The Secrets of Atlanta, Georgia
From secret yoga classes to off-the-menu delicacies, we present the Atlanta you never knew existed.
© CHUCK VOSBURGH
ATL CONFIDENTIAL
From free beer to tarot card readings, we reveal all of this Southern City's secrets....shh, no need to share with others.
BY ASHLEY HESSELTINE
PRIVATE DESIGNER SHOPPING
Les Nouvelles, the online shop carrying designers like Elizabeth and James, Cacharel, Issa, 3.1 Phillip Lim and more, has an appointment-only showroom where in-the-know fashionistas browse before buying. www.shoplesnouvelles.com
A ROYAL SHRINE
Pay homage to The King in a secret room in the back corner of Star Bar (Little Five Point's finest dive bar and music venue), which is jam-packed with photos, records, statues and even an altar and throne. www.starbaratlanta.com
PAY-WHAT-YOU-WANT BRUNCH AND A LOOK INTO YOUR FUTURE
Pony up what you think your brunch is worth on Sundays at the cozy Café Jonah and the Magical Attic (a percentage of proceeds goes to a local nonprofit, so don't be stingy). Want to see what your generosity might bring in karma? Every day, find a psychic or tarot card reader in the attic, plus spiritual books, candles and oils. www.cafejonah.com
FREE YOGA
Breathe easier when you're not stressing about your cash flow. Atlanta Activewear offers free yoga on Saturdays at 9am and Lululemon Athletica in Buckhead has you covered Sundays at 11am. www.lululemon.com, www.atlantaactivewear.com>
RARE BOOKS
Among the vast selection of books at A Cappella Books in its new, sleek home in Inman Park, lurks an incredible number of signed copies (at no extra cost) from the likes of Susan Rebecca White, Robert Olen Butler, Hugh Acheson and many more. www.acappellabooks.com
MAGIC WORDS FOR FREE BEER
Before you smash the cash partying around town all weekend, pinch a penny at Diesel Filling Station. On Fridays, starting at 5.37pm sharp, say "free beer," and that's exactly what you'll get (your first brew is free until the keg runs out). Why 5.37? Well, why not? www.dieselatlanta.com
ART IN ACTION
A dozen of Atlanta's coolest it-artists (David Hale, Greg Mike, Ash Lethal) gather 'round a long table, pop open some rews and draw at ABV Gallery's monthly Drink and Doodle. Hang out and watch, then purchase your favorite piece, framed, at the end of the night for a mere $40. Unlike Picasso, you probably won't be able to pay your tab with your own cocktail napkin scribbles. July 25, 8-11pm, www.abvatl.com
SLEEP ON A FARM... IN ATLANTA
A 1900 farmhouse surrounded by lush greenery, a koi pond and barnyard complete with goats, turkeys and roosters make The Social Goat an unexpected urban oasis in Grant Park. You won't find relaxation or charm like this at any of the Downtown hotels, which are just minutes away. www.thesocialgoatbandb.com
BEER WITH A SIDE OF PING PONG
Show off your mad skills before or after a tour at the Red Brick Brewing Company; the brewery's tasting room has a ping pong table, corn hole, darts and ladder ball. You may work up a thirst. www.redbrickbrewing.com
LITTLE-KNOWN LATE NIGHT EATS
In most cities, soaking up booze in the wee hours is a recipe for disaster, with grease-soaked family diner chains providing the only options. But savvy, sunlight-adverse Atlantans know to head to the patio at So Ba after 10pm, when it turns into the Octopus Bar. The laidback foodie hotspot serves inventive, Asian-inspired grub until 2.30am every night but Sunday. A few blocks away, night owls nosh on a to-die-for chicken sausage hoagie at Delia's Chicken Sausage Stand, open 24 hours on the weekends (we recommend the Hot Mess). www.octopusbaratl.com
BOTTOMS UP... UP AND AWAY
Shoot for the stars with the local, coffee/energy drink Whynatte. Ask for a Fire in the Hole shot at Tin Lizzy's Cantina (Whynatte and cinnamon whiskey), a Banjo shot at DBA Barbecue (Whynatte and Cat Daddy moonshine) or a Mexican Mule shot at The Vortex (Whynatte, tequila, Kahlua, Mexican mole bitters). www.whynatte.com, www.tinlizzyscantina.com, www.dbabarbecue.com, www.thevortexbarandgrill.com
Reader Comments
- There are no comments posted yet. Be the first one!