Visitor’s Pride Survival Guide

Spontaneity is not one of my strong suits; when traveling I have to plan every single detail. From knowing where the hottest brunch spot is to where the best men’s clothing store is just in case I forgot something (my excuse to go shopping), I usually carry a small notebook with all of my research.

I realize that for some planning can be taxing. Since not everyone is like me hopefully you can reap the benefits of the planning I’ve done for the thousands of visitors expected to descend upon Atlanta during Pride Weekend. David Atlanta presents our Visitor’s Survival Guide- a one stop reference for the best gay-owned and gay-friendly dining, shopping, parties that the weekend has to offer.

Shopping

We all love to shop. Outside of the really HOT Pride sex I hope everyone is going to have, spending money on a new outfit, sex toy or Pride memorabilia is probably the next best high for the weekend.

If you’re looking to remember this weekend make sure you check out Brushstrokes (1510-J Piedmont Ave., NE.). Located in Ansley Square Shopping Center, Brushstrokes is your one-stop shop for everything Pride. From T-shirts, CDs, DVDs, greeting cards and more, the gay-owned Brushstrokes has been serving the Atlanta LGBT community since 1989.

In addition to shopping this weekend, Brushstrokes hosts Chi Chi LaRue and her sexy boys on Saturday. Meet Chi Chi and bid to buy the jockstraps right off her boys to benefit P.A.L.S.

Shopping for something edgier? Take care of all your other needs just a few doors down at Capulets/Brushstrokes Pleasures (1510-D Piedmont Ave, NE.). Whether you are looking for lube, toys or more, they’ve got you covered.

So what about clothing? When travelling I try to pack something for every possible event, but inevitably I find some reason to go buy something new. Less than a half-mile from Brushstrokes, you’ll find all your clothing needs at Boy Next Door (1447 Piedmont Ave NE).  And if being gay-owned wasn’t enough, a little birdie said that if you shop this weekend between 10-11 am you’ll receive 50% off your entire purchase.  With that deal you should pick up something new . . . whether you need it or not.

Dining

As much as I like to think it’s possible, my diet cannot consist of vodka all weekend long.  So when it comes to food there are several gay-owned and gay-friendly establishments that you’ll find us dining at over the weekend.

In the mood for pizza? Make sure you get your fix at Mellow Mushroom (931 Monroe Dr.) located in the Midtown Promenade. While not gay-owned, this location hosts the infamous Ruby Redd and her weekly Birdcage Bingo show on Wednesdays!

Is fresh, quick and local more your speed? Then you’ll definitely want to make sure you grab breakfast, lunch or dinner at Metrofresh (931 Monroe Dr.). Located in the same area as Mellow Mushroom, locally gay-owned Metrofresh has a great breakfast and daily rotating menus.

Sure it may be carbs but pasta can definitely help you soak up some of the alcohol you’ve consumed during the day and there’s no better place for pasta than Campagnolo (980 Piedmont Ave NE). This locally gay-owned option opened up in a space where many restaurants had failed but with a beautiful makeover has succeeded in bringing in the midtown clientele with their attractive staff and amazing dishes.

Looking for a little Latin flair? Look no further than gay-owned and operated Las Margaritas (1842 Cheshire Bridge Road). With a newly renovated bar, the drinks and food will be flowing all weekend long. Plus, they are open 24 hours this weekend so there’s no excuse for not dropping by.

Where can you unwind for dinner (and possible show tune sing-along) after spending all day out in the park? Look no further than the piano palace itself The Fifth Ivory (794 Juniper St). With some delicious southern cooking and a great brunch, The Fifth Ivory is a must dine spot while in town.

When talking about Brunch we can’t forget to mention some of our other favorite spots around town. Looking to make the perfect Bloody Mary this weekend? Head over to Einstein’s and enjoy the beautiful weather and their patio while attacking their Bloody Mar Bar. Want to make sure you load up on pancakes before Sunday Funday?  Then check out the All-You-Can-Eat Brunch served at Gilbert’s Saturday and Sunday for $11.95. Also look for the DJ Shane V spinning Sunday outside of the soon-to-be open 10th and Piedmont, the exciting new concept from Gilbert owners.

Thinking of Sushi? Then you’ll definitely want to check our Rusan’s Midtown, (1529 Piedmont Avenue NE). You’ll not only e able to satisfy your sushi cravings at this hotspot but pick up a copy of David Atlanta while you are there and show them the coupon in the back of the book and get $5 off your order. The only raw deal you should be getting is your sushi!!

Finally don’t forget that some of your favorite bars like Blake’s, Burkhart’s, Mixx, and Felix’s will be serving food throughout the day to help keep your party going.

Pride and Pride Parties

No need to lug that Pride Guide around with you everywhere you go. iPhone and Android Phone users can download the Official Atlanta Pride App for their phones. You can keep up with the Pride schedule wherever you go. Android users click here and iPhone users here.

Drag? Pride Parties? DJs? Special guests? The weekend is filled with so much to do when the sun goes down that it’s hard to keep track but we tried. Check out the list of Pride parties happening across the city here.