Sunday, December 2, 2012

Rascally Rooftops! :-)

Have u ever been somewhere chilling ..i mean getting ur grown folk on.. And u jus feel sexxy? :-) Here in our beautiful city there are so many places that gets it soooo right...a nite on a sexxxy rooftop is so uber sophisticated.. Esp when u want to do something exciting for ur special someone or impress out of town guests...Or of course for a rascally nite out with the fellas or your girls. U know ur girl has been out there making it happen for u..during this holiday season.. When u want to take a break frm finding just that perfect gift for Aunt Margarets cat...:-) .have a libation..wear ur most fanciful frock...grab an eye catching natty coat and kick back on a perfectly crisp Atlanta nite..love and blessings to you and yours this beautiful holiday season, ATLBROWNGIRL


CafeCirca -The Reserve Rooftop lounge and Cigar Bar
http://www.cafecircaatl.com/
Yowza..these 3 gentlemen from Kent state took a chance..transformed a long vacant space in O4W and voila..one pf Atlanta's best most chic dining destinations..u will not be disappointed..the rooftop lounge and cigar bar is a little slice of heaven..Cafe Circa..Savor. Indulge. Be. Love it!

Ventanas
http://www.ventanasatlanta.com/
Rooftop event space..outdoor fireplaces..and they even have a gireplace..o my! Go no further when u need a place for ur special corporate or festive event 

The Glenn Hotel Sky Bar
http www.glennhotel.com/dining-and-bar/skylounge/
Dj spins on the weekend ..hands down..the views are dizzying and the party is heart thumping..good stuff!

Shout at Colony Square
http://h2sr.com/shout/
Yea baby..this is singles haven..grab ur girls..put on on your party frock and get thyself over to one of atl's largest happy hours..def where the beautiful people dwell..shout is a solid option when u want to get out for food. fun. And to flirt. ( i promise i dont make this stuff up..thats the tag line on theirwebsite..lol! Love it

Whiskey bar rooftop bar and lounge @ W hotel at Lenox
Ahhh..can someone say yes? Yes! Heated  Patios..Cozy on chilly nites..relaxed...super sophisticated..yea..im loving it..lol

Sundial at the Westin
http://sundialrestaurant.com/ what?! U havent been? Lord almighty..put on your shoes and grab your keys right now..this is old school Atlanta at its best..im always super impressed when my guy leads me to this rotating  72 stories towering over downtown  atop the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel. Named one of the top 5 rotating restaraunts in North America.. U must experience it!

Rooftop 866
http://www.rooftop866.com/
Stylish little oasis..Adjacent to the Renaissance Midtown..Just. Go.

 Honorable mentions
6 Feet Under (Oakland Cemetary)
Camelis L5P
Georgian Terrace
Peachtree Club

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Booziest milkshakes in town! SCOUTMOB FAVES


excerpts taken from An atlbrowngirl and atlanta fave app scoutmob!

The laws of childhood dictate that the single best summertime weapon is a frozen dessert. The laws of adulthood dictate that the single best summertime weapon is aspiked frozen dessert. We're not total lushes (not all the time, anyway), but something about adding a splash of booze to a popsicle or a scoop of ice cream just sets our hearts aflutter. (Really, though, how could the words "Bourbon Chocolate Milkshake" not send you into a frenzy?) Below, a handful of our favorite spots around town to slurp, sip, and spoon up some frosty hooch:

West Egg Cafe: Their fried green tomatoes, PB&J burger, and Coca-Cola cupcakes are beloved by many, but the bustling Westside cafe's bourbon chocolate milkshake is downright famous. You can try your hand at it with this recipe, but take it from me: no one can serve it up quite like these guys. (For best results, you'll want to add those Coca-Cola cupcakes to your order, too.)

Grindhouse Killer Burgers: Sure, you could finish off that beast of a burger with a creamy, delicious oreo milkshake. Or, you could do it like a pro and knock back one of Grindhouse's several grown-up milkshakes—there's the El Duderino, a chilly coffee/kahlua/vodka concoction, and a frosty Oreo, Whynatte, and peppermint liqueur elixir known as the Stimulus Package.

Rooftop 866: We're already smitten with this swank joint's scenic vista overlooking the dead-center of Midtown. But when you throw boozy pops into the equation, it's a whole 'nother level of infatuation. The rotating selection of popsicles include such frozen cocktails as mojito, blueberry limoncello, and Bloody Mary, and at only $4 a pop, you could probably toss back a couple of 'em. Just don't get too close to the edge there, cowboy.

The Corner Tavern: Bless their hearts, Atlanta's beloved tavern has teamed up with Atlanta's beloved popsicle king to create a holy matrimony of delicious. The rotating selection of "Poptails" combine the goodness of King Of Pops with a dash or two of hooch. Frozen cocktail on a stick? This could turn into a situation.

Victory Sandwich Bar: Ah, the Slushy: that most humble and refreshing of gas station summertime treats. But at this Inman Park sammich spot, Electric Blue or Strawberry Kiwi ain't on the menu. The reuptations of Victory's Jack 'n Coke slushies nearly exceed those of their sandwich counterparts, and for good reason. Slush Puppies have nothing on these bad boys. And after a couple of them, you'll be extra-agile for a game of ping pong.

Frozen Pints: We love ice cream. We love craft beer. And we love that Frozen Pints has married them in one delicious, frosty container, now conveniently available at Hop City, Green's, Tower, and a few other fine institutions. From the light and fruity Peach Lambic to the hearty, creamy Malted Milk Chocolate Stout, there is one for every kind of beer lover out there. Me? I'll take all of 'em.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Top 10 Water Parks in America

Hey ATLaliens:

(doesnt that name sound like we are some other worldly beings? perhaps we are..it is a different world here in our fair city :-) and you gotta love it!) On to the reason I am gushing about our metropolis. how about we made a national ranking of one of the top water parks in America? pretty cool huh? and of course there are a few other best kept secrets that we won't let the nation in on...the private beach at Acworth; Lake Lanier world; and of course the rec Center at Browns Mill..well ahh..erra ok...Browns Mill may not be a travel destination but it sure is a local favorite for my 7 year old so its on the list!! :-) can you say it with me? "ATLANTA ROCKS!" smooches, your ATLBROWNGIRL

Our Top 10 Favorite Water Parks In America

There’s no better place for family bonding or white knuckle thrill rides than a water park. America is home to some of the best and biggest water parks in the world. Skip the back yard sprinkler and head to one of these H2O filled destinations.

10. Water World
Location: Denver, Colorado
Offering year round activities, Denver boasts a place for summer thrills when you’re not hitting the slopes. The 67-acre Water World is best known for Voyage to the Center of the Earth, where riders encounter huge animatronic dinosaurs as they inner-tube into the darkness.
Not feeling that adventurous? The Big Top Family Fun Zone offers a place to take it easy with the pint-sized patrons.

9. Zoombezi Bay
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Zoombezi Bay is owned and operated by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The 22-acre park features 17 state of the art water slides
You can also spend time with the resident wildlife next door at the zoo or visit Jungle Jack’s Landing amusement park.

8. Splish Splash
Location: Long Island, New York
This water park is the perfect weekend escape from bustling New York City. Opened in 1991, this 96-acre park features 30 rides, including a lazy river spanning 1,300 feet.

7. Water Park of America
Location: Bloomington, Minnesota
Located just a half mile from Mall of America, it’s the perfect retreat from a day of shopping. The indoor water park is 70,000 square feet, and features a 10-story-tall raft waterslide that’s so long, it even travels outside the building.

6. Six Flags White Water
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Six Flags operates theme parks across the country, and many also have adjacent water parks. Get the combo pass and enjoy both Six Flags Over Georgia and White Water.
At White Water, you can experience The Cliffhanger

5. Kalahari
Location: Sandusky, Ohio
The African-themed Kalahari is a water park resort chain with three locations, with the largest located in Sandusky, Ohio. At 173,000 square feet, it’s the largest indoor water park in the United States.
The Swahili Swirl will give you the feeling of being flushed down a toilet as an inner tube sends you around a 60-foot-diameter bowl before sucking you down a drain. Don’t worry, it’s clean.

4. Aquatica
Location: Orlando, Florida
Become one with the dolphins year round at Aquatica, located next to SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida. The most popular ride is the Dolphin Plunge, where you’ll literally race through an underwater world filled with playful Commerson’s dolphins in 250 feet of clear tubes.
Then, relax at the 80,000-square-foot man-made white-sand beaches or check out the animal habitats.

3. Noah’s Ark
Location: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Dells is known for its legendary water parks, and Noah’s Ark is the biggest. You’ll find 51 water rides sprawling across 70 acres. There’s even a 4-D movie theater.
With so much to do, it’s easy to see why The Travel Channel has named Noah’s Ark one of America’s Best Waterparks for over 10 years.

2. Blizzard Beach
Location: Orlando, FL
The story goes that a freak snow storm blanketed Florida, and up sprang Blizzard Beach, one of two water parks in Walt Disney World Resort.
As with any Disney park, the attention to detail is incredible, and there are attractions for any age. Thrill-seeking adults can take the ski lift to the top of Summit Plummet — one of the world's tallest and fastest free-fall body slides.

1. Schlitterbahn
Location: New Braunfels, Texas
Originally opened in 1979 with four water slides, Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort has grown to one of the biggest and best in the world. It was built along the spring-fed Comal River, and most of the water used in Schlitterbahn West actually comes from the river. The water is filtered, cleaned and released back into the river without chemicals.
In 1994, Schlitterbahn opened the first uphill water ride, known as the Dragon Blaster. Another uphill water coaster, Master Blaster, has been voted as the best water ride in the world by several travel publications.

Excerpts taken from the Geico magazine 2012
—one of the tallest free-falls in the world. You’ll plummet 9 stories into the water below.

Monday, April 23, 2012

One of the most important Foodie events in like..Forever!

http://atlantafoodtruckpark.com/

Have you ever been in love? like i mean love at first sight...heart pumping...throw all caution to the wind..love? well that's the way i felt when i heard this amazing new invent was coming to the ATL. can you imagine moving foodie masterpieces brimming over with a sampling of food around the world....all in one location? omg...there goes my heart going pitter patter again..lol...

Check out the Blaxican a fun fusion of mexican and African American food menus. and be sure to ask the owner how he came up with this original concept.

Buen Provencho is like the bomb authentic Puerto Rican offerings. And the family is super friendly.

How about Nana G's Chicken and Waffles? Gladys Knight i love you girlfriend but Nana G I'm coming to see you honey..lol

One love is a Caribbean hotspot of Jamaican samplings that will explode on your taste buds.

And Yum Yum Cupcakes..need  i say more? oh lord...where are my keys I'm headed there now!

love and kisses and see you at a picnic table soon chomping in Atlanta's first ever foodie (erra um i mean) food truck haven right off Howell Mill Road.

smooches,
ATLBROWNGIRL

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

ATLbrowngirl Hall of Fame

Have u ever been sitting around and think"what am I eating today??" if u are anything like the foodie beast that lives within me then u have that type internal conversation all the time..lol..so ur girl has been doing some meditating just for u..I put some deep thought into my ATL superstars.. U kno those old and new friends that consistently I will waste a tank of gas to drive and experience..so sit back and get ur taste buds ready to be stimulated..here are my MVPs of cuisine:

The John Coltrane and Ella Fitzgerald @ Acoustix Jazz Lounge

Cafe 290 and Dawn McClain..on Friday nites

Collard greens @ SweetGeorgia's Juke Joint

The laid back sexy chic of nitespot and lounge@Frankskis

Sunday brunch menu @musueum bar (try the chicken and waffles!)

Playdate Atlanta

Calamari and those big ole burgers@Marlows tavern..

Brunch@Haven in Brookhaven

Quinn appearing@ Lobby at Twelve at Atlantic station

J. Carter event promotions..always a solid party!

The oatmeal cookie will knock a sailor on his keister @The Ultimate on Camp Creek

Fried chicken breast butter ball potatoes and collards@Southern Art and Bourbon Bar

Boozy milkshakes@ grind house killer burgers..

Kids love the great big pickle@ The Fickle Pickle in Historic Roswell

Sunday brunch @Wahoo Grill...

Shrimp and grits @Sun in my Belly..

Gelato@Lucky Lounge

Fried chicken breast and collard greens@Grace17.20..

That unfreakin believable doughnut croissant@Sublime donuts..

Neighborhood vibe@local 7 in downtown tucker

Pancakes@Radial Cafe..

The $8 menu at ocharleys). (ok I'm cheesy but who cares..it's 8 bucks..go already!) lol

firecracker shrimp@longhornes

Best subs in the city@baldinos on Buford highway

Big nasty chicken@rosebud(I promise u that's the name of it..lol)

Tie breaker--Studio Movie Grill and Cinebistro of brookhaven

And I'm not done!! If u have faves too let me know at atlbrowngirl@gmail.com

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Your most amazing life

Everyone that knows me well will tell u I am serious about wellness and experiencing joy..I have a young child and my goal is to be youthful enough to enjoy his kids well into my retirement! So I put the hard work in now.I shed ALOT of pounds..run at least a couple of miles a day..try to only cook in olive oil ..steam or grill..reduce all carbs..limit sweets..learned to love veggies..eliminate stressful events and people and most of all..I have a zeal for life!

My goal is to have an adventure everyday.. Even if that means taking a new route to work or baking cookies with my son and we use red sugar instead of green sprinkles the next time..lol..the key to balanced living is to focus on the extraordinary in the everyday transactions of our lives..walking to the mailbox? Listen for the birds chirping..under the hair dryer at the salon? Meditate for 20 mins and give ur mind permission to run free and i guarantee u at least one amazing idea will blow you away with its persistence..the thought of cooking dinner bore u silly? Cook pancakes for ur family! here's some of my ideas for breathing again and learning to grab life by the keister and enjoy! I'd love to hear ur ideas too at atlbrowngirl@gmail.com or like me on Facebook!

**Redecorate ur bedroom and make it as peaceful and tranquil as possible..luxe sheets and comforter..lots of cozy pillows..room darkening curtains or blinds..a good nights sleep does wonders for the soul!

**Run to gospel music early in the morning and then turn to rock, pop or hip hop and belt out a few verses :-)

**Sketch..doodle..knit..crossword puzzles....try a new recipe...learn the lyrics to a fave song..read non fiction..write..everyday do something to unleash a creative part of ur soul and slow down the effects of mental aging by keeping ur brain active!

**Get up b4 sunrise..and watch the sunrise while drinking ur tea or java in ur pjs..instant awe!

**Ask ur kids compelling questions...is God real? Is it raining in spain? what is the most fun job in the world? And delight in their answers

**Have a dream board of amazing destinations to visit..and even if u can't get to one vacation a year have a "stay-cation" where u take a day or two off work go the spa or drive to a local neighboring town and if budget permits stay overnite and let the kids eat something fun in bed in their pjs in the hotel room !

**Reinvent ur self every few years..get a new haircut..wear a bold new color..try a new cuisine..embark on a new career..try something new (cooking school class? Sip and stroke class)..train to run a marathon...just do it!

**Every holiday do it big..Valentines Day? I decorate my home with all things red and big juicy hearts..Halloween? Its a frightfest wth talking skulls and lots of delicious scary fun..Chmas? Everywhere u look I try to infuse reminders of the season including apple cider and pumpkin fragrant oils in each room..Easter? U got it...colored Easter eggs are everywhere...get the idea? Make every holiday an excuse to celebrate life!

**Believe in the kindness of good works..Have u done a random act of kindness today? Smiled at ur neighbor? Stopped to compliment ur coworkers new hairstyle? Bought groceries or ran errands for a senior citizen church member? Told ur friend u love them because --- fill in the blank..or here's my fave..pay for the persons coffee standing behind u in the line in Starbucks.. And see the delighted look on their face...see how easy it is to make someone's day? Come on.. I dare u to stop thinking of ur own troubles for a sec and be a global citizen for a few mins a day every day..it will change u!

**Every thought about changing careers...what would u do free? Love to cook? Take a pastry class..Ever dreamed of owning ur own company? Call the local chamber of commerce and take the young entrepreneurs boot camp for founding and owning ur own business..when ur side hustle starts making paper don't quit ur full time job..but when ur passion starts making more money than ur gig..well u kno what to do..some of the most successful companies on the planet were founded by folks who were frustrated by their ft job!

Dream..love..dance...sing...laugh...u have one life to live...what will u do in the next year that will be memorable and life changing in its positivity...

Go ahead...dare to dream...today starts your amazing life!