#10 - The Flying Biscuit

After a much needed eight hours of beauty sleep, I met up with the sibs and my sister's out of town guest at The Flying Biscuit for a yummy brunch on a rainy day. I was surprised by the 20 minute wait time, as it usually ranges to up to an hour on a Sunday.

We chowed down on eggs benedict and coffee as we chatted out our Thanksgiving plans and traveling aspirations. They have the best wheat "flying biscuit" in the universe, equipped with their famous berry jelly. We didn't venture out to fried green tomatoes this time, but I recommend it for future meals. Before long it was time to say adios and leave to our three corners of the earth (soon to be two corners of the earth): Buckhead, Vinings & Woodstock.

This is one of my fav brunch spots in Atlanta - so clearly it passes the Bucket list challenge. The staff is outrageously personable and friendly, and they've got an extensive menu that keeps you coming back for more. Great for a quick bite with a new love, family or girls gab session.

#9 - Center Stage

It wasn't long before I got the musical itch again....Saturday night provided Cage the Elephant at Center Stage with my favorite brownie Laura and her friend Sandra.

Ok, let's just begin with how awesome this venue is, and then I'll touch on its ridiculousness. This hot spot is NICE. Its set-up looks like a swanky modern hotel more than it does a musical venue. "Are you sure I'm not in the W hotel?" Kelly like. Parking is a bit rough - $10 to park walking distance which isn't too killer, but I'd like some free street parking after my $20 ticket, por favor.

Now let's discuss my reaction the second we actually got in the venue. Walk in - ok, this place is nice. Find our spot in the pit - still pretty good. Look to my left - braces. Look to my right - more braces. Um, did I not get the memo that Cage the Elephant is somehow huge for 14 year olds??? I always look forward to people watching, but hearing voices crack, acne and outrageous PDA from high schoolers is a whole other story. I'm only 25 years old, but I felt like I was 107 next to these guys. Now to the first opening band. They go by The Shackeltons and they offered up a unique experience to say the least. The lead singer made his debut with a branch from a Magnolia tree on stage. Yeah, just see the visual above The weirdest part was not the tree, but the fact that he never actually acknowledged its presence...or more importantly its purpose. I mean, a Magnolia Tree as a prop?! That's a stretch even for me. Maybe if his songs surrounded environmental causes I could be on board....but they were focused around the L word, I don't see the connection. I was confused, but it was entertaining so I went with it. I even ended up catching a piece in the crowd - see the youngins behind me. Sigh.

Ok enough about that. We made our way to the second row of seats to sit with the grown ups. Aka best decision of the night. The lead singer of The Shackeltons made his way next to us somehow, and we shared a few words about the next band Morning Teleportation . They're currently recording with Modest Mouse and they they rocked the house down....sans greenery, sorry Mark. He was a delightful young chap though, I decided to avoid the elephant in the room (no pun intended) and keep the "why the heck did you have a magnolia tree on stage" convo to a minimum. Cage the Elephant finally came on and they.were.amazing. I just love going to see bands who sound even better in concert then they do on their cd. It just doesn't get any better than that! The lead singer (Matt Shultz) made us aware that not only was this his first time performing in Atlanta, it was his first time EVER in Atlanta, and he was thinking of moving here. Um, yes please! Check out this blog and you will be SOLD my friend.

Matt continued to keep us on the edge of our seats with his own crowd surfing (along with his bass guitar player not too far behind) and Iggy Pop cover. The concert was amazing, the venue is amazing, the people were entertaining, and I left this place feeling old, but satisfied. Bucket list worthy? You betcha!

#8 - 40 Watt

 One weekend without a bucket list item checked off felt so wrong, so I went all out again this weekend for your viewing pleasure.

Friday night I headed down to Athens, GA with another Wheeler High School survivor where we met up with a 3660 Peachtree survivor to see Washed Out perform with Toro Y Moi at the 40 Watt. I've been following both artists for a few months now thanks to Swirv, and they were totally worth the two hourish round trip. I know, I know, it's an Atlanta bucket list and you're going to Athens? I make my own rules people, and this is definitely bucket list worthy.

I must admit that my usual visits to the UGA town have typically been monotonous. If I got hit on by one more underage shaggy haired frat guy with sandals on in the winter I was going to lose it, but this visit redeemed my faith in the city.....I have found where all the hipsters hide.....white boy fro included.

The smell of cheap beer and cigs surprsingly didn't bother me. The venue was filled with goodwill couches, Christmas lights and graffiti-filled semi-functioning bathrooms which instantly reminded me of what college was all about....getting a solid education of course. No, not really.

Toro Y Moi...aka Chaz (yes, Chaz) was...and there is no other way to put this people. OFF THE CHAIN. I could have listened to him play for 3 more hours if my eyelids permitted, but instead we had a quick chat with the talented Toro and I napped my way back to the ATL for another bucket list win.

If you ever make your way to Athens, be sure to stop by this venue and see whoever is playing immediately if not sooner. I mean, it's a college town people, it's going to be interesting no matter what.