By Liza Dunning
This column is about finding those moments that make you appreciate being part of Atlanta and living Intown.
Maybe it’s discovering a new favorite restaurant, running into your friendly neighborhood barista at a concert, witnessing poetry night with Blondie at the Clermont Lounge or exchanging high-fives with Baton Bob. It’s times like those that you embrace Atlanta – flaws and all – as your own. You are a local.
So here it is: one local’s mission to get out, be a part of it all, and focus on those reasons to love living here. Think of this column as a neighborly reminder for you to come out and do the same. Maybe you’re pretty city-savvy already (and there’s a good chance of that if you’re reading Atlanta INtown), but we’re always looking for ways to become better locals and reasons that make us appreciate the ATL; these are just a few of them.
Scout Notes: Ways to love December
Laugh: Dad’s Garage’s Invasion: Christmas Carol
Add a new tradition to your holiday season and check out the improv version of the quintessential Christmas play. Continues through Dec. 23 (Tickets are $2 cheaper if you buy them online at www.dadsgarage.com). 280 Elizabeth St., Suite C-101. (404) 523-3141.
Admire: Tanked by J. Adam Stewart
An Atlanta artist’s witty collection, Verbs, features oil-on-wood illustrations – actions represented as single objects. His new gallery is supposedly opening soon in Poncey-Highland, but you can find him at Highland Row’s Basement Market the first weekend of every month. 628 N. Highland Ave. www.jadamstewart.com (404)281-7157
Welcome: Miller Union
The Westside’s newest foodie resident, brought to you by local restaurant favorites, Neal McCarthy (of Sotto Sotto) and Steven Satterfield (of Watershed). Their newest creation opened mid-November and is dedicated to seasonal harvest, local ingredients and a simple, fresh approach to fine dining. If it’s on the menu when you go, I promise you won’t be disappointed by the rabbit dish. 999 Brady Ave. www.millerunion.com.
Celebrate: First Annual Grant Park Holiday and Lights
In the tradition of Christmas markets held in Europe since the 14th century, Grant Park is starting its own market featuring live entertainment, holiday lights, food and an artists’ market sponsored by the Grant Park Conservancy. Enjoy the beauty of the park in the wintertime, Dec. 11 to 123. www.gpconservancy.org or (678) 560-2466.
Give Back: Captain Planet Foundation’s 15th Annual X-mas Party
This annual charity event is one of the biggest of the season, and this year is hosting live musical performances, auctions, a fashion show, and special guests Ed Begley Jr. and Ted Turner. The goal is to raise awareness of environmental challenges and to raise money for grants for “hands-on” eco-education projects in schools and with youth organizations. Dec. 11 at The Tabernacle. www.xmasparty.org or (404) 522-4270.
Liza Dunning is a native Atlantan, music-lover, food-eater, and full-time culture-junkie. She’ll be scouting the city for local goodness with Scoutmob.com. Reach out at Liza@scoutmob.com or follow on good ol’ Twitter: @LizaDunning
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