We’ve been putting the SHINE in
ATLANTA celebrations for over 40 YEARS
Swing by the shop for a warm, Atlanta WELCOME!
TEL: 800.270.4009
3164 PEACH TREE ROAD
ATLANTA, GA 30305
BEVERLYBREMER.COM
8
18
26
36
60
81
93
98
PO Box 77401 Atlanta, GA 30357 P: 404-815-6941 F: 404-963-6365 EDITORIAL
Editor: Berlin Sylvestre BSylvestre@TheGaVoice.com Deputy Editor: Jason Rhode JRhode@TheGaVoice.com
PRODUCTION
Art Director: Rob Boeger RBoeger@TheGaVoice.com
BUSINESS
8
WELCOME: Atlanta Mayor
Managing Partner/Publisher: Tim Boyd TBoyd@TheGaVoice.com
10 WELCOME: Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau
SALES
14 HISTORY: Atlanta thrives after overcoming anti-LGBTQ bills
Sales Executive: Jim Brams JBrams@TheGaVoice.com
18 EVENTS: Atlanta’s biggest LGBTQ events
Sales Executive: Dixon Taylor DTaylor@TheGaVoice.com
Business Advisor: Lynn Pasqualetti Financial Firm of Record: HLM Financial Group National Advertising: Rivendell Media, 908-232-2021 Sales@RivendellMedia.com
A PRODUCT OF
20 FESTIVALS: Popular events that welcome all 24 TRAVEL TIPS: Getting around Atlanta 26 NEIGHBORHOODS: Atlanta’s best gayborhoods with map on Page 32 36
4 Destination Travel Guide
ARTS: Theater, dance, and music with map on Page 56
51 SIGHTSEEING: 12 day trip options 60 FOOD: Dining options for all 81 NIGHTLIFE: Our best LGBTQ nightlife with map on Page 88 93 SHOPPING: Retail therapy heaven 98 LODGING: Your home away from home 106 FITNESS: Options to help keep you fit during your stay 108 ORGANIZATIONS: Where to get help and volunteer 112 WORSHIP: Inclusive congregations 114 SPORTS: Where to participate in your favorite sports activity
THE FIRST NEW LUXURY CONDOMINIUM BUILDING OF ITS KIND IN OVER A DECADE JUST STEPS FROM PIEDMONT PARK | MIDTOWN OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR SPECTACULAR AMENITIES | FROM $400K – $1M+
CO M I N G S O O N TO M I DTOW N AT L A N TA FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE REGISTER AT OWNJ5.COM
O R A L R E P R E S E N TAT I O N S C A N N O T B E R E L I E D U P O N A S C O R R E C T LY S TAT I N G R E P R E S E N TAT I O N S O F T H E S E L L E R . F O R CO R R E C T R E PR E S E N TAT I O N S , R E FE R E N CE S H O U L D B E M A D E TO T H I S B R O CH U R E A N D TO T H E D O C U M E N T S REQUIRED BY CODE SECTION 44-3-111 OF THE GEORGIA CONDOMINIUM ACT TO BE FURNISHED BY THE SELLER TO A BUYER.
ATLANTA
GREETINGS FROM THE MAYOR As the 60th Mayor of the City of Atlanta, it is my pleasure to welcome you. Atlanta is the cradle of the civil rights movement and strives to be a safe and welcoming city with world-class employees, infrastructure and services, an ethical, transparent, and fiscally responsible government, thriving neighborhoods, communities and businesses, and residents that are equipped for success. We value the protection of human rights and our mission is to provide equal opportunity to all people. With one of the most vibrant LGBTQ communities in the country, our city is dedicated to protecting the dignity and freedom of all who visit or call Atlanta home. While here, I encourage you to explore the wonderful
8 Destination Travel Guide
attractions Atlanta has to offer including: the Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Center, the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, the CNN Center, Centennial Olympic Park, Woodruff Arts Center, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Children’s Museum of Atlanta, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, College Football Hall of Fame, and many more. I hope you enjoy our Southern hospitality, sample our great restaurants, and experience the rich and diverse heritage of our historic City. On behalf of the people of Atlanta, I welcome you to our city and extend best wishes to you for a wonderful visit. Sincerely, Keisha Lance Bottoms
FUN FESTIVAL #DECATURGA
DO
DECATUR.
ON THE SQ UARE
VISITORS CENTER 113 Clairemont Ave. Decatur GA 30030 | visitdecaturga.com
SQ/FT
Warm welcomes. Artful events. Family fun.
ATLANTA
A TOP DESTINATION FOR
LGBTQ TRAVELERS Welcome to Atlanta! As a global partner with the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association, our city prides itself as being a destination that welcomes all visitors. Atlanta is the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the cradle of the civil rights movement. The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park explores the life and history of Dr. King, allowing visitors to follow in his footsteps. Hop aboard the Atlanta Streetcar for an easy way to traverse Downtown and connect to the Centennial Park District. Anchored by Centennial Olympic Park, families will find several top attractions including the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, CNN Studio Tours, the College Football Hall of Fame & Chickfil-A Fan Experience, and the Center for Civil and Human Rights, the latter of which educates visitors on the connection between the American civil rights movement and the global human rights campaign. Atlanta has pride year-round with LGBTQ programming and events. The city’s annual Pride is a week-long celebration in October and is the largest in the Southeast. The event draws thousands of members of the LGBTQ community, allies, and advocates for parades, marches, and rallies. Atlanta’s arts scene generates cultural offerings unmatched in the South. Many of our theatre
10 Destination Travel Guide
companies tell LGBTQ stories through visual stroytelling and performing arts in Atlanta’s Westside. Midtown offers an array of visual arts, music, and theatrical venues such as the Fox Theatre, the High Museum of Art, the Woodruff Arts Center, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and the Museum of Design Atlanta. Adorned with personality and Pride flags on many businesses and homes, Atlanta’s intown neighborhoods are very LGBTQ-friendly. Mary’s in East Atlanta Village offers some of the city’s best karaoke. Edgewood Avenue in Old Fourth Ward offers quirky, late-night fun, including ping-pong, music, and retro arcade games. Midtown is home to a multitude of dining options, nightlife, and the iconic rainbow crosswalk. We look forward to seeing you in our city, where y’all means all and Southern hospitality is always included.
Sincerely, William C. Pate. President & CEO Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
Friendly Destination. Even friendlier people. Share your support of PRIDE in the ATL.
Introducing the new tourism platform specifically for metro-area businesses that welcome guests from all over the world.
Learn more and join today:
THEAGLCC.ORG/TOURISM @ 2108 The Atlanta Gay Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.
You don’t need to live in Atlanta to enjoy a perfect view of Atlanta Business. All you need is
ATLANTA BUSINESS CHRONICLE
Print + Digital or Digital only subscriptions available at:
www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/subscribe
LGBTQ ATLANTA
ATLANTA PRIDE FILE PHOTO
Howdy There! ON BEHALF OF ATLANTA AND ALL HER WONDERFUL OFFERINGS, WELCOME TO OUR CITY! With the book you hold in your hands, we at Georgia Voice hope you will feel the ample amount of pride we take in giving you a good, strong gaze into what it’s like being a visitor to (and a resident of) our world-class city. It’s truly an honor being able to represent the LGBTQ population in Atlanta as we give you a tour of the grounds. For those new here, Georgia Voice is the oldest, largest LGBTQ publication in Atlanta, with roots that trace back to the 1980s, when LGBTQ rights were rushed before the public eye only to be attacked and vigorously denied. It’s not something we took lightly, as LGBTQ press, and we’re proud to say it. We think our decision to create a megaphone for voices that needed raising was a wise one, as many of our pages — both new and archived — have provided a substantial source for researchers and fans of dogged journalism alike. Even today, we understand our importance in the dialogue on both a personal and political level, and we aim to bring as many voices to the conversation as possible. As we continue to shed light on issues that affect our community, both negatively and positively, we’d also like to invite you to take a look at this city through our lens in our 2018/2019 Destination Gay Atlanta guide. If you don’t mind, we’d like to take a quick step back in time. After all, how will we know where we are if we don’t know where we’ve been? Join us!
14 Destination Travel Guide
GEORGIA’S LGBTQ HISTORY
Georgia is also known as The 13th Colony, for obvious reasons. What wasn’t so “on the books” was how we carried over a puritanical approach to freedom — that is, not until 1817, 85 years after we became a state, when our first anti-sodomy law was enacted. A further amendment took place in 1833, when “carnal knowledge and connection against the order of nature by man with man, or in the same unnatural manner with woman” was outlawed carrying a possible “life imprisonment with labor” sentence. In 1884, the U.S. Supreme Court heard (and overturned) Georgia’s firstever conviction of sodomy with a two-sentence verdict: “Judgment reversed.” In 1949, the penalty for the catch-all “crime” was reduced to 1–10 years imprisonment, something Michael Hardwick (of Bowers v. Hardwick) was staring down in the face after he was caught having consensual sex with his partner. The Supreme Court was called upon for the law again in 1986, when a heterosexual coupling lead to the conviction of a Georgia man. In Powell v. State, the Supreme Court ruled that an individual’s right to privacy trumped the anti-sodomy law, dismantling it in the state of Georgia and making homosexuality here legal in the process. Henceforth, our LGBTQ presence grew exponentially. Take a look — we’ll be quick.
1971: The first Pride Parade, organized by the Georgia Gay Liberation Front, takes to the streets. 1972: The Metropolitan Community Church, which works specifically to reach out to our community, establishes itself in the Atlanta area. 1972:
Mayor Sam Massell appoints the first-ever community liaison, Charlie St. John, an archivist and journalist working for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
1974:
Bill Smith, a local activist, founds the Atlanta Barb, the first publication for, by, and about our community.
1976: The Atlanta Gay Center is opened. 1978: Anti-gay activist and national celebrity Anita Bryant speaks at an anti-LGBTQ crowd as she plays host to the Southern Baptist Convention and its parishioners. The event, drawing a crowd of 4,000, is held at the Georgia World Congress center.
1982:
The first official proclamation for Pride is issued by the city government of Atlanta.
1983:
The Atlanta Campaign for Human Rights is established. It’s now known as Georgia Equality.
1984: Mayor Andrew Young inaugurates the first “Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights Day.” 1985: Congregation Bet Havarim, the first LGBTQwelcoming synagogue, opens its doors.
1988: Our predecessor, Southern Voice, begins its historic LGBTQ coverage of Atlanta and surrounding. 1988: Mayor Maynard Jackson becomes the first Atlanta mayor to attend Pride. 1992: Emory University establishes its Gay and Lesbian Student Life office. 1993: Fulton County is the first county in the state to issue an official Pride proclamation, joining Atlanta. 1996: The Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Visitors Center gives the city an Olympics-worthy campaign to attract LGBTQ tourism to our welcoming city, starting with the games.
1997:
Cathy Woolard becomes the first openly gay politician elected to the Atlanta city council.
2000: Karla Drenner becomes the first openly gay member of the Georgia House of Representatives.
2001: Cathy Woolard is elected the first openly gay City Council President of Atlanta.
2003:
Fulton County becomes the first county in
the state to pass domestic-partnership registration for county residents and municipal employees in same-sex relationships.
2004:
The passage of a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage stymies the recognition of same-sex relationships by our state.
2005:
The General Assembly passes a law which legalizes the ability of counties to establish domesticpartnership benefits for county employees.
2007:
The city-county government of Athens legalizes health benefits for unmarried domestic partners.
2010: Simone Bell becomes the first openly lesbian
African-American woman to be elected to the Georgia General Assembly.
2011:
House member Rashad Taylor comes out, becoming the first male, openly gay member of the Georgia House of Representatives.
2011:
The Eleventh Circuit Court ruled in Glenn v. Brumby that firing someone based on gendernonconformity violates the Constitution’s prohibition on sex discrimination, giving trans and gender nonconforming employees legal protections in Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.
2015: Georgia recognizes all same-sex marriages, after the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the federal ban.
2016: With the help of a veto pen, Gov. Nathan
Deal vetoes House Bill 757, legislation that made it through both bodies of our state government. The bill would have allowed state adoption agencies to deny children to same-sex couples on religious grounds.
2018:
The Senate passes SB 375, which calls for allowing private adoption agencies receiving state funds to deny adoptions for certain couples or individual parents based on sincerely held religious beliefs. It does not make it through the House. To date, there are still no protections against hate crimes targeting those who attack members of our community on gender identity or sexual preference. And there’s so much more to come, so when you’re out and about in our rich, diverse city, check out the newspaper stands along sidewalks and racks in hundreds of local businesses — we’re out here in all our glory, ready to be picked up and carried home or to your hotel. See y’all out there somewhere, Georgia Voice (Psst! Like what you’ve heard so far? Like us on Facebook, and lend us your voice!)
Destination Travel Guide 15
GET
OUT THERE 16 Destination Travel Guide 404.873.2664 1447 PIEDMONT AVE NE BOYNEXTDOORMENSWEAR.COM
ATLANTA
AIDS WALK ATLANTA COURTESY PHOTO
Y’ALL COME ON OUT:
TOP LGBTQ EVENTS IN THE ATL THERE’S NO END TO WHAT YOU CAN DO OUT AND ABOUT IN HOTLANTA, BUT THE CITY’S HOME TO A FEW SIGNATURE EVENTS EACH YEAR THAT ARE WORTH PLANNING A TRIP AROUND. WE ROUNDED OUT SOME OF ATLANTA’S MOST WELL-ATTENDED EVENTS, FUNDRAISERS, PARTIES, AND GALAS THAT SHOWCASE WHAT THE LGBTQ “MECCA OF THE SOUTH” HAS TO OFFER VISITORS AND RESIDENTS ALIKE. STONEWALL MONTH
Throughout June Each year, the Atlanta Pride Committee rolls out a packed month of events in partnership with other organizations to remember the 1969 Stonewall Riots. In addition to the Touching Up Our Roots historic trolley tour, highlights include Evening for Equality (a gala fundraiser for statewide LGBTQ political group Georgia Equality), films, community discussions and more. AtlantaPride.org
JOINING HEARTS MAIN EVENT
July 21, 2018 An extra dose of “fun” is added to “fundraising” each summer during the Joining Hearts party, which donates 100 percent of proceeds to providing housing for people with HIV. The annual party, held at the Piedmont Park Pool, regularly features free-flowing drinks and plenty of shirtless boys. JoiningHearts.org
BLACK GAY PRIDE
Aug. 30–Sept. 4, 2018 What began as informal house parties grew into the largest Black Gay Pride celebration in the world. Join fellow black LGBTQ folks for a Pride skate party, comedy shows, parties, slam poetry, and more for this
18 Destination Travel Guide
annual Labor Day weekend of festivities. AtlantaPrideWeekend.com
PEACH INTERNATIONAL TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Sept. 1–Sept. 3 Held each year over Labor Day Weekend, the Peach International Tennis Championships is hosted by the Atlanta Team Tennis Association, the city’s LGBTQ league. It draws players from throughout the region for competition in men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles in as many as four divisions. Atta.org
OUT ON FILM
Sept. 27–Oct. 7, 2018 You’re invited to attend the 31st annual Out On Film LGBTQ movie festival! A slew of movies will hit the big screen in Atlanta theaters as part of this epic event, many of them documentaries or indie films never before seen in such venues. OutOnFilm.org
ATLANTA PRIDE FESTIVAL
Oct. 12–14, 2018 For more than 40 years, Atlanta Pride has been the most powerful reminder of the city’s LGBTQ progress.
pioneers Audre Lorde and Bayard Rustin.
DIXIE INVITATIONAL BOWLING TOURNAMENT
March 2019 An annual weekend tradition in March, the Dixie Invitational gathers LGBTQ bowlers for a long weekend of “family, friends, and fun.” DixieBowl.org
HRC ATLANTA GALA DINNER & AUCTION
HRC ATLANTA GALA DINNER & AUCTION COURTESY PHOTO
An estimated 300,000 attendees come to the weekend of festivities and to support local businesses and organizations at the market. The festival continues to bring locals and visitors alike to Piedmont Park and the parade down Peachtree Street. AtlantaPride.org
AIDS WALK ATLANTA
Oct. 21, 2018 Every October, AID Atlanta turns Piedmont Park into a festival with food, drinks, music, the AIDS Quilt display, and more for its largest HIV/AIDS fundraiser in the Southeast. In addition to the festival, Atlantans and tourists are encouraged to register as individuals or teams to run or walk its 5K course to raise money for critical research. AIDSWalkAtlanta.com
THEA PEACH STATE CONFERENCE
Nov. 2 – 5, 2017 THEA (Transgender Health & Education Alliance) emerged in 2015 after organizers of the annual Southern Comfort Conference moved their event to Fort Lauderdale. THEA’s Peach State Conference fills that void and more with panel discussions, support groups, a children’s program, and talent show. PeachStateConference.org
TOY PARTY
December 2018 One of the most poignant signs of LGBTQ Atlantans’ commitment to their city and neighbors is the mound of toys on display each December at the annual Toy Party. The event, presented by For the Kid In All of Us, has grown into one of the largest social events of the year. ForTheKid.org
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. HOLIDAY
Jan. 21, 2019 No city celebrates Dr. King’s birthday like the legendary civil rights leader’s hometown, and Atlanta’s black gay clubs enjoy their second-busiest weekend of the year during MLK weekend. Thousands jam into parties and hundreds attend a community brunch honoring LGBTQ
Late April 2019 Raising about $400,000 annually for the Human Rights Campaign, the Atlanta HRC dinner is a standard-bearer throughout the nation. The annual black-tie affair, which celebrated its 31st year in 2018, features leading activists and entertainers advancing gay rights, and honors local LGBTQ leaders and allies. HRCAtlanta.com/gala-dinner
THE HEALTH INITIATIVE’S GARDEN PARTY Mid-May 2019 This annual event at The Phillip Rush Center raises money for The Health Initiative while honoring local LGBTQ healthcare heroes. Expect an afternoon of drinks, dancing, and fun. TheHealthInitiative.org
THRIVING CHILDREN GALA
Mid-May 2019 A massive charity gala raising money for homelessyouth nonprofit Lost-n-Found Youth, the Thriving Children Gala serves up food and drinks from some of the city’s top restaurants, excellent music and an unforgettable evening. AtlThrivingChildren.org
BIG PEACH SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT
Late May 2019 Hosted by the gay Hotlanta Softball League, the Big Peach draws hundreds of players from dozens of teams around the country for a weekend of softball competition in multiple divisions, plus plenty of socializing. HSLBigPeach.com
SOUTHERN FRIED QUEER PRIDE
Late May 2019 This homegrown version of Pride puts the spotlight on queer and trans Southerners, offering an inclusive atmosphere at each of its parties, potlucks, pop-ups and workshops. SouthernFriedQueerPride.com
AIDS VACCINE 200 BIKE RIDE
Late May 2019 Each year, dozens of bike riders gather for a 200mile fundraising ride from Emory University to Rock Eagle 4-H Center. The ride raises money for HIV/ AIDS research at the Emory Vaccine Center and other LGBTQ nonprofits, while celebrating the memories of lives lost to the disease. AV200.org
Destination Travel Guide 19
ATLANTA
GRANT PARK SUMMER SHADE FESTIVAL COURTESY PHOTO
ALL ABOARD!
THINKING OUTSIDE THE LGBTQ BOX? TRY THESE ANNUAL ATLANTA-AREA TRADITIONS. VISIT ATLANTA.NET FOR MORE. NATIONAL BLACK ARTS FESTIVAL July 7–July 8, 2018 nbaf.org The mission of NBAF is to engage, cultivate, and educate diverse audiences about the arts and culture of the African Diaspora and provide opportunities for artistic and creative expression.
costumed horde as it takes over local pubs and restaurants in the Virginia Highlands area. Spanning streets, patios, and bars, you’ll ‘stumble’ from location to location devouring adult beverages and scaring the living. (This time, you’ll have an excuse!) AtlantaZombieCrawl.blogspot.com
ATLANTA ICE CREAM FESTIVAL July 28, 2018 The Atlanta Ice Cream Festival celebrates America’s favorite dessert, but also offers a variety of activities to get you up and moving around. As always, it takes place at Piedmont Park AtlantaIceCreamFestival.com
DECATUR BBQ, BLUES & BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL Aug. 11, 2018 This delicious festival proudly benefits the Community Center of South Decatur by supporting educational programs, community events, and providing grants to other non-profit groups in the city of Decatur. It’s held at (where else?) Harmony Park. DecaturBBQFestival.com
ZOMBIE PUB CRAWL July 28, 2018 What else can you expect from the city that brings you “The Walking Dead”? A zombie pub crawl, nine years in the making. Join the
PIEDMONT PARK ARTS FESTIVAL Aug. 18–19, 2018 Recognized as one of the Top 100 Best Arts Festivals by Sunshine Arts Magazine and considered the
20 Destination Travel Guide
Best Summer Arts Festival in Metro Atlanta, the Piedmont Park Summer Arts & Crafts Festival is a two-day outdoor event with an emphasis on the visual arts and family fun. PiedmontParkArtsFestival.com GRANT PARK SUMMER SHADE FESTIVAL Aug. 25–26, 2018 For more than a decade, Atlanta art and music lovers have flocked to Grant Park each August to bid adieu to summer at the Summer Shade Festival. They’ve got two days of outdoor fun planned for all ages including a 5K Run for the Park, food trucks, craft beer, an entertaining Kids Zone, and a music lineup that gets better every year. SummerShadeFestival.org ATLANTA GREEK FESTIVAL September 27–30, 2018 For over four decades, Greek Orthodox Cathedral has opened its doors to host one of Atlanta’s
landmark cultural events, The Atlanta Greek Festival. This signature celebration welcomes you with philoxenia and kefi. Come experience our warm hospitality, exuberant dancing, sumptuous wines, unique artisan jewelry and apparel, rich history, deep faith, and some of the most delicious food in Atlanta. AtlantaGreekFestival.org DECATUR BOOK FESTIVAL Aug. 31–Sept 2, 2018 The AJC Decatur Book Festival is the largest independent book festival in the country. Since its launch, more than 1,000 world-class authors and hundreds of thousands of festivalgoers have crowded the historic downtown Decatur square to enjoy book signings, author readings, panel discussions, an interactive children’s area, live music, parades, cooking demonstrations, poetry slams, writing workshops, and more. Downtown Decatur DecaturBookFestival.com DRAGON CON Aug. 30–Sept. 3, 2018 Celebrity guests are always a hit with this annual convention, but for many Dragon Con fans, the quality of the cosplay and costuming distinguishes the Atlanta convention from all the others. Hyatt Regency DragonCon.org YELLOW DAISY FESTIVAL Sept. 6–9, 2018 Despite its growth from a small arts-and-crafts show to the four-day event that it has become today, the Yellow Daisy Festival continues to be a big show with a small-town feel. The mission of reconnecting families and friends with fun, shopping, live entertainment, and good food has remained constant over the past 49 years. Stone Mountain Park StoneMountainPark.com NORTH GEORGIA STATE FAIR Sept. 20–30, 2018 Great rides, free concerts, liveaction/death-defying events, and all the trimmings that come with the annual state fair abound once again in Marietta.
Jim R. Miller Park NorthGeorgiaStateFair.com EAST ATLANTA STRUT Sept. 22, 2018 The East Atlanta Strut is a free, oneday extravaganza that showcases the hottest in-town neighborhood in Atlanta. East Atlanta is the best place to eat, drink, shop, and play. More than 10K folks from the Atlanta metro area join the Strut as paraders, shoppers, eaters, drinkers, and players. East Atlanta Village EastAtlantaStrut.com MUSIC MIDTOWN Sept. 15–16, 2018 Music Midtown is known for providing a little something for everyone who enjoys music from the last few decades. With Kendrick Lamar, Kasey Musgraves, Sylvan Esso, Twin Shadow, Janelle Monae, and many, many others, this year is in similar standing as years before. Piedmont Park MusicMidtown.com SWEET AUBURN MUSIC FESTIVAL Sept. Oct. 6–7, 2018 Witness one of the most amazing music festivals to hit Atlanta and the Southeast. If you’re looking for a perfect blend of music, people, food, entertainment, and culture, head this way. From upcoming hiphop acts to timeless R&B, gospel stars, rap veterans, and alternative greats, the Sweet Auburn Music Fest has it all. Historic Auburn Avenue SweetAuburnMusicfest.com CANDLER PARK FALL FEST Sept. 29–30, 2018 Fall Fest in Candler Park has been recommended by City of Atlanta, Scoutmob, and AJC as a must-do for Fall. The event features two full days of music, 200+ artists / vendors, Tour of Homes, 5K & Fun Run, Kidlandia, and Atlanta’s best food trucks! FallFest.CandlerPark.org LITTLE FIVE POINTS HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL & PARADE October 20, 2018 The Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade is the signature Halloween festival in the Southeast and one of the top ten Halloween events in the
country. It is staged in Little 5 Points, Atlanta’s premiere business, arts, and music district. Each October, over 35K people flock to Little 5 Points to enjoy great food and drink, live entertainment, and the best Halloween parade in the South! L5PHalloween.com A3C HIP HOP FESTIVAL Oct. 6–7, 2018 Georgia Freight Depot A3CFestival.com DECATUR CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL Oct. 20, 2018 DecaturBeerFestival.org FESTIVAL ON PONCE Oct. 20–21, 2018 Olmsted Linear Park FestivalOnPonce.com TASTE OF ATLANTA Late October, 2018 Historic Fourth Ward Park TasteOfAtlanta.com STONE MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES Oct. 19–21, 2018 Stone Mountain Park Smhg.org WALKER STALKER CON Oct. 26–28, 2018 Georgia World Congress Center WalkerStalkerCon.com NATIVE AMERICAN FESTIVAL AND POW-WOW Nov. 1–4, 2018 Stone Mountain Park StoneMountainPark.com BOOK FESTIVAL OF THE MJCCA Nov. 3–18, 2018 AtlantaJCC.org CHASTAIN PARK ARTS FESTIVAL Nov. 3–4, 2018 ChastainParkArtsFestival.com ATLANTA VETERANS DAY PARADE Nov. 10, 2018 Downtown Atlanta GaVetsDayParade.org GARDEN LIGHTS, HOLIDAY NIGHTS November 2018 – January 2019 Continues on page 22
Destination Travel Guide 21
ATLANTA
Continued from page 21 Atlanta Botanical Garden AtlantaBG.org MACY’S GREAT TREE LIGHTING SHOW Late November 2018 Lenox Square Mall Atlanta.net/Buckhead/Things-To-Do/ events-holiday CHOMP & STOMP CHILI FESTIVAL November 2018 Cabbagetown Park ChompAndStomp.com VOICES OF NOTE HOLIDAY CONCERT Early December 2018 VoicesOfNote.org THE CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARADE Early December, 2018 Peachtree Street choa.org ATLANTA BALLET’S “NUTCRACKER” Dec. 8–24, 2018 AtlantaBallet.com
22 Destination Travel Guide
NEW YEAR’S EVE PEACH DROP Dec. 31, 2018 Underground Atlanta PeachDrop.com A KING CELEBRATION January 2019 Morehouse.edu/KingCollection/ Celebration.php CALLANWOLDE ARTS FESTIVAL Late January 2019 Callanwolde.org CUPID’S UNDIE RUN February 2019 CupidsUndieRun.com/City/Atlanta ATLANTA JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL February 2019 Ajff.org ATLANTA ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE Mid-March 2019 AtlantaStPats.com BACONFEST March 24, 2019 Dad’s Garage DadsGarage.com
ATLANTA DOGWOOD FESTIVAL Early April 2019 Dogwood.org ATLANTA FILM FESTIVAL April 13–22, 2019 Various theaters AtlantaFilmFestival.com INMAN PARK FESTIVAL Last full weekend in April 2019 InmanParkFestival.org ATLANTA JAZZ FESTIVAL Piedmont Park Late May, 2019 AtlantaFestivals.com DECATUR ARTS FESTIVAL Late May 2019 DecaturArtsFestival.com VIRGINIA-HIGHLAND SUMMERFEST Early June 2019 VaHi.org ATLANTA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL Early June 2019 Piedmont Park AtlFoodAndWineFestival.com
DRAGON CON FILE PHOTO
RANDOM ATL FACTS Atlanta’s had three original names: Terminus, Thrasherville, and Marthasville. Atlanta is a shortened version of AtlanticaPacifica, due to a railroad line that connected the Southeast to the Midwest. The “zero mile-marker” for our then-city of Terminus was staked into the ground at Little Five Points. There are 55+ streets with Peachtree in the name.
FLYING COLORS BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL Early June 2019 Chattahoochee Nature Center ChattnatureCenter.org TUNES FROM THE TOMBS MUSIC FESTIVAL Early June 2019 Oakland Cemetery OaklandCemetery.com ATLANTA SUMMER BEER FEST Mid-June 2019 Historic Fourth Ward Park AtlantaSummerBeerFest.com OLD FOURTH WARD ARTS FESTIVAL Late June 2019 Historic Fourth Ward Park OldFourthWardParkArtsFestival.com ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN presents Concerts in the Garden Late June through early August 2019 Atlanta and Gainesville locations AtlantaBG.org PEACHTREE ROAD RACE July 4, 2019 PeachtreeRoadRace.org
Peachtree might actually be a corruption of “pitch tree,” as the Creek Indians had a Buckhead-area settlement known as Standing Pitchtree. (Pitch is a polymer that comes from pine trees.) Atlanta is the only city in America destroyed as an act of war. (Thanks, General Sherman and the Civil War.) A meager 400 buildings survived. The city, quite clearly, bounced back. That’s why the city’s symbol is a phoenix, as it rose from ashes. Atlanta is a perfect location for flight — it’s a three-hour trip from many major American cities, which is why Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world’s busiest. Our airport’s terminal is the size-equivalent of 45 football fields. Destination Travel Guide 23
ATLANTA
INSIDER INFO FOR LGBTQ ATLANTA
AVOID THE “CONFUSED TOURIST” LOOK WITH OUR HANDY-DANDY GUIDE TO NAVIGATING THE A. GETTING AROUND TOWN
Atlanta’s public transportation system, known as MARTA (ItsMarta.com), can be a convenient way to travel around town, but the bus system is often confusing — even to locals! You may want to stick to our trains, which are easy to navigate and have stops near some of the city’s largest tourist attractions. MARTA’s train is also a cheap, quick way to get to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The Atlanta Streetcar (Streetcar.AtlantaGA.gov) is up and running. Phase One of the project is finished and connects the Centennial Olympic Park area to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Cars run about every 15 minutes and there are 12 stops along this 2.7-mile route. The California-based Bird system of lightweight, electric, dockless scooters has spread its wings in Atlanta as a means of “last-mile” scooting that links in-town commuters from destination to destination. Bird is a subscription service available by app. Overall, Atlanta isn’t the most walkable city. However, the Atlanta BeltLine (BeltLine.org) is working to change that. A planned 22-mile route around the city along abandoned railroad tracks, the BeltLine has several paved trails open where you can jog, ride a bike and, yes, walk amidst many of the city’s landmarks. Other walkable pockets that provide a charming afternoon of shopping and dining include the tourist area around Centennial Olympic Park (including the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola) where you can happily walk retail and restaurant destinations including Atlantic Station, Decatur, East Atlanta Village, Little Five Points, Virginia-Highland, the Midtown epicenter of 10th and Piedmont, and more. Depending on where you plan to shop, make sure to carry cash for parking. Not feelin’ it? No worries! Download the Park Mobile app, which allows you to pay for parking in a number of city lots without feeding a meter. Our city’s parking enforcement is known for vigilance, especially in Midtown, and you will be ticketed.
24 Destination Travel Guide
STAY SAFE
As with any big city, Atlanta has its share of break-ins, robberies, and other crimes. If you’re out for a night on the town, think safety first: Don’t leave valuables in your car, park only in well-lit areas, and remember there’s safety in numbers. If drinking is part of your nightlife plan, consider taking a cab: A DUI is a terrible souvenir and roadblocks are common near popular bars. Unlike other major metropolitan cities, hailing a cab on the street isn’t easy in Atlanta, so save a cab company’s number in your phone, or ask the bar to help you call one. If you can’t hail a cab and/or need an alternative, Lyft and Uber have your back. Should you need, the Atlanta Police Department has two dedicated LGBTQ liaison officers. Request their help if it makes dealing with police more comfortable.
STYLE FOR DAYS! (AND NIGHTS)
Our nightlife is casual, but not sloppy. Shorts, jeans, polos, stylish tees, and button-ups are generally appropriate in most bars listed in this guide. Keep your casual choices classy and comfortable, but look like you give a damn if you want to catch the eye of that hot local girl or guy across the bar.
WELCOME TO ATLANTA, Y’ALL!
It’s fine to integrate with the locals, but nothing will have us clutching our beads faster than misusing the Southern expression “y’all.” A contraction for “you all,” y’all is only used for in plural. Use it to refer to one person and you might be met with a “bless your heart.” We’ll still make you breakfast, though. Southerners are also taught to mind our manners, so expect to have locals hold the door for you (whether you’re male or female), and be prepared to do the same. Oh, and don’t be offended if someone calls you “ma’am” or “sir” — our mamas raised us that way. Note: If you hear “sir” at the Atlanta Eagle, it might have an entirely different meaning. Sir, yes, sir!
NEIGHBORHOODS
Hey There,
Neighbor ATLANTA IS FULL OF MICROCOSMS — NEIGHBORHOODS BIG AND SMALL, EACH WITH ITS OWN DISTINCT FLAVOR AND FLAIR. THOUGH SOME PARTS OF THE METRO AREA HAVE A REPUTATION AS LGBTQ ENCLAVES — WE’RE LOOKING AT YOU, MIDTOWN AND DECATUR — IN REALITY, THE QUEER HEARTBEAT PULSES THROUGHOUT ALL PARTS OF THE CITY AND SOME OF ITS NEIGHBORING SUBURBS. HERE’S OUR TAKE ON THE MUST-DOS AND HIDDEN GEMS OF ATLANTA’S BEST GAYBORHOODS: ANSLEY MALL/CHESHIRE BRIDGE
This here’s the reigning queen of queer neighborhoods, wherein a strip mall is as likely to have a sex shop as a supermarket, and even the grocery store is known as Kro-gay. Atlanta doesn’t get any tastier than Ansley Mall/Cheshire Bridge, with regard to both cuisine and clubbing. The neighborhood entices LGBTQ diners: grab a steak from Cowtippers, enchiladas from Las Margaritas, or
26 Destination Travel Guide
American fare at Roxx. The nightlife is hot, from the go-go boys at BJ Roosters, the hip-hop flow at Mixx, the drag queens and drunken karaoke at spots like at Felix’s, or the thumping dance floors at Midtown Moon and the Heretic. Even the apartment complexes are queer rites of passage — shout out to Vaseline Valley, err, Ansley Forest. In this ‘hood, you can search for a soulmate equally at Starbucks or in an adult-video arcade.
ATLANTA CITYSCAPE ISTOCK PHOTO
BUFORD HIGHWAY
Atlanta’s global village, this area on the city’s northern border is a melting pot of cultures, cuisine, and queer life. The neighborhood’s diversity and affordability make it a popular area for LGBTQ residents to live and party. If you’re looking for authentic international fare — be it Korean Barbecue (Hae Woon Dae), Mexican seafood (Marisqueria El Veneno), or Bangladeshi dishes (Panahar) — head to Buford Highway, which is home to more than 1,000 immigrant-owned businesses. The busy strip of Buford is home to the drag-themed restaurant Lips Atlanta and the EDM-heavy Rush Lounge. Just on the other side of Interstate 85 is the original location of Lost-n-Found Youth Thrift & Consignment Store, as well as the Barking Leather shop.
BUCKHEAD
Home to Atlanta’s old money, and long considered one of the poshest areas in the Deep South, Buckhead is a land of condo towers, sprawling estates, and ritzy retail. It has a legacy as one of Atlanta’s wildest party districts, although it’s tamed significantly in the past decade. Where rowdy nightclubs once proliferated here, the neighborhood is increasingly known for upscale restaurants such as Umi sushi bar, Fogo de Chao, and Del Frisco’s Grille, as well as high-end shopping destinations like Phipps Plaza. Though the LGBTQ offerings in Buckhead have waned, the neighborhood remains home to Atlanta’s only gay sports bar, Woofs on Piedmont, as well as the ever-
cruisey Lenox Mall.
INMAN PARK/CANDLER PARK
Here, you’ll find quaint, growing neighborhoods filled with young families and hip, locally owned businesses like the LGBTQ-friendly Sugar Magnolia B&B in Inman Park, and the lesbian-run My Favorite Mechanic in Candler Park. The latter neighborhood is named for the scenic Candler Park, which bustles with neighborhood festivals such as the Sweetwater 420 Fest, Fall Fest, and the Candler Park Music & Food Fest. Inman Park has the Krog Street Market, a tasteful collective of trendy restaurants. The family-oriented Candler Park also has a robust and vital LGBTQ presence, most notably the Phillip Rush Center on DeKalb Avenue, which is the common ground for Georgia Equality, The Health Initiative, The Counter Narrative Project, and about a dozen other LGBTQ organizations.
CASTLEBERRY HILL
One of the defining traits of many Atlanta neighborhoods is gentrification, as the urban exodus of past decades reverses itself with suburbanites flocking to in-town neighborhoods. Castleberry Hill was on the forefront of this transition more than a decade ago, but unlike many other almost-unrecognizable neighborhoods, Castleberry Hill found a nice blend between fresh, modern residences and businesses,
Continues on page 28 Destination Travel Guide 27
NEIGHBORHOODS
Continued from page 27 while retaining its original character. Located just west of downtown, the strip bills itself as Atlanta’s historic/ creative district, and features countless art galleries, popular event venues like The Loft and Coze, and delightful date-night options such as the elegant Blu’ Bisque, where patrons sip cocktails while trying to paint like Picasso. Bonus? No Mas! Cantina, which regularly hosts events for LGBTQ groups.
DECATUR/OAKHURST VILLAGE/ AVONDALE ESTATES
Sappho capital of the south, Decatur is a city where the LGBTQ social scene is more likely to be centered around PTA meetings and soccer games than bar stools and dance floors. Along with neighboring Avondale Estates, Decatur is among the most densely concentrated areas of same-sex couples in the nation. The result brings queer life to Main Street, through the downtown square and in the many LGBTQ-affirming churches. The city is home field for the Decatur Women’s Sports League and the highly regarded Paws, Whiskers & Wags Pet Crematorium — two bona fides of Decatur’s lesbian cred.
DOWNTOWN/OLD FOURTH WARD
As you might expect, downtown Atlanta is built for tourists — but do tourists want to go to Hooters? If you walk past places like Hard Rock Cafe, downtown offers
28 Destination Travel Guide
plenty of options for unique outings. The crown jewel of downtown is the Georgia Aquarium, which hosts the annual Atlanta Pride opening party every October. The aquarium’s popularity drove a resurgence in the surrounding area, which now includes the LGBTQinclusive Center for Civil & Human Rights, Centennial Olympic Park, and the World of Coca-Cola. Old Fourth Ward is likewise becoming the poster child for Atlanta’s redevelopment, its turnaround accelerated by the BigBang-popularity of the Atlanta BeltLine. The recreational path bustles with straight and LGBTQ walkers — not to mention shirtless joggers. The Old Fourth Ward portion of the BeltLine also hosts the bedazzling Lantern Parade every September, and connects with fun joints like Jake’s Ice Cream and romantic restaurants like Two Urban Licks. On the southern tip of Old Fourth Ward, near the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolence, is Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium, an irreverent must-experience for any Atlanta visitor or resident. Along the northern edge of Old Fourth Ward is Ponce City Market, a historic structure that has undergone an extreme makeover, reemerging as a knockout condo/retail complex that sits atop the BeltLine.
LITTLE FIVE POINTS/REYNOLDSTOWN/ EAST ATLANTA
Moreland Avenue is the artery that unites these three prior neighborhoods, all of which share an eastside flavor. Little Five Points (L5P) is home to the
OLD FOURTH WARD PARK STAFF PHOTO
lesbian/feminist Charis Books & More, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. The neighborhood is one of the city’s most colorful, with record stores, vintage clothing stores, head shops, pubs, and an affinity for all-natural food (Sevananda Market, Arden’s Garden). It’s also one of Atlanta’s hippest theater districts, with Variety Playhouse, Horizon Theatre, Dad’s Garage, and 7 Stages. To the south of L5P is Reynoldstown, which experienced a boom thanks to the Edgewood Retail District. Aside from Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream (an eastside treasure), the shopping district has nothing of interest for most tourists (Lowe’s, Best Buy, Staples), although there’s always LGBTQ eye candy for locals while shopping at Target and Kroger. Residentially, Reynoldstown remains primarily comprised of refurbished bungalows, reflecting a different type of neighborhood redevelopment from the condo towers and luxury apartments that are driving other parts of Atlanta. The attitude here is, not surprisingly, embodied by the East Atlanta Village (EAV), your hipster capital of Atlanta, in a totally non-ironic sort of way. EAV’s primary strip is home to kick-ass restaurants (Graveyard Tavern, Holy Taco, The Glenwood) and SoPo Bikes, a lesbian-founded bicycle cooperative that teaches folks how to repair their bikes, and pay-what-they-can for parts and equipment. EAV is
also home to the legendary gay bar Mary’s (if it even cared about that kind of thing). Once recognized as the best gay bar in the country, Mary’s is the kind of speakeasy where facial hair and eyeglasses increase your chances of scoring, and where drunken karaoke is an almost spiritual experience. Speaking of channeling nirvana, up the street from Mary’s is Delia’s Chicken Sausage Stand, the lesbian-owned drop-in whose food has earned a devout local following.
COLLEGE PARK/EAST POINT
College Park is a city that almost everyone has been to, but few have ever visited. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is located in the city just south of Atlanta, but there is more to College Park than terminals and baggage belts. The city’s rejuvenated Main Street (located directly across from the MARTA train station) is dotted with restaurants such as Noodle and Tony Morrow’s BBQ. About four miles north on Main Street, in the direction of downtown Atlanta, is East Point. This city has also enjoyed an upswing in its downtown commercial district, and is home to Greenbriar Mall. College Park and East Point are both predominantly AfricanAmerican areas, but both have a vibrant LGBTQ presence comprised of folks of all colors.
Continues on page 30 Destination Travel Guide 29
NEIGHBORHOODS Continued from page 29
VIRGINIA-HIGHLAND/PONCEY-HIGHLAND Highland Avenue has emerged as one of the trendiest strips in Atlanta, cutting through several popular neighborhoods. Centered at the intersection of Virginia and Highland avenues, Virginia-Highland is packed with independent restaurants and retail — from clothes shopping at Dakota J’s, to steaks and martinis at Highland Tap, brunch at Murphy’s and many more shopping and dining treats. The annual SummerFest, held in June, is also among Atlanta’s most popular neighborhood festivals. A few blocks south is Poncey-Highland, which is the younger (and slightly less affluent) sibling of Virginia-Highland. The neighborhood has gay-popular restaurants like Fellini’s Pizza and El Ponce Cantina, an independent movie theater that shows “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and the Majestic Diner, an Atlanta institution that provides life-saving nutrition to clubgoers in the early-morning hours. Manuel’s Tavern is another iconic restaurant along Highland Avenue, just a few blocks away from the Carter Center and Presidential Library. Continuing south, Highland Avenue exploded with residential and retail targeting young professionals, buoyed by the nearby BeltLine.
WEST END
Located a few miles south of downtown, the historic West End neighborhood is home to the renowned Atlanta University Center, comprised of Morehouse College, Spelman University and Clark Atlanta University. Each of the historically black schools is known for having sizable gay and lesbian populations, and in recent years, LGBTQ students increased their organizing and programming.
lined with businesses and restaurants that pay homage to the neighborhood’s industrial roots with their facades. Among the places to eat on Memorial Drive is Ria’s Bluebird Cafe, a breakfast joint that continues to thrive in honor of its beloved departed founder, Ria Pell, a badass lesbian who triumphed on the Food Network reality show “Chopped.” Another strip worth checking out is Carroll Street, a tucked-away hotspot that features cozy, acclaimed restaurants. Across from Carroll Street is the historic Oakland Cemetery, which offers tours of the final resting places of local notables such as Margaret Mitchell, author of “Gone With the Wind,” and Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first black mayor and partial namesake of the city’s airport.
West End also has a range of unique destinations, from the emerging art and business district known as The Metropolitan, to longtime venues like Busy Bee Cafe. A few blocks from the Atlanta University Center is the Herndon Home Museum, a historic site that chronicles the Herndon family, chiefly Alonzo Herndon, Atlanta’s first black millionaire, and his son, Norris Herndon, an openly gay man who helped finance the civil rights movement.
Adjacent to Cabbagetown is Grant Park, one of Atlanta’s oldest in-town neighborhoods and the city’s largest historic district. Grant Park is full of older Craftsman and Victorian homes, and is also full of gay residents who played a key role in the neighborhood’s rebound from its decline after Interstate 20 split the ’hood in half back in the ’60s. The neighborhood is named after the 130-plus acre park which houses Zoo Atlanta.
Also located in West End is Club Rain, which is one of Atlanta’s hottest Friday night parties for black gay men, while the nearby tennis courts at Perkerson Park are a LGBTQ hidden gem.
MIDTOWN
GRANT PARK/CABBAGETOWN
Just south of Old Fourth Ward is Cabbagetown, an eclectic neighborhood where old factories were converted to hip lofts and businesses and where LGBTQ residents and merchants are helping the area carve a new identity. The area’s main commercial strip, which it shares with neighboring Grant Park, is Memorial Drive,
30 Destination Travel Guide
Midtown went from being a dilapidated slum in the 1970s and ’80s to becoming the city’s top gay neighborhood in the ’90s and ’00s. From those roots, today it stands as arguably the premier neighborhood in all of Atlanta, with sky-rise condos and office towers, miles of chic places to shop and eat, and an unrivaled nightlife scene. And we haven’t even gotten to Piedmont Park, which hosts every major festival Atlanta offers, including the Atlanta Pride Festival, Music Midtown, and the Atlanta Dogwood Festival. The park recently underwent a breathtaking
STONE MOUNTAIN COVERED BRIDGE ISTOCK PHOTO
expansion, with serene trails that course alongside the Atlanta Botanical Garden and connect with the BeltLine. The intersection of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue is considered the crossroads of gay Atlanta and a starting point for many LGBTQ visitors to the city. There are popular gay bars like Blake’s on the Park, while restaurants like 10th & Piedmont, TEN and Henry’s are likely to be just as brimming with LGBTQ folks as any club. For that matter, the nearby laundromat, Caribou Coffee, and Subway are likely flaming, too. Other heavily-LGBTQ restaurants include Einstein’s and Joe’s on Juniper, both on Juniper Street, as well as FROGS Cantina, Apres Diem, and other eateries in the Midtown Promenade shopping center. The gay nightlife that aided the area’s transformation was largely pushed out of the core of Midtown by gentrification, but the bars that remain — Blake’s and Bulldogs — are two of the city’s most reliable good times. Midtown is also a cultural hub, with the Fox Theatre on the southern border, while to the north is the Woodruff Arts Center, home of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Alliance Theatre, and the High Museum of Art.
STONE MOUNTAIN
Neighboring Decatur on the eastern edge of the metro Atlanta area is Stone Mountain, a city named after a massive boulder that bears an etched tribute to Rebel soldiers on one side — a Mount Rushmore for the Confederacy. The boulder is located in Stone Mountain Park, which has a golf course, fishing lakes, and hiking trails all the way up the gigantic rock, giving everyone the pleasure of trampling all over the grounds. Outside Stone Mountain Park, the city itself is a predominately black area, which includes a vibrant
LGBTQ community that’s got you covered for Saturday night and Sunday morning. Phase One nightclub on Memorial Drive has been bringing LGBTQ hip-hop fans together for a decade, while Victory Church is a dynamic congregation that has welcomed LGBTQ Christians for almost 20 years. Stone Mountain is a diverse city, and LGBTQ residents are instrumental in their communities, too. Half a dozen operated businesses are helping revitalize downtown Stone Mountain, including a nonprofit community coffee shop called Cafe JAYA and the ART Station Contemporary Arts Center and Theatre Company.
THE ’BURBS
LGBTQ life in metro Atlanta extends far beyond the city limits. In addition to Decatur, Stone Mountain, East Point, and College Park, other nearby cities made accomplishments in gay progress and acceptance. The metro area grows more conservative as you move out of the in-town core, but many LGBTQ people gladly call places like Sandy Springs, Marietta, Kennesaw, and Dunwoody home. It’s certainly worth checking out an act at the Cobb Galleria Centre, or hiking up Kennesaw Mountain. Blue Ridge, about a 90-minute drive from Atlanta, is a mountain town of less than 1,500 residents and its main street is filled with LGBTQ-owned businesses. Lake Cove is a popular summer hangout. The energy that spurred LGBTQ advancement and a better quality of everyday life in Midtown consistently gained momentum and spread in all directions of metro Atlanta, and allows queer culture to thrive in the conservative South.
Destination Travel Guide 31
re hi es Ch
Buckhead
. Rd ge d i Br
Downtown
Bri arc liff Rd .
Monroe Dr.
Pi ed m on tR d.
Virginia Ave.
Midtown North Ave.
Old Fourth Ward
Ponce D e Leon Ave.
Little 5 Points Candler Park
Moreland Ave .
Juniper St.
10th St.
N
VirginiaHighland
Inman Park
ch ur Ch
. St
Decatur Oakhurst Village ler St. Cand
MLK Blvd.
14th St.
Ansley Park
Ave. hland N. Hig
Rd. Howell Mill
d. Blv
West Midtown
Spring St. West Peachtree St.
tta rie Ma
Ansley Mall
Sc ot tB lv d.
Northside Dr.
Pea chtr ee
NEIGHBORHOODS
e. lb Av Deka Memorial Dr.
Cabbagetown
Grant Park
East Atlanta
Glenwood Rd.
Find Your Way ANSLEY MALL/ CHESHIRE BRIDGE One of the most popular areas for LGBTQ shoppers and bars ATLANTIC STATION Mixed-use development home to IKEA and other retail and restaurants BUCKHEAD Lenox Mall and upscale Phipps Plaza are key shopping destinations CABBAGETOWN/ REYNOLDSTOWN Eclectic neighborhood of old factories converted to hip lofts and businesses
and large population of LGBTQ residents
core of LGBTQ life and home to Piedmont Park
DOWNTOWN Epicenter for tourist attractions centered on Centennial Park
OLD FOURTH WARD Trendy bars, restaurants, and boutiques located on Edgewood Avenue
EAST ATLANTA Alternative LGBTQ crowd with bars including Mary’s and My Sister’s Room GRANT PARK Includes Zoo Atlanta along with renovated bungalows INMAN PARK Historic neighborhood of restored Victorian homes
CANDLER PARK Home to the Phillip Rush Center, which hosts LGBTQ groups and events
LITTLE FIVE POINTS Hippie vibe and home to feminist bookstore Charis and other alternative shops
DECATUR Known for shops, restaurants,
MIDTOWN ATL’s original gayborhood, still the
32 Destination Travel Guide
VIRGINIA-HIGHLAND Excellent restaurants and eclectic shopping spots WEST MIDTOWN New residential, retail, and restaurant destination includes LGBTQ patrons NOT PICTURED: EAST POINT Head south on I-85 to this friendly ‘burb on the rise LEARN MORE ABOUT ATLANTA’S NEIGHBORHOODS:
Visit Gay-Atlanta.com
THE ARTS
FOX THEATRE COURTESY PHOTO
Atlanta for the
Artsy Types SOME FOLKS CALL IT ATLWOOD THESE DAYS, BUT ATLANTA HAD A TOP-NOTCH ART SCENE LONG BEFORE THE FILM CREWS MOVED IN. WHETHER YOU PREFER BOX SEATS FOR THEATER, DANCE, VOCAL PERFORMANCES, OR JUST ENJOY STROLLING GALLERIES TO ADMIRE VISUAL ART, THERE’S SOMETHING FOR YOU NESTLED IN THE METRO AREA. OFF BROADWAY
You may have heard of the Alliance Theatre at the Woodruff Arts Center, because it boasts its very own Tony Award. This season, Alliance is “on the road” while construction goes on at the Woodruff, so the company will hop from venue to venue around Atlanta. Upcoming productions include “Winnie-thePooh,” the timeless “The Wizard of Oz,” the thoughtprovoking “Approval Junkie,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “The Jungle Book,” for starters. The beloved theater is undergoing a $110M overhaul, and aims to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a panache.
Coming up for the 2018/2019 season, the famous Fox Theatre brings off-Broadway musicals, panels, and glow-in-the-day guests to the stage, including 40th anniversary performances of “Grease,” “Funny Girl,” and Christina Aguilera.
Atlanta is also home to theaters that bring independent and lesser-known works into the spotlight. Horizon Theatre has 172 seats to watch its contemporary plays, including this year’s “How Black Mothers Say I
If plays and musical theater are your thing — but a pricey ticket to the Big Apple isn’t — take a look at what’s on stage in the ATL. Their 2018/2019 season includes “School of Rock — The Musical” featuring 14 new songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber and tunes from the original, starring Jack Black and a band of uber-talented kids. Fans of newer work can check out “Waitress,” an adaptation from the film, scored by pop artist Sara Bareilles. Feeling classic? There’s always “Les Mis” and “Cats.”
36 Destination Travel Guide
Continues on page 38
18 19
MOMENTS MAKE THE
Movement
16TH SEASON
SUBSCRIPTIONS STARTING AT $90 Nina Simone: Four Women by Christina Ham Skeleton Crew by Dominique Morriseau East Texas Hot Links by Eugene Lee
WWW.TRUECOLORSTHEATRE.ORG
THE ARTS
Continued from page 36 Love You” and “The Santaland Diaries.” LGBTQ-owned Out Front Theatre Company has a summer camp and regular performances, including “Annie,” “The Lion King,” and “The Sound of Music.” Actor’s Express, a member of the Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, grows talent through regular performances at the King Plow Arts Center. Some of its top-billed past shows include “The Legend of Georgia McBride,” “Father Comes Home from the Wars,” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” 7 Stages Theatre, located off Euclid Avenue, has brought works of political and social importance to the stage since 1979. It also hosts education workshops and youth events to get the community more engaged in the performing arts. Now’s the time to make plans to attend the spectacular shows scheduled for the City Springs Performing Arts Center at City Springs! The brand-new venue opened its doors in the summer of 2018, and its inaugural season will include performances by a variety of artists. Theatrical Outfit is an Atlanta-based theater company whose purpose is to provide their diverse audiences, actors, and artists with a rich theater experience. They often draw from classic and contemporary literature that pays tribute to our roots, like works from Southern authors such as Harper Lee, Cormac McCarthy, Flannery O’Connor, and Mark Twain to name a few.
38 Destination Travel Guide
SERENBE PLAYHOUSE COURTESY PHOTO
Serenbe Playhouse is a professional theatre committed to site-specific performances and programs that connect art, nature, and community. This is the place you go when you want to see, perhaps, the sinking of an actual ship in their water-logged version of “Titanic,” or watch them land a helicopter in a field for a production of “Miss Saigon.” Serenbe does not hold back. The mission of the Alliance Theatre is straightforward and ambitious: As the premier theater of the Southeast, the Alliance sets the highest artistic standards, creating the powerful experience of shared theater for diverse people. The 2018/2019 season is their 50th anniversary season, so you best bet they’ve got something up their sleeves to keep you planted to your seats. Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company is a non-profit theater company co-founded by Tonywinning, Broadway director Kenny Leon and Jane Bishop in 2002. The theatre company produces world-premiere plays by diverse playwrights, as well as a commitment to preserving African-American classics. As there is no permanent theater space for the company, they have dubbed themselves a “moveable feast,” presenting plays at the Southwest Arts Center, Theatrical Outfits Balzer Theatre, Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center, and the Rialto Center for the Arts.
SONG AND DANCE
There’s more — much more! — to Hotlanta’s art scene than theater. Atlanta Ballet is one of the nation’s premier dance companies, and its 89-year Continues on page 44
West Side Story Dead Man Walking Eugene Onegin La Traviata Charlie Parker’s Yardbird Maria De Buenos Aires
Single Tickets on Sale Now!
Atlantaopera.org 404-881-8885
Join us for a dazzling season of awe-inspiring performances that can only be seen at Atlanta Ballet.
RETURN TO FALL
Sept 14–16, 2018
LA SYLPHIDE
Feb 15–23, 2019
LOOK / DON’T TOUCH
Supported by March 22–24, 2019
DIRECTOR’S CHOICE
May 10–12, 2019
Subscribe & learn more at atlantaballet.com/subscribe or call 404.892.3303
For groups of 10+, call 404.873.5811 x1207 or email groupsales@atlantaballet.com. Jessica Assef & Moisés Martín. Photo by Rachel Neville.
Atlanta's LGBTQIA+ Theatre Company
l u f e t v h i g t i a s v n I ive s u l Inno c In
outfronttheatre.com t com 404 - 448 - 2755
THE ARTS
Continued from page 38 history helped make it the State Ballet of Georgia. The dancers bring us a fabulous slate of performances this season, including their annual “The Nutcracker” performance during the winter holidays, as well as “Beauty and the Beast.” Voices of Note, the organization that includes both the Atlanta Women’s Chorus and the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus, presents dynamic vocal performances that act as catalysts for social change. The Atlanta Opera is another can’t-miss swarm of vocal talent, bringing performances like “West Side Story,” “Carmen,” and “Sweeney Todd” to audiences at the Cobb Energy Centre in Marietta. We can’t forget the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. This season, the symphony plays tribute not only to the classical greats, but also enchants Atlanta with a take on the ’80s classic “E.T. the Extra Terrestrial.” The symphony also invites you to experience your favorite movies in spectacular fashion –- while watching classic films on a giant 40-foot screen in Symphony Hall while the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performs the film scores. They’re bringing the soundtracks of “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” Jaws,” and many others to life, right before your ears.
EYE SPY
It’s hard to be in Atlanta without noticing all the visual
44 Destination Travel Guide
MICHAEL C. CARLOS MUSEUM COURTESY PHOTO
art around — it’s in gift shops, it’s on murals, it’s on the famous Krog Street Tunnel. And it’s also on display in more traditional museums and galleries, like the High Museum in Midtown. This year, the High Museum’s art exhibits include “Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring A Classic,” which features original work from writer A.A. Milne and sketches from illustrator E.H. Shepherd; the work of Mark Steinmetz, who tirelessly photographed the areas in and around Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; and all the wonderful art on display year-round. The High also has plenty of kid-friendly activities if looking at paintings isn’t quite what your little ones had in mind. If you happen to be an alumni of one of the Atlanta area’s universities, make time to stop and see some of the artwork on display at their museums. Over at Emory University, the Michael C. Carlos Museum has an ode to Egyptian cats on display, in addition to its permanent works that span both globe and time period. Kennesaw State’s Zuckerman Museum of Art has two artist curations coming up — “Class Pictures” and “Louder Than Words.” The city’s numerous art galleries constantly curate new shows (and performances), so be sure to check out Westside Cultural Arts Center and Mutiny Artwrx, for starters. And if seeing art isn’t enough for you, you can make your own. Pit-stop at Healium Arts Center, Decatur Glassblowing, All Fired Up, and Mudfire for some one-of-a-kind, handmade souvenirs from your trip to the big city.
DINE LAUGH THE PLACE TO APPLAUD Event tickets are on sale DANCE now at citysprings.com MEET INSPIRE RELAX
Destination Travel Guide 45
Frederic
REMINGTON Opening 9.8.18
Treasures from the Frederic Remington Art Museum & Beyond Sept. 8, 2018 – Jan. 13, 2019 He is the greatest Western artist ever. His bronzes are iconic. His paintings, symbolic. His art shaped our view of the American West. He is Frederic Remington. Experience the biggest Remington exhibit ever in the South – only at the Booth.
WARHOL’S WEST Coming Aug. 2019
Booth Western Art Museum BoothMuseum.org | 770.387.1300 | Cartersville, GA
2018-2019 S E A S O N The Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus has a long-standing tradition of providing support and service as well as musical excellence to the Atlanta LGBTQ community and our city at large! Adding to this wonderful tradition was the formation of the Atlanta Women’s Chorus just five years ago. Both organizations are artistic jewels, bringing quality entertainment as well as music with messages of hope and inspiration. We pride ourselves on speaking to issues of inclusion and acceptance. Today, over 150 talented and diverse singers comprise the two choruses; together, the volunteer members of the AGMC and AWC entertain thousands of gay and straight audience members from metro Atlanta and beyond, through their thought-provoking performances.
AWC: Holidays Together DEC. 13 & 16, 2018 • GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
AGMC: Holly, Jolly & Gay 38TH Annual Holiday Concert
What says “holidays” better than AWC’s beautiful music and looking at the world through the eyes of children? We welcome Ford Elementary Chorus (12/13) and Atlanta Music Project Chorus (12/16).
DECEMBER 7 & 8, 2018 • THE CATHEDRAL OF ST PHILIP
AWC: Nature’s Voice
AGMC: I See You
MARCH 23, 2019 • CHURCH AT PONCE AND HIGHLAND Featuring music that honors Mother Nature. Inspired by spring showers bringing May flowers and summer sunshine that warms the soul, enjoy music that celebrates the beauty all around us in nature.
AWC: Legendary! JUNE 8, 2019 • OUT FRONT THEATRE Female icons of the music world thrill us all! Come celebrate some of the most powerful female legends the world has ever known with the AWC’s entertaining close to the season. It’s sure to be Legendary!
The holiday concert that is an Atlanta tradition! Share the magic of the season with the AGMC as we bring you beautiful music to warm your heart.
APRIL 5 & 6, 2019 • OUT FRONT THEATRE AGMC looks beyond the stereotypes to see the beauty in all of us. Through music we will see and celebrate each other in new and meaningful ways.
AGMC: Sound Off! JUNE 28 & 29, 2019 • OUT FRONT THEATRE From politics to social media, current events to the power of music, there’s a lot to Sound Off about. Come hear the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus Sound Off in the way only a gay men’s chorus can do!
Season subscriptions and individual tickets can be purchased at www.voicesofnote.org or by calling (404) 320-1030
SIGHTSEEING
GEORGIA AQUARIUM
COURTESY PHOTO
Inside/Outside ATL Y’ALL DID IT! YOU BRAVED TRAFFIC, THE NEWLY RECONSTRUCTED INTERSTATE 85 BRIDGE, AND HUNDREDS OF MILES OF BAD RADIO … AND YOU MADE IT TO ATLANTA. THE CITY AND METRO AREA HAVE A LOT TO OFFER, BUT IF YOU WANT TO BRANCH OUT A BIT FURTHER, THERE’S A TON TO SEE AND DO. HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITE ATTRACTIONS YOU SHOULDN’T MISS, BOTH ITP AND OTP. (GOOGLE THOSE FOR LOCAL LINGO.) IN ATLANTA
ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN With 30 acres of cultivated gardens and a fantastic restaurant, Longleaf, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens offers something new to see every season of the year. If you’re visiting during the winter holidays, stop in and see the incredible Garden Lights exhibit after dark, and don’t forget to stop into the satellite garden in Gainesville for even more natural beauty. CENTER FOR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, the Center for Civil and Human Rights connects the African-American, LGBTQ, and global human rights movements in an engaging and thought-provoking way, which is why this attraction is at the top of many lists and has quickly become a favorite of locals and visitors. CITY WINERY This popular live-music venue and restaurant has made its mark in multiple major cities across the country and found a home in Atlanta at Ponce City Market.
LGBTQ lovers of great wine, food, and music will enjoy the ambience at City Winery, which also houses an intimate 300-seat performance space for popular bands. GEORGIA AQUARIUM AND WORLD OF COCA-COLA Located across the street from one another, visitors can go from high-fiving a polar-bear mascot to watching live penguins, marine mammals, and fish swim to their hearts’ content. Plan your trip in advance, and you can schedule time to come face-to-face with beluga whales or spend the night under the sea. THE ROOF AT PONCE CITY MARKET Yes, that’s the name — The Roof. It’s 1.7 acres of sheer entertainment that harkens back to its 19th-century amusement park roots, featuring a beer garden, snow cones, gourmet hot dogs, and more. And if that isn’t enticing, miniature golf and other low-tech rides, including a giant slide simulating a free fall, are also available. Continues on page 52
Destination Travel Guide 51
SIGHTSEEING
ZOO ATLANTA
COURTESY PHOTO
Continued from page 51 ZOO ATLANTA One word: pandas. Kidding. They’re, of course, a highlight of Zoo Atlanta, but definitely not the only animal to learn about. Come see birds, reptiles, mammals, and more — and if you time it right, you can even help feed the giraffes.
A SHORT DRIVE AWAY
ANNE FRANK IN THE WORLD: 1929–1945 Pay homage to one of the most iconic figures of modern history by visiting this exhibit in Sandy Springs, just a few miles up Georgia 400. The Anne Frank exhibit houses hundreds of photographs that tell the life of this young woman who died during the Holocaust, in addition to other exhibits related to the time period. BABYLAND GENERAL HOSPITAL Children of the 1980s will get a kick out of this peculiar tourist attraction in Cleveland, Georgia — the hometown of Cabbage Patch Kids creator Xavier Roberts. Babyland is the place where Cabbage Patch Kids are “born” and presents itself as a real hospital, with staffers dressed as doctors and nurses. BLUE RIDGE This mountain town 90 miles north of Atlanta is full of lush scenery, can’t-miss shops, and restaurants in the downtown area. It’s also a surprising haven for a sizable number of LGBTQ people, so you’ll see plenty of friendly faces. BOOTH WESTERN ART MUSEUM A little less than an hour from downtown Atlanta, you’ll land in Cartersville — home to Booth Western Art Museum, one of the greatest museums featuring contemporary Western-American art, presidential portraits, and letters and Western-movie memorabilia. There’s also a cafe and multimedia theater on the premises.
52 Destination Travel Guide
CALLAWAY GARDENS Head southwest of the city for 1.5 hours and you won’t regret what you find at this resort complex in Pine Mountain. Gardens of azaleas and magnolias, lakes, and even a large enclosed butterfly habitat dot the area, and the Festival of Lights is worth a drive up during the winter holidays. CHATTAHOOCHEE NATIONAL FOREST Point your car toward North Georgia and take your pick of the 750,000 acres of lush scenery, with rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, plus the perfect terrain for hiking, swimming, picnicking, kayaking, and more. HELEN Because nothing says “Deep South” quite like a replica of a Bavarian alpine. Helen is a quirky little northGeorgia town, great for a day trip to stroll around the various shops or go river rafting in the Chattahoochee. Plus you’re only a 20-minute drive from beautiful Anna Ruby Falls. LAKE LANIER Lanier is the most popular lake for Atlanta residents looking for a day or weekend to water ski, swim, sunbathe, or just relax on the water. Plus make sure to visit Gay Cove on the west side of the lake just north of marker 21 to find some like-minded friends! STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA Sure, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is no slouch at 30 acres of beautiful grounds, but head for Athens, Georgia, to visit its much bigger brother — there are over 300 acres to roam there! Be sure to stop for a meal or afternoon cocktail in the always fun downtown area. STONE MOUNTAIN PARK The city of Stone Mountain is uber-LGBTQ-friendly, with numerous “family-owned” businesses dotting the downtown area and a welcoming mayor to boot. Just make sure to visit the 3,200-acre park and either walk or take a chairlift to the top to get the ultimate Georgia view.
T E L L U S
S C I E N C E
M U S E U M
ADMISSION FOR UP TO 4 PERSONS
BECAUSE SCIENCE MATTERS!
I-75 EXIT 293
100 TELLUS DRIVE CARTERSVILLE GA
Not valid with any other discounts, coupons, offers, specials or deals. Excludes programs and special ticketed events. Must present this coupon at the time of purchase.
#tellusmuseum
tellusmuseum.org
MAJOR FUNDING IS PROVIDED BY The Fulton County Board of Commissioners
PREMIER EXHIBITION SERIES PARTNER
EXHIBITION SERIES SPONSORS
PREMIER EXHIBITION SERIES SUPPORTERS Anne Cox Chambers Foundation The Antinori Foundation Ann and Tom Cousins Sarah and Jim Kennedy Jane and Hicks Lanier Louise Sams and Jerome Grilhot
CONTRIBUTING EXHIBITION SERIES SUPPORTERS Barbara and Ron Balser Corporate Environments Peggy Foreman James F. Kelly Charitable Trust Jane Smith Turner Foundation The Lubo Fund Margot and Danny McCaul Joyce and Henry Schwob
GENEROUS SUPPORT IS ALSO PROVIDED BY Alfred and Adele Davis Exhibition Endowment Fund, Anne Cox Chambers Exhibition Fund, Barbara Stewart Exhibition Fund, Dorothy Smith Hopkins Exhibition Endowment Fund, Eleanor McDonald Storza Exhibition Endowment Fund, Forward Arts Foundation Exhibition Endowment Fund, Helen S. Lanier Endowment Fund, Howell Exhibition Fund, Isobel Anne Fraser–Nancy Fraser Parker Exhibition Endowment Fund, and John H. and Wilhelmina D. Harland Exhibition Endowment Fund
1.5"
1.5"
. Rd ge rid B e hir es Ch
THE ARTS
Ansley Park 10
Spring St. West Peachtree St. Pea Juniper St. chtree St.
1
2
14th St.
13
MLK Blvd.
Midtown
15 19
North Ave.
Old Fourth Ward 17 11
18
Downtown
VirginiaHighland Ponce D e Leon Ave.
Little 5 Points Candler Park
Inman Park
ch ur Ch
. St 14
Decatur Oakhurst Village ler St. Cand
N
Virginia Ave.
10th St.
9
6
Ave. hland N. Hig
Rd. Howell Mill
St.
West Midtown
Pi ed m on tR d. Monroe Dr.
tta rie Ma
Ansley Mall
Sc ot tB lv d.
Buckhead
Bri arc liff Rd .
4
Pea chtr ee R d.
7
Moreland Ave .
Northside Dr.
8
e. lb Av Deka Memorial Dr.
Cabbagetown
16
Grant Park
1. ACTOR’S EXPRESS 887 W. Marietta St. N.W. J-107, Atlanta, GA 30318 404-607-7469 Actors-Express.com
East Atlanta
Glenwood Rd.
11. HORIZON THEATRE COMPANY 1083 Austin Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 • 404-584-7450 HorizonTheatre.com
2. ALLIANCE THEATRE 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta, GA • 404-733-4650 AllianceTheatre.org
12. KENNY LEON’S TRUE COLORS THEATRE COMPANY Performing at various locations. Check website for venues. 404-532-1901 TrueColorsTheatre.org
3. ATLANTA BALLET Performing at various locations. Check website for venues. AtlantaBallet.com
13. MICHAEL C. CARLOS MUSEUM OF EMORY UNIVERSITY 349 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA 30332 • 404-894-2787 Carlos.Emory.edu
4. ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER 130 West Paces Ferry Rd. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30305 404-814-4000 AtlantaHistoryCenter.com
14. ONSTAGE ATLANTA THEATRE COMPANY 2969 E Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur, GA 30030 • 404-897-1802 OnStageAtlanta.com
5. ATLANTA OPERA Performing at various locations. Check website for venues. 404-881-8801 AtlantaOpera.org 6. ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 • 404-733-4900 AtlantaSymphony.org 7. CITY SPRINGS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 • 770-730-5600 CitySpringsTheatre.com 8. COBB ENERGY CENTRE 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta, GA 30339 • 770-916-2800 CobbEnergyCentre.com 9. FOX THEATRE 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30308 • 404-881-2100 FoxTheatre.org 10. HIGH MUSEUM OF ART 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309 • 404-733-4400 High.org
56 Destination Travel Guide
15. RIALTO CENTER FOR THE ARTS 80 Forsyth St. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30303 • 404-413-9849 Rialto.gsu.edu 16. SERENBE PLAYHOUSE 9110 Selborne Ln., Palmetto, GA 30268 • 770-463-1110 SerenbePlayhouse.com 17. 7 STAGES THEATRE 1105 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 • 404-523-7647 7stages.org 18. THEATRICAL OUTFIT 84 Luckie St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 • 678-528-1500 TheatricalOutfit.org 19. WORLD OF COCA-COLA 121 Baker St. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30313 • 404-676-5151 WorldOfCoca-Cola.com 20. VOICES OF NOTE Performances by Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus and Atlanta Women’s Chorus at various locations. Check website for venues. 404-320-1030 VoicesOfNote.org
FOOD
AGAVE RESTAURANT COURTESY PHOTO
Our Scene’s Cuisine ATLANTA DINING IS SOME OF THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY, AND IT’S HERE THAT YOU’LL FIND AN UNBELIEVABLE AMOUNT OF GAY-OWNED AND LGBTQ-FRIENDLY SPOTS TO TANTALIZE THOSE TASTE BUDS, NO MATTER THE CUISINE OR PRICE LEVEL. 10TH & PIEDMONT
991 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30309 404-602-5510 10thAndPiedmont.com Located at the former home of Outwrite Bookstore, the LGBTQ landmark, 10th & Piedmont has made its own place in gay Atlanta. Owned by the same team as neighboring G’s and led by Executive Chef Brett Ring, 10th & Piedmont features organic ingredients and multicultural flavors with a Southern flair. Their latenight bar menu lasts until 2am.
A MANO
587 Ralph McGill Blvd. NE Atlanta, GA 30312 404-549-7727 AmanoAtl.com Handmade pasta and other
60 Destination Travel Guide
seasonal Italian dishes in a cozy cottage with a snug bar and patio.
AGAVE RESTAURANT
242 Blvd. S.E. Atlanta, GA 30312 404-588-0006 AgaveRestaurant.com From stuffed mountain trout tomatillo to Mexican rack of lamb and traditional Posole soup, Agave is known for eclectic Southwestern food plus an extensive tequila bar.
ALON’S BAKERY & MARKET
1394 North Highland Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30306 404-872-6000 4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road Atlanta, GA 30346 678-397-1781
Alons.com Relaxed bakery and sandwich shop featuring prepared foods and sweets in snug digs with sidewalk seats. * Best of Atlanta 2017 finalist for best bakery/sweets.
APRES DIEM
931 Monroe Drive Atlanta, GA 30308 404-872-3333 ApresDiem.com For a romantic night out, you can’t beat Apres Diem. Among the bistro’s perks are its candlelit ambience, great wine choices, and wait staff that never seem in a hurry to rush customers out the door. The roasted lamb and Moroccan salmon are great, too. Continues on page 62
FOOD
Continued from page 60
ATMOSPHERE
French Restaurant 1620 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30324 678-702-1620 AtmosphereBistro.com Conveniently located on Piedmont Avenue near Ansley Mall, Atmosphere offers French food with a modern twist in a charming remodeled home.
BACCHANALIA
1460 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd. N.W. Atlanta, GA 30318 404-365-0410 StarProvisions.com/bacchanalia Long rated as one of Atlanta’s best restaurants, Bacchanalia offers a seasonal, organic menu of contemporary American cuisine from chef/owners Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison, who source many of the ingredients from their own farm.
BEETLECAT
299 N. Highland Ave. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30307 678-732-0360 BeetleCatAtl.com BeetleCat is a shore-style, casual cocktail lounge with a coastal ’70s and ’80s vibe in Inman Park.
62 Destination Travel Guide
BACCHANALIA COURTESY PHOTO
BOCCALUPO
753 Edgewood Ave. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30307 404-577-2332 BoccaLupoAtl.com Tucked away in Atlanta’s historic Inman Park is BoccaLupo, an Italian-American eatery owned by Atlanta-native chef, Bruce Logue. An intimate restaurant, BoccaLupo focuses on extruded and rolled, hand-cut pastas.
BREAD & BUTTERFLY
290 Elizabeth St. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30307 678-515-4536 Bread-And-Butterfly.com Bread & Butterfly, a whimsical cafe and bistro, is located in the heart of Inman Park. This is a Europeaninspired space to enjoy food and drink from morning to night.
CAFÉ INTERMEZZO
1845 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA 30309 404-355-0411 CafeIntermezzo.com It may have a full menu, but the desserts make it a top-flight destination. Bring your sweet tooth — tarts, tortes, and oodles more beckon. Second location in Dunwoody.
CASSEROLES
1393 North Highland Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30306 404-228-3260 CasserolesAtlanta.com Take-out hideaway delivering an array of premade casseroles, from brunch to dinner, to heat at home.
CAMPAGNOLO
980 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-343-2446 CampagnoloAtl.com Before Maureen Kalmanson opened up Henry’s Midtown Tavern, she brought us this popular Italian and Mediterranean restaurant. Campagnolo offers a casual atmosphere for dinner and a weekend brunch. The patio provides a street-level view of Atlanta’s most beautiful, LGBTQfriendly neighborhoods. * Best of Atlanta 2017 winner for best Italian.
CHAI PANI
406 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. Decatur, GA 30030 404-378-4030 ChaiPaniDecatur.com Continues on page 64
FOOD
Continued from page 62 A favorite of the gay-friendly ‘burb of downtown Decatur, Chai Pani draws a loyal following for its “mind-blasting” Indian street food.
CITY WINERY
PONCE CITY MARKET 650 North Ave. N.E. #201 Atlanta, GA 30308 404-946-3791 CityWinery.com/Atlanta Hip, intimate venue with a New American restaurant, bar, and on-site winery inside Ponce City Market.
THE COLONNADE RESTAURANT
1879 Cheshire Bridge Road Atlanta, GA 30324 404-874-5692 ColonnadeAtlanta.com The gays mingle with the grays at this Atlanta landmark of Southern food served up the way you want it. This place gives tomato aspic a good name.
COWTIPPERS
1600 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30324 404-874-3751 CowtippersAtlanta.com
64 Destination Travel Guide
CITY WINERY COURTESY PHOTO
Bar food with a Southwestern flair done right: steaks, burgers, nachos, and margaritas to live for. The spacious patio practically spills LGBTQ clientele onto Piedmont Avenue. People watching at its finest.
DANCING GOATS COFFEE BAR PONCE CITY MARKET 650 North Ave. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-874-0370
DECATUR 419 W. Ponce De Leon Decatur, GA 30030 404-687-1100 BatdorfCoffee.com Modern haunt with espresso, single-origin coffee, & free WiFi inside a restored, historic building.
DEEP END
621 North Ave 470-823-3102 DeepEndAtl.com This taqueria and cocktail bar offers up some Tex-Mex staples and creative trivia (“Game of Thrones,” anyone?) for visitors and residents of the Old Fourth Ward. Located across from the Ponce City Market, this place has plenty
of parking for your transportation convenience.
DELIA’S CHICKEN SAUSAGE STAND 489 Moreland Ave. Atlanta, GA 30316 404-474-9651
881 Marietta St. N.W. Atlanta, GA 404-254-0408 TheSausageStand.com Delia Champion burst onto the Atlanta food scene in 1993 when she opened the first Flying Biscuit in Candler Park. The lesbian restaurateur returned in 2011 with her Chicken Sausage Stand, which offers “slingers” (link sausages served on a hoagie) and sliders based on her homemade sausage recipe, dished up with a variety of creative toppings. Open 24 hours on weekends. * Best of Atlanta 2017 finalist for best cheap eats.
DOC CHEY’S NOODLE HOUSE
1424 North Highland Ave. N.E. Atlanta, GA 404-888-0777 Continues on page 66
FOOD
Continued from page 64 563 Memorial Drive S.E. Atlanta, GA 404-688-4238
DOC CHEY’S DRAGON BOWL
FLOATAWAY CAFE
COURTESY PHOTO
spot after oh-so-many years, Einstein’s is a terrific place for a quick bite to eat while meeting with clients/colleagues, or for a lovely brunch or dinner with friends, with a menu that never seems static.
1556 N. Decatur Road Atlanta, GA 404-378-8188 DocCheys.com DragonBowlAtl.com Pick up spring rolls, dumplings, curries, and stir-fries — or on a stay-in evening, have those goodies brought to you. Three area locations (Midtown, Decatur, and Grant Park) make it easily accessible. Peace. Love. Noodles.
FLOATAWAY CAFE
EATS
1655 McLendon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30307 404-687-8888
600 Ponce de Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30307 404-888-9149 EatsOnPonce.net Eats is quick, conveniently located, and won’t put a dent in your finances. Pasta dishes and good ol’ jerk chicken, plus the likes of green beans and baked sweet potatoes. * Best of Atlanta 2017 winner for best cheap eats.
EINSTEIN’S
1077 Juniper St. Atlanta, GA 30309 404-876-7925 EinsteinsAtlanta.com Still going strong at its Midtown
66 Destination Travel Guide
1123 Zonolite Road Atlanta, GA 30306 404-892-1414 StarProvisions.com/Floataway-Cafe The menu features fresh cuisine created with French, Mediterranean, and Italian influences. Changing daily, the menu reflects seasonal influences and the finest local ingredients.
FLYING BISCUIT
1001 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30309 404-874-8887 FlyingBiscuit.com Founded in Atlanta and now a franchise with multiple locations, the Biscuit is the place for breakfast and brunch. Breakfast is served all day (with lip-smacking omelets) and there are salads, sandwiches, desserts, and entrees that sate. It’s not unheard of to see weekend lines, but the wait is worth it. * Best of Atlanta 2017 winner for best breakfast.
FOLK ART
465 N. Highland Ave., N.E. Atlanta, GA 30307 404-537-4493 FolkArtRestaurant.com A feel-good restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch in Inman Park. Artful eats for simple folks!
FONTAINE’S OYSTER HOUSE
1026½ N. Highland Ave. Atlanta, GA 30306 404-872-0869 NightcapFoodAndSpirits.com Belly up to the bar or grab a cozy booth and enjoy some of Atlanta’s freshest oysters and happy-hour food specials. Great covered patio.
FOX BROTHERS BBQ
1238 DeKalb Ave. Atlanta, GA 30307 404-577-4030 FoxBrosBBQ.com Featuring meats slow-cooked with hickory chips, Fox Brothers BBQ serves up delicious food with Texas roots and Southern style.
G’S MIDTOWN
219 10th St. Atlanta, GA 30309 404-872-8012 GsMidtown.com/gs-midtown The owners of Gilbert’s changed the name and did a total Continues on page 68
FOOD
Continued from page 66 rebranding and renovation in their switch to G’s, but the popularity never waned as people continue to flock to this Midtown gastropub.
GREEN GINGER
265 Ponce De Leon Place Decatur, GA 30030 404-373-2788 GreenGingerDecatur.com Featuring Asian fusion cuisine with a focus on sushi and Thai. Enjoy the creative drinks at the bar or their covered patio in this casual but chic restaurant in downtown Decatur. * Best of Atlanta 2017 finalist for best takeout.
GRINDHOUSE KILLER BURGERS
701 Memorial Drive SE Atlanta, GA 30316 404-228-3722 1842 Piedmont Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-254-2273 433 N McDonough St. Decatur, GA 30030 404-400-0509 GrindhouseBurgers.com Local chain serving burgers, chili, and shakes in a hip space with B-movies projected on the walls.
68 Destination Travel Guide
GREEN GINGER COURTESY PHOTO
HENRY’S
Midtown Tavern 132 10th St. Atlanta, GA 404-537-4477 HenrysAtl.com Maureen Kalmanson, owner of Italian eatery Campagnolo, opened Henry’s in May 2013 with a chefdriven menu of appetizers, tacos, wings, sandwiches, entree salads, and desserts. The huge multi-level deck provides a casual atmosphere for you and your dog! * Best of Atlanta 2017 finalist for best patio/deck.
HERBAN FIX
Downtown 565-A Peachtree St. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-815-8787 HerbanFix.com Located in downtown Atlanta, Herban Fix creates authentic plant-based fusion cuisines for vegans, vegetarians, and meat-lovers. * Best of Atlanta 2017 finalist for best new restaurant.
HIGHLAND BAKERY
655 Highland Ave., N.E., #10 Atlanta, GA 30312 404-586-0772 HighlandBakery.com Southern dining with traditional comforts and interesting twists. Stop by for brunch or anytime to try their
famous sweet potato pancakes and decadent desserts. * Best of Atlanta 2017 winner for best bakery/sweets.
HOBNOB
1551 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30324 404-968-2288 HobnobAtlanta.com HOBNOB offers a Southern twist on tavern food. The likes of fried green tomatoes and collard greens go toeto-toe with hamburgers and other traditional/classic dinner ideas.
HOME GROWN GA
968 Memorial Drive S.E. Atlanta, GA 30316 HomeGrownGa.com This Reynoldstown meat-and-three is well-known for their tasty use of locally grown produce and affordable prices for breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
IBERIAN PIG
121 Sycamore St. Decatur, GA 30030 404-371-8800 TheIberianPigAtl.com This modern Spanish restaurant serves up cured meats and cheeses, with exquisite attention to style and flavor. Sample charcuterie (cured meats) or enjoy one of the delectable entrees. Continues on page 70
Metrotainment Cafes
BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER SINCE 1991. ATIONAL SPORTS P ERN UB INT
- since 1997 -
WWW.METROCAFES.COM
FOOD
MARY MAC’S TEA ROOM COURTESY PHOTO
Continued from page 68
JOE’S ON JUNIPER
1049 Juniper St. Atlanta, GA 30309 404-875-6634 JoesOnJuniper.com Joe’s is a must-stop for travelers looking for a gay dining experience: sassy waiters, popular music, and a wide variety beyond bar food. It’s THE patio to see and be seen on good weather days.
KEVIN RATHBUN STEAK
154 Krog St. NE #200 Atlanta, GA 30307 404-524-5600 KevinRathbunSteak.com Modern chophouse featuring steaks and seafood in a dimly lit converted warehouse with a chic feel.
LA HACIENDA
900 Monroe Drive N.E. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-941-7890 Facebook.com/LaHaciendaMidtown Casual Mexican restaurant offering tableside guacamole, a full bar, a rooftop patio, and vibrant decor.
LAS MARGARITAS
1842 Cheshire Bridge Road NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-873-4464 LasMargaritasMidtown.com Lively, casual space draws groups for Pan-Latin cuisine, margarita pitchers, live music, and more. * Best of Atlanta 2017 winner for best Mexican.
LITTLE BANGKOK
2225 Cheshire Bridge Road Atlanta, GA 30324 404-315-1530 LittleBangkokAtlanta.com A perennially popular Thai and Chinese restaurant with an almost endless array of appetizers and entrees. Don’t miss the lunch specials: affordable, delicious, and fast. * Best of Atlanta 2017 winner for best Asian.
70 Destination Travel Guide
LIVINGSTON RESTAURANT & BAR
659 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30309 404-897-5000 LivingstonAtlanta.com The perfect place for cocktails and a bite to eat before catching a show or for dinner afterward. Located in the Georgian Terrace Hotel just across the street from the Fabulous Fox Theatre. Super LGBTQ friendly.
MAJESTIC DINER
1031 Ponce de Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30306 404-875-0276 MajesticDiner.com “Food That Pleases Since 1929” and the most colorful clientele one can find, the Majestic is open 24/7 with good, Southern food that makes latenight eating an even guiltier pleasure.
MAMA’S COCINA LATINA 1958 Piedmont Road NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-885-9199
Familiar Mexican specialties and cocktails served 24/7 in a roomy, down-to-earth venue with a patio.
MARY MAC’S TEA ROOM 224 Ponce de Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-876-1800 MaryMacs.com Established in 1945 and only getting better. Business folk, celebrities, and families of every stripe love the Tea Room. With chicken and dumplings, collard greens with crackling bread, and Georgia peach cobbler on the menu, it’s understandable.
METROFRESH
931 Monroe Drive, Suite A-106 Atlanta, GA 30308 404-724-0151 MetrofreshAtl.com This “world food” restaurant delivers fresh fare fast and gives back to its community. Fundraisers for AID Atlanta and PALS are just a Continues on page 72
FOOD
THE MERCURY COURTESY PHOTO
Continued from page 70 few of its generous gestures.
Rustic Southern fare made with local organic ingredients. Harvest Dinner is especially lip-smacking and fun.
THE MERCURY
MINERO
PONCE CITY MARKET 675 Ponce De Leon Ave., N.E. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-500-5253 TheMercuryAtl.com Capturing the spirit of the classic midcentury American cocktail culture, The Mercury offers a daily cocktail hour, plus lunch and dinner service.
METROTAINMENT BAKERY
1119 Logan Circle NW Atlanta, GA 30318 404-873-6307 MetroBakery.com Long known as the champion of sweets for LGBTQ Atlanta, Metrotainment Bakery provides some of the hottest spots we love to hang with the happy ending we all deserve. Cheesecakes, cupcakes, wedding cakes, pies, cookies, and just about any iteration of highquality treats are available at the many cafes they deliver to daily.
MILLER UNION
999 Brady Ave. Atlanta, GA 30318 678-733-8550 MillerUnion.com
72 Destination Travel Guide
PONCE CITY MARKET 675 Ponce De Leon Ave., N.E. Ste.136 Atlanta, GA 30308 404-532-1580 MineroRestaurant.com Imaginative, locally sourced Mexican fare and craft cocktails served in buzzy quarters with a patio inside Ponce City Market.
MOE’S SOUTHWEST GRILL Ansley Mall 1544 Piedmont Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-879-9663 Moes.com Counter-serve chain favorite dishing up Southwestern staples from burritos to nachos.
NONI’S
Italian Deli & Bar 357 Edgewood Ave. Atlanta, GA 30312 404-343-1808 NonisDeli.com With a risotto of the day, Noni’s lasagna Bolognese and Noni’s meatballs, there is plenty to inspire your love at this East Atlanta eatery.
NOWAK’S
1397 North Highland Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30306 404-347-9747 NowaksRestaurant.com Nowak’s neighborhood bar and restaurant, serving high quality steaks and seafood, is located in the North Virginia Highlands neighborhood of Morningside.
PARISH
240 North Highland Ave. Atlanta, GA 30307 404-641-4434 ParishAtl.com Unique people, delicious food, and good-for-the-Earth goods all come together at The Brasserie and Neighborhood Café at Parish. Expect to find inspired familiar American food, inventive beverages, and warm hospitality. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.
PAPI’S CUBAN & CARIBBEAN GRILL
216 Ponce de Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-607-1525 PapisGrill.com Papi’s features an extensive menu, and their specials include Churrasco steak and camarones
Continues on page 74
FOOD
Continued from page 72 al ajillo (shrimp scampi). The Midtown location is the most convenient for LGBTQ tourists, but Papi’s also has restaurants in Stockbridge, Kennesaw, Lawrenceville, and Tucker.
PARKER’S ON PONCE
116 East Ponce de Leon Ave. Decatur, GA 30030 404-924-2230 ParkersOnPonce.com Located in the heart of historic downtown Decatur, Parker’s calls itself a steakhouse, but it’s so much more. It’s hard to pass on the salmon, sea scallops, and calamari here. Two local brothers have created an oasis of wood, warmth, and wine, which begs your return.
POOR CALVIN’S
510 Piedmont Ave., N.E. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-254-4051 PoorCalvins.com Offering a rare cuisine of Thai fusion with Southern influences, Chef Calvin Phan has brought his perspective of international culinary fusion to this quaint restaurant. Acknowledged as one of Atlanta’s best kept secrets, it serves up an innovative blending
74 Destination Travel Guide
POOR CALVIN’S COURTESY PHOTO
of Eastern flavors and Western techniques and presentations.
but her legacy continues at this popular spot.
THE PORTER BEER BAR
ROXX TAVERN
Little Five Points 1156 Euclid Ave. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30307 404-223-0393 ThePorterBeerBar.com A vast beer selection, inventive pub fare, and a funky setting draw fans to this bustling, hip bar.
PURE TAQUERIA
300 N. Highland Ave. N.E. (Inman Park) Atlanta, GA 30307 404-522-7873 PureTaqueria.com Six locations featuring awardwinning authentic Mexican food and the city’s best margaritas. Menu highlights include fresh fish tacos, unmatched “street” tostadas, corn-masa cakes, and ceviche that makes you forget you live inland.
RIA’S BLUEBIRD
421 Memorial Drive Atlanta, GA 30312 404-521-3737 RiasBluebird.com Retro and tiny with an all-day breakfast menu chock full of killer huevos and pancakes. We sadly lost queer chef Ria Pell in 2013,
1824 Cheshire Bridge Road Atlanta, GA 30324 404-892-4541 Best known for its burgers and gay male crowd, Roxx Tavern serves up heaping dishes of atmosphere and friendliness. * Best of Atlanta 2017 winner for best Sunday brunch. * Best of Atlanta 2017 finalist for best patio/deck.
SOTTO SOTTO
313 N. Highland Ave. Atlanta, GA 30307 404-523-6678 SottoSottoAtl.com Cozy eatery offering pasta, risotto, and other Italian classics, plus an all-Italian wine list.
SOUTHERN ART & BOURBON BAR
3315 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA 30326 404-946-9070 SouthernArt.com InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta’s swanky bar serves 70+ bourbons and fare from acclaimed
Continues on page 76
FOOD
Continued from page 74 chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author Art Smith. Southern Art combines a hip, urban eatery with classic down-home charm and offers Southern-inspired cuisine in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.
SOUTHERN SWEETS BAKERY
186 Rio Circle Decatur, GA 30030 404-373-8752 SouthernSweets.com You can find Southern Sweets’ desserts in numerous Atlanta restaurants. Across from the DeKalb Farmers Market, the bakery also offers lunch and breakfast menus along with its award-winning sweets.
STAR PROVISIONS MARKET & CAFÉ
1460 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30318 404-365-0410, ext. 4 StarProvisions.com Star Provisions is the culinary dream shop for the gourmet expert and novice alike. Imagine having access to a restaurant pantry and walk-in cooler for your cooking preparations. Also features a bustling breakfast, lunch, and dinner counter.
76 Destination Travel Guide
SUPERICA COURTESY PHOTO
STEAMHOUSE LOUNGE
1051 West Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30309 404-233-7980 SteamhouseLounge.com Award-winning lobster bisque and fresh seafood served in a laid-back atmosphere with tables and booths inside the two-level indoor space, plus a wrap-around outdoor deck, patio, and outdoor bar.
SUPERICA
Krog Street Market 99 Krog St. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30307 678-791-1310 Superica.com Yeehaw, amigo! Atlanta has a stylish “Mex-Tex” restaurant featuring reinvented Texas favorites such as puffy tacos and fajitas. * Best of Atlanta 2017 finalist for best new restaurant.
SWEET CHEATS
692 B Kirkwood Ave. S.E. Suite B1 Atlanta, GA 30316 404-590-6086 SweetCheatsAtlanta.com Have a treat day (fine, a cheat day) at this bakery and coffee shop, specializing in cupcakes, cruffles, custom cakes, and catering for parties, weddings,
and corporate events.
TEN ATLANTA
990 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30309 404-347-3360 TenAtlanta.com Billed as an upscale restaurant by day and bar by night, TEN Atlanta has quickly made its place in the city’s LGBTQ scene. Brunch and dinner menus include a variety of salads, sandwiches, burgers, and Southern entrees like the fried catfish.
TACOS & TEQUILAS MEXICAN GRILL
650 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30308 678-705-5955 TandTatlanta.com Informal, rustic-chic Mexican chain with a big menu, a variety of margaritas, and patio seating.
TAVERNA PLAKA
2196 Cheshire Bridge Road NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-636-2284 TavernaPlakaAtlanta.com Ever been to a lively Greek taverna with a full bar, belly dancing, napkin throwing, and covered patio seating? It’s a must.
Continues on page 78
FOOD
TWISTED SOUL COOKHOUSE & POURS COURTESY PHOTO
Continued from page 76
you don’t order quickly enough.
TON TON
VENKMAN’S
PONCE CITY MARKET CENTRAL FOOD HALL 675 Ponce de Leon Ave., N.E. Ste. 151 Atlanta, GA 30308 TonTonRamen.com Ton Ton is top notch when it comes to a seat-yourself ramen bar with a cozy dining area and a brief menu of brothy noodles and Japanese bites.
TWISTED SOUL COOKHOUSE & POURS
Apex West Midtown 1133 Huff Road N.W. Atlanta, GA 30318 404-350-5500 TwistedSoulCookhouseAndPours.com Come in for a comfortable, modern soul food restaurant that gives Southern classics and brunch a creative approach.
THE VARSITY
61 North Ave. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-881-1706 TheVarsity.com First visit to ATL? Get thee to The Varsity for a naked dog, a burger, or a PC. (Google it.) This is the largest drive-in in the country where, for a few dollars, you can lessen your hangover with grease and be insulted at the same time if
78 Destination Travel Guide
740 Ralph McGill Blvd. NE Atlanta, GA 30312 404-225-6162 Venkmans.com This is where the Old Fourth Ward does modern comfort food and craft cocktails in a warehouse space with a stage for live music.
VICKERY’S BAR & GRILL
GLENWOOD PARK 933 Garrett St. Atlanta, GA 30316 404-627-8818 Vickerys.com The perfect place to grab a casual lunch, gather with friends for cocktails, or wine and dine your special someone.
VICTORY SANDWICH BAR 340 Church St. Decatur, GA 30030 404-377-9300
913 Bernina Ave. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30307 404-963-1742 VicSandwich.com Trust: Their hip atmosphere, delicious homemade sandwiches, and Jack and Coke slushies are divine.
WAHOO GRILL
1042 W. College Ave.
Decatur, GA 30030 404-373-3331 WahooGrillDecatur.com This neighborhood bistro serves seafood and American fare in a glass-walled interior and on a garden patio.
WOODY’S CHEESESTEAKS 981 Monroe Drive Atlanta, GA 30308 404-876-1939 WoodysCheeseSteaks.com Drop in for one of their delicious cheesesteak sandwiches, subs, and hot dogs — all within walking distance from Piedmont Park, gay Atlanta’s backyard.
YARD HOUSE
ATLANTIC STATION 261 19th St. N.W. #1100 Atlanta, GA 30363 404-815-8990 YardHouse.com This is a high-end sports-bar with a huge menu of New American fare and an extensive list of draft beers.
ZOCALO
187 10th St. Atlanta, GA 30309 404-249-7576 EatZocalo.com A favorite at the Midtown epicenter of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue, Zocalo offers “Mexican comfort food,” margaritas, and more.
NIGHTLIFE
MIDTOWN MOON FILE PHOTO
Party Like An ATLien FROM EXTRAVAGANT DRAG TO SUPERSTAR DJS, ATLANTA’S LGBTQ BARS AND CLUBS OFFER SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. AMSTERDAM
502-A Amsterdam Ave. Atlanta, GA 30306 404-892-2227 AmsterdamAtlanta.com Mostly a guys’ spot with a few women mixed in. Sports, music videos, and gay-TV faves play on the many flat screens around the bar, and their full menu includes $5 lunch specials.
ATLANTA EAGLE
306 Ponce de Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-873-2453 AtlantaEagle.com The home of Atlanta’s leather community for more than 30 years, this is where masters, slaves, daddies, bears, and cubs dance in the den. There’s a leather shop on site for all of your naughty needs. * Best of Atlanta 2017 finalist for best dance floor.
BJ ROOSTERS
2043 Cheshire Bridge Road Atlanta, GA 30324 404-634-5895 Facebook.com/BJRoostersAtlanta Just your friendly neighborhood gay bar that features pool, darts, videos, and an eclectic handful of go-go boys on the bar and milling about. As they do.
BLAKE’S ON THE PARK
227 10th St. Atlanta, GA 30309 404-892-5786 BlakesOnTheParkAtlanta.com Blake’s is a must-do for gay male travelers. There’s not much of a dance floor, but that doesn’t stop the party. Blake’s attracts a beautiful mix of men of all ages, a fair number of women, and boasts some of the city’s most legendary drag queens. Conveniently located just off Piedmont Park.
BULLDOGS
893 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-872-3025 Facebook.com/BulldogsBarAtlanta An ATL institution since 1978 and located in the heart of Midtown, Bulldogs has some of the finest DJs spinning house and hip-hop to go with those heavy-handed bartenders assuring you get your money’s worth. Expect a line out the door on weekends.
COCKPIT
465 Boulevard Atlanta, GA 404-343-2450 Facebook.com/Cockpit Speakeasy bar in East Atlanta for “men who seek men for scruffy good times.” Smoke-free interior with a large covered patio. Full kitchen. Continues on page 82
Destination Travel Guide 81
NIGHTLIFE Continued from page 81 Weekly events include DJs, karaoke, Dirty Boy Bingo, and more.
DEEP END
621 North Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30308 DeepEndAtl.com
Funky, casually hip spot for cocktails, live music, and late-night tacos, with a patio and central bar.
DEEP END
FELIX’S ATLANTA
1510-G Piedmont Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-249-7899 FelixsAtlanta.com A friendly, small neighborhood bar in the Ansley Square strip mall. Fun for early evening drinks and hanging out with friends. * Best of Atlanta 2017 finalist for best place to meet women.
FLEX
76 4th St. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-815-0456 FlexSpas.com/Atlanta Flex is a gay bathhouse complete with sauna, steam room, pool, sun deck, and private rooms. A membership is required and available on daily, six month, and annual rates. * Best of Atlanta 2017 winner for best after hours.
FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR
736 Ponce De Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30306 404-817-3820 FriendsOnPonce-Atl.com A no-attitude bar with inexpensive drinks and pool tables popular for the alt-gay crowd, this quiet, easygoing spot was made for hanging out with friends. It’s also a great choice if you’re new in town. Located steps from the BeltLine path.
THE HERETIC
2069 Cheshire Bridge Road Atlanta, GA 30324 404-325-3061 HereticAtlanta.com
82 Destination Travel Guide
COURTESY PHOTO
If you’re looking to dance with a mix of shirtless and light leather crowds, the Heretic is definitely the place to go. You’ll find a diverse mix on weekends with heavy beats from guest DJs from around the country. It’s a butch bunch, but you’ll find all types scattered about the Heretic’s labyrinth layout. 3-Legged Cowboy dancing on Thursdays draws out the ladies, too. * Best of Atlanta 2017 winner for best dance floor. * Best of Atlanta 2017 finalist for best overall LGBTQ bar.
Atlanta, GA 30316 404-624-4411 MarysAtlanta.com Mary’s has been the hip bar of choice for alt-gays and selfproclaimed queers for several years. Proudly called East Atlanta’s gay dive bar, don’t miss Mary-oke held every Tuesday and Saturday evening, and massive theme parties almost every weekend. * Best of Atlanta 2017 finalist for best place to meet women.
THE HIDEAWAY
1492 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30309 404-872-4403 Facebook.com/MidtownMoon Midtown Moon has something for everyone: a wide range of glam and camp drag keeps the energy going in the main area, an upstairs with pool tables, a balcony overlooking the performance area, and perhaps the best patio in Midtown. Head there after work and you’ll find a dinner crowd noshing from Moon’s full menu of tavern favorites.
1544 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30324 404-874-8247 AtlantaHideaway.com Midtown’s oldest neighborhood gay bar. Free pool and wi-fi. Located behind Cook’s Warehouse at Ansley Mall.
MANIFEST4U
2103 Faulkner Road NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-549-2815 Manifest4u.org Offering a safe space wherein men seeking men may explore and strengthen their sexual identities. Providing an alternative, offline and in-person event space for men who embrace an open lifestyle, seeking camaraderie with other men. * Best of Atlanta 2017 finalist for best after hours.
MARY’S
1287 Glenwood Ave.
MIDTOWN MOON
MIDTOWN TAVERN
554 Piedmont Ave 678-515-8129 MidtownTavern.net Located in walkable, happening Midtown, this tavern is spot-on for comforting American pub-fare and a host of shows that keep things fresh. Continues on page 84
NIGHTLIFE
MY SISTER’S ROOM COURTESY PHOTO
Continued from page 82
MIXX
1492 Piedmont Ave. #B Atlanta, GA 30309 404-228-4372 MixxAtlanta.com Atlanta’s premier video venue hosts three different lounges for socializing with friends or hosting a party or an event. “Chill” on weeknights with piano night on Tuesdays and other weekly events, then “Sizzle” with DJs Fridays through Sundays.
MODEL T
699 Ponce de Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-872-2209 ModelTAtlanta.com Atlanta’s favorite little neighborhood bar. Come out for weekly events like poker and karaoke. Enjoy billiards, video games, or play a favorite song on the jukebox as the bar sings along. Known for its friendly atmosphere, great drinks, and good times, it’s “always a party.”
MY SISTER’S ROOM (MSR) SPORTS BAR & GRILL 66 12th Street Atlanta, GA 30309 678-705-4585 MySistersRoom.com Now in Midtown, MSR is the longest-running lesbian bar in Atlanta, with nightly events that cross musical genre’s and performances. Non-smoking with a sports-themed menu and a fun patio. Open Monday to Friday after 5pm, and Saturday and Sunday after noon. Over 21 after 8pm nightly. * Best of Atlanta 2017 winner for best place to meet women. * Best of Atlanta 2017 finalist for best overall bar. * Best of Atlanta 2017 finalist for best bar food.
OPUS 1
1086 Alco St. Atlanta, GA 30324 404-634-6478 Neighborhood bar with a devoted
84 Destination Travel Guide
local following. No pretense here.
OSCAR’S MARTINI BAR
1510 Piedmont Ave, Suite C Atlanta, GA 30324 404-815-8841 OscarsAtlanta.com A recent renovation with a new look and feel in the same location at popular Ansley Square. Video on demand with weekly events that include show tunes, karaoke, and DJs. * Best of Atlanta 2017 finalist for best place to meet men.
SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH OF THE LIVING ROOM & PING PONG EMPORIUM
586 Edgewood Ave. Atlanta, GA 30312 404-522-8275 SisterLouisasChurch.com Though not specifically geared to a gay audience, you’ll find plenty of gay folks partying throughout the week. Church, as it’s commonly called, is a quirky spot loaded with tongue-in-cheek religious art and a killer Organ Karaoke every Wednesday. Also look for super-gay patio parties helmed by lesbian DJ Vicki Powell.
SWINGING RICHARDS
1400 Northside Drive Atlanta, GA 30318 404-352-0532 SwingingRichards.com Legendary men’s strip club acclaimed for its huge stable of totally nude hunky dancers. A particularly fun adventure for a group of friends looking to celebrate and cut loose.
TRIPPS BAR
1931 Piedmont Circle Atlanta, GA 30324 404-724-0067 TrippsAtlanta.com Cozy, unassuming bar with karaoke, darts, and free wi-fi. Taco bar on Wednesdays.
WOOFS
2425 Piedmont Road Atlanta, GA 30324 404-869-9422 WoofsAtlanta.com Atlanta’s only gay sports bar, Woofs hosts a pretty regular bear crowd with little elbow room on game days. The weekly line-up includes trivia, poker, sports on 21 screens, pool, darts, and a popular menu of bar grub. * Best of Atlanta 2017 winner for best place to meet men. * Best of Atlanta 2017 winner for best bar food.
XION
2241 Faulkner Road Atlanta, GA 30324 Facebook.com/XionAtlanta Known for hosting big-name DJs, frequently on major party weekends, Xion is a membersonly after-hours social club. Join if you want to party as Saturday night technically becomes Sunday morning at this club, located behind Jungle and only open Sunday morning from 3am to 9am. * Best of Atlanta 2017 finalist for best after hours. Bar Map on pages 88-89
NIGHTLIFE
1. AMSTERDAM
502-A Amsterdam Ave. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30306 AmsterdamAtlanta.com
2. ATLANTA EAGLE
306 Ponce de Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30308 AtlantaEagle.com
3. BJ ROOSTERS
2345 Cheshire Bridge Road N.E. Atlanta, GA 30324 BjRoosters.com
4. BLAKE’S ON THE PARK
227 10th St. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30309 BlakesOnTheParkatlanta.com
5. BULLDOGS
893 Peachtree St. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30309 Facebook.com/BulldogsBarAtlanta
6. THE COCKPIT
465 Boulevard S.E. Atlanta, GA 30312
7. DEEP END
621 North Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30308 DeepEndAtl.com
8. FELIX’S ATLANTA
1510-G Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30324 Facebook.com/FelixsAtlanta
9. FLEX
76 4th Street Atlanta, GA 30308 FlexSpas.com/Atlanta 88 Destination Travel Guide
10. FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR
736 Ponce De Leon Ave. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30306 FriendsOnPonce-atl.com
11. HERETIC
ModelTAtlanta.com
19. MY SISTER’S ROOM 66 12th St. Atlanta, GA 30309 MySistersRoom.com
2069 Cheshire Bridge Road Atlanta, GA 30324 HereticAtlanta.com
20. OPUS 1
12. THE HIDEAWAY
21. OSCAR’S MARTINI BAR
1544 Piedmont Ave. Ste. 124 Atlanta, GA 30324 AtlantaHideaway.com
13. MANIFEST4U
2103 Faulkner Road NE Atlanta, GA 30324 Manifest4u.org
14. MARY’S
1287 Glenwood Ave. Atlanta, GA 30316 MarysAtlanta.com
15. MIDTOWN MOON
1492 Piedmont Ave. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30309 Facebook.com/MidtownMoon
16. MIDTOWN TAVERN 554 Piedmont Ave. 678-515-8129 MidtownTavern.net
17. MIXX ATLANTA
1492 Piedmont Ave., #B Atlanta, GA 30309 MixxAtlanta.com
18. MODEL T
699 Ponce de Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30308
1086 Alco St. Atlanta, GA 30324
1510 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30324 OscarsAtlanta.com
22. SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH OF THE LIVING ROOM & PING PONG EMPORIUM 466 Edgewood Ave., S.E. Atlanta, GA 30312 SisterLouisasChurch.com
23. SWINGING RICHARDS
1400 Northside Drive, N.W. Atlanta, GA 30318 SwingingRichards.com
24. TRIPPS BAR
1931 Piedmont Circle, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30324 TrippsAtlanta.com
25. WOOFS
2425 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30324 WoofsAtlanta.com
26. XION
2241 Faulkner Road, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30324 Facebook.com/XionAtlanta
25
20 26
13 24
3
11
12 8 15
21
17
23
1
19
9
4
5
2
10
7
18
16
22
6 14
The Club Where Men Do It!
2103 Faulkner Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404.549.2815 www.manifest4u.org
Wednesday - Sunday OPEN LATE FRI & SAT
SHOP
ATLANTIC STATION COURTESY PHOTO
Non-Stop Shop EACH OF ATLANTA’S NEIGHBORHOODS IMPARTS ITS OWN VIBE TO THE TYPES OF BOUTIQUES AND RETAILERS THAT CALL IT HOME. WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT SOUVENIR, TREAT FOR YOURSELF, OR JUST FEEL LIKE BROWSING, HERE ARE A FEW YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS. ANSLEY WINE MERCHANTS
1544 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30324 404-876-6790 AnsleyWine.com Located in Ansley Mall, this 7-daysa-week wine shop also offers spirits, craft beer, mixers, and a knowledgeable staff happy to help you find the perfect pairing. * Best of Atlanta 2017 finalist for best liquor store
ATLANTA WATER GARDENS 2165 Cheshire Bridge Road Atlanta, GA 30324 404-235-0739 AtlantaWaterGardens.com Providing “serenity to the city,” Atlanta Water Gardens offers fountains of every size, sculpture, statuary, and garden accessories. A stroll through the outdoor
showroom alone will relax you for the rest of the day. Great gifts, too.
ATLANTIC STATION
1380 Atlantic Drive Atlanta, GA 30363 404-410-4010 AtlanticStation.com Located off 17th Street near Interstate 75/85 in Midtown, Atlantic Station is a mixed-use development on the site of an old steel mill. Highlights include an excellent mix of shopping and restaurants — Athleta, Earth, and Sky Creations, Kinnucan’s, Gap, H&M, West Elm, and many more — plus the city’s IKEA store.
BARKING LEATHER
805 Lambert Drive NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-900-LTHR (5847) BarkingLeather.com Leather clothing, accessories, and
more for the BDSM, fetish, and fashion lifestyles. Want something different? If they don’t have it, they’ll “fetch” it for you. * Best of Atlanta 2017 winner for best gift store
BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR
1447 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30309 404-873-2664 BoyNextDoorMenswear.com Now under new ownership, Boy Next Door is proud to offer an expanding selection of brands for men’s activewear, undergarments, and swimwear, not to mention the perfect outfits for business and date nights. * Best of Atlanta 2017 winner for best apparel store Continues on page 94
Destination Travel Guide 93
SHOP
CHARIS BOOKS & MORE COURTESY PHOTO
Continued from page 93
custom upholstery and furniture.
BRUSHSTROKES PLEASURES
GIFT CARD BOUTIQUE
1510 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30324 404-876-6567 Brushstrokes247.com An Ansley Square staple since 1989, Brushstrokes is the one-stopshop for gifts and pleasures. It also boasts an extensive DVD collection. * Best of Atlanta 2017 winner for best novelty store
CHARIS BOOKS & MORE
1510 Piedmont Ave, Suite A Atlanta, GA 30324 404-876-6567 Brushstrokes247.com The sister store to Brushstrokes Pleasures, Gift Card Boutique is Atlanta’s only gay-and-lesbian variety store. It’s home to collectibles, gifts, apparel, Pride memorabilia, and more. * Best of Atlanta 2017 finalist for best gift store
relies on timeless interior design. * Best of Atlanta 2017 finalist for best furniture/home design
KABOODLE HOME
485-B Flat Shoals Ave. Atlanta, GA 30316 404-522-3006 KaboodleAtlanta.com Kaboodle Home in East Atlanta Village offers eclectic home furnishings, décor, and gifts, made by Atlanta-based artists and furniture makers.
1189 Euclid Ave. Atlanta, GA 30307 404-524-0304 CharisBooksandMore.com Charis Books & More is the oldest and largest feminist bookstore in the Southeast, and carries a wide range of titles covering feminist, LGBTQ, and intersectional topics. The store also offers writing groups, book discussions, author visits, and more, funded in part by its charitable arm, Charis Circle. * Best of Atlanta 2017 winner for best bookstore
GREEN’S BEVERAGES
LOST-N-FOUND YOUTH THRIFT & CONSIGNMENT
2614 Buford Highway Atlanta, GA 30324 404-321-6232 GreenBeverages.com Green’s offers two locations and a huge stock of liquors, craft beer, and wine. Kegs, too. Party responsibly, kids. * Best of Atlanta 2017 winner for best liquor store
6409 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Suite 700 Norcross, GA 30071 Lnfy.org Now with two locations, Lost-nFound Youth’s thrift stores have thousands of donated items for sale. Proceeds help fund the operation of the nonprofit, which has a mission to take homeless LGBTQ youth off the street and transition them to more permanent housing.
DOMESTIC COMFORT
INTAGLIA HOME COLLECTION
1512 Piedmont Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-872-2500 DomesticComfort.com Put your feet up in luxury. Domestic Comfort not only has a lovely showroom, but it offers interior design services and made-to-order
94 Destination Travel Guide
737 Ponce de Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30306 404-872-1109
1544 Piedmont Ave., NE, Ste. 105 Atlanta, GA 30324 404-607-9750 IntagliaHome.com A furniture and home décor store that brings a fresh approach to Atlanta furniture, one that ultimately
2585 Chantilly Dr. Atlanta, GA 30341
MR TURK
PHIPPS PLAZA 3500 Peachtree Road NE Atlanta, GA 30326 404-949-1444 MrTurk.com With a California dapper style, Continues on page 96
RECEIVE 15% OFF IN-STORE PURCHASES WHEN YOU MENTION THIS AD! PHIPPS PLAZA: 3500 PEACHTREE RD NE MRTURK.COM
SHOP
Continued from page 94 Mr Turk is designed for men who want to make a statement with their wardrobe. Simple silhouettes in unique patterns, textures, and colors are the hallmark of the brand. The Mr Turk customer isn’t afraid to stand out!
NANDINA HOME & DESIGN
245 N Highland Ave. Atlanta, GA 30307 404-521-9303 NandinaHome.com Whether you’re looking to outfit your home in rustic, minimalist, or mod styles, Nandina has you covered. After a consultation, the team helps you select appropriate fabric, colors, art, and accessories before putting together your dream interior.
PARIS ON PONCE
716 Ponce De Leon Pl. NE Atlanta, GA 30306 (404) 249-9965 ParisOnPonce.com Sprawling over 46,000 square feet showcasing art, antiques, furnishings, and oddities, this is room after room of surprise and
96 Destination Travel Guide
NANDINA HOME & DESIGN COURTESY PHOTO
delight. Spend an hour (or a day) exploring the charms of its endless warehouse of dreams.
PARK PET SUPPLY
479A Flat Shoals Ave. Atlanta, GA 30316 404-588-0140 ParkPetSupply.com Park Pet Supply offers dozens of brands of natural-based remedies, foods, and treats. Plus, you can adopt one of its “Park Pets” if you don’t have a furry friend already.
THE PET SET
976 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30309 404-249-6668 2480 Briarcliff Road Atlanta, GA 30329 404-633-8755 ThePetSet.com An extensive line of pet toys and accessories. If Fido is traveling with you, take him in for a day spa or grooming.
PHIPPS PLAZA
3500 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA 30326 404-261-7910 Simon.com/Mall/Phipps-Plaza
Buckhead’s Phipps Plaza is Atlanta’s most upscale mall. Anchors include Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Belk, with many posh smaller retailers like Johnny Was, Cole Haan, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Anne Fontaine, Tiffany, Rigby & Peller Lingerie, and so many more.
PROFESSIONAL ESTATE SALE
2250 N Druid Hills Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30329 770-648-1919 ProfessionalEstateSale.com Offering complete turnkey estate sale services to homeowners in and around Atlanta area, they will go through your home staging and pricing all items prior to managing a three-day estate sale. Wellknown and respected in the area for their professionalism, they will respect your home as well as your wishes on any particular items.
OUT OF THE CLOSET THRIFT STORE
1858 Cheshire Bridge Road Atlanta, GA 30324 470-447-6473 OutOfTheCloset.org
SHOP A nationwide enterprise, Out of the Closet is a multipurpose thrift shop. In addition to shopping, it offers confidential HIV testing and a pharmacy, where prescriptions are filled while you shop. The nonprofit AIDS Healthcare Foundation receives 96¢ of every $1 spent, which goes to patient care.
SIMPLE FINDS INTERIORS & ANTIQUES/BOOTH RENTAL, CONSIGNMENTS 3614 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Chamblee, GA 30341 678-691-4241 A unique destination for the littlest decorative item or helping outfit an entire room. Not only showcasing a myriad of antique and vintage items, but also a wide variety of everyday items from beautiful accessories to more current furniture items.
TOWER BEER, WINE & SPIRITS
2161 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30324 404-881-0902 TowerWineSpirits.com Tower is not just a package store. In spite of being #1 in volume sales for the entire state of Georgia, Tower offers personalized service to each customer to help you find just the right drink for every occasion. Wine consultants are always on hand. * Best of Atlanta 2017 finalist for best liquor store
THE WISH LIST
1390 Lanier Blvd., NE Atlanta, GA 30306 404-975-3325 TheWishListAtl.com If you didn’t have a “for the home” wish list already, you’ll surely have one after stepping through
these doors. The Wish List has a plethora of lighting, art, furniture, and mid-century modern antiques to pick from.
WORTHMORE JEWELERS 500 L-3 Amsterdam Ave. Atlanta, GA 30306 404-892-8294
117 E. Court Square Decatur, GA 30030 404-378-1013 WorthmoreJewelers.com With a slogan like “enlarging your family jewels since 1994,” you know to expect more than just your average jewelry store. A wide array of wedding rings, watches, necklaces, and even custom work at two locations — Midtown and Decatur — in an LGBTQ-welcoming atmosphere. * Best of Atlanta 2017 winner for best jewelry store
Destination Travel Guide 97
LODGING
HOTEL CLERMONT COURTESY PHOTO
Lodging in Luxury WHEN LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT PLACE FOR YOUR TEMPORARY HOME AWAY FROM HOME, ATLANTA OFFERS NO SHORTAGE OF OPTIONS TO FIT EVERY BUDGET AND STYLE. WHETHER YOU PREFER A BOUTIQUE PROPERTY OR A CHAIN HOTEL CLOSE TO ALL THE ATTRACTIONS, YOU’LL FIND IT BELOW WITH THIS BEST OF THE BEST. ARTMORE HOTEL 1302 West Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30309 800-548-5631 / 404-876-6100 ArtmoreHotel.com In the heart of Midtown’s arts district, this independent boutique hotel boasts a lovely renovation of a 1924 architectural landmark building. MARTA and the High Museum of Art are across the street. *Pet friendly ATLANTA HILTON HOTEL 255 Courtland St. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30303 404-659-2000 Hilton.com A central location meets highquality amenities with extensive meeting space, comfortable guestrooms, and three unique dining options. ATLANTA MARRIOTT BUCKHEAD 3405 Lenox Road N.E. Atlanta, GA 30326 404-261-9250 Marriott.com
98 Destination Travel Guide
Stretch out in style in rooms featuring luxury Revive bedding and flat-screen TVs, or take a break on the spacious, modern outdoor patio. ATLANTA MARRIOTT MARQUIS 265 Peachtree Center Ave. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30303 404-521-0000 Marriott.com Experience urban energy and a stylish vibe at the newly renovated hotel with amazing atrium and cool cocktail lounge, spa, and unique dining options. COURTYARD MARRIOTT ATLANTA DOWNTOWN 133 Carnegie Way Atlanta, GA 30303 404-222-2416 Marriott.com High-energy downtown location with an array of boutique amenities including on-site restaurant The Bistro. CROWNE PLAZA ATLANTA MIDTOWN 590 W. Peachtree St. N.W.
Atlanta, GA 30308 404-877-9000 CPAtlantaMidtown.com Enjoy panoramic views of the city from all rooms in this hotel at the edge of downtown and Midtown. Ready to splurge? Four unique pool suites have private terrace pools. THE ELLIS HOTEL 176 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30303 877-211-2545 / 404-523-5155 EllisHotel.com Superb service and an excellent location, the Ellis has been rated the #1 business hotel in Atlanta by TripAdvisor. *Pet-friendly EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON ATLANTA AT CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK 267 Marietta St. Atlanta, GA 30313 404-223-2300 Spacious two-room suites, free made-to-order breakfast, and complimentary evening reception with snacks and drinks, plus
THE ELLIS HOTEL COURTESY PHOTO
16,000 square feet of flexible space for events. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL ATLANTA 75 14th St. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30309 404-881-9898 FourSeasons.com/Atlanta The only five-star, five-diamond hotel in the city, chic urban meets Southern tradition in this neoclassical wonder of polished marble and sweeping staircases. High Museum and Margaret Mitchell House only a short walk away. *Pet-friendly GEORGIAN TERRACE HOTEL 659 Peachtree St. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30308 800-651-2316 TheGeorgianTerrace.com Across the street from the Fox Theatre, the Georgian Terrace is more than a century old and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. The Georgian Terrace hosted the premier gala for “Gone With the Wind.” Very LGBTQ friendly — the perfect place to hold your wedding! * Best of Atlanta 2017 winner for best hotel GLENN HOTEL 110 Marietta St. N.W. Atlanta, GA 30303 866-40GLENN / 404-521-2250 GlennHotel.com 110 rooms of intimacy, comfort, and personalized service in downtown Atlanta. Luxurious and organic guest amenities. GRAND HYATT ATLANTA 3300 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta, GA 30305 404-237-1234 GrandAtlanta.Hyatt.com
THE GEORGIAN TERRACE COURTESY PHOTO
Located in Buckhead with easy access to luxury shopping at Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza. Views of Stone Mountain, downtown, and a Japanese zen garden. Elegant Southern cuisine. International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association approved. HILTON ATLANTA AIRPORT 1031 Virginia Ave. Atlanta, GA 30354 404-767-9000 Hilton.com/AtlantaAirport Perfect for the busy business traveler with tons of business amenities and a barber shop, beauty salon, laundry and valet, pool and fitness room. HILTON GARDEN INN ATLANTA DOWNTOWN 275 Baker St. Atlanta, GA 30313
404-577-2001 HiltonGardenInn.com Contemporary hotel in vibrant area, one block from top Atlanta attractions including the Georgia Aquarium. Over 9,000 square feet of multi-use event and meeting space with lots of natural light. HOTEL CLERMONT 789 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 470-485-0485 HotelClermont.com Set in a landmark 1920s building overlooking the vibrant Poncey– Highland district, this sleek boutique hotel is adjacent to a bus stop, three miles from the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and five miles from the High Museum of Art. Continues on page 102
Destination Travel Guide 99
LODGING Continued from page 99 HILTON GARDEN INN ATLANTA MIDTOWN & HOMEWOOD SUITES 97 10th St. N.W. Atlanta, GA 30309 404-524-4006 / 404-524-4076 HiltonGardenInn.com HomewoodSuites.com These modern, connected properties are located just one block from the Midtown MARTA train station. Both offer complimentary wi-fi, fitness center, and pool. Homewood Suites is an all-suites hotel with fully equipped kitchens. HOTEL INDIGO 683 Peachtree St. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30308 877-270-1392 HotelIndigo.com Midtown boutique hotel with free wireless throughout the property. Close to the Fox Theatre. *Very pet-friendly. HYATT ATLANTA MIDTOWN 125 10th St. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30309 404-443-1234 AtlantaMidtown.Hyatt.com Four-star property with 194 redesigned guestrooms with floorto-ceiling windows and views of Piedmont Park and downtown Atlanta. HYATT PLACE ATLANTA/ DOWNTOWN 330 Peachtree St. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-577-1980 AtlantaDowntown.Place.Hyatt.com Located in the heart of downtown and ideally situated near popular area attractions, this 24-hour guest kitchen offers cafe-quality, made-toorder meals, and snacks along with free breakfast daily. HYATT REGENCY ATLANTA 265 Peachtree St. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30303 404-577-1234 AtlantaRegency.Hyatt.com Downtown location with easy access to the Georgia World
102 Destination Travel Guide
INN AT THE PEACHTREES COURTESY PHOTO
Congress Center, the CNN Center, and the Georgia Aquarium. The world’s first contemporary atrium hotel, built in 1967, has undergone a recent major renovation. INMAN PARK BED & BREAKFAST 100 Waverly Way N.E. Atlanta, GA 30307 404-688-9498 InmanParkBandB.com Built in 1912 as a residence of Coca-Cola magnate Robert Woodruff, this lovely B&B has been lovingly restored and is on the National Register for Historic Places. All rooms have private baths. Very LGBTQ friendly. INN AT THE PEACHTREES 330 W. Peachtree St. N.W. Atlanta, GA 30308 800-242-4642 InnAtThePeachtrees.com An affordable stay and modern alternative to big downtown hotels. Complimentary breakfast and buffet, free wireless internet, and meeting rooms. Very LGBTQ friendly. INTERCONTINENTAL BUCKHEAD ATLANTA 3315 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA 30326 404-946-9000 InterContinentalAtlanta.com Offers an upscale urban retreat within easy reach of attractions
and adventures. Shopping, dining, entertainment, and top city attractions are steps away. JW MARRIOTT ATLANTA BUCKHEAD 3300 Lenox Road N.E. Atlanta, GA 30326 404-262-3344 Marriott.com Discover timeless elegance at one of the premier hotels in Buckhead, featuring luxurious suites, modern amenities, and updated décor. LOEWS ATLANTA HOTEL 1065 Peachtree St. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30309 404-745-5000 LoewsHotels.com/Atlanta-hotel Luxury in the heart of Midtown. Close to everything. Gay-friendly, pet-friendly, and the incomparable Exhale Spa make Loews a top choice for visitors. * Best of Atlanta 2017 finalist for best hotel MANDARIN ORIENTAL 3376 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta, GA 30326 404-995-7500 MandarinOriental.com/Atlanta Over-the-top luxury and pampering at the exclusive spa at this boutique hotel close to Lenox and Phipps Plaza. Continues on page 104
LODGING Continued from page 102 OMNI ATLANTA HOTEL AT CNN CENTER 100 CNN Center N.W. Atlanta, GA 30303 404-659-0000 Omnihotels.com 1,059 luxury non-smoking guest rooms and suites with breathtaking views overlooking the downtown Atlanta skyline, Centennial Park, and the lively CNN Center atrium. RENAISSANCE ATLANTA MIDTOWN HOTEL 866 West Peachtree St. N.W. Atlanta, GA 30308 678 412-2400 RenaissanceAtlantaMidtown.com A way gay-friendly boutique hotel in the heart of Midtown. Close to MARTA and all Midtown attractions. RITZ-CARLTON ATLANTA 181 Peachtree St. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30303 404-659-0400 RitzCarlton.com Luxury, first-rate service and an excellent location for business and downtown tourist fun. *Pet-friendly
W ATLANTA MIDTOWN COURTESY PHOTO
StonehurstPlace.com A very romantic B&B with the comforts of a small inn and the amenities of a large hotel. Very eco-friendly and LGBTQ friendly.
W ATLANTA DOWNTOWN 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-582-5800 WAtlantaDowntown.com
ST. REGIS ATLANTA 88 West Paces Ferry Road N.W. Atlanta, GA 30305 404-563-7900 StRegisAtlanta.com A true in-town luxury resort with several restaurants, extraordinary cuisine, and wines plus the fabulous Reméde Spa.
W ATLANTA MIDTOWN 188 14th St. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30361 404-892-6000 WAtlantaMidtown.com Three excellent locations in Atlanta, each with its own charm and the W stamp of quality. The W Atlanta Midtown is walking distance to Piedmont Park, where Atlanta Pride is held each October. * Best of Atlanta 2017 finalist for best hotel
RITZ-CARLTON BUCKHEAD 3434 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA 30326 404-237-2700 RitzCarlton.com In upscale Buckhead, this is the perfect getaway for luxury shopping at nearby Phipps Plaza. *Pet-friendly
TWELVE HOTEL & RESIDENCES ATLANTIC STATION 361 17th St. N.W. Atlanta, GA 30363 404-961-1212 TwelveHotels.com/atlanticstation Set within Atlantic Station’s retail district, this modern all-suite hotel off I-75/I-85 is 2 miles from Atlanta Botanical Garden and 3 miles from the World of CocaCola museum.
SHERATON ATLANTA HOTEL 165 Courtland St. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30303 404-659-6500 SheratonAtlantaHotel.com Southern charm and modern style blend in this expansive, completely renovated Atlanta hotel ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
CENTENNIAL PARK 400 West Peachtree St. N.W. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-418-1212 TwelveHotels.com Condo-style lodging with two locations: Atlantic Station in Midtown, and Centennial Park downtown.
STONEHURST PLACE BED & BREAKFAST 923 Piedmont Ave. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30309 404-881-0722
W ATLANTA BUCKHEAD 3377 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta, GA 30326 678-500-3100 WAtlantaBuckhead.com
104 Destination Travel Guide
WESTIN BUCKHEAD 3391 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta, GA 30326 866-716-8128 / 404-365-0065 Sweeping skyline views and near upscale shopping. A three-minute walk from the Buckhead MARTA train station, this upscale hotel is a six-mile drive from the High Museum of Art. *Pet-friendly WESTIN PEACHTREE PLAZA 210 Peachtree St. N.W. Atlanta, GA 30303 404-659-1400 Westin.com Towering 73 stories and topped by the revolving Sun Dial Restaurant, this John Portmandesigned hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown. A business traveler’s dream location. *Pet-friendly
FITNESS
Work It Out
IN THE ATL AND WANT TO STAY FIT? NO PROBLEM. THE CITY IS LOADED WITH GYMS OF ALL TYPES NO MATTER WHAT EXPERIENCE YOU WANT OR FITNESS GOALS YOU HAVE. BONUS: YOU’LL LIKELY RUN INTO MEMBERS OF THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY WHILE YOU’RE THERE.
ANYTIME FITNESS
MIDTOWN 1375 Peachtree St. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30309 404-963-5739 AnytimeFitness.com
FIT STUDIO
445 Plasamour Drive N.E., Suite 2 Atlanta, GA 30324 678-705-5072 FitStudioAtlanta.com
FITWIT
FitWit.com OLD FOURTH WARD 828 Ralph McGill Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30306 844-400-2454 DECATUR/ KIRKWOOD 2191 College Ave. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30317 888-534-8648
106 Destination Travel Guide
GRAVITEE FITNESS
2201 Faulkner Road N.E. Atlanta, GA 30324 404-486-0506 GraviteeAtl.com
ATLANTIC STATION 261 19th St., Ste. 1140 Atlanta, GA 30363 404-810-9015
IRON TRIBE FITNESS
MIDTOWN 75 Fifth St. N.W., Ste. E Atlanta, GA 30308 404-212-1065
ON PONCE 699 Ponce De Leon Ave. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-858-9945
LION’S DEN FITNESS
IronTribeFitness.com
WEST MIDTOWN 1409 Howell Mill Road Atlanta, GA 30318 678-576-4766
LA FITNESS LAFitness.com
ANSLEY MALL 1544 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Ste. 115 Atlanta, GA 30324 404-249-6463
900 Peachtree St. N.E., Ste. 105 Atlanta, GA 30309 404-834-0517 LionsDenAtlanta.com
THE TRAINING ROOM ATL 742 Ponce de Leon Place N.E. Atlanta, GA 30306 404-333-3677 URBAN BODY FITNESS 500 Amsterdam Ave. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30306 404-885-1499 UrbanBodyFitness.com
Destination Travel Guide 107
LGBTQ ORGANIZATIONS
JEFF GRAHAM OF GEORGIA EQUALITY FILE PHOTO
LGBTQ Organizations Abound Throughout Atlanta
POLITICAL JUNKIE? LEGAL EAGLE? LOVER OF THE ARTS? BUSINESS OWNER? LGBTQ YOUTH? THERE’S AN ORGANIZATION IN ATLANTA FOR THAT, AND FOR JUST ABOUT ANYONE ELSE IN THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY. ADVOCACY/ POLITICAL
BUSINESS
GEORGIA EQUALITY GeorgiaEquality.org
ATLANTA GAY & LESBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AtlantaGayChamber.org
IN THE LIFE ATLANTA Sponsors Black Gay Pride over Labor Day weekend. InTheLifeAtl.org
GEORGIA LOG CABIN REPUBLICANS LCRGa.com
METRO ATLANTA ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONALS MaapAtl.org
OURSONG Mixed gay and lesbian chorus. OurSongAtlanta.org
GEORGIA STONEWALL DEMOCRATS GeorgiaStonewall.org
OUT & EQUAL ATLANTA OutAndEqual.org/atlanta
OUT ON FILM Plans our annual fall LGBTQ film festival. OutOnFilm.org
GEORGIA UNITES AGAINST DISCRIMINATION GeorgiaUnites.org
ATLANTA FREEDOM BANDS AtlantaFreedomBands.com
GLAAD ATLANTA Glaad.org/tags/atlanta HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN ATLANTA STEERING COMMITTEE HRCAtlanta.com
CULTURE/ARTS
ATLANTA GAY MEN’S CHORUS & ATLANTA WOMEN’S CHORUS VoicesOfNote.org ATLANTA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA AtlantaPhilharmonic.org
LAMBDA LEGAL SOUTHERN REGIONAL OFFICE LambdaLegal.org/sro
ATLANTA PRIDE COMMITTEE Plans our Stonewall Week in June and annual October festival. AtlantaPride.org
STONEWALL BAR ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA StonewallBar.org
CHARIS CIRCLE Hosts feminist events and education. CharisCircle.org
108 Destination Travel Guide
FAMILY/YOUTH
GEORGIA SAFE SCHOOLS COALITION GeorgiaSafeSchoolsCoalition.org JUSTUSATL Youth-led organization serving young people 13–28 with a safe space and discussion groups. Facebook.com/JustUsATL LOST-N-FOUND YOUTH Provides emergency housing 24/7 for homeless LGBTQ youth. Hotline 678-8-LOST-25. Lost-n-Found.org
Continues on page 110
OCTOBER 11-13,2019 atlantapride.org
LGBTQ ORGS Continued from page 108 PFLAG ATLANTA Support for parents, families, and friends of LGBTQ people. PFLAGAtl.org PRIDE SCHOOL Provides a safe, fun learning environment for LGBTQ students, families, and educators. PrideSchoolAtlanta.org REAL YOUTH An organization for young LGBTQ people. RealYouthAtl.org HEALTH AID ATLANTA HIV testing with same-day results, education, and support groups targeting gay men and gay men of color. AIDAtlanta.org AIDS RESEARCH CONSORTIUM OF ATLANTA Free HIV and STD testing, HIV research trials. ArcAtlanta.org THE GALANO CLUB INC. Alcoholics Anonymous plus other 12-step groups. GalanoAtlanta.org
FEMINIST WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTER COURTESY PHOTO
LivingRoomAtl.org THE NAMES PROJECT/ AIDS MEMORIAL QUILT Atlanta is the headquarters for the AIDS Memorial Quilt. AIDSQuilt.org NATIONAL AIDS EDUCATION & SERVICES FOR MINORITIES, INC. Focuses on HIV in communities of color. Naesm.org OPEN HAND Meals for homebound people with HIV and other critical illnesses. ProjectOpenHand.org PETS ARE LOVING SUPPORT Help with pet care for people with HIV. PalsAtlanta.org
GRADY HEALTH PONCE DE LEON CENTER One of largest, most comprehensive HIV/AIDS facilities. GradyHealth.org/Specialty/ Ponce-de-Leon-Center
POSITIVE IMPACT HEALTH CENTERS/ MISTER PROJECT HIV and STD testing, primary care, discussion groups, education, and mental health services. PositiveImpact-Atl.org
THE HEALTH INITIATIVE LGBTQ support groups, Weight Watchers, events, health fund, and physician directory. TheHealthInitiative.org
SUPPORT/SOCIAL/SERVICE
EMORY HOPE CLINIC HIV vaccine trials. HopeClinic.Emory.edu FEMINIST WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTER Supportive and affordable gynecological health services. FeministCenter.org JERUSALEM HOUSE Housing for homeless and people living with HIV and low income. JerusalemHouse.org LIVING ROOM Housing placement and financial assistance for people living with HIV and low income.
110 Destination Travel Guide
AMERICAN VETERANS FOR EQUAL RIGHTS Facebook.com/American-Veterans-ForEqual-Rights-Georgia-Chapter765553926860822/ ASIANS & FRIENDS ATLANTA, LYC Meetup.com/Asians-and-Friends-Atlanta ATLANTA PRIME TIMERS Social, educational, and recreational activities for mature gay and bisexual men and their friends. PrimeTimersww.com/Atlantapt
SAGE GEORGIA Serves to enrich lives of LGBTQ senior community. SAGEAtl.org SISTERS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE – THE ORDER OF THE FLAMING SUGARBAKERS Drag nuns who conduct community outreach and fundraisers. AtlSisters.org SOJOURN Southern Jewish Resource Network for Gender and Sexual Diversity. SojournGSD.org SOUTHERN BEARS AtlantaBearFest.com SOUTHERNERS ON NEW GROUND (SONG) Focuses on working class, people of color, immigrants, and rural LGBTQ people. SouthernersOnNewGround.org TRIKONE For LGBTQ South Asians. TrikOneAtlanta.org ZAMI NOBLA Focuses on black lesbians 40 and older. ZamiNOBLA.org TRANSGENDER ATLANTA FTM Groups.Yahoo.com/group/Atlanta_FTM ATLANTA GENDER EXPLORATIONS AtlantaGender.org JUXTAPOSED CENTER FOR TRANSFORMATION BudahGraphics.com/jct-site/the-jct-org
FOURTH TUESDAY Lesbian networking and social events Groups.Yahoo.com/neo/groups/ FourthTuesdayAtlanta/info
TRANSGENDER HEALTH & EDUCATION ALLIANCE Thea-Plus.org
PANTHER L/L INC. LEATHER CLUB Pantherll.org
Head to TheGeorgiaVoice.com to learn more.
LGBTQ WORSHIP
Want to Restore Some Faith? CHECK OUT ATLANTA’S SPIRITUAL OFFERINGS. FOR AN EXTENSIVE LIST, VISIT THEGEORGIAVOICE.COM AND PULL DOWN THE “COMMUNITY” MENU, CLICK “ORGANIZATIONS” AND CHOOSE “RELIGIOUS.” ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 634 W. Peachtree St. N.W. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-881-0835 AllSaintsAtlanta.org CATHEDRAL OF ST. PHILIP 2744 Peachtree Road N.W. Atlanta, GA 30305 404-365-1000 StPhilipsCathedral.org CATHOLIC SHRINE OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION 48 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive S.W. Atlanta, GA 30303 404-521-1866 CatholicShrineAtlanta.org CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 2676 Clairmont Road N.E. Atlanta, GA 30329 404-633-4505 Central-UCC.org CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 201 Washington St. S.W. Atlanta, GA 30303 404-659-0274 CPCAtlanta.org CITY OF LIGHT 3125 Presidential Parkway Atlanta, GA 30340 404-325-4143 CityOfLightatlanta.com CONGREGATION BET HAVERIM 2074 LaVista Road Atlanta, GA 30329 404-315-6446 CongregationBetHaverim.org DECATUR UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 3701 College Ave. Clarkston, GA 30021 678-744-8822 ducc.fdgdev.com FIRST EXISTENTIALIST CONGREGATION OF ATLANTA 470 Candler Park Drive N.E. Atlanta, GA 30307 404-378-5570 FirstExistentialist.org
112 Destination Travel Guide
THE GATHERING PLACE WORSHIP CENTER 2700 Northeast Expressway N.E., Suite B-100 Atlanta, GA 30345 404-815-0007 GLBTChurch.com GENTLE SPIRIT CHRISTIAN CHURCH WORSHIPS IN CANDLER PARK AT PAVILION 2 Mailing address: 601 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. Decatur, GA 30030 404-604-8124 GentleSpirit.org JUST AS YOU ARE* 6566 James B. Rivers Memorial Drive Stone Mountain, GA 30083 678-368-7679 JustAsYouAre.org METRON COMMUNITY Worships at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema 931 Monroe Dr. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30308 MetronCommunity.blogspot.com OAKHURST BAPTIST CHURCH 222 East Lake Drive Decatur, GA 30030 404-378-3677 OakHurstBaptist.org NEW COVENANT CHURCH OF ATLANTA* 2091 Faulkner Road Atlanta, GA 30324 404-929-1400 NewCovenantAtlanta.com *2017 Best of Atlanta finalist for best house of worship SAINT MARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH* 781 Peachtree St. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-873-2636 StMarkUMC.org *2017 Best of Atlanta winner for best house of worship ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S Episcopal Church 1790 LaVista Road N.E. Atlanta, GA 30329
404-634-3336 StBartsAtlanta.org ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH 1410 Ponce de Leon Ave. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30307 404-378-4243 StJohnsAtlanta.org ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 435 Peachtree St. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-873-7600 StLukesAtlanta.org TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHURCH 1041 Moreland Drive Atlanta, GA 30315 404-876-3777 TBCAtlanta.net TRINITY CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING 1095 Zonolite Road, Suite 100 Atlanta, GA 30306 404-296-6064 TrinityCenterAtlanta.org UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION OF ATLANTA 1911 Cliff Valley Way N.E. Atlanta, GA 30329 404-634-5134 Uuca.org UNITY FELLOWSHIP CHURCH, GREATER ATLANTA 601 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. Decatur, GA 30030 404-588-8243 UnityWideOpen.com VICTORY FOR THE WORLD CHURCH 1170 N. Hairston Road Stone Mountain, GA 30083 678-476-6000 VictoryForTheWorld.org VIRGINIA-HIGHLAND CHURCH 743 Virginia Ave. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30306 404-348-4830 VHChurch.org VISION CHURCH OF ATLANTA 704 Ormewood Drive Atlanta, GA 30312 404-622-9470 TheVisionChurch.org
SPORTS
Numerous ATL LGBTQ sports leagues and welcoming pro teams GOT THE URGE TO GET ACTIVE? THERE ARE TONS OF LGBTQ SPORTS TEAMS ACROSS THE CITY TO QUENCH THAT THIRST, NO MATTER YOUR SKILL LEVEL OR ACTIVITY OF CHOICE. PREFER TO BE A SPECTATOR ONLY? HIT ONE OF THE LINKS BELOW TO CHECK OUT A SCHEDULE AND TAKE IN A GAME! THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.
LOCAL SPORTS
ATLANTA BUCKS RUGBY CLUB AtlantaBucksRugby.org * 2017 Best of Atlanta finalist for best sports team/league ATLANTA LGBTQ BOWLING LEAGUES Check online for the various local leagues listed IGBOSouthernRegion.com/leagues ATLANTA RAINBOW TROUT AtlantaRainbowTrout.com ATLANTA TEAM TENNIS ASSOCIATION Atta.org * 2017 Best of Atlanta finalist for best sports team/league DECATUR WOMEN’S SPORTS LEAGUE Dwsl.biz
114 Destination Travel Guide
FRONT RUNNERS ATLANTA ETeamz.com/FrontRunnersAtlanta GEORGIA DYNO’MOS Queer rock-climbing Dynomos.org HOTLANTA SOFTBALL LEAGUE HotlantaSoftball.org * 2017 Best of Atlanta winner for best sports team/league HOTLANTA SOCCER ASSOCIATION HotlantaSoccer.com HOTLANTA VOLLEYBALL HotlantaVolleyball.org
WILDERNESS NETWORK OF GEORGIA Meetup.com/WildNetGa WOMEN’S OUTDOOR NETWORK Meetup.com/WonAtlanta
PROFESSIONAL SPORTS ATLANTA BRAVES Mlb.com/Braves ATLANTA DREAM Dream.wnba.com ATLANTA FALCONS AtlantaFalcons.com
NATIONAL FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE OF ATLANTA Nffla.com
ATLANTA HAWKS NBA.com/hawks
SOUTHERN SOFTPAW LEAGUE SouthernSoftpaw.com
ATLANTA UNITED AtlUtd.com
EXPLORE THE FUTURE B A S K E T B A L L | C O N C E R T S | E N T E R TA I N M E N T
HAWKS.COM/TRANSFORMATION
Welcome To Atlanta! Stivers Decatur Subaru Atlanta’s Proud Subaru Dealer “Where Price Sells Cars”
2 YEARS OF COMPLIMENTARY ASCENT MAINTENANCE NEW 2019 SUBARU
NEW 2019 SUBARU
NEW 2019 SUBARU
IMPREZAWRX
NEW 2019 SUBARU
LEGACYSPORT
NEW 2019 SUBARU
FORESTER
OUTBACKTOURING
NEW 2019 SUBARU
IMPREZA
NEW 2019 SUBARU
BRZ
PURCHASE OR LEASE ANY NEW (PREVIOUSLY UNTITLED) SUBARU AND RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY FACTORY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE PLAN FOR 2 YEARS OR 24,000 MILES (WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.) SEE SUBARU ADDED SECURITY MAINTENANCE PLAN FOR INTERVALS, COVERAGES AND LIMITATIONS. CUSTOMER MUST TAKE DELIVERY BEFORE 12-31-2019 AND RESIDE WITHIN THE PROMOTIONAL AREA. AT PARTICIPATING DEALERS ONLY. SEE DEALER FOR PROGRAM DETAILS AND ELIGIBILITY.
1950 ORION DR DECATUR GA
404-248-1888
www.STIVERSATLANTASUBARU.COM
285
285