#12 - Thrashers Game

The first frost must have lit a fire under my big sis because she was all about some ice hockey this week, and it just happened to be on the bucket list! So with little convincing, the sibs and I bundled up and headed down to Philips Arena for the Thrashers game last night!

Let me just start off by saying if there was a bucket list search for the best pretzel in Atlanta, Philips Arena would win, hands down. It probably provided my body enough calories to survive for days, but I didn't care. Totally worth it.

After downing the award winning snack and purchasing a $7 beer (pause for gasp), we head out to our seats just in time for the game to begin. Thanks to a fabulous co-worker of mine who works for the team, we had great seats behind the goal....which provided an excellent view of the hotties below.

I will admit that I am not an avid follower of the sport, but it was quite entertaining to say the least. Plenty of opportunities arise for fans to participate in some of the funniest half time sporting entertainment I've seen in a while. Sumo wrestlers vs. humans confined to plastic bubbles to fight to the death? Yup, that'll do! I don't think I've ever laughed that hard at any sporting event!

Oh, and did I mention a mechanical Thrasher releases fire every time we score? Thanks for the momentary 'I may not die of frostbite' moment, Philips Arena. Thrasher himself made quite a few appearances, but as my brother pointed out, "Birds may bang drums, and they may have beaks, but they do NOT have mustaches....it's zoologically incorrect."

Unfortunately our team ended up losing 4-1 to the New York Islanders. Regardless, a 20 minute drive, $10 covered parking and fun bonding session with broder and ktbug made the evening a total success. If you're ever looking for some entertainment after a long day at work, I recommend blowing off some steam and screaming for a local team in town. Bucket list worthy? You bet your beak it is.

#11 - Piedmont Park

The beatuiful weather we've been having motivated me to man up, put on my winter workout gear and head down to one of my all time favorite outdoor activities in Atlanta...frolicing in Piedmont Park baby!

If you live in Atlanta and have yet to spend an early morning walk with your pooch, afternoon stroll with a guy or gal pal or midnight escapade with your new love in this amazing park, shame on you. I love the park so much I have a hard time limiting my favorite things to do here to any number, but I'll name a few for my loyal followers to try out just for kicks:

 

1. Wake up early the morning of any holiday and head down for a walk solo. There is hardly a local in sight, you can feel the emptiness of the city...and if you ask me only then can you truly bond with it. Don't listen to music, don't bring anyone with you. Sit on a swing near the lake in complete silence and count your blessings!

2. Have plans for happy hour on a beautiful day? Save money and meet the girls at the park on the hill facing Park Tavern. Bring some snackies, Two Buck Chuck and a blanket on a beautiful summer day and people watch until the sun goes down.

3. Grab a frisbee at the dollar store, call up your best man friends (preferably one with a dog) and get down with your bad self in the huge open field facing Tenth street. You're guaranteed a good time even if some seven year old runs his remote control car into your leg nine times. We're all friends here.

4. Cookout. There are tons of open grills towards the back near the tennis courts and softball fields...first come, first serve. Stop by Trader Joe's down the street and pick up some meat to grill and healthy munchies to share with everyone during the summer time. What if it gets too hot, you ask? Easy squeezy...a brand new fancy pants community pool was constructed a few months ago. It may cost $3 and you'll have to lay off the sauce, but at least your pit stans are no more.

5. Reconnect with a friend and go for a power walk after work to catch up on life. If it gets too chilly you're walking distance from a sea of cute local restaurants with cheap eats and drinks.

So is Piedmont Park a bucket list success? If you have to ask I'm clearly not doing my job very well. Onto the next!