Introverts have a unique set of standards when they hit the town.
Crowds drain their energy. Small talk intimidates them.
And they'd rather not be caught in the crosshairs of a chatty stranger at one of the typical Atlanta hot spots. But don't give up, shy guy or girl.
You don't have to resort to tried-and-true options like overcrowded restaurants or attending shows with thousands of strangers and overpriced food.
Here are five outings in Atlanta that take the introvert's idiosyncracies into account:
Afternoon Tea Experience at The St. Regis Atlanta
Fridays-Sundays, 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
$40 adults, $22 children 12 years or younger
88 West Paces Ferry Road 404-563-7799
As Sophia Dembling, author of "The Introvert's Way: Living a Quiet Life in a Noisy World," told the Huffington post:
"Introverts like to jump into the deep end."
One of the Regis' tables for two is a classy spot for those introvert-friendly philosophical conversations. And the food - scones, red velvet cheesecake, smoked salmon wraps and the like - might coax the introvert out of the comfort of his or her own sunroom. Just be careful in the tea selections, since caffeine has been known to give introverted folk the jitters.
Guided canoe trips at Chattahoochee Nature Center
$30 general public, $25 members
9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055
Part of the purpose of these guided canoe trips is to be quiet and take in the sounds of nature. Plus, two per boat, Mr. Introvert, sir. The time frame is right, too. They paddle for about two and a half hours, so an introvert's energy store won't drain away completely the way it does on longer outings.
Swim with whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium$212.95 members, $235.95 non-members
Daily at 4:30 p.m.
Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St. NW 404-581-4000
Ah, the soothing underwater with completely quiet companions. Introverts might want to add this experience to their bucket list.
RELATED: 10 things you didn't know about the Georgia Aquarium
Thoughtful theater in a small setting
The Balzer Theater at Herren's
84 Luckie St. 678-528-1500
Theatrical Outfit's theater produces live shows in a setting perfect for the introvert. The theater is relatively small, seating 180-250. If you slip in just before the show, why, an introvert won't even need to make eye contact with strangers. All of the seats are assigned, so an introvert can choose the aisle and other easy-exit seats. Best of all, the group describes its mission as telling "high-quality, soul-stirring stories, often from great classic and contemporary literature, with themes that are relevant and revelatory." This dovetails nicely with the introvert's need for meaningful contemplation.
Take a ride on the South Fulton Scenic Byway
Offering a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life, the South Fulton Scenic Byway is perfect for an introvert's Sunday drive.
A 29-mile loop of pastures, farms and forests, the byway circles Route 70, Hutcheson Ferry Road and Cochran Mill Road.
If you like, stop at the 800-acre Cochran Mill Park for a quiet hike along the way.
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