Lounge spots to get your Chill on

Here's one of my fave posts for the summer...so what better way to beat the heat than to slink into one of these very sexxy urban hotspots and get your drink and lounge on? well stick with your girl..i got you covered! here are my picks for some of the best ultra lounges in they city...keep in mind most of these folks are great dance spots on the weekends so dress to impress..and if you feel the need to get your sip on during the week, u will find plenty of other urban hipsters to sidle up to the bar and get your meet on! Enjoy...

255 Tapas Lounge 255 Peters St Atlanta, GA (404) 522-2612
New buppie lounge in the always hip Castleberry Hill

Halo 255 Tapas Lounge 817 W Peachtree St NW , Atlanta , GA , 30308
Striking lounge in Midtown for stylish cocktails.

M Bar & Lounge Castleberry Hills 57 Peters St SW Atlanta, GA 31132
it's def the atmosphere in this sleek lounge that will keep you coming back.

Tantra Restaurant & Lounge 2285 Peachtree Rd Ste 100 Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 228-7963 www.tantraatlanta.com/
stick with the drinks and stay because of the atmosphere at this really cool spot

Cru Urban Lounge 620 Glen Iris Dr Ste 101 Atlanta, GA 30308 (404) 249-1600 www.cruurbanlounge.com
Sexxy hip urban oasis on the edge of the very cool Old Fourth Ward

The Mark 79 Poplar St , Atlanta , GA , 30303
Downtown's boutique hotel ultra-lounge

Pulse Bar 265 Peachtree Ctr Ave Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 586-6081
www.pulsebaratlanta.com
very hip lounge located in the atrium of the Marriot Marquis

Sutra Lounge 1136 Crescent Ave NE , Atlanta , GA , 30309
Sleek Midtown revamped underground lounge

Melange Upscale Bistro Lounge (formerly Seasons) 2077 Northlake Pkwy Tucker 30084
Super cool party place for the grown folks..live music on fridays and sats with a great band!

Three Sheets 6017 Sandy Springs Cir Atlanta, GA 30328(404) 303-8423
www.threesheetsatlanta.com
sexxy lounge tucked in away in the burbs..def do for date nite!

Smokers Paradise - Cigar Lounge/Beer & Wine Bar 4090 Johns Creek Pkwy, Suwanee
A suburban cigar shop that thinks a cozy lounge

Cosmo Lava Club & Lounge 45 13th St NE , Atlanta , GA , 30309
Great mix of strong cocktails and flirty singles

Hot Summer Nites in the City!

So have u noticed summer is a coming?? lol...good lord a blazes is it hot...already! if u are like me..i lay in the cut under the air and only slink out the house in the cool of the evening at dusk :-) so can we talk date nite? lets say u and ur honey are looking for something fun to do that is off the beaten path...u dont feel like heading to a restaraunt...a bar is just ho-hum..u dont feel like sitting in the movie theater..u want to hang out at the park but the bugs are vicious this time of year...so how about combining all 4 of those ideas into one fun date! (without the bugs of course)

Can anyone shout Drive In!!

Last summer my honey surprised me and took me to the drive in and we had the best time! There was lots of trashy snacks...beer...great first run movies and of course lots of hand holding and snuggling :-) (ok keep it clean folks the kiddees may be watching :-) but seriously...i had no idea the drive-in could be so fun..and when u are with the one that makes your heart beat faster..well it is a perfect date nite...So drive..dont walk to the Starlight Drive-In on Moreland..u will thank ur girl for introducing this old fave back onto your radar. Smooches!

Starlight Six Drive-In Theatre
2000 Moreland Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30316
(404) 627-5786
www.starlightdrivein.com

The Dog Days of Summer

Hello dahlings,

oh how time flies..can you believe it is summer? Gosh i love summertime...I do not love a Georgia summer as the heat mixed with the humidity can drive you to distraction..but that's when you grab a big ole' glass of sweet tea...find you the coolest spot in the city, whether a local coffeehouse or your living room sofa..and lay back in the cut during the dog days of summer..if you must get out..ensure you put on lots of your Mennen speed stick (did you know they make this amazing deodorant in guys and girls formula? they really keep your pits dry..lol) and walk don't' run to your intended destination...in between the dog days of summer you know one of my fave past times is to eat sherbet while my little one decides which sprinkles and icky color he will make his ice cream..we are water park aficionados...in fact it is my goal to visit every water park in the radius of an hour's drive from the metro..this summer we have planned to drive to Valdosta to Wild Mountain theme park and water resort..and then we are continuing on to the Nickelodeon hotel for their icky slime water ride..lol..Spongebob would be proud..it's gonna be a stone gas honey..but on to my reason for shouting out my readers...here some of my best hangout spots around the city for beating the heat..check out my faves and tell me if you agree..please email me at my website http://www.atlbrowngirl.com/ and write this link across your heart if you have not already..

Places to Beat the Heat:

Budget options thru the Parks and Rec Board

Browns Mill Water Park - Browns Mill Road

Rockbridge Water Park - Rockbridge Road

Friends Water Park - Buford Highway

Ice cream spots with style:
Coldstone Creamery - Atlantic Station
Brewsters - multiple locations
Nestle Toll House Ice cream store - multiple locations
Ben and Jerry's - Va Highland and Dacula

Fun places for kids indoors:
Monkey Joes
The Great Barn - Stone Mountain
Movie Tavern - Tucker
Georgia Aquarium - Downtown
Fernbank Musuem- Off Ponce De leon

Grown folks spot to chill during the day:
Cafe Circa for brunch
Johnnycakes - free wifi upstairs
Dancing Goats Coffee House - Downtown Decatur
Perk - Downtown Hapeville

Your kids will love it!
Centennial Park Water Fountain

Cool Places to Hang out this Summer

excerpts taken from http://www.atlantaparentonline.com/

New World of Coca-Cola
Get fizzy at this museum full of Coke paraphernalia and sodas from around the world to taste. You can also view a 4-D movie and a fully functioning bottling line.
Located at 121 Baker St. in downtown Atlanta. Open 7 days a week. Most days from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Call ahead to reserve tickets at 404-676-5151 or online at www.woccatlanta.com.


Georgia Aquarium
Swim with the whale sharks, view millions of fresh and saltwater fish, and check out the marine life that frequents the rivers and lakes of Georgia. Plus, catch a 3-D movie and stop by the touch pool to discover a few animals up close.
Located at 225 Baker St. in downtown Atlanta. Summer hours are Sun.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Call ahead to reserve tickets at 404-581-4000 or online at http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/.


Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta $$
Explore the depths of your child’s imagination at this hands-on museum. It’s best for kids 8 and younger – they can hang out “Under the Big Top” to learn about health and much more.
Located at 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW in downtown Atlanta. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call 404-659-5437 or visit www.imagineit-cma.org.

Zoo Atlanta
Go wild with warthogs, kangaroos, lions, elephants, gorillas and pandas at the zoo. Kids will love riding the carousel, train and playing in the Wild Like Me indoor playground.
Located at 800 Cherokee Ave. SE off I-20. Open 7 days a week. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. For more information or to purchase advance tickets, call 404-624-9453 or visit www.zooatlanta.org.

Atlanta Botanical Garden
Discover 21 collections of flora at the 30-year-old facility. The favorite destination for your kids will be, no doubt, the two-acre Children’s Garden; here youngsters can play in the fountain, tend to veggies, perform on stage and more.
Located at 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE in midtown Atlanta. Summer hours are Tues.-Sun., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. For more information, call 404-876-5859 or visit www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

High Museum of Art
Fine art doesn’t seem stuffy at this family-friendly art institution. Kids will love making their own creations in the spirit of the masters in the Greene Family Studio, and you’ll love the quiet and grown-up feeling of a visit.
Located at 1280 Peachtree St. in midtown Atlanta. Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. For more information, call 404-733-4444 or purchase advance tickets online at www.high.org.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Step back in time while you discover the first Georgians, dinosaurs and Georgia’s natural history. Kids will love the hands-on fossil experiences, IMAX movies and, this summer, they’ll love learning about penguins and polar bears in the museum’s temporary exhibit.
Located at 767 Clifton Rd. NE in Atlanta. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. For more information, call 404-929-6300 or visit www.fernbankmuseum.org.

Atlanta History Center
There’s plenty to see both indoors and out at this 18-year-old, 33-acre facility. Home to six permanent exhibits, Tullie Smith Farm, Swan House, two playhouses and gardens, as well as multiple traveling exhibits, there’s something for everyone here.
Located at 130 West Paces Ferry Rd. in Buckhead. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sun., noon-5:30 p.m. For more information, call 404-814-4000 or visit www.atlantahistorycenter.org.

Stone Mountain Park
You’d better be up early to take advantage of everything this 50-year-old Atlanta staple has to offer – from Ride the Ducks, antebellum plantation and night-time laser show to hiking (or riding) up the mountain, camping and fishing on the lake and splashing at the water park. New this summer, Sky Hike; a trek through the treetops complements the other highflying attractions at the park. Located on Highway 78 East, Exit 8 in Stone Mountain. Open 6 a.m.-midnight, attraction hours vary. For more information, call 770-498-5690 or visit www.stonemountainpark.com.

Chattahoochee Nature Center
Celebrating 30 years, this wildlife and horticultural attraction teaches kids about conservation and nature. You can canoe, hike, have an animal encounter and more alongside the beauty of the Chattahoochee River. The Interpretive Center, due to be completed next spring, will teach kids about three separate areas of our watershed (river, wetland and forest) through hands-on exhibits.
Located at 9135 Willeo Rd. in Roswell. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. For more information, call 770-992-2055 or visit www.chattnaturecenter.org.

Six Flags Over Georgia $$$$
For classic amusement park fun, Six Flags is the answer. With more than 30 rides, the new Thomas Town play area, and shows galore, there’s something for everyone in the family – from the bravest thrill seeker to the littlest adventurer. Also enjoy the park’s wet fun at Skull Island.
Located at 275 Riverside Pkwy. in Austell. Open seven days a week during the summer. Closing times vary; Opening times: Sun.-Fri., 10:30 a.m., Sat., 10 a.m. For more information, call 770-739-3400 or visit www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia.

White Water
Despite the drought, water fun is plentiful in the three kid areas, 17 family rides and thrill rides for the older members of the family. As home to one of the largest wave pools in the Southeast, White Water is definitely a place to get wet. The Captain Kid’s Cove is the place to hang out with little ones – you’ll find water sprayers, mini-slides and a family-friendly wave pool in this area.
Located at 250 Cobb Pkwy. North in Marietta. WW open Sun.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. For more information, call 770-948-9290 or visit www.sixflags.com/whitewater.

Aquatic Adventures!

So, imagine you and the kiddies or you and your love muffin are looking for a way to cool out this summer and have a rockin' good time in the Gawga heat...lol...what better way to beat the heat than a day frolicking at a water park?

Cheap fun around the metro area:

BUFORD
Bogan Park Aquatic Center2723 North Bogan Rd., Buford; 770-614-2063 http://www.gwinettparks.com/ ; Adults, $5; children 4-10, $4; under 4, $2
Indoor lap pool --water slides--indoor leisure pool--water play structures and a beach entry.

MARIETTA
Central Aquatic Center520 Fairground St., Marietta; 770-528-8465http://www.prca.cobbcountyga.gov/; Adults, $3; children, $2
2 indoor pools , 1 for laps and 1 for recreational fun.

SNELLVILLE

Lenora Park Pool
4515 Lenora Church Road, Snellville 30058
770.982.5309
Features an outdoor leisure/water park pool with beach entry, giant waterslide, river channel, water play structures. Open during summer 5/23/09 - 9/7/09, open weekends only beginning 8/10/09.


PEACHTREE CITY
Kedron Recreation and Aquatic Center202 Kedron Dr., Peachtree City; 770-631-2525http://www.ptcrecreation.org/ ; Adults, $4; children 3-11, $3; under 3, free
Large instructional pool and smaller pool. Facility includes a game room and playground.

STONE MOUNTAIN
Mountain Park Aquatic Center1063 Rockbridge Rd., Stone Mountain; 770-564-4650http://www.gwinettparks.com/ ; Adults, $5; children 4-10, $4; under 4, $2
The outdoor water park features two waterslides, a vortex, a relaxing river channel and plenty of water play structures to explore, including a bubble bench.

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


PIEDMONT
Piedmont Park Aquatic CenterPiedmont Ave. and 10th St., Atlanta; 404-875-7275http://www.piedmontpark.org/ ; Adults, $4; children 16 and under, $2
This new outdoor facility features lap lanes, a channel for a relaxing float, an easy beach entry to the pool and concession stands.

LAWRENCEVILLE
Bethesda Park Aquatic Center225 Bethesda Church Rd., Lawrenceville;678-924-6334http://www.gwinettparks.com/ ; Adults, $5; children4-10, $4; under 4, $2Take a dip in the indoor pool, float through the river channel or relax on hydrotherapy benches. Features a water park with giant waterslide, water play structures and ceiling spray.

Rhodes Jordan Aquatic Center100 East Crogan St., Lawrenceville; 770-822-5143http://www.gwinettparks.com/ ; Adults, $5; children 4-10, $4; under 4, $2
Relax during the summer in this outdoor water park’s river channel or rip down the waterslide. The pool features three lap lanes and a beach entry.

Collins Hill Aquatic Center2200 Collins Hill Rd., Lawrenceville; 770-237-5647http://www.gwinettparks.com/ ; Adults, $5; children 4-10, $4; under 4, $2The outdoor water park and pool are only open during the summer months. Take a trip down one of the two giant water slides or relax in an easy-flowing river channel.

AUSTELL
South Cobb Aquatic Center875 Six Flags Dr., Austell; 770-739-3180http://www.prca.cobbcountyga.gov/ ; Adults, $3; children, $2
Splash down the center’s giant, twisting slide or slip through the smaller tube slide.

NORCROSS
West Gwinnett Park Aquatic Center4488 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross;770-417-2281http://www.gwinnettparks.com/ ; Adults, $5; children 4-10, $4; under 4, $2
Visit the spray bar and water vortex, or slide down two of the center’s waterslides. The outdoor water park pool features a river channel and bubble bench.

Best Friend Park Pool 6224 Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Norcross 30052 770.417.2202
Features an outdoor leisure/water park pool with beach entry, giant waterslide, and water play structures. Open during summer 5/23/09 - 8/9/09.


JONESBORO
The Beach at Clayton County International Park2300 Hwy. 138, Jonesboro; 770-473-5425; http://www.thebeachccip.com/
Park is open daily 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Beach times varyAdults, $10; children 3-12, $8; under 3, free; parking, $3Features: Multiple slides--kiddie pool--sandy beach--water trampoline

It ain't cheap, but it is a blast!

Lake Lanier Beach and Water Park7000 Holiday Rd., Lake Lanier Islands; 770-932-5789;
http://www.lakelanierislands.com/
Sun.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.Adults, Mon.-Fri., $27.99; Sat.-Sun., $29.99; children 42” and under, $17.99; under 3, free Features: Georgia’s largest wave pool, three-story FunDunker, waterslides, Kiddie Lagoon

Robin Lake Beach, Callaway GardensHwy. 18, Pine Mountain; 800-225-5292; http://www.callawaygardens.com/
Open daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.Adults, $15; children 6-12, $7.50; under 6, free Features: One-mile stretch of white sand beach, Iceberg Island, climbing walls

Skull Island at Six Flags Over Georgia275 Riverside Pkwy., Austell; 770-948-9290; http://www.sixflags.com/
Hours vary with park scheduleAdults, $39.99; children under 48”, $29.99; under 3, freeFeatures: Three giant water-dumping towers, fountains, water wheels, six water slides

Sun Valley Beach5350 Holloman Rd., Powder Springs; 770-943-5900; http://www.sunvalleybeach.com/
Mon.-Tues., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wed.-Sun., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.Adults, $17.95; children 2-11, $14.95
23 mos. and under, free Features: 11 waterslides, dolphin fountain, lumber jack log roll, diving platforms

White Water Park 250 Cobb Pkwy., Marietta; 770-948-9290; www.sixflags.com/whitewater
Opens daily at 10 a.m.; closing times varyAdults, $36.99; children under 48”, $26.99; under 3, freeFeatures: Captain Kid’s Cove, activity pool, giant waterslides, Tree House Island

We all Scream for Ice Cream!

Well friends..the dog days of summer are upon us..and if you have never had a Georgia summer then trust your girl to tell you that you are going to appreciate me for this next post. Cause in the famous words of one of my fave girls who is a Georgia native.."it shole gets hot here" lol..so buckle up your seat belt and prepare to ride out to some of ATLBROWNGIRL's fave spots in the city..Now some are truly special to me...and how i rate them is how my 4 year old rates them..so i'll give them either a 1,2, 3 tiny fists in the air for my little Cole- 3 being the highest compliment you can give a humble ice cream parlor ...and he's a very discriminating ice cream man so you can trust his judgement! lol..so on to the business at hand..the top Ice Cream Hotspots in the city:


Hometown favorites:

(2 fists!) Yoforia 4 N Highland Ave Ste 7Atlanta, GA 30306 (404) 685-3747 and Perimeter Mallhttp://www.yoforia.com/

(3 fists!) Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream800 N Highland Avenue NE Atlanta, GA 30306 (404) 874-3144 find other locations including Dacula and Alpharetta at http://www.benjerry.com/scoop_shops/store_locator

Morelli's Gourmet Ice Cream 749 Moreland Ave., S.E., 404-622-0210 http://www.morellisicecream.com/ Fun alternative to traditional ice creamHank's Ice Cream 753 Cherokee Ave SE Grant Park 30315 (404) 622-0007

(3 fists!) Jake's Ice Cream Headquarters 660 Irwin StreetAtlanta, GA 30312 (404) 653-0011 find other locations around the area at http://www.jakesicecream.com/

Rita's Midtown931 Monroe Dr Atlanta, GA 30308 (404) 347-3005 http://www.ritasice.com/

Shack Ice Cream746 Peachtree Pkwy Cumming, GA 30041-9501 (678) 455-5522

(2 fists!) Sheridan's Frozen Custard4373 Lawrenceville Hwy Tucker, GA 30084

Sarah Jeans Ice Cream & Sweets 109 N Park Sq NE Marietta, GA 30060 (770) 424-5177

East ATL Village Ice Cream Shop479 Flat Shoals Ave SEAtlanta, GA 30316 (404) 584-2250

(2 fists!) Zesto Drive-In544 Ponce De Leon Ave NEAtlanta, GA 30308Phone: (404) 607-1118find other locations at http://www.zestoatlanta.com/home.cfm

(3 fists!) Paolo's Gelato Italiano 1025 Virginia Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30306 (404) 607-0055http://www.paolosgelato.com/

Favorite chains around the city:

(3 fists!) Nestle Toll House Cafe
(2 fists!) Dairy Queen
(2 fists!) Bruster's
Cold Stone Creamery
Carvel
Baskin Robbins
Haagen-Dazs