Things To Do In Gainesville

Have you ever wanted to shoot arrows with Katniss-like accuracy, build your own forest shelter, or take down a dictator with a handful of berries? If you’re a fan of the Hunger Games books and movies, you’ve probably fantasized about jumping into that world of winner-takes-all competition. But what once was mere fantasy is now very much a possibility, thanks to Hunger Games Unofficial Fan Tours and guide Leigh Trapp. An award-winning producer of immersive, fan-based experiences, Leigh leads small groups on tours of Atlanta and sites in North Carolina where The Hunger Games was filmed. If you’ve ever wondered if you have what it takes to survive the film’s titular death match, her trips offer the best chance to find out. The day trips include archery lessons and other fan workshops, while the weekend trips culminate with a so-real-it’s-scary Hunger Games simulation, in which groups put the survival skills they’ve learned to the test. (Both trip types are available on Groupon for a limited time.) We recently asked Leigh what it really takes to survive the Hunger Games. She offered five survival skills to help you take home the ultimate prize: your own precious life. 1. Archery In Leigh’s opinion, the most important skill you’ll need is archery. Luckily, her tours teach all the essentials, including “how to grab your bow, string your arrow, aim, and shoot in seconds.” Fans don’t practice shooting one another with dangerous arrows, of course. Instead, they take aim at a pig with an apple in its mouth and further hone their skills in games of archery tag that use foam-tipped arrows. Although nobody’s in danger of getting hurt during these matches, Leigh has noticed how fighting against others makes “you realize how quick and agile you've got to be to survive.” 2. Camouflage The tour also teaches fans how to camouflage themselves, just as Peeta did in the first movie. Leigh said this skill is essential, since you never know when you’ll have to “camo your arm to look like a tree.” She uses a special-effects makeup airgun to do the trick, and she hinted that one of the best ways to survive the mock Hunger Games is to disguise yourself as a rock in DuPont State Recreational Forest. 3. Ziplining In the first Hunger Games film, Katniss and her younger friend Rue spend a few nights hiding in the trees. Rue’s great strength is being able to travel through the canopy undetected, and Leigh suggested you emulate her skill by practicing nighttime ziplining. She often leads her own training sessions at night, which have resulted in some unexpected surprises. Once, the zipliners spotted a herd of goats following them from tree to tree. 4. Shelter Building Some of Katniss’s most relaxed moments in the Games come when she is holed up inside a cave with Peeta. Though sleeping under the stars is fun, it’s better to be protected from the rain and cold. Leigh’s shelter-building workshop teaches you how to protect yourself from the elements using only the landscape and flora close at hand. She’ll even leave you with something to eat: “Goat cheese wrapped in basil—just like Prim gave to Katniss when she went hunting.” 5. Fire Starting Building a fire out of whatever you can find is a useful skill, whether you’re hiking through Appalachia or hiding from murderous youth in the arena. In the first Hunger Games book, Katniss recalls a game in which most of the tributes died from hypothermia. Leigh warned not to let that happen to you. She teaches her charges how to kindle flames using wood and scraps of local material. Once you master that, you’ll have “a chance to truly walk in the footsteps of [your] favorite characters.” Without, you know, dying. Check out Groupon’s deal for Hunger Games Unofficial Fan Tours, or discover other fun things to do in Atlanta.

Atlanta isn’t exactly known for its art scene. Sure, there’s the world-famous High Museum, but even locals can have a hard time figuring out where to go beyond that. That’s a shame, because it’s in the small, local galleries where Atlanta’s art scene truly shines. These places aren’t always easy to find. Some are tiny and somewhat hidden, whereas others stretch the meaning of “gallery” by taking the art outdoors. You have to know what you’re looking for when it comes to art in Atlanta, so we’ve made a list of our favorite galleries to check out around town. Onward! Young Blood Gallery | Poncey-Highland First up is Young Blood Gallery (632 N. Highland Ave. NE), a favorite of local artists and crafters. Young Blood has been showing and selling “low-brow art” (their words, not ours) since 1997—that’s way before Esty was invented. Over the years, the gallery has evolved and become more sophisticated, but the homegrown charm is still there. Since the new owners took over in 2013, the gallery is more boutique than art space, but it’s still a great resource for local, handcrafted artworks. MINT | Poncey-Highland MINT (636 N. Highland Ave. NE) is one of those hidden galleries. Fortunately, it’s located right next door to Young Blood—to find it, enter through the hallway at 634 Highland and take the first door on the right. The gallery was started by some local college grads in 2006, and they’ve been dedicated to exhibiting new and emerging artists ever since. This is the place to go to discover the freshest, youngest talent Atlanta has to offer. The nonprofit space features a full calendar of exhibitions run completely by a volunteer staff; check it out here. Beep Beep Gallery | Midtown In a similar vein—and not too far from MINT— is Beep Beep Gallery (696 Charles Allen Dr. NE). This tiny Midtown space is one of the most active art spots in town, with a constant rotation of exhibits featuring cutting-edge artworks. It’s known for its epically cramped (but amazingly fun) monthly openings, which usually feature multiple emerging artists. Kibbee Gallery | Poncey-Highland Another hidden gem in Poncey-Highland, Kibbee Gallery (688 Linwood Ave. NE) features both emerging and established Atlanta artists. The place has a welcoming, unpretentious vibe, though you might be taken aback when you see the giant installations on the ground floor of a 100-year-old home. There are new exhibitions almost every month of the year; check the gallery’s schedule for upcoming exhibitions. Outdoor Art: Living Walls and Art on the Atlanta Beltline Living Walls and Art on the Atlanta Beltline are two fantastic outdoor art experiences that have to be included in a guide to Atlanta gallery-hopping. Living Walls is a year-round program that commissions artists to paint street murals around town. From Decatur to East Point, more than 30 walls have been brought to life thanks to LW’s artist program. As its name implies, Art on the Atlanta Beltline features temporary public artworks along the Beltline between September and November. Hundreds of visual artists, performing artists, and musicians have taken part in the program since it began in 2010. If you’re unfamiliar with the Beltline project, this is a great way to acquaint yourself with the city’s largest connected green space. Photos: Catherine Lee (wall murals), Joeff Davis (Young Blood Gallery), Beep Beep Gallery Discover more things to do in Atlanta with Groupon.

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.