Take a chili taste test
Location: 2012 Chomp and Stomp in Cabbagetown
Date taken: November 3, 2012
Bring your appetite. Bring an extra hand or two. Bring a water bottle and maybe some cornbread. And, of course, bring a friend. The annual chili cook-off in the Cabbagetown neighborhood of Atlanta features booth upon booth of chili for tasting. Wander down two streets filled with everyday Atlantans who are eager to serve up their homemade chili (and maybe win a trophy for their efforts) and a third street featuring local restaurants. With a spoon in hand, you can spend an hour or more sampling chili (for veggie options, look for the green balloons). Your sample cup might be filled with pumpkin inspired chili, chili so spicy you’ll need that water bottle and cornbread, curry infused chili, chili served with popcorn (see the Plaza Theatre tent) or good old fashion chili that’s perfect for a fall Saturday in Atlanta. Hungry yet?
Dine on history and grits
Location: Silver Skillet
Date taken: October 28, 2012
You can read about the history of the Silver Skillet on the restaurant’s menu, website or even walls. From the horse prints, good luck charms carried over from the first owner, to the autographed poster from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, the stories and praise for the Silver Skillet are numerous. But, if you really want to know what to expect at this 14th street Southern diner, check out the menu. When the menu categories include “Syrupy Things” and “Biscuit Specialities,” you know the meal will satisfy Southern tastebuds. Don’t be discouraged by the line out the door on weekends. It moves fast. This is not your leisurely brunch place. Eat, enjoy and let the next person have your booth.
Run off and join the circus
Location: Circus Camp tent atPlay Day at Candler Park
Date taken: September 22, 2012
As a kid, I never dreamed of running off and joining the circus (the cliché dream/threat of adolescence), but I’d like to think I could have. My grandfather loved taking us to the circus. He would come visit, and we would head downtown to the Omni Coliseum to see the Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Circus. The circus had the normal attractions — tight rope walking, tigers, elephants, clown cars, cotton candy and a ringmaster in a top hat — but my favorite part occurred before the circus lights came on. We would park down on the lowest level of the parking deck next to the Omni … right next to the train tracks. And as we found our way into the coliseum, we would pass by the circus train and try to catch a glimpse of an elephant grazing on dinner or a clown out of costume. It was tempting to try and sneak aboard and become a part of the circus.
Stand as close as you can to your favorite band
Location: Candler Park Fall Fest
Date taken: October 13, 2012
Race a bed through the streets
Location: Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta‘s annual bed race at Atlantic Station
Date taken: October 13, 2012
If you are working on a “bucket list” or “things to do before I die” list, then I suggest going ahead and adding to it “race a bed.” Each fall, the Furniture Bank’s fundraising event gives Atlantans a chance to do something unique. Jump on a bed. Sure, that’s easy. Make a bed. You probably do that every day. But racing a bed through the streets … that’s one of those things you have to do at least once. So, sign up your team of 5 people (one rider, four racers). Come up with a theme (Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Bed Thieves, Breakfast in Bed, Bed Bugs, etc.). Then put on your helmets and start running. Yes, helmets are required — beds on wheels move fast. People fall down. People fall off.
Find a perch to watch a parade
Location: Little 5 Points Halloween Festival and Parade
Date taken: October 20, 2012
The best thing about the Little 5 Points Halloween Parade is not the official parade itself — instead, the best part is the parade of dressed up people who walk up and down Moreland and Euclid Avenues. Kids and adults of all ages debut their Halloween costumes early at the Little 5 Festival. My favorite part of the day is picking a spot early in the afternoon, bringing a chair or spreading out a blanket and enjoying people watching. The parade, which features neighborhood businesses, can be entertaining as well (depending on the year). But, the residents and visitors who embrace the spirit of Halloween are the highlight of this annual event.
Go out and play
Location: Atlanta Youth Soccer Association’s Howard Field
Date taken: September 22, 2012
What’s your favorite sport to play? What sport do you want to try? I guarantee there’s a group of people in Atlanta already getting together and playing it. Indoor soccer. Outdoor soccer. Co-ed soccer. Football. Dodgeball. Softball. Handball. Basketball. Volleyball. Ice hockey. Roller hockey. There’s a website with a list of tables for air hockey. Want to play in a disc golf tournament? Atlanta has that. What about a Saturday morning playing croquet? You can do that with the Atlanta Malleteers. Want to ride around a velodrome? Just head to East Point.
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