Kandace Christian stars as Margaret Mitchell in “Mrs. John Marsh —The World Knew Her as Margaret Mitchell,” which continues through Sunday at the Ansley Park Playhouse.

FRIDAY
Stage: “The Color Purple” is the musical based on the Alice Walker novel. The show is  at the Fox Theatre through June 19.

Music, family: The 25th annual edition of Atlanta Fest brings a vast array of Christian pop and rock acts to Stone Mountain Park, including Casting Crowns, Switchfoot, David Crowder Band, MercyMe, Tenth Avenue North, Disciple and about 50 more. The fest continues through June 18.

Music: Symphony on the Green offers an evening of music in the open air with the Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. June 17 on the  Duluth Town Green.

Stage: “Red, White and Tuna” is the third installment in the Tuna trilogy and it’s being staged at Theatre in the Square through June 26.

Comedy: Georgia-born comedian Tim Wilson is back at the Punchline June 17-19.

Stage: “The Complete …

Continue reading Weekend best bets: June 17-19 »

YOUR PICKS
1. Stone Mountain Park
You say, “It’s nice especially with kids, because you get to sit down on the lawn, rather than standing around a crowded parking lot… Spend the afternoon in the park, then get over to the lawn for the laser show and the fireworks. Overall, it just seems to me to be much more relaxing and enjoyable then all the hustle and bustle of the Atlanta shows.”

2. Lenox Square
3. Turner Field
4. Downtown Decatur
5. Downtown Kennesaw

A view of of the fireworks display at 2010's Legendary 4th celebration at Lenox Square. Phoito: Curtis Compton, ccompton@ajc.com

OUR PICKS
1. Panola Mountain State Park and Lenox Square
We say, “It was just too tough to choose just one, especially since these two spots are polar opposites. We love any location that offers views of more then one fireworks display, and Panola doesn’t event allow fireworks. It doesn’t matter because you can see for miles from peaceful Panola Mountain, and that means a view of …

Continue reading Best place to watch fireworks »

Gregory Peck and 9-year-old Mary Badham study their lines during a break on the set of the film "To Kill a Mockingbird," which will screen as part of the Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival at the Fox Theatre on Saturday, June 11. AP File Photo.

FRIDAY
Music: “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” comes home as the Charlie Daniels Band plays Wild Bill’s in Duluth at 9 p.m. June 10.

Stage, family: “Fairy Circus” is a showcase for turn-of-the-century trick puppetry presented by Tanglewood Maironettes. It’s part of the Roswell Summer Puppet Series and takes the stage at 10 a.m. June 10-11 at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center.

Music: Loretta Lynn, one of country music’s living legends, comes to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre at 7:30 p.m. June 10.

Comedy: He’s been a sitcom sidekick for years, but comedian Billy Gardell is now one of the leads in the CBS sitcom “Mike & Molly.” He’s still doing stand up, though, and that’s what brings him to the Punchline at 8 and 10 p.m. June …

Continue reading Weekend best bets: June 10-12 »

Originating in Athens, but available across the metro Atlanta area, Phickles Pickles are your pick for the best pickled vegetables (among those that can be bought in stores). Some restaurants serve the company's product, too. Photo courtesy Phickles Pickles.

YOUR PICKS
In stores and online
1. Phickles Pickles
You say, “Phickles Pickles are the best! You can find them at Alon’s and other fine foods stores. Phickles are handmade by a one-woman pickling dervish outta Athens. If you haven’t had her okies, you’re missing out.”

2. Curry & Echols
3. Preserving Now
4. TaylOrganics

In restaurants
1. Holeman & Finch
You say, “[Holeman & Finch's] Linton Hopkins is an expert at this. In a recent Simple Abundance cooking class, he talked about his use of pickled veggies in his restaurants and pickling stems & otherwise normally unused veggie parts. So yummy!”

2. Empire State South
3. Miller Union
4. Flip
5. (tie) The Hil and H. Harper Station

The menu at Holeman & Finch varies, but …

Continue reading Best pickled vegetables »