My Atlanta Bucket List

Alright, so now that the news is all out there to everyone, I can stop being so mysterious about my move to Richmond coming up next week. However, before I fully make the transition from Atlanta to Richmond, I have some unfinished business here in the ATL.

Thus, I present to y'all (because that's the only way to say it here in the A), my Atlanta Bucket List. The things that I have always wanted (or atleast recently wanted) to do yet have never done in my 26 years as a native Atlantan.

Climb Stone Mountain

Yes, I'm serious, I have never climbed Stone Mountain. Despite all the class field trips, cheesy group picnics, weddings, and team outings. What better icon of true Southern Pride than a 1,686 ft high rock with a Civil War homage etched into the side upon which one can catch a nightly laser show to prove your Atlanta-ness? I've been to the park, I've been to the laser show. I've yet to tackle the mountain Woman-to-Rock. At this point, it's more of a tradition than a desire, and one that I have not had the joy of experiencing.

Eat at Antico Pizza

This one is just shameful, I admit. Even though it's only been open for a few years, Antico has quickly established its name on the map as not only one of Atlanta's top restaurants, but also as a nationally recognized pizza joint. The hype surrounding the allegedly fantastic Neopolitan style pizza that Antico turns out knows no limits. This one has been on my radar for MONTHS now, but I just haven't made it out there. I love communal tables, I love BYOB, I love good pizza. What on earth have I been waiting for?!?!?! Oh ya...company...

Visit Sweetwater Brewery

Again, yes I'm totally serious. It's something I've been meaning to do for years...I just haven't quite gotten around to it yet. And given that the brewery tours are only at 5pm on Fridays, it looks like this is one that I may have to save for a visit home one weekend. It's just something that I have to do. When in Rome...

The Clermont Lounge

One of Atlanta's classier treasures...The world famous Clermont Lounge. Where strippers go when their careers have been over for 10 years. Now, there's an obvious reason that I've never actually been here. I'm not exactly one to frequent strip clubs, nor am I one to frequent sleazy night clubs. BUT, again, this is just one of those staples of the city that everyone has been to at one time or another. Usually as a result of a late night group decision to go see Blondie (I'll let you Google that one). I mean...does anyone ever really PLAN to end up there? I guess there's always time after my going away party. How about it, gang??

 99 Cent Draughts at Park Tavern

I'm not even 100% convinced that this one is real. But urban legend has it that any time it rains, all draughts at Park Tavern are only 99 cents. And while Park Tavern is a lovely venue settled right on the edge of Atlanta's Piedmont Park, why would anyone want to go there on a rainy day? Well, 99 cent draughts of course! This one is perhaps a spur of the moment rainy day type activity that doesn't lend itself to being a common stop on many lists unless you just happen to live close by, but it's something that I've always wanted to try! Hmm, it's raining right now...

See a Concert at Chastain

Again, this one is almost embarassing as a native Atlantan. Everyone has been to a show at Chastain. Everyone. Except me. Poor, little ol' me. Something I always wanted to do and meant to do but it just never quite panned out. Whether it was the Goo Goo Dolls tickets that I bought and messed up the date on, the Dispatch tickets that I wanted to buy but couldn't get any takers, or the Elton John/ Billy Joel combo that my father stupidly turned down 15 years ago (Yes, Dad, Mom and I have NOT forgotten about this). I just haven't made it to Chastain. That's ok, even if I made it, I probably couldn't find anywhere to park anyway.

Attend a game at Sanford Stadium

While this one isn't technically Atlanta...well...deal with it. As big of a UGA Dawgs fan as I am, I have never actually seen them play live. I've watched almost every game on TV for a lot of years, but I have never seen them in person. I've seen Ga Tech play at Bobby Dodd (usually when Miami is in town) but the only sporting event that I've caught in Athens was a softball game last Memorial Day weekend when UGA played Baylor in the World Series Super Regional. This is one that will certainly haunt me, but hopefully one day I can make up there. Especially since it will be much harder to follow my Dawgs this fall without the leisure of local Atlanta programming. 


I'll work on crossing some of these off my list in my last days here in Atlanta, and it will give me something to aspire to when I come to visit family and friends. If there are any other must dos in Atlanta, do share. But I've had a good run in this city, and we have a lot of memories together. With the exception of the few items listed above, if I haven't done it, there's probably a good reason for it.

But rest assured, Georgia will always be on my mind!