Consumer Culture
Shallow though it may seem, in this westernized world we inhabit, where personal style is intrinsic to individuality, we're destined to shop till the casket drops.
The clothes we wear, the cravings to which we succumb, how we cultivate our minds and bodies, they're all telling details. Funny how the things we publicly consume tend to reveal more about us than the secrets we privately conceal. But there's no shame in that. In fact, it's all worthy of honor.
It's in that spirit that we spent time indulging ourselves in preparation for this year's Best of Atlanta. What we found were peculiar pockets of culture that go a long way in defining this city in the here and hitherto.
We stumbled upon some cool contradictions along the way, be it an out-of-print copy of a 20th-century classic from Atlanta Vintage Books in the midst of a thriving digital age or an innovative line of extreme sex toys at the tasteful and sophisticated Liberator sex shop. We honed in on the fashionable extremes, too, from modern prep chic on the Westside to the urban swag in Atlanta's up-to-the-minute streetwear boutiques. And to round it all out, we inducted four timeless selections into our inaugural Trophy Case of classic Atlanta picks.
So find yourself a spa - we suggested a few of those, too - kick back and take it all in. Maybe we'll see you there.
— Rodney Carmichael
Year » 2013
Section » Archives » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Jeju Sauna
Perennial favorite Jeju offers the adventure of a Korean bathhouse at a pauper's price. For $25, customers gain access to 10 unisex saunas and steam rooms, Jacuzzis, and shower areas. Included among the domed saunas are the Jade Steam Room (for increased metabolism and circulation), the Charcoal Room
more... Perennial favorite Jeju offers the adventure of a Korean bathhouse at a pauper's price. For $25, customers gain access to 10 unisex saunas and steam rooms, Jacuzzis, and shower areas. Included among the domed saunas are the Jade Steam Room (for increased metabolism and circulation), the Charcoal Room (for toxin absorption), the Rock Salt Room (for stress release), and the Baked Clay Sauna (for melting muscle tension). Gender-specific areas are clothing-optional. And the Korean food court and massage options require additional costs. With 24/7 hours, it's always a convenient and economical escape to relax, release, and rejuvenate.
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Year » 2013
Section » Archives » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Junkman's Daughter
After 31 years, the Junkman's Daughter is more than just a neighborhood novelty; it's a bizarre bazaar. Seriously, this place was weird before weird was cool. And nothing's changed based on the inventory of gag gifts and total randomania. It's like Halloween 365 days a year, complete with My Little Pony
more... After 31 years, the Junkman's Daughter is more than just a neighborhood novelty; it's a bizarre bazaar. Seriously, this place was weird before weird was cool. And nothing's changed based on the inventory of gag gifts and total randomania. It's like Halloween 365 days a year, complete with My Little Pony tank tops in XL, Bride of Frankenstein bustiers, and everything in between. Whether you're seeking to come out of your shell or climb into one, it's a one-stop shop for alternative lifestyles. And the stock of outrageous patent-leather platforms would make Nancy Sinatra burst out in song.
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Year » 2013
Section » Archives » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2013 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Videodrome
Sure, Netflix has outstanding original programming, but when it comes to discovering independent movies curated by people with intelligent taste in films, you can't beat Videodrome. Open since 1999, the DVD rental store specializes in new releases of critically acclaimed major studio offerings, offbeat
more... Sure, Netflix has outstanding original programming, but when it comes to discovering independent movies curated by people with intelligent taste in films, you can't beat Videodrome. Open since 1999, the DVD rental store specializes in new releases of critically acclaimed major studio offerings, offbeat art-house films, foreign-language classics, music documentaries, great American directors' catalogs, and those really weird skin-flick horrors in the side room. And they're open seven days a week till midnight in case you get a late-night craving.
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