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Atlanta Gay Travel Guide
 

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How do you ATL?
This performing-arts-patron, same-sexual animal lover says, "a weekend that combines frivolous festivities and more sophisticated fare would be perfect -- attending Atlanta's Pride Festival but breaking away to visit Atlanta's museums and theaters is my idea of a completely satisfying getaway."

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What? You’re still making up your mind about visiting Atlanta for Pride?
Here are eight reasons why you should go to Atlanta Pride, from Curve Magazine.
   
 
EVENTS & PERFORMANCES  
The 2008 Atlanta Pride Festival
Dates: July 4-6
Admission is free, the Pride Parade will be explosive, and you'll find Southern hospitality all weekend long.
For the first time, Pride fills the Atlanta Civic Center Complex, a change in venue from Piedmont Park due to the ongoing Georgia drought. Highlights include Curve Magazine’s Peach Party with three dance floors, national DJs and a VIP lounge just for the ladies, a non-denominational commitment ceremony, the 1.2 mile Dyke March, and a display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Plus, Pride will offer an awesome array of live entertainment and enough shopping to send you scrambling for extra bags at the Pride Market.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Actor’s Express
Dates & Times: June 19 – July 19, Wednesday – Saturday 8pm, Sunday 5pm (June 22), Sunday 7pm (June 29 & July 13)
Admission: $11 - $35

Five years after their smash production of the ground-breaking off-Broadway rock musical, Actor’s Express brings back Hedwig, everyone’s favorite glam rock trans diva. A sex change was the only way to make it across the Berlin Wall, but that’s only the beginning of Hedwig’s wild story, directed in this production by new Actor’s Express Artistic Director Freddie Ashley.
The Del Shores Show at Whole World Theatre
Date & Time: Thursday, July 3, 8pm
Admission: $35

Yes, the guy who wrote everyone’s favorite camp-fabulous movie Sordid Lives is about to have that movie made into a Logo original series. And to celebrate, Del Shores is coming to town to kick off a Pride weekend like no other. This special evening is hosted by Outwrite Bookstore and Coffeehouse, Process Theatre, and Whole World Theatre, and will feature scenes from Del’s two popular plays, Sordid Lives and Southern Baptist Sissies as well as an advance viewing from some of the new TV series. Del will host a post-show question and answer series, joined by Jason Dottley, star of the new series.
The Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival at The Fox Theatre
Date & Times: July 13 2pm & 7pm, continues various dates through the summer
Admission: $17 - $17, 12 packs available for $60

Your suburban multiplex has got nothing on the summer film festival at the Fox Theatre. Talk about seeing movies on The Big Screen! The Fox offers one of the biggest screens to see any movie on in the Southeast, and it’s the perfect place to see those big summer fun movies you love for the second time or the one hundred and second time. This summer’s July offerings include Enchanted at 2pm on Sunday, July 13, featuring a very McDreamy Patrick Demptsy as a modern day Prince Charming, and Ben Hur at 7pm on Sunday, July 13 – from back where Charlton Heston was the original McDreamy to guys and gals alike.

Come early to hear the thunder-and-whisper majesty of “Mighty Mo” (no, that’s just the name of massive Moller organ that comes to life under the fingertips of the much loved Larry Douglas Embury). Mo is a Fox Theatre institution, and accompanies a sing-a-long of a classic cartoon. Or if nostalgia isn’t your thing at the movies, add $10 to the price of your ticket for a 5pm wine tasting.
Classic Chastain with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Dates & Time: July 2, 9, 12, 16, 18, 25, and 30 at 8pm; July 11 at 7:30pm; July 19 at 7pm
Admission: $20 - $79

There is no better outdoor concert venue in Atlanta than Chastain Park Amphitheatre, Get a group of friends together and grab a table, and picnic all night long a few short feet from some of the best summer time acts – from The Temptations and The Four Tops on July 12th to Idina Menzel (star of Broadway’s Wicked) on July 18th to Boyz II Men on July 25th. Prices vary based on the concert, so check online for exact pricing for each concert.
Summer Repertory Season at Georgia Shakespeare (As You Like It, Merchant of Venice, and All’s Well that Ends Well)
Dates & Times: June 11 – August 3, 2008, times vary within the rep schedule, most performances 8pm
Admission: $10 - $40

It’s a summer of love at Georgia Shakespeare this year – with great love stories all summer long! From a mod-fun cross-dressing 60s take on As You Like It to the magical All’s Well That Ends Well, you’ll laugh all summer long during Georgia Shakespeare’s unique three show repertory, featuring the same company of the city’s finest actors in different roles every night. Picnic grounds in front of the theatre open 90 minutes before each performance, and 30 minutes before each performance, Terrace Talks give you a unique glimpse into the history of each play.
Atlanta Roller Girls
Dates & Times: May 10, doors open at 4pm, games at 5pm and 7pm
Admission: $13 advance, $15 at the door

When these girls lace up their skates, there’s no holding back! The first bouts of the new season start as the Roller Girls inaugurate their new home, at the Yaarab Shrine Center at 400 Ponce de Leon Avenue. This month, the Apocalypstix go toe-to-toe with the Denim Demons and the Atlanta Roller Girls All Stars face off against the Fort Wayne Derby Girls. It’s a no holds barred contact sport full of hard hitting action, cheering crowds… and a vendor midway for all your carnival food cravings.
Atlantic Station Market
Dates & Times: July 5 & 6 and July 26 & 27, Saturdays 11am – 7pm, Sundays 12 – 6pm

The Atlantic Station Market is an “Open-Air” market showcasing local artisans, antiques, handcrafted items and unique vendors. The outdoor festival-style market hosts up to 100 merchants offering unique items, edibles and more. In operation since 2006, Atlantic Station is located on the site of a former steel mill, now redeveloped as a mixed use “live, work, play” environment. Atlantic Station features more than 19 restaurants, over 50 retail stores and a multiplex theater each weekend, The Market is open the first and last weekend of every month. Along with becoming a regular stop on the Atlanta Trolley Tours, tourist and regulars flock to the market on a regular basis. Be sure to view the online calendar for dates of operation and special events including.
Castleberry Hill 4th Friday Art Stroll
Date & Time: July 25th, 7-10pm
Admission: Free

Enjoy the fresh spring evening air with a glass of wine and great art! Once Atlanta’s warehouse district, Castleberry Hill is fast becoming the trendy and exciting place to see great art in an eclectic variety of galleries. The nightly stroll includes receptions at many of galleries and great opportunity to meet artists working in all mediums. Participating galleries include the Marcia Wood Gallery, Emergence Gallery, Krause Gallery, Granite Room, Romo Gallery, Wertz Contemporary and almost a half dozen more.
Flicks on Fifth
Now – July 23, every Wednesday evening, movies begin at sunset
Admission: Free

Atlanta knows how to have fun outdoors in the summer – and Flicks on Fifth is a perfect example of how to have a great time outdoors in midtown. On the outdoor big screen in Technology Square, pull up a blanket and grab a bite to eat at some of the fantastic neighborhood restaurants that make Fifth Street home, like the Fifth Street Ribs n’ Blues, The Globe, or Tin Drum Asia Café. July movies include Hairspray (July 9), Superbad (July 16),and 21 (July 23).
Charis Books and More: Open Mic Night
Date & Time: Thursday, July 17at 7:30pm
Admission: Free

In addition to offering a fine selection of strong feminist and lesbian titles, Charis Books and More presents monthly book readings and other powerful events for the lesbian community. Join them for a decidedly fierce open mic night, co-presented by women’s spoken word group Cliterati. With the motto “all mouths have a voice,” Cliterati cultivates the voices of authors, novices, and an assortment of poets, songstresses, and story tellers through on-going events and outreach on the community. The evening is hosted by the anarchic spoken word team of Karen G and Theresa Davis, who will represent Atlanta at the 2009 National Poetry Slam, with special guest Alice Teeter.

  DINING
Gilbert’s Mediterranean Cuisine
This 10th Street eatery in Midtown, virtually next door to Blake’s, offers some of the city’s best gems and deals all week long, with half price entrees Monday nights, wine tastings on Thursday nights, DJs on Friday and Saturday nights, and karaoke Wednesday and Sunday nights. A delicious menu and a smart wine list make this a great early evening stop before the theater or a night of dancing.


Nikiemoto’s DragaMaki
Date & Time: Mondays at 8:45pm

Satisfy your appetite for food, fun and fabulous female impersonation at Nikiemoto’s, gay Midtown’s favorite Pan Asian café and sushi bar. Headlined by Atlanta’s favorite camp drag queen, Bubba D. Licious, it’s likely to be one of the few times you’ve experienced a complete drag show in the midst of delicious dining. Since Nickiemoto’s is smoke-free, the show is fun for the whole family – just make a reservation, as sometimes crowds for this one spill out into the parking lot!
Metrofresh

Fresh food fast is the motto at this midtown eatery minutes from Piedmont Park. Since opening in 2005, Metrofresh’s ever-changing menu (don’t expect to see the same thing on it two days in a row) has become a delicious alternative to the overbaked midtown restaurant scene. The daily menu is limited in its variety, but whether it’s great soups and salads, innovative sandwiches, or healthy meats, Metrofresh is sure to have something exciting to whet your palate each day. Free fresh fruit compliments the menu, and on a good day 80s and 90s TV fans can spot chef and owner Mitchell Anderson, star of TV’s popular Party of Five and Doogie Howser, M.D.
Einstein’s

When Einstein’s gave itself a facelift a few years back, it went from being a nice little midtown home-turned-homey eatery into one of the chic-est features on the gay midtown dining map. A long popular outdoor patio lines the street on sunny days, with a sleek, polished bar and several distinctive dining areas within. Named “Best Brunch” by weekly gay newspaper Southern Voice, Einstein’s has great dining deals all day long. If you’ve got after dinner hunger pains, check out their great 5 and 10 menu after 10pm, when popular favorites like the Einstein Grille and New York Strip drop to only $5 and $0 respectively.
The Colonnade

It’s gays and greys at this Atlanta hallmark for hearty Southern cooking. Heavy wood paneling fills the main dining room, with deep leather upholstered booths anchoring the edges. Liver, fried chicken, okra, or collard greens give the menu the kind of authenticity rare in Atlanta’s generally uber-contemporary feeling haunts. Your arteries might not like you after too many repeat trips, but your stomach will be thankful. Arrive for an early dinner and meet ladies who’ll remind you of Driving Miss Daisy, or swing by for a later dinner and enjoy the swarms of fellows out to dinner before a night of sweating all those calories off on the dance floor.
Roxx

Notorious for its delicious see-and-be-seen attitude, Roxx offers great fresh meat in the form of award-winning hamburgers too. They’ll even cook it for you rare if a juicy pink center is your thing. While the grub is solid, if you look around and suspect the building looks vaguely familiar, it probably does. Before becoming a gay dining destination, the building had been a drive-through fast food restaurant. It still has the quirky character to prove it.

NIGHTLIFE  
Maryoke at Mary’s
Dates & Times: Tuesdays at Saturdays 10pm – 2:30am
Admission: Free, no cover

There is only one place in town where you can hear a 5 foot gay man who looks like Billy Dee Williams sing like Tina Turner and Gladys Knight – and that place is Mary’s every Tuesday and Saturday, where host C. J. belts The Supremes between would-be American Idol finalists and tipsy neighbors. Everything from country and pop to show tunes and Motown gets belted deep into the night with the feisty Carmen behind the bar. A true neighborhood bar in East Atlanta Village, Mary’s is a place where you’ll run into doctors, politicians, actors and everything in-between. Other nights of the week offer other themes, from punk rock to “pants off.”
My Sister’s Room

My Sister’s Room, in its new East Atlanta Village location is THE place for women any night of the week. Schedules change often, but be on the lookout for performances by drag kings, live acoustic music, karaoke, and sexy dance parties. Funky restaurants line the streets of East Atlanta Village, along with great shops, so arrive early to explore the neighborhood!


WetBar Swerve Fridays
Dates & Times: Every Friday, doors open at 10pm
Admission: Cover varies

Every Friday, get your swerve on at WetBar, Atlanta’s sleekest, sexiest gay dance club, featuring revolving dance floors, a decadent rooftop bar, outdoor gardens and an ultralounge that’s a feast for all the senses. Every Friday, the best national and international headliners make Wetbar their home in Atlanta. March 7 brings Doc Martin and Sublevel Live featuring Lillia and J-Luv. March 14 brings Seb Fontaine, and March 21 features Tom Stephan (aka Superchumbo). It’s a can’t-miss Friday night event.
Wild Mustangs
Dates & Times: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Country Western Nights; Friday Latin Nights; Monday Stars of the Century Drag
Admission: Cover varies

One of the city’s largest dance floors is also Atlanta’s largest gay country-western bar, offering not only great music and but also a fun, down-home feel that’ll make you want to undo the snaps from your flannel shirt, tip your Stetson, and kick up your boots for a great night out. Dance lessons are offered Tuesdays from 7–9pm, making Wild Mustangs an unconventional place to meet some local cowboys early on a weeknight. Friday Latin Nights make the club stand out among the crowd with pulsing rhythms and bronzed bodies. Opening times vary each night of the week.
Blake’s on the Park

If there is a Cheers to Atlanta gay bars, it’s Blake’s. Recently having unveiled its second floor lounge, Blakes offers true southern hospitality to any Atlanta visitor, with a friendly bar staff, colorful nightly drag shows (9pm on Sundays, 11pm all other nights), and a cross-section of local eye candy worth the line on weekends. Drinks are strong and cheap and a shuttle bus conveniently connects Blake’s to several other watering holes, making sure you can be safe while you enjoy a night out on the town.

  SPECIAL HOTEL DEALS AND PACKAGES

Ultimate Dining
Dining out in Buckhead has always topped the list of activities for any visitor to this luxurious community. Enjoy dinner at one of the area’s top restaurants, then relax in one of Atlanta’s finest hotels. Eat, sleep and be merry.






Romance in the City
Lounge in luxury at Atlanta's finest hotels and rekindle a romance in the cultural capital of the south. Discover unique gems by day, then paint the town by night with a diverse lineup of theatrical performances. Fall in love with Atlanta.





Louvre Atlanta
Experience artwork from Paris at the High Museum of Art during a luxury hotel stay with the Louvre Atlanta V.I.P. hotel package. Love the Louvre.