Catch the annual Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta and see in the new year with headliner Tito Jackson. Photo: Ben Gray, bgray@ajc.com

FRIDAY

Holiday, family: Family-friendly activities surrounding the annual Peach Drop begin 11 a.m. New Year’s Eve at Underground Atlanta. The main stage gets going at 6 p.m., where Tito Jackson heads the bill.

Holiday, family: Lawrenceville Rings‘ “Early Eve for Kids” gets going at 3 p.m. and the main event begins at 9 p.m. with music from AbbeyRoad Live. At the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse in Lawrenceville.

Comedy: Actor and comedian Chris Tucker will help usher in the new year with his stand-up show at the Fox Theatre. At 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31.

Music: One of Georgia’s finest exports, the Zac Brown Band has scored five No. 1 hits since 2008. The band also too home the Grammy for best new artist. Casey Driessen and the Wood Brothers join the Brown and his bandmates at Philips Arena. The show begins at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31.

Comedy: Finalists from …

Continue reading Weekend best bets: Dec. 31-Jan. 2 »

The tasty dogs at Barker's Red Hots, your pick for best in Atlanta, sizzling away on the grill.

YOUR PICKS
1. Barker’s Red Hots
You say, “Barker’s – No one even compares. Water pulls the flavor out of the dog. Barker’s are grilled over real charcoal. Try their signature dog!! Dogs made by a 142 year old meat packer out of Buffalo, N.Y. Awesome rings and fries and their Bomb Italian Sausage – unbelievable. Wash it all down with a Loganberry and you died and went to heaven.”

2. Rivals
3. CJ’s Hot Dogs
4. The Varsity
5. Skip’s
6. America’s Top Dog

A pair of yummy dogs from Brandi's in Marietta, our pick for the best hot dog in and around Atlanta. Photo: Jon Watson

OUR PICKS
1. Brandi’s World Famous Hot Dogs
The AJC dining team’s Popular Eats specialist Jon Watson says, “Open only for lunch, you will always find this small diner-style hot dog shop in Marietta packed to the brim with regulars, and for good reason. Their spicy chili dogs are the epitome of a Georgia-style …

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Prospecter Yukon Cornelius becomes part of Ruldolph's entourage in the Center for Puppetry Arts' "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Photo: Clay Walker.

FRIDAY

Family, holiday: The Atlanta holiday tradition continues atop the Lenox Road parking deck at Macy’s Lenox Square, where you can hitch a ride with Priscilla the Pink Pig. The porcine journey continues through Jan. 2 (closed Christmas Day).

Dance, performance, holiday: Holiday Ice Spectacular tells its tale through music, skating, dance and comedy. It concludes Dec. 24 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

Family: The Georgia Aquarium is open 365 days a year, though hoiday hours are a little different. The aquarium will be open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 24; noon-6 p.m. Christmas Day; and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 26-Jan. 1.

Stage: Six very unruly children teach a whole church about the true meaning of the holiday season in this Synchronicity Theatre’s production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” It continues through Jan. 2 …

Continue reading Weekend best bets: Dec. 24-26 »

The burger at Holeman & Finch. Photo: Garnish Photography courtesy of Green Olive Media.

YOUR PICKS

1. The burger at Holeman & Finch
In the latest Southern Living magazine, Holeman & Finch’s burger, served at 10 p.m. nightly and during Sunday brunch only, was named the best late-night burger, To quote the restaurant’s website, “Each night, 24 exquisite, double patty cheeseburgers are assembled on house-made buns and served alongside hand-cut fries and homemade ketchup, mustard and pickles — only 24.  Some nights they sell out in under a minute.”

2. Lobster bisque at Chops
3. Salmon chips at Two Urban Licks
4. Pork belly buns at Super Pan Latino Sandwich Shop
5. Three Little Pigs at 4th & Swift

The sticky toffee pudding at 4th & Swift. Photo: Jon Watson

OUR PICKS

Sticky toffee pudding at 4th & Swift

The AJC dining team’s Popular Eats specialist Jon Watson says, “4th & Swift’s Sticky Toffee Pudding easily takes the top slot of my favorite dishes in 2010. This rich …

Continue reading Best dish of 2010 »