Atlanta Bar Tours

Last weekend’s fireworks have fizzled and faded, but summer is just gearing up in Atlanta. This week’s to-do list includes a beloved Disney movie brought to life, the return of ‘90s alt-rockers the Goo Goo Dolls, a modern-art opening, more street food than you could shake a plastic fork at, and Georgia’s newest water park. As always, check Groupon for even more great things to do in Atlanta. The Little Mermaid Midtown | Tuesday, July 8–Sunday, July 13 Before The Little Mermaid was one of Disney’s most beloved films, it was a fairy tale by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. That origin is further obscured by the Fox Theatre’s latest production, which recreates the kid-friendly Disney version onstage—complete with music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken. Singing crabs might not have been part of Andersen’s original vision, but they do make this Houston Theatre Under the Stars production a bubbly good time. (660 Peachtree St. NE; ticket prices vary; buy tickets here) Goo Goo Dolls and Daughtry with Plain White T's Buckhead | Friday, July 11, 7 p.m. The Goo Goo Dolls have lived many lives since their first shows in a sweaty Buffalo club called the Continental. They went from ripped jeans to radio rock in the span of just a few albums, and the band’s evolution continues on their latest tour with alt-rockers Daughtry. To prepare for what promises to be a packed show at Chastain Park Amphitheater, check out our playlist of bands you wouldn’t believe the Goo Goo Dolls have shared a bill with. (4469 Stella Dr.; $39.50–$375; buy tickets here) Scott Ingram: Blue Collar Modernism Buckhead | Opening Friday, July 11, 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Though he’s now based in Atlanta, visual artist Scott Ingram is a Midwestern boy at heart. As such, his work has always been heavily influenced by the modern architects of Chicago. That influence used to express itself in the minimalism of his work with nail polish, but now it’s starting to show up in the monumentality of his sculptures and installations. Blue Collar Modernism, Ingram’s latest exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia, represents a return to the artist’s Midwestern roots, in which he explores minimalism through the eyes of the working man. (75 Bennett St. Suite A2; free to $5) Atlanta Street Food Festival Piedmont Park | Saturday, July 12, noon to 8 p.m. Summer brings no shortage of excuses to stuff your face, but none is more compelling than the Atlanta Street Food Festival. Dozens of food trucks will set up shop at Piedmont Park, and guests will have a hard time choosing from options that include fried green tomatoes, red velvet cupcakes, and Southern-style chicken with waffle fries. The festival also features live music and a Family Fun Zone with a superslide, rock-climbing wall, and mechanical bull. (400 Park Dr. NE; $10.50–$25; buy tickets here) Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags Over Georgia Austell | Opening summer 2014 Six Flags was already bringing it with thrill rides such as Acrophobia and Goliath, but the park has outdone itself with this summer’s opening of the new Hurricane Harbor water park. Admission to Hurricane Harbor is included with a ticket to the park, meaning you can ride roller coasters in the morning and splash around on water slides in the afternoon. Don’t miss the Bonzai Pipelines, a trio of slides with sharp twists and a four-story drop. (275 Riverside Pkwy. SW, Austell; $41.99–$69.99; buy tickets here) Photos: Atlanta Street Food Festival, Goo Goo Dolls, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

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

Atlanta experiences all four seasons, but its mild climate makes it ideal for enjoying the outdoors almost all year. If outdoorsy activities aren’t your thing, don’t worry. There’s plenty of ways to enjoy nature in the city that don’t involve hiking - or camping. The city has a number of parks and green spaces that are never more than a few minutes walk from civilization (e.g. air conditioning, indoor plumbing, food, drink). Piedmont Park: Located in midtown, Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s Central Park. It has some of the most beautiful views of the city’s skyline and it stays consistently busy in the spring, summer, and early fall months. During the busy months, there’s usually a concert or festival going on, but you can almost always find a quiet corner to have a picnic or take an afternoon nap. Piedmont Park is also home to one of the best dog parks in the city. It’s located in the newer, northwestern section and very well maintained with a separate area for smaller dogs. Atlanta Botanical Garden: The Atlanta Botanical Garden is probably the best “nature” outing in Atlanta for non-outdoorsy types. It was recently expanded and modernized with the addition of a large visitors center. The garden hosts a number of exhibits and special events throughout the year. There’s plenty to see and do, and you’re never far from the MetroFresh café located in the visitor’s center. The Beltline: This multi-use, 22-mile trail system is just beginning to take shape, but it’s already become a great addition to Atlanta’s green space. Twenty-two miles can seem overwhelming, so if you’re new to The Beltline, join one of the walking, biking, or bus tours that are offered throughout the year. The Eastside trail between Inman Park and Piedmont Park is currently the most finished portion of The Beltline and well worth a visit. Because The Beltline follows an old rail line, most of the trails - even the unpaved ones - are flat and very walkable. Fourth Ward Park: Technically part of The Beltline, Fourth Ward Park just opened in 2011 south of Ponce City Market and is already incredibly popular. While it doesn’t have the rolling, green hills that Piedmont Park has, it does have great water features. Take a stroll along the walkways that are just a few feet above the lake and get a close-up view of the fountains. There’s also a playground for kids and plenty of open lawn space for picnicking. Grant Park: Grant Park is located in the Grant Park neighborhood, which is just south of downtown Atlanta. It’s most well known for being home to the Atlanta Zoo and the Cyclorama (both worth a visit), but it’s also perfect for going on a picnic or taking a leisurely stroll. Part of what makes this park so charming is the surrounding neighborhood filled with historic homes and small cafes. While it is a popular park, it never feels as crowded as Piedmont Park during the summer months. Make sure to visit the Grant Park farmers market located on the eastside on Sundays between April and December – it’s one of the best in the city.