LITTLE 5 A GREAT DAY TRIP (spring 2015)

     There's a great 3.5-mile hike from Midtown's 14th street to Little 5 Points, and along the way you can take-in some great shops and sites from Atlanta's past.

     Little 5 Points is a great destination for locals because it offers all the things you might never see outside of the city.  There are bars, restaurants, and nightclubs that appeal to every taste.  The shops are very unique, offering vintage clothing, jewelry and some great art.

     Euclid Avenue is also a great place for 'people watching'. 

     7 Stages Theater and Java Lords Coffee, located just off of Euclid, offer a great gathering point for friends and theater goers alike. 

     Rob Thompson, an owner of Java Lords, heads the talented Little 5 Points Orchestra.  Java Lords also premiers bands and has several open-microphone events monthly.  This coffee shop is also a fully stocked bar, so you can grab a coffee while your associate ops for a beer. 

     On the main stage the first week of April, 7 Stages presents 'Dante's Inferno', the dark tale which explores how Humans can create their own problems through the loss of faith.

     Dad's Garage Theater, temporarily located in the same space, offers terrific improv comedy shows.  The long-running Theater Sports Tournament bills "...a knock-down drag-out improv event".  Most shows run Thursday-Saturday.

     Just next door, The Variety Playhouse is where most of the traveling bands gather.  Whether you're into Punk rock or Rockabilly, this venue offers music selections for every taste. 

     One of the great things about Little 5 Points is that the mainstay businesses have remained open for more than 30 years.  The theaters, Sevananda Grocery, Crystal Blue, Charis Books and others have been pioneers and friends to the area. 

     There are terrific events like the Little 5 Halloween Parade and later in December, even a Krampus Parade and show. 

     The hike is a bit of a challenge, but makes for a cultural walk.  Bring your camera, there's a lot to show your friends later in the way of punk dress, murals and creative tagger spots. 

     (Instructions for Hike: From Midtown take 14th Street to Piedmont Park.  Go to far end of park and up Virginia Avenue.  At Highland, walk right and take the street to North, make a left and then a right on Briarcliff, which will take you into the area.)


     For  more info go to http://littlefivepoints.net/ .


---Ray Macon