Georgia Publix Half - Before and After Thoughts

Walking in to the expo on Saturday afternoon (after muddling through one hell of a traffic jam to get there), it felt like we were in a grocery store.  Very fitting to have shelves of food, bread samples and other grocery store stuff right inside the front door, since Publix is the title sponsor.

LJ, E and me at the expo.

We scored full size samples of Biscoff Spread and a cutting board from this area.  The expo was huge, with most running vendors represented.  I was bummed that the race t-shirt is white, but I did purchase a race mug for my Georgia mug.

Awesome medal, cool mug and boring shirt (not pictured).

We were lucky to have E drive us around.  The traffic was awful.  However, road rage with a southern accent is adorable, ya'll.

E's condo was built in the early 1900s.  What a treat to check it out and get a feel of historical Atlanta.

E's place.  Could the weather be any better?

And then the food!  The four of us definitely got a taste of Atlanta.  Since E is a foodie, there wasn't a chain restaurant in site.

Atlanta Cupcake Factory- a tiny hole in the wall, with the most delicious cupcakes.  I had salted caramel and chocolate salted caramel (what, you thought I'd only purchase one?)

Yummy yum

King of Pops- The best home made popsicle I've ever had, purchased on the street corner.  Chocolate Sea Salt!

Osteria Italian-  I learned about white pizza for the first time last October in New Jersey.  I couldn't resist the Smoked Prosciutto White Pizza at dinner on Saturday night.  Oh my goodness, so delicious.  I wonder if we have a restaurant like this somewhere in Portland?

Dinner outside on the patio, cuz the weather was perfect!

Yeah! Burger- My post race lunch was a burger and onion rings, I'm not ready to try the specialty brussels sprouts yet.  Maybe next time.

Sadly, we had to leave the restaurant before 12:30, when Georgians are allowed to start purchasing alcohol on Sundays....

....but, luckily, Jess and I had time for a drink at the airport.  And, of course, Southwest celebrated St. Patrick's Day with free drinks on the plane, so my 7 hour flight home was a bit relaxing.

I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend in Atlanta.  The race course takes you through the city, so I felt like I really got a feel for this town.  And, I can't thank E enough for sharing her condo and favorite eats with us.

Next up?  The Flying Pirate Half in the OBX, North Carolina (state #21)!