The beluga whales are one of the most popular attractions at the Georgia Aquarium, which was your pick and our pick for the best place to take visiting guests in and around Atlanta. Photo courtesy the Georgia Aquarium

YOUR PICKS
1. Georgia Aquarium
You say, “The Ga. Aquarium is awesome” and “Although I have only been here for 4 years, my standard site-seeing tour for weekend visitors is the World of Coke or the Aquarium, a walk through Centennial Park, the CNN Center and the King Memorial.”

2. The Varsity
3. Stone Mountain
4. Piedmont Park
5. The World of Coca-Cola
6. Centennial Olympic Park

OUR PICKS
1. Georgia Aquarium
We say, “The wonders of the world’s watery depths have the power to delight both young and old, and the Georgia Aquarium, certified as the world’s largest by Guinness World Records, showcases them in breathtaking ways.”

2. Martin Luther King Jr. Historic District
3. Stone Mountain
4. The Sun Dial at the Westin Peachtree Plaza
5.

Continue reading Best place to take visiting guests »

It’s time for the Flying Colors Butterfly Festival, which happens at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell on Saturday, July 14. Photo: Vino Wong, vwong@ajc.com

FRIDAY
Festival, music: Centennial Olympic Park plays host to the National Black Arts Festival Main Stage Events, which will include an international market, a children’s education area and lots of great music from artists such as Peabo Bryson, Leela James, Kindred and the Family Soul, Anthony David and more. It all takes place July 13-15. See our round-up of NBAF events.

Stage: Phylicia Rashad and Afemo Omilami star in True Colors Theatre Company’s new stage adaptation of  the film “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.” It tells the story of a white woman who brings her successful black fiance home to meet her parents. Check out our preview of the production. The show continues through July 29 at the Rialto Center for the Arts.

Convention, music: Queen Breakthru 2012 Convention is the official North American …

Continue reading Weekend best bets: July 13-15 »

Yumbii was your pick for best food truck in and around Atlanta. Photo: Ana Laura Araya/Special

YOUR PICKS
1. Yumbii
You say, “Yumbii is tops. Amazing tacos, ‘have you tried that sriacha dip?’, and vegetarian options. One guy that takes orders remembers my name, how nice.”

2. The Blaxican
3. The Fry Guy
4. Metro City Dogs (tie)
4. W.O.W. (tie)
6. Chay J’s New Orleans Candies

The smoked pork arepa from the W.O.W. food truck. Photo: Jenny Turknett

OUR PICKS
1. W.O.W.
The AJC dining team’s specialist in Southern and Neighborhood Fare Jenny Turknett says, “If there’s one street eat in this town you shouldn’t miss, it’s the smoked pork arepas from the W.O.W. truck. Moist and smoky pulled pork topped with a bright cilantro-cream sauce overflows from a buttery griddled corn cake. Messy, yes, but delightfully so.”

2. Yumbii
3. Atlanta Pudding Company
4. King of Pops
5. Chay J’s New Orleans Candies

Continue reading Favorite food truck (or street vendor) »

Megan Hayes and Topher Payne star in Jordan Pulliam’s “Bat-Hamlet,” which is part of the Essential Theatre Festival. Photo: Nancy Johnson

FRIDAY
Music, stage: The Earl Smith Strand Theatre’s “Mo’ Motown” is a musical revue revisiting the beloved label’s hits. It happens at 8 p.m. July 6-7 and 3 p.m. July 8.

Festival: The 17th annual Heritage Arts Festival offers more than 50 national and international booths featuring one-of-a-kind African artifacts, jewelry, beauty products and more. The event takes place 10 a.m.-9 p.m. July 6-7 and noon-6 p.m. July 8.

Stage: The Atlanta Shakespeare Company continues its chronological run through the Bard’s comedies with “Twelfth Night.” It runs through July 29 at the New American Shakespeare Tavern.

Stage: Georgia Shakespeare takes a break from the Bard for Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest.” It continues in repertory through Aug. 3 at Oglethorpe University.

Stage: Decatur’s OnStage Atlanta presents the rousing …

Continue reading Weekend best bets: July 6-8 »