The Best of the Big A 2007 is now out. Access Atlanta, the entertainment sidekick of the AJC, does the Best Of every year, as well as rates top picks on an ongoing basis on their website. It is a great resource if you are new to the city or are looking for something to do. My personal favorite is the Weekend Elert, a weekly email with the A-list events for the weekend if you need some inspiration.
So is this year's list really the Best? I have lived here 6.5 years, survived 7 summers. By some standards that makes me almost a certified local. It sure isn't California and there are plenty of issues that make this city flat-out weird and troubled, but let's take a look at some of winners from the best places category:
- Best Place For a First Kiss: Botanical Gardens
Oddly enough, I was just at the gardens last weekend trampling around with the opposite sex. I might have to agree with this vote...I found myself feeling young and carefree and energized by being outside, and there are plenty of benches for talking...or, I suppose...kissing.
- Best Place to Take Out of Town Visitors: Georgia Aquarium
Sadly, Atlanta doesn't have a lot of stellar tourist attractions or stunning landscapes that places like Denver or San Francisco have to offer. But, the Georgia Aquarium is probably the best traditional attraction we have to offer. I think part of the issue with tourism is due to the fact that Atlanta is more a place to live, less a place to visit. In my opinion, one of the most unique features of the city is all the intown neighborhoods. Taking a day or two exploring the parks and commercial districts of places like Grant Park, Virginia Highlands, Inman Park and Decatur would be my choice for visitors. Have brunch in Cabbagetown, window shop the Highlands, coffee in Candler Park, dinner in Decatur...endless combinations of old charm and history.
- Best Place to Pamper Your Pooch: Piedmont Park
Yep. Big dog park. And it is free. It is almost worth going to even you don't have a dog.
- Best Weekend Getaway: Savannah
Charming and historic, Savannah offers a waterfront that we are sorely lacking and architecture not burned down. Another good best pick.
- Best Wifi Spot: Starbucks?
Woah. You have to pay to use Starbucks wifi the last time I checked. It certainly wouldn't be my first choice. Inman Perk Coffee, Octane and Java Vino offer unique independently owned coffee shops with outside seating, and in some cases, wine. Highland Bakery also has killer brunch with wifi. There is rumor that you might be able to pick up some stray signals in Piedmont Park as well by the townhomes near Piedmont. More and more restaurants now offer wireless, so check out this list of free wifi spots in Atlanta, though I think this particular list is slightly outdated.
- Best City View: Sundial Restaurant
I have yet to visit the top of the Westin (though a little scary now post-tornado), though it is on my list. Forgot about just visitors, I'm excited to go see the view when Sun Dial Restaurant has live jazz performances. Unless you want an expensive evening out, stick to the cocktails and jazz, and not so much dinner. FYI, they offer Fourth of July packages if you would rather chill in the AC with panoramic sky views of several of the city's firework shows.
However, I must say for an outdoor place with a view, the westside Six Feet Under is hands down an amazing place to see the city. I recommend going at night...and if you time it right you can also see fireworks from the Braves Game. Doesn't get much better than that.