Comedian Kevin Hart headlines at Philips Arena on Saturday, Dec. 1. Photo: Getty Images

FRIDAY
Holiday: The Atlanta Botanical Garden sparkles during Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, which continues through Jan. 5. For more places to experience holiday light shows, check out this list.

Stage: “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” returns to the Fox Theatre through Dec. 2.

Holiday, festival: The holidays start early at Stone Mountain Park, as it gets dressed in festive garb for Stone Mountain Christmas, which continues through Dec. 31.

Holiday: Lake Lanier Islands Resort’s Magical Nights of Lights continues 5 to 10 p.m. nightly through Dec. 31 in Buford.

Holiday: More than 1 million lights fill Hampton’s Atlanta Motor Speedway in Gift of Lights, a 1.5-mile drive-through experience. The display continues through Jan. 6

Stage: Cirque du Soleil’s Totem sets up the big tent in Atlanta, with shows continuing through Dec. 30  near Atlantic Station at 20th and Market streets. Read …

Continue reading Best bets: Nov. 27-Dec. 3 »

One of Eagle Eye Book Shop’s employees touts the recent appearance of Santa at the store. The Decatur book store was your pick for Atlanta’s best kept secret/hidden gem. Photo courtesy Eagle Eye Book Shop

YOUR PICKS
1. Eagle Eye Book Shop
You say, “Check out a locally owned private bookstore such as Eagle Eye on North Decatur near Emory. Yes, I know you can get anything you want in a couple of clicks from Amazon, but there is nothing like spending a rainy afternoon browsing through all the ’stacks.’ There’s always a lazy dog to pet and a staff that is eager to assist, but who also know when to leave you alone.”

2. The New American Shakespeare Tavern
3. Actor’s Express
4. The Wren’s Nest
5. Grocery on Home

A view of the East side of Bradley Peak on Arabia Mountain, which is part of the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, our pick for best kept secret/hidden gem in and around Atlanta. Staff photo

OUR PICKS
1. Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve

we say, “A serene …

Continue reading Best kept secret/hidden Atlanta gem »

Where to watch the big game?

What’s the best spot in metro Atlanta to watch UGA and Tech go at it? Who has the biggest screens and best drinks and the best crowd to exchange a high-five?
Tell us about your favorite bar, restaurant or game-watching spot.

• Meanwhile, follow our coverage leading up to the SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome.

• Show us your pics from UGA, Tech or college football tailgates: share.ajc.com/

Also check out this look at the top state recruits for both UGA and Tech.

Continue reading Where will you watch the Georgia/Tech game? »

The Lighting of the Great Tree at Macy’s at Lenox Square takes place Thanksgiving night. This marks the event’s 65th year. Staff photo.

THURSDAY
Holiday, festival: The holidays start early at Stone Mountain Park, as it gets dressed in festive garb for Stone Mountain Christmas, which continues through Dec. 31.

Holiday: Lake Lanier Islands Resort’s Magical Nights of Lights continues 5 to 10 p.m. nightly through Dec. 31 in Buford.

Holiday: More than 1 million lights fill Hampton’s Atlanta Motor Speedway in Gift of Lights, a 1.5-mile drive-through experience. The display continues through Jan. 6

Stage: Cirque du Soleil’s Totem sets up the big tent in Atlanta, with shows continuing through Dec. 30  near Atlantic Station at 20th and Market streets. Read our review of the show.

Holiday: The Great Tree Lighting at Macy’s in Lenox Square is back for it’s 65th year. This year’s event includes music from country star Trace Adkins. Pre-show festivities and music being at 6:15 p.m. …

Continue reading Best bets: Nov. 20-26 »