FIVE WAYS WORLD OF COCA-COLA IS LIGHTING UP DOWNTOWN ATLANTA THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/29/22

The holidays are officially upon us, and today, World of Coca-Cola is kicking off the season by announcing the launch of its annual holiday celebration. Now through early 2023, the Atlanta attraction invites friends and families to experience holiday magic and make memories to last a lifetime with larger-than-life decorations, festive family photo opportunities, seasonal beverages and more. In addition, the iconic Coca-Cola Caravan will visit World of Coca-Cola on Dec. 10 to spread holiday joy over shared experiences and moments of magic.

“Each year, we look forward to bringing people together to make memories and celebrate the holidays with us,” said Christophe Lair, Senior Director Retail Operations and Administration. “Coca-Cola has been a part of seasonal celebrations around the world for generations, and World of Coca-Cola has become a must-visit destination and annual tradition for Atlantans and visitors alike looking to experience the magic of the holiday season.”

To make the most of every magic moment, don’t miss these five festive experiences, including:

  1. Get an Insta-worthy photo with the Coca-Cola Caravan: Since lighting up the small screen in a TV ad that first aired in the mid-1990s, the Coca-Cola Caravan has signaled the start of the festive season for nearly three decades. On Dec. 10 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., the Caravan will park outside World of Coke for a fun-filled day of holiday celebrations. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and former Atlanta Falcons football players DJ Shockley and Harry Douglas will welcome attendees, and guests will enjoy photo ops, festive games and more.
  1. Enjoy Holiday Décor Galore: Throughout World of Coca-Cola and outside on the green, guests are surrounded by trees aglow with thousands of twinkling lights and giant decorative ornaments, setting the scene for guests to take and share photos of their time together. Inside, enormous Coca-Cola bottles deck the halls, merry tunes keep spirits bright and festive surprises are around every corner. A special exhibit, “Coca-Cola Christmas around the World,” features historic, holiday-themed Coca-Cola artifacts that celebrate the season.  
  1. Sip Exclusive Seasonal Samplings: Year-round, the Taste It! beverage experience features selections from different countries around the world, but during the holiday season, it also includes curated seasonal samplings. This year, the exhibit is offering custom limited time Freestyle mixes such as Coca-Cola Vanilla Swirl, Coke Zero Vanilla Swirl and Sprite Vanilla Frost, among others. QR codes are placed throughout the exhibit to share fun facts and details about the origin of each beverage. 
  1. Make Memories with Sundblom Santa Claus: Inside the Pop Culture Gallery, visitors are invited to explore the history of the Sundblom Santa Claus through a collection of paintings on permanent display. They may also take part in the festive “My Coke Story” activation that celebrates joy, laughter and memories that come with the holiday season. Select stories will be displayed at the attraction for visitors to read and enjoy.
  1. Stock Up on Stocking Stuffers: Before leaving the World of Coca-Cola, guests can take a memento of their visit home with them. The Coca-Cola Store offers a variety of apparel, accessories and commemorative items sure to make ideal holiday gifts and stocking stuffers for family and friends. For those who prefer to shop from the comfort of home, CokeStore.com offers even more holiday goodies.

Consumers with questions may call 1-800-676-COKE or visit our website at www.WorldofCocaCola.com to purchase tickets.

NETHERWORLD OFFERING EXCLUSIVE LIGHTS ON TOURS OF ITS 2022 HAUNTS 

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/29/22

Nationally Ranked Haunted House to Give Fans a Behind-the-Scenes Look
at the Terror of THE UNDYING HORROR and PARASITIC on Saturday, Dec. 10 

 NETHERWORLD Haunted House, is ending haunt season with one last event for true fans of fright. On Saturday, Dec. 10, NETHERWORLD will host a VIP Lights On tour, giving guests an exclusive look at everything that goes into creating the incredible details at the scariest haunted house in the nation.

NETHERWORLD’s Lights On tour will take fans through both of NETHERWORLD’s 2022 haunts, THE UNDYING HORROR and PARASITIC, with all the lights on and the haunt effects off. Horror lovers will get to see and experience every detail behind NETHERWORLD, in an intimate tour that most haunted house fans could only dream of. Tour-goers will be led by a knowledgeable guide who will fully explore the storylines and production details behind the sets. The event will also feature plenty of photo opportunities at select predetermined locations inside the haunts, and each person will receive a free souvenir printed photo to remember the occasion as well as access to the House of Creeps Monster Museum. Tour groups will contain a maximum of 6 people, and tours will be offered from noon to 5:00 p.m. for $125 per person. To check availability and purchase tickets, click here. 

“We are incredibly excited to offer this experience for our die-hard fans again this year,” said Ben Armstrong, NETHERWORLD Haunted House Co-Creator. “Giving an inside look at all of the details that go into creating our massive haunted attraction that is NETHERWORLD is the perfect end to a fantastic 26th haunt season.” 

On the day of the Lights On tours, NETHERWORLD’s four thrilling Escape Rooms and Monster Museum will be also open. Tickets for the Lights On tour are on sale now. It is highly encouraged to purchase tickets online, in advance as this event has an extremely limited capacity and will sell out. To purchase tickets for the Lights On tour on Saturday, Dec. 10, please click here.

URBAN PIE CELEBRATES ITS SWEET 16 ANNIVERSARY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/29/22

Toast to 16 Years With Specialty Cocktails, Craft Beer and Wine, Pizza, a DJ, and More

Sunday, December 4, 2022 From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Since 2007, Urban Pie has been slinging hand tossed, thin crust pizzas, cold drinks, and good times in the heart of historic Kirkwood. Founded by restauranteur Lisa Curtis, the local gathering spot is hosting a lively Sweet 16 Anniversary Bash on Sunday, December 4th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. All ages and pups are welcome to attend the free celebratory event that will have live music from Juan Cervantes, better known as DJ Presyce, mouthwatering eats, speciality cocktails, freebies and more. Urban Pie is located at 2012 Hosea L Williams Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30317. For more information, visit www.urbanpieatl.com or call 404-373-2778.

OPA! THE GREEK PIZZERIA & GYROS FIRST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/22/22

Featuring All-You-Can-Eat Pizza and Greek Specials, Cold Beer, Live Music, Giveaways and More! 

Sunday, December 4, 2022 From 2 p.m to 8 p.m.

Opa! The Greek Pizzeria & Gyros is celebrating its one-year anniversary on Sunday, December 4th from 2 to 8 p.m. Owners and restauranteurs Johnny Gianoulidis and Paul Masci invite party goers to enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring a variety of pizzas, including vegan and vegetarian options, along with signature Greek favorites like hummus, tzatziki dips, spanakopita, fried pies, baklava, and more. Cold draft brews will tap for $4, the first 25 people to buy tickets will receive a free commemorative t-shirt, The Greek will also have live music, giveaways, a raffle, and plenty of surprises throughout the festive event. 

The Greek is a love letter to my Greek immigrant parents and to all the New England pizza joints, that welcomed every last person that walked through the doors and aimed for a better life in their newly adopted country,” says, Gianoulidis. “We are grateful for the patrons, friends and family that have opened this love letter with us this past year and look forward to celebrating for many years to come with our community, friends and patrons, old and newly found.” 

Tickets to The Greek’s First Anniversary Celebration are on sale now for $10 at www.freshtix.com/events/the-greek-turns-one. Kids 12 and under get in free. A portion of ticket proceeds and draft beer sales throughout the month of December will benefit Second Helpings Atlanta, a nonprofit food rescue organization whose mission is to reduce hunger and food waste in the Metro Atlanta area by distributing healthy, nutritious surplus food to those in need. For more information, visit www.thegreekpizzeria.com or call 404-996-6037. 

Perry Street Chophouse

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/20/22

Perry Street Chophouse is nestled on Perry Street in downtown Lawrenceville! This brand-new steak house invites guests to cozy up in one of their large, blue velvet booths, or warm up to the large bar. While there, peruse the wide variety of small plates like this pork belly, to salads and soups, as well as large plates like venison or seafood, and of course, steak with sides and toppings. Let’s eat!

We started with one of our favorite bites, the Crispy Braised Pork Belly. The pork is warm and fatty with a ton of flavor and creaminess. It is atop a sweet potato bed that’s earthy and sweet, plus crumbled nuts for crunch. Must try. To juxtapose the meatiness of the pork, we went with the Kale Chopped Salad. It is a bed of kale and other leafy greens that’s earthy and crunchy. Dotted with funky feta cheese, crunchy pepitas, and root veggies, it’s an all-around great bite. The vinaigrette is icing on the cake, just the right amount that mild and adds tang!

For our dinner we opted for the fantastic Filet Mignon steak. It is perfectly seasoned outside and tender and juicy medium inside. It’s hearty, meaty, and tangy when you add the garlic from the side. Can we PLEASE talk a about the Brunt Brussels? We LOVED the brussel sprouts with it’s earthy and tender sprout base then topped with a dousing of cream, tons of savory flavor from the bacon and tang of the shallots. One of the best brussels we’ve had all year.

The other dinner plate we enjoyed was the Broken Arrow Ranch Venison Loin. It is served medium with a fantastic peppery crust outside. The moat of sauce is divine, savory, tangy, buttery and creamy! On the side, the mashed potatoes are creamy and garlicky, perfectly seasoned, you won’t want to share.

They also have a great wine selection, cocktails, and beer.

Venison Loin
Kale Chopped Salad
Burnt Brussel Sprouts
Filet Mignon
Bar

5CHURCH MIDTOWN CELEBRATES THE SEASON WITH A ROOFTOP HOLIDAY BAR

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/19/22

Midtown Hotspot Gets in the Holiday Spirit with

Festive Cocktails, Décor, and Music at Virtue Rooftop            

‘Tis the season for celebrating, and 5Church Midtown kicks off the festivities with the launch of its Rooftop Holiday Bar at Virtue Rooftop on Friday, Nov. 25.

Jolly guests will jingle the night away with a selection of holiday-themed cocktails, a menu of light bites from culinary director Rodney Smith Jr., a playlist of holiday tunes and festive décor, and twinkly lights. Drinks from Virtue Rooftop’s full cocktail menu also will be available.

The Rooftop Holiday Bar will be open Thursday-Saturday evenings from 5-11 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis for those 21 years old and over with no cover charge. Guests are encouraged to check 5Church Midtown’s social media feeds (Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) or call in advance for nightly schedules.

PIEDMONT HOLIDAY GIFT MARKET DEBUTS THIS NOVEMBER IN PIEDMONT PARK

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/19/22

Inaugural Two-Day Event Featuring 175 Artists and Vendors, Holiday Trees and Wreaths, Music, Hot Cocoa and More Saturday, November 26 and Sunday, November 27, 2022

Get into the spirit of gift giving at the inaugural Piedmont Holiday Gift Market. Presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, the new two-day event will take place in picturesque Piedmont Park in the heart of Midtown on Saturday, November 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, November 27, 2022 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Event goers are invited to sip on hot cocoa, listen to holiday music, and stroll through the park while exploring gift items from approximately 175 artists including painters, photographers, sculptors, glass blowers, leather and metalworkers, jewelers, and crafters. Holiday trees and wreaths will also be available for purchase. The Piedmont Holiday Gift Market is free to attend for all ages and welcomes dogs. For more information, visit www.affps.com and www.facebook.com/PiedmontParkHolidayMarket. 

ATLANTIC STATION IS ATLANTA’S HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/19/22

Celebrate the season with returning and new experiences at Atlanta’s premier intown destination 

The heart of Atlanta and the heart of the holidays, Atlantic Station, welcomes back timeless traditions and family-friendly celebrations to kick off the holiday season this year. Community favorites such as Skate the Station, Light the Station and Celebration at the Station return for a magical holiday experience. Plus, experience the unimaginable world of Cirque du Soleil, unbeatable holiday shopping, picturesque photo opportunities and more at the merry mixed-use destination.  

“Annually during the holiday season, friends and family return to Atlantic Station to enjoy the traditions they’ve made over the years and to make new memories they will cherish forever,” said Treina Lewis, director of marketing at Atlantic Station. “We take great pride in creating meaningful experiences for our community. Our hope is for our guests to truly enjoy the magic of the holiday season here at Atlantic Station.”

A full line-up of the holiday festivities at Atlantic Station can be found below:

Black Friday – Black Friday is still Friday, just even better! On Friday, Nov. 25, from noon – 7 p.m., the community is invited to join Atlantic Station with Black Friday festivities on Atlantic Green. Events include free gift wrapping available for gifts purchased from an Atlantic Station retailer; energetic tunes spun by DJ Chika Takai; a hot chocolate and s’mores station from Kilwins available for purchase; a holiday cocktail bar with beverages available for purchase; a Letters to Santa Station; and free photo opportunities with jolly old Saint Nicholas himself. Shop unbeatable deals at Atlantic Station’s retailers or at Maker’s Market, where guests can peruse an assortment of local vendors with items for sale, including art, home decor, jewelry, candles and more. Guests who spend $100 at any combined Atlantic Station retailer or restaurant can show their receipt to redeem a gift at Concierge. Take a break from shopping and stroll through the district searching for the best Instagrammable moments to mark your Black Friday shopping spree, such as festive reindeer, the Volkswagen Beetle and van, plus download the Celebration at The Station mobile app to experience the augmented reality with large shimmering gifts on Atlantic Green. Download the Celebration at The Station mobile app to stay updated on all the festivities! More information can be found here.

Cirque du Soleil – The wait is over as the amazing acrobats of Cirque du Soleil have made their grand return to Atlantic Station! Bring the whole family to experience the fantastical, impossible, colossal, unimaginable world of Cirque du Soleil by stepping into the curio cabinet of an ambitious inventor who defies the laws of time, space and dimension in order to reinvent everything around him. Suddenly, the visible becomes invisible, perspectives are transformed and the world is literally turned upside down. Cirque du Soleil offers regular and group tickets, accessible seating and more. Show times vary. Tickets and more information can be found here.

Skate the Station – Get into the holiday spirit at Atlanta’s largest outdoor ice skating rink! Skate the Station returns on Friday, Nov. 18 and all are invited to skate under the stars. Skate the Station tickets are on sale now and rentals are included in each purchase. Skaters can enjoy this holiday tradition now through Monday, Jan. 16. The skate shop will be decorated resembling a cozy ski lounge for guests to stay warm before hitting the ice rink and it will be located on 17th ½ St. next to the Safety & Security Office. Group tickets are available and season passes are available by emailing atlanticstation@icerinkevents.com. Other tickets and more information can be found here.

Light the Station – On Saturday, Nov. 19, the community is invited to watch the lighting of the 50-foot Christmas tree on Atlantic Station’s central greenspace, Atlantic Green. The event includes live musical performances, Christmas crafts for the kids, a book reading by Tiny Doors founder Karen Anderson Singer and more! At 7 p.m., break out your best dance moves in the Holiday Disco Parade that will flow through Atlantic Station and will lead to the magical tree lighting in Atlantic Green. More information can be found here.

Celebration at the Station – Each night from Sunday, Nov. 20 through Tuesday, Jan. 2, gather around the spectacular Christmas tree at Atlantic Green to experience dazzling celebration with a light and snow show transforming the Station into a winter wonderland. Celebration at the Station is free, open to the public and occurs every hour from 5 – 9 p.m. More information can be found here.

Atlantic Stations Holiday Fashion Show- Unwrap the magic of ATL on Thursday, Dec. 8  from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Atlantic Station Holiday Fashion show benefiting The Alzheimer’s Association, featuring the best holiday looks by Atlantic Station retailers and exclusive brands. Make sure to grab a seat on the patio or balcony for dinner at one of the delicious restaurants on Atlantic Green to watch from West District Avenue. This private event will be held on the Atlantic Green. 

Christmas Eve Makers Market – Maker’s Market is open on Saturday, Dec. 24 for any last-minute holiday shopping from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. featuring Atlanta’s most talented creators. Guests can shop from an array of local vendors with items for sale, including art, home decor, jewelry, candles and more. Wrap up your holiday shopping with a unique gift for someone special! Maker’s Market is pending favorable weather conditions. More information can be found here.

Atlantic Station Menorah Lighting – Join Chabad Intown to celebrate Hanukkah with the traditional ceremony of the lighting of the Menorah on Tuesday, Dec. 20. From 6 – 7 p.m., family and friends can enjoy holiday-themed activities on Atlantic Green featuring traditional food and beverage offerings, live music, free giveaway items and more. Beginning Dec. 18 through Dec. 25, a candle will be lit each day to represent the eight nights of Hanukkah. To secure your spot, submit your RSVP here.

RESTRICTIONS:

Please keep in mind the Code of Conduct when choosing to celebrate at Atlantic Station this year. All youth under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian after 3:00 p.m. No individuals under 21 are permitted on property after 9:00 p.m. All guests may be subject to presenting ID to verify age. To stay up-to-date on holiday event happenings and details, visit atlanticstation.com and engage with Atlantic Station on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

JOLLIER THAN EVER, THE BLIND ELF HOLIDAY POP-UP BAR IS NOW OPEN

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/19/22

Buckhead Gathering Spot Returns with Sleigh Bells Ringing and

Festive Food, Drinks, Ambiance, and More

Buckhead is even cheerier thanks to the return of The Blind Elf Holiday Pop-Up Bar. The Blind Pig Parlour Bar has temporarily transformed into a magical gathering spot guaranteeing sleigh loads of merriment throughout the holidays.

Guests enter a festive wonderland of over-the-top décor and twinkling lights to discover a variety of warm and chilly holiday-themed drinks, candy cane shots, beer, wine, and bubbles to ensure a spirited mood. Highlights of the Instagram-worthy drink menu include:

  • Sugar Plum Fairy – gin, lemon juice, Chandon, and pink fairy dust
  • Rudolph’s So Bitter – Campari, Antica, vodka, raspberry cordial, and lime juice
  • Feliz Navidad – mezcal, brown sugar molasses, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest
  • Nog-Gonna Make It to Work Tomorrow – eggnog, toasted almond orgeat, and Black Barrel rum
  • Cran’ma Got Run Over by a Reindeer – rye, lemon juice, rosemary-cranberry syrup
  • Ski Lift – scotch, malted hot cocoa, and flaming mini marshmallows

Inspired by 1970s dinner party classics, The Blind Elf’s food menu is as festive as the cocktails. Guests will enjoy cheese fondue served with garlic focaccia, green apples, and broccoli along with a selection of savory and sweet bites that pair perfectly with the drinks. Among these are:

  • Reindeer chips and dip with house-made French onion dip with chips and veggies
  • Beer-battered mushrooms with herb-horseradish cream
  • Pigs in a Blanket with sweet Buffalo mustard
  • Brie bruschetta with Granny Smith apple and walnut jam
  • Maple-glazed bacon-wrapped dates
  • Sweets such as peppermint bark brownie and butterscotch-peanut butter haystack

The Blind Elf Experience ($54 plus gratuity and tax) features two cocktails and two food items per person. The Blind Elf, located at 128 East Andrews Dr., NE in Atlanta, is open at 5 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays through Thursday, Nov. 24, and seven days a week starting at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25-Friday, Dec. 30. In addition, family-friendly reservations are available on Sundays from 2-4 p.m. For more information, visit theblindpigparlourbar.com.

KICK OFF THE 2022 HOLIDAY SEASON WITH VININGS’ OLDEST HOLIDAY TRADITION

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/13/22

Thursday, Dec 1 6-8pm

Usher in the happiest time of year at the 2022 Annual Vinings Jubilee Christmas Tree Lighting at Paces Properties’ Vinings Jubilee, taking place 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1 at the Tower Stage. The annual event transforms Vinings Jubilee into a holiday wonderland for the entire family to enjoy and is free for all to attend.
 
“The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Vinings Jubilee is one of our favorite events to host each year,” said David Cochran, CEO of Paces Properties. “For 37 years, we’ve welcomed families and friends as they come together from across Atlanta, reminding all of us that this season is best spent surrounded by loved ones. For many, this is a holiday tradition that is looked forward to every year and we’re thrilled to be able to host the event once again.”
 
For guests, we hope you’ve been nice and not naughty, because Santa Claus always makes an appearance at the beloved holiday event. While his reindeer keep Mrs. Claus company at the North Pole, Santa will have his bag of gifts, his list checked twice, and will be available for photo opportunities throughout the evening. Of course, Santa will also come prepared with other activities for the whole family to enjoy – ornament decorating, balloon artists, face painting, a live puppet show, and even a train ride are all on the night’s cheery agenda. Plus, there will be take-home puppet packs provided by the Center for Puppetry Arts.
 
As any Christmas-lover knows, “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear,” and the Vinings Jubilee Christmas Tree Lighting is no exception. The evening will include classic Christmas carols performed by singing elves, Whitefield Academy Jazz band and the Campbell Middle School Chorus. Before the celebrations begin, stop in for a bite or a sweet treat from one of Vinings’ delicious eateries which include Another Broken Egg Café, Café at Pharr, SOHO, Paces & Vine, Mellow Mushroom, Stockyard Burgers, Southern Baked Pie Company and Cold Stone Creamery.
 
For more information, follow along on Vinings Jubilee’s Facebook and Instagram.