The Atlanta Traveler » Great Places to Unwind

Neighbor’s Restaurant

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 03:57:27 +0000

Photo by Claudine Williams

When looking for a cool place with plenty of outdoor seating in midtown, headed over to Neighbor’s at 752 North Highland Ave. This pub has a cute lighted patio for a romantic meal. If you decide that it’s a little chilly outside but you still want to brave the weather, the pub has outdoor heating. Neighbor’s also has good food. I tried the Jerk Chicken wrap with mixed vegetables. I was afraid to order the dish because spicy foods make my eyes water and upsets my sinuses. My server was kind enough to bring extra napkins, although the jerk chicken was not too hot. It was just right. I also loved the intimate feeling of pub. Couples can lounge in cozy sofas, lighted in an area resembling a living room. You eat on low coffee table. The sandwiches are wraps are relatively inexpensive. Two people can eat for $15. It’s easy to kick back in Neighbor’s and forget that you are in a restaurant.

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler

A Walk in Piedmont Park

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 05:14:07 +0000

Photo by Claudine Williams

As the temperatures warm in Atlanta, Piedmont Park, an in-town park in Atlanta is buzzing with activity. People walk their pets, walk near the lake, picnic, or simply show off with friends.

Photo by Claudine Williams

The lake provides a romantic interlope for lovers who sit on the dock, gazing at the serene views. Others walk, hand in hand, around the narrow pathway circling the lake.

There is a playground for small children as well as an active circle with a track for those of you who would like to jog.

Photo by Claudine Williams

Quite a few people take their pets to the park. Piedmont Park is definitely pet friendly.

Photo by Claudine Williams

There are also pretty good views of the Atlanta skyline.

Photo by Claudine Williams

Piedmont Park
400 Park Drive North East
Atlanta, GA 30306
404-817-6744

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler

A Green Getaway for Romance

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 04:58:37 +0000

A stay at the Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge is just perfect for couples who love the great outdoors. Alternatively, if you want to keep in shape, you can go hiking in the park instead of, or in addition to a gym workout. I’m terrified of heights, but even I enjoy a nice easy hike, especially if I’m with a nice strong date. In addition to jewlry, candy, lingerie, and a new car (just kidding about the car) you can give your sweetheart a park pass which includes miles of hiking trails, biking trails, beaches, and romantic views. The annual pass costs $30 or $15 for
seniors 62 and older. Normally, parking fees are $3-$4. To purchase, call
1-800-864-7275 or visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

Photo courtesy of Georgia Parks

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler

Atlantic Station

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 03:00:59 +0000

Atlantic Station started the Live-Work-Play craze in Atlanta. Picture a community where living, working, and playing are within walking distance of each other. Opened in 2005 in midtown Atlanta, this city within a city was even given its own zip code: 30363. It features residential areas, office spaces, shops, restaurants, entertainment, and much more. Today, Atlantic Station continues to attract hordes of people to its neighborhood on a daily basis. I remember back in 2003, when the Art Foundry condominiums (the first residential area to be built in the area) announced initial plans of construction. Before even breaking ground, all units were almost all sold out. Buyers had to qualify (financially) in order to join a lottery that may give them a chance to purchase a most-coveted unit. Once the lottery was won, they had to put down a non-refundable exorbitant amount as earnest money. I thought these people were crazy until my parents announced they won the Art Foundry lottery and bought a unit for my younger sister who was living in a dorm nearby. They are now selling it for $100,000 more than what they paid originally. Not bad return on investment after less than 3 years. These days, there are more residential development in Atlantic Station. The Trump Towers are slated to be built pretty soon with anticipated completion by 2010. Twelve Atlantic Station has just been completed and features a hotel and residential condominiums. Work-wise, Atlantic Station features office buildings nearby. There’s 201, a 17-story Class A office tower offering 350,000 rentable square feet. 171, another Class A complex is home to leading bank Wachovia’s headquarters.

Aside from Ikea whose 366,000 square foot store is the first in the Southeast and in Atlanta, what makes Atlantic Station popular are the shops, restaurants, and entertainment portal. The outdoor mall is home to many retail and specialty stores. There are also several restaurants ranging from casual dining to hip and 5-star. If those are not enough to lure you in, there’s Regal Cinemas and a bowling alley. There’s also the Atlanta Police Precinct on the property.Atlantic Station promises something for everyone. Check out their website for the latest happenings.

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler

Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 22:51:28 +0000

photo courtesy of Callaway Gardens

Sorry for the late notice… Callaway Gardens is having the Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival this Labor Day weekend starting this afternoon. Be warned, however, that rain is in the forecast all weekend. For those not familiar with Callaway, it is about an hour’s drive south of Atlanta in the city of Pine Mountain. There’s a beach, a butterfly museum, a lake, a marina, fishing, biking, and lots of activities. Go if you don’t mind a few showers this weekend.

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler