Resolve to embrace Atlanta in 2012
This weekend, many of us will reflect on the year that has passed and resolve to do things differently in the year to come. We’ll promise to exercise more and eat better, to spend more time with family and less money on things we really don’t need. All of those are great goals to have, but we at ATLIntownLiving have some Atlanta-specific resolutions we’d like to add to your list.
Support local businesses – As you may know, Small Business Saturday was a huge success in Atlanta and across the nation. But it doesn’t have to be just an annual event. Let’s resolve to think local all year long. Stop by a local boutique, like Lila in the N. Highland Steel neighborhood, when you’re looking for the perfect new outfit, or patronize a locally-owned restaurant, like the Prieto family’s Caramba Café near the Pencil Factory Flats & Shops next time you make dinner plans. And get to know the small business owners that run the establishments. It’s a great way to support your neighbors and build a sense of community.
Experience more of what the city has to offer – It’s easy to get caught up in the grind during the week and then just catch up on errands or sleep away the weekend. Sometimes it does take a conscious effort to get out there and experience the city. But every time we do it, we love it! Atlanta offers so much to see and do.
Get outside – One of the best things about Atlanta is the significant amount of green space the city has maintained even as its infrastructure continues to expand. Current projects, like the BeltLine, are even making green space a priority. Resolve to visit Atlanta’s best parks in 2012. You no doubt know about Piedmont Park, but we urge you to check out the new Historic Fourth Ward Park and other smaller spots like Candler Park.
Learn about Atlanta’s past and future – Speaking of the BeltLine project, resolve to keep up with Atlanta’s development plans in 2012 – like the exciting plan to create Ponce City Market at the site of the former City Hall East. And educate yourself on Atlanta’s past. Visits to the Atlanta History Center and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center are a must.
Give more – Local charities and non-profit organizations need our help now more than ever. Whether it’s the Atlanta Community Food Bank or the Atlanta Humane Society, resolve to support a cause you feel strongly about in 2012.
It's going to be a great year, Atlanta!
