No offense to the aquarium (we still think it’s cool) or The Varsity (we’ll be back in the bikini off-season), but we want you to experience Atlanta like a local. Just please don’t call it Hotlanta.
Blow up your raft or rent one, stock up on booze, and break out your most riverworthy swimsuit for a leisurely trip down the Chattahoochee. No prior paddling experience necessary.
Shoot the Hooch, 203 Azalea Drive, Roswell (770-650-1008 or shootthehooch.com). Multiple drop-off locations.
Cool performing arts shows, historic grounds, The Warhorse coffee shop/secret clubhouse, and Where the heck am I? vibe make this place a rad refuge from city life.
The Goat Farm, 1200 Foster Street Northwest, Westside (facebook.com).
The rich history (Atlanta’s oldest running strip club), classic characters (Blondie crushes PBR cans in her cleavage; Porscha channels Little Bo Peep), and dancers who don’t fit traditional industry standards make the Clermont a local institution.
Clermont Lounge, 789 Ponce de Leon Avenue Northeast, Midtown (404-874-4783 or clermontlounge.net).
Skip the mall and shop ’til you drop (or max out your credit card) at a cluster of boutiques that includes Tootsies, Deka, Cosabella, Fab’rik, Ona, Pella, Swank, and more.
Shops Around Lenox, 3400 Around Lenox Drive (shopsaroundlenox.com).
Chef Hugh Acheson’s inventive yet comfortable fare, a stunning yet homey space, expertly crafted cocktails, and a front-lawn bocce court with Adirondack chairs make it a Southern staple.
Empire State South, 999 Peachtree Street Northeast, Midtown (404-541-1105 or empirestatesouth.com).
If you’re a skater girl (or looking for a skater boy), visit the renowned park (Tony Hawk christened it on opening day), where boarders of all ages shred from sunup to sundown. Pack snacks for a badass picnic.
Old 4th Ward Skatepark, 766 Willoughby Way Northeast, Old Fourth Ward (facebook.com).
Motor over to the three-acre retreat where up to fifteen food trucks serve lunch and dinner daily. A grassy playground/picnic area has bocce courts, live music each week, and a farmers market on the weekends.
Atlanta Food Truck Park & Market, 1850 Howell Mill Road Northwest, Buckhead (atlantafoodtruckpark.com).
Hours will tick by on the vintage grandfather clocks as you peruse the furniture, home furnishings, and antiques menagerie at this 46,000-square-foot bohemian treasure trove.
Paris on Ponce, 716 Ponce de Leon Place Northeast, Midtown (404-249-9965 or parisonponce.com).
You’ll be sippin’ on top of the world at the bar with one of the best views of the Downtown skyline. Relax on South Beachy couches, buzz on sangria, and don’t worry if it rains — the new awning has you covered.
SkyLounge at Glenn Hotel, 110 Marietta Street Northwest, Downtown (404-521-2250 or glennhotel.com).
The High is incredible (duh), but for an edgier museum experience, explore MODA and its hip exhibits, like Skate It or Hang It!? The Evolution of Skateboard Art (through September 16, 2012).
Museum of Design Atlanta, 1315 Peachtree Street Northeast, Midtown (404-979-6455 or museumofdesign.org).
There’s a reason the summer music series is celebrating its tenth year and is stronger than ever: Kick-ass performers like Kevn Kinney, Rachel Platten, and The Delta Saints perform on the edge of the park against a skyline backdrop — for free.
Every Sunday through September 30, 2012, 7 p.m., at Park Tavern, 500 Tenth Street Northeast (404-249-0001 or parktavern.com or 99x.com).
You will wait for a table (probably longer than you’d like) while drinking Cadillac margaritas at the jam-packed bar, on the deck, or in the parking lot. Then you will feast on the city’s most delicious Mexican food, and it will be worth the wait.
Nuevo Laredo Cantina, 1495 Chattahoochee Avenue Northwest, Hills Park (404-352-9009 or nuevolaredocantina.com).
Stars like B.o.B., Janelle Monáe, and Yelawolf got started here, and they still visit the tucked-away place when they pass through town. Go Tuesday night for the hip-hop open mic or Wednesday for a jazz, soul, and R&B showcase.
Apache Cafe, 64 Third Street Northwest, Midtown (404-876-5436 or apachecafe.info).
Pay homage to Margaret Mitchell and Bobby Jones, both of whom are buried in the scenic garden cemetery. Or take the guided Twilight Tour for a spooky history lesson.
Historic Oakland Cemetery, 248 Oakland Avenue Southeast, Grant Park (404-688-2107 or oaklandcemetery.com).
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