• What to expect:
  Restless legs after a roadtrip.
  
  What to do:
  When the sun is shining, no one wants to sit in the car. Unleash some pent up energy at Centennial Olympic Park and splash around the Fountain of Rings or enjoy the lush lawns of Piedmont Park. Buy a day-pass for Stone Mountain Park then hike up one Georgia’s tallest cliffs or enjoy one of the many family-friendly attractions.

• What to expect:
  Choosy connoisseurs of cheezy poofs hesitant to try any food that's fun for grown-ups, too.
  
  What to do:
  Around the South, Atlanta is known as the birthplace of boutique comfort food. Googie Burger serves made-to-order burgers and fries (in funky flavors such the Beefy Pig burger and Flyin’ South Chicken Sandwich) as well as milkshakes including peach and PB&J flavors (which can also be spiked). HD1 is a Richard Blais creation which serves haute hot dogs in unique flavors such as The Dublin (an Irish banger sausage topped with cheddar-beer mustard and bacon braised cabbage) and “not dogs” including Pigs in the Sheets (curried pulled pork in a puff pastry with mango sauce) with vintage sodas and craft beers.
  
  

• What to expect:
  Drained excitement from having to wait in long lines.
  
  What to do:
  One of the best inventions since juice boxes, the Atlanta CityPASS allows you to pre-purchase tickets to five premier attractions AND skip the main admissions line.  This customizable package includes access to the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola and the Inside CNN Studio Tour; as well as your choice of the High Museum of Art or Fernbank Museum of Natural History and Zoo Atlanta or Atlanta History Center. Each CityPASS is valid for 9 days after activation and is valued at a 51% discount for each adult and child.

This week’s post is brought to you by my associate Santos Musonera.
Here's another installment from Santos, the budget-conscious nightlife lover. Check out his top picks for what to do after-hours in Midtown Atlanta.

I know the initial reaction is “REALLY?!!”, but Atlantic Station can’t simply be described as a place to “DINE and SHOP”.  Atlantic Grill and Fox Grill, both close to the movie theater, have long beer menus, delicious entrees, and great drink specials. These spots are enriched by their outside patios that face either Midtown or Buckhead (with no cars and traffic in sight), no negative energy to ruin the mood, just beer and a great night! For a long time, I had to compromise about where I should go with my girlfriend so we can both enjoy our afternoon. Atlantic Station is the prime location. If you are accompanied by that special someone, you may partake in this drinking fiesta while she shops at the H&M (or one of those other stores) right next door - a bonus for me.

For the more sophisticated drinkers, The Grape and Strip Steaks and Sushi are great destinations for amazing food (good sushi) and to-die-for mixed drinks. These locations turn into medium to upscale dance clubs late at night and offer an impressive selection of Atlanta’s single ladies and gentlemen.

Side note: I have actually sighted quite a few celebrities at Atlantic Station. So if you want to get your forehead signed or your photo taken, this is a potential gold mine for you.

This week’s post is brought to you by my associate Santos Musonera.
Santos is a nightlife lover, outdoor enthusiast and the go-to-guy for good times on a dime. Check out his top picks for what to do in Atlanta for Cinco de Mayo.

Since this will be my first time celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Atlanta, you’d better believe I have done my homework in selecting the top destinations at which to spend my day. My search criteria centered around fun, festive atmospheres, great beer selections at even better prices, and of course FOOD! After scouting and auditioning several venues for this important day, I narrowed my decision to three destinations.

El Azteca on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs is by far on the top of my list. This venue offers a great outdoor bar, friendly service and most importantly amazing beer deals. Their Combo Fajitas are breathtaking. Take my word for it - you will not need a to-go box. On this festive day, El Azteca will have tents set up in the large parking lots with live music and a festive crowd. Right down the street, Cocktail Cove Grill & Bar will serve as a back-up. When the time comes to switch venues, Cocktail Cove offers a two-story drinking man cave where women are welcome as well.

If you are looking for something closer to downtown, Little Five Points has the prime characteristics of a GREAT evening. Right in the middle of it is Vortex, known for their burgers, outdoor seating, and bar etiquette. Before you order, you will notice rules and regulations that govern this “Idiot-Free” zone. These include no whining, cheap dates, moochers or other buzz kills. Basically if you are planning on ruining everyone else’s experience, you may not enter. It’s just one of several excellent ways to spend Cinco de Mayo in Atlanta.

Check out the Calendar of Events for even more things to do in Atlanta for Cinco de Mayo.

See? There really is something for everyone in the heart of the South! Just named "Most Fun City in America" by the Trident Fun Index, Atlanta topped its jet-set competitors with year-round festivals, award-winning arts and culture, A-list entertainment and delicious dishes around every corner. Wondering what to do for fun in Atlanta? Check out these suggestions:

• Check out Atlanta's festivals! Coming up in May is the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, Sweet Auburn Spring Fest and the Atlanta Jazz Festival. 
  

• Piedmont Park - Pack a picnic, ride a bike or play a quick game of bocce, basketball or tennis in Atlanta's largest greenspace.

• Walking & Bicycle Tours - Provided by The Atlanta Preservation Center, walking tours include historic neighborhoods and prominent buildings such as The Fox Theatre. Bicycle Tours of Atlanta caters to many ability levels and features numerous options across the city, such as the Heart of the City Tour and the Progressive Dinner Bicycle Tour.

• Stone Mountain Park - Home to Sky Hike - a four-stories high aerial obstacle course - the Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision, and Geyser Towers at Stone Mountain Park, this outdoor adventure is sure to thrill the entire family.
  

• Atlanta Botanical Garden - This luscious garden offers miles of walking paths, exotic plants and even an endangered frog habitat. Be sure to enjoy a bird's eye view of Atlanta's urban oasis from the Canopy Walk - a forty-foot-high breezeway which winds leisurely through the treetops.

See more and spend less with an Atlanta CityPASS! Some of Atlanta's most fun attractions offer you nine days to play your way. Customize your fun with the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola and the Inside CNN Studio Tour; as well as your choice of the High Museum of Art or Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and Zoo Atlanta or the Atlanta History Center. With CityPASS, choose five and recieve a 45% discount on admission for adults and children.

For even more ideas check out 50 Fun Things to Do in Atlanta or use the Calendar of Events for a customizable search of the many things to do when planning your next experience in Atlanta!

Spring in Atlanta means longer days and shorter hemlines. Atlanta’s hotspots are perfect whether you’re looking for fun locals, hot singles or to just see and be seen. Coming up, a list of Atlanta’s lounges, clubs and bars whose party lights are heating up the Southern nights!

For a casual evening out, visit:
Loca Luna - a tapas bar by day that flips into a nightclub and features live music and a late menu with Latin flair.
Flip Flops - serving pizza by day and signature daiquiris every night, enjoy a beach-chic atmosphere with no dress code.
the barhopping district in Buckhead - Moondogs, Hole in the Wall and Buckhead Saloon are within walking distance of one another and offer expansive taps, billiards, pub grub,Top 40 hits - and no cover charge.

For the VIP experience, don those bombshell threads and head to:
Opera - Atlanta’s renowned nightclub spotlights international DJs and treats club-goers to frequent celebrity sightings every night of the week.
Vanquish - this upscale lounge is another celebrity hotspot and features hip dance music and delicious signature cocktails.
Reign - an “ultra upscale” hotspot that looks to be plucked straight from the Vegas strip. Enjoy indulgent décor, a laser-lit dance floor and pumping house music all weekend long.

For top tunes and tons of dance partners, try:
Havana Club - a seductive dance venue boasting live music and a cedar-wood humidor which stocks rare and exotic cigars.
Compound - only open on Saturday nights, Top 40 hits are pumped across the three-room complex while surprise performances by hot headliners are a frequent treat.

Relax and refuel after hours of dancing at these trendy hangouts:
Sutra - unwind with hookah right at the bar in lip-licking flavors such as Sex on the Beach and Strawberry Daiquiri.
Buckhead Bottle Bar - open nightly, this late-night restaurant fuses global and Southern fare, serves hand-crafted cocktails and boasts the city’s hottest DJs.
Shout in Midtown and Twist in Buckhead - both are upscale restaurants offering late-night menus of “creative cuisine with an attitude,” outdoor verandas, hot music and on-site parking.

Be sure to check out RSVP ATL for themed nights, free entry guestlists, drink specials and more!

Just how well do you know the city of Atlanta? Well enough to compete in an all-out battle of brains and brawn for $10,000? This Saturday, hundreds of locals take to the streets for the 5^th annual Great Urban Race – a “unique and exhilarating adventure” of puzzle-solving and feats of strength.

Great Urban Race 2012 - Atlanta Adventure
Saturday, April 14
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Starting Line: Sidebar in Fairlie-Poplar

Just like you wished in high school, smarts and strength are the winning combination in this innovative competition. On Saturday, April 14, teams of more than 500 locals are led off the beaten path to explore Atlanta’s neighborhoods by conquering 12 unique puzzles or physical challenges. The race starts in the heart of Downtown at Sidebar – the neighborhood hangout lauded for its hot pressed, Cuban-styled sandwiches.

A bit about the course:
Each team receives an envelop of 12 clues which vary in difficulty and skill across the multi-mile course. If you find yourself getting exhausted, your team has the option to skip one – but only one – clue. Keep an eye out for Detours! Just like those “choose your own ending” novels favored on silent reading day in 3^rd grade, a few clues have two checkpoints which teams can choose to pursue. Sage advice from the FAQ page: “choose the one you think will be easier or faster (or more fun!)” Now, I can’t give away any hints but … my source tells me the 2012 race includes a high-stakes “feature clue” and challenge, which, frankly, she doesn’t think your team has what it takes to complete. Do you?

• Dirtbike School
  Honda Motorcycle Safety Foundation
  Reservations required: 770-442-2459
  
  Headquartered just north of the city in Alpharetta, GA, the Honda Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers an all-inclusive Dirtbike School for ages 6 and up. During the eight-hour session, each class teaches basic safety techniques, familiarization with the dirt bikes and even a couple of gravity-defying tricks! Every class provides two professional instructors, head-to-toe safety equipment and lunch.
  
  Register for classes April 2-6 and receive the “Spring Break Special” – 50% off your second rider registration.
  
  
  Photo courtesy of Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau ©2011

With the new year’s resolutions finally starting to settle in and a severe lack of sunshine for fun activities, it’s oh so easy to fall into The Weekend Rut. If that glassy eyed heap on the sofa just happens to wear you sweetheart’s sweatpants and you’d rather hear a dentist’s drill than the theme to yet another “reality” show, this one’s for you. Below, I have the top picks for a wow-worthy weekend in Atlanta!

Ladies' 80s Night

Fadó Irish Pub

Saturday, Jan. 28
$15 per person

So. You’re, like, totally bored with latest house mix and looking for the perfect excuse to rewear that glittery New Year’s Eve dress, right? For sure! Wether you’ve got moves like Jagger or just one killer Thriller, head to Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant for totally awesome drink specials, a rad DJ and over-the-top fabulous frocks. $15 gets you in the door, plus a pint of your favorite brew and all-you-eat appetizers.

Battle of the Bands
Georgia Dome

Saturday, Jan. 28
Purchase tickets online
Initially created to “showcase the pageantry, showmanship and musicianship of the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Marching Bands”, the 10th annual Honda Battle of the Bands features eight bands for a single day of fierce fandom. Filled with rock & roll soul, the competitors take the field for a percussive, musical extravaganza sure to have you on the edge of your seat!

Snow Mountain

Stone Mountain

Weekends, though Feb. 20

Whether you want to duke it out in an epic snow ball fight or race one another in Snow Tubing, Snow Mountain is tons of fun for couples. Be sure to visit SnoFire Point afterwards to snuggle close by the bonfire and enjoy hot cocoa.

Bonus: now you can have all the thrills and squeals of winter for just $19.99 with the Sunday Special!

Cavalia: Odysseo

The White Big Top (Midtown on the corner of Spring and 8th streets)

Through Sunday, Jan. 29
Now on in the home stretch of their US premier, Cavalia: Odysseo has announced a last-call for tickets. Boasting record-breaking sales and unprecedented adoration from locals, this homage to horse and man has easily become the season’s can’t-miss show. Part equestrian event and part multimedia interpretive dance, Cavalia: Odysseo is filled with gorgeous costumes, intricate sets and stunning showmanship - the perfect compromise for couch-ridden couples.

‘Tis the season for food, fun and ... snow? Though Atlanta has seen its fair share of weather  anomalies, the snowmen tend to stay on Snow Mountain. Well, not this year! This holiday season, follow Izo the Snowman - a jolly fellow from up North - as he searches for warm weather and hearts. This Friday, chill with him and your new neighbors as East Point celebrates the holidays!

East Point Celebrates the Holidays with Izo the Snowman
Friday, Dec. 2
5:30-7:30 p.m.
East Point City Hall
2777 East Point Street East Point, GA 30344

Just a few minutes south of Atlanta, Downtown East Point is filled with new neighbors! This small community offers Southern hospitality and hometown holiday traditions in the glow of Atlanta’s skyline. This Friday, join Izo and enjoy the annual tree lighting, a visit with Santa, hot beverages and candy canes, arts and crafts and holiday music. Plus, be sure to pose for pictures and upload them to Izo’s Facebook photo album.

Place your bets, guys and girls: it’s time for some “clean, old-fashioned hate!” Will the Red and Black crush those Enginerds or will the Dawgs tuck tail and run home? The annual gridiron battle between the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the UGA Bulldogs is back, but it just wouldn’t be a football game without some taunting and tailgating. This weekend, enjoy beers, cheers and gameday grub at these top tailgating events:

Dawgs-Jackets Tailgate Party
Marlow’s Tavern Midtown
Saturday, Nov. 26
12 - ?
Marlow’s Tavern – home to fine food and spirits ­– is partying from noon ‘til night. Head over for an outside mobile bar and four big screen HDTVs. Grab some hot-off-the-grill food and enjoy the rivalry brewing between beer trucks from Atlanta’s own Sweetwater Brewery and Terrapin Beer Company of Athens! After the game, hang around drink specials, giveaways and hot tunes.

TechTown: Friday Night Fan Fest
Atlantic Station
Friday, Nov. 25
6-10 p.m.
Enjoy a free concert, delicious food and drinks, and special appearances from the GT cheerleaders and – of course – the Ramblin’ Wreck and Buzz! This free pep rally also includes discounts from Atlantic Station’s top shops with your home game ticket stub.

Insider Info: Free TechTown Trolleys are offered 2 ½ hours prior to kickoff and 1 ½ hours post-game. Parking for the free shuttle is available for $10 at the corner of State and Fowler streets.

Whether you’re visiting Atlanta for the very first time or a local looking to rediscover your favorite neighborhoods, ATL Cruzers is a must-try! Filled with city trivia and hidden neighborhood hotspots, this intimate and eco-friendly tour covers a 14-mile loop of Downtown and Midtown. Groups are limited to 5 people per car, ensuring an interactive experience that offers a unique perspective of Atlanta’s gorgeous architecture.

Originally intended as an eco-friendly, Downtown Atlanta taxi service, owner Stephen Chester purchased the GEM e6® shuttles a few years ago. After getting rave reviews about his eclectic knowledge of the city and charming personality, Chester created ATL Cruzers - Atlanta’s first eco-friendly shuttle tours. The cars which operate on an all-electric, 72-volt battery, feature cushy seats, safety belts and retractable plastic curtains to keep rainy, chilly weather at bay.

Each 1 hour and 15 minute ATL Cruzers tour packs a punch, highlighting more than 15 of Atlanta’s top attractions. Beginning at Underground Atlanta with the quick story of how Atlanta got its name, the tour then cruises through the historic neighborhoods of Sweet Auburn and Inman Park. Next you’ll head to Midtown for a curb-side view of the Fabulous Fox Theatre, the Margaret Mitchell House and Woodruff Arts Center. After cruising through Piedmont Park, you’ll by the Georgia Tech Football Stadium before visiting Centennial Olympic Park and the Ring of Attractions – the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola and the CNN Center. All along the tour loop, the guides will share trivia and fun factoids, as well as point out great hotspots for evening entertainment.

 

Each family-friendly tour is just $25 per person and $10 for kids 8-12 years old. During the cooler months, tours are available at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Reservations are suggested to ensure your group can cruise together.

Insider info: While it’s not a “hop on/hop off” excursion, you can opt to end your tour at the Ring of Attractions. For an additional fee, your tour guide will pick you up and drop you off from your Downtown hotel.

Whether you’re looking for a great adventure date or just a fun way to entertain the family during that post-pie sugar high, North Georgia Canopy Tours are just the thing! Thrilling for all ages, this eco-friendly outdoor exploration features 12 ziplines, three nature walks, two sky bridges and a rappel. Touted as “Georgia ultimate zipline and treetop adventure,” this sky-high attraction offers adrenaline-fueled fun, as well as gorgeous scenery and greenery.

There are two guided tour options - the Sky Bridge Tour and Adventure Tour - both of which include two hilarious eco-guides who will fill your trek with tall tales, intriguing facts about native plants and wildlife, and - of course - plenty of safety tips. (Ask for Bonnie and Frank - this dynamic duo will have you laughing in no time!) The Sky Bridge Tour (approx. 2 hours) features nine ziplines - including the grand finale dual racing lines across the Hilltop Pond - and nature walks, plus both rope-and-wood sky bridges. The Adventure Tour (3+ hours) features over a mile of ziplines - including two which cross the North Ocone River and the 659-foot long racing lines - as well as both sky bridges, three moderately challenging nature walks and a two-story high rappel. Both tours can accommodate up to eight people, so bring your friends and family, too! (Reservations are suggested to ensure larger groups can zip together.) Cameras are allowed on the treks, but you’ll also have the option to purchase professional pics afterward.

Just an hour’s drive from Downtown Atlanta, the North Georgia Canopy Tours are located on 136 acres in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains. For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, there’s an 18-hole disc golf course for professional and recreational players; a GroundSpeak-approved Four Stage Geocache trek and backyard games - cornhole, tetherball and foosball. The grounds also offer camping and “glamping” (glamourized camping) amenities (including bathhouses and fire rings,) as well as an observation deck and gas grill. For the “glampers”, you can choose from three fully-enclosed teepees (couple-sized, room for four, or bunks for 10) which include rustic-inspired bedroom furniture, hypoallergenic mattresses and linens, a space heater and air conditioner, and moderate storage space.

With so much to do and see, I think it’s safe to say the North Georgia Canopy Tours have the best thrills and squeals in metro-Atlanta!

Insider info: Kids 10-15 years old can zip along the Adventure Tour for half-price every Tuesday-Thursday, excluding holidays. (Note: 1/2-price Adventure Tour discount applies to only 1 child per full-priced adult.)

Though Atlanta is the place to stay and play - it’s packed with a wide array of all things exciting and enticing - these metro-Atlanta towns are perfect for a day trip. Whether you’re in search of a few family-friendly (and owned) restaurants, a relaxed stroll around the square, or just some hometown hospitality, in Atlanta you’re never more than an hour away! 

Alpharetta - 25 miles north, via GA-400

Tucked into the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, you’ll find gently twisting, tree-lined streets as well as numerous attractions and more than 200 restaurants.

For year-round thrills, catch hot headliners and award-winning performers at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre or get down and dirty with hands-on dirt bike lessons at the Honda Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Indulge in a bit of girlish glee at the American Girl Boutique and Bistro in North Point Mall or head a few miles north for tons of savings on name-brand and luxury items at the North Georgia Premium Outlets.

Be sure to “fall into fun” in Alpharetta with haunted houses, festivals and food galore! Explore all of the seasonal sensations with the customizable events calendar.

Follow @AlpharettaCVB or “Like” Alpharetta, GA on Facebook for even more day-tripping fun.

Jonesboro - 20 miles south, via I-75

In the “Official Home of Gone With The Wind” you’ll find the Road To Tara Museum, decades of Civil War history, geo-caching and more! 

Here, indoor excitement includes art galleries, historic tours and a trip through the National Archives. For outdoor adventures, head to the Newnan Wetlands or Reynolds Nature Preservation for plenty of fun in the sun. You can also catch an adrenaline rush at the Atlanta Motor Speedway and Dixieland Fun Park.

For fun Fall activities, check out the customizable events calendar, but be sure not to miss the Trail of Terror haunted walk Oct. 21-22 and 28-19!

Follow @VisitScarlett and “Like” Visit Clayton County, GA on Facebook for steals and deals on family fun.

Lawrenceville - 30 miles northeast, via I-85

Filled with history and heritage, stroll through shops in the town square or enjoy dinner and drinks at one of the family-owned restaurants.

Year-round thrills include standing ovation-worthy shows at the Aurora Theatre and Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, as well as steals and deals in the Discover Mills Mall.

In addition to fabulous festivals, the Lawrenceville Ghost Tours are a favorite Fall activity. Guided by professional actors from the Aurora Theatre and packed with terrifying tales, these chilling tours travel through the Historic Downtown Lawrenceville every evening in October!

Metro Atlanta
For even more excitement and offers just minutes away from Atlanta, follow @Metro_Atlanta or “Like” Metro Atlanta Must-Sees on Facebook!