for Jan. 28 - Feb. 1 at the Cobb Galleria.
The move follows recent decisions by the Opera and Ballet to move to the new Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, which is just around the corner from the Galleria.
“The move signifies an exciting new chapter in the 22-year history of the Southeastern Flower Show,” Southeastern Horticultural Society chairman Robert Balentine said in a statement.
Atlanta Ballet dancer Courtney Necessary on stage at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
I’d heard some grumbling among intown arts patrons about the Opera’s move to Cobb County, but folks had plenty of praise for the facility at the premiere night soiree last fall. The Cobb Energy Centre’s pretty easy to get to, and parking’s five bucks. At the Galleria, which is also easy to access, parking is free.
But it’s not Atlanta.
What’s your opinion of the moves?
The opera “Turandot” takes the stage at the Atlanta Opera’s new home, the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Comments
By Atlanta Pearl Girl
April 11, 2008 7:09 AM | Link to this
Even though it’s not ‘technically’ Atlanta… it still feels like Atlanta…it’s a burb of Atlanta…. does it really matter? Truly. I love the new Cobb facility…and located just right off I75…..
By Dave in Marietta
April 11, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this
As long as they clean up after all the boozing and partying, the flower show in Cobb is okay with me.
By willnatl
April 11, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this
It doesn’t feel like Atlanta. Instead of dining at upscale restaurants intown, now patrons can eat on Cobb Parkway at places like Hooters and Steak N Shake. At least it’s inside the perimeter.
By CB
April 11, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this
willnatl-
Yep, we tried havin’ some of those high-falutin’ upscale restaurants way up here in Cobb, but they kept wanting us to wear shoes & shirts when we walked in, and that’s where I draw the line.
Get over yourself. There are upscale restaurants in Cobb, just like there are dives in Atlanta. The difference is that in Cobb the restaurants have to have quality instead of just having a big name and a valet.
By john
April 11, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
Anything is better than having to deal with the street people, street hustler, traffic snarl and parking mess that is downtown Atlanta. Now - lets move the Motorcycle show back to the Galleria.
By MiltonMan
April 11, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
Way to go Cobb; nothing better than taking events away from Dumplanta. Encore is booking nice concerts that would have gone to Dumplanta.
By Axel
April 11, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
The new Cobb Energy Center is the best arts venue in the entire Metro Atlanta area. The theater is beautiful, the seats are comfortable, the acoustics are great, and the room is the perfect size for opera and ballet. Great restaurants like the River Room, Joelle, Pano’s and Pauls, and Blue Ridge Grill are a 5 minute drive. For those who are complianing about having to drive to Cobb County, please feel free to continue your patronage of events at the Civic Center.
By Sarah
April 11, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
I refuse to deal with the traffic to get there (no marta near by either), so I will not be attending these events in their new homes. I’m sure they will gain patrons from the suburbs, but they will lose intown folks for sure.
By Marietta Girl
April 11, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Willnatl- You obviously haven’t been to the Cumberland area in a while. To add to Axels’ restaurant list there is: Copeland’s, Maggianos, Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Changs. Need any more suggestions? Sarah- You complain about the traffic! You obviously haven’t been to an event in Atlanta in the last 10 years.
By Reverie
April 11, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
The move won’t appeal to the elitists but reflects the reality that Atlanta is becoming marginalized through political indifference. While Atlanta turns its attention to the long neglected infrastructure, back-breaking socialized services payments and a political leadership that filters everything through a racial perspective, the suburban communities and counties deliver great service to their residents by more wisely investing tax dollars into long-term infrastructure. This wise investment has resulted in extra money to invest in things like Cobb Energy Center and Gwinnet Civic Center.
By Sarah
April 11, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
1st—all the restaurants you list, Marietta Girl, are chains. If I’m spending that much money on a restaurant, I like a little more character. And, I have been to MANY events in the past 10 years. I enjoy venues to which I can walk or take Marta. Much better than Cobb’s traffic.
By Marietta Girl
April 11, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
OMG…chains! Sarah, don’t go outside this afternoon, rain is expected. You might drown.
By Mike
April 23, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Marietta Girl’s problem isn’t that she’s chain-friendly, it’s that she doesn’t want to go any farther than Cumberland Mall. How about La Paz and the Old Vinings Inn in one direction, and Canoe in the other?
By mayretter local
April 23, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Dumpberland Mall in Smynings. “Upscale eateries” my webbed foot…
help the local small business owners, vote independent with your money and scr@w the malls and chain eateries.
By concerned
April 24, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
With their move to Cobb County, I will be boycotting the Atlanta Ballet, Atlanta Opera and the SE Flower Show. When these organizations see their membership and attendance decline, I am sure they will be moving back to Midtown or Downtown Atlanta.
By hatessnobs
May 8, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
You people who live inside the perimeter are really something else. There are lots of excellent restaurants in Vinings and Smyrna, and they’re certainly not all chains - Canoe is one of the nicest restaurants in the world in my opinion (and yes, even though I’m an inferior being living outside the perimeter, I’ve been to some of the best restaurants in the world both here and abroad). The River Room isn’t a chain, either, and the food and atmosphere are wonderful. Hey, you Atown people - no one will miss you, so stay where you are. God forbid that you should have to drive 20 minutes to Cobb County.
By hatessnobs
May 8, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
You people who live inside the perimeter are really something else. There are lots of excellent restaurants in Vinings and Smyrna, and they’re certainly not all chains - Canoe is one of the nicest restaurants in the world in my opinion (and yes, even though I’m an inferior being living outside the perimeter, I’ve been to some of the best restaurants in the world both here and abroad). The River Room isn’t a chain, either, and the food and atmosphere are wonderful. Hey, you Atown people - no one will miss you, so stay where you are. God forbid that you should have to drive 20 minutes to Cobb County.