So you want to broaden your buddy network, but doing it inside a darkened bar or smoky nightclub sounds less than appealing. Consider rubbing elbows with others while raising your heart rate in the process. The following social clubs offer their own active communal experiences.
Singles, couples and friends sign up to play the popular bean bag-tossing game in this local league. Each team throws bean bags at the opposing wooden platform 30 feet away. Whoever lands the most bags in the hole of each platform wins the game. Those ages 21 and older play the games at a variety of watering holes. The action drops throughout the year with spring, summer, winter and fall seasons. Sign up as a free agent and get placed on a team, or gather friends and create your own team.
This social group, which merged with Atlanta Single Hikers, centers around camping, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, white water rafting, biking and other outdoor-themed activities. Most of its participants are ages 45 and older. Yet anyone 21 and older can attend, as can singles and couples. Events take place throughout the year and include many day hikes, disc golf games and camping trips.
Sporting types who jones for athletic activity can kick off friendships by getting involved with this organization. It tends to draw younger professionals, with co-ed and men's flag football, soccer, softball and basketball luring the most participants. However, the club also offers kickball, Ultimate Frisbee, dodgeball and more. Atlanta Sport & Social Club serves up sporting and social opportunities year-round, and a majority of the games take place in downtown, Midtown and Buckhead.
Georgia Appalachian Trail Club
This group of outdoor enthusiasts helps maintain 125 miles of trail in Georgia through its Trail Management Program. In addition to trail maintenance trips, the club hosts more than 100 events annually from hiking and backpacking to bicycling and kayaking. Folks ages 18 and older are eligible for membership, and those ages 14-17 can sign up for junior membership. Those interested in joining must fill out the online application, attend a new member orientation, participate in a trail maintenance day, and participate in one other event of his or her choice. Orientation events take place periodically in metro Atlanta. Check website for schedule.
Operated by volunteers since 1964, the Atlanta Ski Club offers skiing, snowboarding and adventure trips to locales all over the world. Membership remains free, and you can join the group by simply signing up and purchasing a trip. From Aug. 12 to Aug. 21, 2016, the club ventures to a ski resort near the city of Santiago, Chile. Check their website for other adventures.
