Sonica Recording is a recording studio in Midtown. The studio specializes in recording musicians of different genres, such as rock, jazz, pop and R&B. It utilizes a combination of contemporary digital recording equipment and analog vintage equipment. Audio engineer and studio manager John Briglevich supervises all recording sessions.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Home is at 501 Auburn Ave. in the MLK Jr. Historical Site. It is the place where King was born in 1929 and has a great legacy. The home is operated in partnership with the MLK National Historic Site, the National Park Service, and Ebenezer Baptist Church. You can go on a tour and learn about the life of MLK Jr. Tours are guided by a National Park Service ranger so call or visit www.nps.gov for full details.
Solomon Projects is a ontemporary art gallery in Atlanta. It features site-specific installations and projects in all media. Check the website for the exhibition schedule.
The Independent is a bar located in the Midtown Promenade shopping center. In addition to the full bar, it also has a kitchen with typical pub fare and sandwiches. The Independent offers pool tables and trivia, along with other forms of entertainment that can be found on its web-based calendar.
"Atlanta's Independent Showcase" features emerging artists and Indie Designers. Enjoy the gallery of local and national artists with their latest work on exhibit. Browse the boutique and shop for unique one of a kind prints, cards, books, housewares and jewelry.
Starlight Drive-In has been open since 1949, and is one of the last few drive-in theaters around. One ticket is good for a double feature movie, two movies for the price of one. Movie sound comes through your FM radio, and concession snacks are served.
The Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world and is home to over 100,000 aquatic animals. Visiting the six exhibits will provide hours of entertainment, with several interactive programs tailored to various age groups. The Aquarium is conveniently located in Downtown Atlanta amidst other attractions such as Centennial Olympic Park, the World of Coca-Cola and CNN Center. The Georgia Dome and Philips Arena are also nearby along with many restaurants and hotels.
Best and worst time to go to the Georgia Aquarium
The ideal time to visit the Aquarium is during the week between January and May, with the exception of Spring Break, along with September and October. Weekend days, Summer and holiday season tend to draw the masses and the lines. Check downtown calendars for sporting events, concerts, parades and festivals taking place in the area and give yourself ample time for the commute and parking.
Must see/do at the Georgia Aquarium
Add a behind-the-scenes meet and greet component such as the Penguin Encounter, Dolphin Encounter or Sea Otter Encounter for a special up close and personal activity. For the really daring, try SCUBA Diving with the whale sharks. The live AT&T Dolphin Tales show is entertaining for all ages.
Admission to the Georgia Aquarium
There are multiple ticket options on the website along with bundle offers with other local attractions, hotel packages, early bird discounts for guests visiting the first hour of the day, military discounts and more. Purchase tickets online for a discount. Children under 3 are free. Basic tickets typically range from $26-$42 + tax and fees with children's tickets on the lower end of the spectrum.
Parking at the Georgia Aquarium
The Aquarium parking deck has 1,600 covered spaces with payment available on-site; be prepared for long lines to pay and take the elevator. Purchasing parking online in advance will result in savings of $1. There are multiple other public parking lots in the area should the main lot be full.
Public Transportation to the Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is a 10-15 minute walk from the Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center MARTA Station on the Blue/Green line or from the Civic Center or PeachtreeCenter Stations on the Red/Gold line. Bus service is available from the Civic Center MARTA bus station and Five Points MARTA station via Route 32.
Food at the Georgia Aquarium
The dining option inside the Aquarium is Café Aquaria, which features The Grill, Pizza and Pasta, Buckhead Bread and Desserts. Outside food and drinks are not permitted.
Insider tip for visitors to the Georgia Aquarium
Make friends with the volunteers especially during slower times. You never know when someone may offer to take you on a courtesy behind-the-scenes tour.
Author's bio: Hastings Malone is an Atlanta, Georgia, local who manages the Marketing, Events and Writing consulting business Southern Charm Communications. She is a freelance contributor to a variety of publications.
The Plaza Theatre is a popular destination in the Poncey Highlands area of Atlanta. It features 1,000 seats and has been open since 1939. An interesting fact is that it was a burlesque theater in the '70s. Today it is back to showing independent films. Ticket prices range from $7.50 through $9. One dollar cheaper for cash customers. The venue can be rented for private parties, and the person celebrating person or the company name will be put on the marquee.
The Loft is a concert venue located on the second floor of Midtown's Center Stage Music Complex. It boasts a cozy, intimate space for local and regional acts while also featuring the prominent Midtown skyline. Smoking is permitted at 18+ shows only. Parking is plentiful in the provided deck or neighboring lot however MARTA is nearby at the Arts Center Station.
The historic Fox Theatre is located on Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta and serves as an iconic landmark for locals and visitors alike. Guests can experience everything from Broadway shows to concerts to comedy shows to even reality show auditions at the venue. It boasts the residence of the largest working Möller theatre organ in the world, "Mighty Mo," which can be experienced prior to Broadway shows and other select events.
Parking and public transportation at the Fox Theatre
The Fox does not own a parking lot, but many private lots are available in the surrounding area. For public transportation, go to the MARTA North Avenue Station and walk two blocks east to the theatre.
Best and worst time to go to the Fox Theatre
It is always recommended to purchase tickets in advance for any shows/events as many sell out quickly. The proximity to Midtown and Downtown Atlanta makes traveling to the Fox during rush hour a challenge, so it is advisable to check traffic patterns.
Admission to the Fox Theatre
For those who want to take a peek at the venue without seeing a show, 60-minute Fox Theatre Tours can be purchased for $5 - $15 with group discounts available. Show prices vary tremendously.
Must see/do at the Fox Theatre
If there is time to take the tour which is offered Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays during the day, it is a sight to see and experience over the one hour journey behind-the-scenes.
Other places to visit near the Fox Theatre
The stunning Georgian Terrace Hotel is across the street and is home to the Livingston Restaurant + Bar, a perfect pre-theatre dining experience. For those 21 and up who want to experience something really heavy (as in Bypass Burgers), head north six blocks to Vortex Bar and Grill, which has won "Best Burger" in multiple publications and promises an "Idiot-Free Zone".
Insider tip for visitors to the Fox Theatre
If you are visiting during the summer, catch a classic or current movie at the Fox during the Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival and take the special Movie Tour.
Author's bio: Hastings Malone is an Atlanta, GA local who manages the Marketing, Events and Writing consulting business Southern Charm Communications. She is a freelance contributor to a variety of publications.
Sinec 1964, Center Stage Theater in Midtown has been an intimate venue great for catching international acts. The theater opened as a tribute to a young daughter and theater lover. By the early 1980s, music had become the theater's main focus, thus filling the need for a small, quality venue in Midtown. There are numerous parking options to choose from in addition to a deck attached to the music complex. Smoking is permitted only at 18+ shows.
The Georgia Aquarium is home to the largest sea life exhibit in the world. It is located in downtown Atlanta and consists of 8.5 million gallons of water as well as numerous fun and educational exhibits. It also has a 4-D theatre that plays engaging documentaries year round.
The Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, better known as ADAC, is a 55,000-square-feet facility comprised of over 60 showrooms by design trade professionals. ADAC includes showrooms by J. Russell Group, Lee Jofa, Paul + Raulet, William Stewart Designs, Edelman Leather, Brice Ltd. and others. Products featured include furniture, fabric, rugs, lighting, accessories, wall coverings, antiques, fine art, as well as kitchen, bath, tile and home theater products.
The Hammonds House Museum was established in 1988 to increase awareness of creative works by people of African descent. According to museum officials, some 10,000 individuals visit the site annually.
Activities at the Hammonds House include lectures, workshops, demonstrations, panel discussions, youth programming and special art showings and events. In addition to regular events, the museum hosts four or five major exhibitions every year.
The museum is the former residence of the late Dr. Otis Hammonds, an Atlanta anesthesiologist and arts collector who died in the mid-1980s.
Providing clients all over the Southeast with the finest in entertainment, Event Performance Inc can provide you with the perfect solution for your next event.
The roster of services at Event Performance includes the best live dance bands, disc jockeys, jazz ensembles, string quartets, comedians, magicians, national touring bands, choreographed dance, and street performers.
Inside its doors, Creative Studios of Atlanta is full of life. Children gather for professional acting training, locals observe classes and actors line up to record voice-overs. The company is thriving in this location,offering classes, castings for film and television, and independent-film production. The owner, Ken Feinberg, organizes a workshop led by a professional from New York or Los Angeles every month. The instructors and students are eager to learn and be connected with the community.