Visiting Atlanta from UK (Nashville, Ideal: sale, rent, how much)

[Atlantasfinest]

Originally Posted by bizchick86

Definitely Midtown. I think the W in Midtown would be ideal. It's sleek, houses a great bar- Whiskey Park- and the clubs at Crescent Ave are right down the street, and it puts you in a location that's quickly become the center of Atlanta nightlife, arts, and culture. Plus, it's close to Poncey Highland which has the more underground clubs MJQ (you must go there if you're into hip hop) and El Bar.

The best time to come in May would be the last couple of weeks. Memorial Day Weekend (the last weekend of the month) is always full of events and parties.

Here's some other tidbits:

- Opera and Compound are two great mega clubs. R&B/hip hop nights are Thursday (Opera) and Friday (Compound). They're both in midtown, and Opera is walking distance from the W.

- If you're into jazz, May is when we have the Jazz Festival. This is also held in midtown walking distance from the W at Piedmont Park. It is a huge national event that draws in thousands of folks each year during the entire month of May and there's a huge finale concert the final weekend around Memorial Day Weekend. Definitely try and book your hotel early because prices will increase around this time of month.

-For a taste of the south, check out Harlem Bar (downtown) or rare (midtown). Both have yummy soul food in classy environments. Great for people watching! Harlem Bar also has a DJ on Saturdays which is pretty live.

- For comedy, check out the Uptown Comedy Club downtown on Marietta St. This is a renowned comedy club that has launched the careers or hosted numerous African-American comedic talents.

-Also in downtown is the popular Luckie Lounge. Both Friday and Saturday are good (Friday they have grown and sexy happy hour, so that might be cool for you), but the earlier the better-they charge a grip after a certain hour. This is a different kind of place b/c it's a mix of a lounge, bar, club AND restaurant. So consider grabbing a meal and staying afterwards to party. I pretty much always have a good time here whether I'm chillin or tryna get crunk.

- Atlanta is notorious for its strip clubs. Magic City is probably the most legendary for the hip hop set. Monday nights are what it's famous for, or so I'm told :-). Don't know your gender, but ladies and guys both go here. It's just that fun.

- For shopping, I love Little 5 Points. It's eclectic and decently priced. It's also great for people watching.

- A great neighborhood to peruse on a Sunday is Virginia Highlands. Great Sunday Brunch at Murphy's and some nice boutiques and other bars for later in the evening.

-On another Sunday, check out the Inman Park neighborhood. Highland Bakery is another popular Sunday brunch spot and they've some other great restaurants. It's also full of historic homes that are just beautiful to look at and walk through on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Overall summers in the A are a blast, and you will find plenty to do and plenty of pretty people to look at. When it gets hot, people make the most of it with their clothing choices :-). Also, Atlanta to me is different from all those cities because of how pervasive African American culture is here. That kind of experience is limited in all those cities, even New York. You will definitely be seeing something unique by visiting, especially if you're coming during the Jazzfest. Enjoy!

Another great post Bizzy this topic (Atlanta Nightlife/Culture/Scene) might need to become a sticky!

[Atlantasfinest]

Originally Posted by Brumbert

Hey all,

Me and my cousin are planning on visiting Atlanta in May this year for two weeks or so, i'm just trying to find out some information on where is best to stay, what to do etc etc

I've looked at Buckhead, Mid-town, Downtown and to be honest, from the outside looking in it's a little difficult to decide. I know usually downtown areas are cool to visit during the day, but sometimes can be dead at night (I don't know, jut basing it on over here in the UK and other Holidays)

Ideally we want to stay somewhere where it's busy more than its quiet. Doesn't have to be in touristy type areas as we don't mind making our own way to wherever by train, taxi or however.

I've looked at Hotels & Apartments. I think Apartments (vacation rentals) appeal more because we would have individual rooms. So if any of you know have any info on where to stay, vacation rentals or hotels that would be great!

General Profiles:

Age: 25 (So no kid parties)
Music: RnB - Hip Hop
Preferences: Clubs, Comedy Shows, Jazzy type lounges

We want to do some daytime shopping, sight seeing etc etc and some night time partying, meeting new people (Pretty much every day and night)

Any help would be useful. I've heard alot of good things about ATL and I guess we're trying to see them all in two weeks.

Thanks!

You should look into Craigslist for vacation apartments-sublets in Midtown-Buckhead...I know I would be tempted to rent out my place If I was going to be going out of town during that time of year. I dont think those type of rentals are as abundant as other cities but you have time to look into it.

Do you have a price range your looking at? I think the W Midtown isnt that expensive compared to London hotels and the Pound to Dollar conversion is highly in your favor. I highly recommend the W as well it's a popular destination for nightlife so you can start your night off there and end it there if you desire.

[Archan]

Originally Posted by bizchick86

Just because it's not a culture YOU prefer doesn't mean it's lacking in any sense.

I hope no one thinks that I was in any way making a slam on Atlanta. I was just asking a question out of simple curiousity.

[Brumbert]

Thanks guys,

This thread has been REALLY useful. Really looking forward to it now, even more.

Planning on booking it all at the end of the month.

Mid-Town seems to be the place to be. In terms of rental I think we're possibly looking around $7/800 p/w max (2 Bed). Would REALLY prefer seperate rooms though so watch this space.

Archan: You are a mind reader! lol

[Atlantasfinest]

Originally Posted by Brumbert

Thanks guys,

This thread has been REALLY useful. Really looking forward to it now, even more.

Planning on booking it all at the end of the month.

Mid-Town seems to be the place to be. In terms of rental I think we're possibly looking around $7/800 p/w max (2 Bed). Would REALLY prefer seperate rooms though so watch this space.

Archan: You are a mind reader! lol

I think you might be able to find a 2 bedroom for $1600 for those two weeks. I know craigslist can be iffy sometimes but maybe post that your looking for a condo in Midtown at one of the newer buildings and see what happens or do a search for a sublet-vacation housing there. You also should check out Vacation Rentals .com - Vacation Homes, Beach Houses, Vacation Rentals Deals, Last Minute Vacation Rentals, Vacation Discounts, Villas, Condo Rentals, Cabin Rentals they should have some Atlanta listings. For two weeks you shoudl be able to negoite somewhat you know that's what America is all about! Good luck and please let us know how you enjoy Atlanta when you return or while your here!

[Brumbert]

AtlantasFinest: MUCH APPRECIATED!

I will do. I'll update this while im there (If I get the time) he he. Might not be the most important thing when i'm there if you dig

[bizchick86]

Originally Posted by Archan

I hope no one thinks that I was in any way making a slam on Atlanta. I was just asking a question out of simple curiousity.

Oh, that was not directed at you at all Archan. That's for all the folks who talk about Atlanta lacking "culture." Maybe you mentioned it, but I really don't remember as it wasn't aimed at you :-).

[bizchick86]

Also, Brumbert if you want another venue for jazz, the High Museum (Atlanta's premiere museum for fine arts), has Friday Night Jazz at the High. This is also located in the center of midtown steps away from Piedmont Park and the Crescent Ave nightlife scene.

[Archan]

Originally Posted by bizchick86

Oh, that was not directed at you at all Archan. That's for all the folks who talk about Atlanta lacking "culture." Maybe you mentioned it, but I really don't remember as it wasn't aimed at you :-).

Thanks! I would never say that the Metro lacks culture!

[BringBackCobain]

some people on this thread act as if no other culture exists in atlanta besides the one they prefer. atlanta, just like every other major american city, has a black subculture - and although it is tough for some to acknowledge - it is only a subculture that now shares space with many others in the area.
to the op, go to buford hwy to taste the evidence of atlanta's large and fast-growing hispanic, korean, and vietnamese populations. go out in virginia highland and buckhead for some great american bar scenes. see a concert at masquerade or variety playhouse to take in the 'heady' side of atlanta. eat at everybodys pizza in druid hills. check out the cyclorama for a unique historical perpective of the battle of atlanta.
some people would prefer black culture to be the exclusive culture of atlanta and dont like the idea of it having to share cultural space with other prominent subgroups. as a result, they simply ignore the other groups that also make atlanta unique and add to the citys culture. sticking solely to their one-sided and exclusive reccomendations will rob you of a unique and diverse experience.
lastly, atlanta is known for many things abroad. if someone is only looking for one type of association with the city, thats probably all they will choose to hear.