Atlanta At Home

Upcoming Atlanta Events: Boutique Warehouse Sale

Calling all shoppers and clothing fanatics! 

What: Boutique Warehouse Sale featuring Atlanta Boutiques

When: January 23-24

Hours: 10am to 6 pm

Where: Atlantic Station

This weekend you will want to find yourself at the Boutique Warehouse sale held at Atlantic Station this Friday, January 23 and Saturday, January 24.  Come and view clothing, shoes, and accessories from Atlanta's favorite boutiques including Almanac, Emly Benham, Jac, Pella, and Tulipano, and many more all discounted up to 80 percent off! 

The sale is held at Atlantic Station above the Z Gallerie from 10 am to 6 pm.  This year there are bigger dressing rooms, more parking, and more space!

Click here for additional information and driving directions

Let It Snow...in Georgia?

  It is not often that metro-Atlanta area sees snow, but it looks like Stone Mountain really got hit with a blizzard!  Well, a blizzard of man-made snow that is.

Although this week we are experiencing frigid temperatures, we are still excited to go out to Snow Mountain at the Stone Mountain Park!  Snow Mountain is open from New Years Eve through the first of March.

The snow is generated thanks to state-of-the-art technology which takes water from the lake, filters the water to make it potable, and then runs it through the snow machines right on the front lawn of the park. No water is wasted, as the snow melts it is directed back into the lake through specialty drainage systems.

Actives at Snow Mountain include tube racing where the young and old alike take a tube ride down the Lazer Lawn in a race toward the finish.  Other actives include a special snowball fight area complete with targets and an area to build your very own snowman.  There are even special supplies to bring your snowman to life like jackets and caps.  For children 3 and under there is Snowflake Hill which allows the youngest members of your family to exercise their creativity and create snow angels.

So for a unique family experience make your reservations for Snow Mountain today.  Park guests are advised to make an reservation and to arrive 45 minutes in advance to take part in this neat snow day adventure.

For additional information visit the Snow Mountain site by clicking here.  

Historic Downtown Lawrenceville

Trying to find something fun to do? Look no further than downtown Lawrenceville! In the middle of the town square is the beautiful Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. It was built in 1885, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For those of you who are history buffs, check out the Gwinnett Veterans Council War Memorial Museum. It is located on the first floor of the Historic Courthouse, and is a tribute to the brave men and women who fought for our country from the Civil War to the present. The museum is filled with remarkable wartime artifacts, as well as memorabilia and uniforms. It also includes Veterans’ personal stories. 

There are so many different things to do in downtown Lawrenceville. You can grab a bite to eat at Dominick’s (Italian food….YUM!), enjoy a beer on the rooftop deck of McCray’s, or sip a cup of coffee at The Singing Bean. You can even go on walking ghost tour! Or, check out a play at the Aurora Theater.

For more information, check out www.visitlawrenceville.com.

Written by Renee Fouquet

Fall Festivals

Even though summer is coming to an end, it doesn’t have to mean the end of outdoor fun! The fall is a great time to attend local fairs and festivals. With the weather finally cooling down, it is much more enjoyable to be outdoors. The following is a list of various fairs and festivals that you and your family might enjoy.

August 23rd
5th Annual German Bierfest at Woodruff Park in Atlanta, Georgia
$35 per person, $30 in advance – includes all the beer you can drink!
www.germanbierfest.com

August 30th -August 31st, 2008
Grant Park Summer Shade Festival at Grant Park in Atlanta, Georgia
Free admission
www.summershade.org

September 4th-7th, 2008
Yellow Daisy Festival at Stone Mountain Park in Stone Mountain, Georgia
Free admission, $10 parking
www.stonemountainpark.com

September 13th, 2008
Milton Roundup at Birmingham United Methodist Church in Alpharetta, Georgia
Free admission
www.cityofmiltonga.us

September 11th – 21st, 2008
Gwinnett County Fair at Gwinnett County Fairgrounds in Lawrenceville, Georgia
$5 adults, $2 ages 65+ and ages 6-12, under 6 free (doesn’t include ride tickets)
www.gwinnettcountyfair.com

September 11th – November 2nd, 2008
Oktoberfest in Helen, Georgia
$7 Monday-Fridays, $9 Saturdays, Free Sundays
www.helenchamber.com/oktoberfest.htm

September 18th – 28th, 2008
North Georgia State Fair at Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta, Georgia
$5 adults, $2 ages 7-18, 6 and under free, $3 parking (doesn’t include ride tickets)
www.northgeorgiastatefair.com

September 20th, 2008
Suwanee Day at Suwanee Town Center Park in Suwanee, Geoergia
Free admission
www.suwaneeday.com

Written by Renee Fouquet

Upcoming Atlanta Events- Festivals In Atlanta

You won't want to miss these upcoming festivals in the Metro-Atlanta area!

40th Annual Yellow Daisy Festival in Stone Mountain Park
September 4-7
www.StoneMountainPark.com

This festival has been voted as America's #1 Arts and Crafts show for 5 years in a row by Sunshine Artists. More than 500 artists from across the nation take part in this festival.  Also featured are live entertainment, children's activities, and even clogging and crafting demonstrations.  Come see why this festival has been rated #1!

Atlanta Arts Festival in Piedmont Park
September 12-14
www.AtlantaArtsFestival.com
         770-941-9660       

Whether you are an art enthusiast or just want to get a taste of local culture check out the second annual Atlanta Arts Festival in Piedmont Park.  The festival will feature over 200 artists covering 12 different categories of artwork.  Attendants can also enjoy performance artists and musicians.  Cocktails and cuisine top this festival off in style.

6th Annual Summer Shade Festival in Grant Park
August 30-31
www.summershade.org
         404-521-0938       

Bring your friends and family out to soak up the shade at this fun festival held in Atlanta's oldest park.  The event includes juries artist show, market, children's area with juggling and storytelling.  Also sample delicious food and wine from local area restaurants.

Upcoming Atlanta Event- Family Block Party 2008

Location: Mercer University, Atlanta Campus
Date: Saturday, October 11, 2008
Time: 10 am- 4 pm
Admission: Adults $5, Children $4.  Children 2 and under are free.  Admission includes 3 activity tickets.

You and your family won't want to miss the Atlanta Parent Magazine Family Block Party 2008 held at the Mercer University, Atlanta Campus this year.

There will be more than 50 family-friendly activities including storytelling, live entertainment and music, food, exhibitors, and much more.

For additional information on this event click here to visit the Atlanta Parent Magazine's website.

Upcoming Atlanta Events- Music in Midtown

Plan on heading out to the Margaret Mitchell House on August 22nd to enjoy live music played right from the front porch of one of Atlanta's beautiful historic homes.  The Sundogs, an Atlanta band, will be playing their unique mix of rock n' roll while guests enjoy food from local restaurants, and a complimentary massage from Natural Body Spa and Shop.  Admission to the fun filled event is $5.00.

Click here for additional information or directions.

Upcoming Atlanta Events – Summer Concerts

Everyone enjoys a great summer concert and fortunately, Atlanta has plenty to choose from! Here is just a small list of the many artists that will be performing around Metro Atlanta this summer. For tickets or more information, please visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Tony Bennett, Chastain Park Amphitheatre Atlanta, GA, Thursday 07/24/08 @ 8:00 PM

Boyz II Men & Morris Day and the Time, Chastain Park Amphitheatre Atlanta, GA, Friday 7/25/08 @ 8:00 PM

Lucinda Williams, Atlanta Botanical Garden Atlanta, GA, Friday, 7/25/08 @ 8:00 PM

Butch Walker, Center Stage Theatre Atlanta, GA, Fri, 07/25/08 @ 9:00 PM

311, Lakewood Amphitheatre Atlanta, GA Sat, 7/26/08 @ 6:30 PM

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: LA Boheme, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park Alpharetta, GA, Saturday, 07/26/08 @ 8:00 PM

Frankie Avalon, The Villages Amphitheater Fayetteville, GA, Saturday, 07/26/08 @ 8:00 PM

Poison: Live Raw & Uncut Summer Tour 2008, Lakewood Amphitheatre Atlanta, GA, Sunday, 07/27/08 @ 7:00 PM

Willie Nelson & B.B. King, Chastain Park Amphitheatre Atlanta, GA, Sunday, 07/27/08 @ 7:00 PM

Nas, Center Stage Theater Atlanta, GA, Thursday 07/31/08 @ 7:30 p.m.

George Michael, Phillips Arena Atlanta, GA, Thursday 07/31/08 @ 8:00 PM 

Hootie and the Blowfish & Drew Davis Band, Chastain Park Amphitheatre Atlanta, GA, Friday, 08/01/08, @ 8:00 PM

KT Tunstall, Atlanta Botanical Garden Atlanta, GA, Friday, 08/01/08 @ 8:00 PM

Rascal Flatts, Lakewood Amphitheatre Atlanta, GA Friday, 08/01/08 @ 8:00 PM

Kool & the Gang, Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, Mableton, GA ,Saturday, 08/02/08 @ 8:00 PM

Journey with Heart and Cheap Trick, Chastain Park Amphitheatre Atlanta, GA, Sunday, 08/03/08 @ 6:30 PM; AND Monday, 08/04/08 @ 6:30 PM

Blind Melon, Masquerade Atlanta, GA, Tuesday, 08/12/08 @ 7:30 PM

Jack Johnson, Lakewood Amphitheatre Atlanta, GA, Wednesday, 08/13/08 @ 7:00 PM

Collective Soul, Chastain Park Amphitheatre Atlanta, GA, Sunday, 08/17/08 @ 6:30 PM

Backstreet Boys, Chastain Park Amphitheatre Atlanta, GA, Wednesday, 08/20/08 @ 8:00 PM

Stone Temple Pilots, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park Alpharetta, GA, Saturday, 08/23/08 @ 7:00 PM

Rod Stewart, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park Alpharetta, GA, Wednesday, 08/27/08 @ 8:00 PM

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Written by Renee Fouquet

The Braves are coming to Gwinnett!

The Atlanta Braves AAA team is moving from Richmond, Virginia to our very own Gwinnett County in April, 2009. Presently, the minor league team is known as the Richmond Braves, but soon they will be affectionately known as the Gwinnett Braves.

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The Gwinnett Braves ballpark facility is currently being built at 2500 Buford Drive in Lawrenceville, just north of the Buford Drive and Old Peachtree intersection. You may have even driven past it and seen the progress! The official groundbreaking ceremony took place on June 3^rd with Atlanta Braves player Jeff Francouer, Atlanta Braves President John Schuerholz, and a handful of Gwinnett County Officials in attendance.

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The state-of-the-art ballpark facility will not only feature the new Gwinnett Braves stadium with a maximum capacity of 10,000, but will also be a complete live, work and play community. It will include a hotel, several shops and restaurants, as well as office and residential opportunities.

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If you are wondering how much tickets to games are going to cost, I can tell you that they will be substantially cheaper than that of a ticket to an Atlanta Braves game (not to mention much more convenient to get to!). While the official ticket prices have not yet been released, tickets to a Richmond Braves game cost $7 for general admission, $5 for children and seniors and $12 for box seats, according to their website. However, the Gwinnett Braves are currently accepting $100 deposits for season tickets. For more information, please visit www.gwinnettbraves.com.

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Written by Renee Fouquet

(Photos courtesy of ajc.com)

Upcoming Atlanta Events--Life Is Good Festival

 

Come out to the Suwanee Town Center Park this Saturday to enjoy the Life Is Good Festival.  This festival features all kinds of fun and wacky outdoor activities for the entire family!  Some of the events include playing Twister on a giant mat.  The festival also features hot local Atlanta bands such as the Wailers and Fire Star Iris.

The event is being held from noon to 9 pm.  Visit the City of Suwanee's website for parking details and performance times.