I was born and raised here, so I’ve got a pretty good feel of things ’round these parts. I have come up with a top 6 list of great places to go for those who may just be visiting, passing through, want something new to do, whatever. You can trust my judgment. It’s fabulous. However, you can’t trust maps you get off the internet…or any directions anyone gives you…so it would be a bright idea to have a GPS handy. Or just use your keen bat senses. Our roads and signs are a total mess.
#1 The High Museum of Art
(Snapped a photo with my Chocolate camera.)
I absolutely adore the art museum. So should you. It’s perfect for a date, girls’ night out, study group or by yourself for a classy and relaxing evening of art. I would also say it’s a great place to meet interesting people. They added a new section to the building a year or so ago, so it’s bigger for newer galleries. Which are amazing. Every third Friday of the month, they have Friday Night Jazz. Jazz bands, drinks, snacks, dancing, gift shops, everyone gets all dolled up for it and the entire museum is open to explore from 5-10pm. The boyfriend and I go every Valentine’s Day.
$18 admission
www.high.org
#2 Virginia Highland
A quaint little neighborhood area filled with boutiques, bars, restaurants, etc. Also perfect for a date or girly time. It isn’t too far from the museum and everything else in the city. So, there’s more than enough to do and a lot within walking distance. My favorite spots at the Highlands are the Highland Tap, which is an underground tavern…and Dakota J’s, which is an amazing little one of a kind boutique. Even my mother hung out there at my age.
www.virginiahighland.com
#3 Sutra Lounge
Voted one of the top 100 nightclubs in the U.S. As far as the top nightclubs in Atlanta, I’d vote it number one. It’s sexy, chic and trendy. Always packed. Fantastic DJ. It’s a guaranteed good time. They recently changed their whole look, so they’re even better. It’s located in a neighborhood of nightclubs, but you can’t pass this place up. EDIT: Way too crowded and strict since the renovations.
www.sutraloungeatl.com
#4 The Masquerade
The Masquerade used to be an old mill many years ago and now it’s a concert venue with bars and dancing. It’s great because the tickets are very rarely over $20 and are usually even cheaper than that. You can see your favorite bands play or discover new ones anytime. It has three floors named Heaven, Hell and Purgatory. It’s also said to be one of Georgia’s top haunted places because so many freak accidents occurred at the mill and lives had been lost there. But wait! There’s more! On Saturday nights, the downstairs area moonlights as a gay club (That my friends and I have also enjoyed!). A jack of all trades. I have attended for Copeland, Flyleaf, Skillet, Fair To Midland, The Birthday Massacre, He Is Legend, Hawthorne Heights, Smile Empty Soul, 32 Leaves and several other bands there (as well as their Halloween bash)!
www.masq.com
#5 Fado Irish Pub
Now this isn’t only in Atlanta. You can probably find one in most major cities. But it’s a great scene for everyone. It’s a beautifully designed Irish pub and it delivers the full package. Best pint in Atlanta, perfect for viewing sporting events and bands often play there. They recently closed down in order to reopen a new location in Buckhead. They now have a rooftop deck with a heated floor. I couldn’t begin to describe the uniqueness of the pub. You would just have to see it.
www.fadoirishpub.com/atlanta
#6 Twist restaurant
I just love this place. The atmosphere is so flashy and fun, celebs frequent (as well as their sister restaurant Shout) and the food is delicious. It’s located in Midtown at Phipps Plaza, so it’s very trendy and elegant. It’s mostly tapas, sushi and seafood. The boyfriend loved their oysters and I thought the Bucatini Alfredo with chicken was to die for. We’re pretty positive we saw Omar Epps there last time(?). The whole setting reminds me of Sex and the City.
www.heretoserverestaurants.com
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i to was born & raised in the city of Atlanta & as a former Concierge i can suggest several things to do, see, visit, reside, dine, transportation, worship, entertainment, event tickets and the list goes on—one cant go wrong purchasing a marta card if they are using public transportation and a city pass which has some of the heavy hitters to explore such as the zoo, the high musuem, the ga aquarium, the coke musuem, fernbank, etc as a visitor you want to establish a bond with the hotel Concierge which is there to help your stay more enjoyable as well as navigate you thru the loop holes especially if your visit is short.
since i like a variety of things to do, i would prefer to rent a vehicle with a gps or hire a driver recommended by the Concierge & do remember to get a least 3 to choose from so that you stay within your budget–yet Marta is the best route if you are sightseeing, shopping, etc. i suggest you taking Marta from the airport to your hotel, introduce yourself to the bellman, the front desk clerk & the Concierge then have a pen & paper to take notes of what is around you such as 24 hour dining, package store, grocer, western union, sightseeing, clubs and where not to roam, etc.
go to myspace.com/misschocolatepeach for a list of things that you can enjoy or contact me personally to hire me as your Concierge & i will deliver last minute request and most of all make your stay in Atlanta pleasurable.