Even in Atlanta, the weather is sometimes chilly or unpredictable during the winter months.
Whether it be early sunsets, near-freezing temperatures or the threat of ice and light snow, staying indoors is sometimes the most viable option to have fun until spring comes around. Here are seven places to go to get out of the house and have fun in metro Atlanta this winter.
All Fired Up
On days when its frigid outside, a warm kiln can be your guide. With more than 700 items on offer, All Fired Up’s pottery-baking kilns stay plenty busy.
Regardless of how artsy you are, their staff can help anyone make, decorate and bake items that are full of personality and food safe. With locations in Alpharetta, Druid Hills and Marietta, there's hours of creativity — and warmth — abound for kids and adults alike.
10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturday; 12-9 p.m. Sundays. 53 South Main Street #1, Alpharetta. 770-740-7800; 1563 North Decatur Road, Atlanta. 404-270-9048; 2960 Shallowford Road #305, Marietta. 770-575-2450. allfiredup.com.
Credit: Courtesy All Fired Up
Credit: Courtesy All Fired Up
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The Cooking School at Irwin Street
Few things warm people up like a good home-cooked meal, but some comfort foods are easier to make than others. The Cooking School at Irwin Street offers a wide variety of classes for different types of cuisine, specific dishes and skill levels.
If Indian food is your craving when it’s cold, why not learn to make it yourself? If Chinese takeout, rich pasta dishes or brunch food is more your thing, those classes are offered as well.
Hours vary. 660 Irwin Street NE, Atlanta. 404-889-6568. irwinstreetcooks.com.
Caffeine Atlanta
A cozy cafe can sometimes be the best place to catch up with friends, study or get some writing done. A warm cup of Joe won't hurt either, and Caffeine Atlanta checks all of those boxes.
This Midtown-based coffee shop offers the classics and uncommon drinks in addition to pastries. If winter weather hinders your productivity, make like an espresso and give this spot a shot.
9:30 a.m.-midnight Mondays-Fridays; 11 a.m.-midnight Saturdays-Sundays. 410 14th Street NW, Atlanta. 770-302-6917. caffeineatl.com.
The Velvet Note
If jazz music warms your soul, The Velvet Note is the place for you. Since 2012, this Alpharetta-based jazz club has kept the tradition of live improvisation, syncopated rhythms and creative expression going.
There’s also a full kitchen and bar inside, with a seafood-focused menu to get people in that New Orleans jazz state of mind. Shows are available from Thursday to Sunday, balancing up-and-coming acts with established “jazz cats.”
6:30-11:50 p.m. Thursdays; 6:30-11 p.m. Fridays; 6:30-11:30 p.m. Saturdays; 6-11 p.m. Sundays; closed Mondays-Wednesdays. 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. 855-583-5838. thevelvetnote.com.
10 High Club
For those who enjoy their music a little heavier and the atmosphere a lot hotter, the 10 High Club at Dark Horse Tavern might be more your speed.
This night club tucked inside Virginia-Highland offers karaoke backed by the band Metalsome, allowing patrons to rock out on stage. Headbanging to songs by Blink-182, Paramore and Rage Against the Machine will surely light a fire inside you.
9 p.m.-3 a.m. Mondays-Saturdays; closed Sundays. 816 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta. 404-873-3607. darkhorseatlanta.com/10highclub.
Champion Kids
Some kids just don’t like being cooped up all day. When the weather is keeping them from playing outside, Champion Kids might be the best place for them to let out all their energy.
Located in Marietta, this 25,000-square foot gym offers children a fun way to stay active without leaving a heated space. The weekends are reserved solely for birthday parties, but weekdays offer classes and open play, where any kid can run, tumble and jump around to their heart's content.
9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; closed on weekends. 1465 Canton Road, Marietta. 770-874-5200. https://championkids.net.
The Whiskey Project
For some, nothing caps off a cold day like a warming glass of whiskey. Since opening in 2018, this Roswell bar and restaurant has served up plenty of meals and even more glasses of the good stuff.
With more than 1,000 spirits and 30 cocktails on offer, it’s safe to say bourbon stewards and scotch sommeliers can find something to sip at The Whiskey Project.
11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sundays. 45 Oak Street, Roswell. 678-373-1981. twpatl.com.
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