MGGDC visits State Botanical Gardens

Members of the Millen Gentlemen's Gourmet Dining Club who recently visited the State Botanical Gardens in Athens are, from left: Hank Joyner, Johnny Burke, David Arthur, Ray Garvin, Jesse Myers, Les Doyle, Byron Scogins, David Wiggins and Lamon Gillis. (Photo contributed)

The Millen Gentlemen's Gourmet Dining Club (MGGDC) recently visited the State Botanical Gardens in Athens. The gardens are breathtaking this time of year, and panoramic views of flowers and plants of all types are possible from several locations, including the pavilion, overlook trellis, café and flower bridge. According to club members, it takes approximately two hours to walk through the Visitors Center and Conservatory and the surrounding gardens, and to hike the approximately five miles of nature trails would add an additional two or three hours. The trails are not accessible by wheelchair or electric scooter, and may be challenging for people with disabilities. The garden grounds are open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., except on University of Georgia holidays, and club members highly recommend touring the gardens.

One of the club members had previously eaten "Sunday brunch" at Trumps Café, located on the grounds of the gardens, and found it upscale and enjoyable. The menu changes daily. MGGDC members' reservations had been made well in advance, and confirmed. When they arrived, they discovered their tables had been given to another party. After some staff confusion, tables were pushed together for their seating and this set the tone for their dining experience. Club members stated that the service and food were mediocre at best; and at the end of their meal, they were informed the café had run out of dessert. According to the club members, this is not a restaurant that they would recommend. They feel that its greatest asset is convenience, and they rated it "one bowl, out of five."