Category: Recreation

There are few things better than sipping some vino in a comfortable setting on the weekend. In Georgia, you can do just that.

Wine tastings have a long history in Georgia. If any part of the state can be considered wine country, it would be Dahlonega, which has a decades-long history of vineyards.

What Georgia Wine Tastings Are Good For Avoiding Crowds?

Social distancing is something that Georgia’s wine-tasting industry is taking seriously. There are some companies holding virtual wine tastings as well as patio and outdoors-only events.

Like fine wine, you may want to sample a variety of wine tastings in the metro area or in North Georgia to see which suits your taste. Ready to get started?

What Are The Best Wine Tastings In Georgia?

Ready to get started? These wine tasting companies and wineries get great reviews online.

3 Parks Wine Shop

451 Bill Kennedy Way SE c, Atlanta, GA 30316 | (678) 349-7070

Here’s what one reviewer says about 3 Parks Wine Shop, which now holds virtual wine tastings. “I can’t say enough great things about this wine shop. We have some friends who love it, so I emailed them to see if we could put together a gift basket for them using some of their purchase history and profile. Kaitlyn was amazing. The gift basket was perfect and the process was so easy from start to finish. Such wonderful customer service. We can’t wait to return!”

ATL Vineyard Express

(678) 543-9463

Here’s what one reviewer says about ATL Vineyard Express: “ATL Vineyard Express……..Is it possible to give more than 5 stars? This was a surprise for me by my significant other “he received plenty brownie points for this oneJ”. Oh what a wonderful surprise and experience it was……..So let’s just say that I was very stunned to learn that there were so many wineries in the state of Georgia.”

Cana Wine Tours

(404) 425-0531

Here’s what one reviewer says about Cana Wine Tours: “We had an absolutely AMAZING day touring the wineries with Cana Wine Tours! Our driver, Phillip, was professional and courteous and we enjoyed our conversations with him. The wineries were beautiful and each one had its own unique appeal. We loved tasting all of the different wines and really enjoyed our lunch while overlooking beautiful mountains and vineyards! Lisa was wonderful to work with while booking the tour and she always promptly responded to questions and provided timely communications regarding our tour. I can’t wait to book another tour with Cana to visit more of Georgia’s wineries!”

Book with Cana Wine Tours here.

CeNita Vineyards, Winery & Tasting Room

 591 Dock Dorsey Rd, Cleveland, GA 30528 | (706) 865-7478

Here’s what one reviewer says about CeNita Vineyards. “Great quaint winery tucked into the hills of North Georgia. Good variety of wines and beautiful backdrops. Buddy the dog greets you upon arrival and tastings can even be ordered through a window from the patio so need to go inside if that’s a concern. The wedding venue over the hill is gorgeous with plenty of space for a party. Surprised that management was a little impatient at first, but things got smoother as the day went on. Definitely will be back.”

Dahlonega Tasting Room

16 N Park St, Dahlonega, GA 30533 | (706) 864-8275

Here’s what one reviewer says about Dahlonega Tasting Room. “Best wine in all of Dahlonega! Peyton was great! She made the experience enjoyable for me and my husband. We don’t drink wine often but she was able to make recommendations that we both loved. We will definitely be going back next time we are in town.”

Little Vine Vineyards & Winery

 665 N Hulett Rd, Villa Rica, GA 30180 | (770) 629-9760

Here’s what one reviewer says about Little Vine Vineyards & Winery. “Small winery with a nice selection of wines. The owners are personable and take the time to speak with customers. Outdoor seating is the order of the day and COVID rules are to be expected, especially for larger groups. I’ve been here a couple of times and find that it’s a nice little find not too far from home so it’s an easy trip. On Saturday, they have live music and a food truck. The place started to fill up and exceed capacity when we departed on our last Saturday visit. My wife and I enjoy the blueberry wine and we bought a couple bottles to take home. We’ll be back for sure.”

Wine Tours of Georgia

Contact: (404) 913-0922

Here’s what one reviewer says about Wine Tours of Georgia. “Our group had an amazing time! It was easy working with Michael and Jon. They planned everything for us and our day was perfect! Joe, our driver, was great too. He kept us on schedule! Thank you, WTG!”

VinoTeca

 299 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (470) 377-5100

Here’s what one reviewer says about VinoTeca: “Cozy vibe. Fantastic and ever-changing selection of wines. Strong emphasis on Spain (and thus: value), but a broad selection across an array of regions and price points. Inventive themed events on the weekend. Woman-owned and operated by some fantastic, creative, and knowledgeable people—they ask the right questions to ensure you’re walking out with the right wine for the occasion.”

Wine Shoe

339 Nelson St SW, Atlanta, GA 30313 |  (404) 220-9042

Pop The Corn Wine Tours

1100 Peachtree St NE #200, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 433-2956

Here’s what one reviewer says about Pop The Corn Wine Tours: “Cannot recommend this company and experience enough! I was very lucky that my incredible friends planned a WONDERFUL Bachelorette party and this was it! Chuck and LaTanya have created a business and experience that is top notch!”

Perrine’s Wine Shop

1168 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 | (404) 254-5077

Here’s what one reviewer says about Perrine’s Wine Shop: “Hands down the best wine shop in Atlanta! Every wine has been hand selected and curated for their shoppe. Everyone is always helpful and extremely knowledgeable. Also, be sure to check out their cheese selection—you cannot bet it!”

Wine Workshop And Brew Center

2891 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030 | (404) 228-5211

Here’s what one reviewer says about Wine Workshop And Brew Center. “Great experience. I’m not a wine guy but I just moved into the area and needed some grains for brewing beer and decided to give this place a try. I was greeted immediately and Steve started weighing and milling the grains. I browsed around and found a few other things I needed. Seems like they have most everything you could want, and the service was excellent — will definitely be back many times.”

Wahoo Wine & Provisions

 1036 W College Ave, Decatur, GA 30030 |  (404) 687-9463

Here’s what one reviewer says about Wahoo Wine & Provisions. “A really nice selection across the board. Especially good for bourbon and wine, beer too. Prices were reasonable and the place was very clean. They even had some pretty scarce spirits.”

Wolf Mountain Vineyards

180 Wolf Mountain Trail, Dahlonega, GA 30533 | (706) 867-9862

Here’s what one reviewer says about Wolf Mountain Vineyards. “Super cute environment. Tasting room is first come first serve. I would recommend coming on a non-weekend for seating options if you choose to do a wine tasting only. Also, brunch on the weekend is an option. The tasting room attendees are either informed on the wine or they know nothing and they just hand you a piece of paper to describe the wine. Tastings range from 20-30 bucks–Nothing outrages. Wine is okay.. This place is a cute getaway but if you love complex wine I wouldn’t set your hopes high. Weekends are not for solo wine tasters.”

What Wine Tastings In Georgia Are Taking COVID-19 Precautions?

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, you may have some reservations about gathering in closed spaces and drinking wine.

Many wineries and wine tastings have adapted to COVID by implementing safety protocols, including social distancing, capacity limitations and no sharing of glasses or utensils.

Final Words

Vino is a very expensive habit, unless you’re enjoying it at a wine tasting, which will probably be cost very little. That’s because the best wine tastings are an experience. Looking for a great wine tasting venue in Georgia? Keep reading.

There is great variety in Georgia when it comes to wine tastings. Some places are loud and are more akin to a grocery store. Meanwhile, other wineries are more private, curated events governed by appointment.

Whatever you prefer, make sure you follow all the safety recommendations that the respective wineries have put in place. Bottoms up!

Are you trying to get out of the house and take your lover/homey/friend around Atlanta, Georgia? If so, you should know that there’s plenty of places to go and things to see!

This article is going to show you some of the best things couples can get into around Atlanta.

Things For Couples To Do In Atlanta

There are many romantic things to do in Atlanta, but you don’t have to be love birds necessarily to enjoy these spots.

And the good thing is that these are cheap things to do in Atlanta.

Quick Links:

• Fun Spots
• Adventure
• Entertainment
• Restaurants

Fun Spots

Atlanta has a vibrant mix of fun activities and destinations that cater to adults looking for fun. Here are some great options:

Neon Brush Sip and Paint

Neon Brush is a painting workshop in a unique retro-futuristic atmosphere. Immerse yourself in a fluorescent neon-lit setting to create your own work of art. Get tickets.

Painted Duck

976 Brady Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

Great for couples, the Painted Duck is a combination of many cool things: a distinguished drinkery, duckpin bowling, and gaming parlor.

Visit the Titanic in Atlanta

Check out the Titanic in Atlanta, an an immersive expedition to the depths of the infamous ship’s history. You’ll see life-sized recreations of rooms, immersive video animations, and 3D views place you onboard the ship as a passenger. Get tickets.

Van Gogh

If you’re the artsy type, you’ll love this immersive Van Gogh experience being offered in Atlanta. Get tickets.

Adventure

Take A Helicopter Ride Over Atlanta

Atlanta Helicopter Tours (3948 Aviation Cir NW, Atlanta, GA 30336 | (404) 500-6468) offer stunning views of Georgia’s largest city.

Here’s what one customer says about Atlanta Helicopter Tours. “Matt is the BEST! The Pilot was very knowledgeable and eased all of my anxiety. Being an GA native he was able to educate us about historic landmarks, from a birdseye view. I booked the birthday special for a nighttime ride. Best decision ever! The Atlanta skyline was so beautiful. I would recommend booking with this company. Good luck on your future endeavors Matt.”

Explore the Atlanta Beltline

The Beltline’s Eastside, Westside and Southside Trails are all open and connected around the city. Few things are as nice as a walk on the Beltline at dusk hand in hand. Check out pictures of the Southside Trail.

And don’t forget that many of the best Beltline restaurants are within walking distance as well.

Get Your Pickleball On

Pickle has become an increasingly popular sport around Atlanta. If you’re playing at home or setting up a temporary court, you’ll need a net, some racquetball paddles and, of course, some pickleballs. Check out the best pickleball courts.

Take A Walk In Piedmont Park

400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

For a serene scene in Midtown, bring your loved one to Piedmont Park. The green oasis in the middle of a concrete jungle is just the thing on a weekend. Read about some more Atlanta parks to enjoy.

Kayak Down The Chattahoochee River

With the Chattahoochee River right here in your backyard, it’s a great place to enjoy with your best friend. You can hit the waves at the Chattahoochee Nature Center 9135 Willeo Rd, Roswell, Georgia 30075. Tickets go fast for Canoe With CNC events, so act with haste.

Entertainment

Catch A Comedy Show

Atlanta’s nightlife entertainment has a funny bone at its core. Enjoy some drinks and laughter at one of these top comedy joints in Atlanta.

Check Out Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company

887 West Marietta St NW # J102, Atlanta, GA 30318  (404) 532-1901

Kenny Leon, formerly at the helm at the Alliance Theatre, opened his own spot at True Colors in Atlanta. A great date night is going to a show at True Colors Theatre. Check out the shows.

Check Out The Alliance Theatre

1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

The Alliance Theatre is an excellent place to take a date or your significant other.

Here’s what one attendee said recently: “What a great experience. It’s the perfect theater for theatrical events with automated props, descending floors, wired to fly cast members in the air, and an amazing sound system! There is no bad seat in the house, so don’t be skeptical about balcony seating. I’m looking forward to seeing other plays at this wonderful theater!”

Go To The Movies

Why not check out the latest flick at the movie theater? For a superior experience, watch it in IMAX. Read about the best movie theaters in Atlanta.

Restaurants

Here’s our choice of some of the best places to take that someone special for Valentine’s Day.

2 Urban Licks

820 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

2 Urban Licks is a great date night restaurant for a number of reasons: It’s a chi chi spot, the drinks are amazing and it’s a people-watching place.

Here is what one Google reviewer says about 2 Urban Licks: “It was a great casual place to celebrate our anniversary! Food was great! Beware though, the quantities are large! We decided to share 3 apps and an entree…even that was too much food.”

Go For Pizza At Varuni Napoli

Looking to have a lovely night on Valentine’s Day? Check out Chef Luca at Neapolitan pizzeria Varuni Napoli this Feb. 14. Treat your Valentine + holiday gathering to a feast for lovers.

Varuni Napoli is offering two delicious specials that make the perfect dinner to share this Valentine’s Day.

The multi-course experience is $65, and includes:

Varuni’s best-selling Bianca pizza with special Valentine’s Day toppings including 3 cheeses (DOP buffalo mozzarella, buffalo ricotta, Pecorino Romano), salami, a sweet tomato and Calabrian pepper purée, basil + black pepper
An arugula salad over a bed of edible rose petals, mixed berries, sweet candied pecans, cherry tomatoes + shaved feta cheese and more.

Bask Steakhouse in Roswell

1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Roswell, GA 30076 | (770) 910-9799

Why not check out Bask, a new steakhouse in Roswell? The eatery recently held its grand opening on Feb. 2, 2023 and is now accepting reservations on OpenTable.

Coalition Food & Beverage

50 Canton St Suite 108, Alpharetta, GA 30009

Coalition Food and Beverage is spread across 3,331-square-feet of space and seats approximately 150 diners, including a bar, outdoor dining and private dining.

While not as stiff and contemporary-looking as many of the restaurants you’d see in Midtown, Coalition at 50 Canton Street in Alpharetta strives for a more urban aesthetic and community feel.

White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails

270 Peachtree St NW, 100, Atlanta, GA 30303  (404) 524-7200

Here’s what one Google reviewer says about White Oak Kitchen: “I was staying in a hotel adjacent to this restaurant and went in for a late night bite and drink with my wife. We just wanted an appetizer and drinks but, what a creative selection, it was hard to choose just a few things. We got some wine and a couple of cocktails and the charred broccoli and carrots.”

Paschal’s

180 Northside Dr SW #B, Atlanta, GA 30313

Known as the kitchen of the civil rights movement, Paschals has had the most continuous success of any soul food joint in the city.

Founded by the Paschal brothers, James and Robert in 1947, this Castleberry Hill eatery has long enjoyed strong support from Atlanta’s black community. Since 1947, James and Robert Paschal, The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Ralph David Abernathy and Hosea Williams all planned protests in the back room while collard greens and corn bread baked only feet away from them.

Explore Atlanta Like You Never Have

Tired of watching TV all day? Get out and about! There is so much to do around Atlanta!

First, to find all the good things happening in the city this week, all you have to do is take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are. CNN Center often has something cool going on! Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:

Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:

• Here are the REALLY FUN things to do in Atlanta
• Check out these FREE events in Atlanta
• Feeling adventurous? Here are some outdoorsy things to do in ATL

A highly acclaimed chef is set to helm the kitchen at one of Midtown Atlanta’s newest eateries: Hotel Granada.

When Is Hotel Granada Opening in Atlanta?

The eagerly awaited boutique establishment by Aparium Hotel Group, is set to open this August in Midtown Atlanta.

Joining the hotel’s leadership team is celebrated Chef Jaime Cubias, who will serve as Executive Chef and Rae Doyle, who has been named Director of Food & Beverage.

The 120-room, meticulously restored 101-year-old property epitomizes Aparium’s commitment to community engagement and authentic charm. At the heart of this experience is Pom Court, the hotel’s main restaurant, led by Cubias and Doyle.

Pom Court offers a unique indoor-outdoor dining experience, centered around a courtyard reminiscent of old-world European inns, providing a tranquil retreat amidst the bustling energy of Midtown.

Photo credit: Jaime Cubias/LinkedIn

Cubias, born in San Salvador and raised in Miami, began his culinary journey in his mother’s kitchen, experimenting with diverse flavors from an early age. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Cubias has honed his skills in prestigious kitchens, including The Four Seasons Anguilla and The Knickerbocker Hotel in New York City. His Atlanta culinary experiences include notable establishments such as The Optimist, Waldorf Astoria, and Mandarin Oriental. With 18 years of culinary expertise, Cubias will lead Pom Court, offering a menu that blends Southern cuisine with vibrant Spanish flavors.

Photo credit: Rae Doyle/LinkedIn

Doyle, who hails from St. Louis, brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having held various significant positions in the Midwest. She holds a BA from Truman State University and an MBA from the University of Iowa. Her career includes roles such as F&B Manager at Hilton Des Moines, bartender at The Bartender’s Handshake, and Beverage Director and Marketing Manager at RoCA. Doyle’s accolades include a certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers and multiple wins as the Winefest Des Moines ‘Iron Somm’. As the new Director of Food & Beverage at Hotel Granada, she oversees Pom Court and an upcoming cocktail bar, shaping the hotel’s culinary and beverage offerings.

Where Is Hotel Granada Located?

Hotel Granada is located at 1302 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309. Here’s a map to help you find it

Final Word

Atlanta has become a haven of cool hotels, From the Signia Hilton downtown to Hotel Nobu in Buckhead, it’s safe to say that the lodgings industry is in good hands in the ATL. Check out our Atlanta Hotel Guide for a nice stay.

More From AtlantaFi.com:

• What You Need To Know About Ice-Skating At Ponce City Market
• How Many Food Halls Are In Atlanta?
• Cool Things To Do In Midtown Atlanta

The 15^th annual BronzeLens Film Festival once again is happening soon in Atlanta. The event will gather throngs of film enthusiasts, actors, producers and more in the legal, entertainment, film, and television industry to mingle, celebrate and learn from one another.

This article will tell you everything you need to know about the 2024 BronzeLens Film Festival held in Atlanta.

When Is the 2024 BronzeLens Film Festival?

The 2024 BronzeLens Film Festival takes place August 21 through August 25 in Atlanta, Georgia. Films in the 2024 BronzeLens Official Film Selections line-up include:

• Jamie Foxx is a producer for directors Nikki Lenette’s and Roger Ellis’ HAPPY SONGS ABOUT UNHAPPY THINGS;
• Ben Crump is a producer of director Ben Beder’s HOW TO SUE THE KLAN, and director Coke Daniels’ The WaterBoyz
• Jamie Lee Curtis is a producer of director Russell Goldman’s BURN OUT
• Deborah Riley Draper is co-director with Sabaah Folayan of RATIFY
• BronzeLens selected three films by Directors Ryan Justin Horne and Tyson Alan Horne, A HERO AMONG US, THE DANCER: THE BEAUTIFUL AND TRAGIC LIFE OF GERAUD ALEXANDER, and THE SOUTH GOT SOMETHING TO SAY, and;
• Morris Chestnut is a producer of director Jorge Sanchez’s THE ORIGIN

Festival Official Film Selections are comprised of over 140 films in categories that include short narratives, feature narratives, documentaries, short documentaries, dance, arts, web series, music videos, and students’ films from France, Spain, Canada, the United States, United Kingdom, Iran, the Netherlands, Trinidad and Tobago, Nigeria, Jordan and, Brazil.

“The quality of our 2024 film submissions exceeded our expectations,” said Kathleen Bertrand, BronzeLens Film Festival Executive Producer. “We are poised for an extraordinary 15^th Anniversary Celebration for attendees to see masterfully produced films and partake in an elevated programming experience.”

For a full list of the 2024 BronzeLens Official Film Selections go to bronzelens.com/official-selections.

Here’s a snapshot of the 2024 BronzeLens Film Festival programming schedule:

Wednesday, August 21 through Sunday, August 25
Tara Atlanta serves as headquarters for BronzeLens 2024 Official Film Selections daily screenings and all panels and workshops.

Saturday, August 24
BronzeLens Inaugural Filmmaker’s Sneaker Ball is a new BronzeLens signature event that is set to take place at Atlanta City Hall.

Sunday, August 25
Cinema and Social Justice Sunday features films and conversations that address issues of social justice, and human and civil rights at the Tara Theater.

BronzeLens Awards Show program is the culminating festival event at which the “Best of Festival” filmmakers, in their respective categories, and the best actress, and the best actor are honored. In addition, The Founder’s Award and the Chairman’s Award are presented to industry and community leaders for their contributions to the film and television industry. This year the BronzeLens Awards takes place at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center.

Final Word

Cool events are year-round in the city. Every Atlanta weekend has something cool to do. The city has a thriving cultural, food, sports and music scene, with venues like the Tabernacle and the Fox Theatre hosting concerts and shows throughout the year.

The city is also home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Opera, offering world-class performances for music lovers. Atlanta has a lot of cool things to do and places to eat, including some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots. 
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:

• Here are the REALLY FUN things to do in Atlanta
• Check out these FREE events in Atlanta
• Feeling adventurous? Here are some outdoorsy things to do in ATL

There’s nothing better than a cheap apartment in Atlanta, except a cheap apartment in Atlanta with a pool.

This article will show you some of the best Atlanta apartments with pools where you can relax after a long day’s work or have some weekend fun.

Vireo at Piedmont Park

Allure Apartments at Brookwood

40 Peachtree Valley Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

The Allure Apartments offer one, two, and three-bedroom spaces for rent in one of the most thriving areas of Atlanta. The apartments have feature different types of floorplans, gourmet kitchens, custom cabinetry, private balconies/patios, and an awesome pool.

Post Peachtree Hills Apartments

350 Peachtree Hills Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30305

Post Peachtree Hills is located in a quickly-changing area of Buckhead with new townhomes being built a quarter of a mile away. But you can get away from the bustling sound of progress by relaxing in the Post Peachtree Hills pool.

Post Midtown Atlanta Apartments

33 11th St.  NE Atlanta, GA 30309

Post Midtown Atlanta Apartments also has a really great pool that can take your mind off the worries of the day. Located in the center of Midtown, this Post property is above par for the area.

Skyhouse Midtown Apartments

1080 W Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30309

Skyhouse Midtown gives you amenities in the sky, including a rooftop Resort-Inspired Poolside Lounge, sky gym, skycafe and other nice touches to enjoy the downtown Atlanta skyline.

Up next: How to rent an apartment in Atlanta

5 Easy Steps To Rent An Apartment In Atlanta

Are you ready for Atlanta’s new food hall? Halidom, which means sanctuary in Greek, is opening its doors in East Atlanta this week.

When Is Halidom Opening?

Halidom is having a soft opening May 20-22, 2024. The establishment will use that time to train the staff properly while giving you some tasty dishes you’ll no doubt fall in love with. Halidom’s official opening is May 24.

Halidom comes to us from entrepreneur Hal Blackman, founder of IST Management Services, a tech firm. If you haven’t noticed, the restaurant business has pivoted hard into technology since the pandemic, and that’s good news for food and drink lovers.

The food hall, spread out over two acres just off Moreland Avenue, has more than 300 seats, 11 stalls, and a bar. Its hours of operation are:

• Monday – Thursday  11:00am to 9:00pm
• Friday – Saturday  11:00am to 10:00pm
• Sunday  11:00am to 8:00pm

The food hall has positioned itself as an active partner in the Atlanta foodie’s daily life, hosting a slate of events like Soulful Mondays, Tequila Tuesdays, Wine Down Wednesdays and Brunch La Rose on Sundays.

What Restaurants Are At Halidom?

• Luze Mexicano Cucino
• Mad Dad Phillys cheesesteaks
• Press Waffle Co.
• Locale Island Eats
• Luco’s Brooklyln Pizza
• Mango Indian Grill
• Wasabi Sushi & Ramen
• The French Fry Specialist
• Deallo’s Seafood
• Grind Time Coffee Co.
• Just Dogs ATL
• Bar La Rose

Where Is Halidom Located?

Halidom is located at 1341 Moreland Ave SE Suite 2000, Atlanta, GA 30316. Here’s a map to help you find it.

Final Word

The culinary excellence of Southern food is only part of the reason why Atlanta restaurants are having a moment. New entries into the restaurant entry, including steakhouses, seafood and fast-casual, represent a growing segment of the new Atlanta restaurants

Stay with AtlantaFi.com to learn more about Atlanta food halls and what’s next.

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