Access Atlanta > The Newcomer > Archives > 2008 > July > 21 > Entry
Where should a newcomer meet a date? (Other than North Druid Hills.)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
North Druid Hills and Briarcliff: where Chik-Fil-A and passion meet?
Let’s call it a public service announcement, a testament to knowing Atlanta better than the Census data lets on.
No matter what you’ve heard: North Druid Hills probably isn’t the best place in Atlanta to meet a date.
Money magazine, the same folks behind the Best Places to Live list, apparently feel they have the number-crunching authority to tell you where to meet a mate.. (For the record, Atlanta was a measly No. 13.)
Yeah, I know I’m new here, but…really?
I’m not an authority on dating and relationships, here or anywhere. We have dating bloggers and their merry band of commentators for that.
North Druid Hills seems perfectly nice place to pick up groceries, grab a quick lunch, head to the synagogue, raise 2.5 children and a Labrador. Those quoted in the AJC story seemed a little perplexed. There was, I kid not, head-scratching, whenever I brought it up.
Maybe it works on paper — although we’re still trying to figure out exactly what North Druid Hills is — when looking purely at population stats and proximity to places like Emory University, Decatur and Buckhead. Regardless, it hardly seems like it fits in with Berkeley, Cali. and Boulder, Co., which also appeared in Money’s Top 10.
And maybe I’m so very wrong, and the Panera parking lot is really where it’s at.
For the love of your neighbors, will someone with a little more knowledge please prevent a flock of newcomers from showing up at the Dunkin Doughnuts, wondering where the party is?
Let’s forget the numbers for a minute: what IS the best place around this town to be single, or rather, to become not single?
Permalink | Comments (32) | Post your comment | Categories: Make This Place Make Sense
Comments
By Dave
July 21, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
Ponce just down a few blocks from Peachtree street around 10 PM usually works pretty well …
By jan
July 21, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Someone who lives in North Druid Hills has a friend on staff at Money magazine and that someone is having a good laugh at their friend’s expense (and gullibility).
By hotlanta
July 21, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
You can get a DATE anywhere. I love my neck of the woods in SouthDekalb with brothers all ova the place playing tennis, riding bikes or just cruising in their Mercedes. UMP, UMP, UMP. Summertime, summertime. Gotta love it. I just love it when those phune bikers get off those bikes with those leather jackets for the weekend. LAWD have mercy.
By hotlanta
July 21, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
You can get a DATE anywhere. I love my neck of the woods in SouthDekalb with brothers all ova the place playing tennis, riding bikes or just cruising in their Mercedes. UMP, UMP, UMP. Summertime, summertime. Gotta love it. I just love it when those phune bikers get off those bikes with those leather jackets for the weekend. LAWD have mercy.
By SWMarietta
July 21, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Craigslist and Yahoo Chat are the best places to get a, ahem, “date” in the metro.
By Elsie Monk
July 21, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
I’ve met all of my dates at Sonny’s Real Pit BBQ. Even my gay son has had success there.
By Lee
July 21, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
The best plan is multi-tasking- that is, doing good while hunting. If you are conservative, go to a nice conservative church, mosque or synagogue, and join some of the outreach groups. If you are livberal, do the same with a liberal church. If you like museums or libraries, volunteer there and do some good work. You will find like-minded people there, and even if they are all women, they always have brothers and friends. If you like sports, there are always positions to volunteer for at local minor league or adult groups. “If you can’t participate in a sport, be one anyway.” Local neighborhood watch and security patrols always need volunteers, if not to go along, then to at least offer hot coffee and doughnuts. All groups need volunteers, and it beats the hell out of moping at home while watching re-runs. And while you are doing good for the community, you will be out and about and meeting others. The best cure for depression is to learn something new. This is also an excellent way to meet new people, while doing good for yourself. Take a course in gourmet cooking at the local community college, or car repair for adults, or digital photography. Learn someting new, get off your butt, and meet some new people for a moderate price. Can’t be beat. And it’s better than hanging out at Dunkin’s Doughnuts waiting for Mr/Mrs. Right to walk in. Do good, and you’ll meet the right people.
By Frank
July 21, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
Maybe I need to visit Sonny’s again. I’ve always enjoyed BBQ. But I wonder, exactly how do you approach? Is it logistic at the salad buffet? Maybe it’a asking for the hot sauce from across the isle gets the ball rolling. All the lunch and love you want for $9.99. But hurry, it’s for a limited time. I guess Sonny’s is still smokin’ after all these years.
By The Gay Son
July 21, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
My mom and I agree that nothin beats Sonny’s when it comes to good man love.
By Jinx
July 21, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
I have lived in Atlanta all my life and that is a GREAT question. What I have found out is that the bars and clubs are not the best places to find prospects for long term relationships. I know this will sound cliche, but I have found the best people for me just out running errands. For example, grocery shopping, clothes shopping, the gym, and in some rare cases, people that you meet through business. The clubs and bars are okay for some people, but I got burnt out by age 28. This is also cliche, but the main things is, don’t go out specifically looking to meet someone, it smells of desperation.
By Cammi317
July 21, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
I don’t know, but if you figure it out please let me know….LOL
By JJ
July 21, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
lee That is EXCELLENT advice.
I got a dog with the intent to walk her and get out and meet people. Walking your dog in the park is a great way to meet others.
I don’t like bars & clubs either, but I do love watching football at a sports bar occasionally.
Volunteering is a great suggestion!!!! Not only will you meet people, you feel good giving your time.
By Mr. Anderson
July 21, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
If you’re a dude, yoga class. Lots of flexible and fit chicks in there.
By Tabetha
July 21, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
I have 3 dogs (maybe that’s my problem!) that I take to the dog park and have not met a single guy! I was volunteering with dog rescue groups, and found no such luck in the guy department. However, every guy I have dated has been at a “beginners” job: Wolf Camera, the dog kennel where I work, Media Play….no, I don’t date my co-workers, but there are lots of clients!
By Ty
July 21, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
On 3rd and Spring. There are lots of tall, very toned women walking around after 10pm. Their make up is a little to much but they are beautiful.
By Midtowner
July 21, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Gay men in Midtown have used the walk the dog thru Piedmont Park for years. It’s to the point I hate those retractable leashes that allow the dog to run a few in front of you. Walking your little pedigree mutt just to meet men is dumb.
By JeremiahWright
July 21, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Too many dang queers in Atlanta these days. I wish they’d get lost and take the illegals with them.
By Bill Campbell
July 21, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
Besides the black-jack tables, I find prison a great place to meet, in discreet!
By CommunistAJC
July 21, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
Best place to pick up a date? Used to be Ponce before they got rid of all the prostitutes.
By Art
July 21, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
Any sports bar would be a great place. If you’re an attractive woman and you love sports, i’d say you’re a keeper!
By Fred
July 21, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
Atlanta also has too many BIGOTS. Isn’t that true Jeremiah Wright? Maybe they also need to go. Start packing.
By Matt
July 21, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
North Druid Hills is right in the Brookhaven Area. Which is a great place to meet people…. Most people have no idea….
By Matt
July 21, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
North Druid Hills is right in the Brookhaven Area. Which is a great place to meet people…. Most people have no idea….
By Matt
July 21, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
North Druid Hills is right in the Brookhaven Area. Which is a great place to meet people…. Most people have no idea….
By Atlanta Pearl Girl
July 21, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
I’ve been on enough blind dates that I should get a free dog by now….don’t you think?
By The Cobster
July 21, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
The BIG CHICKEN is a great place to meet men! I met my last 2 husbands there.
By Single Income No Kids
July 21, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
The Sexiest women in Greater Atlanta Live in the Smyrna-Vinings Area. Go to any Starbucks in that area and you’ll find them!
By Jessica
July 21, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
Clubs are NOT the place to get a date. Nice jazz clubs are a good place or restaurants with a bar— i.e. Red Lobster, Applebee’s, etc. Craigslist is not a dating site— there is nothing on there except people looking for a lay.
By Another Perspective
July 21, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
For other perspectives I can think of two semi-scientific scenarios:
First, is it possible that the stats reflects a state of the ‘single and not so worried about it’ rather than ‘single and looking.’ The assumption of the viewers (or analysts) being that single (or unmarried) is an unnatural state of life. Curious assumption.
Secondly, it is pretty clear that North Druid is not a pickup area. That’s for sure as I live there — few bars and no clubs in sight and few social activities outside of cafes. So this might lead the curious reader to another key possibility: Maybe those who live in this corridor haven’t met their society mandated match because this is not a place that facilitates meeting other such life partner. So despite the fact there are many single halves, they go to ‘play’ and meet elsewhere and just live in this oasis of excessive singlehood that is North Druid whatever.
Just some thoughts for kicks.
By mirandarocks
July 21, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
I have no earthly clue as to where to find a date. I gave up years ago.
By Girlfriend To The Rescue
July 21, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
Mirandarocks - go to this cute little pub on Friday nights off Atlanta Rd in West Village! Can you say HOT!!!
By GRACE
July 26, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this
An open house if your looking for a new place and others are checking it out too try it it works its a no threatenign way to meet people if you are looking to buy a home in alpharetta or lease purchase 376900 or 2100 month go to open house saturday 7/26 an ssunday 7/27 at 6210 yorkridge drive alpharetta Ga 30005 call for directions \ take 400 north to mc farland rd t/r go to shiloh rd east t/l go 1.5 miles to stopsign call 404 663-5158