Weekly Feature : drinks

What To Do in Atlanta - Midtown forthe Night Owls

Alyson Kate — Wed, 09 May 2012 16:04:00 GMT

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.

Enjoy Even More Music, Monarchs and Munchies at the 40th Annual Inman Park Festival

Alyson Kate — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 21:13:00 GMT

Unwind from the workweek with a weekend of whimsy! The 40^th Annual Inman Park Festival - Atlanta's oldest neighborhood celebration - is bigger than ever with a newly expanded Kidszone and even larger parade. Also home to the city's largest Street Market, you'll find must-have artisan bites and baubles around every corner.

40^th Annual Inman Park Festival
April 30 - May 1
Inman Park
Free Admission

A few festival highlights include:

2011 Tour of Homes (Saturday and Sunday, noon - 6p.m.) - This self-guided walking tour takes you on a stroll through some of the city's finest homes. From eclectic loft conversions to traditional bungalows and Victorians, this architectural showcase can't be missed. This year, you can preview the homes Friday, April 29^th, from noon until 4 p.m.

2011 Parade (Saturday, 2p.m.) - Led by the Inman Park Monarch (a flighty beauty cloaked in color and charm), the Parade is filled with dancers, artistic cars, street performers and more! Two must-see spectacles are the Marching Abominable Band and the eco-chic Inman Park Trash Monarch, perched atop a street-sweeper. After being denied entrance into the Guinness Book of World Records, the Atlanta Gnomes will be marching in defiance.

Live Performances (Saturday and Sunday) - The Dance Festival features a few of Atlanta's most talented dance companies, as they celebrate the beauty of movement and defy physical limitations. Three stages will also feature musical acts, ranging in genres from jazz and blues to rock ‘n roll.

Street Market and Arts & Crafts Market (Saturday and Sunday) - Here you'll find rows and rows of vendors, offering everything from sweet treats and cool drinks to hand-crafted jewelry and apparel, fine art pieces, pet products and more!

Transportation - MARTA. Seriously folks, there is precious little streetside parking, and the Inman Park/Reynoldstown station is directly adjacent to the festivities. Since the festival is bigger than ever, this year you can enjoy two Bicycle Valet locations. Plus, the Free Shuttle Bus circles the festivities from noon until 6 p.m. all weekend, guaranteeing you won't miss a thing!

Be sure to check out the FAQs for more must-know festival info.

Hold Onto Your Hats - Atlanta’s Got Royal Wedding Fever!

Alyson Kate — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 04:58:00 GMT

It’s official - the city has Royal Wedding fever. According to a local news source, Prince William and Kate’s “royal wedding drives Atlanta hat sales.” Whether or not you’re a fan of flower-bedecked haberdashery, folks and locales citywide are gearing up for what is arguable one of the most romantic events of the year. Coming up, my top picks for the best places to crash Friday’s momentous occasion (and don’t forget your hat!)

A Royal Wedding At Piedmont Park 
The Promenade at Piedmont Park 
6 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
Broadcast in the newly opened Promenade, Piedmont Park is easily the place to see and be seen tomorrow. For $30, you can enjoy light bites, signature cocktails and gorgeous displays from Atlanta’s finest wedding vendors before the nuptials. Afterward, be sure to take a sunlight stroll through the new 33-acre addition which includes a bubbling brook, lush gardens and a soaring fountain.

Royal Wedding Viewing Party 
W Atlanta Buckhead
5-9 a.m. 
Wanna party in the wee hours of the morning? Head to W Atlanta Buckhead for royal party favors, a celebratory toast and full, live coverage on tons of flat screen TVs. (Maybe pop into Whiskey Blue for a tomato-based, mid-morning treat.) If you want to make it extra special, grab your prince or princess and get a room tonight! Valid Thursday, April 28, only, book the Royal Wedding Package and receive VIP access to Hen & Stag Night at Whiskey Blue and two complimentary cocktails, plus English tea for two and a smashing room rate of $169.

Movies in the Garden: The Royal Wedding 
The Mansion on Peachtree 
7-9 p.m. 
Once the “kiss for the country” has ended, head to Buckhead for the after-party, erm, reception. Celebrate in the English fashion with movies, mingling and mixed drinks in the garden and under the stars! Kicking off the 2011 season is Fred Astaire in the 1951 film, The Royal Wedding. Your $40 ticket includes two drinks, gourmet theatre concessions and parking.

Adventurous ATL - Spring Break Edition

Alyson Kate — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 18:11:00 GMT

With Spring Break just a day planner page away, it's high time we got out and had a little fun. For anyone tired of the trek to the beach, an adventurous ATL experience is perfect. Whether your go-to activity is climbing, driving, hiking or diving, Atlanta has all your Spring Break classics with an urban twist!

Not up for a long haul road trip? Head to Andretti Indoor Karting and Games for a 50 mph romp around the racetrack in the new SuperKarts. Take that adrenaline rush to new heights on the Cosmic Rock Wall and Extreme Ropes Course, or climb even higher to the Sky Bar for a fully-stocked pit stop.

Enjoy the scenery and greenery with a hike through Atlanta's two urban forests. Wander through the treetops on the 40-foot high Canopy Walk at the Atlanta Botanical Garden for an aerial view of the city. Gotta get back to basics? Visit Stone Mountain for walking trails, campsites (and, of course, s'mores!)

If it just isn't vacation without lots of splashing around, check out Journey with Gentle Giants at the Georgia Aquarium - an opportunity to snorkel or dive (SCUBA certification required) with the world's largest captive mammal, the whale shark. For other aquatic adventures, visit Chattahoochee Outfitters and float a kayak, tube, canoe - even an eco-friendly sternwheel boat - down the Chattahoochee River.

Still craving some beach-y kitsch? Head to Trader Vic's - home of the original (and best) Mai Tai - and enjoy an evening of Polynesian cuisine, tiki torches and flirty, fruity drinks.

Since you're here, why not play and stay the Atlanta way? The Atlanta International Hostel offers comfy Midtown accommodations for less than the price of dinner. Be first in line for the best steals and deals with the ACVB's customizable hotel search.

Memorial Day the Atlanta Way

Alyson Kate — Fri, 28 May 2010 15:11:00 GMT

Memorial Day weekend is fast-approaching, bringing Summer on its heels. Looking for a few fun twists for your long weekend? Check out what the city has to offer:

Ded Bob's Shakespeare Comedy Spectacular!
Shakespeare Tavern
Through May 30

The famous, floundering insult comedian returns to the stage! This weekend is your last chance to catch The Ded Bob show, which presents "Shakespeare with all the boring parts removed" for your gasping delight. Ded Bob, a saucy skeleton with a roving eye regales you with spoofs and parodies of Shakespeare's best-known work, as well as his insult/stand-up routine. The Shakespeare Tavern offers food and drinks for anyone interested. Fair warning: Bob is hilarious, so no spitting out that cocktail!

Decatur Arts Festival
Decatur Square
May 29 and 30

This weekend event celebrates arts, culture and creativity with a fun, neighborhood vibe. Enjoy an Artists' Market, filled with fantastic finds including pottery, photography and artisan pieces such as glass- and woodworks. Both days also feature music, dance and literary performances from local talents. Bonus: Take the MARTA Blue Line directly to the festival!

Atlanta Jazz Festival
Piedmont Park
May 29 and 30

The Atlanta Jazz Festival proudly celebrates 33 years of talent and passion in Piedmont Park. Featuring masters of numerous genres - from jazz and blues to striking vocals - these two days showcase the best talents city and nation-wide. In addition to exquisite music, food and merchandise vendors will be on hand for the event. For all you jazz lovers: follow the Twitter feed for up-to-minute details!

Memorial Weekend at Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park - Memorial Lawn
May 29 - 31

Grab your All-Attractions Adventure Pass for an active, fun-filled weekend. This pass gets you unlimited access to every inch of the park, including Sky Hike, Journey to the Center of the Earth 4D Adventure and Great Locomotive Chase Adventure Golf! Passes are just $27 adults and $21 for ages 3-11, valid all 3 days. Only interested in the Lasershow Spectacular? Enjoy the city's oldest choreographed laser- and pyrotechnics show for free - just pay $10 for parking.

Music, Monarchs and Munchies - Oh My!

Alyson Kate — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 21:12:00 GMT

Inman Park Festival 2010
Inman Park
Saturday and Sunday, April 24 - 25

Looking to add a bit of whimsy to your weekend? Head over to the Inman Park Festival - one of the largest community celebrations in the city. Also the home of the largest Street Market, you'll find tons of tasty treats and artisan pieces to spark your creativity. Starting at 11a.m. and continuing well into the evening, this two day event is a great way to spend an hour or a day!

A few festival highlights include:

2010 Parade (Saturday, 2p.m.) - Led by the Inman Park Monarch (a flighty beauty cloaked in color and charm), the Parade is filled with dancers, artistic cars, street performers and more! Two must-see spectacles are the Marching Abominable Band and the eco-chic Inman Park Trash Monarch, perched atop a street-sweeper.

Street Market (both days) - Here you'll find rows and rows of vendors, offering everything from sweet treats and cool drinks to hand-crafted jewelry and apparel, fine art pieces and more!

2010 Tour of Homes (both days, noon - 6p.m.) - This self-guided walking tour takes you on a stroll through some of the city's finest homes. From eclectic loft conversions to traditional bungalows and Victorians, this architectural showcase can't be missed.

Live Performances (both days) - The Dance Festival features a few of Atlanta's most talented dance companies, as they celebrate the beauty of movement and defy physical limitations. Three stages will also feature musical acts, ranging in genres from jazz and blues to rock ‘n roll.

Free Shuttle Bus - This year, the Festival features free shuttles which circle the festivities continuously, guaranteeing you won't miss a thing!

One word for the wise - MARTA. There is precious little streetside parking, and the Inman Park/Reynoldstown station is directly adjacent to the festivities.

Atlanta Is Seeing Green!

Alyson Kate — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:32:00 GMT

St. Patrick's Day Parade
March 13^th, 12p.m.
Free

Join the 7th largest "Irish City" in North America for one of the South's biggest St. Patty's Day parties! Fun for the entire family, the parade features over 200 participants, including clowns, floats, Bagpipe & Drum Corps, antique cars, and dignitaries from Ireland.

The shenanigans kick off at high noon on the corner of Ralph McGill Boulevard and Peachtree Street. From there, the mile-long route winds through the heart of the city - drop by a few on of your favorite dining and drink spots for delicious specials and a street-side view! Continuing South on Peachtree Street past Harris, Ellis and JW Dobbs streets, the parade then passes through the newly-restored Woodruff Park. The parade ends at Underground Atlanta, where live entertainment, food and dancing continue the festivities.

If the Spring weather is calling your name, head over to Piedmont Park and get your fill of green after the parade. Pack a picnic of all your Irish favorites and enjoy the lush lawns. Looking for something a bit more high-energy? Visit Ri Ra Irish Pub and Restaurant, Fado's Irish Pub, or Murphy's for some authentic Irish entertainment, exclusive menu items and much more!