Weekly Feature : neighborhood

ATL Cruzers – the Go-To Tour of Atlanta’s History and Hotspots

Alyson Kate — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 21:40:00 GMT

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.

The Highland Inn - Tucked into the Heart, Soul and Rock ‘n Roll of Atlanta

Alyson Kate — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 04:59:00 GMT

Guess what folks; I think I've found the coolest hotel in the city. A quirky haven amidst the hustle and bustle of Midtown's nightlife, The Highland Inn provides economy accommodations just steps from the shopping, dining and clubs of Virginia-Highland! The 1927 building has a venerable charm, perfectly complemented by its relaxed, cool kid vibe. Artwork by locals and autographed band portraits line the walls while the resident cat (who's attitude reminds me vividly of Skimbleshanks) keeps a calculating eye on every floor.

Top to bottom, The Highland Inn occupies three floors and offers 80 guest rooms, including a number of suites and a few with kitchenettes. While it's made quite clear that these budget beds and rooms offer basic amenities, the soft linens, sunlit breakfast room and "take one leave one" bookshelf are humble touches that make you feel right at home. Adding to the convivial, neighborhood atmosphere are the rooftop patio and private courtyard. There's also free Wi-Fi and parking, a laundry facility and vending machines available.

Sandwiched between Little Five Points and Virginia-Highland, the "geek- and shabby-chic" Highland Inn is just steps away from the casual nightlife of Atlanta's coolest alternative neighborhoods. Certainly a place to see and be seen, the hotel caters mostly to young travelers, nightlife lovers and, of course, tons of talent. Nicknamed "The Rock ‘n Roll Hotel of Atlanta", frequent famous guests include The All-American Rejects and Chloë Sevigny, as well as tons of talented locals. As hospitality is a top priority, the Inn boasts the city's latest checkout (12 p.m.) with the option for an extension.

Bars and clubs aside, nearby attractions include Dad's Garage Theatre Company (one of Atlanta's favorite stand-up comedy venues,) the Horizon Theatre Company (a must-try for independent theatre ) and Blind Willie's (the best live blues and soul food in the city.) The shops of Little Five Points are just around the block, while The Plaza on Ponce offers more shopping, a movie theater and the Majestic Diner - makers of Atlanta's best late-night omelet. Surrounded by quirky hangouts, cool locals and tons of hospitality, The Highland Inn is perfect for a quick Summer vacation (or staycation!)

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.

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.