Sunday, May 31, 2009
Life, In this Issue..., Atlanta

Summer Starter Kit

The 50 best ways to keep cool in Hotlanta

Courtesy of TRG
Osteria 832

By Kirsten Ott

With a mildly hot and rainy May leading into a swelteringly humid summer, it’s natural to get stifled from work, sweat and the burning itch to move to the Florida Keys. But Atlanta’s got a lot to offer to keep you happy, from icy treats to refreshing pools and fun patios to flying in the breeze far away from that partitioned cubicle you call an office. We’ve already done the homework for you, so read on for our votes on how to stay positive in hot temps over the next few months.

5 WAYS TO BEAT THE HEAT

Spark St. Jude
Nutella campfire milkshake at Flip Burger Boutique

NUTELLA CAMPFIRE MILKSHAKE: Don’t knock it ’til you try this quick-frozen liquid nitrogen concoction from the culinary genius known as Richard Blais. Indulge in a gourmet burger while you’re there. At Flip Burger Boutique. 1587 Howell Mill Road NW. 404-343-1609. www.flipburgerboutique.com.

YOREKA FROZEN YOGURT: Combine candy or fruit with the throat-tingling refreshment of healthy, hormone-free frozen yogurt. 5590 Roswell Road (in The Prado shopping center). www.yoreka.com.

YOUNG CHEFS ACADEMY: School might be over, but that’s no reason to stop learning. Teach kids how fun cooking can be with weekly classes and summer camps. 220 Hammond Drive. 404-255-9263. www.youngchefsacademy.com/sandysprings.

MALL OF GEORGIA: While you shop the day—and your hard-earned dollars—away, your kids can keep cool playing at the mall’s fun-filled, interactive water fountain in the Village Pavilion. 3333 Buford Drive, Buford. www.simon.com.

PAOLO’S GELATO: After a satiating meal or a day of shopping in the Highlands, you want to cool off with a refreshing low-fat treat in tons of flavors, no? Get in line, ’cause this is one happening spot. 1025 Virginia Ave. NE. 404-607-0055. www.paolosgelato.com.

5 PLACES TO START A SUMMER FLING

HALO: A modern speakeasy with low lights and hot designs, music and cocktails, this spicy lounge is an excellent spot for singles—gay or straight. 817 W. Peachtree St. NW. 404-962-7333. www.halolounge.com.

SHOUT: Between the cabanas and the “Sex and the City” cocktails, everyone who wants to be seen is here. Which equals plenty of people-watching, name-dropping and digit collecting for you. 1197 Peachtree St. NE. 404-846-2000. www.heretoserverestaurants.com.

PIEDMONT PARK: Whether you’re taking yourself or your dog for a walk, nothing sets the stage for a little romance like soft green grass, happy smiles and the backdrop of the city. Corner of 10th St. and Monroe Drive. www.piedmontpark.org.

BLAKE’S ON THE PARK: Live drag performances, a friendly neighborhood vibe and always someone to talk to make Blake’s an easy pick-up/pick-me-up spot. 227 10th St. NE. 404-892-5786. www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com.

WHOLE FOODS MARKET: We know it’s cliché, but grocery shopping truly is a great way to meet people—and the folks buying their weekly produce at this fresh store actually seem more accessible. Multiple locations. www.wholefoodsmarket.com.

5 SUMMER BEAUTY PRODUCTS

BLISS BODY BUTTER LITE: Packed with majorly moisturizing ingredients like macadamia nuts and grape seed oils, this fast-absorbing formula leaves skin hydrated without the heaviness. Find it at Bliss Spas at W-Atlanta Midtown or Downtown, Sephora or www.blissworld.com.

SPA 29 NAPA MIST REPLENISHING ATOMIZER: This nourishing spray helps skin appear smooth and moisturized while visibly easing signs of aging and keeping you cool in the summer heat. Spa at the Mansion on Peachtree. 3376 Peachtree Road. 404-995-7529.

PUREOLOGY: This fun line of environmentally friendly hair products keeps your tresses protected in the summer heat, salt water and chlorine. Find it at Vivid Salon. 1401 North Highland Ave. NE. 404-685-3557. www.vividatlanta.com.

BARE MINERALS: Makeup you can sweat in because it’s all natural, it won’t clog pores and some foundation powders are made with SPF. The company offers a wide array of fun eye shadow colors and bronzers, too. Bare Minerals in Lenox Square, Perimeter Mall or Town Center at Cobb. www.bareminerals.com.

SEBASTIAN RESHAPER: This anti-humidity hairspray is a must for beating the summer heat. Find it at Lux. 452-A Cherokee Ave. 404-222-0244. www.luxsalon.biz.

5 HIGH-IN-THE-SKY PATIOS TO SOAK IT ALL IN

WHISKEY BLUE: Want your cool libations served in an exclusively sexy setting? Look no further than the W Atlanta—Buckhead’s sexy bar, where you’ll find yourself spotting celebs or carrying yourself like one. 3377 Peachtree Road NE. 678-500-3100. www.gerberbars.com.

FADÓ IRISH PUB: Now in its new digs, Fadó’s rooftop bar affords a sweeping view of Buckhead, authentic Irish music and eats, and the full bar we all know and love. 273 Buckhead Ave.  404-841-0066. www.fadoirishpub.com/atlanta.

ALTOREX ROOFTOP LOUNGE: The hip West Midtown patio is housed atop Pacci Ristorante, a new Italian steakhouse. 866 West Peachtree St. NW
. 678-412-2402. www.pacciatlanta.com.

11 STORIES: A modern rooftop bar at the Glenn Hotel, which recently opened in conjunction with 30 Tables, located on the ground floor. 110 Marietta St. NW. 404-469-0700. www.30tables.com.

STATS: Sports enthusiasts—and those who love them—get along great at this upscale restaurant, which features a grand rooftop patio with glittering views of Downtown. 300 Marietta St. NW. 404-885-1472. www.statsatl.com.

5 SPLASH-WORTHY POOLS

Courtesy of W-Atlanta Perimeter
Wet at W-Atlanta Perimeter

W ATLANTA—PERIMETER: Talk about refreshing entertainment. The hotel opens up its Wet Deck to the public every Tuesday evening this summer as it presents “Dive-In Movies”—all complimentary. 111 Perimeter Center West. 770-396-6800. www.whotels.com/atlantaperimeter.

WHITEWATER: For a full day of splish-splashing fun, head to Whitewater for slippery slides, a wave pool and tons of tot-friendly activities. 250 Cobb Parkway, Marietta. 770-424-9283. www.sixflags.com.

YOUR LOCAL Y: Don’t underestimate the resources available at the YMCA or the YWCO. Often overlooked by your neighbors, the pools at the Y are generally empty, save a water aerobics class or two. www.ywco.org. www.ymca.net.

LAKE ALLATOONA: OK, it’s technically not a pool, but this beloved body of water offers camping, boating, marinas and much more—just 30 miles from Atlanta. allatoona.sam.usace.army.mil.

SEWELL PARK POOL: For a nominal fee of about $3, you can get your swim on at this Cobb County outdoor pool. Season passes are available. 2055 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta. 770-509-2741. www.cobbcountyga.gov.

5 AFFORDABLE DAY TRIPS

SERENBE: Poetic, rustic and sustainable, Serenbe offers a wide variety of activities, including top-notch restaurants, art galleries, shops, farm animals, an inn, a farmers market and coming this summer, Blue MedSpa. 30 minute drive. 10950 Hutcheson Ferry Road, Palmetto. 770- 463-2610. www.serenbe.com.


ATHENS: Not just for Dawg fans and college students, this Classic City showcases an array of fine dining, nature walks, a wicked indie music scene and fantastic shopping. An hour and a half drive. www.visitathensga.com.

SAVANNAH: From ghost tours to clam bakes on the beach, this hauntingly beautiful city is steeped in history and well worth the gas. About a four-hour drive. www.savannahvisit.com.

HELEN: Where else in the Southeast will you find an alpine village worth yodeling about? Helen’s rich with Bavarian charm, waterfalls, candy, quilt and toy shops, and Indian burial mounds. About an hour and 45 minute drive. www.helenga.org.

ASHEVILLE: Home to the grand Biltmore House, celebrities looking to hide out, gorgeous mountains and friendly Deadheads, Asheville is easy to connect with. Careful, though—we don’t want you to love it so much you never come back to us. About a three and a half hour drive. www.exploreasheville.com.

5 STYLISH LOOKS TO BE SEEN IN

Courtesy of Mitzi and Romano
Cynthia dress at Mitzi and Romano

PRINTED SUMMER DRESS: Every girl needs a stand-out sun dress. The Cynthia dress in starburst print chiffon is perfect for any summer vacation or outing. At Mitzi and Romano. 1038 N Highland Ave. NE. 404-876-7228.

JUMPSUITS: This is not your toddler’s onesie. Pair with sexy heels to make this look more sophisticated and less “Sesame Street.” At boutiques everywhere.

ROJO DRESS: A cool and airy frock from Rojo, this two-toned cover-up is perfect for a night out or summer BBQ. At Meringue Boutique. 1393 N. Highland Ave. 404-724-0960. www.meringueboutique.net.

GLADIATOR SANDALS: Get your Greek on with fierce butt-kicking flats or platforms. Lions, be warned. At Jac. 245 North Highland Ave. 404-681-4696. www.dearjac.com.

BIKINIS, OF COURSE!: You didn’t think we’d skip this one, did ya? What’s hot this season for the sometimes-dreaded two piece are ruched tops, glam hardware, wild prints and showing plenty of skin. Right now, victoriassecret.com has a killer sale going on.

5 PLACES TO PLAY HOOKIE

Hope Philbrick
Zip-lining at Historic Banning Mills

ZIP LINING: Cue “Free Bird,” and get ready to soar through the air locked into just a few necessary cables. At Historic Banning Mills, which is just a one-hour drive from Atlanta. 205 Horseshoe Dam Road, Whitesburg. 770-834-9149. www.historicbanningmills.com.

CATCH A BRAVES GAME: Say you’ve got to entertain a client or that your mom’s in town, and get yourself to Turner Field for some hot ball action—baseball, that is. 755 Hank Aaron Drive. 404-577-9100. www.braves.com.

FERNBANK MUSEUM: Dinosaurs, bugs and IMAX theatre, oh, my! Learn about your planet—now and then—and much more at this visual encyclopedia for all ages. 767 Clifton Road NE. 404-929-6300. www.fernbankmuseum.org.

SKY DIVING: Freefalling at more than 120 miles per hour in the sky is one spot your boss definitely won’t be looking for you. Take a course at the Atlanta Skydiving Center to get started, then head upward in a turbine aircraft to take the leap. www.ascskydiving.com.

BOWLING: Another undercover spot, but also a great place to swig beers, high-five friends or strangers and knock down some pins. Go for the swank and the perfect strike at Ten Pin Alley. 261 19th St. NW.  404-872-3364. www.dolcegroup.com/tenpinalley.

5 SPOTS FOR FIDO TO CRASH (WHEN YOU MANAGE TO SNEAK AWAY FOR A NIGHT OR TWO)

Makarova Viktoria (Vikarus)
Let sleeping dogs lie where they’re comfortable. See our picks for the top five pet boarders.

REX & ROXY’S: A doggie webcam, very personable and trustworthy staff, separate play areas for big and small dogs complete with refreshing pools and fun activities, and a wall of fame all add up to a great place to send your dog for daycare or an all-nighter. 142 New St., Decatur. 404-377-9699. www.rexandroxys.com.

CAMP WOOF: When you’re off playing, why not send your dog to a camp of his own? He can expect romps with friendly, furry friends and games of hide-and-seek in the clubhouse. You can expect that he’ll be safely cared for. 608 DeKalb Industrial Way, Decatur. 404-499-9008. www.campwoof.com.

WAG-A-LOT: With three locations in Atlanta, promises of cozy cubbies and spacious dens, and a webcam to watch your four-legged children at play, you’re able to enjoy your own vacation with ease. www.wagalot.com.

SPOT FOR DOGS: This doggie daycare is equipped with an indoor airstream trailer where a staffer sleeps at night to keep watch on the overnight visitors. Your pooch can play as hard as she wants, get tons of hugs and crash in a comfy bed at the end of the day. 750 Ponce de Leon Place NE. 404-745-4243. www.spotfordogs.com.

SUGAR SUGAR PET SITTING: No matter how trusting you are, you may still want to leave Fido at home, where he’s comfortable. So why not hire a professional pet sitter to take care of business for you? Aly Windsor offers walks, hugs, bringing in the mail, feeding and plenty of playtime. 404 -452-4214. www.sugarsugarpetsitting.com.

5 WATERING HOLES

OSTERIA 832: A neighborhood, casual Italian eatery, Osteria 832 serves made-to-order pizzas, pastas and salads. But the real highlight is the fun patio overlooking North Highland, perfect for drinking the day—or night—away. 832 N. Highland Ave. 404-897-1414. www.osteria832.com.

TIN LIZZY’S CANTINA—GRANT PARK: One tequila, two tequila … you know the rest. Patrons can expect a variety of tasty margaritas here, as well as a host of other creative cocktails. 415 Memorial Drive. 404-554-8220. www.tinlizzyscantina.com.

P’CHEEN: The name (Gaelic for moonshine) speaks for itself—you can easily get smashed here or you can have a completely un-tipsy good time. Either way, there’s ample supply of high-gravity brews, cocktails and smartly selected wine. 701 Highland Ave. 404-529-8800. www.pcheen.com.

PARISH: Known to most for its fantastic fare, people-watching patio and market o’ plenty, we love Parish for its unique libations that blend the spirit of New Orleans with the chicness of Atlanta. 240 N. Highland Ave. 404-681-4434. www.parishatl.com.

ECLIPSE DI LUNA: Delicious Latin-inspired tapas aside, this feisty eatery offers up some of the best drinks in town. Think caipirinhas, mojitos, sangria and plenty of wine. Oh, and sexy live music, too. 764 Miami Circle. 404-846-0449. www.eclipsediluna.com. SP