May 2009 - Posts

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Sara Cheshire

• Exploring Atlanta's Pools and other Unusual Summer Fun

  For those who dig public pools in the city, the exciting news of the season is the new pool renovation at Piedmont Park.  I walked by it before it was open and it looked phenomenal...both the pool and renovated bath house.  The Grant Park pool is also surprisingly a great spot.  It has a separate children's pool and a large adult area.  The strapped down lounge chairs do remind you that you are in the city, but none the less, it is only $4 and you have the trees, sports facilities and animals of neighboring Grant Park and Zoo Atlanta. 
  

  I can't comment on the Candler Park pool, but it is another local spot along with the Martin Luther King Center pool, but that one is all indoors.  Access Atlanta was nice and complied a complete public pool listing in and around the city if you want more options.

  Of course, there are plenty of condos and apartments with pools if that is your crowd.  It just can be nice to mingle with the community outside of those settings. You can always "Shoot the Hooch" as well - tube/raft/kayak/canoe down the Chattahoochee, which definitely puts you more directly in touch with city.
  

  My other pick would be to check out some of the local hotel pools.  The historic Georgian Terrace Hotel has a rooftop pool...plus it offers Midtown nightlife and the Fox Theatre right outside the door, so you can book a room, have a pool with a view and plenty to do.  Atlanta.net actually has a great listing of local hotel deals and packages that include local attractions.  The hip W Hotels even offer a 20% discount to locals (plus see the picture above for their swanky 16th floor pool at the downtown location).
  

  Don't forget, whether you are chilling at the public pool or crashing a local hotel pool, make a stop at the downtown Hilton's tiki bar Trader Vic's to add to that exotic, tropical vacation vibe.  I also wouldn't miss a Braves Game, or at least catch a drink or dinner on the patio at Six Feet Under midtown (the Georgia fried catfish is pretty tasty) where there is an amazing skyline view where you can also see fireworks from the baseball game if it is a winning night.
  

  Posted May 26 2009, 09:53 PM by saracheshire with 1 comment(s)

  Filed under: outdoor, piedmont park, community, grant park, fox theater, attractions, neighborhoods, summer, sports

• Buy Fresh/Eat Local at Atlanta's Farmers Markets

  Farmers markets are recently back in season, with East Atlanta's Thursday evening farmer's market the newest addition starting this week.  I've been wanting to eat more fresh food, so the timing is perfect.  A point was also made recently that to help combat the bad economy, we should do some local shopping and support the local businesses around us.  Plus, it incredibly helps the environment by reducing the transport and energy costs of shipping in foods from other places.
  

  Here are the main farmers markets in the city.  I hope to investigate personally more of them to update this post.  Please also provide your comments as well.
  

  • Piedmont Park Green Market.  Saturdays 9am-1pm
    
    Typically has some live music, chef demonstrations and more crafty things like bar soaps, organic plants/flowers than other markets.  In the past has offered organic meat.  Probably good for tourists with its central location and could be combined with sightseeing in the park.

  • Morningside Farmer's Market. Saturdays 7:30-11:30am
    
    This is the market you need to get up early for.  It usually holds the title as best market in the city and items will get picked through later in the day.  It is also one of the oldest markets.  Can't beat Alon's across the street for breakfast, pastries or coffee after you shop.

  • East Atlanta Village Market.  Thursday 4pm to Dusk
    
    Meat, veggies, pasta and a great time for non-morning people.  I hope to check this out soon, but the great thing about this market is that those using food stamps can convert their Electronic Benefit Transfer cards into tokens that can be used to buy food at the market. The Village market also accepts WIC farmers market nutrition program vouchers.  Wednesday, May 20, will be a farm to table dinner at the Graveyard Tavern.  Plenty of shopping in the village to explore after you get your local fixin's as well.

  • Downtown Decatur Farmers Market. Wednesdays 4-7pm
    
    Another evening time, the Decatur market is actually year-round, which is a rare.  Winter hours are 3-6pm. 
    

  
  

  The AJC has an extended list of other markets with a map.   The Natural Resources Defense Council also has this amazing interactive web page that lets you see what food is currently in season by state - can't think of a better way to eat fresh. 

  You can also sign up for Community Support Agriculture (CSA) where you pick up or are delievered a share of local food by paying a flat fee.  This web site offers a list of CSAs in Atlanta, though I don't know how up to date the information is.  It is a great thing to share with neighbors if you don't want to shoulder all the cost.
  

  Posted May 04 2009, 10:28 PM by saracheshire with 1 comment(s)

  Filed under: fitness/health, piedmont park, environmental, community, east atlanta, food, neighborhoods, morningside, decatur