Cityscape

The polls have closed. The people have spoken. From Buckhead to Bankhead, Va-Hi to West End, it's a new day for Atlanta. With nearly 100 percent of precincts reporting, we believe it's safe to report that our Cityscape frontrunners have won by a landslide. These worthy candidates are ready to serve the needs of soccer MILFs and ironic hipsters, Hong Kong gangsters and Huddle House dads across Atlanta. On this momentous day, we're happy to toast such Atlanta icons as YouTube phenom Soulja Girl and 15-minute celeb John Fitzgerald Page (i.e., "the worst person in the world"). We couldn't have done it without the near-death of Grady Memorial Hospital or the civil disobedience of the Critical Mass cyclists. Had it not been for the priceless contributions from the bloggers at PecanneLog.com, or the groundbreaking graphics generated by AccessNorthGa.com, we doubt we'd be here today. So let's take a minute to applaud the few, the proud — the Best of Atlanta Cityscape winners.

– Mara Shalhoup

Best Museum BOA Award Winner

Year » 2008
Section » Archives » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Cityscape » Critics Pick

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

If only this category were called "Best Museum That Doesn't Have Dinosaurs," then maybe the High or the Michael C. Carlos Museum would stand a chance. The Giants of the Mesozoic exhibit at the FERNBANK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY helps it stand alone as Atlanta's best. Inside the main atrium, a fictionalmore...

If only this category were called "Best Museum That Doesn't Have Dinosaurs," then maybe the High or the Michael C. Carlos Museum would stand a chance. The Giants of the Mesozoic exhibit at the FERNBANK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY helps it stand alone as Atlanta's best. Inside the main atrium, a fictional battle rages on the plains of prehistoric Argentina between the plant-eating Argentinosaurus and the meat-eating Giganotosaurus - two of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered. There's also the weekly Martinis & IMAX, a great date night if your significant other is into vodka and late Cretaceous fauna. More dinos are on the way in 2009 when the exhibit Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries opens on Valentine's Day. I've already marked my calendar! Museum: Free-$15. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. Martinis & IMAX: $7-$15. Fri., 5:30-10 p.m., January-November. 767 Clifton Road. 404-929-6300. www.fernbankmuseum.org. less...

Best Free Annual Event BOA Award Winner

Year » 2008
Section » Archives » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Cityscape » Critics Pick

Chomp and Stomp Chili Cook-Off and Festival

Cabbagetown's CHOMP AND STOMP CHILI COOK-OFF AND FESTIVAL is one of the last remaining Atlanta events that hasn't morphed into some out-of-control production plagued by supersized, craft-fair insanity. At the Chomp and Stomp, not only is there room to hang out and socialize, but it takes place in themore...

Cabbagetown's CHOMP AND STOMP CHILI COOK-OFF AND FESTIVAL is one of the last remaining Atlanta events that hasn't morphed into some out-of-control production plagued by supersized, craft-fair insanity. At the Chomp and Stomp, not only is there room to hang out and socialize, but it takes place in the fall, during a rare window of great weather. Because it's smaller than some other festivals, the city allows you to bring your dog. Plus, you get to drink beer and eat chili that's cooked by people who live within walking distance and are there for the bragging rights. And the activities go down in the neighborhood park - not lining the asphalt-covered streets. At Chomp and Stomp, you've got great local music, good beer, your hound dog and your lady by your side. Awesome. www.chompandstomp.com. less...

Best Georgia Beach Retreat BOA Award Winner

Year » 2008
Section » Archives » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2008 » Cityscape » Critics Pick

Driftwood Beach - Jekyll Island