Things To Do In Conyers

All is well in the ATL this week, with the Braves jumping into first place and the Fourth of July fast approaching. Beyond baseball and fireworks, it’s going to be a busy week: concept cars continue to dazzle at the High Museum of Art, there’s drinking to be done in Buckhead and Midtown, Radioactivity brings bubblegum punk to The Earl, and a mixed-media art show at The Mammal Gallery promises to be a hot and sweaty affair. As always, check Groupon for even more great things to do in Atlanta. Dream Cars Midtown | Through Sunday, September 7 Back in the 1950s, owning a car was a big deal. But owning a car shaped like a rocket ship was an even bigger deal. Sadly, few people actually accomplished the latter, but that doesn’t mean automakers weren’t dreaming up some truly insane designs. The newest exhibit at the High Museum of Art explores the concept cars of yesteryear, most of which never saw the production line. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to drive an egg, well, here’s your answer. (1280 Peachtree St. NE; $12–$19.50; buy tickets here) Cocktails in the Garden Midtown | Thursday, July 3, 6 p.m.–10 p.m. The gardeners and landscapers at the Atlanta Botanical Garden aren’t afraid to think big. Their latest exhibition, Imaginary Worlds, proves as much with 28 massive living sculptures shaped like frogs, gorillas, and unicorns. The best time to explore these new plant designs is at night, during a Cocktails in the Garden event that also features a chef demo, cultural performances, and live DJs. Every month comes with a new cocktail theme, and July’s Gettin’ Fizzy theme promises a bubbly affair. (1345 Piedmont Ave. NE; 21+; $18.95; free for members) Red, White, and Brews Pub Crawl Buckhead | Thursday, July 3, 6 p.m.–11 p.m. Freedom means being able to celebrate the Fourth of July a day early, and there’s no better way to do it than the Red, White, and Brews Pub Crawl. Gear up for the summer’s most patriotic weekend with this Thursday-night marathon, which visits five of Buckhead’s most popular watering holes. Pub crawlers will enjoy drink specials throughout the night, including complimentary red- and blue-colored shots. (Pub crawl meets at Big Sky; 3201 Cains Hill Pl. NW; $15–$20; buy tickets here) Radioactivity at The Earl East Atlanta | Friday, July 4, 9 p.m. On the Fourth of July, Radioactivity will light up The Earl’s stage with a frenetic set that will surely prove just as explosive as anything going on outside. These Texas garage punks recently released their debut album on esteemed indie label Dirtnap Records, and its 30 minutes of bubblegum punk will be ringing in your ears long after this one’s over. Bad Sports opens. (488 Flat Shoals Ave. SE; $10; buy tickets here) Legendary Children: In Heat Downtown | Saturday, July 5, 8 p.m. This mixed-media art show promises to be a hot and sweaty affair with plenty of shameless dancing and scandalous drag outfits. It all starts with a cocktail hour at 8 p.m., during which guests can peruse the gallery’s installations, photos, and drawings. Things really kick into gear when the downstairs opens at 10 p.m. with a set from DJ Vicki Powell and a full bar. Attendees are encouraged to dress in drag or “wear their fetish,” be it fur, candy, or unicorns. (The Mammal Gallery, 91 Broad St. SW; $9–$12; buy tickets here) Photos: High Museum of Art; Atlanta Botanical Garden; Radioactivity

Most Atlantans don't even realize that Decatur, GA is its own separate city because it’s so close to downtown itself. Decatur has a small town feel, but is pretty sophisticated since it’s home to some of Atlanta's best shops and restaurants. I have a special place in my heart for Decatur because it’s where I live and work. There are some weeks when I don't even venture into Atlanta city proper because everything I need (good food, fun shops, and a cozy community feel) exists in the four square miles that is the City of Decatur. Decatur isn't right off the highway so its not unusual to find an Atlantan that hasn't visited and it can be overwhelming with so many places densely packed together. It has a lot going on for such a small town and sometimes you just need a local like me to show you around. So, without further ado, my favorite Decatur spots: Brick Store Pub: I have to start with this one since it's my home away from home. Brick Store is located on the town square and was voted by Beer Advocate as the second best beer bar in the world. I've heard of people who will spend their layover in Atlanta by taking MARTA to Decatur just to get a beer at this pub, and I think they're wise. This is the place where you can be as adventurous or safe as you want with beer - just don't ask for a Budweiser (they don’t carry it). Chai Pani: One of Decatur's newest restaurants that became an instant favorite of mine. I think of Chai Pani as a hipster's take on Indian street food. No matter what mood I'm in, I always get an order of Kale Pakora (think more flavorful kale chips coated in chick pea batter) and a Lime Rickey, a non-alcoholic version of a Gin Rickey made with homemade raspberry syrup. Steinbeck's: This is a teeny, tiny gastro pub located in the Oakhurst neighborhood of Decatur. I think Steinbeck's is one of Decatur's best kept secrets. The menu changes weekly, but there are a few mainstays like the Chinese Breakfast - jasmine rice, braised pork belly, and leaks all topped with a fried egg. It'll change your life. For a tiny bar, it also has a great selection of craft beer. Cafe Alsace: I've never been to the Alsace region of France, but I feel like I know what it's like since I've eaten at Cafe Alsace a number of times. The dining room is small and quaint, in the best sense of the word, and makes you feel like you've been transported to France. Come hungry because the food is buttery, rich, and very filling. Sq/Ft: This boutique is like an independently-owned Anthropologie. It specializes in funky shoes with brands like Jeffrey Campbell, TOMS, and Seychelles, and has a curated selection of clothes and accessories. Vivid Boutique: Vivid is the cutest, prettiest, most affordable gift shop I've ever been in. Every time I need to get one of my girlfriends a birthday present, I come here. My go-to gift item is their scented Tyler candles that come in multiple sizes and change each season. Little Shop of Stories: This place is first and foremost a children’s bookstore, but it also has a great selection of curated adult fiction and nonfiction. My favorite time of year to visit is when they light a giant Christmas tree on top of their shop. The tree lighting event takes place the first Thursday after Thanksgiving and includes carols, fake snow, and free hot chocolate.

The economic downturn is officially over in Atlanta—at least if you’re judging by the amount of high-rises popping up across Midtown. And nothing is more telling of Atlanta’s building boom than the newly renovated and soon-to-be fully opened Ponce City Market. Ponce City Market is the giant mixed-use development that’s set to occupy City Hall East, formerly the home of a Sears, Roebuck & Company retail and distribution center. The main building is huge, measuring in at more than one million square feet. That’s plenty of space for all the shops, restaurants, offices, lofts, and entertainment venues the developers have in mind. While the site is still under construction, a number of shops and restaurants have already signed leases to move in, and the first section of residential lofts should be fully leased by this fall. In anticipation of the Market’s popularity, the surrounding neighborhood is likewise in the midst of a major renaissance. Look around at the brand-new condos, the beautiful city park across the street, and the BeltLine Eastside Trail that hugs the east side of the Market, and you’ll agree that this place is set to become a major attraction on Atlanta’s east side. But before Ponce City Market becomes a full-fledged hub brimming with activity, it’s worth exploring. Make the most of your visit by checking out the following places: Dancing Goats Coffee Bar A pleasant morning or afternoon can be spent walking the city block and its surroundings. Start out at Dancing Goats Coffee Bar, located at the southwest corner of Ponce City Market. Dancing Goats is the first shop of its kind to move into the development, and it’s home to one of the largest outdoor patios in town (which is saying something for a city that loves its patios). Grab an iced latte and sit on one of the outdoor couch swings so you can really take in your surroundings. Before leaving the coffee bar, check out the 3d model of Ponce City Market in the hallway between the barista counter and the bathrooms. The Leasing Office (and Pop-Up Art Gallery) Next to Dancing Goats is the leasing office. Stop in to preview one of the well-designed residential lofts—if you’re in the mood to splurge, you can even sign a lease for your own. Across from the leasing office, there’s a space that’s frequently used for pop-up gallery exhibitions. Follow Ponce City Market on Facebook or Twitter to keep tabs on upcoming events. Historic Fourth Ward Park By this point, you’ve seen all there is to see on the inside (for now). Follow the sidewalk along the south side of the building to check out the area that will soon become the outdoor hub of Ponce City Market. The Historic Fourth Ward Park is just across the street, and it offers some of the best views of the building and its surroundings. The park is filled with benches, fountains, winding paths, and plenty of places to stop for a picnic. 4th & Swift If picnicking isn’t your thing, head west for half a block and have lunch at 4th & Swift, a modern American restaurant and longtime staple of the Old Fourth Ward. Chef and owner Jay Swift takes a creative approach to traditional comfort foods, and his rotating menu has featured everything from hand-rolled potato gnocchi to pan-roasted red hen. If you want to learn more about Ponce City Market before everyone else does, tours are offered throughout the year. Visit the Market’s website and sign up for the official newsletter, which includes information about upcoming tours. Photos: Catherine Lee (exterior and model); Jewel Hazelton (Dancing Goats); Ponce City Market (flat) Check Groupon for even more great things to do in Atlanta.