I wasn’t sure I would squeak this out but with the Academy Awards booming in the background, I am bound and determined to share my 2nd installment of my new theme #Free48, my weekend tribute to those hours which are afforded to me that belong to me. Sometimes they are quiet, sometimes busy, manic, lazy or productive. But, since  I am the conductor of my 48 hour train, I vow to attempt a new journey each time it pulls away from the station.

This 48 started out lazy on Saturday morning, sleeping in and doing my morning reading. After watching the birds enjoying the gorgeous day, we decided to head out in search of junktique and thrift stores, with an eye peeled for something to hang over the new bed. Our online search pointed us in the direction of Marietta, so we dressed appropriately for the suddenly chilly temps and headed out. What a beautiful ride!

I can only imagine the beauty once Spring actually springs! Of course we had to take a slight detour on our way to the antique village….cuz we couldn’t miss out on seeing….

The BIG CHICKEN This iconic bird is a landmark, legendary as one of the oldest Kentucky Fried Chicken stores in Georgia, although it started out as Johny Reb’s Chick, Chuck and Shake restaurant. It is pretty impressive and the beak and eyes are motorized, the beak opening and closing and the eyes rolling. And I thought the giant bucket was pretty special when I was a kid. 😏

During our U-Turn we spotted a promising looking thrift store, Value Village, so decided to hop out for a quick look around. An hour or so later……

I have been unable to find any sweaters this season at half a dozen stores….

Until yesterday!

Nothing was over $6

This angora is in pristine shape.

But this was my prize. I love, love corduroy

Grand total? $59! Hooray for detours and side trips. I love recycling! Makes me so glad for all those bags of clothes I have donated over the years. It all comes back in the end. 😊 Next stop….The Antique Village!

This place was huge and well laid out

Loved this vintage sign room. Hit it Jake and Elwood!

I should have bought this one to bring home….so true.

We did pick up a few treasures here, but I didn’t  really find what I was searching for. Maybe at the next one.  So….three hours later and my stomach was screaming at me.

Where else could we go but to another icon in Marietta, famous for its great home cooking and for being featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives-Marietta Diner ! What a grand place. We were not disappointed. This restaurant serves up thousands of faithful and new patrons daily and the staff really know how to provide a great experience. It has a bustling diner feel but elegantly chic at the same time with professional and friendly servers and better than quick food arrival. Everything is made to order and tastes like someone’s Mom made it. 😉 With love.

Click on the link above for the full history of this NY family’s successful history of restaurant greatness and the different restaurant venues they have added over the years in Atlanta. What follows is a pictorial of our own adventure there; and I can only say I hope there are enough Free 48 weekends to make our way through the entire, extensive menu. 😱

The building just screams…”Come inside for good ess!”

I was stuck in the parking lot beneath the glowing marquee!

How about these doors, Norm?

We know what we love…

Gratis appetizers…the best spinach pie and freshly baked loaf of Greek bread.

Caesar salad and seafood bisquehhubby’s Greek gyro platter

Seafood Platter. Fried catfish, flounder and shrimp with a seafood stuffed mushroom and fries all over the place!

And then there was the complimentary beer from the owner…just because!

Thank you #Marietta Diner for such a wonderful meal and experience.

Oh…who could pass this up?! We got ours to go.

Hubby’s treat was a luscious Lemon Meringue pie slice. Me…must be chocolate and there were many options. Of course I chose the Death By Chocolate Cake which was so large a sluce it is lingering on. So far I have had three desserts out of it. And there is still a bit left for breakfast. 🙊

Now we are settled in watching the Academy Awards. I hope your weekend has been all you hoped for or needed; and I hope you had a bit of this in it as well..

And here’s to a grand week ahead!