Georgia’s best hotels, restaurants

AAA picks Georgia’s best hotels, restaurants
 from ajc.com
By Leon Stafford

The Four Seasons Atlanta, InterContinental Buckhead, (St. Regis Hotel photo below) and both Ritz-Carlton locations are the best hotels in Atlanta, according to travel organization AAA.
The five properties received AAA’s Five Diamond award — the group’s top recognition for hotels — in the group’s annual survey of Georgia’s leading lodgers and restaurants. The Ritz-Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro and The Lodge at Sea Island in St. Simons also received Five Diamonds.

No restaurants received Five Diamonds.

Overall 34 Georgia hotels and 12 restaurants earned Four or Five Diamonds in AAA ratings — 28 of   them in Atlanta — for the past 12 months, the organization said. AAA will host a Diamond award event on Monday at the Four Seasons.

Metro Atlanta restaurants receiving Four Diamonds: Aria, Atlanta Grill, Bacchanalia, BLT Steak, Canoe, La Grotta Ravinia Ristorante Italiano, La Grotta Ristorante Italiano, Nan Thai Fine Dining, Nikolai’s Roof, Park 75 and Restaurant Eugene.
Photo credit: flickr member: ST.REGIS HOTELS & RESORTS

12th Annual Wine Crawl is Saturday Feb 23

From oakhurstga.org
Who knew Oakhurst was hi-tech?! There’s an app available for this month’s Wine Crawl. download your FREE app now from iTunes!http://itunes.apple.com/app/wine-crawl/id418734278?ign-mpt=uo%3D6&mt=8 Saturday, February 23th 4-7 pm Tickets are $30 in advance. Day of event $35. On sale Saturday Feb 4th at the Universal Joint and Oakhurst Market. There are 24+ businesses serving wine from around the world covering every varietal imaginable! The Crawl does not have a start or stop point. You simply pick up your glass and start visiting the businesses.The program available at the registration tables details the wines and businesses participating. FREE The Fur Bus runs every 15 minutes from Harmony Park to College St. businesses. Last pickup is 6:15pm
Read full story at  oakhurstgaorg.ipower.com

MAR Costal to Open - March/April 2013

 
 Decatur GA
MAR'S facebook page hints at a Spring Opening.(When will you open ? Looks like March, perfect timing to enjoy the back patio!) MAR is located at 314 E Howard Ave. Decatur. GA

Drainage Problems in Front of Decatur High

N. McDonough St drainage problems are getting fixed. They have had problems there before.

The new Golden Corral at North DeKalb will be Opening Very Soon

 Decatur GA
The new Golden Corral at North DeKalb will be opening very soon
It's great to see new restaurants going in this area around North Dekalb Mall

Victory Sandwich Bar Now Open

 Decatur GA
Photo credit Next Stop...Decatur
This is from The Decatur Patch
By Ralph Ellis
After months of preparation, Victory Sandwich Bar opened this week at 340 Church St. in Decatur.
The restaurant is a spinoff of the Inman Park original, with a menu featuring small $4 sandwiches, sides and cocktails.
It's casual dining, with patrons ordering at the bar, sitting down with a number and waiting for food to be delivered to the table.
Victory Sandwich will be open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. except on Sundays, when the hours are 11 a.m. to midnight. The Inman Park location is a gathering spot for waiters, cooks and other restaurants workers with late hours.
Ian Jones, who owns Victory Sandwich with Caleb Wheelus, said a companion restaurant called Paper Plane is expected to open next month behind Victory.
Patrons can enter by walking down the alley and going through an unmarked door into a room with a zinc bar and several dark, semi-circular booths built around zinc tables. Jones said it's designed to evoke "a mid-century gentleman's lounge."
read full story at Decatur Patch

Electronics Recycling Day Sat. March 2

sent in by Linda Harris

The Walmart Supercenter will be built on North Decatur Road between Medlock Road and Church Street.

Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

The President in Decatur

From : the obama diary.com -- -- From : theobamadiary.com -- Decatur GA
 The President of The United States at The Decatur REC  Center
Click to play video.

Obama to Visit Decatur Thursday

From ajc By Nancy Badertscher and Greg Bluestein President Barack Obama will unveil more details on his plan for extending preschool programs on Thursday when he visits a Decatur school and recreation center. Perhaps the biggest question he’s expected to answer is how the proposal will be funded. read full story

Trailer for Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson's new Movie "The Internship" released.

The Internship is set to be released June 7.

"Anchorman 2" Will Soon be filming in Atlanta

From accessatlanta.com
By Jennifer Brett
 Stay classy, Atlanta! The second "Anchorman" movie is about to start filming. Directed by Adam McKay the contining adventures of Ron Burgundy and friends will star Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Steve Carrell, Christina Applegate and Luke Wilson again. The latest word is that Kristen Wiig has signed on as well.

Druid Hills Residents Not Happy about Subdivision Plans

From: ajc.com
By Jeremiah McWilliams
 Druid Hills residents irate about plans to cut down trees and clear land for a controversial development off Clifton Road are planning to break out their “Deny Clifton Ridge” badges for a zoning appeals board hearing on Wednesday. The hearing in Decatur is the latest turn in the fight over attorney Robert Buckler’s plan to carve three properties into a seven-lot subdivision in the old neighborhood laid out by Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect who designed Central Park in New York City. read full story

Eye on Decatur - MoJo Pizza N Pub

Early morning in Decatur GA

Shirley Bassey to Perform at The Academy Awards Feb 24th

--

From: www.rollingstone.com
James Bond is making up for lost time at this year's Oscars. Shirley Bassey, singer of the theme songs to Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever and Moonraker, will perform at 85th Academy Awards on February 24th, Reuters reports. It will be her first appearance at the Oscars.

Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/shirley-bassey-to-perform-at-the-oscars-20130208#ixzz2KT5mAtT3
Follow us: @rollingstone on Twitter | RollingStone on Facebook
Photo credit: http://www.impawards.com/1964/goldfinger_ver3_xlg.html

Celebrate Valentine's Day at Wahoo! Grill

Celebrate Valentine's Day at Wahoo! Grill from Thursday, Febuary 14 through Sunday, February 17, and enjoy a selection of menu items prepared exclusively for the holiday. In addition to our acclaimed dinner menu, you can enjoy the following featured appetizers, entrees and desserts for a limited time:

Seared Duck Foie Gras

Balsamic figs, toasted pretzel bread

Seared Sea Scallops

truffle flan, blood orange coulis

Filet Mignon and Lump Crab

tarragon-mustard butter, grilled asparagus, 

potato gratinée

Heart-Shaped Seafood Ravioli

salmon and shrimp ravioli, saffron-lobster cream

Heart-Shaped Flourless 

Chocolate Ganache Cake

macerated berries, hazlenut whipped cream

Pink Peppercorn Panna Cotta

Italian panna cotta, peppered cherries

Reservations are limited so please call 404.373.3331 or click here to reserve your table today!

Eye on Decatur

Decatur, GA

A Literary Feast - Four Authors,Four Courses and One Amazing Evening !

 Sent in by: Decatur Education Foundation
When: Tue Feb. 26
Time: 7 PM
Where: The Iberian Pig
 Forget Valentine’s Day: Can you think of any better way to spend an evening in late February than to dine with four terrific authors at Decatur’s Iberian Pig?
You get to spend one course with each author. Talk about anything you want. Enjoy a fabulous meal.
The date is Feb. 26, 7 p.m.  The price is $95 per person, but that includes wine pairings, and a good portion goes to support DEF’s literacy programs.
The only catch: You have to call to make your reservation. (But then, you probably own a cell phone, right?) Number: 404.371.8800.
Participating authors (and links to more information about them):
Susan Puckett
Amber Dermont
Kevin Young
Susan Rebecca White
For more info visit : decatureducationfoundation.org

Zaxby's to try their Luck on Ponce de Leon Ave

Photo of the Decatur's new Zaxby's near North Dekalb Mall.

Zaxby's to try their Luck on Ponce de Leon Ave in the old Church's Chicken site.
read more over at tonetoatl.com

Super Bowl PSY-GANGNAM STYLE SPEED PAINTING by Sam Lea

New Stores Coming to Northlake Mall

 Photo credit tucker.patch.com
From:  northdruidhills.patch.com
Northlake Mall is pleased to announce the addition of Crush, Designer Styles, African Art, H&R Block and T2I Entertainment to its already extensive list of retail stores. These additions join the recently opened Fork in the Road restaurant and Elevenup Shoes store.
Now open in a 2,596 square foot store, Crush, provides consumers with the fashion industry’s hottest trends. The retailer understands the value of offering the best for less and offers shoppers the most exclusive selection of cutting edge accessories from around the world. Crush is located in the lower level center court.

Early Days of Leon's Full Service

Leon's Full Service taking shape back in Nov. of 2008

Decatur Old House Fair this Saturday Feb 2

Now is a great time to start planning any remodeling or home improvements you may want to tackle this spring. Come to the Decatur Old House Fair this Saturday to learn about and celebrate old houses!

  

The fair will include seminars, exhibits and hands-on workshops for owners of old houses.

Also, if you act really fast you can get two tickets for the price of one on LivingSocial!   

Stop by our booth to say hello! The Renewal Design-Build team will be ready to answer all of your questions regarding home renovations and additions.  And, don't forget to attend one of Renewal's seminars! 

 View the schedule.

Decatur Old House Fair

This Saturday, 2/2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Courtyard by Marriott-Downtown Decatur

130 Clairemont Avenue

Decatur, GA 30030

404-371-8386

Mingei World Arts Closing Store but will be Around

 Photo credit: Next Stop...Decatur
Decatur GA
Sent in by Mingei World Arts
 Dear Mingei Friends--

It is with great excitement and a bit of nostalgia that we announce that Mingei is changing.  We are not going away but will be morphing into a  different kind of business, one with a greater online presence, occasional and pop-up sales, and who knows what else?  Our new Mingei will allow us to travel more, stay longer, and spend more time developing special products with our artisans.  We will have the flexibility to head over to that faraway market, to return to that village and pick up an order, or to set down for a month someplace if we like to get a better feel for the work being done there. 

Decatur has been wonderful to us, and we have loved being a part of the day-to-day business community there.  We have made so many friends at the store and have loved sharing your stories and your lives as you have shopped with us for just the right gift, rewarded yourself with a special treat, or just come in for a visit and a browse.  While we will not be physically behind the red lacquer door in that saffron- colored storefront, we will be around!  Watch for more specifics in the months to come.  We don't want to lose you!

Our store on Church Street will be open for some more months. However, there are some exciting possibilities in the offing for that space.  Watch for news!  In the meantime, we will be open and doing business as usual. Come by and share a hug and a laugh.  We'll let you shop, too!

Ann and Ellen  

Mingei World Arts

 404-371-0101

Best Wishes Ann and Ellen on your New Adventures.
We will stay tuned to see the next chapter of :THE NEW ADVENTURES OF ANN and ELLEN"

Celebrate Romance at Wahoo! Grill

 Decatur, GA
Celebrate Romance at Wahoo! Grill

Toast to romance this Valentine's Day and join us at Wahoo! Grill for a selection of menu items prepared exclusively for the holiday. In addition to our acclaimed dinner menu, you can enjoy the following featured appetizers, entrees and desserts for a limited time:
Seared Duck Foie Gras
Balsamic figs, toasted pretzel bread

Seared Sea Scallops
truffle flan, blood orange coulis

Filet Mignon and Lump Crab
tarragon-mustard butter, grilled asparagus,
potato gratinée

Heart-Shaped Seafood Ravioli
salmon and shrimp ravioli, saffron-lobster cream

Heart-Shaped Flourless
Chocolate Ganache Cake
macerated berries, hazlenut whipped cream

Pink Peppercorn Panna Cotta
Italian panna cotta, peppered cherries

These delicious Valentine's Day indulgences will be available from Thursday, February 14 - Sunday, February 17 so click here to make your reservation before time runs out!

Renewal Design-Build of Atlanta Receives Houzz’s 2013 ‘Best of Houzz’ Award

 ATLANTA, GA, January 30, 2013
 – Renewal Design-Build of Decatur, GA has been awarded “Best of Houzz” 2013 by Houzz, the leading online platform for residential remodeling and design. The 12-year-old design-build firm was chosen by the more than 11 million monthly users that comprise the Houzz community. The Houzz “Best of Houzz” award for 2013 is given in two categories: Customer Satisfaction and Design. Customer Satisfaction award winners are based on homeowner members who rated their experience working with remodeling professionals in 12 categories ranging from architects, and interior designers to contractors and other residential remodeling professionals. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the community of 11 million monthly users, also known as “Houzzers,” who saved more than 124 million professional images of home interiors and exteriors to their personal ideabooks via the Houzz site, iPad/iPhone app and Android app. "I am very impressed with Houzz’s business model and the quality of their website," said Peter Michelson, CEO of Renewal. "We use it all the time as an idea-sharing tool with our clients as they design and plan home renovations. We are honored to be selected two years in a row as a “Best of Houzz” winner.”

SKYFALL Starts Friday at The Plaza Theatre

Check times at plazaatlanta.com

The Plaza Theatre  1049 Ponce De Leon Ave.   Atlanta, GA 30306    404.873.1939

Tour deCatur 2013 is March 23

This was sent in by: decatureducationfoundation.org
Be a part of this 11th Annual  Community Event!
Online Registration Now Open!

One registration allows you to participate in any or all of  the events (depending on age and skill) so you can run the 5k after running the 1-mile with your child and you only need to complete one registration – just check the boxes on the registration form for the events you will participate in.  You do not need to register very young children who will be pushed in a stroller but any children who are walking or running must be registered.  We ask that  participants with strollers line up at the back of the pack for safety reasons.

REGISTER to run/walk the 5k, 1-mile or Tot Trot

BUILD support for Decatur schools and sports teams (and children across Decatur) by encouraging family and friends to support your participation in the Tour (optional).  For more information click here

SPONSOR the Tour deCatur at one of four business levels or with the NEW individual sponsors levels

VOLUNTEER for the race by emailing Nia@DecaturEducationFoundation.org

The Tour deCatur is a qualifying run/walk event in the Team Decatur Grand Slam Fitness Challenge

Note: the event size, location and number of young children participating means that dogs will NOT be allowed to participate.  Please leave your canine pals at home.

See you March 23 in front of Decatur High School!

Decatur Rec Grand Opening Feb 5

Sent in by Linda Harris

Bluegrass Event to help DeKalb Libraries

 From: AJC

By April Hunt

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The DeKalb Library Foundation will host an evening of bluegrass music and books later this year as a fundraiser for the county’s 22 branches.
The event runs from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. March 9 at the Decatur library and features mystery authors Joshilyn Jackson and Karen White in a reception, book signing and silent auction. The bluegrass band Dappled Grays will headline the event.
Tickets are $65 in advance and $75 at the door. All proceeds benefit the county’s libraries.
More information: 404-370-8450 x. 2238 or www.dekalblibrary.org/foundation.

Flight of the Butterflies at Fernbank

 From : fernbankmuseum.org
Now showing through
May 9, 2013 Mon-Sat 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm
 Sun 12pm, 2pm, 4pm
 Friday during Martinis & IMAX® 8pm, 10pm
 Run time: 44 Minutes.
 A breathtaking new giant screen adventure! Flight of the Butterflies immerse audiences in the enchanting world of monarch butterflies, interweaving the story of their annual migration with the moving human story of the decades-long search for their winter home. Witness this amazing spectacle of nature, as half a billion Monarch butterflies head south on a remarkable three-thousand-mile journey that spans Canada, the United States and Mexico. Watch as countries and cultures are united by these incredible critters that fill the skies with wonder.
--
see youtube video below
 

Matt Damon gets even and takes over Jimmy Kimmel's Show.

Actor Matt Damon who's been the butt of a long-running joke on Jimmy Kimmel's ABC talk show, took over the program Thursday night and left a bound and gagged Kimmel to watch a succession of stars stop by. Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/matt-damon-takes-jimmy-kimmel-live-article-1.1247561#ixzz2J2aP4znM

Snoop Dogg wants to Educate kids on smoking weed.

From accessatlanta.com
Rapper Snoop Lion (formerly known as Snoop Dogg) says he wants to help educate children on smoking weed. Snoop, who coaches eight and nine year olds at the Orange County Junior All America Football League, says he wants to teach kids how to avoid irresponsible drug use. He told GQ magazine that he’s not trying to push marijuana on kids.

--
See Snoop in clip from you tube

First Beer School at The Beer Growler JAN 27

--

 From The Decatur Patch
The Beer Growler in Avondale Estates is excited to bring you our First Beer School hosted by Red Brick Brewing! Beer School will take place at the Avondale Store at 7pm. Red Brick's new Head Brewer is going to talk to us about Winter Ales and introduce their Anniversary Ale, "The Lost Years." Join us for a sampling of The Lost Years as well as samples from 4 other Winter Ales from Breweries across the United States. We will also be enjoying a meat and cheese pairing from Pine Street Market to accompany our brews. Tickets are $30 to attend the Red Brick Beer School and $40 to attend and receive a 32oz growler filled with your favorite Winter Ale from the evening. Tickets may be purchased through our website www.thebeergrowler.net and then by clicking the Events tab.

http://decatur.patch.com/events/red-brick-beer-school

Where	The Beer Growler 38a N Avondale Rd, Avondale Estates, GA 30002
Next on	January 27, 2013
Time	7:00 pm–9:00 pm
Who to bring	College Students, Moms, Dads, Singles, Everyone
Website	http://­www.­thebee­rgrowler.­net
Phone	678-595-3243
Email	babs@­thebee­rgrowler.­net
Price	30.00
Tickets	Buy Tickets

--

Eye on Decatur - Be Responsible!

Sugarloaf Mills Looking for New Food Court Tenants

FROM: http://www.tonetoatl.com/2013/01/sugarloaf-mills-will-soon-have-fewer.html#more

 Sugarloaf Mills aka  Discover Mills will reportedly lose many of their current food court tenants January
31st.

Burger King, Chili's Too, Great Steak & Potato and Popeye's are all slated for closure at month's end.  Originally, the restaurants were to close January 3rd but will remain open til the 31st.

 Photo credit: Next Stop..Decatur
Bethesda, Maryland-based HMSHost is the franchisee of all the involved restaurants, although usually they stick to restaurant operations within transportation hubs, like airport terminals.  HMSHost is owned by Italy based Autogrill, a large multinational corporation with significant retail, restaurant and catering holdings across Europe and North America.

Other dining options are available within the food court like Subway and Great Wraps, but to lose so many restaurants at the same time would be a big blow to the outlet center.  Johnny Rockets closed a number of their Atlanta area locations, their restaurant within the Mills food court being one of them.

Sugarloaf Mills is one of the only, if not the only high profile mall without a Chick-fil-A.  Might the end of month closures pave the way for the Atlanta-based chicken chain to open?
read comments over at  http://www.tonetoatl.com/

Reelz Channel to Show 007 Movies in Feb.

From Reelz.com

James Bond has thrilled movie audiences for more than 50 years, and this February the suave British super spy is coming to Reelz. Throughout the month, Reelz is airing 16 classic 007 flicks spanning from 1964 to 1997, including The Spy Who Loved Me, Thunderball, Moonraker and GoldenEye. The 16 movies feature James Bond as played by Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, George Lanzenby and Pierce Brosnan. Bond has defined the spy thriller through countless improbable escapes, wild chase scenes, battles with dubious villains and adventures with iconic Bond girls. Don't miss a minute of the iconic action as Bond takes over Reelz this February
Below are the Reelz premiere dates and times for all 16 Bond movies, but no worries if you miss the premiere. There will be additional chances to watch each Bond flick throughout February.
Goldfinger - Sunday, February 3 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. From its shocking prologue to an exhilarating mid-air climax, this lightning-paced 007 thriller features Sean Connery battling cunning international smugglers intent on infiltrating Fort Knox.
You Only Live Twice - Sunday, February 3 at 10:30pm ET/ 7:30pm PT. ­Sean Connery stars as James Bond in this special-effects spectacular that takes him to Japan to foil an evil plot involving the onset of a nuclear war between the Russians and Americans.
Diamonds Are Forever – Monday, February 4 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. Sean Connery stars as the dynamic 007, on the trail of a diamond smuggler who leads him on a nerve-shattering chase through Amsterdam, Los Angeles and eventually, glittery Las Vegas.
see complete list at Reelz

"Food That Pleases" Since 1929

The Majestic on Ponce

Dearborn Animal Hospital Moving from their Landmark Building

--

Since 1948 Dearborn Animal Hospital has been at 715 E. College Ave in Decatur.
They have announced that they plan to leave this landmark building and will move (not very far) to 235 Dekalb Industrial Way. --

235 Dekalb Industrial Way.
Photo from Google maps.

Remember Candlelight Cafeteria on Clairmont Rd.

--

--

CHARLOTTE'S WEB at The Alliance Theatre FEB 23-M

The Alliance is pleased to present the beloved classic Charlotte’s Web. While remaining true to the story and familiar characters, the Alliance’s version of Charlotte’s Web will uniquely incorporate circus stunts and acrobatics in the production. Charlotte will be performed by a trained aerialist who will glide above the stage on fabric curtains. Other skilled performance elements included are juggling, unicycle riding, tumbling, contortion, clowning – and more! Charlotte’s Web will delight old and new audiences with vivid characters and enduring themes of friendship that inspire in a way that only live theatre can.

The Alliance will also host our annual fundraising event FAMILIES Centerstage on March 2. For one day only, the Woodruff Arts Center Galleria transforms into a family fun fair with live performances, arts, crafts and music for the whole family to enjoy! Confirmed participants for this year’s event include the Center for Puppetry Arts, Zoo Atlanta, and Milton High School’s Cirque Program. Tickets for FAMILIES Centerstage include admission to either the 1:00pm or 4:00pm performance of Charlotte’s Web, with the festival happening from 2:00 – 4:00pm.
Learn more here

Peachtree Corners Dreamland BBQ Damaged by Fire

--

  From:

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 

 By Alexis Stevens

A fire at a popular Gwinnett County restaurant sent flames through the roof Wednesday afternoon.
Pictures from witnesses showed flames and smoke filling the sky above Dreamland Bar-B-Que on Peachtree Parkway in Peachtree Corners.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known. No injuries were reported.

The Norcross restaurant is one of two in metro Atlanta for the chain, which started in Alabama.
Click photo to see it on fire.

Other GA. location:
 Dreamland Bar-B-Que Roswell Dreamland Barbeque Restaurant
10730 Alpharetta Highway
Roswell, Georgia 30076

--Dreamland BBQ Fire drive-by

Decatur High School's Original Design from 1964

--

- After reading reports of a new front design plan for Decatur High School over at decatur metro.

I found the original design of  Decatur High School from  circa 1964. top photo(click to enlarge).
The round library looks a little different in the original design it looks lower to the ground.
Maybe they could still design some sort of around building like in this original design.
Bottom photo is a favorite of mine,
showing the design of today.

License To Thrill! Retro Plates May Be Returning To California

--

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — It’s true that everything old is new again.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles announced today that those legacy license plates are coming back!

The plates will feature the looks made popular in the 1950′s (black letters, yellow background), 1960′s (yellow letters, black background) and 1970′s (yellow letters, blue background).

What a great idea, now why can't Georgia do something like this. check out these old tags

Run With the Dogs 2013 is Saturday Morning

  From: accessatlanta.com

Saturday, Jan 12  9:00 AM

Decatur High School on McDonough Street Decatur, GA

A chilly run through the City of Decatur with Decatur Bulldog supporters and their four-legged friends. This race is a qualifying run/walk event in the City of Decatur's Grand Slam Fitness Challenge.

The Clermont Hotel has been Sold

From ajc
 By J. Scott Trubey
 The Clermont Motor Hotel, home to the seedy namesake lounge that attracts celebs and locals alike to gawk at its gallery of aging strippers, has been sold. A team of Nashville and New York developers bought the vacant hotel, which houses the unique strip joint in its basement, “to redevelop as a boutique hotel,” according to a news release issued Wednesday. Ethan Orley, who along with Philip Welker controls Clermont Hotel Partners LLC, said the partners would further detail their plans in coming weeks. A sale price was not disclosed. The hotel, built in the 1920s, fell on hard times despite the Clermont Lounge’s singular appeal. The lodger was foreclosed upon and later ordered closed by health inspectors in late 2009, according to reports in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s archives. Fulton County health officials complained of dirty linen, old bedding and stains from bedbugs, as well as mold and unsanitary plumbing issues. There have been plans over the years to renovate the aging building. A prior owner, Inman Park Properties, tried to sell the Ponce De Leon Avenue hotel a few years ago for $6.5 million but lost control of the property. The hotel is not far from Jamestown Properties’ Ponce City Market, the $200 million redevelopment of the hulking former City Hall East and Sears warehouse into a massive mix of apartments, retail and offices. “We are thrilled to have the chance to reimagine the Clermont as a great hotel,” Welker, the principal of real estate firm BNA Associates and Clermont Hotel Partners, said in the release. The building, he said, “has all the right ingredients to become not only a destination boutique hotel for Atlanta, but for the Southeast.”

Read more about it here.

Arnold's Back in The Last Stand JAN 18

--

Peach State Opera's Friday, Jan. 11 at 8pm production of Puccini's Madame Butterfly

Peach State Opera, an artist affiliate of Georgia Perimeter College Clarkston,GA is presenting in English Puccini's Madame Butterfly, Jan. 11 at 8pm in the Cole Auditorium . The heart-wrenching story of Puccini’s beautiful geisha girl and her American naval lieutenant never grows old. The unwavering love of the young Japanese bride as she waits for the return of her husband, the clash of cultures and faiths, and the ultimate betrayal and tragic ending inspires some of opera’s most powerful and beautiful music. Meet the Cast

Ticket prices are:

General Admission Jan 11, 2013 $22.00
Senior Admission Jan 11, 2013 $20.00
Students Jan 11, 2013 $10.00
GPC Students/Faculty Staff, Alumni Jan 11, 2013 $5.00
Groups of 10 or more Jan 11, 2013 $10.00
Buy Tickets here.

You can go to Peach State Opera's website www.peachstateopera.org to purchase
tickets and learn more about the company.

This traveling opera company with local roots is dedicated to bringing opera to communities that might not have the opportunity to see a fully staged opera at reasonable rates. Don't miss the opprotunity to see what should be a memorable production.


Submitted by: Nancy Martin

Gangster Squad Starts Jan 11, 2013

--