I was recently invited to a luau at Lake Lanier in Flowery Branch. Lake Lanier is 26 miles long. Members of the Black Boaters Club shuttled myself and members of the 30+ meetup group to a private cove. Little did I realize that there are at least two marinas in the small town of Flowery Branch. Unfortunately, I ended up at the wrong marina! I was supposed to meet them at Aqualand Marina., said to be the largest inland marina in the United States. I ended up at Starboard Cove Marina, which was down the street, well down the street and around a few corners.  Check out my YouTube video to view the rest of my story!

About Lake Lanier

Lake Lanier in Flowery Branch, is located about 45 miles north of Atlanta. The lake is a popular summer destination for boating, skiing, and bass fishing. I am told that people also go swimming in the lake. According to the Great Lakes of Georgia about 8 million people visit the lake a year. Lake Lanier has been severely affected by a drought in the area, see photos in The Diatribune.  According to the Diatribune, the lake receded to 19 feet below normal and has impacted many people who live there (property depreciation) and depend on the lake for their livelihoods. When I went the water  off of the Aqualand Marina was fine for a luau or other water activities. So that you have better luck getting to the marinas, here is a list of some Lake Lanier marinas. I’m in a generous mood today, so here are some driving directions to Flowery Branch from Atlanta.

Accommodations

The Lake Lanier Islands Resort, 7000 Holiday Road, Lake Lanier Islands, is a 216-room resort and spa with 30 villas and additional houseboats. Call 770.945.8787 for reservations. 

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler

I thought that I’d hear soft music, the type you hear while floating off to sleep, during a relaxing massage. I read Memoirs of a Geisha, after all. So, I thought that I knew what to expect.

The Geisha House was nothing at all like I’d imagined. There was only one geisha, the hostess when I visited on a Friday night. The other servers wore black slacks with red, low-cut T-shirts. I am happy to say that they had Asian servers and also servers from other ethnic groups. That was cool. After a hard day at work, I was ready to chill, so I wanted to be enveloped in soft soothing music. The music at the Geisha House was not soft and gentle. It was pounding and rhythmic, sort of like being in a club, which is fine if you are expected a club-like environment.

I can say the the Geisha House was sexy. Red lighting, seating, and low-lights gave the restaurant an exotic feel.

The food did  meet my expectations. I tried the teriyaki salmon, which was delicious. Although I am not sushi expert, the California rolls that I tried were also decent. Well, they tasted pretty much the same was as the ones at Publix. Meals at the Geisha House are a la carte. Most entrees are about $15 each. So, for about $35 I had salmon and California rolls, which is too pricey given the atmosphere.

The Geisha House is located at 1380 Atlantic Drive, in Atlanta. The phone number is 404-872-3903.

Photo Credit: Claudine Williams

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Post from: The Atlanta Traveler

This is a little something for people who like art and cultural events. Spend your Friday evening listening to poetry reading, dramatic presentations and singers.

You can also watch artists create original artwork live. Experience body painting or listen to a town hall discussion on Women’s Roles in Society.

If you want to get a little funky. Get on the dance floor and shake it to Chicago-Style Stepping. Of course, a D.J. will be spinning in the back.

That sounds like some evening.  They call it STIR: Sound, Thoughts, Ideas and Rhyme. This Friday is the Woman’s Month Celebration.

Featured Poets are: Higher Reality and Cola Rum, BET Lyric Cafe Artists

Featured Vocalists are: Rhonda Thomas, Shamora, Chimere, and Isaiah

 

Live Painting by: Corey Whitehead, Cartrell Coleman and Leslie Aaron

Live Body paint by: Alan Grimes

Ed Garmes Jr., will lead the discussion on Woman’s Roles in Society.

The event is hosted by Cocktails.

Food and drinks are available for purchase. Vendors will also be in the spot.

Parking is free.

Photo Courtesy of Omar

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler

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

 ESPN Zone, 3030 Peachtree Road, in Buckhead will be the place to be for the Superbowl. Hey, they have a 16-foot high definition screen. Need I say more? Seeing is believing. Take a virtual tour of ESPN Zone to see if you think the facilities are up to par.

You’ll probably find me at Frankie’s, 5600 Roswell Road in Atlanta, which was voted the best sport’s bar in the state by USA Today. They have flat screens. Yes they do.  How about watching the game on  four lovely 61″ digital flat screens? Oh, and I almost forgot. They have 200 televisions, too. That’s hot.

Famous Pub and Sports Palace  at 2947 N. Druid Hills has six big screen TVs and three floating 42″ flatscreens.  They added a new patio, which is just huge!

Dugan’s Yep. I’m going to and see what’s popping over at Dugan’s. Dugan’s at 777 Ponce de Leon in Atlanta is definitely a hype spot to watch the game. There is never a dull moment at Dugan’s. Watching the game at Dugan’s is like kicking back, watching the game with a bar full of  your crazy friends and fam. Call them at 404-885-1217.

 Sidelines Grill in Marietta is like an old standby. You won’t have to worry about downtown parking, and there are three huge projection screens for watching the game. Hey, I hear that the grub there is good, too.

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler