The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The temperature has dropped, so snuggle up
8 magical winter dates to take that special someone on.
The weather and time change have brought the holiday season closer into the horizon. While the holidays are a great way to spend time with family and friends, it’s easy to forget about spending time with that special someone. There are tons of ways to warm up to your sweetie all winter long.
Here are eight magical winter date ideas for those looking for a little romance and fun:
■ Spend a day in Helen. If you’re willing to make a two-hour trek, you can spend a day in the refreshing North Georgia mountains. The drive itself is not only gorgeous, but the trip is a great way to eliminate distractions while spending unique quality time together in an Alpine village-styled town. Enjoy a game of mini golf at Alpine Golf Village, stay warm hiking Anna Ruby Falls or walk Main Street for shopping and food.
■ Lock hands while ice skating.
Whether you’re secretly a pro ice skater or you have to cling to the wall for dear life, falling on ice is a winter date necessity.
Aquafina Rink at Park Tavern: Through Feb.19. 4:30-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, all ages (16-plus 8:30 p.m.midnight); 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, all ages (16-plus 8:30 p.m.-midnight). Purchase tickets at xorbia.com/pt/the-rink-atpark-tavern. Park Tavern, 500 10th St. NE, Atlanta. 404-249-0001, www.parktavern.com.
Avalon on Ice: Through Jan. 21. 3-10 p.m., MondayFriday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturdays; noon-7 p.m., Sundays; $18 (includes skates), $14 (children under 9; includes skates). Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 770-7651000, www.experienceavalon.com.
■ Enjoy the holiday “spirits” with Miracle on Monroe.
Midtown Promenade restaurant Tapa Tapa took Atlanta by storm last year when it transformed its restaurant into a holidaythemed pop-up bar. This year Miracle on Monroe, a spin-off of NYC’s annual Miracle on 9th pop-up, will be serving up all things festive including Jingle Ball Nog, Naughty and Nice Shots and tons of tinsel and lights. And because last year was such a hit, a second location will be opening in Buckhead.
Miracle on Monroe: 5 p.m.-midnight Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 24-Dec.
24. Tapa Tapa, 931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta. 404-481-5226. www.miraclebaratlanta.com.
Miracle 2: 5 p.m.-midnight Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 24-Dec. 24. The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, 262 Buckhead Ave., corner of Buckhead Avenue NE and North Fulton Drive NE, Atlanta, 404-963-5259.
■ Take in the holiday lights over a magical cup of hot cocoa.
If you want to do something romantic yet not break the bank, pack a thermos of hot cocoa, turn on some Christmas tunes and cruise through the holiday lights. It’s nostalgic and sweet and everything in between.
Lights of Life at Life University: 6-10 p.m. Nov. 23-Dec. 31. $10 per car Friday-Sunday and Nov. 23-26 and Dec. 15-31; $5 per car Monday-Thursday except for previously listed dates; $20 per bus on all dates. 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta. 678-331-4342. www.life.edu.
Magical Nights of Lights at Lake Lanier Islands: 5-10 p.m. Nov. 17-Jan. 3. $35$45 per car. 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford. 770-945-8787. www.lanierislands.com.
■ Catch “The Nutcracker” at The Fox Theatre.
Put on your best outfit and prepare for a swanky time. Whether it’s your only plan for the night or something to do after a nice dinner, “The Nutcracker” is a timeless piece that will leave you feeling warm, jolly and in the holiday mood.
The Nutcracker: Dec. 8-Dec. 28. The Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-881-2100. www. foxtheatre.org.
■ Double the kindness and volunteer.
The holidays are a wonderful time, but can be really hard for some. If you and your significant other are looking for a rewarding experience, take a few hours (or more) to dedicate to someone who needs it.
Meals on Wheels: Various shifts. 1705 Commerce Drive NW, Atlanta. 404-3513889. www.mealsonwheelsatlanta.org.
Atlanta Community Food Bank: Various shifts. 732 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd. NW, Atlanta. 404-892-9822. www.acfb.org.
■ Get down with some live music.
The holidays don’t have to just be about twinkling lights and tinsel decor. You can just as easily get down with a fun concert. Bring a date to these Atlanta venues with a variety of music to check out.
Radio 105.7 presents Holiday Spectacular: Dec. 1. $35 and up. CocaCola Roxy, 800 Battery Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-875-8080. www.radio1057.iheart.com/ featured/holiday-spectacular.
The Roots Holiday Tour: Dec. 29. $52 and up. CocaCola Roxy, 800 Battery Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-875-8080. www.theroots.com.
■ Venture on over to Athens.
A trip to Athens can be done in a day (not recommended) or over a course of several. Whether you spend your time gorging yourselves on delicious food, bar hopping around town or checking out a band, Athens is a merry time to be had by all.
Athens Santa Pub Crawl: 6:30 p.m.-midnight. Dec.
2. $15 in advance, $20 day of event. Live Wire Athens, 227 W. Dougherty St., Athens. 706-206-7622. Tickets can be purchased at ticketfly.com.
The Downtown Christmas Parade of Lights: 7 p.m. Dec. 7. Downtown Athens, corner of Hancock and Pulaski streets, Athens. 706613-3800. www.athensclarkecounty.com.