I’m so fortunate to live close to this geological marvel. Stone Mountain is entirely made of granite that formed over 300 million years ago. With an elevation of 1,686 ft you can see about 40 miles in every direction once you make it to the top. If it’s a clear day, you can see downtown Atlanta as well as Midtown. Absolutely breathtaking.

Once you get to the top, walk around. There’s so much to discover!

There are two ways up - the aerial tram and the walkup trail. If you take the trail, it’s exactly a mile to the summit which is an elevation gain of about 700 ft! Absolutely worth it, as the views are breathtaking. If you’re lucky, the sky will be bursting with clouds and the vernal rock pools (home to fairy shrimp) full of water. Both these elements make for some pretty phenomenal photographs no matter what time of day.

The clouds look so different depending on which direction you’re looking.

Stone Mountain has been my training ground for the Tour du Mont Blanc. My friend Lex continues to hold the record for fastest trek up, but I’m right on her heels! We’ll be hiking the TMB, all 107 miles around the tallest peak of the Swiss Alps, in a couple weeks and we’ve both been trying to take advantage of the intense elevation of the Stone Mountain walkup trail to prepare. Did you know that after you conquer the summit you can extend the hike by following the Cherokee Trail loop around the base of the mountain for an additional 7 miles? That’s a good workout! If you really want to challenge yourself, walk up twice, or better yet… run to the top. Sounds crazy? Well, you wouldn’t believe how many high school cross country runners I see tackling that task. Inspiring, to say the least.

Love it when the sun hides behind the clouds. She put on such a great show that evening.

Yesterday, I had my best time ever, 20 minutes to the top. Next week, I’ll try to shave off 5 minutes. Wish me luck! We’re coming for you Mont Blanc!

This big block of a cloud formation was waiting for me as I came over the crest. It was the perfect gradation of warm color reflected against the cool blues of the night taking over.

Convinced Audrey to go with me last week.

Clamshells. Candelabras. Camellias. Coneflowers. Crystal.

Jaw-dropping.

Jeweltones. Stacks of gold-guilded frames. Leftover palettes of gorgeous thick and gooey oil paint. Peacock feathers. Textures. Insanely beautiful decorative elements. Larger than life portraits quietly bursting with personality, staring back at you. The smell of lavender.

Everywhere you look - something to see. Something to be curious about.

A space that seems over-the-top but where modesty reigns. A dream come true- literally.

I won’t tell Daniel’s story, but you can read more about him here. I do encourage you to schedule a studio visit and go on a little adventure just outside the city. You’ll experience an incredible space and meet an inspiring individual that just happens to be a beyond amazing artist.

Follow Daniel Zimmerman on Instagram to see how the portrait he was working on during my visit has progressed. You won’t believe it!