Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Excursions for Tots

Indoor activities:

Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW 404.659.KIDS (5437) http://www.imagineit-cma.org/museum_information.html

Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (INK) - Gainesville 999 Chestnut Street 770-536-1900 www.inkfun.org.

Maxx Fun Family Entertainment Center 1100 Shannon Mall, Union City. 770-774-9500.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta 404-929-6300

For the Wee Ones:

Little Gym various locations in the area http://www.thelittlegym.com/sm/country.180/state.10/locations.aspx

Gymboree various locations in the area http://www.gymboreeclasses.com/b2c/customer/home.jsp


Imagine-It, the Children's Museum by Centennial Park has a special section for really young kids. It's back behind the water section. It has a variety of fun things, safe and clean.

Atlanta Kids Zone (http://www.atlantakidszone.com/). Call the Director as there is a nominal per hour charge to come play at their indoor playground in the evenings.


Stonecrest Mall (I-20 exit Turner Hill Rd) has an indoor play area in front of JCPenny's. It is all padded and mostly enclosed. It can get pretty crowded with bigger kids on the weekend though. There is also a train for a few dollars that drives around the mall - very fun!

Leapin Lizards has a separate section for 3 and under,

Northpoint Mall in Alpharetta. they have a great soft play area. it's best to go early in the day.

Jumpy Places

Jumping Jeronimo! 770-552-2772 http://www.blogger.com/www.jjumps.com
1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Ste. 240, Roswell
Jumpin’ Jamboree770-496-1200http://www.blogger.com/www.jumpinjamboreeparty.com
2534 Royal Place, Ste. E, Tucker

Monkey Joe’s http://www.blogger.com/www.monkeyjoes.com
1019-B Collier Road, Atlanta. 404-351-1815
*Coming to Lavista Road soon

Leapin Lizards Fun and Party Center 185 Sams Street Decatur Georgia 30030 404) 371-9700 http://www.leapinlizardsplay.com
Decatur’s brand new indoor play and party center featuring over 10,000 square foot of bouncing inflatables, giant slides, obstacle courses, toddler exploration area, concessions, two large private party rooms, free WI-FI and computer access.

The Jumping Bean 504 Amsterdam Avenue Amsterdam Walk Atlanta GA 404.897.3646 www.thelittlejumpingbean.com A clean, colorful bounce house in midtown offers a nice alternative to the bigger chains. Very well suited to smaller kids.

Bounce-n-Bob’s 404-634-4964 http://www.blogger.com/www.bouncenbobs.com
1936 Briarwood Ct. (I-85 and Clairmont), Atlanta

IKEA (you can check your baby into the playroom for 90 minutes to play while you shop in Atlantic station or within the store)

Outdoor fun:

Zoo Atlanta http://www.zooatlanta.org/home.htm

American Adventures http://www.americanadventuresfunpark.com/

Six Flags - Thomas Town http://www.sixflags.com/overGeorgia/info/news_thomastown.aspx

Dixieland Fun Park - Fayetteville http://www.dixielandfunpark.com/

Indoor playgrounds

The Mall at Stonecrest • Discover Mills • Mall of Georgia• Arbor Place Mall • North Point Mall

Outdoor Playgrounds

Centennial Park's playground - play in the fountains! * Brook Run Park *Dresden Park *Holcomb Bridge *Tanglewood Park - Canton*Mayor’s Grove Playground at Piedmont Park

Aquatic Centers

Mountain Park Aquatic Center 1063 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain 7770.564.4650 Super cool outdoor leisure pool with zero-depth entry, two giant waterslides, river channel, bubble bench, vortex, and water play structures.

Browns Mill Aquatics Center 4929 Browns Mill Rd Lithonia This sparkling new attraction has several neat features including aTot Pool, Lazy River and Leisure Pool

Lenora Pool 4515 Lenora Church Road Snellville 770.982.5309 Outdoor leisure pool with zero-depth entry, a giant waterslide, river channel, and water play structures.

West Gwinnett Park & Aquatic Center 4488 Peachtree Industrial Blvd Norcross 770.417.2281 Outdoor leisure pool with zero-depth entry, two giant waterslides, river channel, bubble bench, vortex, spray bar, and water play structures.

Who's got Kickin' Wings?

Rick's Hotwings 3103 Cobb Pkwy NW Kennesaw, GA 30152 (678) 453-4343
Great lemon-pepper and hot.

Da Bomb Wings & Seafood 250 Auburn Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 681-5513
Sketchy location just around the corner from Harlem Bar with limited seating and a serious takeout/delivery business. They have a ga-jillion flavors and the wings are meaty and juicy Don't go for the ambience, go when you need a late nite fix or better yet, have them delivered!

Publix various locations around the city
wow..who knew a grocery store deli could turn out some of the most delish wings you've ever tasted..love the mardi gras and lemon pepper

Famous Yardbird 1025 E West Connector, Austell, GA 30106 (678) 556-0161 the wings are a meal, not a drinking snack. Tater tots are and you gotta have the Slices of Texas toast

Buffalo China: 1145 Glenwood Ave., 404-622-8888 (multiple locations). Crisp-saucy "braised" wings with fried rice is the tasty signature at this wings-n-Chinese joint. Sketchy location with lots of panhandlers...

Coco Loco Cuban & Caribbean Cafe: 2625 Piedmont Rd. (Buckhead Crossing Mall), 404-364-0212, http://www.cocolocoatlanta.com/.
Lemon/garlic/mojo marinated wings find a nice foil in soft, tangy onion rings at this popular Buckhead old-timer.


Wild Wing Cafe 2145 Roswell Road Marietta 770-509-9464 www.wildwingcafe.com/marietta.html.
This sports bar has a family-friendly dining room, plus three bars — one smoking, one nonsmoking, and an expanded, grass-covered outdoor tiki bar with a beach theme.

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q: 1238 DeKalb Ave., 404-577-4030, http://www.foxbrosbbq.com/
Lip-tingling spices and sweet smoke earn these hot little suckers best in show for barbecue.

J.R. Crickets: 631 Spring St., 404-881-1950, http://www.jrcrickets.com%20/(multiple locations). Carefully honed dive-bar atmosphere makes you crave a beer. Small, crispy-bitted wings, chunky homemade blue cheese dressing and a fistful of celery are always just right if not memorable. If you climb the stairs, don't let your eyes dwell on the archaeology of gum beneath the mezzanine-level tables.

LT's Wings & Other Things: 1160 Fairburn Rd., 404-349-0006. (multiple locations) A stopover for commuters who call ahead and pick up boxes of wings, each with a baggie of celery sticks and baby carrots. If you eat on premises, the friendly owners will set up a picnic table on the patio.

Sgt. Phifer's Wings and Fries: 124 Spring St., 678-886-0556.
Sit on the rickety patio. The wings and fries are fine. And remember... Hot here is hot.

Shane's Rib Shack: 1221 Caroline St., 404-525-7427, http://www.shanesribshack.com/ (multiple locations). Not too crisp, not too smoky. But, hey, they're ready fast.

Taco Mac: 573 Main St. (in Lindbergh City Center) 404-574-5813, http://www.tacomac.com/ (multiple locations). We know everybody loves these hometown wings, but we thought the skin was just too soft. Then again, after sampling the exhaustive beer list, we didn't mind the flimsiness so much after all.

Wing Ranch: 1154 Lawrenceville Hwy., Lawrenceville. 678-225-0750, http://www.wingranch.com/ (multiple locations). Give us a home where wingless chickens roam: This Western-themed spot serves up a fine passel of flavors (garlic Parmesan or lime-pepper, anyone?) in a spit-shined strip-mall dude ranch.


Wingnuts 2088 Briarcliff Rd NEAtlanta, GA 30329Phone: (404) 417-9990
Their wings are fresh with a huge selection of different flavors to choose from Open late. and they deliver

Wing Factory 4279 Roswell Rd NE Suite 605Atlanta, GA 30342 (404) 255-4460
www.wingfactory.com/ All the flavors are satisfying (including your traditional hot buffalo) and the prices are friendly too

Atlanta Best Wings
7016 Highway 85 Riverdale, GA 30274Phone: (770) 997-2333
Love the fried mushrooms and chicken fingers..and of course the chicken wings are hot and quick to the table..yummy late nite option

So you think you've had good BBQ?

Sam & Dave's BBQ, 4944 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, 770-977-3005

Fox Bros. BBQ, 1238 Dekalb AveAtlanta Ga 30307 404.577.4030

Rolling Bones Premium Pit BBQ, 377 Edgewood Ave., 404-222-2324

Hometown Barbecue, 1173 Highway 29 S., Lawrenceville, 770-963-5383-

Maddy's 1479 Scott Blvd., Decatur, 404-377-0301

Harold's 171 McDonough Blvd. S.E., 404-627-9268

Fat Matt's Rib Shack 1811 Piedmont Ave NE (404) 607-1622

Wallace Barbecue 3035 Veterans Memorial Highway Austell, Georgia (770) 739-1686

Spiced Right Smokehouse Barbecue 5364 Lawrenceville Highway Lilburn 770-564-0355

The Swallow at the Hollow 1072 Green St Roswell, GA 30075-3638 (678) 352-1975

Daddy D'z 264 Memorial Dr SE Atlanta, GA 30312 (404) 222-0206 Cross Street: Hill St

Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q 1425 Roswell Road Marietta, GA (770) 971-3201

KC Pit BBQ 234 Hilderbrand Dr NE Atlanta, GA 30328Phone: (404) 459-6497

Harold's Barbecue 171 Mcdonough Blvd SE Atlanta, GA (404) 627-9268

Dusty's Barbecue 1815 Briarcliff Rd NEAtlanta, GA (404) 320-6264

Sprayberry's Barbecue Highway 34 at I-85 exit 47 Newnan, GA 30263 (770) 253-5080

Dean's Barbeque 9480 S Main St Jonesboro GA (770) 471-0138

Anderson's Old Fashion Bar-B-Q 65 Willis Mill Rd SW (404) 696-8144

Spas that Cater to the Total Diva in You

Polished Beauty Lounge
4500 W Village PlaceSmyrna, GA 30080 (678) 213-2999
http://www.polishedbeautylounge.com/services.html
You will be afreakin amazed at the mani/pedis



Renew Day Spa
4347 Shallowford RoadMarietta, GA 30062Phone: (770) 998-8592
http://www.renewdayspa.com/
Slice of southern charm in the heart of Marietta


Entebello Modern Apothecary & Spa
Neighborhood: West Paces Ferry / Northside324 E Paces Ferry RdAtlanta, GA 30305(404) 477-2933
http://www.entebello.com
Great mani/pedis, facials and nice selection of mdse for gifts or a treat for thine self..

Sugarcoat
256 Pharr RoadAtlanta, GA 30305Phone: (404) 814-2121
http://www.sugarcoatbeauty.com/
Sweetest mani/pedi in Atlanta...a little pricey but who cares when you are being pampered


Blue MedSpa
190 10th StAtlanta, GA 30309Phone: (404) 815-8880
http://bluemedspa.com/
relaxing massages are one of the best services offered at this uber cool spa experience


The Spa on Paces
3209 Paces Ferry Pl NWAtlanta, GA 30305Phone: (404) 237-7712
http://www.spaonpaces.com/
Warm welcoming total spa experience in Buckhead..mani/pedis, facials and massages are awesome..try the body polish w/60 minute massage


Fabu Face Spa & Boutique
335 W Ponce de Leon Ave Ste DDecatur, GA 30030Phone: (404) 377-6363
http://www.fabufacespa.com/
Stunning facials


Mind & Body Day Spa
939 Peachtree StAtlanta, GA 30309Phone: (404) 249-9677
http://www.mindandbodydayspa.com/
Try the Japanese hot stone massage


Fiori Skincare Spa
11720 Medlock Bridge RdDuluth, GA 30097Phone: (770) 814-0089
http://www.spafiori.com/
Spectacular facials, great massages and very attentive to detail when waxing

Places where the Black Singles Mingle

First off..you will notice that the tried and true popular spots around town are conspicuously missing...Awwww you know who they are...they get enough pub..it's my goal to introduce you to some of the out of the way spots to get your mingle on..keep in mind that all my spots below are upscale and security is in effect to make a sista feel secure...lol...So without further ado..ladies get your 'do together...fellas go ahead and get your line tightened...and get ready to party like a rock star!

Grown Folks Cafe
5495 Old National Hwy Atlanta, GA 30349 (404) 767-9011
stritcly for the 35 and older crowd

Crowe's Nest Mega Plex
5495 Old National Hwy Ste B13Atlanta, GA 30349-3255 (404) 767-0123
strictly for the 35 and older crowd..and perhaps a few soul daddies may be in the house..but it's all good :-)

Taboo 2
6075 Roswell Rd.Atlanta, GA 3032 (404) 255-4911 http://www.taboobistro.com/
Run don't walk to Si-man Baby's (from 102.5 radio) friday nite old school party...i love this place!
Echelon 3000 Ultra Bistro
1179 S Hairston Rd
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
(404) 294-1820
www.echelon3000.com

M Bar & Lounge
Castleberry Hill2 57 Peters St SW Atlanta, GA 31132 (404) 523-1555 www.mbaratlanta.com
Definitely one of THE places to see and be seen...nice place for a snack and the drink list is extensive..it's def the atmosphere in this sleek lounge that will keep you coming back..click on the website and turn on your sound to be transported to all that is MMMMMM Bar..lol

Hairston's Dinner Club
1273 S Hairston Rd Stone Mountain, GA 30088-2718 (770) 322-9988 ww.hairstonsonline.com/
Very laid back before 10..and then the party people come out in full force..always a good time to be had at Hairston's..try the catfish fingers if you want a little bite...

The Pearl Bistro and Bar
2841 Greenbriar ParkwayAtlanta, GA 30331 404.349.1987 Newly opened nicely down renovation of the old Magic Johnson's TGIF's in Camp Creek..they have a variety of special nites where the feature dinner, dancing and grown folks mingling...check out the website for specifics at http://www.thepearlbistro.com/thepearlbistro.asp

Wind down Wednesdays http://www.centennialpark.com/events/wwd.html
Centennial Park is the place to be on wed evenings for jazz in the park STARTING LATE SPRING THRU THE SUMMER..remember to bring your chair...