Atlanta may not be a typical winter wonderland, but the season is still filled with events and attractions to get you in the holiday spirit. While not as LGBT-specific as Toy Party or gay chorus concerts, you’ll also find plenty of “family” at these beloved traditions.
“Garden Lights, Holiday Nights” at the Atlanta Botanical Garden is among the newest traditions on our list, debuting last year. By turns whimsical and ethereal, this lovely lighted walk through the 30-acre garden uses more than 1.5 million low-energy lights to create a vision that is nothing short of delightful. Among the new features this year are the Vincent Van Gogh-inspired “Starry Night Walk and “Liquid Lights,” a lighted fountain display in the Cascades Garden described as “an icy cool vibe.” Favorites from last year also return, including the “Orchestral Orbs” display set to holiday music on the Great Lawn.
Atlanta City Councilmember Alex Wan sent out an e-mail asking that residents move their cars off the streets so the city’s neighborhood roads could begin to be cleared of snow and ice.
Wan, who is gay, represents District 6, home to Midtown and many of the city’s gay residents and businesses.
Wan’s statement read:
“We are asking the citizens of Atlanta to IMMEDIATELY remove their vehicle from the city streets (both legally parked/abandoned vehicles) so efforts can be made to clean the snow/ice off the roadway. The equipment being used is heavy equipment; if vehicles are left on the roadway they may become damaged as these trucks are attempting to clean the roadway.”
There was no doubt that Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse would stay open over the snow storm that has practically crippled the city for two days.
The gay favorite spot was open on Monday and broke all kinds of records, said store owner Philip Rafshoon. It seems the snow and ice-covered roads didn't keep many people from staying out of Midtown and enjoying a completely white Piedmont Park where sledders were playing all day.
"It was our biggest snow day ever," Rafshoon said Tuesday afternoon while taking a brief break. And thanks to the people enjoying Piedmont Park's rare beauty while and then later seeking some coffee and food, finding Outwrite open was an excellent treat.