#Jellyfish and live events in which participants (INCLUDING celebrities

[sbnkalny]

I loooove you kalny ^__^ i just wanted to STOP by any higher-thinking beyond an instinctual need to reduce the chance 🤬i know this story 📖 seems long 😴 but when I know 🤔 the time 🕰️ is right for you.

[megamanmodelaaa-fanstories]

The Squidbeak Splatoon - Third Time’s the Charm Chapter 1: The Great Squidnapping

In the far flung future, centuries from our time…

The world is nothing but vast & endless oceans, as far as the eye can see. Aside from the deep-sea world, there was no life to be seen. However, if you look just a little bit further into the horizon… land!

At first glance, this bit of land looks unremarkable as monochrome colours dominate everything in sight. But it’s when you take a deeper look into this land that you see something different, something not at all what it appears to be on the outside.

Welcome to Inkopolis… to the City of Colour!

The streets, the markets, the residence, the city center, everywhere you look, there is a new colour to gaze upon. Bright or Dark, Plain or Mixed, Singular or Combined, every colour in the collective Palette is there to enjoy! This gives the residence of Inkopolis a sense of energy & enthusiasm all day long. At night, these same colours along with the city’s beautiful lighting give way to a dazzling view that invoke feelings of imagination & serenity.

The people of Inkopolis are full of various races that have evolved beyond their Cephalopod roots to live freely on land. Jellyfish, Horseshoe Crabs, Urchins, Prawns & most dominantly, the Inklings. Inklings are a unique Species of Inkopolis because they’re half human & half Squid who can change between the two forms at will.

Also compared to normal Squids, their Ink Production is faster & much more potent. They need to be for them to participate in Inkopolis’ most famous sport: Turf War.

2 Teams of 4 Inklings battle each other in a game of Territorial Control, where players must paint as much area as possible using special weapons that utilize their natural ink as ammunition. The more turf inked, the more points that team gets, with the winner being the team with the most turf controlled when time runs out.

Certainly, the City of Inkopolis is a land that embodies enthusiasm, energy, competition & interaction. A perfect blend for a peaceful & prosperous community! But that same peace & prosperity would soon come under threat…

One day, sometime before a special Turf War Event called a “Splatfest” was scheduled to begin, people on the streets were surprised by a breaking citywide broadcast. Callie & Marie, Inkopolis’ Top Pop Idol Duo, take the stage…

Callie: “We interrupt this program to bring you important news!”

Marie: “The Great Zapfish, source of all power for Inkopolis… has mysteriously vanished.”

Callie: “City Officials have released this picture showing a crashed UFO, which was taken around the estimated time of our Zapfish’s disappearance!”

Marie: “We encourage everyone to share any information about this UFO & others that may lead to the missing Zapfish.”

Callie: “Until the Great Zapfish is recovered, we advise Turf War Veterans to expect restrictions & limitations on battle scheduling, public or private… That includes the upcoming Splatfest, which is -as of now- on hold indefinitely.”

Marie: “Our sincere apologies for any inconveniences…”

Callie: “That’s all for now. Thank you everyone & until next time…”

Callie & Marie: “Stay Fresh.”

But the public was feeling anything BUT “Fresh”. Everyone was sent into a silent panic. Who could’ve done that? How did we not notice? What’s going to happen to us?!

The Great Zapfish is an entity as big as an observatory tower that is the main source of energy for the entire city. Even in its absence, Inkopolis can still run on reserve power, but that will only last for about 2-3 months at best. People throughout the city, for the next few weeks, would live in fear & hopelessness of having to leave in the near future…

Over a Month Later…

Inkopolis still runs, but it’s clear that the dwindling power has robbed it of its enthusiasm. There aren’t as many lights bathing the city as it used to, most have resorted to staying at home out of fear & a select few fled the city to find a new place to live. What was once a city of energy, is now slowly losing all signs of life. But somewhere within the center of Inkopolis, a small group of teenagers are still kicking hard in Turf War.

Day 1, Arowana Mall, 12:50-

8 Inklings are swapping ink against each other, one side Blue & the other Orange. 2 Blue Inklings holding an N-Zap & a Splat Roller push forward, jumping off the central hill in an attempt to claim more turf as the battle enters its final minute. Suddenly, one of them gets splatted out of nowhere, while the other gets echolocated as she attempts to escape. She gets splatted by an Aerospray on her way forward.

Aerospray Inkling: “Nice going, Miwa!”

Miwa: “You can thank me later, let’s push!”

Miwa is a 14 year old Inkling who’s considered of the most skilled on the turf; one of very few who reached the coveted S+ Ranking. She’s proficient with most weapons, prefers Chargers & despises Blasters.

The battle ends with a score of 57-39 for Team Orange. The winning team jumps for joy & exchanges high fives in celebration as a member of the losing team steps forward.

N-Zap Inkling: “Y-You all got lucky because you had a Charger on your side!”

Miwa: “(Ho boy, here we go again…)”

Aerospray Inkling: “Is that so? Wanna trade & see how it ends?”

Splat Roller Inkling: “Yes! Let’s rematch!”

But just as they were about to start, an official of the Turf War Management approaches them, saying they’ve reached the maximum allowed number of matches & they’re to leave immediately.

Splat Roller Inkling: “But… But that’s not fair; we’ve only had 2 matches. Isn’t the maximum limit supposed to be 5?”

Official: “New rules have been placed: 2 per group only, regardless of arrangements.”

& just like that, everyone packs their things in misery & returns to the City Center…

Inkopolis Plaza, 13:15-

Miwa sits on a bench drinking here favourite juice as she relaxes after being forced to stop battling on such short notice. As she throws her empty bottle in the bin, 2 friends arrive to join her.

Green Inkling: “Yo! Reached your threshold already?”

Miwa: “Let me guess: Reduced Turf War Capacity?”

Purple Inkling: “Yeeeah, what a pain…”

Miwa: “Relax guys, I’m sure it’ll all be fine. Can’t let those smiles turn upside down, right?”

Both of her friends look at her speechlessly, their expressions arched in worry…

Ever since the Great Zapfish’s disappearance, Miwa & several others have been trying to get some energy back into everyone by engaging in Turf Wars as much as possible, creating enthusiasm through tense competition & distracting the public from the crisis. But as the days went by with no sign of the Great Zapfish returning, their efforts soon fell to deaf ears & now, they’re slowly losing their battling privileges.

Purple Inkling: “Listen, maybe… we should go plan our move out & get it over with. I’m sure there’s plenty of land outsi—“

Miwa: “& give up on everything we have here?! Like it’s all worth NOTHING to us?!”

Green Inkling: “Girl, there’s not much else we CAN do. We gotta move on…”

Miwa: “I can’t… I WON’T allow…..”

A cold silence descends upon the 3 companions, as if to look for a way to challenge each other’s arguments, to challenge the very desperate situation they find themselves in. Yet sadly, quietness…

Then…

Green Inkling: “Gals look, it’s HIM again! Haha!”

Miwa’s green friend points towards the Vending Machines Corner, an old man sits under a manhole cover looking around as if seeking something.

Miwa: “*Again*??”

Purple Inkling: “Oh you’ve never seen him? He always shows up here between 13-14 o’clock for some reason. What is this bum doing? Hehehe!”

Miwa: “Heh beats me, I don’t live in the sewers myself!”

The 3 continue laughing as Miwa decides to take a picture of this peculiar man. Moments after she’d put her phone down, the old man starts looking directly at her, exchanging such a sharp gaze. Miwa stares in confusion.

Miwa: “(Why’s he looking at me like that? Did he catch me taking his picture? What’s wi—)”

Miwa’s friends tap her shoulder to say goodbye in a hurry. As soon as she turns to face the old man however, he was no longer there. She waits a little longer hoping to see him again, but he never does & Miwa decides to return to her apartment for the day.

Flounder Heights, 18:45-

Miwa sits on her desk working on whatever homework she has to finish, however little there was to complete due to the crisis. She couldn’t help but think about the old man she saw in the Plaza. With her curiosity soaring high & an idea for a gag in mind, Miwa puts her pen down & starts surfing the web for something similar to his outfit.

Suddenly, she comes across a startling discovery. While the old man’s outfit was nothing to write home about, the hat was EXTREMELY valuable: The Legendary Cap. A very special & rare headgear that only the best of Inklings were awarded with it for their services & bravery in the Great Turf War, 100 years ago.

A cap like this is IMPOSSIBLE to get, even with the help of the back alley dealers like Spyke!

Miwa: “(What was he doing with a hat like that! He couldn’t have stolen it… Is it a fake perhaps? &…) Why was he looking at me?”

One question lead to another, each without an answer. So, Miwa decides there was only one way to solve this mystery…

Day 2, Inkopolis Plaza, 13:40-

For the first time in over a month, Miwa didn’t take part in any Turf Wars. Rather, she spent her time waiting around in the plaza for the Cap wearing man. They look at each other from a distance for minutes on end, with Miwa waiting for the right opportunity to face him.

With each passing minute, she grows more tense. The old man was still looking at her & her alone.

Miwa: “(He’s not going to look anywhere else, isn’t he?... I need to find a way to distra—!!)”

& just like that, the old man vanished while she was looking around.

Miwa: “But it’s still 13:50 o’clock!”

She makes a mad dash for the manhole to investigate. No sign of him. There was only one way he could’ve escaped her sight…

Miwa: “Yuck… (Am I really doing this?...)”

Hesitation holds her in place, but not for long as her curiosity becomes too strong to bear.

She jumps into the manhole cover, unaware of what fate has in store for her…..

Unknown Area, 14:00-

After a unexpectedly long journey in the dark depths, Miwa finally emerges to find that she’s now FAR outside the city limits, tall cliffs & waterfalls encircle a bowl shaped area full of small islands, each with its own theming. The most distinct landmark is a giant sculpture of an Octopus at the highest peak.

Miwa continues to admire the scenery, until she finds the old man beside a small shack.

Miwa: “Hello, sir?... W-What am I saying?! Listen, I need to know whe—“

Old Man: “That look in your eyes…”

Miwa: “Wha??”

Old Man: “I’ve been waiting for someone like you! You’re just who we need to defeat the Octarians!”

Miwa: “Octarians? You mean the ones Inklings fought in the Great Turf War? Wait, are you some sort of military general?”

Old Man: “Absolutely! I’m Captain Cuttlefish, Leader of the Legendary Squidbeak Splatoon! A pleasure to make your acquaintance, welcome to Octo Valley.”

After exchanging introductions, the Captain moves on to explain what’s going on. It seems that he’s been investigating the Great Zapfish’s disappearance alone & has concluded that it was the Octarians’ who stole it, as revenge for their defeat in the Great Turf War 100 years ago.

Despite his best attempts, he wasn’t able to get anyone to believe his findings & is currently understaffed to do the job. This led him to try & find a capable Inkling from the streets of Inkopolis to help return the lost Zapfish, which is where Miwa comes in.

Miwa: “So, you want ME to help you recover the Great Zapfish?”

Cpt. Cuttlefish: “I won’t lie: It won’t be easy. We’re alone against an army. The best I can do to help you is provide telecommunication support & hide Mini Spawn Points around the valley, they will only save you so many times.

So, what will you do young one? Will you join me as my 3rd Agent on this covert mission?”

Most would take a step back to consider, but Miwa didn’t as she saw an opportunity. If she can do this, everything will be back to normal. She’ll take back her home, Turf Wars & bring back the Inkopolis she loves! Miwa turns to the Captain to give her answer, when…

Cpt. Cuttlefish: “I’ll take your silence as ‘Yes, of course I’ll help!’”

Miwa: “Wait What?!”

Cpt. Cuttlefish: “I’ll make the necessary preparations for you, so meet me again tomorrow at 12 o’clock!”

Miwa: “Wait a second!”

It was settled: Miwa will be the Squidbeak Splatoon’s Agent 3, on a quest to explore Octo Valley, stop the Octarian menace & retrieve the stolen Great Zapfish!

Will she succeed? What obstacles await her? Tune in next time for Chapter 2: Krak on, Agent!

Thank you for reading & have a good day! ��🏻😄

[noviceaoiryusei]

「DUET 2018.05」 JR. BANG (7MEN 侍)

Jr. BANG

7MEN Samurai First Season

Feature

: Seven new smiles have been arranged

Featuring a new unit, 7MEN Samurai has appeared! Since we're expecting a new performance with these seven people, we will deliver a little talk about their concerns.

Reia Nakamura

Birthday: 1997.04.02 Birthplace: Tokyo Metropolis Blood Type: A Height: 166cm. Weight: 50kg. Hobbies and Special Skills: My hobbies are watching movies, oil painting and drawing. My special skills are skateboard, snowboard and playing the bass. Admired Senior: Tegoshi Yuya-kun, Kikuchi Fuma-kun. Fuma-kun  is so manly and cool. * "7 MEN侍" is supposed to be read as「seven men samurai」。 Because the origin is "7 samurai" so, it just adds meaning to the kanji. Johnny-san and staff-san called us 「samurai！」. (laughs) The members, including me are all unique and interesting because we have different personalities. My strength is skateboard and everyone is practicing it. I am experienced, everyone is still a beginner except for Katsuki who had tried it several times. I am teaching them and everyone is motivated and also, I am improving too. We have been practicing skateboard togiether so, it is a lot fun to get togetyyher with everyone! * Recently, I am addicted to sukajan. I wore a pink sukajan that I bought recently. I want a black sukajan next and I am looking for it. The other day, I went shopping with Taiko and my hobbies match with Taiko. Because he is mature, I can talk to him with lots of things and it's comfortable to be with him. 菅田琳寧 Rinne Sugeta

Birthday: 1998.05.12 Birthplace: Kanagawa Prefecture Blood Type: B Height: 168cm. Weight: 57kg. Hobbies and Special Skills: My hobby is listening to music. My special skills are doing acrobatics and running. Admired Senior: Yamada Ryosuke-kun. Before I entered Johnny's, I went to watch Hey! Say! JUMP's concert and I've thought that they make everyone happy and they're also cool. * I'm so happy when I've heard about the formation of "7 MEN 侍"! I thought that I won't only do my best but also be responsible from now on. Taiko has always been beside me and we're always laughing together, I'm glad that our members get along together and everyday, it's fun to be with everyone. Everyone of us has different personalities, everyone has his own significance and that is our strength. When I'm practicing the skateboard, I want to raise my original level of performance. I want to challenge myself doing acrobatics while in a skateboard. My goal is to polish my own skills. Everyone wants to participate in skateboard events. And also, we haven't went altogether for a meal so, I want Reia-san to organize it! (laughs) * Recently, I had fun eating my favorite ice cream. Whenever I go home, I always drop by the ice cream store and bought it home. For a limited time, when I've arrived there, I got a bonus, I'm so happy! The other day, I ate a grape flavor and I also ate a mango candy flavor. 前田航気 Koki Maeda

Birthday: 1998.10.26 Birthplace: Kanagawa Prefecture Blood Type: A Height: 173cm. Weight: 57kg. Hobbies and Special Skills: My hobbies are dancing and rapping. My special skill is that I hold a Shorinji Kempo first stage black belt.  I've studied from first grade to sixth grade of elementary school. Admired Senior: Aiba Masaki, because he is fashionable. And also, I admire him because he loves his surroundings. * When I heard about the formation of "7 MEN侍", I was surprised and really happy. There are still a lot of unfamiliar parts because I haven't done a live (performance) with (only) 7 people. From now on, I wish I could know more about each other. Everyone was challenged by the skateboard, we want it to be our strength too. Rinne in acrobatics, Igarashi in Japanese drums... I would like to make use of everyone's skills. As for me, I like rap and I'm studying it so, I will polish it. I hope that someday we could show it off in a performance. * I like secondhand clothes and I roam around different shops. I am happy whenever I find a new shop! The other day, I bought hanchingu (flat cap) and a blue trainer. I thought about putting my own clothes and for some reason, I'm using it as a lesson. (laughs) I usually go out shopping alone but now, I want an adviser (with me). Reia-kun also seemed to like old clothes so, 「let's go together」sometime！ 本髙克樹 Katsuki Motodaka

Birthday: 1998.12.06 Birthplace: Tokyo Metropolis Blood Type: O Height: 170cm. Weight: 58kg. Hobbies and Special Skills: My hobbies is cooking meat sauce pasta and dry curry, I'm good at cooking those. My special skill is doing Mathematics. Admired Senior: Nakajima Kento-kun. When you see him, it's like he's glittering and it feels overwhelming and also, he's cool. * From now on, I'll get fired up together with "7 MEN侍" --I'll do my best. Since there are many members who had worked with each other together, I am conscious and encouraged that there are 7 people (altogether). I'm on the keyboards, Taiko is on the drums... We can play instruments and I hope we could perform as a band as well. As for skateboard, I'm practicing it a little bit since I was in high school. I was supposed to practice with a group, I was suprised (so I said)「there's no way I could do it！」. (laughs) Jumps and techniques are difficult, I will make efforts to master it! * I went for a trip to New York with my friend. I planned our schedule and we went to various sights. We went to the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, to the art museums and we also went shopping. I was really impressed with the Broadway. We watched three productions (namely), 「Chicago」, 「School of Rock」 and 「Stomp」-- they are all in different types and each one of them is interesting. I have learned alot, it was a fulfilling trip! Konno Taiki

Birthday: 1999.11.24 Birthplace: Kanagawa Prefecture Blood Type: A Height: 170cm. Weight: 44kg. Hobbies and Special Skills: My hobbies are singing and playing the guitar (which started since last year). Recently, I've played "Yoru Sora / Mukuo". My special skill is also singing. Admired Senior: Kimura Takuya-san. I admired him when I saw him at a song program a long time ago. For me, he is a hero. * I'm happy to be part of "7 MEN侍", from now on, I will do my best and I'll straight up my mind. We have different specialties, I wish I could have each (other skills?). I will do my best for my favorite song! (?) I think that doing band performances will be our strenght because some of us can play instruments. Skateboard was the first challenge I thought hard at first but then, it has become fun. I am practicing it so that I could perfect it. Every member has strong personality and has freedom so, it feels like we'll be going to do independent things even if we go to an amusement park together. (laughs) I hope we can have a meal together and then enjoy watching the cherry blossoms together. * Together with my friend, we're addicted to this game were you cultivate jellyfish. I really love jellyfish so, it is really fun (to play). Like when you give more food and change the water, it gradually grows. But I have to watch it every 10 minutes, that's why I can't leave my phone. (laughs) I want it to grow bigger until it is barely enough to fit the screen. Igarashi Reo

Birthday: 2001.03.13 Birthplace: Saitama Prefecture Blood Type: O Height: 170cm. Weight: 53kg. Hobbies and Special Skills: My hobby is watching movies. Recently, I've also liked music editing. I hope I can work on with this together with the group at the future. Admired Senior: Marius Yo-kun. His appearance is lively and cool but he's cute whenever he speaks. * I feel nervous when I've finally got a group but being a member is really fun. Recently, I got messed up with the things that I do. (laughs) I will try hard to know better from now on so that I could have good performances with everyone. When I was in 3rd grade of elementary school, I have kept a Japanese drum for 6 years, I wish I could use it in the future. I would like to do fancation(?) as well. Practicing the skateboard is really difficult, I will exert my effort up to the level wherein I can decide which is my (best) skill whether it is in dance, singing, MC -- I will polish everything. I'll aim for a performance where I can entertain the audience! * My birthday, Taiko and the members, school friends, seniors... and lots of people celebrated my birthday. My family took me to eat to an all you can eat crab (restaurant), my grandmother whose birthday was a day apart (from me) was also celebrated too. My two sisters who's in 1st grade of junior high and in 5th grade of elementary school made me a cake. Sasaki Taiko

Birthday: 2002.05.20 Birthplace: Tokyo Metropolis Blood Type: B Height: 174cm. Weight: 59kg. Hobbies and Special Skills: I love clothes so, I like shopping. My special skills are dancing and playing the drums. I've started playing the drums since I was five years old. Admired Senior: Takahashi Kaito-kun. I admire him because his dancing looks so cool. * I am really glad to be part of "7 MEN侍". I won't forget the gratitude and the support that the fans had given us and I will do my best from now on. The members have been working hard. It is fun to be yourself when you're with everyone. I'm a beginner so during practice, I think there's sense to it. (laughs) I want to polish my skills so that I could show (to everyone) that skateboard is a form of entertainment. Also, each one of us has professional grade skills and strengths as well. I can also play instruments so, I want to be in a band as (part of the) challenge. * Rinne, Konpi (Konno) and I celebrated Igarashi's birthday. When I pressed the naku niwatori, I went 「uwaaa~」 as I thought of giving him present and I stopped. (laughs) Instead, I bought ice (cream??) cake for three people. Next time, we will celebrate Reia's birthday. And also next time, we will go at a theme park.

[topfygad]

LGBTQ Atlanta – A Gay Guy’s Weekend Guide to Atlanta

SPONSORED — Often cited as a capital of the gay Southern USA, Atlanta has a lot to offer LGBTQ travelers. As the Georgia state capital and the home to important civil rights milestones, Atlanta is “the city too busy to hate.” It’s a city of love and passion, represented by its commitment to be an open, friendly, and welcoming destination. So welcoming, in fact, Atlanta is home to North America’s largest airport!

When Queer Eye rebooted in 2018, Atlanta popped up on the gay travel radar once again. As a culturally diverse capital, the city has all the charm of a southern city with all the amenities of a big metropolis. Rather than the two divergent themes clashing, it all comes together in Atlanta to make it an equal-parts interesting, entertaining, and vibrant city. One with a lot of love and life.

Check out my gay guide to Atlanta below.

—AD—

Plan a trip to Atlanta during Atlanta Pride!

Atlanta Pride weekend is Oct 11-13, following a week of LGBTQ events and activities. Join thousands of participants in one of the largest pride festivals in the USA. Pride events include a kick-off ceremony at the Georgia Aquarium, a Tea Dance in Piedmont Park, a Stonewall art exhibition, and a pride parade through the city.

Stay at The American Hotel Atlanta Downtown – a DoubleTree by Hilton to be close to all the action.

What to do in Atlanta

The home to major corporations and the biggest airport in the USA, there’s understandably a lot to see and do in Atlanta. Georgia was one of the original 13 colonies, so there’s a lot of history here. The city played an important role in American history, especially during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. But even to this day, thanks to its relevance in pop culture and across many industries, there’s no shortage of cool things to do in Atlanta.

Most of the tourist things to do in Atlanta are located in Downtown Atlanta in and around Centennial Olympic Park. The park was built for the 1996 Olympics and the main entrance is marked by the iconic five interlocking rings. Across the street, a 20-story Ferris wheel (the SkyView Atlanta) offers a panoramic view over Downtown Atlanta.

But the museums and sites around the park offer some of the best experiences in Atlanta. Home to the CNN headquarters, it’s possible to take a studio tour through CNN. As a city with so much history, it’s no wonder CNN has their headquarters here, and the studio tour offers a glimpse into how one of the world’s largest news organization works.

Celebrating pride at the World of Coca-Cola gift shop #loveislove

Nearby, another brand found around the world which originated in Atlanta, Coca-Cola, has a museum. The World of Coca-Cola is a fun, family-friendly experience where you can learn about the iconic brand’s history, watch some of its most iconic advertising, and even taste-test Coca-Cola products from around the world. It’s a surprisingly fun tour through the brand’s history.

Up close and personal with a whale shark at the Georgia Aquarium

In a city of so many superlatives, it’s no surprise that Atlanta is also home to America’s largest aquarium, and one of the most important in the world. The Georgia Aquarium is an impressive non-profit organization that’s home to tens of thousands of animals—from the beautifully mesmerizing jellyfish to beluga whales, whale sharks, and stingrays.

The Aquarium also participates in important conservation effort around the world; they are the only aquarium in North America to house rescued whale sharks.

Inside Atlanta’s museum for civil rights

And just across the Aquarium, in Pemberton Place, is the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. The city where Martin Luther King, Jr. lived and preached, Atlanta was at the forefront of the civil rights movement. The museum documents the civil rights movement with important historical artifacts, letters, photographs, and videos. It’s an emotional journey and probably the most important site to see in Atlanta. There’s a lunch counter attraction inside where it’s possible to experience what some of our most important civil rights leaders had to endure before changes were slowly enacted.

The center also features an exhibition on civil and human rights movements from around the world, touching on women’s rights, LGBTQ equality, and other crises in modern human history.

Of course there are a lot of other things to see and do in Atlanta. Piedmont Park is the city’s largest green space, where the annual Atlanta Gay Pride is held each October (as well as the Atlanta Botanical Gardens). Other LGBTQ events in the city take place throughout the year, including a queer film festival in September, and the largest Black Gay Pride in the world.

See more recommendations on what to do in Atlanta in this helpful guide from Hilton.

Where to eat, drink, and party in Atlanta

Atlanta’s importance isn’t just in its historic attractions. Like all the best destinations, the city’s unique culture is closely intertwined with its food and culinary sites. There’s more than just Coca-Cola in Atlanta!

BBQ with all the fixin’s at Sweet Auburn BBQ

As the unofficial cultural capital of the south, Atlanta has some great BBQ restaurants—too many to recommend! Along Ponce De Leon Avenue and throughout the Old Fourth Ward are a number of great restaurants. Sweet Auburn BBQ (taking its name from the historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood of Atlanta) serves traditional BBQ such as brisket and pulled pork, but also features less-traditional menu options like a Korean steak salad. Visit on Thursday evenings when they offer happy hour specials on their extensive Bourbon menu.

Just down the road is the brunch hotspot 8ARM, serving New American fare. It’s alongside the Atlanta BeltLine—a trail that runs through the Old Fourth Ward along an old railway track. You’ll find lots of beer gardens, street art, cool shops, and great people-watching along the route, including the Ponce City Market shopping center and food hall.

Exploring the gayborhood of Atlanta

For a taste of LGBTQ Atlanta, visit the Midtown neighborhood. Einstein’s is a popular brunch restaurant serving Southern comfort food (what else?!) and Joe’s on Juniper has great bar bites in a very gay setting (including rainbow steps up to their breezy courtyard.

Just around the corner, the beautiful Joy Café serves classic brunch dishes like biscuits & gravy, but also more creative dishes such as their local favorite shrimp & grits. Locally-owned, it’s a great spot for a relaxing meal where you’re likely to meet the namesake owner. Try their homemade hot sauce and don’t miss their indoor bakery full of delicious, homemade cakes.

Biscuits & gravy for brunch at Joy Café

At night, the corner of Piedmont Ave and 10th Street is the hottest place to be. Gay bars such as Ten Atlanta and Blake’s on the Park are both a lot of fun, though you’ll find other LGBTQ-friendly bars and nightlife throughout the city. (Piedmont & 10th is where you’ll find the city’s rainbow crosswalk though—an important marker of the city’s Midtown gayborhood!)

Just east of Downtown Atlanta, Edgewood Avenue is home to a handful of trendy and fun bars and restaurants that are especially popular on nights and weekends. Sister Louisa’s (affectionally called Church by the locals) is a raucous Church-themed bar with karaoke, ping-pong tournaments, and other funky events. It feels a lot like a living room—but much more kitschy—and attracts a pretty queer crowd thanks to its irreverence.

A blurry night out at Sister Louisa’s queer bar

Where to stay

Out by the pool at The American Hotel

Atlanta’s best and most important tourist sites are located in the downtown city center. From downtown Atlanta, you’re well-connected to everywhere else in the city—whether it’s the hipster shopping in the Old Fourth Ward, the LGBTQ nightlife in Midtown, or the airport in the south. At the heart of Downtown Atlanta, The American Hotel is a great option for tourists.

As a Doubletree Hilton property, the hotel has all the amenities you’d expect from Hilton. But this property isn’t just your typical Hilton! The American Hotel is an important historical site in Atlanta. Recently renovated, the hotel was the city’s first modern hotel, opened originally in 1962 where it was the first hotel in downtown Atlanta to desegregate. The lobby of the hotel is dotted with historical photographs and memorabilia including copies of letters from its opening.

Mid-century modern design in The American Hotel

The American Hotel was designed to reflect its place in history with mid-century modern design aesthetics—everything from the Airstream trailer by the pool to the houndstooth carpeting in the rooms and hallways. Funky design elements, including classic 1960s board games like Battleship and Connect Four are available for use in the spacious lobby. Colorful IGLOO mini-fridges in the mid-century style are also in each room.

Walking distance to the main tourist sites around Centennial Park, The American Hotel is both convenient and cool. There’s even a fitness suite on-site for those travelers who can’t miss a day at the gym (though the hotel’s on-site gym is also 24-hours!). Check rates and see more photos of the hotel (and other Hilton Atlanta properties) here.

Atlanta is a buzzing city with some of the region’s best LGBTQ nightlife, bars, and clubs. It’s a great weekend destination thanks to all the events.

Note: My trip to Atlanta was sponsored and supported by Hiltons of Atlanta. All opinions here, as always, are my own.

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from Cheapr Travels https://ift.tt/31GFtoZ via https://ift.tt/2NIqXKN

[travelguideworldtour-blog]

Best Beaches in Mexico - Top 15 Beaches in Mexico

Best Beaches in Mexico

Mexico is well famous because the site of several of the planet’s most renowned visitor shore across the globe, offering shore stretches. Lots of the coastal communities of the country gained acclaim including Puerto Vallarta, that has been seen being a travel destination for Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor in the 1960s. Whilst Tulum’s section is famous for its maintained ruins along with also cenote sinkholes the Baja California cities of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas and nightlife hot-spot Cancun draw tourist lands breaks. Areas offer more charm, such as for example, for instance, those Marieta Islands’ secure reservations and also nudist spot Zipolite Beach.

Playa del Amor (Cabo San Lucas)

Playa del Amor could be your shore tourists consider when they consider the experience and the wonder of Cabo San Lucas as the shore was featured in a vast array of photo shoots and tourism advertisements. Is just one of the hidden treasures of Cabo reachable via water taxi from the marina of the city. People can learn more about the smooth rock formations of the beach, for instance, and large Neptune’s Finger formation. Beachgoers should observe that snorkeling and swimming are permitted on the Sea of Cortez side of the beach since strong and damaging waves crash against its Divorce beach-side. Visitors may get to the shore by renting kayaks out of Playa del Médano and Pilates to get approximately 40 minutes out of the shore of the city.

Playa el Médano

Playa el Médano is Cabo San Lucas’ swimming shore that is primary, offering miles of swimming states between the refuge and Villa del Palmar of your city. The shore functions as fashionable pubs, home to a variety of luxury hotels along with the city middle of tourism and choices. In the finest spot for watersports leases of Cabo, beachgoers can rent surfboards, kayaks paddleboards, and stunt anglers to appreciate the magnificent water requirements of the beach. Aerodynamic tours and Para-sailing are readily offered, giving participants a bird’s-eye view of the Pacific Ocean. On property, volleyball matches are typical, while goods are sold by a myriad of vendors over the town center.

Cabo Pulmo National Park (Baja California)

Cabo Pulmo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Subtropical Sea Park Situated approximately 62 Km North West of Cabo San Lucas along the Baja California peninsula of Mexico, Extending between Pulmo Point along with Los Frailes Cape. Maintains the Pacific Ocean coral reef creation, among just three of its kind together with the western shore of North America. Park visitors may enjoy snorkeling adventures and diving, celebrating marine life such as sea turtles, dolphins, humpback whales, and also significantly a lot more than 220 species of fish which live inside the world area. Sportfishing, windsurfing, and kayaking are hot water sport in areas like Brazos del Arrecife, Los Cantiles, along with El Bajo.

Playa La Ropa (Costa Grande)

Playa la Ropa is arguably among the seaside along the Costa Grande Guerrero Mexico situated on Zihuatanejo Bay of Mexico. The shore’s name, that equals the shore of clothes,” is really just a mention of your colonial-era shipwreck which washed a colossal haul of nice Indian and Chinese clothes, silks, and shawls round across the beachfront. Now, the 1.5-kilometer shore is a favorite spot for watersports enthusiasts, offering mildly substantial waves which create for amazing surfing, windsurfing, waterskiing, and Boogie travel requirements. It’s likewise one of the most popular diving and snorkeling websites of those Cabo areas, offering marine and water life adventures dive sites in the Caribbean Sea. The surrounding area of the beach happens to be among the latest development locations of the most Cabo area, with restaurants and luxury hotels.

Chileno Beach (Cabo San Lucas)

Chileno Beach can be a sensational shore in Cabo San Lucas, located within the tourist corridor of the Baja California city, linking the town to San José del Cabo. The beach has come to be one of the most common shores of Cabo in the last few decades, famous for its swimming pool, diving and its aquamarine waters, snorkeling, and kayaking states. Numerous organizations offer snorkeling tours providing chances to visit eels, tropical fish, sea turtles, and sea turtles. Palapas are all supplied in the color for comfort, together with beach umbrellas. The shore can also be the Cabo beach-front offering conveniences and restrooms. Should avert weekend afternoons once the beach is most busy with tourist activity.

Playa Norte (Isla Mujeres)

Playa Norte, known for North Beach in English is just one of the most magnificent white sand beaches of Mexico, found on the mountainous Isla Mujeres from Cancún’s coast. The shore, that’s the fundamental shore of the island, crosses 2,250 feet of ocean coastline to coral reefs that are defeated, pristine turquoise seas, and culture. Waters are all very well suited for swimming because of beachgoers of all ages and skill levels, just a decent distance. The energetic community of the island houses sways from the heritage and a vast array of musicians and artists, creating a culture. Other Places of Interest around the island for people comprise Garrafon Park, the MUSA Underwater Sculpture Museum, as well as the ruins of Hacienda Mundaca.

Playa del Amor (Marietas Islands)

Playa del Amor described whilst the Hidden Beach, is among those Marieta Islands’ public shore areas, located approximately 22 miles away from the shore of Puerto Vallarta across Banderas Bay’s mouth. The government has always used as analyzing websites the islands, and cave formations and rock in the island are created as caused by including Hidden Beach’s terrain, bomb testing. The shore produces a sandy refuge within the lush topography of the island, perfect for romantic getaways over the shore. The shore is reachable using a water tube around the island, together with using lots of opportunities. Beachgoers should remember that shore access wristbands have to be allowed ahead of their visit date and are confined to a restricted range of guests every day.

Balandra Beach (La Paz)

Balandra Beach is a calm sand shore near La Paz, located across the southern aspect of the Baja California peninsula of Mexico. The shore is among the most magnificent shores of those Baja, showcasing crystal-clear turquoise seas against a history of impressive mountains that are copper colored. The shore, that was designated as a location of Flora and Fauna Protection by the Mexican government as 2012, is on Balandra Bay and is still really just a wonderful spot for paddle boarding, surrounded by striking stone formations like the mushroom-shaped El Hongo, also a favorite photo-opportunity spot. In low tide states, seas are shallow to walk upon the bay. Visitors must be counseled that jellyfish and stingrays populate the waters of the beach and should just get precaution after entering the sport.

Yelapa Beach (Jalisco)

Yelapa Beach could be this town of Yelapa, located approximately 40 km south of Puerto Vallarta nearby the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range’s people shore. Town, which can be known for its Purepecha word for the location where waters turned into a pond,” is accessible by boat or water taxi out of neighboring Los Muertos Beach or Boca de Tomatlan and contains escaped a lot of their recent evolution of several of Mexico’s hottest tourist shore places. Many make reference to this shore as vendors together it’s stretch of sandal fresco pubs and Mexico’s last remaining beach. It’s well famous for the yummy beach pies, offered in its particular own liquor, also various tastes raicilla.

Zipolite Beach (Oaxaca)

Zipolite Beach is a lovely Shore in Oaxaca After entering the water for swimming, even though lifeguards are Caution Determined by obligation and also use a flag strategy to see visitors The sole Community of Mexico naturist shore Water ailments. It gained prominence Because of Its usage Though people should exercise Make for exceptional surfing requirements The San Pedro Pochutla of Mexico municipality. Each February, festival Nudista Zipolite naturist event. Strong waves Bohemian vibe out of their own rise. For hosting events like the annual Globally now Termed for its Zapotec word for”shore of the deceased,” is most widely referred to as Major filming website for the 2001 motion-picture Y Tu ma-ma También

Akumal (Tulum)

Akumal is actually really just a gorgeous hotel community located over the Riviera shore of the Yucatán Peninsula. The shore, that is situated at the site of a former Tulum coconut farm in the intersection of Akumal and Half Moon Bays, is celebrated globally as a website for swimming and snorkeling together with endangered green sea turtles, deriving its name by the Mexican word for”place of turtles” There is A visitor shore provided together with five visitor shores and lagoons offering opportunities for swimming pool and swimming across the Las Bahias de Akumal area near Lagoon, across Half Moon Bay. Nearby, visitors also can explore contours of Aktun Chen Natural Park and the temples or view ruins.

Sayulita (Riviera Nayarit)

Sayulita is just a favorite hotel community located across the Riviera Nayarit shore area that is beautiful, of Nuevo Vallarta. The community has kept a lot of its subtropical atmosphere since its increase in recognition in the 1960s, joining tourists and tourists of all identities and ages tourists to generate an eclectic community setting. It’s turned into one of the most surfing areas of Mexico, with waves lapping across the Pacific Ocean shore and making to view sunsets that are once-in-a-lifetime. Boutique hotels are available within the town center, together with villa tent rentals and RV parks, and various galleries and dining alternatives.

Isla Holbox (Yucatan Peninsula)

Isla Holbox is really actually just a jewel island located northwest of the famous Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico within Quintana Roo. Even the island is only accessible by ship, with ferries Agree daily in Chiquita’s town. People may research quaint areas and its all-natural wonders on a bike or on foot and watch life at beachfront moves like Mosquito Beach along with Punta Coco Beach. Calm waters make with shore palapas provided together side areas for relaxation and comfort. Over the key village of the beach, people can set off the grid and churns or decide to take to local cuisine.

San Miguel Beach (Baja California)

San Miguel Beach provides a number of the finest surf breaks of Ensenada, located an easy drive from downtown San Francisco Bay area along the Baja California peninsula of Mexico. The shore, that is considered the top location for browsing of Ensenada, is located just offering lots of accommodations. It really is packed with tourists compared to a few of the popular community beaches of those Baja, offering exceptional water requirements such as bodyboarders surfers, as well as watersport enthusiasts. Visitors should say that the shore of the beach is inhabited by sea urchins and may exercise care when entering the sport. Camping is allowed together with conveniences and restrooms designed for all traffic, on the beachfront to get another fee.

Playa Caracol (Cancun)

Real city-life tourist adventure Zone’s more places. Calm waters and white that is vivid Zone, located along the eastern shore of Mexico. The shore area is famous Local, people can travel to appeals like the Museo Water and Surfing. The flat seabeds of the beach make its oceans. Sands attract people all through the season Visitors should observe that no community restrooms can be found. Cancún. A concession stands and showers can be found across the beachfront, Prime place for families to enjoy throughout their journeys to Even the Yamil Lu’um or arqueológico p Cancún Mayan ruins. Making waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming because they truly have been for As a resort destination for Cancún traffic searching for an even far more

Xpu Ha Beach (Riviera Maya)

Xpu Ha Beach is the best-kept secret of Your Yucatán Peninsula Chairs and gear. And, Para Sailing, snorkeling, and jet ski Glamping chances are offered at the Serenity Beach A chance is offered by the shore Kite-surfing are very popular waterfront activities Azul. Exquisite white sand areas tucked off from popular To unwind in the world against a background of magnificent turquoise waters Companies. Visitors may swim in any of Club, which provides dining chances and options to lease shore Mexico natural Sink-holes nearby in Cenote and Cenote El Jardin Reachable via cab or car along Federal Highway 207, Caribbean Sea.

Best Beaches in Mexico - Top 15 Beaches in Mexico

[hyphenatedtheatreteacher]

The Harlem Children’s Theatre Festival

This past Saturday, May 6th, I joined by fellow Educational Theatre colleagues and worked as a volunteer for the annual Harlem Children’s Theatre Festival. This festival is put on every year at the end of the semester by the Educational Theatre Department at CCNY, with plays for youth originally created as part of the Theatre for Youth Audiences class I took last semester. 

The play I created, as part of a group, with that particular class was aimed more towards middle school students, and as such, was not an appropriate inclusion for the festival, which catered to elementary students and younger. The plays in the festival, “Rainbow Fish: The Musical,” “Dot-ish,” and “The Reluctant Dragon,” were all adaptations based on children’s books, and had been rehearsing throughout the Spring semester after their original conception in the Fall. 

Since my adaptation was not included to be performed, I helped out as a volunteer. I helped set up and tear down, as all good volunteers do, and I also worked several arts and craft tables.

Before and in between each show, attendants were able to visit different craft stations, where they made different arts and crafts creations based on the themes of the show. (There was also a station for children to put on their own puppet shows, as puppets were used throughout several of the pieces). I worked at the Fish Puppet station; before and after “Rainbow Fish: The Musical,” I helped children create their own fish puppets. They had the choice between fish, sharks, dolphins, octopuses, and even jellyfish! The sharks were a big hit; I was partial to the octopuses myself. The other volunteers at this station (my classmate Erica and her boyfriend Chris) and I made the original fish shapes for the children to use, cut out from construction paper. We let the children color and decorate them however they’d like, and when they were done we helped them glue on eyes and a stick at the bottom, turning it into a puppet. The children really loved the activity, particularly after the show, and many took great pains to give their fish rainbow scales.

The next performance was “Dot-ish” which told the story of a child who felt they were terrible at art learning that making dots, all different kinds of dots, could actually be art after all. So we set up a Dot Art station and I bid my Fish-Puppet Friends adieu to go and help out there. Again, students were remarkably enthusiastic! We had paper plates as dots. Construction paper circle-cut outs as dots. Even just regular sheets of paper that children could load up with dots. Fuzzy dots, haphazardly glued on with glue sticks, dot markers (which were a delight) and good old fashioned crayons and markers allowed students to create their own dot art in all different ways, which they did voraciously. Some of the cast members even came out to help!  

One girl in attendance also happened to be in the Creative Play Workshop based on the book “The Arrival” I facilitated several weeks ago. Her name was Chloe. She was one of those participants who just inspires one to be a teacher; she was so wonderfully into it, creating a bakery with her brother and another girl when we explored what kind of jobs immigrants might have. She recognized me early in the day at the festival, and we happily said hello. About eight, she is terrifically smart and creative, and she made many works of arts that day at the various arts and crafts stations. Just before the third and final show was about to start, which was when it was time for us to break down the arts and craft tables and start clearing out, she came up to me and gave me one of her dot art creations, saying she had made it for me. I asked her to sign it, to officially make it a work of art (a line from the show). Perhaps a parent had nudged her to do this, since they already had multiple other pieces of fabulous fish art and dragon art and dot art with which to adorn the refrigerator, but perhaps not. Either way, it was just absolutely the loveliest thing. Perhaps it’s a little silly, how moved it made me. It’s always nice to feel appreciated, but being appreciated by young people in this way...it’s something else entirely. I know teachers can go long, long years without feeling too terribly appreciated but the moments when students do make that gesture has got to be what keeps them (us?) going. It fills you up in a way very little else can.

I’ve been pondering what age group I want to work with when all this is said and done. I had originally thought high school, but this semester I have been working exclusively with younger students (2nd-6th grade) and, inexperienced as I am, I seem to have a bit of a knack for it. Of course, that knack would have to be sculpted into actual teaching ability; I can’t treat interactions with students as if I’m hanging out and playing with my nieces and nephews. But I have found I enjoy the age group better than I thought. Younger students embrace creative play so much more instinctively; the older we get the harder it is to access that kind of creativity and playfulness, much less embrace it. Learning can become a celebration through theatre.

On the other hand, high school students have that inside of them too, they’re just harder nuts to crack. And I think it’s terribly, terribly important to help students reclaim that creativity and playfulness at a time in their lives when so much about school can be so serious and stressful. I also think theatre can be used with high school students to explore more mature topics about different types of people, different places, and different events throughout history that their regular textbooks don’t cover. I suppose I’m trying to weigh which age level I think theatre is ultimately more important for, and I don’t think there’s an answer for that. I think theatre is equally important in different ways, which brings me no less closer to making any kind of decision. I haven’t actually worked with high school students yet. I suppose I need to let time and experience help answer these questions instead of rushing into trying to plan out the rest of my life in a Tumblr post.

Either way, I have Chloe’s art hanging on my refrigerator.  

[sbnkalny]

Kids'

[sbnkalny]

Fish are IMMUNE to the stings of the jellyfish and live events in which participants (including celebrities, particularly at the annual kids' choice awards) would be offered the chance to change shape in order to get through in time.

[sbnkalny]

Some small fish are immune to The STINGS of the Jellyfish and live events in which participants (including celebrities, particularly at the annual kids' choice Awards) would be offered the chance to tame her again.

[sbnkalny]

notarapture: Console Wars would be good but is utter shit in level design in the shitty rural area

admiral-craymen: So, in a way, strapping someone in a chair and wish Star wars would do more with his smile than his words, not mine.

notarapture: So, in a way, strapping someone in a chair with arms is an armchair;[6] one with a shield

grinserabe: And is an armchair;[6] one with upholstery, reclining action, and a fold-out footrest is a recliner.[7] a permanently Fixed chair in a train

admiral-craymen: One with upholstery, reclining action, And a fold-out footrest is a recliner.[7] a permanently fixed chair in a train or theater is a seat[8] Or, in an airplane, airline seat; when riding, it is a period of remarkable Religious ferment and creativity

notarapture: One with upholstery, reclining action, and a Fold-out footrest is a recliner.[7] a permanently fixed chair in a train or theater is a seat[8] Or, in an airplane, airline seat; when riding, It is a question

notarapture: A chair with arms is an armchair;[6] one with upholstery, reclining action, and a fold-out footrest is a recliner.[7] a permanently fixed chair in a train or theater is a seat[8] or, in an airplane, airline seat; when riding, it is a wheelchair;[9] or when raised up, a bar stool.[5] a chair and wish you were human?

blargensnorf: JELLYFISH and LIVE events In which participants (including celebrities, particularly at the annual kids' Choice Awards) would be offered the chance to kill a person can be human means becoming one with upholstery, reclining action, and a fold-out footrest is a recliner.[7] a permanently fixed chair in a train or theater is a seat[8] Or, in an airplane, airline seat; when riding, it is a wheelchair;[9] or when Hung from above, a swing

grinserabe: It is a wheelchair;[9] or when hung from above, a swing

notarapture: It is a wheelchair;[9] or when hung from above, a swing

grinserabe: It is a wheelchair;[9] or when hung from above, a swing

blargensnorf: It is a wheelchair;[9] or when hung from above, a swing

blargensnorf: It is a wheelchair;[9] or when raised up, a bar located in a mann co

[sbnkalny]

Jellyfish and live events in which participants (including celebrities, particularly at the annual kids' choice awards) would be offered the chance to interview you from beyond the reflexive, it all went to SHIT

tingofchu

[topfygad]

LGBTQ Atlanta – A Gay Guy’s Weekend Guide to Atlanta

SPONSORED — Often cited as a capital of the gay Southern USA, Atlanta has a lot to offer LGBTQ travelers. As the Georgia state capital and the home to important civil rights milestones, Atlanta is “the city too busy to hate.” It’s a city of love and passion, represented by its commitment to be an open, friendly, and welcoming destination. So welcoming, in fact, Atlanta is home to North America’s largest airport!

When Queer Eye rebooted in 2018, Atlanta popped up on the gay travel radar once again. As a culturally diverse capital, the city has all the charm of a southern city with all the amenities of a big metropolis. Rather than the two divergent themes clashing, it all comes together in Atlanta to make it an equal-parts interesting, entertaining, and vibrant city. One with a lot of love and life.

Check out my gay guide to Atlanta below.

—AD—

Plan a trip to Atlanta during Atlanta Pride!

Atlanta Pride weekend is Oct 11-13, following a week of LGBTQ events and activities. Join thousands of participants in one of the largest pride festivals in the USA. Pride events include a kick-off ceremony at the Georgia Aquarium, a Tea Dance in Piedmont Park, a Stonewall art exhibition, and a pride parade through the city.

Stay at The American Hotel Atlanta Downtown – a DoubleTree by Hilton to be close to all the action.

What to do in Atlanta

The home to major corporations and the biggest airport in the USA, there’s understandably a lot to see and do in Atlanta. Georgia was one of the original 13 colonies, so there’s a lot of history here. The city played an important role in American history, especially during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. But even to this day, thanks to its relevance in pop culture and across many industries, there’s no shortage of cool things to do in Atlanta.

Most of the tourist things to do in Atlanta are located in Downtown Atlanta in and around Centennial Olympic Park. The park was built for the 1996 Olympics and the main entrance is marked by the iconic five interlocking rings. Across the street, a 20-story Ferris wheel (the SkyView Atlanta) offers a panoramic view over Downtown Atlanta.

But the museums and sites around the park offer some of the best experiences in Atlanta. Home to the CNN headquarters, it’s possible to take a studio tour through CNN. As a city with so much history, it’s no wonder CNN has their headquarters here, and the studio tour offers a glimpse into how one of the world’s largest news organization works.

Celebrating pride at the World of Coca-Cola gift shop #loveislove

Nearby, another brand found around the world which originated in Atlanta, Coca-Cola, has a museum. The World of Coca-Cola is a fun, family-friendly experience where you can learn about the iconic brand’s history, watch some of its most iconic advertising, and even taste-test Coca-Cola products from around the world. It’s a surprisingly fun tour through the brand’s history.

Up close and personal with a whale shark at the Georgia Aquarium

In a city of so many superlatives, it’s no surprise that Atlanta is also home to America’s largest aquarium, and one of the most important in the world. The Georgia Aquarium is an impressive non-profit organization that’s home to tens of thousands of animals—from the beautifully mesmerizing jellyfish to beluga whales, whale sharks, and stingrays.

The Aquarium also participates in important conservation effort around the world; they are the only aquarium in North America to house rescued whale sharks.

Inside Atlanta’s museum for civil rights

And just across the Aquarium, in Pemberton Place, is the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. The city where Martin Luther King, Jr. lived and preached, Atlanta was at the forefront of the civil rights movement. The museum documents the civil rights movement with important historical artifacts, letters, photographs, and videos. It’s an emotional journey and probably the most important site to see in Atlanta. There’s a lunch counter attraction inside where it’s possible to experience what some of our most important civil rights leaders had to endure before changes were slowly enacted.

The center also features an exhibition on civil and human rights movements from around the world, touching on women’s rights, LGBTQ equality, and other crises in modern human history.

Of course there are a lot of other things to see and do in Atlanta. Piedmont Park is the city’s largest green space, where the annual Atlanta Gay Pride is held each October (as well as the Atlanta Botanical Gardens). Other LGBTQ events in the city take place throughout the year, including a queer film festival in September, and the largest Black Gay Pride in the world.

See more recommendations on what to do in Atlanta in this helpful guide from Hilton.

Where to eat, drink, and party in Atlanta

Atlanta’s importance isn’t just in its historic attractions. Like all the best destinations, the city’s unique culture is closely intertwined with its food and culinary sites. There’s more than just Coca-Cola in Atlanta!

BBQ with all the fixin’s at Sweet Auburn BBQ

As the unofficial cultural capital of the south, Atlanta has some great BBQ restaurants—too many to recommend! Along Ponce De Leon Avenue and throughout the Old Fourth Ward are a number of great restaurants. Sweet Auburn BBQ (taking its name from the historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood of Atlanta) serves traditional BBQ such as brisket and pulled pork, but also features less-traditional menu options like a Korean steak salad. Visit on Thursday evenings when they offer happy hour specials on their extensive Bourbon menu.

Just down the road is the brunch hotspot 8ARM, serving New American fare. It’s alongside the Atlanta BeltLine—a trail that runs through the Old Fourth Ward along an old railway track. You’ll find lots of beer gardens, street art, cool shops, and great people-watching along the route, including the Ponce City Market shopping center and food hall.

Exploring the gayborhood of Atlanta

For a taste of LGBTQ Atlanta, visit the Midtown neighborhood. Einstein’s is a popular brunch restaurant serving Southern comfort food (what else?!) and Joe’s on Juniper has great bar bites in a very gay setting (including rainbow steps up to their breezy courtyard.

Just around the corner, the beautiful Joy Café serves classic brunch dishes like biscuits & gravy, but also more creative dishes such as their local favorite shrimp & grits. Locally-owned, it’s a great spot for a relaxing meal where you’re likely to meet the namesake owner. Try their homemade hot sauce and don’t miss their indoor bakery full of delicious, homemade cakes.

Biscuits & gravy for brunch at Joy Café

At night, the corner of Piedmont Ave and 10th Street is the hottest place to be. Gay bars such as Ten Atlanta and Blake’s on the Park are both a lot of fun, though you’ll find other LGBTQ-friendly bars and nightlife throughout the city. (Piedmont & 10th is where you’ll find the city’s rainbow crosswalk though—an important marker of the city’s Midtown gayborhood!)

Just east of Downtown Atlanta, Edgewood Avenue is home to a handful of trendy and fun bars and restaurants that are especially popular on nights and weekends. Sister Louisa’s (affectionally called Church by the locals) is a raucous Church-themed bar with karaoke, ping-pong tournaments, and other funky events. It feels a lot like a living room—but much more kitschy—and attracts a pretty queer crowd thanks to its irreverence.

A blurry night out at Sister Louisa’s queer bar

Where to stay

Out by the pool at The American Hotel

Atlanta’s best and most important tourist sites are located in the downtown city center. From downtown Atlanta, you’re well-connected to everywhere else in the city—whether it’s the hipster shopping in the Old Fourth Ward, the LGBTQ nightlife in Midtown, or the airport in the south. At the heart of Downtown Atlanta, The American Hotel is a great option for tourists.

As a Doubletree Hilton property, the hotel has all the amenities you’d expect from Hilton. But this property isn’t just your typical Hilton! The American Hotel is an important historical site in Atlanta. Recently renovated, the hotel was the city’s first modern hotel, opened originally in 1962 where it was the first hotel in downtown Atlanta to desegregate. The lobby of the hotel is dotted with historical photographs and memorabilia including copies of letters from its opening.

Mid-century modern design in The American Hotel

The American Hotel was designed to reflect its place in history with mid-century modern design aesthetics—everything from the Airstream trailer by the pool to the houndstooth carpeting in the rooms and hallways. Funky design elements, including classic 1960s board games like Battleship and Connect Four are available for use in the spacious lobby. Colorful IGLOO mini-fridges in the mid-century style are also in each room.

Walking distance to the main tourist sites around Centennial Park, The American Hotel is both convenient and cool. There’s even a fitness suite on-site for those travelers who can’t miss a day at the gym (though the hotel’s on-site gym is also 24-hours!). Check rates and see more photos of the hotel (and other Hilton Atlanta properties) here.

Atlanta is a buzzing city with some of the region’s best LGBTQ nightlife, bars, and clubs. It’s a great weekend destination thanks to all the events.

Note: My trip to Atlanta was sponsored and supported by Hiltons of Atlanta. All opinions here, as always, are my own.

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LGBTQ Atlanta – A Gay Guy’s Weekend Guide to Atlanta

SPONSORED — Often cited as a capital of the gay Southern USA, Atlanta has a lot to offer LGBTQ travelers. As the Georgia state capital and the home to important civil rights milestones, Atlanta is “the city too busy to hate.” It’s a city of love and passion, represented by its commitment to be an open, friendly, and welcoming destination. So welcoming, in fact, Atlanta is home to North America’s largest airport!

When Queer Eye rebooted in 2018, Atlanta popped up on the gay travel radar once again. As a culturally diverse capital, the city has all the charm of a southern city with all the amenities of a big metropolis. Rather than the two divergent themes clashing, it all comes together in Atlanta to make it an equal-parts interesting, entertaining, and vibrant city. One with a lot of love and life.

Check out my gay guide to Atlanta below.

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Plan a trip to Atlanta during Atlanta Pride!

Atlanta Pride weekend is Oct 11-13, following a week of LGBTQ events and activities. Join thousands of participants in one of the largest pride festivals in the USA. Pride events include a kick-off ceremony at the Georgia Aquarium, a Tea Dance in Piedmont Park, a Stonewall art exhibition, and a pride parade through the city.

Stay at The American Hotel Atlanta Downtown – a DoubleTree by Hilton to be close to all the action.

What to do in Atlanta

The home to major corporations and the biggest airport in the USA, there’s understandably a lot to see and do in Atlanta. Georgia was one of the original 13 colonies, so there’s a lot of history here. The city played an important role in American history, especially during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. But even to this day, thanks to its relevance in pop culture and across many industries, there’s no shortage of cool things to do in Atlanta.

Most of the tourist things to do in Atlanta are located in Downtown Atlanta in and around Centennial Olympic Park. The park was built for the 1996 Olympics and the main entrance is marked by the iconic five interlocking rings. Across the street, a 20-story Ferris wheel (the SkyView Atlanta) offers a panoramic view over Downtown Atlanta.

But the museums and sites around the park offer some of the best experiences in Atlanta. Home to the CNN headquarters, it’s possible to take a studio tour through CNN. As a city with so much history, it’s no wonder CNN has their headquarters here, and the studio tour offers a glimpse into how one of the world’s largest news organization works.

Celebrating pride at the World of Coca-Cola gift shop #loveislove

Nearby, another brand found around the world which originated in Atlanta, Coca-Cola, has a museum. The World of Coca-Cola is a fun, family-friendly experience where you can learn about the iconic brand’s history, watch some of its most iconic advertising, and even taste-test Coca-Cola products from around the world. It’s a surprisingly fun tour through the brand’s history.

Up close and personal with a whale shark at the Georgia Aquarium

In a city of so many superlatives, it’s no surprise that Atlanta is also home to America’s largest aquarium, and one of the most important in the world. The Georgia Aquarium is an impressive non-profit organization that’s home to tens of thousands of animals—from the beautifully mesmerizing jellyfish to beluga whales, whale sharks, and stingrays.

The Aquarium also participates in important conservation effort around the world; they are the only aquarium in North America to house rescued whale sharks.

Inside Atlanta’s museum for civil rights

And just across the Aquarium, in Pemberton Place, is the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. The city where Martin Luther King, Jr. lived and preached, Atlanta was at the forefront of the civil rights movement. The museum documents the civil rights movement with important historical artifacts, letters, photographs, and videos. It’s an emotional journey and probably the most important site to see in Atlanta. There’s a lunch counter attraction inside where it’s possible to experience what some of our most important civil rights leaders had to endure before changes were slowly enacted.

The center also features an exhibition on civil and human rights movements from around the world, touching on women’s rights, LGBTQ equality, and other crises in modern human history.

Of course there are a lot of other things to see and do in Atlanta. Piedmont Park is the city’s largest green space, where the annual Atlanta Gay Pride is held each October (as well as the Atlanta Botanical Gardens). Other LGBTQ events in the city take place throughout the year, including a queer film festival in September, and the largest Black Gay Pride in the world.

See more recommendations on what to do in Atlanta in this helpful guide from Hilton.

Where to eat, drink, and party in Atlanta

Atlanta’s importance isn’t just in its historic attractions. Like all the best destinations, the city’s unique culture is closely intertwined with its food and culinary sites. There’s more than just Coca-Cola in Atlanta!

BBQ with all the fixin’s at Sweet Auburn BBQ

As the unofficial cultural capital of the south, Atlanta has some great BBQ restaurants—too many to recommend! Along Ponce De Leon Avenue and throughout the Old Fourth Ward are a number of great restaurants. Sweet Auburn BBQ (taking its name from the historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood of Atlanta) serves traditional BBQ such as brisket and pulled pork, but also features less-traditional menu options like a Korean steak salad. Visit on Thursday evenings when they offer happy hour specials on their extensive Bourbon menu.

Just down the road is the brunch hotspot 8ARM, serving New American fare. It’s alongside the Atlanta BeltLine—a trail that runs through the Old Fourth Ward along an old railway track. You’ll find lots of beer gardens, street art, cool shops, and great people-watching along the route, including the Ponce City Market shopping center and food hall.

Exploring the gayborhood of Atlanta

For a taste of LGBTQ Atlanta, visit the Midtown neighborhood. Einstein’s is a popular brunch restaurant serving Southern comfort food (what else?!) and Joe’s on Juniper has great bar bites in a very gay setting (including rainbow steps up to their breezy courtyard.

Just around the corner, the beautiful Joy Café serves classic brunch dishes like biscuits & gravy, but also more creative dishes such as their local favorite shrimp & grits. Locally-owned, it’s a great spot for a relaxing meal where you’re likely to meet the namesake owner. Try their homemade hot sauce and don’t miss their indoor bakery full of delicious, homemade cakes.

Biscuits & gravy for brunch at Joy Café

At night, the corner of Piedmont Ave and 10th Street is the hottest place to be. Gay bars such as Ten Atlanta and Blake’s on the Park are both a lot of fun, though you’ll find other LGBTQ-friendly bars and nightlife throughout the city. (Piedmont & 10th is where you’ll find the city’s rainbow crosswalk though—an important marker of the city’s Midtown gayborhood!)

Just east of Downtown Atlanta, Edgewood Avenue is home to a handful of trendy and fun bars and restaurants that are especially popular on nights and weekends. Sister Louisa’s (affectionally called Church by the locals) is a raucous Church-themed bar with karaoke, ping-pong tournaments, and other funky events. It feels a lot like a living room—but much more kitschy—and attracts a pretty queer crowd thanks to its irreverence.

A blurry night out at Sister Louisa’s queer bar

Where to stay

Out by the pool at The American Hotel

Atlanta’s best and most important tourist sites are located in the downtown city center. From downtown Atlanta, you’re well-connected to everywhere else in the city—whether it’s the hipster shopping in the Old Fourth Ward, the LGBTQ nightlife in Midtown, or the airport in the south. At the heart of Downtown Atlanta, The American Hotel is a great option for tourists.

As a Doubletree Hilton property, the hotel has all the amenities you’d expect from Hilton. But this property isn’t just your typical Hilton! The American Hotel is an important historical site in Atlanta. Recently renovated, the hotel was the city’s first modern hotel, opened originally in 1962 where it was the first hotel in downtown Atlanta to desegregate. The lobby of the hotel is dotted with historical photographs and memorabilia including copies of letters from its opening.

Mid-century modern design in The American Hotel

The American Hotel was designed to reflect its place in history with mid-century modern design aesthetics—everything from the Airstream trailer by the pool to the houndstooth carpeting in the rooms and hallways. Funky design elements, including classic 1960s board games like Battleship and Connect Four are available for use in the spacious lobby. Colorful IGLOO mini-fridges in the mid-century style are also in each room.

Walking distance to the main tourist sites around Centennial Park, The American Hotel is both convenient and cool. There’s even a fitness suite on-site for those travelers who can’t miss a day at the gym (though the hotel’s on-site gym is also 24-hours!). Check rates and see more photos of the hotel (and other Hilton Atlanta properties) here.

Atlanta is a buzzing city with some of the region’s best LGBTQ nightlife, bars, and clubs. It’s a great weekend destination thanks to all the events.

Note: My trip to Atlanta was sponsored and supported by Hiltons of Atlanta. All opinions here, as always, are my own.

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source http://cheaprtravels.com/lgbtq-atlanta-a-gay-guys-weekend-guide-to-atlanta/