Travel Experiences

Travel Experiences with Jeff and Cindy Barganier Downton Abbey Mania

Iconic kitchen setting Fan in Period Costume What a life, parties and DRESSES

A huge fan of the TV series Downton Abbey, Cindy heard there was an exhibit in Atlanta and wanted to go. I obtained press passes for a tour and we stopped by on our way back from Cashiers, North Carolina. This is the story of our Downton tour as told by her:

Each week a group of my close friends, clad in pajamas due to the late start time, gathered at friend Beth Bridge’s beautiful home to sip tea and be transported back to a more formal era. An era where the sound of a gong meant it was time for wealthy Englishmen to change into formal dinner attire. And, oh, how elegant were their clothes! From the first notes of the theme song to the vintage cars crunching gravel beneath their tires, to Carson’s greeting at the front door, Downton Abbey won our hearts.

Some of my favorite one-liners from the show, include: “I always think there’s something rather foreign about high spirits at breakfast.” (Carson); “What’s a weekend?” (Countess Dowager); “Good men? They’re not like buses. There won’t be another one round in ten minutes.” (Anna). And we howled at Grand-ma-ma’s one liners, and then cried when Mathew and Syble died.

We couldn’t get enough of that astounding castle aglow with the magic of a Christmas ball. As a designer, I watched the show just to glimpse the homes, décor and those magnificent clothes. Oh, my goodness!

To be honest, I’m relieved to have been born in this far less glamorous time that doesn’t require corsets and stays. But I’d love to experience just one day arriving at a hunt sidesaddle and finding an elegant picnic laid under a sprawling oak with silver and linen-filled baskets of the finest food. Of course, there would be a gentle breeze, zero mosquitoes, and my handsome man to hold a parasol over my head. But I digress.

If a trip to England’s Highclere Castle isn’t going to be under your Christmas tree this year, then head to Atlanta ASAP; and experience the last month of the fabulous Downton Abbey Exhibit! I drug Jeff along last week and could not have been more pleased. Visitors can walk through iconic scenes from Downton Abbey such as the Great Hall, the library, Mrs. Patmore’s kitchen, the dining room, Mary’s bedroom and the Servants’ Hall. The downstairs part is especially authentic as there are worn stones on the floors, scuffed plaster walls, and the kitchen is exactly like the real one on the show. Even the actors were astounded when they did a walk through. Just walking into the dining room will make you stand up straighter and mind your P’s and Q’s.

The audio tour reminds listeners that the lady of the house sets the rules and directs the flow of dining conversation

Lady Mary Crawley

Alone at last The characters you loved "Mr. Carson"?

throughout the evening. No politics or controversial topics are allowed to destroy a lovely meal—albeit Downton characters frequently broke that one. Diners were expected to come prepared to ask provocative questions of table partners in order to learn about them and to keep the conversation lively. “Take as much of the food that is passed as you wish. But eat all that you take. Oh, and ladies, your back must never touch the chair.” (I guess I seriously need to work on my core for that one.)

The Exhibit holds over 50 official costumes worn by favorite actors such as Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville and Dame Maggie Smith. Our guide informed us that each documented outfit was fashioned from vintage fabrics, patterns and trims, delicate and difficult to clean. This was especially troublesome during the shooting of the dining scenes as that portion of the house was not air conditioned. They were shooting during summer and the complex scenes took all day to capture. (It only took two days to determine they would never again serve fish.) The actors portraying downstairs servants had two identical sets of boring costumes, one always in laundry and the other on the set. My favorite costumes on display were from the 1920’s. You’ll have to see them to believe them! During our tour, a visitor—a true fan—was fully decked out in a vintage costume complete with hat, white gloves and a cane!

Alongside the focus on the show, the exhibition was educational, offering a deeper look at all aspects of the postEdwardian period in which the popular series and movie are set. Historical themes include the life, culture, fashion, and socioeconomic realities of the early 20th century.

Cutting edge technology is woven throughout the exhibit with immersive projections, a magic mirror, and impressive thematic lighting and audio. While visiting the library, we sat while scenes from the show played out around us. Afterward, Carson’s screen image escorted us out the front door where fans who wished to consummate their visit could purchase exclusive memorabilia at the retail store.

The Downton Abbey Exhibit is located at Perimeter Pointe in Sandy Springs, 1155 Mount Vernon Highway NE, north of Atlanta. It was not easy to find. Be sure you note the NE. There’s ample parking and clean restrooms are on site. It’s open daily between 10:00 and 6:00, with final entry at 4:30. Give yourself 60-90 minutes to enjoy it all. Tickets are $36. Adult escorted children 14 and under are free. The movie sequel, Downton Abbey: A New Era, will be in theaters March 18, 2022.

To make your trip even more enjoyable, plan to spend the night in nearby Alpharetta at the newly opened boutique hotel, the Hamilton. The hotel, itself, is a treat located in the heart of great shopping and dining. It’s a fun place to work on your Christmas list following your Downton tour.

www.downtonexhibition.com

Jeff S. Barganier is a novelist, travel writer and manager of Cindy Barganier Interiors LLC. He travels far and wide upon the slightest excuse for something interesting to write about. Contact: Jeffbarganier@knology.net. Instagram: @jeffbarganier. Visit: www.jeffbarganier.com.