Atlanta
Colorful Characters
2008 10Best Bet - Award Winners
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MIDTOWN. Very rarely does a single street performer capture the imagination of an entire city, but Atlanta has embraced Baton Bob with open arms. His infectious good humor and broad smile have been welcoming guests and locals to Midtown since 2005, when he came back to his hometown after many years of celebrity-hood on the streets of St. Louis. If you have a chance to see him, Bob's sure to make your Atlanta visit memorable.
BUCKHEAD. A lovely interior and a clutch of exclusive shops render this elegant shopping center one of Atlanta's most fashionable. Just across from Lenox Square (accessible via a complimentary shuttle), Phipps Plaza shelters such singular shops as Tiffany & Co., Caswell-Massey, A|X Armani Exchange, Versace, Max Mara, Cache Luxe, and Giorgio Armani. Other, more standard venues can also be found, along with restaurants that offer either counter or table service. Anchored by Nordstrom, Belk, and Saks Fifth Avenue. A 14-screen movie theater is available as well. 100+ shops.
WESTSIDE. Compound offers one of the most exclusive scenes to be found in the Southeast. The unique club features separate spaces like The Loft, Ride, and Bamboo Room, packing several distinct environments into the "compound" concept. The "see and be seen" vibe is enhanced by esteemed resident DJ Menelik, who wows crowds with signature "Hit-Pop" tunes and enjoys rock star status among the club faithful.
BUCKHEAD. Mixing elegance with chic atmosphere, BluePointe is one of Atlanta's most sought-after destinations. If being recognized as having the best bar scene in several publications isn't enough, consider that celeb chef Doug Turbush's cookery has garnered spots on numerous "best of" lists. Every Tuesday at BluePointe is Martini Night, providing a great opportunity for patrons to drink and rub elbows with a classy crowd.
BUCKHEAD. No matter where he opens a restaurant, it's downright impossible for Emeril Lagasse – and his signature charisma, flair, and fare – to go unnoticed. Without question, the eager (and hungry) souls patient enough to wait for a reservation are rewarded with Lagasse's memorable creations and the chance to dine alongside celebrities. The food, inspired by New Orleans cuisine, is a perfect fit for this shining Southern city.
LITTLE FIVE POINTS. Like any famous neighborhood (NYC's Greenwich Village or SoHo, London's Notting Hill), Little Five Points attracts a menagerie of characters. At no time is this more evident than during the Little Five Points Halloween celebration. The day begins with festivities like costume contests and the crowning of the Halloween "Queen" and ends with a parade that includes marching bands, floats, and a veritable cavalcade of ghouls, ghosts, and goblins. Fun activities for adults and children abound!
DOWNTOWN. Right fielder Jeff Francoeur, born in Lilburn, GA, was a Braves fan from childhood on. Now a member of his dreamed-of team, young phenom Francoeur is putting his talents to the test. To see him, make a pilgrimage to Turner Field, a destination unto itself. The stadium has been at or near the top of baseball's attendance sheet for years, and fans always enjoy its carnival-like mood. If you fork out greenbacks for the best seats in the house, you may find yourself beside Atlanta celebs like Elton John, Ludacris, and Jeff Foxworthy.
INMAN PARK. An Atlanta mainstay that's been featured in regional and nationwide articles, Rathbun's is a must if you're visiting the city for the first time. The cuisine may, at first glance, sound somewhat routine with dishes like braised brisket and crispy duck breast, but chef Kevin Rathbun is sure to surprise with his amazing New American touches. The sophisticated atmosphere is just as appealing, and, despite all the fancy reviews, the place has maintained the quality of a neighborhood eatery.
AIRPORT AREA. Maybe it's not the trendiest place for people-watching, but Atlanta's airport is a major turnstile for travelers, both famous and not-so-famous. In fact, there's a long-running joke about stopovers here being so commonplace that when folks pass, they go through the ATL before going on to the Great Beyond! Just checking in provides an opportunity to spot celebrities like Jeff Foxworthy, Ashlee Simpson, Usher, or maybe even Julia Roberts. Once you're in the terminal, don't be surprised to see members of the "beauty set" cruising the stores or to find yourself sitting next to a famous face.
MIDTOWN. Co-investors Wilmer Valderrama and Ashton Kutcher have helped make a virtual adult playground of Ten Pin Alley. In fact, the place brings LA glitz to bowling thanks to dance music, a swanky bar, and even private alleys for high-profile patrons. Atlanta's posh crowd certainly enjoys the air of exclusivity. Excessively baggy jeans, hats, athletic wear, plain white tees, shirts with obscenities, and Timberlands aren't allowed, so dress up a little and enjoy the games and the hip crowd. We all love to people-watch, to catch glimpses of celebs, and to brag that we saw so-and-so. This category showcases citizens who've made their mark on a town. Here, you'll uncover coffee shops where local politicians gather, corners where quirky street performers show off, and places that have lively shop keepers or dynamic chefs on staff. Discover where these famous folks hang out, where they work, what they eat, and even more that you didn't even know you'd want to know!
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We all love to people-watch, to catch glimpses of celebs, and to brag that we saw so-and-so. This category showcases citizens who've made their mark on a town. Here, you'll uncover coffee shops where local politicians gather, corners where quirky street performers show off, and places that have lively shop keepers or dynamic chefs on staff. Discover where these famous folks hang out, where they work, what they eat, and even more that you didn't even know you'd want to know!
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