Showing posts with label Atlanta Neighborhoods. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Atlanta Neighborhoods. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Atlanta Wine School
Exploring the Enomatic 2
The first time I heard of the Enomatic was while travel planning for the Tuscan region of Italy. There were so many wine destinations I had in mind to visit- Chianti, Montepulciano, Montalcino, San Gimignano, and several others in between. But I knew in the time that I had, there was no way I could possibly visit all of these places in one trip. Yet, I was still eager to try the different wine styles from as many regions as possible. And then I stumbled across the perfect solution. The Enomatic.
It must have been on TripAdvisor or a travel blog where I learned about these enoteche (wine bars) in Tuscany that feature specially designed wine dispensers and preservers called the Enomatic system. This technology offers travelers the convenience of sampling wines from many different places, all in one stop, without having to travel to all of the individual villages. What a superb idea!
I have since learned that my “stumbling” across this wine tasting option was in fact no coincidence. As it turns out, the creator of the Enomatic system is an Italian entrepreneur who developed the technology right in the heart of Chianti. No wonder this travel tip popped up while I was researching wine tasting in Tuscany!
And now for the drum roll…Vino Venue, a beautiful, multi-experiential wine bar in Dunwoody opened by the Atlanta Wine School, has brought to Atlantans and guests alike, an exceptional wine experience through exploring the Enomatic, yes, the very same system originally designed in Italy.
The way it works is that visitors have the option of obtaining a card at the front desk and then add whatever dollar amount they desire, the same way you would a gift card. The card is then inserted into the self-serve Enomatic machine which dispenses wine in sample, half glass, or full glass servings. Prices start at just under $2 for the sample, of course depending on the wine.
The really nice thing is that not only can visitors select from a wide variety of Old World and New World wines, they also have the pleasure of trying higher-end, fine wines by the glass, a luxury that most wine bars are not able to offer, simply because of cost. There’s even a Sauternes (an elegant, sweet wine from Bordeaux, France) available for sampling….unheard of in most wine venues I’ve visited!
For those who already know what they like or who prefer traditional bar pourings, Vino Venue offers an amazing selection expertly recommended by the friendly, wine-savvy staff. And if someone in your party is not into the vino experience….no worries. There’s a collection of craft beers available to choose from that would satisfy any beer enthusiast.
The attractive bar area features a wine “keg” that offers yet additional pourings by the glass all while preserving wines at optimal temperatures.
Then there’s the food. Chef Faye Stein from California, who originally trained to be a pastry chef, presents a distinctive and tasteful tapas menu. The small plate selections include vegetarian options, duck foie-gras, cheese and meat plates, and various flatbread dishes.
At Vino Venue, guests will find a luxurious interior with beautiful fabrics, multiple conversation areas, wood tables, dim lighting and soft background lounge music. Towards the back is an event space that includes a full kitchen where cooking classes are held.
The venue also hosts wine courses from beginner to advanced levels, private events, and even welcomes children’s birthday parties where the little darlings are supervised by adult staff while parents enjoy a nice glass of wine or beer in the lounge.
Friendly staff at Vino Venue
Looking for gift ideas or a bottle of wine or champagne to take home? Check out the wine accessories and wines by the bottle for sale. Don’t forget to check the calendar for tasting events too!
Interested in moving to the
Dunwoody area to be closer to all the events our city has to offer? Contact MJ
Thomas, with Keller Williams Realty, and she will help you find your perfect
Dunwoody home, 404-333-8611. With over 15 years of real estate experience in
the north Atlanta area, MJ Thomas can help you discover exactly what you are
wanting in a home.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Cheap Ways To Move Out Of State
This is just what we will approach in this article: cheap ways to move out of state. Without further ado, let’s get to the tips.
Take Only What You Need
Well, as you know or will find out, cargo space means money. You should really be picky and take only what you need so you’ll save on transport and storage costs. You’ll pay for everything you take, and don’t just think about the fees but of the money spent on gas too, so you’ll have to manage your stock. The best way to do this is to plan earlier and make little action plans on a piece of paper that you will try to apply when the time comes.Make an inventory of everything you need, making sure you keep the items you need and discard the items you don’t – having a written list will also help you to avoid forgetting about stuff.
For more about downsizing for a move, read this article: Decide What Items You Absolutely Have To Move
Get Free Out Of State Moving Quotes
Don’t just look at the fees and prices a certain company presents you, you should always describe your case and ask for a quote. Sometimes you will get some pleasant surprises – and you are always best off knowing beforehand what you will need to pay in order to successfully move out of state. Making moving companies compete for your business is the best way to get the cheapest deal. Our short form takes 20 seconds to fill out, and you can have custom prices from 6 out of state moving companies within an hour…for FREE.
Click Here To Get 6 Free Out Of State Moving Quotes Now!
Don’t be afraid to bother and talk to people, get your hands dirty and plan everything with enough time to think things over. Make sure to do your research on each company you receive a quote from to help you decide. The best place to check a movers reputation and reviews online is at the BBB.
Don’t Waste Money On Moving Supplies You Can Get For Free
Instead of throwing away unnecessary money on overpriced moving boxes and packing supplies, get everything you need for free. If you plan far enough ahead for your out of state move, then you can easily gather all of the moving boxes, packing paper, and padding materials you will need to pack up your stuff free of cost.Decide On Your Means Of Transport
What’s the best way to move out of state?Well the answer to that question all depends on perspective. Every method of out of state transport has its pros and cons. It really all depends on your personal budget and how much furniture and possessions you plan on moving. Let’s break down your out of state moving options:
Rental Truck or Trailer – This is the usually the cheapest method of moving with furniture, however it is also the most exhausting and accident-prone way of moving out of state. If you have a lot of furniture and belongings to move and you don’t have the money to hire state to state movers, then this is probably going to be your cheapest option.
Shipping Your Stuff - Shipping your stuff is an affordable option if you are traveling light. I don’t know specifics on pricing for these services, so you will need to check with each company to see how much its going to cost. If you are planning on moving heavy furniture and a lot of other stuff, then this will be more expensive and more of a headache than hiring movers.
Train or Bus - If you don’t have any furniture or large electronics to transport out of state, then this is the cheapest option. If you can manage to stay under 150lbs total then this is hands-down the cheapest way to move out of state. Make sure that this option is available wherever you are planning to go.
Air Transport – Several airlines offer cargo shipping services. In addition, courier companies offer flight cargo service with DHL, Emery and UPS being the most popular. To determine the total cost and shipping options, visit each company’s website for online quotes, rules and regulations. Make sure you have calculated the dimensions of furniture and possessions as well as the total weight.
Cheap Out Of State Moving Companies
As far as smooth out of state moving experiences go, this one takes the cake. If you have furniture and a lot of belongings to move out of state and don’t want to deal with the hassle of moving yourself, this is your best option.
I recommend using the free moving quotes request form here, to compare prices side-by-side from up to 6 leading moving companies. Our database and network finds the top 6 movers that are qualified to handle your move. You will receive a free custom price quote from each company based on the information you provide about your move such as your origin and destination, and the estimated size of your move. It is 100% free and you can see exactly what it will cost to hire movers to take care of everything for you!
Cashing In A Favor VS. Hiring A Moving Company?
We all know the drill, there’s a friend of ours that has that big truck and that can help you move, so you cash in a favor and / or just ask for help. Well, it turns out that sometimes it’s cheaper to hire a company and just lay back as they do all the hard work for us. In fact, some studies say that people who hire professionals to move out of state end up saving more money than people asking for favors or doing things their own way. Gas money, storage, motel rooms to sleep in between the trips and other expenses might be the justification, but either way this just makes you notice just how important it is to get quotes so you can think your decisions over. Of course if you have friends and family available to help you move, that’s always a big help!Look For Moving Deals & Specials
You should definitely look out for quotes, but one thing you have to keep in mind is that companies do “specials” frequently. This comes in many ways, from simple discounts to added benefits. They often come when the company is in its low season, which is late fall to late spring. The summer months are the busiest months and “peak” times for moving companies. If you can, avoid moving during the summer months if you want the cheapest moving rates possible. This is one of the most important points on the list because special promotions have the ability to change the game altogether.
Make Interstate Movers Compete For Your Business
Another thing you should have in mind about company’s prices is the
“make them fight” factor – this is simply the competition effect.
Contact company A and say something along the lines “I’ve worked with
your company before and I like your service, however company B offered
me this price, can you provide me with your best quote please?”. This
is a powerful argument and company A will surely think about it.For more information about why making movers compete for your business is important, read this article: Get Free Quotes From Multiple Moving Companies
A Place To “Crash”
The place to “crash” while moving is very important, since you will spend money on this one too. Unless you know someone with a place you could use along your way or you plan on traveling to your new home in one day/night, then you will most likely be needing a place to sleep. Plan your trip ahead of time and find the motels or hotels you want to stay at before you leave. As a general rule of thumb, motels are cheaper in medium sized towns. Try to find deals ahead of time online to make your stays even cheaper and book your rooms in advance. Read reviews online to find out about the room quality and conditions so you don’t arrive to an unwanted surprise. If you are really on a tight budget and want to keep it as cheap as possible, look for couch surfing buddies online to crash with along the way.The Rule of Thumb – Plan For Your Move Out Of State
The best piece of advice I can give you when it comes to moving out of state cheaply is to have everything planned way before you actually make the trip. This will save you a lot of money, believe me, and it will save you from being all stressed out when moving time comes. Thoroughly and properly planning for an out of state move will undoubtedly save you a lot of money on your move, no matter which method of transportation you end up choosing.Plan how your stuff will be moved or transported, get the quotes, check for specials, make companies fight, get a place to crash from your friends or rent from a trusted source, get a storage unit along the way if you think you need it and have everything planned out.
Make lists! Make lots of lists, keep an inventory of everything you are taking, make an inventory of everything you aren’t taking, check the paths you will use via Google Maps / Streetview and… Well, you get the idea – organization is really the key here, and you should be disciplined and organized to make sure you save all that you can.
Moving Out Of State With A Child / Children
If you are moving out of state with children, then this post is a must-read for every parent. It covers how to break the news of an out of state move to your kids and ways to keep them entertained and excited throughout the moving process. Surely these tips will help you see the light at the end of the tunnel and save you a few grey hairs…if not a hefty wad of cash too on your move!That’s About It…
I hope that this article has helped you are able to use some of this advice to your advantage. Moving out of state isn’t that hard, but it’s far from a cakewalk. If you take the proper time to plan and prepare for your out of state move, then you should be able to make it to your new destination safe and sound within your means. Though it may be stressful at times the stress can be minimized if you follow these guidelines.
Best of luck to you and to your moving efforts and have a nice future.
Get a Quality Realtor that knows the area
A good realtor can save you time and money. MJ Thomas is Georgia's leading out-of-state moving expert and has an excellent Rolodex of realtors across the nation that specialize in out-of-state moves as well. MJ Thomas specializes in matching out of state homeowners to Atlanta neighborhoods and communities that match the perspective homeowner's needs. If you need more information, please feel free to contact MJ at 404-512-2400, or visit her website at movingwithmj.com.Cheers!
Friday, January 24, 2014
7 Unique Atlanta Neighborhoods
MJ Thomas is a Georgia real estate agent who specializes in families relocating to Georgia. If you are looking for the perfect area for your family to move to, call or email MJ for a free consultation. 404-333-8611or mjthomas100@gmail.com.
Even though travelers from all over the globe visit Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward (O4W), many Georgians are unaware of neighborhood’s historic significance. Some don’t even know where it is. In their defense, most vacationers visit the boyhood home of Martin Luther King, Jr. on Auburn Avenue and keep moving, rarely staying behind to explore its hidden gems just footsteps away. That appears to be changing and the area is currently knee-deep in a renaissance period; it’s even getting a streetcar.
At first glance, the O4W appears to be dominated by gritty city streets, crowded houses and very little green space. A closer look, however, reveals that the neighborhood is surrounded by or near a few of Atlanta’s most popular parks and gardens, including Historic Oakland Cemetery, Grant Park and Freedom Parkway adjacent to the Carter Center. It even boasts the ubiquitous award-winning park, Historic Fourth Ward Park, a product of the wildly popular BeltLine. It is also adjacent to some of the city’s most interesting and eclectic neighborhoods including Cabbagetown and Inman Park and extends all the way to Poncey-Highlands.
Photo by: Grant Henry
The art in Sister Louisa's Church of the Living Room and
Ping Pong Emporium – a popular bar in Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward –
comprises hundreds of paint-by-number religious paintings from the '50s
and '60s.
But wait, to know it is to love it, so let’s back up. Boulevard essentially runs through the middle of the O4W, a street that was once referred to as one of Atlanta’s most desirable addresses, post-Civil War. Boulevard was lined with opulent Victorian mansions, their splendor punctuated by blooming dogwoods and cherry blossoms. In May of 1917 a warehouse fire on the edge of downtown spread so rapidly that little could be done to spare the estates and most burned to the ground. In the years that followed, the area saw a slow but steady decline and many of the remaining homes were left in ruins. The area was laden with crime, but around 1980 Atlantans started scooping up and restoring the historic real estate in and around Grant Park. This eventually trickled out to the O4W and not only have dilapidated homes seen new life, but abandoned warehouses now play host to some of the city’s most popular loft homes, restaurants and unique retail shops.
In 2013, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed declared the Old Fourth Ward a “zone of opportunity” and gave tax credits and incentives to new and existing businesses bringing even more jobs and commerce to the area. Edgewood benefitted greatly from these incentives and consequently Sister Louisa’s Church of the Ping Pong Emporium and the Sound Table are two bars now on the national map. Circa, Corner Tavern and Noni's do pretty well, too. To the east and on the other side of Boulevard, Parish Food & Goods, P'cheen International Bistro and Pub and Two Urban Licks are popular restaurants and watering holes.
The crowning jewel of the Old Fourth Ward, Ponce City Market, will be revealed sometime in 2014. The 2.1-million-square-foot structure was once a Sears catalogue distribution center and then City Hall East. After sitting empty the behemoth was acquired by Jamestown, a development firm that has committed over $180 million to convert the space into a catchall with retail, restaurants, boutiques, a pre-school, offices and, of course, residential space. It also enjoys access to the Atlanta BeltLine.
Westside
Though its technical name is West Midtown, one of Atlanta’s hippest hoods is simply known as the Westside. It’s a collection of historically significant buildings that have been painstakingly restored and converted into retail space, restaurants, loft apartments and condos. Evidence of the community’s glory days as one of Atlanta’s industrial nerve centers is still apparent through pre-Civil War train tracks and cavernous warehouses. There are even cobblestone alleys that were once traversed by
horse-drawn carriages.
Atlanta's historic factories have been converted into loft homes.
Around the 1950s, the area was largely abandoned and many of the structures were left to rot. The Westsiders who have made it their mission to preserve what was left behind are an eclectic mix of artisans, chefs, designers and dreamers. The trail was initially blazed, however, by the interior design set that found that the large no-frills factory spaces made for great blank canvases when showcasing textiles and various antiquities. Today, it is commonplace to meet for brunch at West Egg or lunch at Flip Burger Boutique to later linger at shops such as Lewis & Sheron Textile Co or Room & Board or one of the many art galleries. Pick up a classic item at men’s clothiers Sid Mashburn, perhaps something appropriate for dining at Bacchanalia, which is considered by many to be Atlanta’s finest restaurant.
For a more relaxed atmosphere, try Miller Union or the Optimist.
Westside nightlife includes Terminal West, a 7,000-square-foot music venue housed in a 100-year-old iron and steel foundry called the King Plow Arts Center. The Goat Farm Arts Center is a live/work/play compound made up of a series of warehouses and hosts art openings, theatrical and music events. Full-time Westsiders enjoy expansive loft spaces, many with concrete floors, the original exposed beams and large industrial windows. Popular communities include White Provisions, circa 1910, which houses luxury condos, galleries and retail space; others include 1610 Lofts, 935M and the Giant Lofts.
The Westside is bounded at the north by Buckhead at I-75 by the Food Truck Park, at the south by Bankhead Highway and on the west by the railroad tracks at Marietta Street. The northwestern portion of the proposed BeltLine light rail is planned to go through the Westside.
Midtown
Photo by Chris McClanahan
Piedmont Park is especially gorgeous at night.
As its name implies, Midtown is located in the center of Atlanta and is one of the most culturally diverse parts of the city. Not only do people from all over the country (and world) come to attend Georgia Tech and the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD/Atlanta division), but they also flock to work at internationally recognized companies such as EarthLink, The Coca-Cola Company, Turner, the Cartoon Network, Turner Classic Movies, TNT, NBA TV, Norfolk Southern, Invesco, Wells Fargo and PriceWaterhouseCoopers, to name a few. And on any given day, thousands come to Midtown for the entertainment – from a walk in Piedmont Park to catch a traveling Broadway show at the Fox, they’ve got it all.
Photo courtesy Atlanta Fine Homes/Sotheby's International Real Estate
This Myrtle Street home represents the historic architecture in Midtown.
Midtown’s arts scene is simply unrivaled by any other part of the city and plays host to the Woodruff Arts Center, home of the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the High Museum of Art. Across Peachtree is the Museum of Design Atlanta; down the block you’ll find the Center for Puppetry Arts as well as Center Stage Theatre, the Loft and Vinyl, three popular live music venues under one roof. The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum is located in Midtown near the Hebrew Benevolent Congregation, Atlanta's oldest and most prominent synagogue, also known as "the Temple." It was notoriously bombed in 1958, an event referenced in Driving Miss Daisy. The Historic Fox Theatre, the 14th Street Playhouse and Actors Express are all within a peach toss of one another.
Architecturally, Midtown’s structures are as varied and distinctive as its residents. Some of Atlanta’s tallest and most iconic structures, such as the Bank of America Plaza and 1180 Peachtree, cast shadows on landmarks like the Margaret Mitchell House, Rhodes Hall, the Shellmont Inn Bed and Breakfast, Edward C. Peters House and Ivy Hall, all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Luxurious high-rise condos and apartment buildings seem to pop up overnight like Magic Rocks squeezed in between historic bungalows and Queen Anne-style houses along Piedmont and 10th Street.
And located across the way is the cherry on top that is Piedmont Park, home to the city’s biggest yearly festivals including the Atlanta Arts Festival, the Dogwood Festival, Music Midtown and Gay Pride. The Atlanta Botanical Garden is located at the park’s western edge while the BeltLine connects at the east. The proximity to the park makes Midtown the most dog friendly spot in Atlanta. Establishments such as Empire State South, Tap, and the Spence all have pet friendly patios. The nearby Loews Hotel Atlanta, the W and Hotel Indigo host “Yappy Hours” throughout the spring and summer. Lastly, Midtown is one of Atlanta’s most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods and truly benefits from MARTA and dedicated bike lanes, making it a popular tourist spot.
Ormewood Park/Glenwood Park
Photo by: Holly Aguirre
The architecture in Ormewood is as varied as its residents. This is a rare modern.
Nestled in between historic Grant Park and the East Atlanta Village are Ormewood Park and its long lost cousin twice removed Glen, Glenwood Park that is. Ormewood is a sleepy little hamlet primarily populated by single-family Craftsman-style homes, shotguns and brick bungalows constructed around the 1920s. In the past 10 years or so, new and larger homes of varying architectural styles have been erected, mostly along Ormewood Avenue. House values have held steady throughout the real estate roller coaster ride and are expected to rise when the portion of the Atlanta BeltLine nearby is completed. The neighborhood enjoys lots of yearlong shade thanks to the mature oaks and lush evergreens.
It is a neighborly community made up of young professionals and more recently families with school age children relocating to take advantage of Atlanta Charter Middle School, which opened in 2005. ACMS boasts the highest Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) scores in Atlanta and a 9 to 1 student to teacher ratio.
Dining options in the immediate area are limited to Spoon, an exceptional Thai restaurant and Little Azio Italian, serviceable at best. There is no lacking for treats, however, and those with a sweet tooth swear by the creamy confections at Morelli's Gourmet Ice Cream. The cupcakes at Endulge (sic) are well above average and across Moreland they pour a mean cup of Joe at Hodgepodge.
Sometimes the residents of Ormewood and Glenwood wanna go where everybody knows their name.
Glenwood Park is also on the BeltLine, though residents are concerned about the proposed use of the (finally) closed Lafarge Cement Plant. There’s been a lot of speculation over what Sembler, the plant’s new owner, plans to do with the space which sits on a prime chunk of land that used properly stands to connect Ormewood Park and Glenwood Park. We think uniting the two is a homecoming long overdue.
While the aforementioned neighbors deal with the East Atlanta Village bar mongers along with the throngs of weekend visitors flocking to Zoo Atlanta and the Grant Park Farmers Market, Ormewood and Glenwood’s residents often remain quietly tucked into their own Private Idaho and they like it that way.
Brookhaven
Known for its beautiful mansions, Brookhaven also offers family homes, townhomes and apartments in more modest price ranges.
Brookhaven, Georgia, has
a wide range of homes to choose from, from million-dollar mansions to modest
townhomes. In this affluent community, prices for both rent and real estate
will be higher than in other parts of the Atlanta metro area.
Originally built as a country
club community, Brookhaven's premier homes are the mansions and stately houses
that surround the Capital City Club, which was formed in 1910 and has evolved
over the years as the community has grown. In this part of town you'll find
mansions and estates often reaching a $3 million price tag, if you want to be
near the golf course. If your home purchasing budget is more modest, you can
find beautiful restored bungalows and midcentury modern ranchers ranging from around $200,000 (you may need to
do some updating or repairs) on up. Popular neighborhoods include Ashford Park,
Brittany, Cambridge Park and Hampton Hall.
If you're in the market
for a condominium or townhome, you can occasionally find something small for
around $100,000, but for a unit in a gated community with amenities such as a
swimming pool and controlled access, expect to pay upwards of $400,000. Again,
the sky is the limit; luxury condos and townhomes can be found for more than $1
million.
If you're looking for an apartment in Brookhaven, check out
larger, newer communities, such as Town: Brookhaven, a large multi-use complex
with about half a million square feet of retail space and two luxury apartment communities.
The Goodwin has club amenities including a pool, meeting room and two-story
health and fitness center. Unit sizes range from studio to two bedrooms and
rent from $790 to about $1,640 monthly. Windsor at Brookhaven offers studio,
one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments ranging from $1,100 to $2,675 per
month. Amenities include a pool with sundeck, courtyard garden with grills and
patio seating, a clubroom with billiards and a lounge area, a fitness center
and controlled access garage parking for some units.
Also nearby is Aventine at Ashford Apartments on Dunwoody
Road Northeast, a gated community with studio, one bedroom and two bedroom
apartments. Monthly rent is $670 to $1,200 per month, and amenities include a
pool with outdoor kitchen, tennis court, free poolside WiFi, and private
garages with remote control access for some units.
There are many apartment complexes along the Buford Highway corridor, but a good number of them have fallen into disrepair. Brookhaven's city government recently stepped up its apartment inspection program, and through community development block grants will provide money to renovate some properties.
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