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Monday, May 14, 2007
05/13/07 Reader's Choice: City Living
CITY LIVINGBest reason to live in Atlanta The weatherThe Lowdown: Admit
it, you’ve called friends in Wisconsin to gloat about an early spring.
Sure, our summers are hot and humid, but they’re more t...
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CITY LIVING
Best reason to live in Atlanta
The weather
The Lowdown: Admit it, you’ve called friends in Wisconsin to gloat about an early spring. Sure, our summers are hot and humid, but they’re more than offset by several months of spectacular dogwood- and azalea-filled goodness. Just don’t ask us to drive in the two inches of snow we get each year.
Best local Fortune 500 Company
Delta Airlines
The Lowdown: Faced with bankruptcy and a hostile takeover bid, Delta seemed poised to fly off into the sunset. But it fought off U.S. Airway’s advances and completed its bankruptcy recovery plan a year ahead of schedule, ensuring Hartsfield-Jackson’s status as one of the world’s busiest airports.
The basics: www.delta.com.
Best new local business
My Girlfriend’s Kitchen
The Lowdown: Your new best girlfriends, Julia Murphy and Amy Lathi, offer busy folks the option of creating six to 12 meals in one fell swoop—or having the entrees prepared for them. The kitchen environs are outfitted with recipe cards, precut and washed food items, aprons and advice. There’s even
a delivery service.
The basics: 1700 Northside Drive, Atlanta, 30318, 404-350-8045, www.mygirlfriendskitchen.com.
Best scandal
Lisa Ann Taylor
The Lowdown: Before January, only some of us had ever heard
of Taylor, aka former Penthouse Pet Melissa Wolf. Then she was arrested on charges related to drugs, racketeering and running a high-end whorehouse out of her million-dollar mansion in Gwinnett County. Kinda gives a whole new meaning to “Sugarloaf.”
Best local politician
Mayor Shirley Franklin
The Lowdown: This Philly gal became mayor on her first try at public office and was reelected by more than 90 percent of voters in 2005. She’s fixed the sewers and kept the King papers in Atlanta. Watch for big fake flowers in Washington: Franklin has long been on the national Democratic radar.
Best local ceo
Gerald Grinstein
The Lowdown: Grinstein became Delta’s CEO while the company was fighting for its life. And watching the 74-year-old celebrate with employees last December, after Delta formally rejected U.S. Airways’ takeover bid, reminded us of Jeff Bridges’ “sometimes the little guy just needs a second chance” speech in “Seabiscuit”—inspiring, emotional and just so gosh-darn American.
Best emergency room
Grady Health System
The Lowdown: Bumper stickers plead, “If I’m injured in a crash, take me to Grady.” And no wonder: The hospital boasts a fleet of ambulances, 280 skilled paramedics, a burn unit and the state’s only poison center.
The basics: 80 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, Atlanta, 30303, 404-616-4307, www.gradyhealthsystem.org.
Best hospital
Piedmont Hospital
The Lowdown: Named one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals in 2002 and 2005 by health-care information company Solucient, this private Buckhead institution pampers patients like a fancy hotel. With 900 staff physicians, Piedmont does everything from delivering babies and mammograms to kidney transplants and open heart surgery.
The basics: 1968 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, 30309, 404-605-3436, www.piedmonthospital.org.
Best hospital to have a baby in
Northside Hospital
The Lowdown: More babies are born at Northside than any other hospital in the country: 18,600 in 2006. New mothers can cuddle their newborns in one of 200 private beds. Its excellent staff also offers postpartum weight-loss advice and first-rate care for premature infants.
The basics: 1000 Johnson Ferry Road, Atlanta, 30342, 404-851-8000, www.northside.com.
Best local college or university
Emory University
The Lowdown: The gallons of Coca-Cola we guzzle have richly endowed this private college, which includes the Goizueta Business School, medical, nursing, theology and law schools, and a faculty that now includes Salman Rushdie and the Dalai Lama.
The basics: 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, 30322, 404-727-6123, www.emory.edu.
Best high school
The Paideia School
The Lowdown: This nontraditional private school believes education is lifelong and only begins with formal schooling. With everything from mock trial teams to sculpture and madrigal groups, it’s little wonder that a quarter or more of graduates are National Merit or National Achievement honorees.
The basics: 1509 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, 30307, 404-377-3491, www.paideiaschool.org.
Best middle school
Friends School of Atlanta
The Lowdown: This private school combines challenging academics with the Quaker values of simplicity, community, equality and peace. Students participate in field trips, community service and cross-age teaching opportunities. Most amazing of all: They practice being silent.
The basics: 121 Sams St., Decatur, 30030, 404-373-8746, www.friendsschoolatlanta.org.
Best elementary school
Morningside Elementary
The Lowdown: This Atlanta public school expects students to master basic skills and sets super-high academic standards. The affluent and not-so-affluent students in its school district regularly ace standardized tests. Parents compete to serve on PTA committees. You get the idea.
The basics: 1053 East Rock Springs Road, Atlanta, 30306, 404-853-4024, www.morningsideschool.org.
Best metro Atlanta neighborhood
Decatur
The Lowdown: Housing slump? Not in this hot town
of 18,000, where would-be homeowners are drawn to the diverse city’s mix of small-town intimacy, historic homes, terrific schools, free concerts, public transportation, bike paths, trendy restaurants and boutique shops. Liberal politics and high taxes apparently can thrive in Georgia.
The basics: www.decatur-ga.com.
Best OTP neighborhood
Johns Creek
The Lowdown: Fed up with south Fulton politics, the 65,000 residents of this north Fulton community became the state’s 10th-largest town when it incorporated in December 2006. Named for a Chattahoochee River tributary, the locale supports sales taxes for schools but not for extending MARTA.
The basics: www.cityofjohnscreekga.us.
Best ITP neighborhood
Inman Park
The Lowdown: Victorian mansions and Craftsman bungalows share space in this leafy enclave. Residents enjoy a community-based credit union, a cooperative preschool and a MARTA station. And the Inman Park Neighborhood Association hosts a colorful spring festival and tour of homes.
The basics: www.inmanpark.org.
Best Place to raise your kids
Decatur
The Lowdown: Suburban elementary schools have more students than Decatur’s entire school system. Every kid in this diverse small town is within walking distance ofa playground, pool and a public elementary school. Simply put: If you misbehave in public, somebody will call your mom before you get home.
The basics: www.decatur-city.k12.ga.us.
Best place to walk your dog
Piedmont Park
The Lowdown: When Midtowners take their four-legged children for a walk, chances are they’re headed here. North of the Park Drive bridge is a special doggie park where canines can run leash-free. Just don’t forget to scoop.
The basics: www.piedmontpark.org/do/dogpark.htm.
Best park
Piedmont Park
The Lowdown: This dogwood-studded park is Atlanta’s green heart, a place where dogs, soccer players, bicyclists and rollerbladers coexist peacefully. The home of the Dogwood Festival, the Arts Festival of Atlanta and Gay Pride shares space with the Atlanta Botanical Garden. But don’t say the words “parking deck” out loud.
The basics: 1071 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, 30309, 404-876-4024, www.piedmontpark.org.
Best pet to be seen with in Piedmont Park
Standard Poodle
The Lowdown: Don’t be fooled by folks who have leash-trained their kittens and rabbits; this puppy is the pet to be seen playing Frisbee with at Piedmont on a Sunday afternoon. It’s chic, it’s smart—and it doesn’t shed.
Best pet store
The Pet Set
The Lowdown: Get your pooch or kitty’s coat clipped and pick up some essentials at this family-owned establishment. Excellent overnight and boarding accommodations let you leave town guilt-free, knowing your precious little one is in totally capable company.
The basics: 2480 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, 30329, 404-633-8755, www.thepetset.com.
Best vet
Ansley Animal Clinic
The Lowdown: Fifi feeling a bit under the weather? Take her to
this popular spot just off Briarcliff for friendly, knowledgeable and top-notch care.
The basics: 593 Dutch Valley Road, Atlanta, 30324, 404-873-1786.
Best pet spa
Barking Hound Village
The Lowdown: Canine coifs, mutt-size manicures and upscale doggy digs offer the best boarding and grooming across the city. Drop Fido off for his appointment, and you’ll be picking up one polished pup.
The basics: Four Atlanta-area locations, including 720 14th St., Atlanta, 30318, 404-870-8564, www.barkinghoundvillage.com.
Best day trip
Helen
The Lowdown: Helen’s faux Bavarian village hosts the South’s longest Oktoberfest, starting in mid-September. Browse hundreds of kitschy shops for candles, cuckoo clocks, fudge and funnel cakes. Dine on schnitzel and sauerbraten, or enjoy the mountain air and a ton of outdoor activities.
The basics: www.helenga.org.
Best weekend getaway
Savannah
The Lowdown: Life is like a box of chocolates in Georgia’s oldest city: You never know if you’ll see a genteel historic home or a remnant from the St. Paddy’s Day beer-fest. Eccentric citizens share the streets with green clusters of Girl Scouts visiting Juliette Gordon Low’s birthplace. And did we mention the beach?
The basics: www.savcvb.com.
Best car to be seen driving in Atlanta
Toyota Prius
The Lowdown: Finally, gas-guzzling, smog-generating (and road-hogging) SUVs are out, as A-town’s in-crowd is becoming more conscious about buying earth-friendly vehicles. And the break at the pump isn’t bad, either.
The basics: Design your own Prius from scratch at www.prius.com.
Best hotel for business
InterContinental
The Lowdown: Incredible surroundings and impressive meeting spaces make one spectacular setting for closing the deal. And if you care to mix business and pleasure, the suites upstairs aren’t
too bad, either.
The basics: 3315 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, 30326, 404-946-9000, www.ichotelgroup.com.
Best hotel for romance
The Westin Peachtree Plaza
The Lowdown: Take your date on a spin around the SunDial restaurant, soak together in an oversize tub and then sink into the Westin’s famed Heavenly bed. Can you say, “best date ever”?
The basics: 210 Peachtree St., Atlanta, 30303, 404-659-1400,
www.starwoodhotels.com.
Best car wash
Cactus Car Wash
The Lowdown: Get the best car cleaning in the city while you check your e-mail and sip a double espresso in the swanky Southwestern-style lounge of Atlanta’s first choice for vehicle detailing.
The basics: 575 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, 30308,
404-876-3232, www.cactuscarwash.net.
Best local attraction
Georgia Aquarium
The Lowdown: Touted as the world’s largest, the Georgia Aquarium houses an incredible array of sea life, educates students and is becoming a leading facility in animal conservation and research. Now if only it had a baby panda …
The basics: 225 Baker St., Atlanta, 30313, 404-581-4000, www.georgiaaquarium.org.
Best car dealership
Hennessey Lexus
The Lowdown: Not quite ready for a Prius? Cruise in to this Atlanta favorite to swap out your current vehicle for a super-chic Lexus. Hey, they get their own lot at Turner Field.
The basics: 5955 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Atlanta, 30341, 770-457-6800, www.hennesseyatlanta.com.
Best local mechanic
My Favorite Mechanic Is a Woman
The Lowdown: Wouldn’t you love to have someone explain your car’s issues to you in words you can understand? You know, in English? You just may find yourself saying: “My favorite mechanic really is a woman. Kerry, to be exact.”
The basics: 1618 DeKalb Ave., Atlanta, 30307, 404-371-9912, www.myfavoritemechanic.com.
Best local attraction for kids
Fernbank Natural History Museum
The Lowdown: What’s better for kids than IMAX films, dinosaurs, live reptiles, storytelling and summer camp? Nothing we can think of—except maybe Martinis & IMAX for the grownups.
The basics: 767 Clifton Road, Atlanta, 30307, 404-929-6400, www.fernbank.edu/museum.
Best Condo Development
Viewpoint
The Lowdown: This property hasn’t even been completed and it’s already the “it” address in the city. Novare Group (Twelve, Realm, the Atlantic) has built a reputation as the premier builder of luxury high-rise condo developments, but Viewpoint looks to be the best yet. Two words: spectacular views.
The basics: 860 Peachtree St., Atlanta, 30308, 404-961-7180, www.viewpointmidtown.com.
Best skyscraper
The Westin Peachtree Plaza
The Lowdown: This 73-story cylindrical building adds a touch of sophisticated fun to the Atlanta skyline—which you can admire from the revolving SunDial restaurant atop the hotel. Best of all, it’s within easy walking distance of CNN, the Georgia Dome and the Georgia Aquarium.
The basics: 210 Peachtree St., Atlanta, 30303, 404-659-1400, www.starwoodhotels.com.
Best monument
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
The Lowdown: We have a dream—that all who visit Atlanta will honor Dr. King’s legacy with a tour of this venerated landmark, including King’s tomb, his birth home and a visitors
center with videos and exhibits.
The basics: 450 Auburn Ave., Atlanta, 30312, 404-331-6922, www.nps.gov/malu.
Best new subdivision
Dupont Commons
The Lowdown: It’s hard to believe that townhomes this picturesque are just five miles from Atlantic Station and the bustling Midtown scene. With Craftsman-style homes, a community lake, an awesome clubhouse and walking paths, it’s an ITP oasis.
The basics: 1650 Dupont Commons Drive, Atlanta, 30318, 404-792-2662, www.brockbuilt.com.
Best apartment complex
Highland Square
The Lowdown: Residents here can’t get enough of this community’s roomy living spaces, enviable amenities (including private garages or wood-burning fireplaces in some units) and close proximity to Emory.
The basics: 1400 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, 30306, 404-888-9300.
Best apartment complex for singles
Post Briarcliff
The Lowdown: What makes this a
hot spot for Atlanta singles? It could be the low-maintenance property itself, but we’re betting it’s the young professionals lounging by the pool or hitting up the complex’s gym. Where else can you meet someone while checking your mail?
The basics: 500 Briarvista Way, Atlanta, 30329, 866-818-7161, www.postproperties.com.
Best local developer
Steve Brock
The Lowdown: Steve Brock’s Brock Built is dedicated to building developments with a good old-fashioned sense of community. Brock is also committed to green living: Last month Brock Built announced all its future homes will be built to EarthCraft standards, ensuring lower utility bills and a safer environment. Not bad.
The basics: www.brockbuilt.com.Currently, there are no comments. Be the first to post one!
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