A Taste Of The Highlands

Now that Easter is behind us, it is time to plan some Spring events and I have the perfect one for you!

11th Annual A Taste of the Highlands benefits Children’s Healtcare. photo from tasteofhighlands.com

The 11th annual A Taste of the Highlands will be Saturday, May 18.  This event always brings a fun crowd out to sample wonderful restaurants from Atlanta’s  favorite in-town neighborhoods.  The event is presented by Fifth Group Restaurants and all proceeds benefit Children’s Healthcare. Since it’s inception the event has raised over $246,000 for the organization.

A few of the restaurants that are participating this year are El Taco, 4th & Swift, Rosebud and Cypress Street Pint & Plate. For a full list of participating restaurants click here.

The event will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday May 18 at John Howell Park in The Highlands. Gather your friends and come out for a great cause, while getting to sample some absolutely delicious food!

Buy your tickets now!

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St. Patrick’s Day in Atlanta

St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, making St. Patrick’s Day a two day celebration for many! Can you think of a better reason to

Take a break this weekend and celebrate the luck of the Irish!

throw a party?  The temperature will be in the 70′s all weekend.  An impromptu event always puts people in a good mood! Take advantage of the weather and host a cookout with green drinks and Irish themed food. Check out my Pinterest board  for some ideas!

If you prefer to celebrate with a larger crowd, on Saturday venture down to Peachtree Street to Atlanta’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Former Athletic Director and UGA Football coach, Vince Dooley, is the grand marshal this year! After the parade many places in town will be celebrating St. Patty’s Day early.  Fado’s Irish Pub has one of Atlanta’s most famous events.

If you want to stay in North Fulton below is a list of various restaurants in the area, many have multiple locations, that will be celebrating the holiday throughout the weekend.

The Tilted Kilt

Meehan’s Pub

McCray’s Tavern

Harp’s Irish Pub 

Keegan’s Irish Pub

Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you wear green and have fun!

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Things To Do During A Rainy Weekend In Metro Atlanta

It looks like it is going to be a rainy Saturday across most of  Atlanta. That can put a major kink in weekend plans. If you are like me you

It’s a rainy weekend in Georgia. Check out these activities to get you out of the house.

are now wondering whatever you are going to do tomorrow if you can’t get outside! Here are a few links to things going on around town to help you get out of the house!

Occupy My Family has a list of family friendly activities all over Metro Atlanta to help entertain everyone.

Access Atlanta allows you to do a specific search on types of events or part of town you want to hang out in.

Creative Loafing will help you find music and entertainment shows.

Atlanta.net is another all encompassing event website.

North Fulton.com has an event calendar that is specific to the area.

And in case you have forgotten all the wonderful things living in Atlanta has to offer check this list of great things to do year round in our great city!

Have a wonderful weekend! And stay dry!

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A Day Off for Many in North Fulton

For many of you, especially if you have school age children or work for state or government, you are have a day off today.  It’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day and our city and country remember the deeds and work of a man whose life ended abruptly. So are  you wondering what  you can do today if you stayed in town for the three day weeekend?

If you are history buff, you may want to visit some of the historic sites in Atlanta that were a part of MLK Jr.’s life. The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic

Birth Place of Martin Luther King Jr. photo from parentables.com

Site contains his birth place, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Heritage Sanctuary, the King Center, and an historic Fire Station. All of these sites are part of the National Park Service. You can get more inforamtion by visiting their website.

If venturing into Atlanta on a holiday is not your cup of tea, it looks like the weather will be nice, so why not get out a take a bike ride through on of our wonderful North Fulton communities. There are plenty of bike paths and parks to check out. Living in North Fulton certainly give you access to many green spaces. Visit any of these cities websites and find something fun to do outside, Milton, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, or Smyrna.

Or maybe you are just looking forward to a day at home, where there are no obligations to be anywhere or do anything. Watch a movie and stay in your pajamas all day, start the project you been wanting to do, whatever you decide to do today, enjoy the day! There may not be another break for awhile!

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Alpharetta Children’s Theatre to Present a Junie B. Jones Holiday Story

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, with the kids jingle belling and everyone telling you be of good cheer. It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Alpharetta’s Kudzu Players and The Dancing Goat Theatre present Jingle Bells, Batman Smells – a Junie B. Jones Holiday Story.

The Dancing Goat Theatre in Alpharetta is the home of Performing Arts North, a non-profit, educational theatre company and the Kudzu players (its youth theatre) are presenting a Junie B. Jones holiday story “Jingle Bells, Batman Smells” throughout the month of December.

It’s holiday time and everyone in Room One is happily creating the perfect holiday party – but how is Junie B. supposed to enjoy anything when she has drawn the name of her arch nemesis, Tattletale May, for her Secret Santa gift??? But wait! Maybe the Secret Santa gift is the perfect opportunity to give May exactly what she deserves…
Holiday fun with a lesson about giving is the perfect treat for the holiday season!

Show dates and times:
Saturdays, Dec 1, 8, & 22 @ 11 am
Friday, Dec 21 @ 11 am (with hot chocolate and sing along for $2 after show)
Sundays, Dec 16 and 23 @ 3 pm

Find more information and purchase tickets through their website, www.performingartsnorth.org.

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Things to do Indoors in Atlanta

Atlantans (and Southerners in general) have a different definition of cold than most of America. In fact, we are already reaching those temperatures which send most Atlantans inside to snuggle next to the fire. This time of year definitely presents a challenge to those looking for warm, cozy means of entertainment. Luckily, I rounded up several options to entertain all ages during the next few months!

Photo Credit: Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

Andretti Indoor Karting and Games
11000 Alpharetta Highway
Roswell, GA 30076
770-992-5688

This massive complex of fun offers activities for all ages! Challenge the competition in racing karts, participate in extreme sports, play video games and racing simulators, or play billiards, bowling, and basketball.

Monkey Joe’s
700 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Suite 200
Roswell, GA 30076
678-381-0400

Monkey Joe’s fun-filled inflatable play center features wall-to-wall inflatable slides, jumps, and obstacle courses which will keep your kids active, happy, and healthy. The play center is suitable for kids 12 years-old and younger.

Photo credit: Sky Zone Atlanta

Sky Zone Sports
560 Old Peachtree Road Northwest #300
Suwanee, GA 30024
678-745-9900

Imagine a seemingly endless sea of trampolines, all connected to form one massive trampoline surface. Now, imagine that surface enclosed with angled trampolines that allow you to literally bounce off the walls! These patented, all-trampoline, walled playing courts are the foundation of Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park. The best part? This isn’t just for kids its for all ages. Parents can join in the fun too

Stars and Strikes
133 Merchant Square
Cumming, GA  30040
678-965-5707

Enjoy bowling, laser tag, bumper cars, arcade games and much more!

Stone Summit Climbing Center
3701 Presidential Parkway
Atlanta, GA  30340
678-720-9882

Did you know Atlanta is home to the nation’s largest climbing gym? With rock walls for every skill level, this could provide a day of fun and fitness for all ages.

Photo credit: atlanta-restaurantblog.com

Studio Movie Grill
2880 Holcomb Bridge Road
Alpharetta, GA 30022
770-992-8411

Experience the future of moviegoing with in-theatre dining, full service bar and the latest Hollywood releases.

The Cooler Family Skate Center
10800 Davis Drive
Alpharetta, GA 30004
770-649-6600

Don’t visit The Cooler to escape the cold weather, but to participate in cold weather sports! With two 85’x 200’ ice arenas and one 85’x 185’ roller arena you can enjoy figure skating, ice hockey, roller hockey, and public skating.

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This Weekend in Alpharetta: Vintage Corks and Gourmet Trucks

Gather around the downtown streets to experience Alpharetta’s first ever wine and food truck pairing event! This Saturday, November 10 from 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm at 2 South Main Street.

One of the hottest culinary trends in the country is gourmet food trucks, and this Saturday, November 10 that trend will roll onto the streets of Downtown Alpharetta.  Alpharetta’s Vintage Corks and Gourmet Trucks event will blend some of the hottest food trucks in Metro Atlanta with expertly chosen wine pairings, and it will all be centered on Milton Avenue starting at 1 p.m.

“From the Food Network to the streets of the most stylish cities in America, gourmet food trucks are one of the hippest culinary trends you can find,” said Kim Dodson, Special Events manager for the City of Alpharetta.  “Today’s food trucks are a true gourmet experience that is nothing like the old sandwich trucks seen on construction sites.  We are excited to bring this event to Downtown Alpharetta and introduce residents to some very talented chefs.”

The event will feature five of the area’s best known gourmet food trucks:

1. Hail Caesar
2. Happy Belly
3. The Blaxican
4. Wow Food Truck
5. Yum Yum Cupcake

Wine pairings will be selected by Vino 100 and Sip Wine.  Musical acts and street entertainers will also be on hand to create a delicious family event.

Gourmet Truck and Vintage Cork Partners will have a $3 food tasting
and $3 half wine glass offering. Roam the event and try all five pairings; or choose to have a full plate and glass at one of the vignettes.

Each truck will feature a $3 food tasting and a $3 half-glass wine pairing.  Patrons can also elect to skip the tasting and purchase a full plate and glass of wine from any of the vendors. Access to the event site is free of charge.

For more information on Alpharetta’s Vintage Corks and Gourmet Trucks event visit the City of Alpharetta website.

Sources: City of Alpharetta and Alpharetta Patch

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Alpharetta Police Atheltic League Prepares Kid-Friendly Haunted House

The Alpharetta Police Atheltic League plans a kid-friendly scary good time at its third annual Haunted House Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27. Photo credit: Alpharetta Patch

The Alpharetta Police Atheltic League plans a kid-friendly scary good time at its third annual Haunted House Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27.

The haunted house opens Friday next to Alpharetta City Hall at 7 p.m., and closes at 10 p.m.

On Saturday, games will set up outside starting at 4 p.m. A costume contest will be held at 6 p.m. with cash prizes. All of that shuts down at 6:30 p.m. to give PAL time to get the haunted house open at 7.

Concession stands will sell food both nights, with all proceeds going to Alpharetta PAL programs. Visit the Alpharetta PAL website for information about its programs.

Source: Alpharetta Patch

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A Fantastic Fall to live in Atlanta

The seasons have changed from summer to fall bringing cooler temperatures and many exciting events for metro Atlanta. Whether you’re visiting or moving to Atlanta, you have been a long-time resident or you’re a native Atlantan, almost everyone can enjoy these things to do in the coming weeks.

1. Sports

Pick your choice of sports events to attend in Atlanta, from youth sports to college-level athletics to pro-level games. Our professional teams have a lot to look forward to!

Atlanta Braves (playoff games begin on Friday against the Cardinals)

Atlanta Falcons (their successful season so far has been on-the-edge-of-your-seat thrilling!)

Atlanta Hawks (bleacherreport.com named them the biggest sleeper team for 2012-2013)

2. Festivals

It seems that there is a festival every weekend in almost every neighborhood! Here are a few in Alpharetta.

Saturday, October 6 - Alpharetta Brew Moon Fest: Street Dance, Brew and Shenanigans
The Brew Moon Fest is fall fun at its finest and it’s returning to downtown Alpharetta, Saturday, October 6 at 6:30 p.m. Don’t miss this uniquely Alpharetta celebration from the Alpharetta Business Association.

October 20 and 21 – Alpharetta Arts & Music Festival
Music and art come together in Historic Downtown Alpharetta at the Arts and Music Fall Festival.  Come and enjoy a weekend of live jazz, blues and acoustic music performances while viewing art from over 100 artists in the Southeast.

3. Halloween

Photo credit: Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau

October’s spooky holiday brings costumes, hayrides, pumpkins, and more to metro Atlanta. Click here for a full list of events happening in Alpharetta from the Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau. We look forward to experiencing the Hayrides at Wills Park on October 27, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, as it’s the perfect non-scary alternative and an important fundraiser for the Chattahoochee Nature Center.

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Taste of Johns Creek Returning This Sunday

The 5th Annual Taste of Johns Creek combines great food, live entertainment and Visual Arts for a wonderful community celebration at Chattahoochee High School. This festival has something for the whole family to enjoy!

Photo credit: Taste of Johns Creek

Chattahoochee High School will continue a neighborhood tradition with the 5^th annual Taste of Johns Creek on Sunday, Aug. 19, from 4 to 7 p.m.

The community-wide event will include many of the past years’ best features, including food and presentation contests, a fun-filled Kidz Zone and great performances by local artists. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door, and children 4 and under are free.

Gourmet foods from several local restaurants will be in the spotlight as top chefs share their culinary treats. Business sponsors include Johns Creek Convention & Visitors Bureau, Publix Apron Cooking School, Trader Joe’s, A-1 Driving School, Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra and Costco.

A sampling of participating restaurants, which come mostly from Johns Creek with some from Alpharetta, include: Adobo Taqueria, Azul Agave, Bagel Boys Café, Bamboo Garden, Bassano’s Pizzeria, Chili’s, Cuzi’s, DA Butcher, Jet’s Pizza, Kozmo Gastro Pub, Little Caesars Pizza, Marco’s Pizza, On the Border, One Moore Cookie, Outback Steakhouse, Pepperoni’s Tavern, Primo Italian Ice, Rita’s Italian Ice, Shane’s Rib Shack, Smashburger, Yates Sport Bar and Yogurtini.

Monies raised will benefit the 2011 Region and 2010 AAAA State Champion Chattahoochee Cougar football team as well as the Hooch Cheer Club.

Advance Ticket Sales Available at:
Chattahoochee High School Main Office
5230 Taylor Road (During School Days/Hours)

Or Contact Tricia Clancy (678) 333-4159 tricia.clancy@comcast.net

For more information on the Taste of Johns Creek, visit the Facebook page or www.hoochfootball.net.

Source: Alpharetta Patch

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