Basically run around while looking at Christmas lights! We’ve actually been to every one of these since its inception (like 2 years ago…) It’s a cheaper alternative (only $25 per person) to driving around like a mechanical slug through Lanier’s Magical Nights of Lights which is $60 per car Fri-Sun. It is also a lot of fun. Registration is closed for this year, but put it on your calendars for next year.Atlanta Botanical Gardens also has a fantastic walk-through light display, but try to get out of paying full price. I think normally it is $40 for two adults. (No discount for students??? Come on, ABG.)
Lenox Mall
Over a million square feet of heated space for you to walk around and admire storefront displays. It is great for stretching your legs and people watching. I’m all about hitting up the free Teavana samples (maybe more than I care to admit) and trying on clothes that I would never buy and/or wear for the sheer thrill.
Umaido
An awesome ramen place in Suwanee close to Super H. The owner is Korean (surprise!) but the soup is fantastic. The noodles are handmade in the restaurant, the broth is very rich, and the egg is always soft boiled to perfection – still just a little cold in the center. The level of spiciness varies from mild to earthquake-inducing bowel movements – you get to decide! Remember to easy on the broth. I don’t recommend drinking all of it. We usually get out of here for under $20 without beer. If you are still hungry, Mozart’s bakery is just down the way. (Boy I wish they’d bring that sweet potato latte back.)
Clark Howard’s Christmas Kids
Britton and I love The Howard, and we are both a little pissed they moved him to 8pm to make room for the abhorrent Rush Limbaugh. We make a point to go purchase gifts for a little boy or girl in foster care in Atlanta each Christmas as well as contributing to Toys for Tots. WSB radio volunteers provide you with a boy’s or girl’s wish list, and you shop for their toys right there. You can complete the whole list or you can just pick one item. I won’t pretend this is cheap to do, but it was exciting imagining a little girl opening her sweet ass Disney princess bike on Christmas morning.
Book Chang Dong Tofu House
SOO-DOO-BOO! *karate chop* It’s Korean soondubu jjigae, a soft tofu stew that is usually ridiculously hot and spicy. It’s so hot they give you an egg to cook in the broth at your table. I like it with seafood (clams, shrimp, chunks of fish) but you could go for something easy like kimchi or something bold like beef intestine. Also their banchan or side dishes are out of this world good. Perfect solution to a cold weekday evening. Also right next a Super H and bakery. Coincidence?
GSU Gala Holiday Family Concert
My friend Annelise, who played french horn at GSU, would be delighted to know that this concert is part of many fond Christmas memories. As low as $12 a ticket for students, it is a wonderful review of classic, modern, and world Christmas music. I definitely plan to add this to our December itinerary.
Jeju Sauna
I think I’ve already covered just about all aspects of this place, but I wanted to reiterate: $25 for 24 hours of radiantly heated flooring and free wireless access. That is all.
That’s all I’ve got for now! If I’ve forgotten anything I’ll add it to the list. Stay warm everyone or you will die.
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