Deals in Duluth

Everyone in Atlanta knows about the touring Broadway productions that roll through the Fox Theatre, or the stunning large-scale shows that transform the Tony Award-winning Alliance. But not everyone takes the time to check out the smaller, independent theater companies doing wonderful work in and around the city. For a fraction of the cost of the bigger venues, one can catch edgier productions or local classics at many of these spaces. Here are some of the city’s best. Located in West Downtown’s King Plow Arts Center, on the grounds of a former plow factory, Actor’s Express is one of the more contemporary theater venues in Atlanta. From modern classics like Six Degrees of Separation to steamier fare like Venus in Fur, this tiny black box theater offers provocative, exciting productions for discerning theatergoers. And with plenty of restaurants nearby, it’s easy to make a relatively inexpensive evening into something fun and different. OnStage Atlanta is a more family-friendly company, with recent shows including CLUE: The Musical, Seussical Jr. (featuring local child performers), and The Drowsy Chaperone. Sure, the theater space is downright tiny, but that just makes patrons feel like they’re a part of the production, particularly with interactive shows like Chaperone. OnStage Atlanta is also a great way to introduce children to the theater, since they may be intimidated by more formal venues. On the avant garde side of Atlanta’s theater world, you’ll find Pinch ‘N’ Ouch Theatre. The troupe performs in a church on Ponce de Leon Avenue and focuses on bringing newer, artistically daring staged pieces to the city. Recent productions have included works by current off-Broadway darling Annie Baker and alt-theater renegade Neil LaBute, as well as passion projects written by local playwrights. These shows are often not for the faint of heart or morally queasy, and they attract a younger demographic than at other theatres – and occasionally there may be as many people in a show’s ensemble as in the audience itself – but there’s no denying Pinch ‘N’ Ouch’s dedication to Atlanta’s thriving theater scene. Whether you are interested in a stimulating and challenging evening of theater, or you just want to take the kids to something fun, Atlanta’s local circuit of independent theaters offers plenty of year-round options.

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.

Nothing brings people together like sharing food, and tapas restaurants provide common ground for your whole party, as you compare your impressions of several selections from smaller plates. This Spanish tradition is a great way to get to know your friends, and it allows you to try several different flavors in an evening without feeling overly stuffed. It’s also a fun date idea, as you immediately have something to discuss as you are effectively sharing a meal. Thankfully, Atlanta has no shortage of tapas spots that are perfect for snacking away the evenings with someone special. Noche, with a few locations throughout the city, is one of the more laidback tapas restaurants in town. Expect friendly service, drink specials and a comfortable environment swathed in red and brown tones. It’s a great place to meet up with friends for a relaxed evening, catch up over a cocktail or two and then dive into some fried goat cheese fritters. There are plenty of seafood options as well, like the ever-present shrimp and grits, or you can go healthy with the fresh grilled asparagus. Just be sure to share the diminutive delights with everyone at the table. If you want a more upscale experience, consider The Iberian Pig on Decatur Square. You’ll need reservations for busier summer evenings, as this popular spot tends to fill up fast, and the patrons like to linger over several rounds of tapas. The dark interior makes it a romantic spot as well; it can be a bit pricey for anyone with a gaggle of small children, which means it’s perfect for date night, when mom and dad can find a babysitter and sneak away. The Iberian Pig is also a strong contender for best spot to take an out-of-towner, though you don’t need an excuse to snack on their delicate meat selections. Charcuterie is of course the main draw, but you don’t have to leave your vegetarian friends at home here, thanks to a separate menu full of meat-free options. While both Noche and The Iberian Pig offer small-meal options that are perfect for sharing, Atlanta has many more hidden gems throughout the city. With dim lighting, lingering courses and the perfect excuse to make conversation, local tapas restaurants offer some of the most romantic casual dining options around.