Thursday Night: Atlanta
Atlanta after dark (Photo: Giorgio Fochesato/E+/Getty Images)
Ah, Thursday night — the only truly social night of the week. It’s the night when babysitters are booked, friends convene, and drinks are imbibed. There are no family obligations to fulfill, no amateurish weekend crowds to elbow through — and the possibilities are endless. The night starts after work and ends whenever you want. In any city. All over the world.
This week, we’re presenting the perfect Thursday night in Atlanta, Georgia:
The singer Ciara (Photo: AP)
Atlanta — home of Coca-Cola, Braves baseball, and recording artist Ciara (who promises another album and world tour soon!).
The new mom — who is as sweet as a Georgia peach — shared her hometown’s perfect Thursday night.
Get your shopping groove on at Phipps Plaza (Photo: Wally Argus/Flickr)
5 p.m.
First things first — for a night out, you need to dress the part. Ciara recommends kicking off the night with retail therapy at Phipps Plaza — the upscale shopping destination with stores like Jimmy Choo, Versace, and Gucci. She advises checking out Jeffrey, Intermix, and Saks Fifth Avenue. “You definitely want to pick up a good pair of shoes,” said the singer, who recently partnered with Degree Women to inspire people to DO:MORE. What does she want to do more of when she goes to Atlanta? Shop.
Related: 12 Ways to P*ss Off Someone From Atlanta
Al fresco drinks at the Tavern at Phipps (Photo: Facebook.com)
6:15 p.m.
Walking the mall and carrying heavy bags essentially equals a workout. Thankfully, The Tavern at Phipps is in the same vicinity as the shops. The famished fashionista orders at least two appetizers: garlic crab claws and honey butter croissants. You probably don’t want to skip the beef nachos, either. “They are insane. The ground beef is so rich and so good,” Ciara told Yahoo Travel. “Everything is freshly made.”
Related: How to Spend the Perfect Thursday Night in Chicago
Philips Arena — the place to see a concert or a Hawks game (Photo: Doug Waldron/Flickr)
7:30 p.m.
Any show at Philips Arena is a guaranteed good time. She’s had a few gigs at the venue, too. “It’s always the best feeling when I go home [to perform], but it’s also a big arena,” the singer said. If the night doesn’t call for music, go to a game and cheer on the Hawks.
Related: How to Spend the Perfect Thursday Night in Martha’s Vineyard
Beyond the velvet rope in the Velvet Room (Photo: sergio_leenen/Flickr)
12 a.m.
Though the “Goodies” singer admits these days she might prefer heading home after midnight, sometimes she still feels the urge to keep the party going. “After the concert, you want to go out. You go to the club,” she says. Velvet Room is a huge, wildly popular club with great energy, music that ranges from hip-hop to edgy, and frequent sightings of “my peers,” says Ciara, referring to Atlanta-based artists. “It’s got a really young, fresh, vibe — the cool crowd,” which consists of 21- to 35-year-olds. “I had my 21st birthday there!”
Related: How to Spend the Perfect Thursday Night in Atlantic City
Guess what the Waffle House serves? (Photo: Ahmed Hashim/Flickr)
2:30 a.m.
When the night is ending, a quick bite is in order before bed. Forget anything fancy, schmancy — Ciara wants Waffle House. Yep, the chain restaurant. Despite her fit physique and incredible body after baby, she’ll order the chicken melt with sautéed onions, hash browns, and a soda with vanilla syrup. Of course, she’s not alone! Her friends tag along. “You see a lot of people from Atlanta [there]. You’re not running into celebrities or anything — but you just might.”
WATCH: Get There Early for Fried Chicken in Atlanta
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