ATL Insider Blog

Sometimes the best things in life are free. This month  the Atlanta Preservation Center is offering 160 free events that are not only fun, but a great way to learn more about your city.

The event is called Phoenix Flies, a Citywide Celebration of Living Landmarks.
This is its 7th year, but I didn’t know anything about it until my
friend Melissa asked me if I wanted to join her for a tour of Harmony
Grove cemetery on Saturday. You have probably driven by it hundreds of
times and never knew it. It’s right at the corner of West Paces Ferry
and Chatham roads.

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Image via Wikipedia I know I said we’d announce the winner of the Spring Awakening tickets last Friday, but I was out of town and had some technology issues, so we’re announcing it… [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]…(read more)

First Thursday ArtsWalk
March 4, 5-8p.m.
Downtown Atlanta

First Thursday ArtsWalk is a self-guided stroll through the art
and architecture of Atlanta’s heart. Whether you’re looking to add a little
whimsy to date night, meet someone new, or just unwind after work, Downtown
Atlanta provides the perfect backdrop. Use a suggested itinerary or create your
ideal evening from scratch. End your stroll on a sweet note with discounts to
some of the tastiest Downtown restaurants!

Drop by for these Can’t-Miss exhibits!

The
Museum of Design Atlanta
MODA presents exhibits which demonstrate technology’s affect on culture
and design.
Current Exhibit - LoveNests:
Photographs and Objects
A collective of Atlanta’s colorful locals and the objects they
can’t live without.

The
GSU School of Art & Design Gallery
GSU MFA displays the works of both local and far-flung artists,
as well as the faculty and students of Georgia State.
Current Exhibit - 2010
Works by Faculty Exhibition
A display of works by GSU’s faculty, featuring a range of genres
and mediums.

Arts for All Gallery at VSA Arts of Georgia
VSAG provides economically disadvantaged communities with access
to art and culture, and exhibits the work of these often over-looked talents.
Current Exhibit - Make Your Mark, Too
This exhibit pairs fresh talents with established creatives to
produce on-going, on-site artwork, where visitors can watch the progression and
growth of both ideas and artists.

The
Rialto Center for the Arts
RCA is a multipurpose venue featuring music, dance and visual
exhibits.
Current Exhibit - Between Here and There by Paul Benjamin
Consisting of collages inspired by the landscapes of Chicago and
Atlanta, this Southern transplant portrays his community through the window
panes of his travels

Paige
Harvey Art Studio
Truly living and breathing her work, Paige Harvey’s studio
doubles as her home.
Current Exhibit - Completed and in-progress works of Paige Harvey
Modern paintings inspired by the city’s famous attractions and
nuances.

Whether your first impulse is to gasp "Eek!" or squeal
"Chic!", there's no denying the dynamic persona of Little Five Points. While
you could spend nights on end wandering about the community and still discover
something new, Boutique Blondie has rounded up the a few of the best of L5P's
quirky-cool shops.

Vortex
- While most visitors remark on the delectable menu and sleek skeletal décor,
it's the attitude and ambiance that keeps locals coming back for more. As a
self-lauded "Idiot-Free Zone", the Vortex keeps a strict "86 Policy", making
this bar and grill a haven from the dinner-rush divas.

Junkman's Daughter
- A favorite mainstay, this iconic shop offers a trove of alternative
treasures. Of particular interest is the fully-stocked tobacco shop and red
high-heeled staircase. You'll also find fashions for both guys and gals,
unusual gifts, housewares that demand a double-take and of course, tons of
tchotchkes, cult classic novels and collectibles.

Bazaar Shopping Mall
- Something of an indoor flea market occupied by a band of independent vendors,
this spot is rife with people watching and unique wares. Artists, tradesmen and
salesmen line the walls, offering a mega-watt, colorful display of textiles,
body products and jewelry, as well as elusive dvds, books and clothing.

Pin Up Girl Cosmetics -
"Specializing in the art of Pretty", this L5P original can now be found just a
couple of miles south in Grant Park. From a funky Girl's Night Out package to
the full-on calendar shoot, Pin Up Girl Cosmetics offers hair styling, makeup
applications and wardrobe options for every budget. Once you've unleashed your
inner Vargas vixen, skilled photographers are on hand to document the
metamorphosis. Whether you're looking for a little self-esteem boost or that
oh-so-memorable gift, drop in and strike a pose!

Just in time for Spring, 39 of the city's premier restaurants
have collaborated once again, bringing you a sumptuous showcase of the season's
latest cuisines and libations! Among the menus you'll find casual and
global-infused dining, steakhouses, and urban pub fare – all at a delicious
price, perfect for a guilt-free weeknight out!

Buckhead
Restaurant Week 2010
March 6^th-14^th
$25 3-course dinners from
26 restaurants

A few offers include:

Atlanta Fish Market -
This casual dining spot offers 3 options per course, including a Spicey Tuna
Sushi Roll, the Blackened Mahi and Oreo Crusted Cheesecake.

Pricci – Features
Roman-inspired cuisine and wine pairings for an exotic twist.

Prime – This
"prime" steakhouse has a number of enticing entrée options such as the Wood
Grilled Salmon Filet or NY Strip ‘Steak Frites', plus homemade sorbet or ice
cream for dessert.

Gordon Biersch – The
epitome of urban pub fare also offers 3 options per course, such as a
Sherry-infused Lobster Bisque, the Teriyaki Flat Iron Steak and Signature
Double Chocolate Cake.

Inman Park
Restaurant Week
March 8^th-14^th
$15, $25 and $35
3-course dinners from 13 restaurants

Spearheaded by Chef Shaun Doty of Shaun's, a portion of the Inman Park Restaurant Week proceeds with
benefit the Believe In Me Foundation – a support system for the education and
welfare of autistic children.

A sample of the menus offered include:

$15 at The Albert
- Urban pub fare featuring options such as Pan Seared Scallops, Grilled Hangar
Steak with seared veggies, and Red Velvet Cake.

$25 at Zaya
Mediterranean Cuisine – Mediterranean-infused cuisine featuring soups,
salads and hummus, innumerable entrées and traditional desserts.

$25 at Sauced – A
menu of casual classics with a Southern spin, including a jalapeño-cheddar
Black-eyed Pea Fritter, Guinness-braised Boneless Short Ribs, and Chocolate
Bread Pudding with Espresso Ganache.

$35 at Kevin Rathbun
Steak – In addition to the regular city-chic steakhouse menu, 3 special
options per course will be offered. The new additions include Georgia White
Shrimp, Allen Brothers Prime Flatiron Steak, and a Black Bottom Chocolate Crème
Brulee.

I always love to see who will be a guest on the days I do Better Mornings. Apparently I missed meeting one of the Harlem Globetrotters by one day. They’re scheduled to be on the show tomorrow…. [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]…(read more)

What: Spring Awakening Where: Fox Theatre When: Tuesday, March 9, 2010, 8 pm Cost: $25.25 – $56.85 (with Ticketmaster Fees) or win them here I’m bummed I can’t go to this show, it… [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]…(read more)

The lovable, dancing “rater of fun”, Mr. Six will be appearing all over Atlanta at area Race Trac locations to gear up excitement for opening weekend at Six Flags Over Georgia. The park will host a weekend-long coasterthon contest that will launch on Opening Day, March 6! The contest, sponsored by STAR 94 and Race …(read more)