While it might be cold outside, Atlanta is still the Southeast's hottest city for lesbians and gay men to visit. Listed below are several fun adventures that await you, including several eateries that feature fireplaces, and a preview of events and happenings during 2004. Let the warm Southern hospitality of Atlanta break the dreary winter doldrums of January.
 
  UNIQUELY ATLANTA
Man with a Dream
Atlanta is the birthplace and final resting place of one of the United States' biggest dreamers - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Even before it was the "politically correct" thing to do, the city has marked the birth of the legendary civil-rights pioneer, and Jan. 19, 2004 (the official national holiday) will be no different. The day begins with a Commemorative Service at Ebenezer Baptist Church at 10:00 a.m., Dr. King's former pastorate, followed by a march from downtown to the King Center for a spirited rally. Throughout the year the National Parks Service conducts tours of King's birth home and other facilities on the site in addition to its museum.
SPECIAL EVENTS   
"Spandex Sports" to Warm up Winter
The 2004 State Farm U.S. Figure Skating Championships are returning to Atlanta for the first time in more than 20 years. The competition will take place January 3-11, 2004 as over 250 figure skaters from all over the nation take the ice at Philips Arena and the Arena at Gwinnett Center. They will compete for the chance to win one of the twelve national titles awarded in ladies singles, men's singles, pairs and dance categories. Current titleholders include Michelle Kwan (Ladies), Michael Weiss (Men), Tiffany Scott and Philip Dulebohn (Pairs), and Naomi Lang and Peter Tchernyshev (Dance). Tickets are currently on sale at all Ticketmaster locations and the Philips Arena Box Office.
Business Connection
The January meeting of Atlanta Executive Network (AEN), the largest of the city's LGBT business and professional organization, promises a certain amount of theatrics as Alliance Theatre Company Artistic Director Susan V. Booth speaks to the organization. Since 2001, Booth has championed the vision of the South's premier theater organization, but before that as a freelancer she directed several productions at the Alliance, including Paula Vogel's "How I Learned to Drive." The Jan. 15 program is being held at the Sheraton Midtown Hotel at Colony Square, a block from Booth's digs at the Woodruff Arts Center.
  MUSICALITY
Diversity of Songs
This month several musical events are being staged in small, medium and huge venues. The big voice of Bette Midler fills the enormous Philips Arena Jan. 25, while the same night at the more intimate Variety Playhouse former lead of '80s punk band Black Flag, Henry Rollins, brings his spoken word performance to the stage. Earlier in the month at Atlanta Symphony Hall, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy swings with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Michael Krajewski as part of the ASO's superPOPS series, Jan. 2 and 3.click here for tickets
EATING OUT
New Flavors
Atlanta's renowned dinning scene has several new entries. One of the three of flavorful note includes Mitra ("angel" in ancient Persian). Located in an old house in Midtown (818 Juniper St.), the restaurant's cuisine is billed as "creative American with Latin influences." Creative Loafing's food fan, Cliff Bostock, recommends the green chile and rock shrimp chowder, Gulf snapper with chile escabeche roasted in banana leaves, and slow-roasted boneless short ribs. Nearby in Virginia Highlands, Belly General Store has opened (772 N. Highland Ave.) in the old Fleeman's Pharmacy, which has been stripped down to its original beech floors. Patrons can nosh on sandwiches, pastries, and cappuccinos at the restored original marble counter or pull additional items from the take-out case, including soups, salads, and cupcakes with butter cream frosting. Buckhead has been set afire by Blais (268 E. Paces Ferry Rd.) with its "changing menu featuring modern American cuisine with global ingredients." The restaurant's inspired multi-course tasting menu allows guests to experiment with delicious choices.
Warmed Up
The warmth of these recommendations not only exudes from the wait staff but also from the charming fireplaces featured in each. The addition of a new dining room offered the folks at Agave (242 Boulevard) an opportunity to include a large glowing fireplace to the Cabbagetown restaurant. The Southwestern-styled restaurant probably has the city's most extensive list of tequilas. For more than 20 years, Vickery's (1106 Crescent Ave.) has been a popular stop in Midtown for fun and food. Their double-sided fireplace radiates warmth into two cozy dinning rooms. At the edge of Atlanta's Piedmont Park, Park Tavern (500 Tenth St.) offers not one but two stacked-stone fireplaces (one in the restaurant, the other in the bar) and a fire pit outside that warms outdoor drinkers while providing a romantic ambiance for indoor patrons. Reservations will better ensure prime fireside seating at all of the above establishments.