1977 was a big year for me. Not to give away my age, but some pretty influential things happened in 1977. For example, the “Roots” miniseries aired on TV. I distinctly remember watching all eight nights of this show. It helped shape my understanding of slavery and the fight for civil rights in our country. 
Rocky won the Oscar that year. I saw this movie with my dad. When you have a dad who is a phys. ed. teacher and a coach, sports movies are mandatory viewing. Oh, and we’re Italian, so Rocky Balboa is like a cult hero to us. New York City’s Studio 54 opened in 1977, and although I was WAY too young to experience this and I lived hours away from the city, disco had a big impact on me. I loved the music and the dancing. I remember learning the hustle – very hip back in the day. My mom and step-dad, who got married the year before, took disco dancing lessons and still show off their best moves nowadays at parties (after a few adult beverages, of course). Star Wars debuted at the movies. This was the most original movie my generation had ever seen. The special effects were ground-breaking and it dominated pop culture. I think every boy in town had a Millennium Falcon toy spacecraft and every girl wanted Princess Leia’s buns (the ones in her hair!). Saturday Night Fever debuted at the movies that year too. My step-sister and I wore out that soundtrack! We listened to it over and over again. We’re still both Bee Gees fans.
How do I know all this? Because 35 years ago, The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar and View opened in The Westin Peachtree Plaza. So, I’ve been doing a lot of research on the year 1977 for our client. Although I didn’t grow up in Atlanta, I know The Sun Dial is a special spot for many Atlantans – from special occasions to engagements (over 400 each year) to proms (co-worker Billy Holcombe celebrated prom night there). So, if you haven’t been back in while, now is the time. Get a little nostalgic and make a trip to The Sun Dial as Atlanta’s iconic restaurant celebrates 35 years. Oh, and don’t forget your bell bottoms!
