Does anyone have a suggestion for doing something in and around Atlanta that is not in the usual guides, (not even in Creative Loafing), something truly off the beaten track, that is fun, doesn't involve eating insects, getting arrested, nor base jumping off the Bank of America tower?

Hi. I have a perfect alternative... I just opened Rejuvenate Spas - It is not a day spa - It's a "first of its kind in the country" relaxation spa with private nap roos", specialized massages, yoga classes - all in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Clients are loving the "nap pods" - It's a great conversation piece. We have been open for 8 months and already on CNN, AJC, DAVE FM, Atlanta Sports and Fitness Mag, CBS46. It truly is a hidden secret in downtown Atlanta but not for long...

Check us out at www.rejuvenatespas.com 

Hope this helps!

Su

 

How about some ghostly tours.  I hear the Oakland Cemetery puts on an eerie welcome t'home from the neighors on the tomestones.  It may sound a little scary but strangely have Margaret Mitchell give a down home welcome is not so bad. 

I've heard of the Oakland Cemetery tour - some friends of mine went last October and came home pretty freaked out! I think they are going to drag me to it this year so we'll see how it goes...let me know if you check it out, I need fair warning.

 Also, ironically enough, I just was listening to the radio the other day and they had a conversation about those rejuvenation pods. Apparently they offer different colored lights and soothing music to help to sleep - sounds like they're worth a look!

 There is a land trust in Candler Park (on Arizona st off McLendon) that hosts a drum circle every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. There are bellydancers dancing around a huge fire, flame throwers, fire dancers, and of course a large gathering of people with drums... I think it's $5 unless you bring an instrument in which case it's free. I don't know if it's your kind of thing, but it's definately worth checking out if you're looking for something different.

O.k., now you are talking! Sounds pretty crazy. So crazy that I had to do some research, and indeed, not only is there a drum circle, but the Lake Claire Community Land Trust appears to be one of the last hippie communities in the region. I quote from b.new.man's on flickr  page "While strolling through Candler Park last week, I walked aimlessly down Arizona avenue, into what is perhaps the last hippie community in Atlanta. Never in one contained space have I ever seen so many peace signs. They were carved into grass and wood beams... hung from tree branches and awnings... painted onto posters with the announcement that drummings take place from dusk to midnight. Around the drumming circle were stone benches, all facing a stage plastered with words about Peace and Love and Spirit."

This is exactly the sort of thing I was looking for when I started this thread.

Any more great ideas out there?

 You should also check out "Dialog in the Dark", a exhibition held in complete darkness and led by visually imparied guides. It's at the Atlantic Station Exhibition Center and will be continuing through March of next year. From the reviews I've read, it looks to be a real eye-opening experience (no pun intended) that gives you a better understanding of how others live. Just a suggestion for something different to do in the city...it's definitely not something you experience everyday.

 

Kanchi's Blog Review 

Check out the Goddess Garden just east of City Hall on North Ave, they have free events throughout the year but the next couple on the website are paid. http://www.goddessgardenatlanta.com/ They're doing class on "urban wilderness gardening" on October 12th. But in general a lush, peaceful place with positive vibes. Atlanta Preservation Center does a bunch of historic tours around town, there's a list of some of them here: http://www.preserveatlanta.com/walkingtours.htm