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Learn All About Lizards at Repticon on January 6th and 7th

Have you ever cuddled a boa constrictor? Stroked an iguana? Gotten up close and personal with a crocodile? You can check all of these experiences off your bucket list when you come to Repticon, a reptile and exotic animal show slated for January 6th and 7th at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds.

Come to Repticon to check out the live animal encounters and workshops geared toward teaching you all about the origins of the lizards and snakes, as well as how to take care of them at home. If you're in the market for an exotic pet, local vendors will be on hand with reptiles that you can actually take home. Tickets start at $5 for children (between ages 5 and 12) and $10 for adults. Kids aged 4 and under are free.

Plan Your Holiday Get-Togethers at The Capital Grille

Located in the heart of historic Buckhead, The Capital Grille is a comfortably sophisticated steakhouse offering appetizers, salads, meat entrees, sandwiches, and world class wines. Your meal will start off with a baked on-site complimentary bread basket, including thyme and olive oil flatbread, raisin and pumpernickel loaf, onion focaccia, and sourdough. For the ultimate steak and seafood experience, order the Seared Tenderloin with Butter Poached Lobster Tails. Another chef’s suggestion is the Dry Aged NY Strip served with black truffle, gorgonzola butter, and cherry cabernet reduction.

The fine dining eatery has a classy interior with dark wood accents, low lighting, and jazz music playing in the background. Sit comfortably in leather dining chairs with crisp white linens adorning the tables. For an extra special experience, be sure to request the table in the corner with the view of the Midtown and Downtown skylines.

The Capital Grille offers valet parking and is open weekdays for lunch and dinner and weekends for dinner.

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Make Reservations at La Grotta Ristorante Italiano for a Cozy Italian Dinner

La Grotta Ristorante Italiano, which overlooks a courtyard garden in the Buckhead neighborhood, offers an extensive menu of Northern Italian cuisine and wines from all around the globe. The restaurant is truly award-winning – Atlanta Magazine consistently voted La Grotta as the Best Italian Restaurant 18 years in a row.

Entrees include pasta and risotto, seafood specialties, and other meat dishes, such as Marinated Lamb Chops with fresh mint pesto, asparagus, and fingerling potatoes. Be sure to start with the Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio served with aged manchego, grilled artichokes, arugula, and black truffle dressing.

La Grotta has been serving the area since 1978, making it a time honored and well established restaurant. The bistro has an upscale yet cozy atmosphere featuring plush banquettes and romantic brick archways. Dine a la carte on their outdoor patio complete with fountains, sparkling string lights, and lush greenery. Visit La Grotta Ristorante Italiano Monday through Saturday for dinner.

Take a Break From Cooking This Holiday and Visit Ecco for Dinner

Ecco is a contemporary, upscale Midtown restaurant offering an ever-changing seasonal menu of cured meat and cheese boards, award-winning wood-fired flatbreads, inspired pasta, and adventurous main dishes. Executive Chef Brent Banda makes the most of what is local, sourcing many ingredients from their rooftop garden. Start with the popular Fried Goat Cheese drizzled with honey and black pepper or the Grilled Tiger Prawns served with a garlic chili oil. For dinner, a must-try is the Pappardelle with braised pork, peppadew peppers, and garlic. Ecco is also well-known for its unparalleled wine list, offering new and old world wine with excellent flavors from Spain, Italy, and France.

Ecco features modern urban décor with wooden accents, black leather chairs and banquettes, and unique light fixtures. The dining room is spacious and open-concept with a direct view of the bustling kitchen. Visit Ecco for an elegant, European-inspired dinner daily starting at 4 p.m.

Don’t Miss Out on These Holiday Events in Atlanta

Atlanta is buzzing with traditional and unique holiday events throughout the city, ranging from magical holiday shows to parades to holiday light extravaganzas.

  • Stop by Callaway Gardens throughout the month of December for Fantasy in Lights, a spectacular light display through the illuminated forest that is named one of the top ten light displays by National Geographic.
  • Another fun family-friendly event in December is Festival of the SEAson at the Georgia Aquarium, which transforms the exhibits into a winter wonderland with light and music shows, tree lighting ceremonies, and appearances by Santa.
  • If you are looking for a holiday show to attend, the Alliance Theatre presents A Christmas Carol, a beloved Dickens classic in a Broadway-style production with live music and an all-star Atlanta cast.
  • Perfect for young audiences, the Atlanta Ballet’s performance of the Nutcracker at the Fox Theatre is also a must-see this December.

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Do Your Holiday Shopping at Indie Craft Experience

Have you ever checked out Indie Craft Experience? If you haven't, you're missing out on one of Atlanta's best places for showcasing local makers, vintage sellers and artists. This holiday season, there are a few opportunities for you to check out Indie Craft Experience's pop-up markets — here's how:

  • Holiday Market
    December 10 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    Yaarab Temple
  • Holiay Shopping Happy Hours
    December 7 and December 14 from 5 to 9 p.m.
    Margaret Mitchell House
  • Pop-Up Shop
    Through December 23
    Indie Craft Experience Headquarters in Candler Park

Don’t Miss the Holiday Pop-Up Shop at Reformation Brewery

If you're tired of hitting the mall and the usual retail destinations for your holiday shopping, check out the holiday pop-up shop at Reformation Brewery on November 28. Since this festive celebration is scheduled for right after the usual Black Friday mayhem, you'll appreciate its laid-back, local attitude even more.

Make the drive out to the off-the-beaten-path Reformation Brewery on Tuesday the 28th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. to enjoy shopping time with your friends, as well as plenty of tasty food and craft beer. The fun starts at 5 pm, which makes this a convenient stop on your way home from work, and features wares from a wide variety of local makers and food from the Yumsa food truck. Sample some of the brewery’s year-round favorites like the Jude Belgian-style Tripel and the Oren IPA, or ask for a taste of the bar’s limited-edition seasonal offerings like Scout stout and Loki lager. You can even fill a growler or bring a case home, which is something everyone on your shopping list will love.

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Celebrate at the Macy’s Great Tree Lighting at Lenox Square on November 19

Right around this time of year, you start to see signs that the holiday season is fast approaching. In Atlanta, one of the biggest signs that the holidays have finally arrived is the lighting of the Macy’s tree at Lenox Square Mall, where locals have gathered to enjoy the tree-lighting with music, lights, and heaping helpings of holiday cheer for 70 years.

The festivities on November 19 will start with a pre-show concert featuring stars and Atlanta natives like CeeLo Green, RaeLynn, Angelica Hale, and Casting Crowns at 6:30 p.m. The tree lighting is set for 7 p.m., with help from honorary tree-lighters from the Aflac Childrens Cancer Center. Live music and fireworks are slated for the finale, while plenty of shopping (window and otherwise!) is available after the show. Parking is limited, so be sure to come early or plan to use public transit.

Public Domain/Pixabay/StockSnap

It’s a Winter Wonderland at the Fernbank Science Center on November 17

Starting November 17, the Fernbank Science Center will be transformed into a magical Winter Wonderland. This annual tradition kicks off Atlanta’s holiday season on November 17 and lasts through January 7, with family-friendly entertainment and plenty of holiday cheer in a fun and stimulating environment. Don't miss the opening day, as many Atlanta locals who have made this part of their own winter holiday traditions.

With an array of decorated trees, lights, educational displays and electronic exhibits, the Fernbank Science Center showcases the holiday traditions of cultures from all over the globe. Bring the little ones to see two floors of exhibits, special holiday-themed showcases and activities, and the Fernbank’s beloved mascot, the Santasaurus Rex. If you have the time, feel free to take a tour through the museum’s permanent collections, as well. Admission to the festivities is free with your paid Museum admission, which starts at $13.

Have a Healthy Hawaiian Meal at Poké City

Hawaiian-style bowl meals are very popular right now, and you can enjoy your very own with a trip to Atlanta's Poke City. Typically made with yellowfin tuna and lots of veggies, these tasty meals provide a substantial nutritional punch.

Order yours with a base of either rice or greens (or you can mix the two, if you prefer), and then choose which protein you want on top. Tuna is the traditional choice, but you can also select octopus, shrimp, scallops, chicken, or tofu, if you prefer. At this point, start piling on whatever toppings float your boat. How about cucumber, carrots, and edamame for an Asian-style bowl? Or maybe cilantro, kale, and sweet onion for a California-style bowl? Finish up with your choice of sauce (regulars recommend the ginger shoyu as well as the sweet chili sauce) and you've got a tasty, healthy, and filling meal.

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