atlanta gay travel

LGBTQ Travel Guide: Atlanta

Gene Phillips, Courtesy of ACVB & AtlantaPhotos.com

One of the Southeast's buzziest, most diverse, and civil rights history-rich cities—RuPaul's home during the 1980s, this is where the now iconic drag queen developed his skills as a performer on public access TV, in live bands, dancing at bars, and starring in the campy 1987 cult film Starrbooty —Georgia's capitol is also a vacation and permanent residence mecca for LGBTQs across the region and home to the world's biggest annual gay Black Pride celebration , with an estimated 100,000+ attendees.

In recent years, Atlanta has also established itself as one of North America's major film and TV production hubs, with Marvel Studios being a major presence, a plus for queer celebrity spotters. Summer 2021 saw the commencement of filming on Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever, while competing superhero comics studio DC was shooting the Shazam sequel.

Atlanta's tourism office, Discover Atlanta, dubs the city "Yaas-lanta" these days on its website's LGBTQ landing page , while you can discover landmarks from the city's colorful past—from restaurants to gay bars to places that figured into important queer civil rights related cases and incidents—through website Gay ATL Flashback (Gay A.F.) . For current and future LGBTQ happenings, news, and to-do's, check out online/print publications Georgia Voice , Project Q Atlanta and their free nightlife-centric publication, Q Atlus, and Peach .

The Old Fourth Ward (or O4W for short) is known as Atlanta's hottest "gayborhood" these days, and its annual Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival , held October 2-3 in 2021, certainly brings out the LGBTQ crowd, while Midtown holds the original "gayborhood" destination and still thrives with nightlife destinations. And let's not forget that RuPaul's glittery magic still lingers, with many Atlanta queens competing on Drag Race and The Boulet Brothers' Dragula to date, including the former's Season 7 winner Violet Chachki.

Peter DeMoore, Courtesy of ACVB & AtlantaPhotos.com

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2021, having started as a friends' Labor Day picnic in 1996, the culture-filled Atlanta Black Pride Festival and Atlanta Black Pride Weekend entail an exciting series of concerts, parties, and events (including specifically male and female -designated) will take place from August 31-September 6 and September 1-7, respectively, while the free outdoor Pure Heat Community Festival is slated for Sunday September 5. Check the websites for updates regarding performers, DJs, speakers, workshops, and more.

Celebrating 50 editions in 2021, Atlanta Pride takes place every October, smartly sidestepping June's frenzy of regional Pride events across the country (and, in fact, world!), and summer's intensely sweltering Georgia weather to boot. 2019 saw progressive political powerhouse Stacey Abrams as a Grand Marshall , and attracted over 300,000 attendees, and the sure to be jubilant 2021 edition is scheduled for October 8-10.

Atlanta's 34-year-old LGBTQ film festival, Out On Film , also takes place during fall time, with a solid 11 days of screenings, events, and filmmaker guests slotted for September 23-October 3, 2021.

ExploreGeorgia.org

The Best Things To Do

The birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr., and formerly represented by the late Congressman John "Get In Good Trouble" Lewis, Atlanta is one of the most important stops on the US Civil Rights Trail . The Atlanta Electric Car Tour by ATL-Cruzers covers some of these spots during its 15-mile, 90-minute journey, as well as Atlanta's pride rainbow-painted street crossings at the intersection of Piedmont Avenue and 10th Street NE (installed in 2017 to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub massacre) and several hipster and queer districts.

You can do a self-guided tour of LGBTQ landmarks from Atlanta's past including The Nitery Club , where a young RuPaul appeared with his early 1980s bands The Wee Pole and U-Hauls , thanks to website Gay ATL Flashback (Gay A.F.) , which boasts an interactive map with deep dive write-ups rich with photos and video embeds. Meanwhile, queer history buffs should definitely make a visit to The Atlanta History Center , which features items related to Atlanta's LGBTQ community and evolution in its collection.

A spectacular and ambitious development, the Atlanta BeltLine is like NYC's Highline Park times one-hundred: a 22-mile loop of former railroad corridors turned series of trails, parks, murals, and fantastic restaurants, cafes, and shops, which will ultimately connect 45 neighborhoods. Be sure to experience at least part of a completed section.

Located in the same outdoor complex, Pemberton Place, as major tourist attractions World of Coca-Cola and Georgia Aquarium (the world's largest), The National Center For Civil and Human Rights features temporary and permanent exhibitions including the Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection of his papers and other personal items, and a harrowing, immersive simulation of a pre-segregation lunch counter sit-in.

A true gem affiliated with the Savannah College of Art and Design (which boasts Atlanta campuses), SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film is a small but excellent space dedicated to temporary exhibitions (including items from its permanent collection). 2021's calendar includes a retrospective by film costumer Ruth E. Carter (of Black Panther , Selma , and many of Spike Lee's films' fame) and photographer Albert Watson, which run through September 12 and October 17, respectively.

For retail therapy, the 40+ year old Boy Next Door spotlights a curated and queer-geared array of mens' clothing and accessories, including sexy brand name swim and underwear, while Charis Books & More —which relocated from Atlanta's funky and indie Little Five Points district into a spacious house in neighboring Decatur, GA in 2019—is the south's oldest feminist and progressive book and gift store.

Lawrence Ferber

LGBTQ Bars and Clubs

Atlanta is home to a robust, diverse LGBTQ nightlife scene, ranging from predominantly Black spaces to quirky hipster hangouts and some of the sassiest bartender personalities—pouring legit stiff drinks, with rare exceptions—you'll ever encounter. For a rundown of special nightlife happenings and events during your visit, check out the latest online issues of Peach and Project Q .

Celebrating its 33rd anniversary in 2021, Midtown's Blake's On the Park is a beloved neighborhood with extra. Tuesday is Latino night, while drag queens including local star and House mother Shawnna Brooks perform on Thursday, Friday and Sunday nights. Brooks and some Drag Race alumni regularly appear at the nearby X Midtown , where you can also indulge in their signature chicken sandwich and other fried chicken-centric fare.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2021, lesbian bar My Sister's Room (a.k.a. MSR) features plenty of entertainment including comedy, karaoke, and drag with an edge. One of the country's 21 remaining lesbian bars, MSR is part of The Lesbian Bar Project collective.

Midtown's 40+ year old Bulldogs brings in a predominantly Black male crowd (although all races are welcome) that features special karaoke nights and pop-up shops, plus hip hop and urban tunes. Located on Ponce de Leon Avenue, Friends on Ponce has been serving up fun, pool, and mixing and mingling for 17 years, drawing a predominantly POC, mixed crowd.

Quite a few Atlanta LGBTQ bars serve food or double as restaurants, notably Joe's On Juniper , 10th & Piedmont , the predominantly Latin Las Margaritas , and Woofs Sports Bar , the latter of which relocated in late 2019 to a spiffy new 4,600+ square foot Armour district location with over 25 TVs and irresistible pub grub.

Quirky and divey, East Atlanta's Mary's draws a truly eclectic crowd, from twenty-something hipster otters to middle-aged trans women to millennial straights, and small outdoor patio, while Sister Louisa's Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium is a truly one-of-a-kind, must-see two-level temple of kitsch and cheeky decor including off-kilter art, quotes, and crazy vintage religious record covers (if you're a John Waters fan, make this a top priority). In fact founded by a queer, former member of the clergy, Sister Louisa's is officially mixed, but Sundays see the phenomenally popular daytime, dancing-filled "Sunday Services."

The iconic 28-year-old bear, leather, daddy and fetish bar/club, Atlanta Eagle , officially closed its Ponce Street location, and as of late 2021 is seeking out a new permanent location in which to reopen. During the interim, Eagle has partnered for pop-up events at venues including The Hideaway, while its DJs can be found spinning sets online on Mixcloud: check Eagle's Facebook page for updates. Meanwhile, the bear/leather/daddy/fetish/Western crowd congregate - and enjoy backroom action—at The Heretic .

Feeling really naughty? Make a beeline to 25+ year old Midtown go-go boy bar BJ Roosters or full monty male strip club Swinging Richards (after all, "Dick" is short for Richard), which was subject of the, ahem, revealing 2017 documentary All Male, All Nude .

And for weekly after hours circuit-style parties, check out Xion , which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2021.

Cam Kirk Studios

Where to Eat

One of Atlanta's most high profile restaurateurs and entrepreneurs is Detroit-born Mychel "Snoop" Dillard , a gay Black woman whose eight businesses include Little Five Points' casual American and Southern Crave , and her glitzy collaborations with rapper 2 Chainz, Escobar Restaurant and Tapas Lounge and Esco Seafood , the latter serving Southern and decadent takes like shrimp or oyster Po' Boys, fried catfish, and a Lobster and creamy shrimp thermidor.

Also LGBTQ POC owned, Gocha's Breakfast Bar - with locations in the Cascade neighborhood and, outside Atlanta's city borders, nearby Fayetteville - specializes in Southern-style, pescatarian and vegan-friendly breakfast and brunch fare (it's open until 3pm), while Virgil's Gullah Kitchen & Bar is inspired by the Gullah Geechee peoples' family recipes of Gregory "Gee" Smalls ' father, who descended from enslaved Central and West Africans (Smalls, who owns Virgil's with husband Juan, is also an author and co-created Atlanta's annual celebration of Black LGBTQ people, The Gentlemen's Ball, benefitting The Gentlemen's Foundation ).

Atlanta's urban markets offer something for all tastes and mealtimes. Occupying a former Sears warehouse and retail showroom, Ponce de Leon Avenue's Ponce City Market is a sprawling complex with dozens of vendors from craft coffee to ramen to vegan fare to ice pops, plus a super buzzy greasy spoon with upscaled design for breakfast and brunch, Pancake Social, live concert, drag brunch and vino venue City Winery , and rooftop amusement park/bar/weekend brunch spot. And a former cast iron cooking range factory along the BeltLine was reborn as Krog Street Market in 2014, with 22 food and retail vendors including both local and nationally known names (Jeni's Ice Cream).

Dining is always a literal drag at Atlanta's location of drag queen restaurant chain Lips , while upscaled cuisine fans will love the modern seafood offerings and cocktails at Inman Park's BeetleCat —winner of the 2018 Down East Lobster Roll World Championship—while Chef Craig Roberts' Lyla Lila in Midtown crafts superb and seasonal southern European-influenced, texture rich plates like a fine cut beef tartare and his addictive signature crispy duck and cocoa bechamel-laden lasagna.

Where to Stay

Just a few minutes' walk from Ponce City Market complex and gay bar Friends on Ponce , and imbued with LGBTQ history, the Fourth Ward district's 111-room boutique property, The Wylie Hotel , opened in May 2021. Formerly home to a lesbian tavern and, later, gay western and leather bar called Mrs. P's—read about the building's colorful, storied queer history here —The Wylie's guest rooms are clean, crisp and compact at 200-270 square feet, although deluxe rooms and suites include outdoor balconies. The ground level restaurant pays homage to its former occupant with its name, Mrs. P's Bar & Kitchen , serving Southern and international-tinged comfort food.

Located just east of Old Fourth Ward/Ponce City Market/BeltLine along Ponce de Leon Avenue, the Poncey-Highland district's 94-room Hotel Clermont , housed within a 1924 former motor lodge, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts the distinction of home to a 55+ year old, female-owned basement level strip club/dive bar, Clermont Lounge . Rooms are colorful yet restrained with retro-artsy flair, while contemporary French-American brasserie Tiny Lou's (named after a seasoned stripper who danced here during the 1950s), cafe, rooftop and lobby bar cater to guests' appetites.

Smack dab in downtown's tourist zone and easily accessible to its attractions (e.g. Aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park), the 237-room W Atlanta is tops thanks to its clubby chic, an all-weather rooftop WET pool and adjacent wet bar with unbeatable views, 16th floor spa, fitness center, and Local Motives restaurant and Living Room bar/lounge.

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8 Fabulously Gay-Friendly & Gay Hotels In Atlanta To Try On Your Next Gaycation!

Posted on Last updated: December 7, 2023

Categories Gay Accomodation , USA

Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.

Atlanta! While this colorful city is most of all famous for being the economic capital of the US-American Southeast, the capital of Georgia, and one of the most famous locations in the country as a whole, there is a side to the New York of the South that many travelers and even some of its residents have yet to discover.

Not only does Atlanta deserve more than its share of tourist attention thanks to its classic Downtown areas and historic city center, but it is also home to a wide and wonderful range of queer-friendly locations, nightlife hotspots, and gay hotels.

Atlanta is a culture, exploration, and city life heaven, combining all the best aspects of eastern-US cities like New York and Chicago into a mix that hits just right and is somehow different than anything visitors to those other cities will have experienced through their travels.

That’s not to say that Atlanta is an urban jungle that doesn’t allow escape from concrete and steel, however. The city has many green spaces compared to its peers, which offers much-needed relief for those who aren’t fans of spending large amounts of time without touching some grass.

While the city’s Downtown area – like many Downtown areas in other cities – has more than enough queer bars, clubs, and gay-influenced locations to offer than a visitor could need, not everyone comes to a city purely to dig their teeth into the night scene, and thus it is equally important to mention Atlanta’s other strong LGBTQ+ hotspot – a neighborhood known as Midtown .

Midtown also has quite a strong night scene, but it is also home to a wide range of activities to take on during the day, including regular cultural festivals, more fooderies, cafes, and restaurants than you can count, and a wonderful connection to the rest of the city thanks to Atlanta’s quite strong public transport system and openness to bike travel.

Midtown is the perfect spot for queer travelers to set their roots and enjoy their me time, and the benefits don’t stop with safety and understanding accommodation. 

Even though Atlanta is a wonderful city for queer travelers to visit, and even though gay hotels within its borders are not at all hard to find, our usual disclaimer still applies. Obviously, in most cases, there aren’t going to be hotels out there marketed directly towards gay people or queer people in general.

We know that, and therefore we’d like to note that the hotels on this list follow the same logic. Most of them have been listed as accommodating, friendly, and unjudgmental to, for, and by queer people in general, as well as being highly rated in general.

So, if that’s settled in and your enthusiasm to learn about the city is planted and growing, let’s move on and discover the top eight gay-friendly hotels that the colorful, diverse city of Atlanta has to offer!

In this article we will cover...

Four Seasons Atlanta

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There is no better location to serve as the beginning to this list of wonderful gay hotels and places of accommodation than the Four Seasons Atlanta – a five-star luxury suite complex situated in an impressive, stately tower above the center of the city and its lively atmosphere.

Although this hotel is somewhat on the pricey side of things, which might be a bit of a surprise since it’s the very first one on this list, we promise that the sheer amount of benefits that come along with that larger-than-usual price tag makes it worth every cent. After all, could one expect any less with that view, that location, and the quality of the Four Seasons rooms? 

However, before we speak more about the surroundings, let us dig into what the Four Seasons interior offers. The highly praised individual suites have it all, from hot tubs in the bathrooms, separate living spaces, and even kitchens and kitchenettes on request.

Suppose you’re looking for something even more refined. In that case, there’s also the hotel’s in-house spa and relaxation facilities, which are attended to by trained employees and sure to emphasize enjoying your time at the hotel and relaxing.

The Four Seasons Atlanta is specifically targeted for couples, but while this is a definite plus for those looking for a romantic getaway, it doesn’t mean that single pringles can’t enjoy their time there just as much. 

As we mentioned earlier, the Four Seasons Atlanta is located directly in the center of Atlanta’s colorful Midtown, providing direct access both to the commercial shopping districts of the city and the more calm residential suburbs – both of which are perfect for strolls and enjoying time out on the town meeting new people and bouncing from restaurant to restaurant. 

One need only look at this hotel’s name to get a feeling of luxury. Like the W hotels coming up later in this list, the Hyatt name is very strongly associated with exquisite accommodation and regal services. On the other hand, it’s also understandable to start getting pictures of large bills and four-figure numbers.

This particular location, however, isn’t as expensive as one might think and instead falls into the place of being one of the most affordable locations on this list. Hyatt on a budget and with all of the bells and whistles too!

Calling a modest three stars its own, but regardless of possessing a high-quality pool area and free breakfasts for all guests, the Hyatt Place Buckhead borders right up against some of the best laid-back strolling regions of the city, as well as some popular attractions that guests of other hotels would have to travel quite a while to arrive at.

Access in and out of the suburbs surrounding Hyatt Place is easy enough, thanks to the highway that runs directly through the center of the area, and the general hustle and bustle are strong enough to mean that there are enough eateries, takeaway restaurants and bars for guests to thoroughly enjoy themselves without having to wander deeper into the city.

The Hyatt Place’s rooms are also highly praised, with each suite possessing a chic sense of style and immaculate maintenance that is regularly kept up to Hyatt standards by the laundry and room service-wielding staff. No matter what your requirements are, and whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple, or with a child or pet, your needs are filled here at Hyatt Place, with a good amount of glitter and luxury about the edges too.  

We’ve often spoken about W Hotels through our gay hotel review lists on this site, and this brand has come through repeatedly with impressive results and a direct dedication to acceptable staff policy and guest treatment.

That is especially true for this LGBTQ+ friendly four-start tower situated in the center of Atlanta’s main Downtown area, with reviews hailing the W Atlanta as one of the best as well as one of the most gay-accepting non-specifically queer-targeted hotels they have ever stayed at. 

W Hotels are always a little pricey, and as such, this entry on this list sits in the higher rate category, but if you’ve got the wallet to afford even a few nights here, those are sure to be days that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Just like the former W Atlanta Midtown at the very end of this list, the W Atlanta Downtown has a dedicated spa experience attached to its premises and is advertised as free for its guests, meaning that you get the benefits of two separate locations while staying at this hotel.

This modern, stylish atmosphere and vibe extend through every one of the W Atlanta Downtown’s suites and large, spacy rooms, with the vast majority of which possess unparalleled views out over the city and sometimes even 200-degree windows about the edge of the room.

There’s an indoor pool with a stylish infinity mirror and long views, and that’s not to mention the flawless condition and truly impressive style of all the common areas, lounges, lobbies, and even the halls between rooms. Every square foot of the W Atlanta Downtown screams luxury, and you can bet that the caring attentions of the staff back this up to a tee.

We know it’s a little different for one of these lists to include a camping, cabin and RV-pitching site, but the notoriety of The River’s Edge and its reputation within the queer community of Atlanta is too strong to be ignored. You won’t find The River’s Edge on Google, and many of the functions of checking in and out and booking spaces operate through direct contact and word of mouth, but all of these things deepen the hands-on experience. 

This location isn’t for everyone, but it is a real undiscovered gem. The River’s Edge functions highly as a center for events, a local get-together spot, and a clothing-optional resort for the most hearty and open of travelers, and the list of fun options and intriguing diversity doesn’t stop there.

And all of this is without mentioning the River’s Edge’s rates, which are amazingly affordable, and leave you, not all that far away from the center of Atlanta and everything on the more shiny and modern side that the city’s urban heart has to offer. 

Long story short – if you’re okay with staying in a cabin or if you’re down for a bit of roughing it or can bring a camper, a tent, or an RV along on your journey, then this is the perfect place for you as a queer traveler looking for gay accommodation in Atlanta.

Although it may not have shiny rooms and views out over the city like an expensive room in one of the city’s hotels might have, what it has instead is priceless – a feeling of tighter community, more personal service, and a closer connection to the real essence of the queer scene in the city and Atlanta’s beating cultural heart. 

The Artmore Hotel – set inside the refurbished and refined hull of an old 19th-century building- this modern place of accommodation nevertheless delivers an up-to-date experience that fills all the boxes to make it a sound entry to this hotel list and much more. The preaching line of the Artmore Hotel is refined living and excellent access to the city at an affordable price, and this one is the start of a long line of promises that it most absolutely delivers upon.

Located in Midtown amongst some of the very best hotels on this list, and enjoying all of the same benefits in proximity and surroundings that they do, but at a much, much for affordable price! The rate pressure in the area is quite impressive, so it must be understood that it is a rare opportunity to see such low prices in such a respectable location, which makes the Artmore Hotel even more enticing!

Amenities and black-on-white statistics wise, the Artmore has it all – excellent access to commonly-visited attractions and the center of Atlanta’s nightlife, direct connection to the city’s public transport system and the airports for travelers who come from out of the state or country, and a healthy selection of both in-house and surrounding eateries and bars to grab a bite at or hang out in.

Suppose you’re more interested in what’s inside the hotel rather than what’s outside. In that case, the list also extends, including an integrated in-house fitness center for all of your daily routine needs, the hotel’s own personal restaurant and bar ensemble, and – of course – amazing room, laundry, and personal care services. There are also rooms available for hire in the hotel, meaning that this is the perfect spot to hold that event or – even better – your romantic gay getaway wedding.

We know that Motels don’t exactly have the best reputation when it comes to being quality places of accommodation, but when it comes to serving as a quality budget option that provides more than enough of the same benefits that a lot of much more expensive hotels on this list do, the Motel 6 hits all targets and keeps on shooting bullseye.

The Motel 6 Atlanta Downtown is the perfect mix between keeping you in the center of it all and not giving too much of the feeling that you are stuck in the urban jungle on a high rise with no way to escape to other areas of the city. The balance is there to be seized and enjoyed, and it certainly pays off in many more ways than just one!

Not only is the hotel’s location right in the center of Atlanta’s goings-on, at the edge of Downtown and the very center of the city, it is also remarkably pleasing to look at both from inside and without, meaning that you won’t have to cringe in shame as you may have had to in the past with other motels.

The Motel 6 is quality without the price tag – presenting comfortable furniture, sizable rooms, and quite decent rooms with occasional balconies. If your pockets are shallow, or if you’re looking to save up your money for a bit more fun out on the town, this is the place for you.

As tones in well with the no-nonsense attitude that Motel 6 holds about itself as a whole, the staff’s attitude towards queer guests is known to be purely professional and unmarred by disrespect, and this sentiment is proven well by the establishment’s squeaky-clean record with previous queer guests and reviewers. 

Another W hotel – or a least a location that used to be one! It might be a little surprising to see two hotels from the same franchise together on this list, but we promise that the difference in location makes all of the difference to warrant them sharing space. Just as we began this list with a top-shelf luxury hotel, it makes sense that we end it with one, and that is the calling that the new Starling Atlanta Midtown rises to fill.

Not only is this place of accommodation much cheaper than the W location that came before it, and also the other location in Downtown Atlanta, but it also maintains that cherished four-star rating and adds to it with an LGBTQ+-friendly label! Both of these points mean that guests can stay in the Starling Atlanta with zero worries about both the money in their pocket and the way they’re going to be treated during their holiday, and if that doesn’t sound like a great start to describing a hotel, then what is? 

Not only does the Starling Atlanta possess a truly impressive spa facility that has its marker on the map and operates almost as a separate business while remaining complimentary for guests, but it also has a rooftop pool and an in-house restaurant and bar pair to serve to all of your culinary and drink needs. The rooms have excellent cleaning, laundry, and delivery services, and each suite is sure to truly amaze with its wonderful views, chic design, and pristine amenities. 

The Startling is much like the Four Seasons at the beginning of this list in another way: location. The Midtown district is truly the middle ground where everything begins in Atlanta; with this hotel, you can experience it all.

Finally! It is a place where it is possible to both go light on the wallet and afford some luxury while making your tour of Atlanta and looking for a gay hotel! Suppose you’re searching for a middle-rank hotel that nonetheless pulls out all of the stops while serving customers and doing its best to provide a luxurious experience. In that case, the well-kept suites and halls of Loews are definitely for you. 

Whereas most of the other hotels on this list are separated into the natural categories of expensive and luxurious and affordable and decent, the Loews Atlanta does the seemingly impossible and manages to deliver a high-flying four-star rating at a comparably affordable price, all while finding itself located in the much-famed Midtown area of Atlanta, where the rates are famously high to stay at any hotel that is even halfway respectable.

This is an advantage that both the Loews Hotel and its guests fully understand and take advantage of, and the hotel’s clean and happy staff attitude is a driving factor in keeping this location both in good business and in good standing with former guests.

It is also one of the few locations on this list to be explicitly marked as LGBTQ+ friendly, which deepens its impression of being attentive, caring, and on top of the ball when it comes to the gay hotel game. 

The benefits of the Loews Atlanta are as impressive in person as they are on paper, including some of the city’s only wheelchair-accessible rooms, a pet and child-friendly accommodation experience, and a spa and fitness center ensemble if you’re looking for some me-time away from all of the bustle and rush of the street outside between nights on the town. All the five-star hallmarks are there, except the prices!

Feeling a bit lost while planning your journey to Atlanta? No worries, darling! Our detailed LGBTQ+ tailored map is here to guide you. We’ve pinpointed all the vibrant gay-friendly bars, exhilarating clubs, extravagant parties, cozy hotels, relaxing saunas, and soothing massage parlors to ensure you find the perfect spot.

And these aren’t just any spots; we’re talking about the creme de la creme of locations in the heart of the city’s vibrant gay scene. Think panoramic views, easy access to nightlife, and all the amenities to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

But hold on to your feather boas! These hot spots are fabulous; they vanish quicker than a drag queen’s five o’clock shadow. Don’t delay; book now to secure the best deals and locations. Remember, the early bird catches the best deals in Atlanta! So, pack your rainbow flag, and get ready to experience the ultimate gay-friendly holiday in Atlanta.

Destination Gay Atlanta Travel Guide: 2022-2023 Edition

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table of contents 6

WELCOME: Greetings from the Atlanta Mayor

Welcome: greetings from the atlanta convention and visitors bureau.

10 WELCOME TO ATLANTA, Y’ALL: Here in Atlanta, we pride ourselves on love, acceptance, and creating a culture where “y’all” includes all, served with a side of good ol’ Southern hospitality 14 INSIDER INFO: Avoid the “confused tourist” look with our handy-dandy guide to navigating the A 16 THE ATL’S BEST BETS: Atlanta’s most well-attended events, fundraisers, parties, and festivals

TheGeorgiaVoice.com

20 ATLANTA’S ARTISTIC ARRAY: Check out what’s going on in Atlanta’s art world this season

32 ATTRACTIONS INSIDE ATLANTA AND OUT: Atlanta and its surrounding areas boast a myriad of sights and attractions that you don’t want to miss

PO Box 77401 • Atlanta, GA 30357 P: 404-815-6941; F: 404-963-6365 Principal/Publisher: Tim Boyd [email protected]

Editor: Katie Burkholder [email protected]

Art Director: Rob Boeger [email protected]

38 NEIGHBORHOODS: A tour through some of Atlanta’s best gayborhoods 74 OUR SCENE’S CUISINE: Atlanta offers everything from beers and bar food with buds to gourmet candlelit dinners with your partner

Sales Executive: Dixon Taylor

84 NIGHTLIFE: Our best LGBTQ nightlife hotspots

[email protected]

Sales Executive: Jim Brams

92 SHOPPING: Retail therapy heaven

[email protected]

98 LODGING: Your home away from home

Sales Executive & Photographer: Russell Bowen-Youngblood [email protected]

Business Advisor: Lynn Pasqualetti Financial Firm of Record: HLM Financial Group

National Advertising:

Rivendell Media • 908-232-2021 [email protected]

A PRODUCT OF

4 DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDE

104 THE GAY OUTDOORS: Outdoor activities geared towards the LGBTQ community 106 FITNESS: Options to help keep you fit during your stay 108 SPORTS: Where to participate in your favorite sports activity 112 ORGANIZATIONS: Where to get help and volunteer 116 WORSHIP: Inclusive congregations

WARM WELCOMES,

Sip, savor, selfie, shop – and stay the night! HAMPTON INN and SUITES

COURTYARD by MARRIOTT

BOHO115 SHOPPING on the SQUARE

MAKE IT A STAY!

Book a room just steps away from downtown shops, award-winning dining, and easy MARTA access.

See what’s happening this week in Decatur.

VISITORS CENTER

113 Clairemont Ave., Decatur 30030 | visitdecaturga.com

mayor GREETINGS FROM THE

As the 61st Mayor of Atlanta, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the A! Atlanta is the LGBTQ capital of the South, the epicenter of culture, and the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement. In this city, we know two things: Atlanta influences everything and Atlanta includes everybody. We proudly host the largest Black Pride weekend in the world, and welcome international visitors for Atlanta Pride weekend, coinciding with National Coming Out Day. Since 2013, Atlanta has maintained a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, which examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are for LGBTQ people who live and work here. We are the only city in the South to have a Mayor’s Division of LGBTQ Affairs. As Mayor, our administration works every day to ensure that our city remains inclusive for all of our residents, workers, and visitors — including the LGBTQ community. During your stay, I encourage you to visit unique and charming attractions, including the National Center for Civil & Human Rights, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Center, Piedmont Park, Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Westside Park, Atlanta BeltLine, Atlanta Rainbow Crosswalks, Colony Square, and much more. On behalf of the people of Atlanta, I welcome you to Atlanta and extend best wishes for a memorable trip. Sincerely,

Mayor Andre Dickens

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travelers A TOP DESTINATION LOCALE FOR LGBTQ

Greetings! On behalf of Atlanta’s hospitality community, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our city. As a global partner with the International LGBTQ Travel Association, Atlanta takes great pride being the LGBTQ capital of the South and a destination that welcomes all visitors.

Atlanta offers an unparalleled visitor experience, and everyone is buzzing about the destination including Lonely Planet and National Geographic. These travel experts and global brands named Atlanta to their Best of Travel lists for 2022. Setting the city apart is its inclusivity, with a thriving LGBTQ community that celebrates its diversity and its progressive role throughout the South.

Our city is well known as a fantastic choice for travelers as Atlanta was named to Travel Pulse’s 2021 list of top LGBTQinclusive cities for Pride Month. Atlanta Black Pride Weekend is held each Labor Day and celebrates diversity within the community. Atlanta Pride Festival is a week-long celebration in October and is the largest of its kind in the Southeast. The event draws members of the LGBTQ community, allies and advocates together, concluding with National Coming Out Day. I encourage you to visit Centennial Olympic Park surrounded by world-class attractions including Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola and National Center for Civil and Human Rights. The center is home to the LGBTQ Institute which develops and implements programming to advance equality through research and education. As the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Atlanta served as the catalyst for the American civil rights movement. The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park explores the life and history of Dr. King, allowing visitors to follow in his footsteps and honor his legacy. Atlanta’s arts and culture scene generates offerings unmatched in the South. You’ll find an array of visual arts, music and theatrical venues across the destination such as Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Fox Theatre, High Museum of Art and Museum of Design Atlanta. Out Front Theatre Company tells LGBTQ stories through theater and performing arts in Atlanta’s Westside, and don’t forget to explore Midtown to see our iconic rainbow crosswalk at the intersection of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue. For a quick and easy approach to finding places to eat and things to do and see in Atlanta, visit DiscoverAtlanta.com. Once again, we extend a warm welcome and hope you have a wonderful time in Atlanta. Sincerely, William Pate President and CEO Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau

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WELCOME TO ATLANTA,

Here in Atlanta, we pride ourselves on love, acceptance, and creating a culture where “y’all” includes all, served with a side of good ol’ Southern hospitality.

The South gets a back rap, but we’re here to put the myths to rest. In truth, the South is a vibrant and diverse region to live. Did you know that more LGBTQ people — 1 in 3! — live in the South than any other American region? Of course, there are plenty of nasty people here, just like in any other place, that are full of hate and prejudice (unfortunately, some of them have the power to introduce and make laws), but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible to find yourself a place here where you can be loved for who you are. Atlanta is that place. Our city is one with a rich LGBTQ history, and it’s because of this history and the work of those who came before us that we are able to call ourselves the gay mecca of the South. This history isn’t a pretty one; it is one of tragedy, but it’s also one of triumph. That’s because when something needs to be done, Atlantans get it done. The South isn’t just home to the most LGBTQ Americans; it’s home to more than half of Black Americans as well. So, we would be remiss if, when discussing the work queer Atlantans have put in to fight for our right to life, freedom, and joy, we didn’t highlight the role Black queer Atlantans have taken on at the forefront of this fight.

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In 1980, the Gay Atlanta Minority Association was founded and sponsored a forum called “Black Lesbian/Gay/ Transperson Survival in the ‘80s.” Of course, the ‘80s would come to bring tragedy that would threaten the survival of LGBTQ Atlantans for decades to come. In 1981, what would later become known as HIV first came to public awareness through a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report. Even today, Black LGBTQ people are disproportionately impacted by HIV. Out of this tragedy, though, emerged Black LGBTQ organizations dedicated to creating community and bolstering solidarity in the face of adversity. These organizations include ZAMI NOBLA, Second Sunday, Southerners on New Ground, Brothers Back 2 Back, and In the Life Atlanta. LGBTQ activists, particularly Black activists and other people of color, have made Atlanta — and Georgia — a household name nationwide with their dedication to not only LGBTQ issues, but racial and gender equality, combatting police brutality, the eradication of HIV, advocating for voting rights, and more. They are truly the backbone not only of this city, but this state and country. As you peruse both this travel guide and our beautiful city, know that both are what they are only because of the work of these individuals, now and throughout history. Georgia Voice is proud to produce Destination Gay Atlanta, a travel guide with everything you need to know about exploring the city: where to shop, what to eat, where to stay, what to do… everything. We’re dedicated to providing Atlanta’s visitors and locals alike with the most up-to-date and LGBTQ-friendly guide to exploring our beautiful city. For those new here, Georgia Voice is the oldest and largest LGBTQ publication in Atlanta with roots tracing back to the ‘80s, a period rife with LGBTQ activism. When this

publication was launched, it was with the mission of fighting to be a voice of gay Atlanta, and we continue this mission today. We pride ourselves on creating a safe haven for all Georgians and those around the region and country who want to experience a taste of Southern culture without fear. As Georgia Voice continues to cover the issues affecting our community, locally and nationally, we’d like to take on a journey back in time to see how our state and city have evolved over the years.

Georgia’s LGBTQ History

In 1817, Georgia enacted our first anti-sodomy law. A few years later, in 1833, the law was expanded to outlaw “carnal knowledge and connection against the order of nature by man with man, or in the same unnatural manner with woman.” The punishment? A sentence of life imprisonment with labor. The law existed for more than 50 years before the U.S. Supreme Court heard and overturned Georgia’s first-ever conviction of sodomy in 1884. However, the law was still in place. In 1949, the penalty was reduced to one to 10 years in prison, something Michael Hardwick faced after being caught having consensual sex with his partner after the police raided his home on a warrant for failing to appear in court on a charge of public drinking. The warrant was deemed invalid because Hardwick had already paid the fine, and Hardwick challenged the anti-sodomy law in court, deeming it an infringement on his right to privacy.

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atlanta Continued from page 11 In 1986, the Supreme Court finally ruled in Powell v. State that an individual’s right to privacy trumped the law, effectively making homosexuality legal in Georgia. After fear of arrest was eliminated for LGBTQ Georgians, LGBTQ presence in Atlanta and beyond grew exponentially — and with it, LGBTQ activism.

Here’s a quick look at more of Atlanta’s LGBTQ history: 1971: The first Pride Parade, organized by the Georgia

Atlanta Pride

Gay Liberation Front, takes to the streets.

1972: The Metropolitan Community Church, which

works specifically to reach out to the LGBTQ community, establishes itself in the Atlanta area.

1992: Emory University establishes its Gay and Lesbian

1972: Mayor Sam Massell appoints the first-ever community liaison, Charlie St. John, an activist and journalist working for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

1993: Fulton County is the first country in the state to

1974: Bill Smith, a local activist, founds the Atlanta Barb, the first publication for, by, and about our community.

the city an Olympics-worthy campaign to attract LGBTQ tourism to our welcoming city, starting with the games.

1976: The Atlanta Gay Center is opened.

1997: Cathy Woolard becomes first openly LGBTQ

1978: Anti-gay activist and national celebrity Anita

Bryant speaks to an anti-LGBTQ crowd as she plays host to the Southern Baptist Convention and its parishioners. The event, drawing a crowd of 4,000, is held at the Georgia World Congress Center.

1981: The first cases of AIDS are reported by the CDC. 1982: The first official proclamation for Pride is issued by the city government of Atlanta.

1983: The Atlanta Campaign for Human Rights is established. It’s now known as Georgia Equality.

1984: Mayor Andrew Young inaugurates the first Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights Day.

1985: Congregation Bet Havarim, the first LGBTQ welcoming synagogue, opens its doors.

1988: Our predecessor, Southern Voice, begins its historic LGBTQ coverage of Atlanta and the surrounding area. 1988: Mayor Maynard Jackson becomes first Atlanta mayor to attend Pride.

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Student Life office.

issue an official Pride proclamation, joining Atlanta.

1996: The Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Visitors Center gives

politician elected to the Atlanta city council.

2000: Karla Drenner becomes first openly LGBTQ member of the Georgia House of Representatives. 2001: Cathy Woolard becomes the first openly LGBTQ City Council President of Atlanta.

2003: Fulton County becomes the first county in the state to pass domestic-partnership registration for county residents and municipal employees in same-sex relationships. 2004: The passage of a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage stymies the recognition of same-sex relationships by our state. 2005: The General Assembly passes a law which legalizes the ability of counties to establish domesticpartnership benefits for county employees. 2007: The city-county government of Athens legalizes health benefits for unmarried domestic partners.

2010: Simone Bell becomes first openly lesbian African American woman to be elected to the Georgia General Assembly.

2011: House member Rashad Taylor comes out,

becoming the first male, openly gay member of the Georgia House of Representatives.

2015: The Eleventh Circuit Court ruled in Glenn v. Brumby that firing someone based on gender-nonconformity violates the Constitution’s prohibition on sex discrimination, giving trans and gender nonconforming employees legal protections in Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.

2016: Gov. Nathan Deal vetoes HB 757, legislation that

made it through both bodies of our state government. The bill would have allowed state adoption agencies to deny children to same-sex couples on religious grounds.

2018: The Senate passes SB 375, which calls for allowing private adoption agencies receiving state funds to deny adoptions for certain couples or individual parents based on sincerely held religious beliefs. It does not make it through the house. 2020: Gov. Brian Kemp signs HB 426 into law, which mandates enhanced sentencing for people convicted of

targeting a victim due to their “actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, mental disability, or physical disability.” It is the first bill passed in Georgia protecting LGBTQ people from hate crimes.

2020: Kim Jackson becomes the first openly LGBTQ politician to be elected to the Georgia Senate. 2022: The Fulton County District Attorney’s office establishes an LGBTQ Advisory Committee, the first of its kind in the Southeast. 2022: Gov. Brian Kemp signs SB 164 into law, which modernizes the state’s HIV laws. Now that you’ve got a crash course in Georgia LGBTQ history, it’s time to see what Atlanta and our surrounding communities have to offer while you’re here in our great city! We’re so glad to have you here, enjoy y’all! With love and solidarity, Georgia Voice

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insider info

a local ACT LIKE

Avoid the “confused tourist” look with our handy-dandy guide to navigating the A Getting Around Town

Atlanta is infamous for its transportation. To truly be an Atlantan, you need to learn the art of defensive driving, as Atlanta’s drivers are some of the worst in the country. When it comes to driving around the city, you will need to be comfortable with driving the highway. While you can drive back roads pretty much anywhere within the perimeter (aka I-285, which loops around the city), chances are it’ll take much longer, and — unless there’s a crash on the highway — the traffic probably won’t be much better. So, if you’re driving, be ready to brave the crowded Atlanta highways: the major ones you’re bound to encounter are I-20, which runs east to west; I-75, which runs northwest to southeast; and I-85, which runs northeast to southwest. Be mindful when it comes to parking. Our city’s parking enforcement is known for vigilance, especially in Midtown, so you will be ticketed, booted, or even towed. If you’re in a paid lot with Park Mobile signs, make sure you pay through the app.

Unfortunately, thanks to a lack of long-term, historic infrastructure (shoutout Sherman’s march to the sea!), Atlanta’s public transportation system isn’t comparable to other major American cities like Chicago or New York. MARTA (ItsMarta.com), our train and bus system, is a convenient way to get some places around town, but it won’t take you everywhere. We suggest opting for MARTA to get to Piedmont Park (especially if you’re going to a festival like Music Midtown), the Fox Theatre, the Woodruff Arts Center (home to the High Museum, Alliance Theatre, and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra), downtown Atlanta, downtown Decatur, or the airport. The bus system will take you further outside the bounds of the subway, but it can be confusing and tedious even for locals. If you’re staying in the downtown area, the Atlanta Streetcar (ItsMarta.com/streetcar.aspx) is a prime mode of transportation for you. It connects the Centennial Olympic Park area to the Martin Luther King Jr. National

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Historic Site. Cars run about every 15 minutes and there are 12 stops along this 2.7-mile route. This lack of infrastructure, which results in an almost complete lack of grid system in the city, plus our hilly geography, means that Atlanta isn’t very walkable. However, the Atlanta BeltLine (BeltLine.org) is working to change that. The massive project is comprised of a 22-mile route around the city along abandoned railroad tracks and 33 miles of multi-use trails for the ultimate outdoor experience. The BeltLine links you to Piedmont Park, Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market and dozens of other green spaces. Other walkable pockets that provide a charming afternoon of shopping and dining include the tourist area around Centennial Olympic Park (including the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights), Atlantic Station, Decatur, East Atlanta Village, Little Five Points, Virginia-Highland, the Midtown epicenter of 10th and Piedmont, and more! You can learn more about each of Atlanta’s distinct neighborhoods later in this guide. If you’re looking to just take a walk without a destination, Atlanta has several expansive parks that offer a more relaxing, nature-filled experience than the bustling BeltLine. Some of our favorites include Westside Park, Piedmont Park, Freedom Park, and the Decatur Cemetery.

Make a Plan

When it comes to braving a day out in Atlanta, there are several things to consider before making your plan. Atlanta is known for its hot hot HOT summers. So, if you’re going somewhere outdoors anytime from May to even as late as October, dress accordingly. Luckily, Atlanta is a city in a forest — 48 percent of land within the city limits is covered by tree canopy — which means chances are there will be some shade to find relief from the brutal Atlanta heat. Our beautiful – if not scorching – Southern weather attracts

Photo via Facebook

people in troves. If you’re going out during the weekend, especially somewhere outdoors, expect crowds. Atlantans also love their weekend brunch, so if you’re planning on a morning of chicken and waffles and mimosas, make a reservation or be ready for a wait. Finally, if you’re driving, be prepared for Atlanta’s infamous traffic. If you can, avoid the roads from 4-7pm on weekdays. If you can’t (which is likely – it’s rush hour for a reason!), give yourself ample time to get to your destination, pick a good playlist to pass the time, and remember to breathe through the road rage when someone inevitably cuts you off.

As with any big city, Atlanta has its share of break-ins, robberies, and other crimes. If you’re out for a night on the town, think safety first: don’t leave valuables in your car, park only in well-lit areas, and remember there’s safety in numbers. Should you need, there are four LGBTQ liaison safety officials for the city: Officer Brandon Hayes with the Atlanta Police Department, Captain Latia Posey and Firefighter Anare Holmes with the Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department, and Captain Kamula McKnight-Butler with the Department of Corrections.

Sound like a Southerner

It’s fine to integrate with the locals, but nothing will have us clutching our beads faster than misusing the Southern

expression “y’all.” A contraction for “you all,” y’all is only used for in plural. Use it to refer to one person, and you might be met with a “bless your heart.” Avoid calling the city “Hotlanta.” No true Atlantan actually calls it that, so it’ll make you stick out like a sore thumb. Bonus points for dropping the second t — “Atlanna” — to really sound like a local.

Look Out for One Another

In Atlanta, we advocate for one another, especially those of us who are marginalized. Atlanta is a queer city. Atlanta is a Black city. If you are not down for that, we’re not down for you. Unfortunately, the state surrounding our wonderful city is not completely on the same page, and while Atlanta is a wonderful place to live and be, it also has its problems. So, we Atlantans have to regularly take to the streets in protest. Larger protests often happen at the Capitol and Centennial Olympic Park, but smaller actions happen all over the city. To keep up with protests going on, follow @WhereProtest on Twitter. If you don’t have the time or ability to protest, there are still ways to be involved. You can volunteer with or donate to any of Atlanta’s LGBTQ organizations (find a list on pages 112-113), and above all else, you can be kind and loving and respectful to everyone you meet, especially Atlantans who are unhoused. Give when you can and show humanity always. That’s the real Atlanta way.

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best bets ATLANTA’S

There’s no end to what you can do out and about in Atlanta, but the city’s home to several events each year, LGBTQ and otherwise, that are worth planning a trip around. We’ve rounded out some of Atlanta’s most well-attended events, fundraisers, parties, and festivals — start filling up your calendar now! Piedmont Park Arts Festival August 20-21, 2022 Enjoy art, live music, and familyfriendly fun while basking in the summer sun at this two-day festival. Up to 250 painters, photographers, sculptors, and other visual artists will be featured at one of Sunshine Arts Magazine’s Top 100 Arts Festivals. PiedmontParkArtsFestival.com Black Gay Pride September 2022 What began as informal house parties grew into the largest Black Gay Pride celebration in the world. Join fellow Black LGBTQ folks for a weekend full of partying and community! AtlantaPrideWeekend.com

Pure Heat Community Festival September 2022 This free “day of unity” is a gathering of Atlanta’s LGBTQ minorities and allies, organized by Atlanta Black Pride. The event is hosted at the Piedmont Park Promenade and Fountain this year and will be equipped with market and food vendors, live celebrity and local performers, entertainment, dance competitions, live hair battles, educational forums, prizes, and giveaways. A portion of proceeds benefit homeless LGBTQ youth and those impacted by HIV/AIDS. PureHeatCommunityFestival.com

Dragon Con September 1-5, 2022 Sci-fi and fantasy lovers, this one’s for you! At Dragon Con, you’re sure to see some of the biggest names in scifi and fantasy, some of your favorite characters in the form of cosplay and costumes, and so much more. DragonCon.org Peach International Tennis Championships September 3-5, 2022 The Peach International Tennis Championships is hosted by the Atlanta Team Tennis Association, the city’s LGBTQ league, at the South Fulton Tennis Center. It draws players from throughout the region

Joining Hearts Weekend File photo by Russell Bowen-Youngblood

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DragonCon File photo

for competition in men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles in as many as four divisions. Atta.org Yellow Daisy Festival September 8-11, 2022 Travel a bit outside the perimeter to historic Stone Mountain Park for this festival. The 54-year-old awardwinning festival connects families and friends with shopping, live music, delicious food, and oodles of fun. The Yellow Daisy Festival is a big show with a small-town feel, perfect for those of all ages. StoneMountainPark.com Heart of Hearts – “Fall Back in Love” September 10, 2022 This fundraising event will feature music from Roland Belmares and will benefit Joining Hearts, an organizing raising awareness and funds to support prevention, care, and housing assistance to those impacted by HIV/AIDS. JoiningHearts.com Atlanta Food & Wine Festival September 15-18, 2022 Historic Fourth Ward Park AtlFoodAndWineFestival.com Music Midtown September 17-18, 2022 Held in Piedmont Park, Music Midtown is one of Atlanta’s best music festivals. This year’s headliners

are My Chemical Romance, Future, Jack White, and Fall Out Boy. MusicMidtown.com North Georgia State Fair September 22 – October 2, 2022 There’s nothing better than a classic state fair. Great rides, free concerts, live-action and death-defying events, and all the trimmings that come with the annual state fair abound once again in Jim R.Miller park in Marietta. NorthGeorgiaStateFair.com Out On Film September 22 – October 2, 2022 You’re invited to attend the 35th annual Out On Film LGBTQ film festival! A slew of movies will hit the big screen in various theaters across the city as part of this epic event, many of them documentaries or never-before-seen indie films. OutOnFilm.org Atlanta Greek Festival September 23-25, 2022 For over four decades, Greek Orthodox Cathedral has opened its doors to host one of Atlanta’s landmark cultural events, The Atlanta Greek Festival. Come experience warm hospitality, exuberant dancing, sumptuous wines, unique artisan jewelry and apparel, rich history, deep faith, and some of the most delicious food in Atlanta! AtlantaGreekFestival.org

Sweet Auburn Music Festival September 23-25, 2022 This festival, deemed the most exciting urban music festival in the U.S., draws in thousands of people to the Sweet Auburn District to experience good food, good music, and tons of fun. From upcoming hip-hop acts to timeless R&B, gospel stars, rap veterans, and alternative greats, the Sweet Auburn Music Fest has it all. SweetAuburnMusicfest.com AIDS Walk Atlanta September 24, 2022 Atlantans and tourists are encouraged to register as individuals or teams to run or walk in this 5K course to raise money for critical HIV/AIDS research. AIDAtlanta.org East Atlanta Strut September 24, 2022 The East Atlanta Strut is a free, oneday extravaganza that showcases the hottest in-town neighborhood in Atlanta, East Atlanta Village. More than 10,000 folks from the Atlanta metro area join the Strut as paraders, shoppers, eaters, drinkers, and players. EastAtlantaStrut.com Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival October 1-2, 2022 Head out to Historic Fourth Ward Park to celebrate community and tradition and enjoy fine arts and crafts, a children’s play area, local

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events Continued from page 17 food and beverages, and live acoustic entertainment. This festival is presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces. OldFourthWardParkArtsFestival.com Big Ol’ Slice of 100% Atlanta Gay Pride October 6-10, 2022 Come party with thousands of men from around the country for this ultimate circuit party experience! This year’s DJ lineup includes Rosabel, Paulo, Nina Flowers, Cindel, Ana Flor, Alex Acosta, Tony Moran, Deanne, Micky Friedman, Martin Fry, Ed Wood, Seth Breezy, Jess Montanez, Karlitos, and Phoenix. GaBoyEvents.com Atlanta Pride Festival October 7-9, 2022 For more than 40 years, Atlanta Pride has been the most powerful reminder of the city’s LGBTQ progress. An estimated 300,000 attendees come to the weekend of festivities and to support local businesses and organizations at the market. The festival is one of the largest Pride celebrations in the country and continues to bring locals and visitors alike to Piedmont Park and the parade down Peachtree Street. AtlantaPride.org Festival on Ponce October 8-9, 2022 Olmsted Linear Park FestivalOnPonce.com Stone Mountain Highland Games October 14-16, 2022 Stone Mountain Park Smhg.org Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade October 22-23, 2022 Each October, over 35,000 people flock to Little 5 Points to experience the signature Halloween festival in the Southeast and one of the top ten Halloween events in the country. Come enjoy great food and drink, live entertainment, and the best Halloween parade in the South! L5PHalloween.com

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Anime Weekend Atlanta October 27-30, 2022 Renaissance Waverly Hotel and Cobb Galleria awa-con.com Macy’s Great Tree Lighting Show November 2022 TBD Lenox Square Mall Chomp & Stomp Chili Festival November 2022 TBD Cabbagetown Park ChompAndStomp.com Chastain Park Arts Festival November 5-6, 2022 Chastain Park ChastainParkArtsFestival.com Atlanta Veterans Day Parade and Festival November 12, 2022 Downtown Atlanta GeorgiaVeteransDay.org Garden Lights, Holiday Nights Nightly November 12, 2022 – January 14, 2023 Atlanta Botanical Garden AtlantaBG.org Toy Party December 2022 TBD One of the most poignant signs of LGBTQ Atlantans’ commitment to their city and neighbors is the mound of toys on display each December at the annual Toy Party. The event, presented by For the Kid in All of Us, has grown into one of the largest social events of the year. ForTheKid.org Voices of Note Holiday Concert December 2022 TBD VoicesOfNote.org The Children’s Christmas Parade December 3, 2022 Choa.org “Love is a Gift” Fundraiser for Joining Hearts December 11, 2022 JoiningHearts.org Atlanta Jewish Film Festival February 2023 TBD Ajff.org

Cupid’s Undie Run February 2023 TBD Cupids.org Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 2023 TBD AtlantaStPats.com Atlanta Dogwood Festival Spring 2023 TBD Piedmont Park Dogwood.org Atlanta Film Festival Spring 2023 TBD Various theaters AtlantaFilmFestival.com Atlanta Jazz Festival Memorial Day Weekend 2023 Piedmont Park AtlJazzFest.com AIDS Vaccine 200 Bike Ride May 2023 TBD Each year, dozens of bike riders gather for a 200-mile fundraising ride from Emory University to Rock Eagle 4-H Center. The ride raises money for HIV/AIDS research at the Emory Vaccine Center and other LGBTQ nonprofits, while celebrating the memories of lives lost to the disease. ActionCyclingAtl.com Big Peach Softball Tournament May 2023 TBD Hosted by the gay Hotlanta Softball League, the Big Peach draws hundreds of players from dozens of teams around the country for a weekend of softball competition in multiple divisions, plus plenty of socializing. HotlantaSoftball.org Decatur Arts Festival May 2023 TBD Downtown Decatur DecaturArtsFestival.com Peach Party Atlanta May 2023 TBD Atlanta’s premier circuit party weekend brings in the hottest DJ talent from around the world! Thousands of the hottest men from around the world converge in the metro to dance the night away to the

Atlanta Pride Run

best beats in the Southeast. PeachPartyAtlanta.com Atlanta Comic Con Summer 2023 TBD Embrace your inner nerd at Atlanta’s #1 family-friendly comic convention. Head to the Georgia World Congress Center to enjoy a weekend of comic books, cosplay, panels, celebrity appearances, and more! AtlComicConvention.com Decatur BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass Festival Summer 2023 TBD Head to Legacy Park to sing the blues and chow down on the best BBQ metro Atlanta has to offer! This delicious festival proudly benefits the Community Center of South Decatur by supporting educational programs, community events, and providing grants to other non-profit groups in the city of Decatur. DecaturBBQFestival.com HRC Atlanta Gala Dinner & Auction Summer 2023 TBD Raising about $400,000 annually for the Human Rights Campaign, the Atlanta HRC dinner is a standardbearer throughout the nation. The

annual black-tie affair, which will celebrate its 33rd year, features leading activists and entertainers advancing gay rights and honors local LGBTQ leaders and allies. HRCAtlanta.com/gala-dinner Joining Hearts Weekend Summer 2023 TBD An extra dose of “fun” is added to “fundraising” each summer during the Joining Hearts party, which uses 100 percent of proceeds to provide housing for people with HIV. This year, which celebrates the organization’s 35th anniversary, will feature music from DJs Liza Rodriguez, Mauro Mozart, and Manny Lehman. JoiningHearts.org Atlanta Pride Run Early June 2023 TBD The Atlanta Pride Run & Walk is an annual 5K race and walk organized by the Front Runners Atlanta running club. Proceeds from the registration and other fundraisers are donated to a local charity that supports the LGBTQ community in Georgia. FrontRunnersAtlanta.org Atlanta Summer Beer Fest June 2023 TBD

Historic Fourth Ward Park AtlantaSummerBeerFestival.com Flying Colors Butterfly Festival June 2023 TBD Chattahoochee Nature Center ChattNatureCenter.org Southern Fried Queer Pride June 2023 TBD This homegrown version of Pride puts the spotlight on queer and trans Southerners, offering an inclusive atmosphere at each of its parties, potlucks, pop-ups and workshops. SouthernFriedQueerPride.com Virginia-Highland Summerfest June 2023 TBD VaHiSummerfest.org Peachtree Road Race July 4, 2023 PeachtreeRoadRace.org Taste of Atlanta Fall 2023 TBD Historic Fourth Ward Park Taste of Atlanta is an annual festival celebrating the best restaurants and dishes in Atlanta. Purchase “points” and use them to get samples from 30+ of the best restaurants in the city. TasteOfAtlanta.com

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artistic array ATLANTA’S

Whether you’re a theater geek, a dance fanatic, musical maniac, or art afficionado, Atlanta’s arts scene is top-notch and sure to impress. Check out what’s going on in Atlanta’s art world this season. The World’s a Stage

If plays and musical theater are your things, but a pricey ticket to the Big Apple isn’t, take a look at what’s on stage in the ATL. Since its inception in 2016, LGBTQ-owned Out Front Theatre Company (OutFrontTheatre.com) has produced outstanding theatrical experiences which focus on the voices of the LGBTQ community. The theatre is the only in Atlanta that caters specifically to LGBTQ audiences. Each summer, Out Front also hosts camps for emerging young artists ages 13 to 17 to teach them about the art of theatre, film, and TV. The famous Fox Theatre has a slew of Broadway favorites in its 2022/23 season. Check out classics like “Chicago,” “Moulin Rouge,” “Wicked,” “Chicago,” and more. Learn more and buy tickets at FoxTheatre.org.

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You may have heard of the Alliance Theatre (AllianceTheatre.org) because it boasts its very own Tony Award. For its 54th season, Alliance is back at the Woodruff Arts Center with “Everybody,” “The Hot Wing King,” “Water for Elephants,” “The Many Condrous Realities of Jasmine Starr-Kidd,” “Lonely Planet,” and of course, their annual performance of “A Christmas Carol.” If you’re a theater buff who’s looking to discover a new, lesser-known favorite, Atlanta is also home to theaters that bring independent works into the spotlight. Horizon Theatre (HorizonTheatre.com) has 172 seats to watch its contemporary plays. On September 30 through November 6, catch “Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812,” deemed by the New York Times as “the

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the arts Continued from page 20 best new musical to poen on Broadway since ‘Hamilton!’” Actor’s Express grows talent through regular performances at the King Plow Arts Center. This season, enjoy shows like “Oh, to be Pure Again,” “Urinetown,” “Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train,” “Prayer for the French Republic,” “cullud wattah,” “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” and more. Buy tickets at Actors-Express.com. 7 Stages Theatre (7Stages.org), located in Little 5 Points off Euclid Avenue, has brought works of political and social importance to the stage since 1979. They also host the Atlanta Fringe Festival, a week’s worth of live performances spanning genre and format, including comedy, drama, dance, circus, aerial, puppetry, poetry, and more. Now’s the time to make plans to attend the spectacular shows scheduled for the City Springs Performing Arts Center at City Springs! In their 2022/23 season, enjoy “Anything Goes,” “In The Heights,” “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” and “Cats.” Learn more and buy tickets at CitySpringsTheatre.com.

Theatrical Outfit is an Atlanta-based theater company whose purpose is to provide their diverse audiences, actors, and artists with rich theater experience. In their 2022/23 season, they’re showing “Flex,” “The White Chip,” “Tiny Beautiful Things,” and “The Humans.” Learn more and buy tickets at TheatricalOutfit.org. Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company (TrueColorsTheatre.org) is a non-profit theater company cofounded by Tony-winning Broadway director Kenny Leon and Jane Bishop in 2002. The theatre company produces worldpremiere plays by diverse playwrights with a commitment to preserving African American classics. As there is no permanent theater space for the company, they have dubbed themselves a “moveable feast,” presenting plays at the Southwest Arts Center, Theatrical Outfits Balzer Theatre, Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center, and the Rialto Center for the Arts. The Aurora Theatre (AuroraTheatre.com) in Lawrenceville welcomes in a number of performances this summer, including their Summer Chills and Thrills series in partnership with Lawrenceville Ghost Tours. This season, expect “Mary Poppins,” “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical,” “Kim’s Convenience,” and “The Play That Goes Wrong.”

The Sound of Music

There’s more — much more! — to Hotlanta’s art scene than theater. Atlanta Ballet (AtlantaBallet.com) is one of the nation’s premier dance companies, and its 92-year history helped make it the State Ballet of Georgia. The dancers bring us a fabulous slate of performances this season, including their annual “The Nutcracker” performance during the winter holidays as well as “Beauty and the Beast” and “Don Quixote.” Voices of Note, the organization that includes both the Atlanta Women’s Chorus and the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus, presents dynamic vocal performances that act as catalysts for social change. Keep up with their performances at VoicesOfNote.org.

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24 DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDE

SEASON TICKETS AVAILABLE!

Season Ticket holders receive many exclusive offers and discounts throughout the year, plus invitations to special events and reserved seating for every show!

Tickets and more at: OutFrontTheatre.com

Balanchine Inspired — A Mixed Bill Sept 16–18, 2022 The Nutcracker With the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra Dec 9–26, 2022 Midwinter Dreams — A Mixed Bill February 10–12, 2023 Beauty and the Beast A One-Hour Family Ballet February 18–19, 2023 Don Quixote With the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra March 17–19, 2023 Significant Others — A Mixed Bill May 12–14, 2023

Don’t Miss a Moment! From works you know and love such as the swashbuckling Don Quixote and George Balanchine’s Serenade, to premieres from Tony Award-winning choreographer Justin Peck and the critically acclaimed Cathy Marston, the 2022-2023 season brims over with excitement and joy. Join us!

See the full season at atlantaballet.com

Miguel Angel Montoya. Photo by Rachel Neville.

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the arts Continued from page 24 The Atlanta Opera is another can’t-miss swarm of vocal talent, bringing performances like “Madama Butterfly,” “Don Giovanni,” “Candide,” and “Das Rheingold” to audiences at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Marietta. Learn more and buy tickets at AtlantaOpera.org. We can’t forget the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. This season, the symphony is hosting a variety of events, including Beethoven’s Ninth, conducted by Nathalie Stutzmann; Coco in Concert; The Fab Four, a Beatles tribute show; Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons;” and more. Learn more and buy tickets at Aso.org.

It’s hard to be in Atlanta without noticing all the visual art around — it’s in gift shops, it’s on murals, it’s on the walls of famous Krog Street Tunnel. It’s also on display in more traditional museums and galleries, like the High Museum in Midtown. The High’s upcoming exhibits include “Stephen Burks: Shelter in Place,” “Rodin in the United States: Confronting the Modern,” and “Monir Farmanfarmaian: A Mirror Garden.” Learn more and buy tickets at High.org. Atlanta also boasts several other amazing art galleries, including the Museum of Contemporary Art (MocaGa. org), the Museum of Design Atlanta (MuseumOf

Design.org), Bill Lowe Gallery (LoweGallery.com). Alan Avery Art Company (AlanAveryArtCompany.com), Tew Galleries (TewGalleries.com), and the rek Gallery (Rek.Gallery). If paintings and pictures aren’t your thing, you can also check out SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film (ScadFash.org) and the Center for Puppetry Arts (Puppet.org). If seeing art isn’t enough for you, you can also make your own! Make a pit-stop at Decatur Glassblowing (DecaturGlassblowing.com), All Fired Up (AllFiredUpArt. com), Atlanta Clay Works (AtlClayWorks.org), and MudFire (Mudfire.com) for some one-of-a-kind, handmade souvenirs from your trip to the big city.

Catch a Concert

If you’re looking to see your favorite artist in concert, they might be coming to Atlanta! Some of Atlanta’s best music venues include the Eastern (EasternAtl.com), the Masquerade (MasqueradeAtlanta.com), Tabernacle (TabernacleAtl.com), Terminal West (TerminalWestAtl. com), Variety Playhouse (Variety-Playhouse.com), and City Winery (CityWinery.com). Bigger artists may perform at State Farm Arena (StateFarmArena.com), MercedesBenz Stadium (MercedesBenzStadium.com), or Ameris Bank Ampitheatre (EncoreParkAmpitheatre.com).

Ellsworth Kelly (American,1923–2015), Red Curve VI, 1982, Oil on canvas at the High Museum. Courtesy image

28 DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDE

“Strictly Sondheim” is a celebration of the life of legendary Broadway composer and lyricist, Stephen Sondheim. Sondheim made his debut as a lyricist in 1957 with “West Side Story”, and went on to revolutionize the modern musical with his unique style, which is represented by shows like “Company”, “Sweeney Todd”, “Sunday in the Park with George”, “Into the Woods”, and many more. The AGMC and AWC look forward to honoring this gay icon by performing pieces from his illustrious career. All proceeds from this concert will benefit the choruses, allowing us to keep making music for years to come.

Featuring soloists from:

Tickets and more at:

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sightseeing

Atlanta Botanical Garden Photo via Facebook

ATTRACTIONS

inside atlanta and out

Whether it’s your first time in Atlanta or you’re a lifelong resident, Atlanta and its surrounding areas boast a myriad of sights and attractions that you don’t want to miss. From illuminating museums and outdoor marvels to renowned theme parks and one-of-a-kind attractions, there’s something for everyone. In Atlanta

Atlanta Botanical Garden With 30 acres of cultivated gardens and a fantastic restaurant, Longleaf, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens offers something new to see every season of the year. If you’re visiting during the winter holidays, stop in and see the incredible Garden Lights exhibit after dark, and don’t forget to stop into the satellite garden in Gainesville for even more natural beauty. Center for Civil and Human Rights Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, the Center for Civil and Human Rights connects the African American, LGBTQ, and global human rights movements in an

32 DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDE

engaging and thought-provoking way, which is why this attraction is at the top of many lists and has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. CNN Center Take an educational tour of the world headquarters of CNN. A ride on the longest freestanding escalator in the world (it’s 193 feet long, ascending eight stories!) will take you up to the main newsrooms and studios for several of CNN’s news channels where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at television and news production.

Continues on page 34

R IALTO CENTER FOR THE ARTS

SEASON OF POwER + SPIRIT

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*Artists Subject To Change.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium Photo via Facebook

Continued from page 32 Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola Located across the street from one another, visitors can go from high fiving a polar bear to watching live penguins, marine mammals, and fish swim to their hearts’ content. Plan your trip in advance, and you can schedule a time to come face-to-face with beluga whales or spend a night under the sea. Illuminarium Embark on an African safari, explore the depths of space, or sip cocktails in a Tokyo night market, all without leaving the city! Illuminarium offers these a one-of-akind experience (or rather, two-of-a-kind – the only other location is in Las Vegas) through the combination of 4K interactive projection, 360-degree audio, in-floor vibrations, and scent systems. Enjoy a family-friendly experience or opt for the 21+ after dark option. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site Atlanta’s activist roots can be tied to the Civil Rights movement with heroes like Martin Luther King, Jr. Tour the 35 acres dedicated to his life and work and see where he and his wife (and ardent LGBTQ ally) Coretta Scott King are now laid to rest. You can also stop by and tour Dr. King’s birth home just down the street.

for the study of art and culture from around the world, with collections from Africa; ancient Egypt, Nubia, and the Near East; ancient Greece and Rome; the Indigenous Americas; and South Asia; as well as American and European Works on Paper. Historic Oakland Cemetery Historic Oakland Cemetery is Atlanta’s oldest public park and the final resting place of many of the city’s most noted citizens, like Margaret Mitchell and Ivan Allen, Jr. Less than a mile from downtown, its 48 acres are full of treasures – history and gardens, sculpture and architecture, ancient oaks and magnolias. Piedmont Park Grab an electric scooter or bicycle or put on your comfiest walking shoes for an afternoon of sheer beauty! The sprawling hills, breathtaking lake, and miles of walking paths are perfect for an afternoon outdoors. The park offers several baseball fields, beach volleyball courts, several playgrounds, two dog parks, and even a pool for those t summer days! It’s also the perfect place for a picnic under one of the parks hundreds of lush, shaded trees.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium Catch a Falcons game or Atlanta United match at this massive architectural icon. The concessions are uber affordable, and if the weather is nice, you’ll be able to watch the dome open up.

The Roof at Ponce City Market Yes, that’s the name — The Roof. It’s 1.7 acres of sheer entertainment that harkens back to its 19th-century amusement park roots, featuring a beer garden, snow cones, gourmet hot dogs, and more. And if that isn’t enticing, miniature golf and other low-tech rides, including a giant slide simulating a free fall, are also available. Visit during the winter to ice skate with views of the Atlanta skyline.

Michael C. Carlos Museum Set in the heart of Emory’s campus in Decatur, the Michael C. Carlos Museum is a dynamic, interdisciplinary center

SkyView Enjoy the best views in the city on this 20-story Ferris wheel, located directly across Centennial Olympic Park.

34 DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDE

Go at night to soak in the lights of downtown from your own climate-controlled gondola. Six Flags Over Georgia Love the thrill of going upside down at 60 miles per hour? Head to Georgia’s most visited amusement park just miles from downtown Atlanta! Located in Austell off the Chattahoochee River, the theme park houses more than 11 roller coasters and a total of 44 rides for all ages. Don’t forget to cool off at Hurricane Harbor with three water slides and more than a dozen attractions. Truist Park Calling all baseball fans! Located just outside the perimeter, Truist Park is home to the Atlanta Braves. Catch a game, take a guided tour, or stop by The Battery, the outdoor dining and shopping centr located steps from the field. From bowling to bull-riding, karaoke to concerts at the CocaCola Roxy, The Battery the perfect pre- or post-game plan. Zoo Atlanta One word: pandas. Kidding. They’re, of course, a highlight of Zoo Atlanta, but definitely not the only animal to learn about. Come see birds, reptiles, mammals, and more — and if you time it right, you can even help feed the giraffes.

A short drive away

Babyland General Hospital Children of the 1980s will get a kick out of this peculiar tourist attraction in Cleveland, Georgia — the hometown of Cabbage Patch Kids creator Xavier Roberts. Babyland is the place where Cabbage Patch Kids are “born” and presents itself as a real hospital, with staffers dressed as doctors and nurses. Blue Ridge This mountain town 90 miles north of Atlanta is full of lush scenery, can’t-miss shops, and restaurants in the downtown area. It’s also a surprising haven for a sizable number of LGBTQ people, so you’ll see plenty of friendly faces. Booth Western Art Museum A little less than an hour from downtown Atlanta, you’ll land in Cartersville — home to Booth Western Art Museum, one of the greatest museums featuring contemporary Western-American art, presidential portraits, and letters and Western-movie memorabilia. There’s also a cafe and multimedia theater on the premises. Callaway Gardens Head southwest of the city for 1.5 hours and you won’t regret what you find at this resort complex in Pine Mountain. Gardens of azaleas and magnolias, lakes, and even a large enclosed butterfly habitat dot the area, and the Festival of Lights is worth a drive up during the winter holidays.

Helen Because nothing says “Deep South” quite like a replica of a Bavarian alpine. Helen is a quirky little north-Georgia town, great for a day trip to stroll around the various shops or go river rafting in the Chattahoochee. Plus, you’re only a 20-minute drive from beautiful Anna Ruby Falls. Lake Lanier Lanier is the most popular lake for Atlanta residents looking for a day or weekend to water ski, swim, sunbathe, or just relax on the water. Make sure to visit Gay Cove on the west side of the lake just north of marker 21 to make some like-minded friends! Savoy Automobile Museum Cartesville’s newest attraction is a must-visit for car enthusiasts. Savoy Automobile Museum connects people to the cultural diversity of the automobile. Through changing exhibits, educational programs, and engaging experiences, you’ll have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty and history of automobiles. State Botanical Garden of Georgia Sure, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is no slouch at 30 acres of beautiful grounds, but head for Athens, Georgia, to visit its much bigger brother — there are over 300 acres to roam there! Be sure to stop for a meal or afternoon cocktail in the always fun downtown area. Six Flags White Water Take a break from the blistering Georgia heat at Six Flags’ water park, located in Marietta. This refreshing 69-acre park boats countless exciting water slides, a 700,000-gallon wave pool, and a slew of kid-friendly attractions. Stone Mountain Park The city of Stone Mountain is uber-LGBTQ-friendly, with numerous “family-owned” businesses dotting the downtown area and a welcoming mayor to boot. Just make sure to visit the 3,200-acre park and either walk or take a chairlift to the top to get the ultimate Georgia view. Tellus Science Museum Take a drive out to Cartersville to visit this world-class, 120,000-square-foot natural history and science museum. This hands-on museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is perfect for nature lovers and future scientists.

Historic Oakland Cemetery Photo via Facebook

Chattahoochee National Forest Point your car toward North Georgia and take your pick of the 750,000 acres of lush scenery, with rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, plus the perfect terrain for hiking, swimming, picnicking, kayaking, and more.

DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDE 35

& 2022

on view through September 10, 2022

Coming Soon: The 2022/23 SEASON featuring...

FEB 10–MAR 5 2023

Winner of the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Drama

SEP 2–OCT 2 2022

An irreverent, rollicking, and uproarious ride that asks BIG questions of all who see it. By BRANDEN JACOBS-JENKINS Co-Directed by SUSAN V. BOOTH & TINASHE KAJESE-BOLDEN

A fierce new comedy about the risks and rewards of celebrating who you are. Written & Directed by KATORI HALL

World Premiere // Musical

APR 26–MAY 31

A portrait of friendship set in the height of the AIDs epidemic. By STEVEN DIETZ Directed by SUSAN V. BOOTH

A show-stopping new musical filled with adventure and romance, all under the big top of a traveling circus. Book by RICK ELICE Music & Lyrics by PIGPEN THEATRE CO. Based on the Novel by SARA GRUEN Directed by JESSICA STONE

Plus many more!

Tickets and memberships available at alliancetheatre.org 1280 PEACHTREE ST NE // ATLANTA, GA 30309

neighborhoods

Centennial Olympic Park Photo via GWCC.org

midtown & downtown

THE HEART OF ATLANTA

Home of some of Atlanta’s most recognizable landmarks, from the rainbow crosswalk and Fox Theatre in Midtown to the World of Coke and Georgia Aquarium in Downtown, the heart of Atlanta is a tourist favorite. While Midtown boasts some of Atlanta’s best gay nightlife, Downtown is the perfect locale for a day trip: stop by the National Center for Civil and Human Rights or take a ride on Skyview, the 20-story Ferris wheel overlooking Centennial Park. Regardless of your plan, Midtown and Downtown Atlanta host a myriad of restaurant and retail options, offering up something for everyone. Start your day with breakfast (or brunch) at one of Atlanta’s favorites, Mary Mac’s Tea Room. Established in 1945, Mary Mac’s offers Southern favorites like chicken and dumplings, collard greens with crackling bread, and Georgia peach cobbler. Another great choice for brunch is Flying Biscuit — can’t get up early enough? Have no fear; they serve breakfast all day.

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38 DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDE

National Center for Civil and Human Rights Photo via Facebook

neighborhoods Continued from page 38 If you haven’t yet gone, every Atlanta tourist has to stop for lunch at least once at The Varsity, the largest drive-in in the country. The food is simple — hot dogs, hamburgers, and PCs (Google it) — but the fun of The Varsity experience is unmatched. As for dinner, some of our favorites include 10th and Piedmont (it’s located at the former home of LGBTQ landmark Outwrite Bookstore!) for delicious Southern fare, Campagnolo for Italian and Mediterranean, Henry’s Midtown Tavern for American fare, Poor Calvin’s for Thai fusion with Southern influences, Mediterranean Grill, and Papi’s Cuban and Caribbean Grill. If you want to splurge on an upscale meal, head to The Sun Dial on top of the Westin Peachtree for 360-degree views of the city skyline. If you’re seeing a show at the fabulous Fox Theatre, pair the evening with food and drinks at Livingston. Located in the Georgian Terrace Hotel just across the street from the Fabulous Fox Theatre, Livingston is the perfect place for cocktails and a bite to eat before or after catching a show. Looking to do some shopping? Atlantic Station is your one-stop shop, with mall favorites including Athleta, H&M,

The Fox Theatre Courtesy photo

Forever 21, and Charming Charlie as well as the Falcons and United Team Store, a Target, IKEA, bowling, and a Regal Cinema. If you’re looking for something for your furry friend, make sure you stop by The Pet Set. This shop offers an extensive line of pet toys and accessories. If Fido is traveling with you,

A New Era Begins Introducing

Nathalie Stutzmann Music Director

The 2022/23 season delights with outstanding music and world-renowned guest artists — BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 9 FRANCK: Le chasseur maudit BARTÒK: Concerto for Orchestra VAUGHAN WILLIAMS: A Sea Symphony SHOSTAKOVICH: Symphony No. 5 MOZART: Piano Concerto No. 18 RACHMANINOV: Symphonic Dances JENNIFER HIGDON: Concerto for Orchestra MUSSORGSKY: Night on Bald Mountain MAHLER: Symphony No. 5 BACH: St. Matthew Passion BRAHMS: A German Requiem ON SALE RAVEL: Boléro Programs and artists are subject to change.

Season presented by

40 DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDE

Continues on page 42

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neighborhoods Continued from page 40 take him in for a day spa or grooming. Midtown and Downtown are Atlanta’s gay nightlife hot spots. Gay men, make sure to stop by Blake’s on the Park, located just off of Piedmont Park; Bulldogs for house music, hip-hop, and heavy-handed bartenders; and Flex, a gay bathhouse complete with sauna, steam room, pool, sun deck, and private rooms. Lesbians can find their folks at My Sister’s Room, the longest-running lesbian bar in Atlanta, and everyone regardless of sexuality will enjoy dancing the night away at Future Atlanta, a 14,000-square-foot cabaret and dance club.

Blake’s on the Park Photo via Instagram

• The intersection at 10th and Piedmont, where the rainbow crosswalks are currently located, was the location of Outwrite Bookstore and Coffeehouse, Atlanta’s first LGBTQ bookstore. • In 1971, the Georgia Gay Liberation Front held Atlanta’s first Gay Pride March through Midtown, from Peachtree Street to Piedmont Park. • Midtown residents are more than twice as wealthy as the average American; the average household income is about $120k, compared to about $52k. • Downtown traces its roots back to 1826, when railroad surveyors began looking for a route from Milledgeville to Chattanooga. As a result, a town named Terminus was founded in 1837 in what is now Downtown Atlanta. • Auburn Avenue was once called “the richest Negro street in the world” and is now home to Black historical sites like Apex Museum, Auburn Avenue Research Library, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, the King Center, and Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King preached.

42 DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDE

Ansley Mall Photo by Russell Bowen-Youngblood

ATLANTA’S GAY MECCA

piedmont heights/ virginia-highland

Just north of Midtown is Piedmont Heights, the oldest neighborhood in Atlanta and known as a “small town in a big city.” It’s true; if you’re looking for a chiller, more suburban vibe, Piedmont Heights is the place for you.

They offer an expanding selection of brands for men’s activewear, undergarments, and swimwear — they’ve got everything you need for any occasion, from tea dances to circuit parties.

The area is home to Ansley Mall and Ansley Square Shopping Center, gay Atlanta’s hot spot There you can find a slew of uber gay-friendly establishments (even the Starbucks is loving referred to as Bearbucks). Hit up Brushstrokes Pleasures, the one-stop-shop for gifts, pleasures, DVDs, and other adult entertainment since 1989; or check out Barking Leather for leather clothing, accessories, and all things BDSM and fetish. Ansley Mall is also the home of Ansley Wine Merchants, onestop-shop for gifts, pleasures, DVDs, and other adult entertainment, a seven-days-a-week wine shop with over 1,000 bottles of wine, 600 types of liquor, and 200 types of beer; The Cook’s Warehouse, a local chain carries a huge selection of more than 15,000 kitchen tools and supplies; and Intaglia Home Collection, a furniture and home décor store that brings a fresh approach to Atlanta furniture.

When it comes to gay nightlife, Ansley is the place to be. Felix’s Atlanta is friendly, small neighborhood bar that’s perfect for early evening drinks and hanging out with friends. The Hideaway is Midtown’s oldest neighborhood gay bar. With free pool and Wi-Fi, it’s a great spot for an afternoon drink. Oscar’s Martini Bar offers video on demand with weekly events that include showtunes, karaoke, and DJs.

Head only a block down the street to find Boy Next Door Menswear, the place to shop for gay men.

46 DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDE

Other gay nightlife in the area includes District Atlanta, the only venue in the U.S. with a unique, 300+ floating orbs kinetic light system, making it the perfect spot to dance the night away. Friends on Ponce is a no-attitude bar with inexpensive drinks and pool tables popular among the alt gay crowd, and Mixx Atlanta is Atlanta’s premier video venue, hosting three different lounges for socializing with friends or hosting a party or event. Chill on weeknights with piano night on Tuesdays, then sizzle with DJs Fridays through

Continues on page 48

Virginia Highland Photo by Virginia Highland District

Continued from page 46 Sundays. Keep the party going with libations from Green’s Beverages or Tower Beer, Wine, and Spirits. Virginia-Highland is also home to Ponce City Market, a favorite among tourists and locals alike. Housed in a former Sears catalogue facility, Ponce City Market is home to a number of retailers, including Citizen Supply, Madewell, Lululemon, Modern Mystic, Nike, Sephora, West Elm, and Williams-Sonoma, as well as a diverse food hall. Some of our favorites are Minero, serving imaginative, locally sourced Mexican fare and craft cocktails in buzzy quarters with a patio; and Ton Ton Ramen and Yakitori, a top-notch ramen bar with a cozy dining area and a brief menu of brothy noodles and Japanese bites. Just outside Ponce City Market is City Winery, a hip, intimate venue with a New American restaurant, bar, and on-site winery. You can even go up on The Roof to enjoy carnival games, delicious cocktails, seasonal ice skating, and awe-inspiring views of the Atlanta skyline. Outside of Ponce City Market, there are so many other delicious choices for dinner in the neighborhood. La Hacienda is a casual Mexican restaurant offering tableside guacamole, a full bar, a rooftop patio, and vibrant decor. Metrofresh is “world food” restaurant that delivers fresh fare fast and gives back to its community; fundraisers for AID Atlanta and PALS are just a few of its LGBTQ-friendly gestures. Nowak’s neighborhood bar and restaurant serves high-quality steaks and seafood,

48 DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDE

• Piedmont Heights is Atlanta’s oldest community, settled in 1822 by Benjamin Plaster. • Entrenchments built by General T.J. Wood’s troops during the Civil War remained in the area until they were destroyed by the construction of a Holiday Inn in the 1950s. Today, a few crumbling stone steps and historic marker on the site honor the Edwin Cheshire family’s handyman “Gold Tooth John,” whose ghost is rumored to still wander the halls of the old hotel at night. • Virginia-Highland used to be considered one of the seven “arboreta” in the city of Atlanta. • In 2021, thatsister.com rated Virginia-Highland as the best neighborhood for Black families to move to. • Virginia-Highland is home to Fire Station #19, Atlanta’s oldest fire station. but if you’re looking for something more casual, Eats is quick, conveniently located, and won’t put a dent in your pockets. Enjoy pasta dishes and good ol’ jerk chicken, plus delicious Southern sides like green beans and baked sweet potatoes.

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BeltLine’s Eastside Trail Photo by Shutterstock.com

ATLANTA’S HISTORIC

old fourth ward, cabbagetown, & edgewood

Head east from Downtown and find Old Fourth Ward and Cabbagetown, two of the best neighborhoods for walking and street art. Old Fourth Ward is one of Atlanta’s trendiest historic neighborhoods — located in a former industrial area, it holds the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail, a converted railway line for walking and cycling through the city; Historic Fourth Ward Park; and Ponce City Market. It’s also home to one of Atlanta’s best hidden gems Carroll Street Café, a cozy bohemian restaurant serving eclectic American-Mediterranean fusion meals and tapas; The T, a casual neighborhood gay bar with karaoke, pool, video games, a jukebox, and nightly specials; and a mano, a cozy cottage serving handmade pasta and other seasonal Italian dishes. Cabbagetown is best known for Krog Street Tunnel, which acts as a graffitied canvas for Atlanta’s best street artists. Walk through the tunnel right and you’ll

50 DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDE

Ponce City Market Photo via Facebook

find a path lined with beautiful city-sponsored murals and the first of Atlanta’s famous “tiny doors” (check out tinydoorsatl.com for more info) — don’t forget your camera! Get a beer steps away at 97 Estoria, or walk a few blocks to find Krog Street Market, one of Atlanta’s best (and busiest) food halls. There, you can get a delicious wood-fired pizza at Varuni Napoli or “Mex-Tex” at Superica. While you’re in the area, pick up a rare houseplant and locally handmade pot at Flora/Fauna (it’s Black woman-owned!) or get a gift for a loved one (or yourself) at The Merchant.

• Prior to the city’s 1909 annexation, Edgewood was originally its own town and was developed during Atlanta’s Reconstruction-era economic boom that lasted from 1870 to 1910. • Edgewood was geared primarily towards blue collar workers, hence the abundance of primarily craftsman bungalows.

While in Cabbagetown, make sure you stop by Agave Restaurant. From stuffed mountain trout tomatillo to Mexican rack of lamb and traditional Posole soup, Agave is known for its eclectic Southwestern menu and extensive tequila bar.

• Edgewood has an Edgewood Community Learning Garden.

If you’re looking for a fun night out, look no further than Edgewood Avenue. While there, visit Joystick, Atlanta’s premium bar-cade, for some old school arcade games like pinball, Pac-Man, and Mortal Kombat. Or hit up Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping-Pong Emporium (it’s a mouthful, locals just call it Church). It’s a quirky spot loaded with tongue-in-cheek religious art and killer Organ Karaoke every Wednesday. Though not specifically geared to a gay audience, you’ll

• Old Fourth Ward is where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr was born.

• The original location for Morris Brown College, the first educational institution in Georgia for African Americans.

find plenty of gay folks partying throughout the week. Also look out for super-gay patio parties helmed by lesbian DJ Vicki Powell. Edgewood is also a foodie hot spot: we suggest Noni’s for some delish Italian or Slutty Vegan for some vegan-friendly junk food.

DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDE 51

The Heretic File photo by Russell Bowen-Youngblood

cheshire bridge

THE LEGACY OF ATLANTA’S

Cheshire Bridge is an area just above Piedmont Heights that is home to several LGBTQ-owned and loved businesses. However, the area has been struck by misfortune. In November of 2021, a large fire broke out under a bridge on Cheshire Bridge Road near I-285, only months after another bridge on the same road was severely damaged by fire. No one was injured, but a section of road between Woodland Avenue and Faulkner Road has been closed to all traffic, negatively impacting businesses on the road. Utility work has begun, with construction schedule to begin in July and the roadway to be opened by October 31. But businesses have taken significant financial hits and will likely continue to until the road reopens. Local businesses have reported a 40 percent loss. With so many LGBTQ-friendly businesses in the area, it’s important for LGBTQ Atlantans to continue spending money here to keep them afloat.

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Taverna Plaka is a lively Greek taverna with a full bar, belly dancing, napkin throwing, and covered patio seating. If you’re traveling north, access the restaurant by taking Lenox Road, turning left on Woodland Avenue, and then left onto Cheshire Bridge Road. As well as LGBTQ nightlife mainstays BJ Roosters, a friendly neighborhood gay bar features pool, darts, videos, and an eclectic handful of go-go boys, and The Heretic. If you’re looking to dance with a mix of shirtless and light leather crowds, the Heretic is definitely the place to go. You’ll find a diverse mix on weekends with heavy beats from guest DJs from around the country. It’s a butch bunch, but you’ll find all types scattered about the Heretic’s labyrinth layout. If you’re traveling south, take exit 86 off SR-13, take the exit onto Armour Road, turn left onto Armour Drive and then left onto Monroe Drive, right onto Piedmont Avenue, and then left on Cheshire Bridge Road.

The Colonnade Photo via Facebook

• As the first southbound exit on I-85 in the non-dry Fulton County, Cheshire Bridge became a magnet for liquor stores and bars because northern Georgia outlawed alcohol. • The Colonnade has been a local favorite restaurant since 1927. Cheshire Bridge is also home to The Colonnade, a favorite among gay Atlanta. The gays mingle with the grays at this Atlanta landmark of Southern food served up the way you want it. This place gives tomato aspic a good name. Mama’s Cocina Latina is a great spot for Mexican food. Las Margaritas and Roxx Tavern are two of LGBTQ Atlanta’s darlings, but both are temporarily closed at the time of writing. As for shopping, make sure to visit Out of the Closet Thrift Store. A nationwide enterprise, Out of the Closet is a multipurpose thrift shop that donates 96 percent of proceeds to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. In addition to shopping, they also offer confidential HIV testing and a pharmacy, where prescriptions are filled while you shop. Tokyo Valentino Erotique, an iconic Atlanta landmark

• Cheshire Bridge was the home to Sweet Gum Head, which was once the leading drag bar in the South. • Cheshire Bridge is a result of Captain Cheshire’s two sons, Napoleon and Jerome, building two farms and a small bridge to connect them. • The Cheshire Bridge is home to the Cheshire Farm Trail, which was named after Captain Hezekiah Cheshire, a captain from the War of 1812. touting the largest selection of adult toys, products, lingerie, and bondage gear in the Southeast since 1995, also has a location on Cheshire Bridge Road.

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Lenox Square Mall Photo via Facebook

buckhead LUXURY LIVING WITH A SENSE OF STYLE

Located uptown, Buckhead is a hot spot for the bougiest of Atlantans. Since at least the 1950s, Buckhead has been known as an area of extreme wealth. In 2011, The Gadberry Group compiled the list of the 50 wealthiest zip codes in the United States, ranking Buckhead’s western zip code (30327) as the second wealthiest zip code in the South. If you’re a lover of luxury goods or an enthusiastic patron of high-end nightlife, Buckhead is the place for you.

If you’re looking to live lavishly, take a visit to Phipp’s Plaza, a mall for Atlanta’s most upscale shoppers. Anchors include Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, with many smaller posh retailers like Johnny Was, Cole Haan, Gucci, Anne Fontaine, Tiffany & Co., and Rigby & Peller. There, stop by Trina Turk/Mr. Turk. With a California dapper style, Mr. Turk is designed for men — and Trina Turk for women — who want to make a statement with simple silhouettes in unique patterns, textures, and colors. Or stop by private jeweler Jonathan Buckhead to splurge on a diamond for a special someone (hey, you’re a special someone, too!). When it comes to food and drinks, Buckhead’s highend ethos remains steadfast. The Garden Room is a must visit. Delectable small bites are served with creative cocktails in one of the most awe-inspiring atmospheres in Atlanta. Plants, flowers, and extravagant light fixtures fill

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The Garden Room Photo via Facebook

the greenhouse-like glass building. Make sure to make reservations and be ready to drop some moolah. Upscale casual bistro Terra Terroir is a hidden gem, boasting a lengthy wine list, an eclectic menu created by awardwinning chef Charles Zeran, and a gorgeous woodsy

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Lips Atlanta File photo by Russell Bowen-Youngblood

Continued from page 56 patio, and if you’re a fan of tapas, wine, and charcuterie, you won’t want to skip The Iberian Pig. Even if you’re not a high roller, there are some more affordable options in the Buckhead area. Lost-n-Found Youth Thrift Store has thousands of reasonably priced, secondhand items for sale. Proceeds help fund the operation of the nonprofit, which takes unhoused LGBTQ youth off the street and transitions them to more permanent housing. If you’re a proud nerd, you definitely won’t want to stop by Buckhead without visiting Oxford Comics and Games new and vintage comics, graphic novels, action figures, DVDs, and posters. And don’t forget your furry friend – visit The Pet Set to pick them up a souvenir from your travels. Some more low-key dining options in Buckhead include Alon’s Bakery and Market, Fellini’s Pizza, Grindhouse Killer Burgers, and Roasters Rotisserie. When it comes to LGBTQ nightlife, Buckhead has a couple fabulous offerings. Lips Atlanta is the ultimate in drag dining in Atlanta. Georgia’s top drags perform Vegasstyle shows five nights a week: Twisted Broadway on Wednesdays, The Divas on Thursdays, Glitz and Glam on Fridays and Saturdays, Taboo: The Dirty Show late Saturday nights, and Showstoppers on Sundays. They

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• Built in 1974, Tower Place was Buckhead’s first skyscraper. • Buckhead was not officially a part of Atlanta until it was annexed in 1952. • One of America’s wealthiest zip codes, 30327, is in Buckhead. • Out of all generations, Millennials are Buckhead’s largest population. • “Peachtree” is in the name of 15 streets in Buckhead. also host a Dragalicious Brunch on Sunday afternoons. If you’re looking for something will less frills, Woofs is the place for you. Atlanta’s only gay sports bar, Woofs hosts a pretty regular bear crowd with little elbow room on game days. The weekly line-up includes trivia, poker, sports on 21 screens, pool, darts, and a popular menu of bar grub. Tripp’s Bar is a cozy, unassuming gay bar that offers karaoke, darts, free Wi-Fi, and a taco bar on Wednesdays – plus male go-go dancers on Fridays. If you’re looking to keep the party at home, shop Green’s Beverages’ huge stock of liquors, craft beer, wine, and kegs.

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Little Five Points Photo by Shutterstock.com

east atlanta ARTISTRY & COUNTERCULTURE IN

East Atlanta is the hot spot for Atlanta’s artsiest countercultural crew. If you’re one for witches, hippies, street performers, and vintage shopping, Little Five Points is a must-visit. Here, you can shop for vinyl at Criminal Records or Wax ‘n’ Facts; vintage clothing at The Clothing Warehouse, secondhand streetwear at Rag-O-Rama, and over-the-top costumes and fashion at Psycho Sisters; and crystals, tarot cards, and other witchy wares at Crystal Blue. Finish off your day with a drink (or several!) at The Porter Beer Bar – they have a menu of over 430 beers! When it comes to nightlife, East Atlanta Village is the place to be. Mary’s has been the hip bar of choice for alt gays and self-proclaimed queers for several years. Proudly called East Atlanta’s gay dive bar, don’t miss Mary-oke held every Tuesday and Saturday evening or the massive theme parties almost every weekend. If you’re looking got dance the night away, there’s no better place than The Basement. They regularly host ’90s and ’00s dance parties – did someone say Lady Gaga and the Spice Girls?!

Courtesy photo

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EAV is also the spot for live music. Check out local bands (and the edgy locals they attract) at 529 and The EARL. As for grub, check out Gaja Korean Bar. This tucked-

Gaja Korean Bar Photo via Instagram

• Little Five Points gets its name from the five-pointed intersection between Moreland Avenue, Euclid Avenue, and Seminole Avenue at the center of the neighborhood. • Know whose land you’re on: before East Atlanta Village was colonized, it was home to one of the Creek Nation tribes. • East Atlanta first became annexed to the greater city of Atlanta in 1915, a decision residents voted on to gain fire protection and public education in the area. away spot is uber hip with a focused menu of traditional Korean dishes given a contemporary spin. If you want to look cool and in-the-know when taking out a date or friends, it;s is a great choice. East Atlanta also consists of Candler Park, Kirkwood, and Reynoldstown. Some of the best spots in these neighborhoods include El Tesoro for Mexican food on an expansive and eclectic patio (expect long lines on the weekends!), Home Grown GA for a classic meatand-three made with local ingredients, and Sun in My Belly for a delish breakfast.

• While it might be sizeable now, East Atlanta wasn’t always so big! During the 1890s, the town (not yet officially part of Atlanta) was home to just five businesses: a grocery store, blacksmith, feed and seed store, a livery stable, and a dry goods store. • East Atlanta is the primary site of the Battle of Atlanta, which is considered to have sealed the fate of the Confederacy towards the end of the Civil War.

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Atlantic Station

Photo by iStock.com / Sean Davis

west atlanta A SPRAWLING INDUSTRIAL AREA WITH A TON OF FUN

Atlanta’s Westside, located — you guessed it! — on the west side of I-75, is a sprawling industrial area — but it still hosts a ton of fun! Catch a movie or a round of bowling at Atlantic Station, visit one of Westside Provisions District’s upscale food and retail, swing your club at TopGolf or Puttshack, or spend the day at Westside Reservoir Park, one of the largest parks in Atlanta complete with a creek and quarry.

The area boasts some of the most delectable food in Atlanta. Come in for comfortable, modern soul food at Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours from LGBTQ chef Deborah Van Trece, who gives Southern classics and brunch a creative approach. Bacchanalia offers a seasonal, organic menu of contemporary American cuisine from chef/owners Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison, who source many of the ingredients from their own farm. Enjoy a romantic night out at Barcelona Wine Bar with a selection from its extensive list of wine and Spanish tapas in an intimate, warmly lit atmosphere, or Cooks and Soldiers, an upscale Spanish restaurant offering up Basque tapas and other shareable dishes, all cooked on a wood-burning grill.

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Star Provisions is a culinary dream for the gourmet chef and novice cook alike. This market sells cheeses, meats, seafood & other gourmet foods — imagine having access to a restaurant pantry and walk-in cooler for your cooking preparations. Not a cook? Stop by their café for breakfast or lunch. Tucked away into the Westside Provision District, you can find Little Trouble, a futuristic urban space with inventive cocktails and Asian street food, and Ormsby’s, a stylish speakeasy offering up craft beers and pub fare alongside games like bocce, shuffleboard, darts, and pool.

If you’re looking for a chill night at a brewery, look no further than Fire Maker Brewing Company. Ranked #2 best new brewery in America by USA Today, Fire Maker has a rotating list of in-house beers, as well as weekly general and themed trivia on Wednesdays and Thursdays, respectively. Head south to find Cascade Heights, one of Atlanta’s up-and-coming neighborhoods. The neighborhood

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Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours Photo via Facebook

Continued from page 64 is rich with natural beauty, with the second largest tree canopy in the city of Atlanta, second only to Piedmont Park; 600 acres of green space; and Cascade Springs Nature Preserve, which boasts miles of hiking trails. It’s also rich with history and diversity. Cascade Heights is a predominantly Black neighborhood — 95 percent of the 76,000 residents are Black — and has been since the ‘60s. There, Chef VanTrece has two brand new restaurants: Oreatha’s at the Point, offering up internationally inspired comfort food, and Serenidad, a Latin Soul restaurant. West Atlanta is also home to Tokyo Valentino Erotique, an iconic Atlanta landmark touting the largest selection of adult toys, products, lingerie, and bondage gear in the Southeast since 1995, as well as 840ATL, the West End’s premier event space providing Atlanta’s Westside with invigorating cultural experiences. Whether it’s the lights, the food, the drinks, the sound, or the people, there’s something to attract everyone to 840ATL. They regularly host LGBTQ events, including parties for Black Gay Pride in September.

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• In 1961, the state of Georgia allowed for nine Black students to attend four previously segregated schools, one of which was Brown High School (now Herman J. Russell West End Academy). • Cascade Heights Nature Preserve boasts the only waterfall in Atlanta. • Much of Atlanta’s industrial and Civil War-era history occurred in West Midtown. Several buildings still in use today are located next to the Norfolk Southern fail lines General Sherman used when he invaded Atlanta in 1864. • West End is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was the first locally designated historic district in the City of Atlanta. • Outkast made their public debut at Club Fritz in West End.

YOU. BELONG. HERE.

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Welcome to Atlanta’s DeKalb! It’s no secret that Atlanta is the LGBT capital of the South. Atlanta’s DeKalb is rich in diversity and progressive communities, just east of downtown. Dine and drink at one of Decatur’s award-winning restaurants and cocktail bars and attend some of the best festivals the South has to offer throughout DeKalb. Whether you are shopping, dining, or looking to enjoy the city nightlife, DeKalb has it all. Atlanta’s DeKalb is just a short drive away from Midtown Atlanta, Piedmont Park and a host of LGBT nightlife, restaurants and shops. Discover more at www.discoverdekalb.com

Discover more at

Mike Vescio AtlantasDeKalb.com/lgbt LGBT Sales Manager 770-492-5012

Convention & Visitors Bureau

Downtown Decatur

Photos via Facebook

EXPLORE DELIGHTUL

A city all its own, Decatur is every suburbanite’s dream. Minutes east of Atlanta proper, Decatur combines the charms of a small town, the excitement of a college town (it’s home to renowned colleges Emory University and Agnes Scott University), and the connection of a major city. Named after 19th century U.S. Naval hero Stephen Decatur, the city’s strong connection to history is apparent. The streets of Decatur are lined with gorgeous historic homes and buildings, ivy-covered stone, and oodles of trees, making it one of the prettiest areas to walk, bike, or drive through. If you find yourself in Decatur, visit the Dekalb History Center’s museum in the Old Courthouse to get a glimpse into local history through furniture and Civil War artifacts, the Woodlands Garden for tree-lined trails and native plants, and Emory’s Michael C. Carlos Museum for ancient art and artifacts from Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Asia. Whether you’re a local or a tourist opting for groceries over restaurants, Your Dekalb Farmer’s Market is a must-visit. While the name may bring to mind a quaint outdoor market with individual sellers in stalls (which Atlanta has in abundance — Decatur’s is on

70 DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDE

Decatur Bonfire and Marshmallow Roast Photo via Facebook

Wednesdays from 4-7pm at the First Baptist Church from March to November), Your Dekalb Farmer’s Market is actually a huge warehouse with a diverse selection of fresh produce and food from around the world. If you’re looking for something you can’t find at Kroger, you’ll be able to find it here.

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Parker’s On Ponce Photos via Facebook

Continued from page 70 If you are looking to eat out, though, Decatur has an abundance of options. Parker’s On Ponce, located in the heart of historic downtown Decatur, calls itself a steakhouse, but it’s so much more. It’s hard to pass on the salmon, sea scallops, and calamari. The oasis of wood, warmth, and wine begs your return. Wahoo Grill is also an excellent dining choice. The glass-walled dining room of this European-influenced bistro is surrounded by an enchanting garden paradise, making it a warm and intimate setting for a delicious dinner of lamb lollipops or sea scallops. Visit The Iberian Pig for a delectable Spanish charcuterie board or opt for a warm bowl of Japanese ramen at Wagaya. Decatur is a perfect place to grab a coffee and pastry on a lazy Sunday morning: Dancing Goats Coffee Bar, Revolution Doughnuts and Coffee, and Southern Sweets Bakery are all excellent options. Pair your coffee with a book from Book Nook or Charis Books and More, the oldest and largest independent feminist bookstore in the Southeast. If you’re interested in antiquing, Decatur is the perfect spot for you. Kudzu Antiques + Modern is a 25,000 sq

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• Decatur is known for its food scene — the New York Times even dubbed the city “Atlanta’s gastronomic equivalent of Berkeley or Brooklyn” in 2016. • Decatur’s downtown area was named a top 10 neighborhood by the American Planning Association. • The Decatur Book Festival is the largest independent book festival in the country. • Decatur used to be a trading center for small farmers. • Decatur is home to the Benjamin Swanton House, the city’s oldest structure. ft space featuring 100 of Atlanta’s best antique dealers, selling everything from glassware and trinkets to clothing and furniture. You’re bound to find something that’s truly one of a kind. When night falls, make your way to downtown Decatur. There, grab a drink at The S.O.S. Tiki Bar or Twain’s Brewpub and Billiards.

cuisine OUR SCENE’S

Get a taste of almost every culture around the world with some of the best dining Atlanta has to offer. With countless gay-owned and LGBTQ-friendly spots, Atlanta offers everything from beers and bar food with buds to gourmet candlelit dinners with your partner. Bon Appetit! ASIAN

Bangkok Thai 1492 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-874-2514 BangkokThaiAtl.com

Doc Chey’s Dragon Bowl 1556 N Decatur Rd Atlanta, GA 30307 404-378-8188 DragonBowlAtl.com

Gaja Korean Bar 491 Flat Shoals Ave SE A Atlanta, GA 30316 404-835-2126 GajaEAV.com

Green Ginger 265 Ponce De Leon Pl Decatur, GA 30030 404-373-2788 GreenGingerDecatur.com

Doc Chey’s Noodle House 563 Memorial Dr SE Atlanta, GA 30312 404-688-4238

Little Trouble 1170 Howell Mill Rd NW #P-10C Atlanta, GA 30318 404-500-4737 Little-Trouble.com

1424 North Highland Ave NE Atlanta, GA 404-888-0777 DocCheys.com

Poor Calvin’s 510 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30308 404-254-4051

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PoorCalvins.com Thai fusion with Southern influences. Ton Ton Ramen & Yakitori 675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30308 404-883-3507 TonTonRamen.com Wagaya 1579 N Decatur Rd Atlanta, GA 30307 678-949-9278 339 14th St NW Atlanta, GA 30318 470-575-5799 WagayaAtlanta.com

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food Continued from page 74

BREAKFAST, BRUNCH, & BAKERIES Alon’s Bakery & Market 3500 Peachtree Rd Atlanta, GA 30326 404-978-2901

1394 North Highland Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30306 404-872-6000 Alons.com Café Intermezzo 1065 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-355-0411 CafeIntermezzo.com Dancing Goats Coffee Bar 419 W Ponce De Leon Ave Decatur, GA 30030 404-687-1100 650 North Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30308 404-874-0370 DancingGoats.com Delia’s Chicken Sausage Stand 881 Marietta St NW

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Atlanta, GA 30318 404-254-0408 489 Moreland Ave SE Atlanta, GA 30316 404-474-9651 TheSausageStand.com Flying Biscuit 1001 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-874-8887 1655 McLendon Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-687-8888 FlyingBiscuit.com Folk Art 465 N Highland Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-537-4492 FolkArtRestaurant.com Highland Bakery 655 Highland Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30312 404-586-0772 HighlandBakery.com Revolution Doughnuts & Coffee 745 Edgewood Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 470-428-2023

3506, 908 W College Ave Decatur, GA 30030 RevolutionDonuts.com Ria’s Bluebird 421 Memorial Dr SE Atlanta, GA 30312 404-521-3737 RiasBluebird.com Southern Sweets Bakery 186 Rio Cir Decatur, GA 30030 404-373-8752 SouthernSweets.com Sweet Cheats 692 B Kirkwood Ave SE #B1 Atlanta, GA 30316 404-590-6086 SweetCheatsAtlanta.com

ITALIAN & MEDITERRANEAN

a mano 587 Ralph McGill Blvd NE Atlanta, GA 30312 404-549-7727 AmanoAtl.com Barcelona Wine Bar 1085 Howell Mill Rd

Atlanta, GA 30318 404-872-8000 BarcelonaWineBar.com BoccaLupo 753 Edgewood Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-577-2332 BoccaLupoAtl.com Campagnolo 980 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30308 404-343-2446 CampagnoloAtl.com Carroll Street Café 208 Carroll St NE Atlanta, GA 30312 404-577-2700 CarrollStreetCabbagetown.com Cooks & Soldiers 691 14th St NW Atlanta, GA 30318 404-996-2623 CooksAndSoldiers.com Divan Restaurant and Hookah Lounge 87 15th St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-467-4297 DivanAtlanta.com

Fellini’s Pizza 333 Commerce Dr Decatur, GA 30030 404-370-0551 2908 Peachtree Rd Atlanta, GA 30305 404-266-0082

MediterraneanGrill.com Noni’s 357 Edgewood Ave SE Atlanta, GA 30312 404-343-1808 NonisDeli.com

909 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30306 404-873-3088 FellinisAtlanta.com

Sotto Sotto 313 N Highland Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-523-6678 SottoSottoAtl.com

Floataway Cafe 1123 Zonolite Rd NE #15 Atlanta, GA 30306 404-892-1414 StarProvisions.com/Floataway-Cafe

Taverna Plaka 2196 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-636-2284 TavernaPlakaAtlanta.com

The Iberian Pig 121 Sycamore St Decatur, GA 30030 404-371-8800

Varuni Napoli 99 Krog St NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-500-5550

3150 Roswell Rd NW #A3 Atlanta, GA 30305 404-994-4990 TheIberianPigAtl.com

1540 Monroe Dr NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-709-2690 Varuni.us

Mediterranean Grill 985 Monroe Dr NE Atlanta, GA 30308 404-917-1100

Agave Restaurant 242 Boulevard SE

LATIN & MEXICAN Continues on page 78

DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDE 77

food Continued from page 77 Atlanta, GA 30312 404-588-0006 AgaveRestaurant.com

Mama’s Cocina Latina 1958 Piedmont Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-874-6152 MamasCocinaAtl.com

Zocalo 187 10th St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-249-7576 EatZocalo.com

El Azteca 1784 Peachtree Rd NW Atlanta, GA 30309 404-249-1522 ElAztecaAtlanta.com

Minero 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE #136 Atlanta, GA 30308 404-532-1580 MineroAtlanta.com

SOUTHERN & AMERICAN

El Tesoro 1374 Arkwright Pl SE Atlanta, GA 30317 470-440-5502 ElTesoroAtl.com

Papi’s Cuban & Caribbean Grill 216 Ponce de Leon Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30308 404-607-1525 PapisGrill.com

Guac y Margy’s 661 Auburn Ave NE #120 Atlanta, HA 30312 404-343-4691 GuacyMargys.com

Pure Taqueria 300 N Highland Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-522-7873 PureTaqueria.com

La Hacienda 900 Monroe Dr NE Atlanta, GA 30308 404-941-7890 LaHaMidtown.com Las Margaritas TEMPORARILY CLOSED 1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-873-4464 LasMargaritasMidtown.com

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Serenidad 2317 Cascade Rd SW Atlanta, GA 30311 RestaurantSerenidad.com Superica 99 Krog St NE Atlanta, GA 30307 678-791-1310 Superica.com

10th & Piedmont 991 Piedmont Ave Atlanta, GA 30309 404-602-5510 10thAndPiedmont.com 97 Estoria 727 Wylie St SE Atlanta, GA 30316 678-974-7919 97Estoria.com

Apres Diem 931 Monroe Dr #C103 Atlanta, GA 30308 404-872-3333 ApresDiem.com Bacchanalia 1460 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW #1 Atlanta, GA 30318 404-365-0410 StarProvisions.com/bacchanalia

BeetleCat 299 N Highland Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 678-732-0360 BeetleCatAtl.com City Winery 650 North Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30308 404-946-3791 CityWinery.com/Atlanta The Colonnade Restaurant 1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-874-5642 TheColonnadeAtlanta.com Eats 600 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30308 404-888-9149 EatsOnPonce.net Fat Matt’s Rib Shack 1811 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-607-1622 FatMattsRibShack.net

404-688-8864 FlatironAtl.com Fox Brothers BBQ 1238 DeKalb Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-577-4030 FoxBrosBBQ.com G’s Midtown 219 10th St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-605-5510 GsMidtown.com/gs-midtown Grindhouse Killer Burgers 701 Memorial Dr SE Atlanta, GA 30316 404-228-3722 1842 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-254-2273 433 N McDonough St Decatur, GA 30030 404-400-0509 2565 Apple Valley Rd NE

Brookhaven, GA 30319 470-355-2745 GrindhouseBurgers.com Hattie B’s Hot Chicken 299 Moreland Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 678-990-5100 HattieB.com Henry’s Midtown Tavern 132 10th St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-537-4477 HenrysAtl.com Hobnob 245 18th St NW Atlanta, GA 30363 404-343-2800 HobnobAtlanta.com Home Grown GA 968 Memorial Dr SE Atlanta, GA 30316 404-222-0455 HomeGrownGa.com

Continues on page 80

Flatiron Bar and Restaurant 520 Flat Shoals Ave SE Atlanta, GA 30316

DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDE 79

food Continued from page 79 Kevin Rathbun Steak 154 Krog St NE #200 Atlanta, GA 30307 404-524-5600 KevinRathbunSteak.com

404-924-2230 ParkersOnPonce.com The Porter Beer Bar 1156 Euclid Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 ThePorterBeerBar.com

Livingston 659 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30308 404-897-5000 LivingstonAtlanta.com

Roasters Rotisserie 2770 Lenox Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-237-1122 RoastersFresh.com

Majestic Diner 1031 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30306 404-875-0276 MajesticDiner.com

Shake Shack 670 DeKalb Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30312 470-377-8697 ShakeShack.com

Mary Mac’s Tea Room 224 Ponce de Leon Ave Atlanta, GA 30308 404-876-1800 MaryMacs.com

Slutty Vegan 476 Edgewood Ave SE Atlanta, GA 30312 470-604-7841 SluttyVeganAtl.com

Metrofresh 931 Monroe Dr NE #A106 Atlanta, GA 30308 404-724-0151 MetrofreshAtl.com

The Sun Dial 210 Peachtree St NW Atlanta, GA 30303 404-589-7506 SunDialRestaurant.com

Miller Union 999 Brady Ave NW Atlanta, GA 30318 678-733-8550 MillerUnion.com

Sun in My Belly 2161 College Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30317 404-370-1088 SunInMyBelly.com

Nowak’s 1397 North Highland Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30306 678-705-4231 NowaksRestaurant.com

Terra Terroir 3974 Peachtree Rd Atlanta, GA 30319 404-841-1032 TerraTerroir.com

Ormsby’s 1170 Howell Mill Rd #P20 Atlanta, GA 30318 404-968-2033 OrmsbysAtlanta.com

Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours 1133 Huff Rd NW #D Atlanta, GA 30318 404-350-5500 TwistedSoulCookhouseAndPours.com

Park Tavern 500 10th St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-249-0001 ParkTavern.com Parker’s on Ponce 116 East Ponce de Leon Ave Decatur, GA 30030

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The Varsity 61 North Ave NW Atlanta, GA 30308 404-881-1706 TheVarsity.com Vickery’s Bar & Grill 933 Garrett St #101-102

Atlanta, GA 30316 404-627-8818 VickerysAtlanta.com Victory Sandwich Bar 913 Bernina Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-963-1742 340 Church St Decatur, GA 30030 404-377-9300 VicSandwich.com The Vortex 878 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-875-1667 438 Moreland Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-688-1828 TheVortexAtl.com Wahoo Grill 1042 W College Ave Decatur, GA 30030 404-373-3331 WahooGrillDecatur.com Woody’s Cheesesteaks 981 Monroe Dr NE Atlanta, GA 30308 404-835-1415 WoodysCheesesteaks.com Yeah! Burger 1168 Howell Mill Rd #E Atlanta, GA 30318 404-496-4393 YeahBurger.com

Fontaine’s Oyster House 1026½ N Highland Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30306 404-872-0869 NightcapFoodAndSpirits.com The Garden Room 88 West Paces Ferry Rd NW Atlanta, GA 30305 404-600-6471 TheGardenRoomAtlanta.com Creative cocktails and small bites. Herban Fix 565-A Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30308

404-815-8787 HerbanFix.com Plant-based fusion cuisines. Lazy Betty Atlanta 1530 Dekalb Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-975-3692 LazyBettyAtl.com Multiple course tasting menu. Oreatha’s at the Point 2287 Cascade Rd SW #C Atlanta, GA 30311 404-228-4852 OreathasAtThePoint.com Internationally inspired comfort food.

Star Provisions Market & Café 1460 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW Atlanta, GA 30318 404-365-0410 StarProvisions.com Steamhouse Lounge 1051 W Peachtree St NW Atlanta, GA 30309 404-233-7980 SteamhouseLounge.com

Casseroles 1393 North Highland Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30306 404-228-3260 CasserolesAtlanta.com Take-away, premade casseroles to heat at home.

Playa Bowls 661 Auburn Ave NE #160 Atlanta, GA 30312 404-963-1746 PlayaBowls.com Acai and smoothie bowls and ahi tuna poke bowls.

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PARTY LIKE AN

From extravagant drag and fabulous circuit parties to lowkey bars and chill night out, Atlanta’s LGBTQ nightlife offers a little something for everyone. 529 Bar 529 Flat Shoals Ave SE Atlanta, GA 30316 404-228-6769 529Atlanta.com This grungy dive bar-slash-music venue is a favorite among East Atlanta Village’s most alternative crowd. If you’re looking to get into the local Atlanta music scene, 529 is a great place to start.

840ATL 840 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd Atlanta. GA 30310 404-669-6721 840Atl.com 840ATL is the West End’s brandnew premier event space, providing Atlanta’s Westside with invigorating cultural experiences. Whether it’s the lights, the food, the drinks, the sound, or the people, there’s something to attract everyone to 840ATL. The Basement 1245 Glenwood Ave SE

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Atlanta, GA 30316 404-622-8686 BasementAtl.com If you wanna dance the night away with a more diverse and artsy — but still gay as hell — crowd, the Basement is a great go-to. They regularly host 90s and 00s dance parties — did someone say Lady Gaga and the Spice Girls?! BJ Roosters 2043 Cheshire Bridge Rd #1 Atlanta, GA 30324 404-634-5895 Facebook.com/BJRoostersAtlanta This friendly neighborhood gay bar features pool, darts, videos, and an eclectic handful of go-go boys on the bar and milling about.

Blake’s on the Park 227 10th St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-464-7715 BlakesOnTheParkAtlanta.com Blake’s is a must for gay male travelers. There’s not much of a dance

floor, but that doesn’t stop the party. Blake’s attracts a beautiful mix of men of all ages, a fair number of women, and boasts some of the city’s most legendary drag queens. Conveniently located just off Piedmont Park. Bulldogs 893 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-872-3025 Facebook.com/BulldogsBarAtlanta An ATL institution since 1978 and located in the heart of Midtown, Bulldogs has some of the finest DJs spinning house and hip-hop to go with those heavy-handed bartenders assuring you get your money’s worth. Expect a line out the door on weekends. District Atlanta 269 Armour Dr NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-464-5924

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nightlife Continued from page 84 DistrictAtlanta.com As the only venue in the U.S. with a unique, 300+ floating orbs kinetic light system, District creates an unparalleled sensory experience, making it the perfect spot to dance the night away. The EARL 488 Flat Shoals Ave SE Atlanta, GA 30316 404-522-3950 BadEarl.com Live music and hearty bar food are on the menu at this popular club hosting local and national acts. Felix’s Atlanta 1510 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-249-7899 FelixsAtl.com A friendly, small neighborhood bar in the Ansley Square strip mall. Fun for early evening drinks and hanging out with friends. Fire Maker Brewing Company 975 Chattahoochee Ave NW Atlanta, GA 30318 678-705-8777 FireMakerBeer.com Ranked #2 best new brewery in America by USA Today, Fire Maker has a rotating list of in-house beers, as well as weekly general and themed trivia on Wednesdays and Thursdays, respectively. Flex 76 4th St NW Atlanta, GA 30308 404-815-0456 FlexSpas.com/Atlanta Flex is a gay bathhouse complete with sauna, steam room, pool, sun deck, and private rooms. A membership is required and available on daily, six-month, and annual rates. Friends on Ponce 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30306 404-817-3820 FriendsOnPonce.com A no-attitude bar with inexpensive drinks and pool tables popular

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among the alt gay crowd, this quiet, easygoing spot was made for hanging out with friends. It’s also a great choice if you’re new in town. Located steps from the BeltLine.

Atlanta. Georgia’s top drag queens perform Vegas-style shows five nights a week, from Wednesday to Sunday. Stop by on Sunday afternoons for their Dragalicious Brunch.

Future Atlanta 50 Upper Alabama St, 180 SW Atlanta, GA 30303 470-225-1955 Future-Atlanta.com Featuring two levels, this 14,000-square-foot cabaret and dance club is a place to unwind, dance, and celebrate.

Mary’s 1287 Glenwood Ave SE Atlanta, GA 30316 404-624-4411 MarysAtlanta.com Mary’s has been the hip bar of choice for alt gays and selfproclaimed queers for several years. Proudly called East Atlanta’s gay dive bar, don’t miss Mary-oke held every Tuesday and Saturday evening or the massive theme parties almost every weekend.

The Heretic 2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-325-3061 HereticAtlanta.com If you’re looking to dance with a mix of shirtless and light leather crowds, the Heretic is the place to go. You’ll find a diverse mix on weekends with heavy beats from guest DJs from around the country. It’s a butch bunch, but you’ll find all types scattered about the Heretic’s labyrinth layout. The Hideaway 1544 Piedmont Ave Atlanta, GA 30324 404-874-8247 The Hideaway is Midtown’s oldest neighborhood gay bar. With free pool and Wi-Fi, it’s the perfect spot for a casual afternoon drink. Located behind Cook’s Warehouse at Ansley Mall. Joystick 427 Edgewood Ave SE Atlanta, GA 30312 404-525-3002 JoystickGameBar.com If you’re a fan of old school arcade games, Joystick is a must-visit. Grab some quarters, get a beer, and play some pinball, Pac-Man, and Mortal Kombat. Lips Atlanta 3011 Buford Hwy NE Atlanta, GA 30329 404-315-7711 LipsAtl.com Lips is the ultimate in drag dining in

Mixx Atlanta 1492 Piedmont Ave NE #B Atlanta, GA 30309 404-228-4372 MixxAtlanta.com Atlanta’s premier video venue hosts three different lounges for socializing with friends or hosting a party or event. Chill on weeknights with piano night on Tuesdays and other weekly events, then sizzle with DJs Fridays through Sundays. My Sister’s Room 1104 Crescent Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30309 678-705-4585 MySistersRoom.com MSR is the longest-running lesbian bar in Atlanta, with nightly events that cross musical genres and performances. Non-smoking with a sports-themed menu and a fun patio, this legendary spot is 21+ after 8pm. Oscar’s Martini Bar 1510 Piedmont Ave NE #C Atlanta, GA 30309 404-815-8841 OscarsAtlanta.com A recent renovation with a new look and feel in the same location at popular Ansley Square. Video on demand with weekly events that include show tunes, karaoke, and DJs.

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nightlife Continued from page 86 Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium 586 Edgewood Ave SE Atlanta, GA 30312 404-522-8275 SisterLouisasChurch.com Though not specifically geared to a gay audience, you’ll find plenty of gay folks partying throughout the week. Church, as it’s commonly called, is a quirky spot loaded with tongue-in-cheek religious art and a killer Organ Karaoke every Wednesday. Also look out for supergay patio parties helmed by lesbian DJ Vicki Powell. The S.O.S. Tiki Bar 340 Church St Decatur, GA 30030 404-377-9308 SOSTiki.com This secluded tiki bar with a

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midcentury-modern & Polynesian vibe serves retro drinks and small bites. The T 465 Boulevard SE #103A Atlanta, GA 30312 404-343-2450 ModelTAtlanta.com A casual neighborhood gay bar with karaoke, pool, video games, a jukebox, and nightly specials. Known for its friendly atmosphere, great drinks, and good times, it’s “always a party.” Tripps Bar 1931 Piedmont Cir NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-555-1212 This cozy, unassuming bar offers karaoke, darts, free Wi-Fi, and a taco bar on Wednesdays. Twain’s Brewpub and Billiards 211 E Trinity Pl Decatur, GA 30030 404-373-0063

Twains.net Gastropub with house-brewed tap beers, shuffleboard, pool & darts, plus trivia on Mondays. Woofs Sports Bar 494 Plasters Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-869-9422 WoofsAtlanta.com Atlanta’s only gay sports bar, Woofs hosts a pretty regular bear crowd with little elbow room on game days. The weekly line-up includes trivia, poker, sports on 21 screens, pool, darts, and a popular menu of bar grub.

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retail stores TAKE A TOUR OF ATLANTA’S

There’s no doubt that Atlanta has one of the most diverse shopping experiences in the Southeast. Each neighborhood within the city touts its own style and vibe with unique shops and businesses that call it home. Whether you’re looking for the perfect souvenir, a gift for a loved one, or a treat for yourself, we’ve got your go-to stops for a shopping trip you’ll never forget! Ansley Wine Merchants 1544 Piedmont Ave NE #211 Atlanta, GA 30324 404-876-6790 Ansley-Wine-Merchants. shoplightspeed.com Located in Ansley Mall, this 7-daysa-week wine shop offers over 1,000 bottles of wine, 600 types of liquor, 200 types of beer, mixers, and a knowledgeable staff happy to help you find the perfect pairing. Atlanta Water Gardens Inc 2165 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-235-0739 AtlantaWaterGardens.com Providing “serenity to the city,” Atlanta Water Gardens offers fountains of every size, sculptures, statuaries, garden accessories, and

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amazing gifts. A stroll through the outdoor showroom alone will relax you for the rest of the day. Atlantic Station 1380 Atlantic Dr NW Atlanta, GA 30363 404-410-4010 AtlanticStation.com Atlantic Station is a mixed-use development on the site of an old steel mill. This open-air mall includes an excellent mix of shopping — Athleta, H&M, Forever 21, Charming Charlie and the Falcons and United Team Store, to name a few — restaurants like HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern, envegan, and The Pig and the Pearl; a Regal Cinema; bowling; plus the city’s IKEA store. Barking Leather 1510 Piedmont Ave NE

Atlanta, GA 30324 404-900-5847 BarkingLeather.com Leather clothing, accessories, and more for the BDSM, fetish, and fashion lifestyles. Want something different? If they don’t have it, they’ll “fetch” it for you. Book Nook 3073 N Druid Hill Rd Decatur, GA 30033 404-633-1342 BookNookBookstoreDecaturGa.com Book Nook has helped customers find quality used books, music, movies, board games, video games, and comics since 1973. Whether you’re looking for something specific, want to sell or trade, to browse and relax, this bookstore is the place for you.

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WHERE FUN BEGINS

404.873.2664 1447 PIEDMONT AVE NE

BOYNEXTDOORMENSWEAR.COM

shopping Continued from page 92 Boy Next Door Menswear 1447 Piedmont Ave Atlanta, GA 30309 404-873-2664 BoyNextDoorMenswear.com Boy Next Door is proud to offer an expanding selection of brands for men’s activewear, undergarments, and swimwear, not to mention the perfect outfits for business and date nights. Brushstrokes Pleasures 1510-D Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-876-6567 An Ansley Square staple since 1989, Brushstrokes is the one-stop-shop for gifts, pleasures, DVDs, and other adult entertainment. Charis Books & More 184 S Candler St Decatur, GA 30030 404-524-0304 CharisBooksandMore.com Charis Books & More is the oldest and largest independent feminist bookstore in the Southeast, carrying a wide range of titles covering feminist, LGBTQ, and intersectional topics. The store also offers writing groups, book discussions, author visits, and more, funded in part by its charitable arm, Charis Circle. The Clothing Warehouse 420 Moreland Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-524-5070 TheClothingWarehouse.com If you’re looking for hand-curated retro ‘70s vintage clothes, look no further. While on the pricier side, The Clothing Warehouse is sure to have a one-of-a-kind piece you’ll instantly fall in love with. The Cook’s Warehouse 1544 Piedmont Ave NE #403-R Atlanta, GA 30324 404-815-4993 CooksWarehouse.com In-store shopping, in-store pickup, local delivery This local chain carries a huge selection of more than 15,000 kitchen tools and

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supplies, including the top brands of cookware, cutlery, kitchen electrics, and gadgets, as well as some unique local products. More than 700 cooking classes taught yearly by renowned chefs are also offered. Criminal Records 1154 Euclid Ave NE A Atlanta, GA 30307 404-215-9511 CriminalATL.com This classic record store houses both new and used vinyl from across almost every genre. You’ll be sure to find your next favorite album among their crates, and they also offer posters, comic books, and tees from your favorite bands. Crystal Blue 1168 Euclid Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-522-4605 CrystalBlueL5P.com Nestled right in the heart of Little 5 Points, Crystal Blue is a onestop-shop for all things witchy and metaphysical: we’re talking crystals galore, tarot and oracle cards, altar supplies, jewelry, and more. Eco Denizen 999 Peachtree St NE #180 Atlanta, GA 30309 678-705-9880 EcoDenizen.net This eco-friendly shop offers great gifts like responsibly sourced jewelry, handmade crafts, beautiful candles, stationary and cards, home décor, and more. ElectroBike Georgia 2484 Briarcliff Rd NE #25 Atlanta, GA 30329 404-400-7132 ElectroBikeGA.com ElectroBike is Atlanta’s first and only full-serve electric bike shop with the largest selection of e-bikes in the Southeast, offering over 30 different models from multiple e-bike brands. Flora/Fauna 751 Gaskill St SE Atlanta, GA 30316 404-500-2192 FloraFaunaAtl.com

This Black woman-owned local plant shop is nestled in Cabbagetown. They offer a unique procurement of rare and hard-to-find houseplants and also carry locally handmade pottery perfect for your favorite plant’s next re-potting. Green’s Beverages 2614 Buford Hwy NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-321-6232 737 Ponce De Leon Ave Atlanta, GA 30306 404-872-1109 GreenBeverages.com Green’s offers two locations and a huge stock of liquors, craft beer, wine, and even kegs. Party responsibly. Intaglia Home Collection 1544 Piedmont Ave NE #105 Atlanta, GA 30324 404-607-9750 IntagliaHome.com A furniture and home décor store that brings a fresh approach to Atlanta furniture, one that ultimately relies on timeless interior design. Jonathan Buckhead 715 Miami Cir NE Atlanta, GA 30324 678-471-7861 JonathanBuckhead.com Get a diamond for that special someone or a ring to pop the question at private jeweler Jonathan Shapero’s posh boutique. Junkman’s Daughter 464 Moreland Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-577-3188 TheJunkmansDaughter.com A Little Five Point’s staple, this store offers something for everyone, from clothing and footwear to prints from local artists and gifts for your favorite person. No matter how alternative your style is, The Junkman’s Daughter has something in store for you. Kaboodle 485 Flat Shoals Ave SE #B Atlanta, GA 30316

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shopping Continued from page 94 404-522-3006 KaboodleAtlanta.com Kaboodle Home in East Atlanta Village offers local art, locally made eclectic home furnishings, home décor, candles, gifts, and more. Kudzu Antiques + Modern 2928 E Ponce de Leon Ave Decatur, GA 30030 404-373-6498 KudzuAntiques.com A family-owned business, Kudzu has grown over 35 years into one of Atlanta’s most beloved furniture stores. The unique marketplace imports fabulous finds from worldwide to craft an eclectic selection of both old and new items. Lost-n-Found Youth Thrift Store 2585 Chantilly Dr NE Atlanta, GA 30324 678-856-7824 Lnfy.org Lost-n-Found Youth’s thrift stores have thousands of donated items for sale. Proceeds help fund the operation of the nonprofit, which takes homeless LGBTQ youth off the street and transitions them to more permanent housing. The Merchant Atlanta 99 Krog St NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-331-1200 77 West Paces Ferry NW #35C

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Atlanta, GA 30305 404-228-2372 TheMerchantAtl.com Whether you’re looking for books, bedding, stationary, candles or something one-of-a-kind, The Merchant’s perfectly curated selection of gifts, stationary, and vintage goods has something for you. The Mission Motif 747 Miami Cir NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-370-1505 MissionMotif.com Atlanta’s source for Arts and Crafts-style furniture, The Mission Motif supports a portfolio of fine artisans and designers to deliver top-quality, customizable products perfectly suited for you. Out of the Closet Thrift Store 1858 Cheshire Bridge Rd Atlanta, GA 30324 470-447-6473 OutOfTheCloset.org A nationwide enterprise, Out of the Closet is a multipurpose thrift shop that donates 96 percent of proceeds to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. In addition to shopping, they also offer confidential HIV testing and a pharmacy, where prescriptions are filled while you shop. Oxford Comics and Games 2855 Piedmont Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30305 404-233-8682 OxfordComicsAndGames.com Browse their amazing selection of

new and vintage comics, graphic novels, action figures, DVDs, posters, and more! Park Pet Supply 479A Flat Shoals Ave #A Atlanta, GA 30316 404-588-0140 ParkPetSupply.com Park Pet Supply offers dozens of brands of natural-based and gourmet remedies, foods, and treats. Plus, you can adopt one of its “Park Pets” if you don’t have a furry friend already. The Pet Set 976 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-249-6668 2480 Briarcliff Rd NE #3 Atlanta, GA 30329 404-633-8755 ThePetSet.com This shop offers an extensive line of pet toys and accessories. If Fido is traveling with you, take him in for a day spa or grooming. Phipps Plaza 3500 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30326 404-261-7910 Simon.com/Mall/Phipps-Plaza Buckhead’s Phipps Plaza is for Atlanta’s most upscale shoppers. Anchors include Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, with many smaller posh retailers like Johnny Was, Cole Haan, Gucci, Anne Fontaine, Tiffany & Co., Rigby & Peller, and more!

Ponce City Market 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30308 404-900-7900 PonceCityMarket.com Ponce City Market is home to a number of retailers, including Citizen Supply, Madewell, Lululemon, Modern Mystic, Nike, Sephora, West Elm, and WilliamsSonoma, as well as a diverse food hall. Spend a day on The Roof enjoying the views, carnival games, delicious cocktails, and seasonal ice skating! Psycho Sisters 428 Moreland Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-523-0100 Psycho-Sisters.com If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind piece or costume, Psycho Sisters is the place for you. Rag-O-Rama 1111 Euclid Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-658-1988 RagORama.com This unique thrift store offers some of the most interesting finds you’ll see in a secondhand shop. They offer a wide range of recycled classic, current, and vintage styles, with something for everyone. Tokyo Valentino Erotique 850 Northside Dr NW Atlanta, GA 30318 404-400-6738 1739 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

Atlanta, GA 30324 404-875-9200 TokyoValentino.com This iconic Atlanta landmark has touted the largest selection of adult toys, products, lingerie, and bondage gear in the Southeast since 1995. Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits 2161 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-881-0902 TowerWineSpirits.com Tower is not just a package store. In spite of being #1 in volume sales for the entire state of Georgia, Tower offers personalized service to each customer to help you find just the right drink for every occasion. Wine consultants are always on hand. Trina Turk and Mr. Turk Phipps Plaza 3500 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30326 404-949-1444 TrinaTurk.com / MrTurk.com With a California dapper style, Mr. Turk is designed for men — and Trina Turk for women — who want to make a statement with simple silhouettes in unique patterns, textures, and colors. Wax ‘N’ Facts 432 Moreland Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-525-2275 WaxNFacts.com Veteran music shop with new & used vinyl, cassettes & CDs, plus turntables, accessories & T-shirts.

Westside Provisions District 1198 Howell Mill Rd Atlanta, GA 30318 678-974-1940 WestsideProvisions.com Westside Provisions District has everything from upscale clothing boutiques to glasses shops. It has furniture stores and ice cream all in one place. What more could you ask for? The Works Atlanta 1295 Chattahoochee Ave NW Atlanta, GA 30318 678-974-8534 TheWorksATL.com Located in the heart of Atlanta’s Upper Westside, this converted space houses several shops and eateries. With places like BOBO’s Intriguing Objects and Adelina Social Goods, you’ll be sure to find something here to spark joy in your life. Worthmore Jewelers 117 E Court Sq Decatur, GA 30030 404-370-3979 500 L3 Amsterdam Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30306 404-892-8294 WorthmoreJewelers.com With a slogan like “enlarging your family jewels since 1994,” you know to expect more than just your average jewelry store. They offer a wide array of wedding rings, watches, necklaces, and even custom work at two locations — Midtown and Decatur — in an LGBTQ-welcoming atmosphere.

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hotels & accommodations

lodging LUXURIOUS

Looking for the perfect place to call your home away from home? Atlanta has countless options, ranging from conveniently affordable to indulgently high-end. Whether you prefer a unique boutique or a chain close to all the attractions, there’s something for you. AC Hotel by Marriott Buckhead at Phipps Plaza 3600 Wieuca Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30326 470-231-3030 Marriott.com This modern European hotel experience offers authentic tapas and cocktails at AC Lounge, delicious breakfast at AC Kitchen, and a heated indoor pool. Aloft Atlanta Downtown 300 Ted Turner Dr NW Atlanta, GA 30308 678-515-0300 Marriott.com

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This hip hotel is just steps from downtown Atlanta’s hottest attractions. Get some R&R at the Bliss Spa and enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. *Pet-friendly Artmore Hotel 1302 W Peachtree St NW Atlanta, GA 30309 404-876-6100 ArtmoreHotel.com In the heart of Midtown’s arts district, this independent boutique hotel boasts a lovely renovation of a 1924 architectural landmark building, plus easy access to MARTA and the High Museum of Art. *Pet-friendly

Atlanta Marriott Buckhead 3405 Lenox Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30326 404-261-9250 Marriott.com *Pet-friendly Atlanta Marriott Marquis 265 Peachtree Center Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30303 404-521-0000 Marriott.com Experience urban energy and a stylish vibe in the heart of downtown at the newly renovated four-star hotel

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hotels & accommodations Continued from page 98 with an amazing atrium and cool cocktail lounge, indoor/outdoor pool, spa, and unique dining options. Relax in their modern rooms and enjoy the upscale amenities and gorgeous city views. The Candler Hotel Atlanta 127 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30303 404-523-1200 Hilton.com This boutique hotel is housed in a 17-story high-rise originally built in 1906 as Atlanta’s first steel skyscraper. Located in the heart of downtown, this hotel perfectly blends modern and historic styles while putting you only blocks from some of Atlanta’s best attractions. Canopy By Hilton Atlanta Midtown 1414 W Peachtree St NW Atlanta, GA 30309 404-685-1677 Hilton.com This hotel in Midtown offers complimentary Canopy Bikes to explore the Arts District and delicious culinary options at Xhibit Studio Kitchen and Bar. *Pet-friendly Clarion Inn and Suites 186 Northside Dr SW

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Atlanta, GA 30313 404-893-4663 ChoiceHotels.com Experience the convenience of affordable accommodations for groups, meetings, and events. This location offers easy access to entertainment, nightlife, and dining. *Pet-friendly

The Ellis Hotel 176 Peachtree St NW Atlanta, GA 30303 404-523-5155 EllisHotel.com Offering superb service and an excellent location, the Ellis is the only independent boutique hotel in downtown. *Pet-friendly

Courtyard Marriott Atlanta Downtown 133 Carnegie Way NW Atlanta, GA 30303 404-222-2416 Marriott.com Experience both historic charm and sophistication at this high-energy downtown location with an array of boutique amenities including on-site restaurant The Bistro. Easy access to Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and more. *Pet-friendly

Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park 267 Marietta St NW Atlanta, GA 30313 404-223-2300 Hilton.com The Embassy touts spacious two-room suites, free made-to-order breakfast, and complimentary evening reception with snacks and drinks, plus 16,000 square feet of flexible space for events.

Crowne Plaza Atlanta - Midtown 590 W Peachtree St NW Atlanta, GA 30308 404-877-9000 CPAtlantaMidtown.com Enjoy panoramic views of the city from all rooms in this hotel at the edge of downtown and Midtown, on-site coffee shop THRIVE Coffee, and onsite bar and restaurant NEXT. Want to splurge? Four unique pool suites have private terrace pools. *Pet-friendly

Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta 75 14th St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-881-9898 FourSeasons.com/Atlanta The only five-star, five-diamond hotel in the city, chic urban meets Southern tradition in this neoclassical wonder of polished marble and sweeping staircases. Just steps from the High Museum of Art, eclectic Peachtree Street, and Piedmont Park. *Pet-friendly

Georgian Terrace Hotel 659 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30308 (844) 650-8052 TheGeorgianTerrace.com Across the street from the Fox Theatre, the Georgian Terrace is more than a century old and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. Very LGBTQ-friendly — the perfect place to host your wedding! Glenn Hotel 110 Marietta St NW Atlanta, GA 30303 404-521-2250 GlennHotel.com The Glenn Hotel touts110 rooms of intimacy, comfort, and personalized service in downtown Atlanta. Enjoy cocktails on the rooftop SkyLounge or dinner at Glenn’s Kitchen. Grand Hyatt Atlanta 3300 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30305 404-237-1234 Hyatt.com Located in the heart of Buckhead with easy access to luxury shopping at Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza. Soak in views of Stone Mountain, downtown, and a peaceful Japanese Zen garden. Hilton Atlanta Downtown 255 Courtland St NE Atlanta, GA 30303 404-659-2000 Hilton.com A central location meets high-quality amenities with extensive meeting space, comfortable guestrooms, and three unique dining options. *Pet-friendly

Hilton Atlanta Airport 1031 Virginia Ave Hapeville, GA 30354 404-767-9000 Hilton.com/AtlantaAirport Located only minutes away from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, this is the perfect stay for the busy business traveler. It hosts tons of business amenities, as well as a barber shop, beauty salon, laundry, valet, pool and fitness room. *Pet-friendly Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Midtown and Homewood Suites 97 10th St NW Atlanta, GA 30309 404-524-4006 / 404-524-4076 HiltonGardenInn.com HomewoodSuites.com These modern, connected properties are located just one block from the Midtown MARTA train station. Both offer complimentary wi-fi, fitness center, and pool. Homewood Suites is an all-suites hotel with fully equipped kitchens. Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown 275 Baker St NW Atlanta, GA 30313 404-577-2001 Hilton.com This contemporary hotel in a vibrant area is only one block from top Atlanta attractions including the Georgia Aquarium. Offers over 9,000 square feet of multi-use event and meeting space with lots of natural light. Hotel Clermont 789 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30306 470-485-0485 HotelClermont.com

Set in a landmark 1920s building overlooking the vibrant Poncey– Highland district, this trendy and sleek boutique hotel is adjacent to a MARTA bus stop, three miles from the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and five miles from the High Museum of Art. Hotel Colee 3377 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30326 678-500-3100 HotelColee.com This boutique destination offers an enticing rooftop, inviting meeting space, and tempting room service. Hotel Indigo Midtown 683 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30308 404-874-9200 HotelIndigo.com This Midtown boutique hotel offers free wireless throughout the property and is directly across the street from the Fox Theatre. Bring your pets to visit live-in furry resident, Indie. *Pet-friendly Hyatt Centric Atlanta Midtown 125 10th St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-443-1234 Hyatt.com Four-star property with 194 redesigned guestrooms with floorto-ceiling windows and views of Piedmont Park and downtown Atlanta. *Pet-friendly Hyatt Place Atlanta/Downtown 330 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30308 404-577-1980 Hyatt.com

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hotels & accommodations Continued from page 101 Located in the heart of downtown and ideally situated near popular area attractions, their 24-hour guest kitchen offers cafe-quality, made-toorder meals, and snacks, along with free breakfast daily for members. *Pet-friendly Hyatt Place Atlanta/ Centennial Park 300 Luckie St NW Atlanta, HA 30313 404-521-0008 Hyatt.com Stay directly across the street from the famed Georgia Aquarium and unwind at the gorgeous outdoor pool. *Pet-friendly Hyatt Place Atlanta/Buckhead 3242 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30305 404-869-6161 Hyatt.com This affordable and unassuming hotel offers an outdoor pool and 24-hour gym, plus free parking and Wi-Fi. *Pet-friendly Hyatt Regency Atlanta 265 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30303 404-577-1234 Hyatt.com Downtown location with easy access to the Georgia World Congress Center, the Mercedez-Benz Stadium, and the Georgia Aquarium. The world’s first contemporary atrium hotel, built in 1967, is home to the most event space in the city and the largest hotel ballroom in Georgia. Inman Park Bed & Breakfast 100 Waverly Way NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-688-9498 InmanParkBandB.com Built in 1912 as a residence of CocaCola magnate Robert Woodruff, this lovely B&B has been lovingly restored and is on the National Register for Historic Places. All rooms have private baths. Very LGBTQ-friendly.

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Inn at the Peachtrees, Ascend Hotel Collection 330 W Peachtree St NW Atlanta, GA 30308 404-577-6970 InnAtThePeachtrees.com An affordable stay and modern alternative to big downtown hotels, this hotel features complimentary breakfast buffet, free wireless internet, and meeting rooms. Very LGBTQ-friendly.

Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center 100 CNN Ctr NW Atlanta, GA 30303 404-659-0000 Omnihotels.com 1,059 spacious luxury guest rooms and suites with breathtaking views overlooking the downtown Atlanta skyline, Centennial Park, and the lively CNN Center atrium. *Pet-friendly

InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, an IHG Hotel 3315 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30326 404-946-9000 InterContinentalAtlanta.com Offers an upscale urban retreat within easy reach of attractions and adventures. Shopping, dining, entertainment, and top city attractions are only steps away.

The Peach House 88 Spruce St NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-908-0788 ThePeach.House This adorable peach and tea bed and breakfast is 120 years old and one of the few Black-owned B&Bs in the country.

JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead 3300 Lenox Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30326 404-262-3344 Marriott.com Discover timeless elegance at one of the premier hotels in Buckhead, featuring luxurious suites, modern amenities, and updated décor. Loews Atlanta Hotel 1065 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 745-5000 LoewsHotels.com/Atlanta-hotel Luxury in the heart of Midtown, Loews is known for their hospitality. Gay-friendly, pet-friendly, and the incomparable Exhale Spa make Loews a top choice for visitors. *Pet-friendly Moxy Hotel Midtown 48 13th St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-249-9446 Marriott.com This brand-new hotel offers everything you need in a boutique hotel – including a complimentary cocktail with your room key! Located in the heart of Midtown, enjoy access to great local spots, free Wi-Fi, and TVs equipped with streaming services. *Pet-friendly

Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel 866 W Peachtree St NW Atlanta, GA 30308 678-412-2400 Marriott.com This way gay-friendly boutique hotel is in the heart of Midtown, close to MARTA and all Midtown attractions. Reverb by Hard Rock Downtown 89 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW Atlanta, GA 30313 470-552-8410 Reverb.HardRockHotels.com This brand-new smart hotel from Hard Rock is perfect for music fans and located right next to MercedesBenz Stadium. Come for the rooftop bar but stay for the amazing skyline, incredible music, and contemporary atmosphere. *Pet-friendly Ritz-Carlton Atlanta 181 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30303 404-659-0400 RitzCarlton.com Luxury, first-rate service, and an excellent location for business and downtown tourist fun. Sheraton Atlanta Hotel 165 Courtland St NE Atlanta, GA 30303

404-659-6500 Marriott.com Southern charm and modern style blend in this expansive, completely renovated Atlanta hotel ideal for both business and leisure travelers. *Pet-friendly Stonehurst Place Bed & Breakfast 923 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-881-0722 StonehurstPlace.com This woman-owned romantic B&B combines the comfort and intimacy of a small inn and the amenities and luxury of a large hotel. Honeymoon suites are available for newlyweds. Very ecofriendly and LGBTQ-friendly. St. Regis Atlanta 88 West Paces Ferry Rd NW Atlanta, GA 30305 404-563-7900 StRegisAtlanta.com A true in-town luxury resort with several restaurants, extraordinary cuisine, and wines, plus the fabulous Reméde Spa. *Pet-friendly Sugar Magnolia Bed and Breakfast 804 Edgewood Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-222-0226 SugarMagnoliaBB.com This beautiful Queen Anne Victorian home will transport you back in time to 1892, when the home was constructed. This gorgeous bed and breakfast is located in Inman Park, Atlanta’s first suburb.

404-961-1212 TwelveHotels.com Located in thriving and colorful Midtown, Twelve offers complimentary Wi-Fi, an on-site pool, and on-site restaurant Allora Bistro.

and Phipps Plaza.

W Atlanta Downtown 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd Atlanta, GA 30308 404-582-5800 Marriott.com

Westin Buckhead 3391 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30326 404-365-0065 Marriott.com This upscale hotel has sweeping skyline views and close proximity upscale shopping. Only a threeminute walk from the Buckhead MARTA train station. *Pet-friendly

W Atlanta Midtown 188 14th St NE Atlanta, GA 30361 404-892-6000 Mariott.com Two excellent locations in Atlanta, each with its own charm and the W stamp of quality. The W Atlanta Midtown is walking distance to Piedmont Park, where Atlanta Pride is held each October. *Pet-friendly

Westin Peachtree Plaza 210 Peachtree St NW Atlanta, GA 30303 404-659-1400 Marriott.com Towering 73 stories and topped by the famous Sun Dial Restaurant, this John Portman-designed hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown – a business traveler’s dream location. *Pet-friendly

Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead 3376 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30326 404-995-7500 Hilton.com You can expect over-the-top luxury and pampering at the exclusive spa, relaxation in the private gardens, and incredible views of the city at this boutique hotel located near Lenox

The Whitley 3434 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30326 404-237-2700 Marriot.com This hotel touts a blend of cosmopolitan style with timeless elegance, an ideal location in Buckhead, and easy access to worldclass shopping, dining, and nightlife. *Pet-friendly

Twelve Downtown, Autograph Collection 400 W Peachtree St NW Atlanta, GA 30308 404-418-1212 TwelveHotels.com If you’re looking for an upscale urban experience right in the middle of downtown, look no further than Twelve’s spacious designer suites. Twelve Midtown, Autograph Collection 361 17th St NW Atlanta, HA 30363

DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDE 103

campgrounds & outdoor groups

the gay outdoors Did you know that Atlanta is not only the LGBTQ mecca of the South, it’s also the city in a forest? Foliage covers almost half of the city’s acreage, making Atlanta a prime destination for outdoorsy folks. From organized groups to weekend getaway spots, you’ll find what you need to take in the natural beauty of our amazing city and state. Atlanta LGBTQ Hikers If you love to hike and are interested in discovering hidden hiking gems and making new friends, this is the group for you! Atlanta LGBTQ Hikers do not charge to hike; if you ever have to pay anything, it’d be directly to whatever park has fees. Meetup.com/Atlanta-LGBTQ-Hikers In The Woods Campground Let your wild side out at this “naturist” campground in Northeast Georgia, owned and operated by two gay men. The campground sits on 30 acres of wooded area and is clothing-optional, so you can relax freely with nature. Enjoy landscaped trails, a crystal-clear pool, and relaxing hot tub, and meet new people in the comfortable clubhouse. 142 Casey Court Canon, GA 30520 706-246-0152 InTheWoodsCampground.com Oz Campground Georgia’s finest LGBTQ campground and resort offers amazing LGBTQ events including Muscle Bear fitness weekend, Country Boys weekend and drag shows, making this the perfect place for those looking to take a breather from the hustle and bustle of city life. After a hard day’s hike, relax in your personal cabin, tent or RV underneath the night sky. 50 GA Hwy 230 Unadilla, GA 31091 478-892-2299 OzCampground.com The River’s Edge The campground bills itself as “100% gay owned-and-operated,” so you’ll

104 DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDE

be with like-minded individuals who love nature as much as you do! This private membership 21+ campground is clothing-optional and gives you the opportunity to take in the outdoors as little or as much as you want. Pitch your tent along the river, bring your RV or rent one of the luxurious cabins. 2311 Pulliam Mill Rd Dewy Rose, GA 30634 706-213-8081 CampTheRiversEdge.com Roy’s Hideaway The Hideaway is a members-only, 21+ gay and lesbian campground. This campground has everything: six freshwater lakes and springs, quaint lake-side cabins, and an amazing pool and spa area. Party the night away in the expansive entertainment room, equipped with a full stage, disco, and DJ booth. 268 Catfish Ln Collins, GA 30421 912-225-3900 RoysHideway.com Wilderness Network of Georgia This gay and bisexual men’s outdoor group will take you on an adventure

you won’t forget. It’s a volunteerdriven group open to men-loving men 18 and older. This group plans regular activities, including whitewater rafting trips, hikes in Georgia’s scenic mountains and even a group outing to the annual Beltline lantern parade. Day and overnight trips give members a chance to connect and bond with other men in the area. Annual membership dues are only $20. Meetup.com/WildNetGa Women’s Outdoor Network Take a stroll along one of Georgia’s many remote rivers or pitch a tent with other women in the Atlanta metro area. The group’s been around for nearly 20 years and focuses on helping queer women stay in shape and healthy. Membership is only $15 per year. Meetup.com/WonAtlanta

TRUE T ATLANTA

@ATLHAWKS | #TRUETOATLANTA | HAWKS.COM | STATEFARMARENA.COM

work it out

From fresh farmers markets across the city to health restaurants on almost every corner, Atlanta is the perfect spot for health nuts. The city is loaded with gyms of all types, no matter what experience you want or fitness goals you have. Bonus: you’ll likely run into members of the LGBTQ community while you’re there, especially in Midtown! Anytime Fitness North Buckhead 4920 Roswell Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30342 404-343-6017 Buckhead 550 Pharr Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30305 404-549-3523 AnytimeFitness.com FitWit 630 East Lake Dr Decatur, GA 30030 888-534-8948 FitWit.com

Atlanta, GA 30363 404-810-9015

Midtown 75 Fifth St NW Ste E Atlanta, GA 30308 404-212-1065 Brookhaven 755 Brookhaven Ave Atlanta, GA 30319 678-280-8844 Lenox/Buckhead 3232 Peachtree Rd NE Ste A Atlanta, GA 30305 404-233-8311

Gravity Fitness 2201 Faulkner Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-486-0506 GravityFitnessAtl.com

Peachtree Road 3535 Peachtree Rd NE Ste 300 Atlanta, GA 30326 404-389-1143 LaFitness.com

Iron Tribe FitnessWest Midtown 1409 Howell Mill Rd NW Atlanta, GA 30318 678-576-4766 IronTribeMidtown.com

Lion’s Den Fitness 900 Peachtree St NE Ste 105 Atlanta, GA 30309 678-835-8699 LionsDenFitnessAtl.com

LA Fitness Ansley Mall 1544 Piedmont Ave NE Ste 115 Atlanta, GA 30324 404-249-6463 Atlantic Station 261 19th St Ste 1140

106 DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDE

The Training Room ATL 742 Ponce de Leon Pl NE Atlanta, GA 30306 404-333-3677 TheTrainingRoomAtl.com Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30306 404-885-1499 UrbanBodyFitness.com

The Forum Athletic Club Ponce City Market 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Ste E179 Atlanta, GA 30308 Lenox Square - Buckhead 3393 Peachtree Rd NE #2010A Atlanta, GA 30326 678-904-1940 TheForumAthleticClub.com

let’s play ball

There are tons of LGBTQ sports leagues across the city to quench that thirst, no matter your skill level or activity of choice. Prefer to be a spectator only? Take in a game from one of Atlanta’s incredible professional teams. There’s something for all of Atlanta’s LGBTQ athletes. Local LGBTQ Sports All stripes Atlanta United LGBTQ Supporter Group AllStripesAtl.com

Front Runners Atlanta FrontRunnersAtlanta.org GO Kickball Pride League GoKickball.com/PrideAtlanta

Atlanta Bucks Rugby Club AtlantaBucksRugby.org

Hotlanta Soccer HotlantaSoccer.org

Atlanta Roller Girls atlantarollerderby.com

Hotlanta Softball League HotlantaSoftball.org

Atlanta Rainbow Trout Gay-friendly aquatics club AtlantaRainbowTrout.com Atlanta Team Tennis Association Atta.org

108 DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDE

Hotlanta Volleyball HotlantaVball.leagueapps.com National Flag Football League of Atlanta Nffla.com

Southern Softpaw League LGBTQ softball league SouthernSoftpaw.com

Professional Sports Atlanta Braves MLB.com/Braves Atlanta Dream Dream.WNBA.com Atlanta Falcons AtlantaFalcons.com Atlanta Hawks NBA.com/Hawks Atlanta United AtlUtd.com

UNITY. GOSTRIPERS.COM

lgbtq organizations

connected ATLANTA’S ORGANIZATIONS HELP KEEP YOU

Advocacy/Political ACLU of Georgia Acluga.org

Georgia Equality GeorgiaEquality.org

Georgia Log Cabin Republicans georgialogcabin.org Georgia Stonewall Democrats stonewalldemocrats.us/georgia Georgia Unites Against Discrimination GeorgiaUnites.org GLAAD Atlanta Glaad.org/tags/atlanta Human Rights Campaign Atlanta Steering Committee HRCAtlanta.com Lambda Legal Southern Regional Office LambdaLegal.org/sro

112 DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDE

Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia StonewallBar.org

Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals MaapAtl.org Out Georgia Business Alliance OutGeorgia.org

Culture/Arts

Atlanta Freedom Bands AtlantaFreedomBands.com Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus & Atlanta Women’s Chorus VoicesOfNote.org Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra AtlantaPhilharmonic.org Charis Circle CharisCircle.org

In the Life Atlanta InTheLifeAtl.com

OurSong Mixed gay and lesbian chorus OurSongAtlanta.org Out On Film OutOnFilm.org

Family/Youth

CHRIS 180 Provides assistance to homeless LGBTQ youth. Chris180.org Georgia Safe Schools Coalition GaSafeSchools.org Lost-n-Found Youth Provides emergency housing 24/7 for homeless LGBTQ youth. Lnfy.org Hotline (call or text): 678-856-7825

PFLAG Atlanta PFLAGAtlanta.org

AID Atlanta HIV testing with same-day results, education, and support groups targeting gay men and gay men of color. AIDAtlanta.org AIDS Research Consortium of Atlanta Free HIV and STD testing AVAC.org Galano Club LGBTQ-friendly Alcoholics Anonymous plus other 12-step groups. Galano.org Grady Health Ponce de Leon Center One of largest and most comprehensive HIV/AIDS facilities. GradyHealth.org/Locations/Poncede-Leon-Center Emory’s Hope Clinic HopeClinic.Emory.edu Feminist Women’s Health Center FeministCenter.org Jerusalem House Housing for homeless and people living with HIV. JerusalemHouse.org Living Room Housing placement and financial assistance for people living with HIV. LivingRoomAtl.org Project Open Hand Meals for homebound people with HIV and other critical illnesses. OpenHand.org Pets Are Loving Support Help with pet care for people with HIV. PalsAtlanta.org Positive Impact Health Centers HIV and STD testing

PositiveImpactHealthCenters.org

TouchingUpOurRoots.org

Support/Social/Service

Zami NOBLA For Black lesbians 40 and older ZamiNOBLA.org

American Veterans for Equal Rights aver.us

Asians and Friends Atlanta Meetup.com/Asians-andFriends-Atlanta Atlanta Prime Timers atlanta-prime-timers-inc.square.site Fourth Tuesday Lesbian networking and social events. Facebook.com/FourthTuesdayAtlanta SAGE Serves LGBTQ seniors. SAGEUSA.org Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Drag nuns who conduct community outreach and fundraisers. TheSisters.org SOJOURN Southern Jewish Resource Network for Gender and Sexual Diversity. SojournGSD.org Southern Bears AtlantaBearFest.com Southern Fried Queer Pride SouthernFriedQueerPride.com Southerners on New Ground (SONG) SouthernersOnNewGround.org Transgender Health & Education Alliance TransHealthEducation.org TRANScending Barriers TranscendingBarriersAtl.org Trikone For LGBTQ South Asians. Trikone.org Touching Up Our Roots Non-profit preserving Atlanta’s LGBTQ history.

Regional Pride Organizations Athens Pride AthensPride.org Atlanta Black Pride AtlantaBlackPride.org Atlanta Pride AtlantaPride.org Augusta Pride PrideAugusta.org Chattanooga Pride Chattanooga, Tennessee ChattanoogaPride.com Colgay Pride Columbus, Georgia ColgayPride.org Famously Hot South Carolina Pride Columbia, South Carolina SCPride.org Key West Pride Key West, Florida GayKeyWestFl.com Pure Heat Atlanta Black Pride PureHeatCommunityFestival.com River City Pride Jacksonville, Florida RiverCityPride.org Savannah Pride SavannahPride.com South Georgia Pride Valdosta, Georgia SouthGaPride.com Upstate Pride South Carolina Spartanburg, South Carolina UpstatePrideSC.org

DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDE 113

ALL ARE WELCOME.

“You are made in the image of God exactly how you are. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Your name is Beloved; not Shameful, not Worthless, not Sinful, not Mistake. Your name is Redeemed. Your name is Friend.”

– BISHOP ROB WRIGHT “God’s love is a life-saving force. It answers despair with belonging. It breathes scandalous grace into rigidity. It invites every shape and shade of humanity to crowd around Heaven’s table. God’s love is always moving — thank God we were made to move with it.”

– HOLLE TUBBS YOUTH MISSIONER

Beloved is a new series focused on sharing the stories of God’s beloved. These are stories of love, belonging, and seeing God in the world. It’s testimony of the heart in a broken world.

EPISCOPALATLANTA.ORG/LGBTQ-MINISTRIES

lgbtq-friendly worship

Worship WHERE TO

No matter your faith or how you worship, there’s a safe space and community here for you! All Saints’ Episcopal Church 634 W Peachtree St NW Atlanta, GA 30308 404-881-0835 AllSaintsAtlanta.org Avondale Pattillo United Methodist Church 3260 Covington Hwy Decatur, GA 30032 404-294-4063 AvondalePattilloUMC.org Cathedral of St. Philip 2744 Peachtree Rd NW Atlanta, GA 30305 404-365-1000 Cathedralatl.org Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception 48 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr SW Atlanta, GA 30303 404-521-1866

116 DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDE

CatholicShrineAtlanta.org

Central Congregational United Church of Christ 2676 Clairmont Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30329 404-633-4505 Central-UCC.org Central Presbyterian Church 201 Washington St SW Atlanta, GA 30303 404-659-0274 CPCAtlanta.org Church of the Epiphany 2089 Ponce de Leon Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-373-8338 Epiphany.org City of Light 3125 Presidential Pkwy Atlanta, GA 30340

470-545-2821 cityoflightatlanta.com

Clifton Sanctuary Ministries 369 Connecticut Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-373-3253 CliftonSanctuary.com Congregation Bet Haverim 2074 Lavista Rd Atlanta, GA 30329 404-315-6446 CongregationBetHaverim.org Drepung Loseling Monastery, Inc. Center for Tibetian Buddhist Studies, Practice & Culture 1781 Dresden Dr Atlanta, GA 30319 404-982-0051 Drepung.org

Continues on page 118

lgbtq-friendly worship Continued from page 116 Druid Hills Presbyterian Church 1026 Ponce de Leon Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30306 404-875-7591 DruidHillsPrebysterian.org First Existentialist Congregation of Atlanta 470 Candler Park Dr NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-378-5570 FirstExistentialist.org The Gathering Place Worship Center 999 Brady Ave NW Ste 10 Atlanta, GA 30318 404-815-0007 GLBTChurch.com Gentle Spirit Christian Church 601 West Ponce de Leon Ave Decatur, GA 30030 404-604-8124 GentleSpirit.org Inman Park United Methodist Church 1015 Edgewood Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-522-9322 InmanParkUMC.org Johns Creek Christian Church 10800 Bell Rd Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-418-1101 JohnsCreekChristian.org Kadampa Meditation Center Georgia 741 Edgewood Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 678-453-6753 MeditationInGeorgia.org METRON Community Worships at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema 931 Monroe Dr NE Atlanta, GA 30308 404-879-0160 MetronCommunity.Blogspot.com

118 DESTINATION TRAVEL GUIDE

New Covenant Church of Atlanta 1600 Eastland Rd Atlanta, GA 30316 404-394-2513 NewCovenantAtlanta.com Oakhurst Baptist Church 222 East Lake Dr Decatur, GA 30030 404-378-3677 OakHurstBaptist.org Ormewood Church 1071 Delaware Ave SE Atlanta, GA 30316 678-962-7828 OmewoodChurch.org

St. John’s Lutheran Church 1410 Ponce de Leon Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-378-4243 StJohnsAtlanta.org St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 435 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30308 404-873-7600 StLukesAtlanta.org The Temple 1589 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-873-1731 The-Temple.org

Park Avenue Baptist Church 486 Park Avenue SE Atlanta, GA 30312 404-627-2175 ParkAveBaptist.com

Trinity Center for Spiritual Living 1095 Zonolite Rd Ste100 Atlanta, GA 30306 404-296-6064 TrinityCenterAtlanta.org

Saint Mark United Methodist Church 781 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30308 404-873-2636 StMarkUMC.org

Trinity United Methodist Church 265 Washington St SW Atlanta, GA 30303 404-659-6236 AtlantaTrinity.org

SGI-USA Atlanta Buddhist Center 421 17th St NW Atlanta, GA 30363 404-817-8100 SGI-Atlanta.org

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta 1190 West Druid Hills Dr NE Ste 150 Atlanta, GA 30329 404-634-5134 Uuca.org

Shambhala Meditation Center 1447 Church St Decatur, GA 30030 404-370-9650 Atlanta.Shambhala.org

Unity Fellowship Church, Greater Atlanta 601 W Ponce de Leon Ave Decatur, GA 30030 404-599-8243 UnityWideOpen.com

St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church 1790 Lavista Road NE Atlanta, GA 30329 404-634-3336 St.BartsAtlanta.org

Virginia-Highland Church 743 Virginia Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30306 404-348-4830 VHChurch.org

St. John’s Episcopal Church 3480 East Main St College Park, GA 30337 404-761-8492 StJohnsCollegePark.org

Vision Church of Atlanta 704 Ormewood Ave SE Atlanta, GA 30312 404-622-9470 TheVisionChurch.org

atlanta's best & only gay weekly nIghtlIfe magazIne!

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Articles inside

THE GAY OUTDOORS: Outdoor activities geared towards the LGBTQ community

FITNESS: Options to help keep you fit during your stay

LODGING: Your home away from home

ATLANTA’S ARTISTIC ARRAY: Check out what’s going on in Atlanta’s art world this season

NIGHTLIFE: Our best LGBTQ nightlife hotspots

INSIDER INFO: Avoid the “confused tourist” look with our handy-dandy guide to navigating the A

THE ATL’S BEST BETS: Atlanta’s most well-attended events fundraisers, parties, and festivals

SHOPPING: Retail therapy heaven

ATTRACTIONS INSIDE ATLANTA AND OUT: Atlanta and its

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Atlanta has drawn people from around the world, and from all walks of life -- and that definitely includes gay people. It's a cosmopolitan city, sure, but this Southern belle somehow still manages to move at a slightly slower, more graceful pace. There's no denying the city heat ups during the muggy summers, but the long autumns, mild winters, and vivid, flower-filled springs make up for it.

Piedmont Park and the Atlantic Botanical Gardens provide great urban green space. Atlanta Pride , one of the largest of all such American celebrations, brings over 300,000 revelers to the park each October, from around the southeast region and beyond. Black Gay Pride takes place over the Labor Day weekend. This city's been at the center of some of the most important events in US history: the Civil War, and the civil rights movement -see the Martin Luther King Jr birthplace. Lest we forget, this is also where Coca-Cola and CNN originated.

These days, though, the city may stand out the most for the number and quality of performing and visual arts on offer. The High Museum of Art , having recently collaborated with the Louvre, MoMA and the Republic of China, has cemented its reputation as one of the premier museums in the US. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra , one of America’s leading orchestras, is known for the excellence of its live performances and presentations, and serves as the region’s cornerstone for artistic development and music education. A number of Atlanta neighborhoods, including the Midtown West and Castleberry Hill, as well as the more established Bennett Street and Peachtree Hills areas, are notable for their arts scene.

The Buckhead Theatre , the Landmark Theatres Midtown Art Cinema , (home to OutonFilm ) the Out Front Theatre Company, and the Plaza Theatre are some local venues with programming of interest to the LGBT communities. The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre is the city's major performing arts facility, with performances by Atlanta Ballet , Atlanta Opera , and a variety of concerts.  

Getting here Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is the busiest in the world. But unlike other big-city airports, Atlanta's is convenient to the center of the city. It can take as little as 15 minutes to drive to Midtown, and there's a MARTA rail link right at the airport.  

Getting around Public trains and buses, known as MARTA , are a convenient option for many destinations. The city as a whole, though is spread out, making driving to many areas mandatory -- but plan ahead, Atlanta has bad traffic and sometimes long commute times.  

Neighborhoods Midtown: The reigning epicenter of gay Atlanta remains Midtown, and its anchor is 10th and Piedmont. The area has seen explosive growth, which has changed the former Skid-Row area along Peachtree Street to a gleaming corridor of condo high-rises. Still, its leafy, tranquil and low-swung residential area of restored bungalows and Victorian houses remains intact. You can check it out between Juniper Street and Monroe Drive. East Atlanta: In and around the intersection of Flat Shoals and Glenwood avenues, early-20th-century buildings contain cool restaurants and some of the city's best nightlife and indie music. Turn-of-the-century gems like the intersection of Flat Shoals and Glenwood avenues remain untouched and ready for a renaissance. Midtown West: This former warehouse and railroad district is turning into a destination. The neighborhood around of Howell Mill Road and Marietta Street has a number of galleries, shops, and adventurous restaurants. Some of the city's best- loved and adventurous restaurants are also here. Buckhead: Mansions, expensive restaurants, and upscale hotels are all here; the most exclusive shopping areas in the city, Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza, stand kitty- corner from each other, on Peachtree Road.  

Media, resources, events

Emerging from the breakup of the old Southern Voice (SoVo) and the demise of David Atlanta , there are two sources for what's going on in gay Atlanta:  the Georgia Voice, and the web-blog Project Q Atlanta with their 20-30 "things to do in Atlanta" every day. Fenuxe is a bi-weekly magazine for the gay community.

Atlanta Leather Pride in April and Southeast Black & Blue Weekend in August are annual weekend celebrations at the Atlanta Eagle .

The Atlanta Bear Pride Weekend takes place in April, and Atlanta Bear Fest on July 4th weekend, organized by Atlanta's Southern Bears , are two more annual events.

Atlanta's OUT on Film is the area LGBT film festival each September-October at Landmark Theatres Midtown Art Cinema .

The Atlanta Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence , "dedicated to the manifestation of cosmic joy through freedom of expression, charitable acts, community outreach, and social activism," do good deeds in the community, and help to raise funds for worthy causes.

ONYX , a Leather Fraternity for Gay and Bisexual Men of Color, with Southeast Chapter centered in Atlanta, sponsors events throughout the year and monthly bar socials at Atlanta Eagle .

Creative Loafing is the local alternative weekly paper for general news, reviews, and events listings. The website of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau is a guide to most everything in town.

For locations and website links to businesses listed below, see our Atlanta gay map & listings pages.

Bars and clubs

Except perhaps for New Orleans, there's no Southern city with comparable gay nightlife. Private sex clubs, nude male dancers, thriving leather and bear playgrounds, and the stripped-down hunks seen on dance floors here compliment a laid-back and casual attitude to pleasures of the flesh, with a multicultural and cross-racial mix. At the center of an otherwise socially conservative part of America, there's a little something for everyone here.

Amsterdam (502 Amsterdam Ave), Dutch-influenced decor, Queen Beatrice and wooden clogs; video games and darts, dancing, drag, burgers/sandwiches, wraps, salads, wings, brunch, patio, mostly men/ all welcome.

Atlanta Eagle (308 Ponce de Leon) - CLOSED - dark throbbing cruise clubhouse and dance club, bear and leather and rubber events, underwear nights, pool tables, Onyx Men nights, huge patio. Plan to reopen at its current home in 2021 - see the What Now article about this Historic Landmark Gay Bar location.

The Bakery (825 Warner St SW), creative warehouse; performances, art events, workshops, artists' and musicians' spaces.

BJ Roosters (2043 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE), men's bar, youthful male go-go dancers in underwear in constant rotation on the bar, stiff drinks, pool tables and darts.

Blake's (227 10th) young, good-looking, mostly male mixed crowd, video bar on two levels, poker, very popular drag shows; daily sandwiches, burgers, eggs and entrees.

Bulldogs (893 Peachtree), popular men's dance bar, weekend lines to enter, easy black- white mix, backyard patio grill, late crowd.

Felix's (1510-G Piedmont, Ansley Sq Mall), neighborhood bar, karaoke, gay mix, shot boys, drag shows, rock music nights; the former Scandals .

Friends (736 Ponce de Leon, Druid Hills), friendly vibe, pleasant staff, expansive outdoors deck, men/women gay mix, jukebox, billiard table, pinball, holiday parties, game nights, drag shows.

Future Atlanta (50 Lower Alabama St SW), American restaurant and LGBT nightclub, with spring 2020 opening, has Bear Pride , GA Boy , Peach Party , Pride and Xion dates scheduled.

Heretic (2069 Cheshire Bridge), midweek to weekend, multi-ethnic, stripped-to-skin dance club; jocks to leather male crowd, outdoor deck; Country Dancin' Thursdays , game nights. Leather and gift shop.

Hideaway (1544 Piedmont Ave NE), long-time neighborhood gay bar, video games, pinball, blackjack, bingo, free pool games daily, good prices, mix of men.

Joes's on Juniper (1049 Juniper St), gay-popular restaurant and cocktail bar, theme nights, lunch and dinner, sandwiches; Saturday/Sunday Champagne/Mimosa brunch, giant screen TV.

Mansion Elan (3595 Clairmont Rd), stylish/upscale nightclub, mixed young African-American crowd, dancing, live music; 18+ except 21+ Saturdays.

Mary's (1287 Glenwood Ave), fun-loving alternative gay crowd, mostly younger men, bears nights, music variety, big video library, karaoke, dancing.

Midtown Moon (1492 F Piedmont Ave NE), new Ansley Sq Mall restaurant/bar; karaoke and bingo nights, drag cabaret, patio bar, movie shows.

Mixx (1492 Piedmont), video lounge/ cocktail bar, Southwestern-style restaurant plates and starters; piano night, Thursday-Sunday DJs and dancing.

Model T (699 Ponce de Leon, Ford Factory Sq), party bar across from Friends , open to all, martini specialties, Sunday sports & dinner, poker, karaoke, WiFi.

My Sister's Room (66th 12th St NE, Midtown), women's bar, best Lesbian musicians and performance artists of the region, karaoke; sliders, pizza, tacos wings, brunch.

Opus 1 (1086 Alco St NE), "the smallest bar on the shortest street with the largest pour" gay bar for 24 years; mostly men.

Oscars (1510 Piedmont), videos on demand, martini lounge in Ansley Square, show tunes nights, artist celebrations.

Sanctuary (3209 Paces Ferry Pl, NW, Buckhead), Latin Friday/ Saturday nightclub, LGBT Saturdays, dancing to Salsa, Merengue, Reggaeton, Bachata, shows.

Sister Louisa's CHURCH of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium (466 Edgewood Ave SE), mixed crowd, Art Gallery sells alcohol and Sister Louisa Art. No TV or internet: “parishioners,” as locals are called, engage in conversation, games and community activities.

Swinging Richards (1400 Northside Dr), open nightly, all-nude, all-male strip shows, three stages, private lounge for debriefing sessions, shot boys.

Ten (990 Piedmont Ave), daytime Mediterranean restaurant, Sunday brunch, sidewalk patio; nightclub DJs after 10pm, lively mixed crowd, men/women, gay/straight.

Traxx African-American club nights at various venues, Black Pride all-weekend celebrations, drag and talent shows, sexy male dancers.

Tripps (1931 Piedmont Circle), cozy unassuming bar, gaming machines, extended happy hours 3 -9pm, free Wi-Fi.

Woofs on Piedmont (2425 Piedmont), gay sports bar, Friday CW music, game nights; full kitchen with blue-plate specials, subs and pizza, Lottery and Keno.

Check out La Choloteca for queer Latinx people, Ladies at Play , WhatsUp N Atlanta , and Traxx Girls for more dance and party events around town.

CLOSED : Bliss (2284 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE), all-male strip club; Burkhart's (Ansley Sq Mall), guys, burgers, fish/ steaks, karaoke, patio, drag; Le Buzz (585 Franklin Rd, Marietta), cabaret drag show bar, karaoke; Cockpit (465 Blvd SE), men's bar/ BBQ, games, beer busts; Jungle (2115 Faulkner), 18+ gay dance club, game shows, drag + bear events.

Sauna, health, sex clubs

The Den (2135 Liddell Dr), Tuesday-Saturday 18+ men-only member's club for men of color, naked nights; open until 6 or 8am on weekends, open early 8pm Wednesdays.

Flex (76 4th) gay men's steam and sauna social club with rooms, heated and clothing- optional pool and sun deck, plus Internet access.

Gravity Fitness (2201 Faulkner Rd NE ) state-of-art health club, weights, machines, cardio deck, steam and dry saunas, massage therapy, personal trainers.

Manifest4u (2103 Faulkner Rd, NE) - CLOSED (plans to reopen at new location) - men play/ explore, jack, spank; workshops, poz nights, yoga, WiFi lounge, erotic library, videos, snack bar. For the monthly CumUnion sex parties for men formerly here, see Parliament Resort Augusta , GA, 4th Wednesdays each month.

Zone Amsterdam 18+ men-only members' club; black/Latino mix, dark room, porn parties, live sex shows, Events take place in private session locations in Atlanta and other cities - address sent to members by email. See Twitter updates.

CLOSED: Eros Atlanta (2219 Faulkner Rd NE), private sexy 18+ relaxed social/ cruise club.

10th & Piedmont (991 Piedmont Ave NE), organic/ multi-cultural global dining with a Southern twist, wines, cocktails; Saturday and Sunday Bellini Brunch .

Endive Publik House (1468 Mecaslin St NW, Loring Hts), New American neighborhood bistro, "eclectic approachable comfort food," special desserts, cocktails.

Joe's on Juniper (1049 Juniper) traditional American food, extensive beer list, generous cocktails, mixed sports crowd.

Colonnade (1879 Cheshire Bridge NE) has fried chicken, fresh fish and veggies, cooked and served homemade Southern style.

Cowtippers (1600 Piedmont) has steaks and Southwest fare, big cocktails, outdoors terrace and no-hassle parking.

Einstein's (1077 Juniper), stylish lounge, uniquely Southern accented bistro cuisine, tacos, raw bar, craft beers, open air patio dining.

G's / Gilbert's Cafe & Bar (219 10th St) daily dining, lunch; cuisines, design and music of the Mediterranean, weekend brunch, karaoke, wine tastings. Also paninis, sandwiches, pastas, & vegetarian options.

Las Margaritas (1842 Cheshire Bridge NE) Latin/Mexican restaurant, popular patio with strong lavender vibe.

Roxx (1824 Cheshire Bridge), famous for their burgers, gay folk in droves on the patio.

Shopping and Services

Barking Leather (​805 Lambert Dr NE), leather creations/clothing, adult toys, collars/restraints, electro play; also downstairs at The Eagle , Wednesday through Saturday with leather necessities.

Boy Next Door (1477 Piedmont), menswear, unique lines of gay clothing with plenty of personal attention.

Brushstrokes (1510 Piedmont, Ansley Mall), cards, novelties, T-shirts, underware, giftware, music CD's, DVD sales/rentals, books, magazines, jewelry, pride merchandise, photography books, posters, prints, and more.

Brushstrokes Pleasures (Ansley Mall), adults-only, five doors from the flagship store; adult erotica, toys/novelties, condoms, lubes, fetish gear, supplements, pumps, C-rings, nipple clamps, video head cleaners, DVD and BLU-RAY movies/ 13,000 rental titles.

Buffedbod - now online store only, Ron Serfass custom design men's swimwear, underwear, workout clothing, and body shirts.

Southern Nights (2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE) "...your evocative oasis for sexual liberation" - with a wide variety, gay and straight, of toys, sexual pleasure items, and videos.

CLOSED: Outwright Bookstore (991 Piedmont), LGBT bookstore and coffeehouse.

Accommodations

For those weary of look-alike chains, the gay-friendly Hotel Indigo- Atlanta Midtown (683 Peachtree NE; 800-957-4654) is a tranquil service-oriented alternative to bland.

Gay-friendly Lowes Hotel Atlanta (1065 Peachtree NE; 888-563-9736), stylishly modern rooms and suites with all amenities.

St Charles Inn (1001 St. Charles NE; 404-875-1001), former Gaslamp, 1913-era craftsman house B&B close to restaurants, shops and theater; luxurious rooms and suites.

W Hotel Atlanta Midtown (188 14th NE; 582-5800), Gayborhood central rooms and suites, weekend club Whiskey Park Southern comfort and hospitality, outdoor terrace; Jean-Georges restaurant, pool and spa, cabanas, business center. Pets welcome.

CLOSED: Hello B&B (1865 Windemere Dr), small 4 guestroom gay B&B, wooded neighborhood, Jacuzzi; kitchen/common room, garden.

A guide to Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ scene

Atlanta1 Atlanta Travel 0

Atlanta is a vibrant and welcoming city with a thriving LGBTQ+ community. The city is home to a variety of LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, restaurants, and events, making it a great place to visit for LGBTQ+ travelers from all over the world.

Here is a guide to Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ scene:

Neighborhoods

The following neighborhoods are popular with Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community:

• Midtown:  Midtown is home to a variety of LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, and restaurants, as well as the city’s Pride festival.
• Ansley Park and Cheshire Bridge:  This area is known for its upscale LGBTQ+ bars and restaurants.
• East Atlanta Village:  This neighborhood is home to various LGBTQ+ dive bars and clubs and the city’s annual East Atlanta Queer Arts Festival.
• Little Five Points:  This eclectic neighborhood is home to various LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, and restaurants, as well as the city’s annual Little Five Points Halloween Festival.

Bars and clubs

Here are a few of Atlanta’s most popular LGBTQ+ bars and clubs:

• My Sister’s Room:  This lesbian bar has been a staple of the Atlanta LGBTQ+ community for over 40 years.
• The Heretic:  This Midtown bar is known for its drag shows and dance nights.
• Mixx Atlanta:  This upscale Midtown bar is popular with Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ professional crowd.
• Peddler:  This LGBTQ+ bar and restaurant in Ansley Park is known for its lively patio and friendly atmosphere.
• Mary’s:  This gay bar in Midtown is known for its dancing and karaoke nights.

Restaurants

Here are a few of Atlanta’s most popular LGBTQ+-friendly restaurants:

• La Hacienda Midtown:  Midtown’s Mexican restaurant is renowned for its delicious cuisine and vibrant ambiance.
• Mary Mac’s Tea Room:  This Southern restaurant in Midtown is known for its homestyle cooking and friendly service.
• The Optimist:  This seafood restaurant in Midtown is known for its fresh seafood and creative cocktails.
• No. 246:  This restaurant in East Atlanta Village is known for its New American cuisine and cozy atmosphere.
• Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium:  This restaurant and bar in East Atlanta Village is known for its unique atmosphere and eclectic menu.

Here are a few of Atlanta’s most popular LGBTQ+ events:

• Atlanta Pride:  Atlanta Pride is one of the largest Pride festivals in the United States. It is held every October in Midtown Atlanta.
• Atlanta Black Gay Pride:  Atlanta Black Gay Pride is a week-long festival celebrating the city’s Black LGBTQ+ community. It is held every September in Midtown Atlanta.
• Southern Comfort Conference:  Southern Comfort Conference is a four-day LGBTQ+ conference held every February in Atlanta. It features a variety of workshops, panels, and social events.
• Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus:  The Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus is one of the largest and longest-running gay choruses in the world. It performs regularly throughout the year at various venues in Atlanta.
• Out Front Theatre Company:  Out Front Theatre Company is a professional theater company that produces plays and musicals with LGBTQ+ themes. It performs regularly at The Alliance Theatre in Midtown Atlanta.

Atlanta is an excellent city for LGBTQ+ travelers. With its vibrant LGBTQ+ community, Atlanta has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for a night out on the town or a cultural experience, you will find it in Atlanta.

Here are some additional tips for planning your LGBTQ+ trip to Atlanta:

• Book your hotel or Airbnb in advance, especially if you’re visiting during a popular event like Pride.
• Dress comfortably. Atlanta is a casual city, so you don’t need to dress up to go out.
• Be respectful of everyone’s gender identity and sexual orientation.  Atlanta is a welcoming city, but it’s essential to respect everyone’s differences.
• Have fun!  Atlanta is a great city to let loose and enjoy yourself.

This guide has been helpful. Have a great time in Atlanta.

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Lgbtq bars & nightlife, discover atlanta’s lgbtq bars and clubs.

Dance the night away to the beats of superstar DJs or mix and mingle over specialty concoctions on a nearby patio. Atlanta’s LGBTQ nightlife offers something for everyone. Bring the action at energy-pumping themed parties throughout the week or catch an impromptu drag performance in a no-frills atmosphere where the drinks are always flowing.  From chic lounges to sizzling clubs, Atlanta’s diverse after-hours scene doesn’t disappoint.

Top LGBTQ bars

• Blake’s on the Park  –  Conveniently located in the middle of the Midtown “gayborhood,” this institution boasts a neighborhood vibe and attracts a mix of Atlanta bachelors, as well as some of the city’s most legendary drag queens.  
• Friends  – For those seeking an easy-going, off-the-beaten path watering hole, Friends is a no-attitude bar with inexpensive drinks and pool tables. It’s a perfect place to catch up and relax.  
• Mary’s  –  Proudly referred to as East Atlanta’s gay dive bar, Mary’s was named by Logo Channel and Out Magazine as one of the best gay bars in the world.  
• Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium  –  Church, as it’s commonly called, is a quirky non-smoking spot loaded with tongue-in-cheek (sac)religious art, killer organ karaoke every Wednesday and super-gay patio parties.

Top LGBTQ nightlife spots

• Bulldogs  – Located in the heart of Midtown, Bulldogs is recognized for hot DJs who spin house and hip-hop while bartenders assure you’re treated right and get your money’s worth.  
• The Heretic Atlanta  – Throughout the labyrinth layout of this nightlife spot you’ll find a diverse crowd jamming to the heavy beats of renowned DJs who bring tunes your dancing feet can’t resist.  
• My Sister’s Room  – Atlanta’s only lesbian bar, My Sister’s Room is located in thriving East Atlanta Village. With a pub feel during the day and nightclub vibe at night, there’s plenty of space to dance inside and mingle on the back deck.  
• FUTURE  –  Future Atlanta’s the brand new home of two-story, 14,000-square-foot dance club, Fantasy Girls Drag Cabaret, and restaurant at Underground Atlanta. Atlanta’s top Drag superstars put on a colorful show hosted by PHOENIX from Ru Paul’s Drag Race, while the massive space transforms into the nightclub scene featuring different International DJ’s.

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Looking for a perfect place to stay in atlanta we list some of the best hotels for gay travelers, from budget to luxury., book a travel gay approved hotel.

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Hotel Indigo Atlanta Midtown

683 Peachtree Street NE,, Atlanta

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Why this hotel? Great location. Spacious rooms.

Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel

866 W Peachtree St NW,, Atlanta

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Why this hotel helpful staff. ideal location..

Loews Atlanta Hotel

1065 Peachtree Street Ne,, Atlanta

Why this hotel? Comfy beds. Ideal location.

Hyatt Regency Atlanta

265 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta

Why this hotel? Luxury amenities. City views.

Georgian Terrace Hotel

659 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta

Why this hotel? Rooftop pool. Spacious rooms.

Artmore Hotel

1302 West Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta

Why this hotel? Fantastic onsite bar. Convenient location.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Atlanta Midtown

975 West Peachtree Street,, Atlanta

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176 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta

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188 14th St NE, Atlanta

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Atlanta Bear Pride 2024

Atlanta Bear Pride is 3 days of bear themed events & parties showcasing the diversity of bear culture.

Event Dates

From: Friday, April 19, 2024 To: Sunday, April 21, 2024

Key Highlights

• One big weekend
• 3 days of events
• After hour parties
• Closing party
• Beef Bar party
• Bear Invasion

Plan Ahead!

Atlanta hotels are full year round To get the best deal and save up to 70% Book your hotel early !

Atlanta Bear Pride is 3 days of bear themed events & parties showcasing the diversity of bear culture and bringing people from around the Southeast to converge on Atlanta for one big weekend. The event fills the Atlanta, especially the popular Midtown gay district , so book your hotel in advance. The Event Friday 19th – Sunday 21st April 2024 – The weekend-long celebration of Atlanta Bear Pride includes the Bear Invasion opening night, the Bearracuda party, and a Saturday and Sunday T Dance. Several after hour parties at Xion are also planned. The Schedule Awaiting final lineup of parties Friday 19th April 2024 – Warm Up Party at Woofs from 7 pm to 10 pm , followed by the Atlanta Bear Pride Kick off Party, Bear Invasion with DJ GSP from 9 pm at Heretic, ending with the Xion After Hours at Future Atlanta with Nick Bertossi from 3 am to 7 am. Saturday 20th April 2024 – Events kick off from 3 pm to 8 pm with the Randy Outdoor Tea Dance at The Heretic from 3 pm to 8 pm followed Bearracuda with Tony Moran from 9 pm to 3am. Events end at Xion from 3 am to 7 am with DJ Warren. Sunday 21st April 2024 – Ease into Sunday from 4pm with the Sunday Funday no cover event at Woof from 4 pm to 7 pm. Then head over to the Atlanta Eagle with the Sunday Tea Dance from 7 pm to midnight with DJ TDon. Wrap things up at the Atlanta Bear Pride closing party, “Shameless Sunday” at Future Atlanta from midnight until 4am with DJ TDon. Heretic Heretic Atlanta is one of the city’s longest running gay clubs and has a huge dance floor, well able to accommodate all the guests visiting for the annual bear pride. This signature event sells out fast, so book your tickets early. If you’re looking for an Atlanta hot spot, at this bar you’re bound to see shirtless bods, leather accessories & [hot] men! The Heretic is a favorite destination for leather aficionados (it even has its own leather shop). This bar draws plenty of guys into leather as well as – more generally – a butch & “cruise-y” bunch clad in jeans, leathers and little else. The staff & clientele tend to be quite friendly. Future Atlanta Future Atlanta is located in Underground Atlanta a shopping and entertainment district in the Five Points neighborhood of downtown Atlanta, Georgia, United States, near the Five Points MARTA station. The club is 11 minutes drive from Piedmont Park the LGBT district of Atlanta. The Eagle The Atlanta Eagle  – Low-key gay leather bar with pool, dancing, karaoke & frequent theme nights. Atlanta Eagle reopened in Ansley Square on Piedmont Avenue, a 4-minute drive from Midtown. Woofs Woofs Atlanta – Atlanta’s only Gay Sports Bar, showing multiple sporting events, plus video games and darts. Serves delicious snacks including their meatball trio, shrimp skewers and tasty nachos. Other Popular Bars in Atlanta Oscar’s Bar : A chill spot with a disco theme, central bar, and outdoor patio. Located in Midtown, Ansley Square Shopping Center. Felix’s : Offers a cozy atmosphere, weekly events like karaoke and trivia, and a small outdoor patio. Located in the Ansley Square Shopping Center, Midtown. Friends on Ponce : A casual neighborhood bar with a diverse decoration, offering games and a spacious patio. Found across from O4W’s BeltLine Kroger. Bulldogs : An iconic part of Black gay Atlanta with a casual vibe and heavy-handed drinks. Situated in Midtown. The T : Offers a low-key environment with a small room and central bar, great for conversations. Found in Grant Park. Mary’s : Provides a mix of all types with regular events and a busy weekend dance floor in the East Atlanta Village. BJ Roosters : Adjacent to The Heretic, it varies from dive-bar vibes to lively nights with go-go dancers. Found on Cheshire Bridge. X (Ten) : Known for its central location at the rainbow crosswalks, theme nights, and all-seasons patio. Situated in Midtown. Where to stay during Atlanta Bear Pride Midtown Atlanta is the epicenter of LGBTQ culture and nightlife in Atlanta. There is no lack of bars and restaurants here. Some standouts include  Blake’s on the Park , one of the longest running gay bars in the city. Stay at the Bellyard in West Midtown with 161 suites and guestrooms tricked out with the latest in technology and a spacious fitness center. The hotel is just 10 mins drive from Future. Hotels close to the gay district in Atlanta Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action: Glenn Hotel ,    Renaissance Hotel ,    Stonehurst Place ,    The Ritz-Carlton .

Recommended Hotels

Where to stay close to all the gay bars. Our top 4 selections with the best rates .

Where we stay!

The Courtyard Midtown has a great location, spacious rooms and a great gym.

Official Website

For further information and advice on Atlanta Bear Pride,visit  The Website

Map of Gay Atlanta

The Atlanta gay population lives, works and plays all over the city and even into the suburbs. Midtown has several of the city’s most popular gay bars like Blake’s, Burkhart’s Pub, Bulldogs and Swinging Richards. The Atlanta LBGT populace is also partially responsible for the resurgence of Grant Park in the 1980s. The historic neighborhood was falling into ruins when members of the community started scooping up properties, renovating and restoring them to their original glory. This fever pitch trickled over into the neighborhoods of East Atlanta, Ormewood Park and the Old Fourth Ward. These are all eclectic, funky and tolerant neighborhoods, like most of Atlanta.

Recommended Hotels in Atlanta By Booking

Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partners Booking.com We have chosen hotels in Atlanta that keep you close to all the Action, shops, restaurants & bars

The Ritz-Carlton 5 Star, Readers Choice

• 5 Star, Luxurious, downtown location, elegant rooms.
• A short taxi ride to the gay bars.
• Elegant rooms with feather beds.
• Stay for luxury in the heart of Atlanta, with upscale amenities & convenient downtown access.

Stonehurst Place 4 Star, Charming B&B

• 4 Star, Historic, gourmet breakfast, cozy atmosphere.
• Close to the gay district.
• Flat-screen TV, iPod station.
• Ideal for a charming, intimate experience with gourmet breakfast & historic ambiance.

Renaissance Atlanta 4 Star, Great Value

• 4 Star, Boutique hotel, rooftop bar, city views.
• A short walk to the gay bars.
• Spacious rooms, 37-inch TV.
• Offers great value with a stylish rooftop bar & modern rooms in a vibrant neighborhood.

The Glenn Hotel 3 Star, Great Location

• 3 Star, Modern, city skyline views, rooftop lounge.
• Spacious rooms, iPod docking.
• Perfect for experiencing Atlanta’s skyline from a rooftop lounge, with modern amenities, central location.

Atlanta Bear Pride

Bear Invasion April 2015 Atlanta Bear Pride Jungle

Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Atlanta

Atlanta has a vibrant and inclusive LGBTQ+ community, and it’s often considered one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the United States. The city was home to some early LGBTQ+ activist organizations, and it played a significant part in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

Midtown | The heart of the city’s gay community

• Midtown Atlanta is often considered the heart of the city’s gay community.
• It’s home to many gay bars, clubs, and businesses, including the famous Atlanta Pride Festival .
• The intersection of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue is often referred to as the epicenter of gay life in Atlanta.
• Discover the best things to see and do in Atlanta

Virginia-Highland

This eclectic neighborhood is known for its welcoming atmosphere & diverse community. Home to several gay-friendly bars, restaurants, & shops.

Downtown Atlanta offers a variety of shopping options for both residents & visitors. With upscale boutiques, unique stores and famous attractions.

Piedmont Park

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• Speaking of Comedy

Atlanta comedian Matthew English brings authentic voice to material as openly gay man

City Lights Staff | WABE

April 11th, 2024

On the “City Lights” series “ Speaking of Comedy ,” Atlanta’s funniest locals share insights on the perks and perils of their profession. This edition features Atlanta-based comedian Matthew English .

“I never thought that standup was something I could or would ever do,” English said. “I was bullied in high school for being gay, and closed myself off from everyone but a small group of friends.”

English finally found his voice as a student at Georgia State University when a professor told him his comedic voice was funny. “She unwittingly taught me how to keep a joke book, and I’ve filled up dozens since I took her class,” English says.

“I talk about sex, love, mental health, my dead mom, with an excited, almost manic energy,” English asserts. “I find it helps me remind the audience that they’re at a comedy show, and they are allowed to laugh.”

Find out more about the comedian Matthew English and his upcoming shows on Instagram here .

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Queer Travel Special #1 with TV vet Dr James Greenwood From Gay to Ze

Woof Woof! We are kicking off our series of From Gay to Ze travel specials by speaking to the gorgeous human being, TV vet, author and presenter Dr. James Greenwood. James is a passionate advocate for the veterinary profession, animal welfare, conservation, mental health awareness and for LGBTQ equality. He speaks to Lotte and Stu about his experience of travelling and how he plans to navigate travelling as a new dad, as James and his partner Mark had their first son via surrogacy this May. This episode was made possible with support from our sponsor YOTEL (also find them on Instagram here).

• Episode Website
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• Copyright 2023 Lotte Jeffs/Stu Oakley

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A guide to LGBTQ+ travel in Latin America

With museums, culture, nightlife, family outings and safe spaces to  relax in, Latin America has much to offer LGBTQ+ travellers. 

Latin America is a vast region of over 656 million inhabitants. Stretching across two continents, it’s a storied location where people and cultures from Europe, Africa, the Americas and elsewhere mixed and settled. Spanish and Portuguese, vestiges of two rival superpowers, are the dominant languages. The ancient empires, Aztec, Incan, Mayan and others, still make their presence known — from the archaeological highlights of museums to the living spectacles of carnivals, parades and religious celebrations, like the macabre Day of the Dead and the continued worship of goddesses like Yemanjá brought from the West African coast.

The region’s powerhouse cities are where LGBTQ+ nightlife, culture and political progress are most visible, from the Beaux-Arts streets of Buenos Aires to the sun-kissed Rio de Janeiro, with its spectacular natural setting of mountains and beaches. Indeed, it’s these sandy stretches many tourists come to Latin America for, whether they’re seeking the golden shores of the Caribbean coast or the dramatic, mountainous landscapes that butt against the Pacific, creating conditions that every surfer dreams of.

One of the most thrilling of all Latin American destinations, glamorous Buenos Aires should be the starting point of every Argentine adventure. It’s also one of the world’s leading countries on LGBTQ+ human rights issues — it passed a national same-sex marriage equality law in 2010, five years before the US and three before the UK. Peppered with French Beaux-Arts architecture, Buenos Aires is crisscrossed by grand boulevards and marble-embellished monuments. Visitors will find hundreds of bookshops to explore, the most famous of which, El Ateneo Grand Splendid, is housed in a former theatre. There are cafes, museums and a glittering opera house. To walk along any street, especially the Nueve de Julio, is a dizzying experience.

Where to go at night in Argentina? Buenos Aires is home to some of the best LGBTQ+ nightlife on the continent, and it’s not for the faint hearted. Things don’t get going until past midnight, with locals out long after sunrise. Club Amerika in the Almagro neighbourhood is the city’s largest nightclub and a centre point of LGBTQ+ nightlife. El Lugar Gay is a small, men-only budget hotel located in the historic San Telmo neighbourhood, an area known for its Sunday antiques fair and tango performances.

Where to see Argentinian culture? Though a controversial figure in Argentina, former First Lady Eva Perón, better known as Evita, remains one of the country’s most well-known figures — a Dior-clad gay icon to many LGBTQ+ locals, with stars like Madonna, Patti LuPone and Elaine Paige having portrayed her. Her myth, mystery, legend and wardrobe are explored at Museo Evita in the elegant Palermo neighbourhood.

Where to go with family in Argentina? This nightlife-oriented city has plenty for queer family gaycations, from watching the famous ‘cat ladies’ take care of felines in Recoleta Cemetery to the Abasto neighbourhood’s Museo de los Niños , with educational science activities for children. Argentina’s Patagonian region makes an excellent option for skiing or hiking trips in Bariloche. Those of drinking age will enjoy Mendoza, an important wine region, where the Malbec grape reigns supreme.

Few places in Latin America rival the powerhouse experience that is Brazil. One of the largest countries in the world, this South American nation pulsates with a landscape as diverse as its people, with thousands of miles of beachfront, metropolitan cities, mountains and the Amazon rainforest, to name just a few points of interest. With so much to see and do, it’s hard to choose what to start with first in Brazil, and many LGBTQ+ travellers make repeat visits.

Where to go at night in Brazil? Rio is an effervescent metropolis and former capital where neighbourhoods jostle between mountains and beaches, the giant art deco statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado mountain rising above it all. The highlight of the year is Carnival — the largest such celebration in the world — in February or March, depending on the Easter calendar. It’s all about the beaches here and two are main centres of LGBTQ+ life — Ipanema, especially its Rua Farme de Amoedo gay beach, and the densely urban Copacabana beach, where locals and visitors alike pose for sunset photos with the curvaceous Sugarloaf Mountain in the background. A Brazilian cultural highlight is in Rio’s Flamengo Park, which is home to the Carmen Miranda Museum , celebrating the actress whose oversized fruit-covered headdresses inspired many a drag queen.  

Where to explore in Brazil? Visitors will find urban charm in São Paulo, with its contrasting wealthy and impoverished neighbourhoods operating within walking distance of each other. Every May, it hosts a massive gay pride parade with millions of spectators lining Avenida Paulista. Salvador, in the northeastern state of Bahia, is a hotspot for Afro-Brazilian culture. Statues of Yemanjá, mother of orishas (divine spirits) in the Yoruba religion, are everywhere — a nod to the area’s past. A visit to Pelourinho is a highlight for many, its cobblestone streets lined with colourful buildings stretching to stunning vistas.

Where to go with family in Brazil? For LGBTQ+ family travellers with kids, no trip to Brazil is complete without visiting Iguazú Falls, a series of waterfalls in the country’s south where it edges against Argentina and Paraguay. Several times larger than their North American counterpart, legend says Eleanor Roosevelt exclaimed, “Poor Niagara!” upon seeing them.

Visitors to Mexico should start in its glorious capital, filled wih museums and cultural venues like Palacio de Bellas Artes, with its Beaux Arts facade and art deco interior, or the fascinating National Anthropology Museum. Once the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, the city is centred around the massive Zócalo, a square where Spanish buildings were constructed over ancient temples and pyramids.

Where to see the best of Mexican nightlife? Only in Zona Rosa — literally the Pink Zone — can travellers find such a dense concentration of LGBTQ+ nightlife. Near the Angel of Independence monument along Avenida de la Reforma, bars, nightclubs, restaurants and other venues popular with LGBTQ+ tourists and locals abound, along with some of the city’s best hotels.

Where to see Mexican culture? The Frida Kahlo Museum is located in the bohemian Colonia del Carmen neighbourhood. Known as the Casa Azul, this tribute to the bisexual artist has been open to the public since the late 1950s.

Where to explore nature in Mexico? Mexico’s coastlines offer a wide array of beaches to explore. Cancun and the Riviera Maya on the Yucatán peninsula are among its jewels and the source of much of the country’s income from tourism. Storied Puerto Vallarta, one of Latin America’s most popular LGBTQ+ beach destinations, overlooks the Pacific.

Peru is geographically diverse, with beaches, mountains and the western stretches of the Amazon jungle, making it a must-visit spot for nature-seeking travellers.

Where to see the best of Peruvian nightlife? Peru’s capital, Lima, is a gastronomic paradise, with native cuisine like ceviche, a raw fish and citrus dish, and drinks such as the pisco sour a popular choice. The country’s large and influential Japanese population has also impacted the culture and the cuisine. The main LGBTQ+ area is garden-like district Miraflores, the name of which means ‘look at the flowers’. Sadly, two prominent gay nightlife spots, Lola Bar and Discoteca Legendaris, have recently closed; luckily, a number of new joints are in the works. However, ValeTodo DownTown , a bar central to the strong gay residential presence here, remains open and thriving.

Where to go on an outdoor adventure in Peru? One of the reasons many visitors come to Peru is to trace the country’s ancient Incan roots. Two of the world’s most coveted bucket-list destinations are in Peru: the ancient Andean temple complex Machu Picchu with its stunning views, and Cusco, which was a capital of the Incan Empire. Visitors will come across colonial buildings representing the Spanish conquest built on top of ancient temples, the periods of architecture instantly recognisable via differing stonework. A rickety train traverses a stunning mountain pass to connect Cusco and Machu Pichu, allowing for day trips. More adventurous travellers can hike the various Inca Trails over several days, finding lesser-known historic ruins along the way.

While certain parts of Latin America might be known for a degree of brashness, travellers will   find a more reserved destination when they visit Chile. Santiago, the capital, stretches along the city’s main thoroughfare, Avenida Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins, and sits either side of the Mapocho River.

What to do at nighttime in Chile? The gay heart of Santiago is in the quaint district Barrio Bellavista, much of which dates to the 1920s. Chile is a former Spanish colony, and these influences can be seen in much of the area’s architecture, from the terracotta shingles to the white stucco walls. At night, the district comes alive with music and partying, as locals and visitors head to clubs, restaurants and bars, many with live music. The neighbourhood is dominated by San Cristóbal Hill and its statue of the Virgin Mary, a symbol of the city, connected by a not-always-functioning funicular.

Where to see Chilean culture? Argentina’s Mendoza on the other side of the Andes might be South America’s better known wine region, but Chile has one of the continent’s largest. What makes it even more ideal for visitors to the capital is that there’s no need to fly to a second destination. The wine region surrounds Santiago, most of it within an hour-and-a half drive by car or organised tour to Casablanca Valley, the Maipo region or the Central Valley, where wineries like Concha y Toro create magical elixirs from Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon and other grapes.

Related Topics

• LGBT-FRIENDLY TRAVEL
• FAIRS AND CARNIVALS
• CULTURAL TOURISM
• FAMILY TRAVEL

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Former Atlanta chief financial officer pleads guilty to stealing money from city for trips and guns

A TLANTA (AP) — The former chief financial officer for Atlanta pleaded guilty on Monday to stealing money from the city for personal travel and guns and trying to cheat the federal government on his income taxes.

Jim Beard , 60, pleaded guilty to one count of federal program theft and one count of tax obstruction in federal court in Atlanta.

U.S. District Judge Steve Jones is scheduled to sentence Beard on July 12. Beard could face as many as 13 years in prison but is likely to be sentenced to substantially less under federal guidelines.

Beard served as the city’s chief financial officer under Mayor Kasim Reed, managing Atlanta’s financial resources from 2011 to 2018. Beard is the 10th person to be convicted in an anti-corruption probe into Reed's administration. Most of the others were convicted on charges of giving or taking bribes for city contracts. Reed himself has never been charged.

During his time in office, Beard used city money to pay for personal trips and to illegally buy two machine guns for himself, he admitted in his plea agreement.

Federal prosecutors said Beard stole tens of thousands of dollars from the city, although the plea outlined about $5,500 in thefts.

That includes spending over $1,200 for his stepdaughter to spend three nights in a Chicago hotel room during an August 2015 music festival. Beard said he was there to discuss interest rates on city debt.

Beard also admitted to buying two custom-made machine guns from Georgia manufacturer Daniel Defense in 2015, paying $2,641.90 with a city check. Beard had claimed the guns were for the Atlanta Police Department — it's generally illegal for civilians to possess machine guns in the United States — but he kept them until he left them in 2017 at the police department office overseeing the mayor's protection.

He also spent $648 on airfare to New Orleans to attend the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in April 2016, later deducting the same expense from his income taxes by telling the IRS it was for his personal consulting business. Beard also double-dipped by charging the city nearly $1,000 in travel expenses to a New York meeting with a bond regulatory agency and then getting the same agency to reimburse him $1,276.52.

Beard also claimed $33,000 in losses from his consulting business on his 2013 income tax return, with the IRS ultimately allowing him to deduct $12,000 in business travel expenses he never spent.

Under the plea, Beard is giving up his claim to the guns and is agreeing to pay back various entities including the city of Atlanta.

Where to watch The Masters in Atlanta and enjoy food, drink specials | 2024

Five Iron Golf 

ATLANTA - The Masters Tournament is underway at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta. Since not all golf fans can travel to southern Georgia for the prestigious tournament, several venues are hosting watching parties. The tournament lasts four days. After day two, the players are ranked, and the top 50 go on to the final two days. At the end of the final day, the golfer with the best score is crowned with the coveted green jacket.

Arnette's Chop Shop in Brookhaven is hosting a watch party for The Masters starting at 2 p.m. on April 14. There will be snacks and cocktails inspired by the golf tournament, a golf simulator, and putting green.

Atlanta Motorcar in Cumming is hosting a watch party for The Masters on April 14. Their complimentary buffet will feature pimento cheese sandwiches, egg salad sandwiches, sugar cookies, peach ice cream sandwiches, Azalea cocktails, and more. 

Chattahoochee Food Works will be showing The Masters on its big screens from April 11 through April 14. Sip on Azalea cocktails from the Center Bar and indulge in delicious bites from the food stalls. 

Citizens Market Food Hall at Phipps Plaza is offering food specials and viewing on a big screen for The Masters. Food specials include BBQ wings for $5, fried pickles for $7, The John Daly Sandwich for $13, The Good Ole Boy Sandwich for $7, peach milkshake for $8, grilled pound cake with peaches and vanilla ice cream for $7, Arnold Palmer drink for $3.40, and Azalea cocktail for $12.

Deep Roots Wine Market & Tasting Room in Roswell is hosting a Taste of the Masters Watch Party on Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. There will be tasting of 5 wines, Masters-inspired food, the tournament on all TVs, auctions, raffles, and more. Tickets are $75 and include a donation to Bobby Jones CSF.

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Five Iron Golf , an indoor golf experience in Atlanta, is celebrating The Masters and offering guests the opportunity to watch the tournament on its screens and indulge in limited-edition Masters favorites and specials, including a classic pimento cheese sandwich for $1.50; Patrons' Pimento (toasted brioche, pimento cheese, and grape jelly) for $3; the Azalea Cocktail for $8; Sierra Nevada Pale Ale for $8; and Go For the Green buckets for $24 (four Sierra Nevada Tallboy Cans). In addition, Patron Packages are available for larger groups and team outings. 

New Realm Brewing Company on Somerset Terrace NE is hosting a 19th Hole Party on Sunday. There will be a special drink menu featuring delicious cocktails and craft beer while The Masters is on the TVs throughout the brewery.

The Office Bar at Epicurean Atlanta is offering golf fans the chance to watch The Masters for free and enjoy a spiked Arnold Palmer or the famous Azalea cocktail made with Augusta National Golf Club's original recipe. The Office Bar will also offer Masters-themed food specials including pimento cheese with assorted crackers, carne asada loaded fries, and BBQ boneless pork ribs. Reservations are not required.