by Jonathan Baker - 319 Reviews - 185 List
It's a miracle that no one was injured when the Midtown parking garage collapsed on June 29th. We're pretty sure that those who lost their cars in the wreckage are a bit shaken up, so we thought a snappy guide to affordable transportation might be in order. Plus, it leaves the car-less with plenty of insurance cash for a 'recovery? splurge.
Photo credit: CBS Atlanta
Updated: June 30, 2009
It hasn't been that long since the bicycle was your primary mode of transportation. And you weren't scared to parade your two-wheeler through your `hood, to friends? houses and neighborhood parks. Embrace that inner pre-teen and buy a sleek on-road warrior ... and a helmet. Not only can you peddle the bike right into your office (!!) but it'll improve your health, two-for-one.
Perhaps a move is in your future after the deck trauma. No better way to combat the parking situation than by going strictly on foot. And there is no better walk-able / live-able `hood than Decatur. Not only does the square have plenty of restaurant and bar options, but it's the single place where Marta is actually convenient!
If your car is stuck in that pile, go ahead and get used to this place: the Civic Center Marta Station! Our horrible public transportation system can be tough to navigate, but it does have a Midtown stop, is cheaper than driving and is better for the environment. As a bonus, let someone else battle traffic in the mornings and afternoon while you enjoy a book or an iPod.
This bed and breakfast might be in Midtown, but it feels like it's from another time and place. Waking up on super-high-quality linens as the smell of bacon drifts from the kitchen will make you forget that you almost left earth via a parking deck accident. Spacious suites, with vintage pieces and six-nozzle showers deliver privacy in the right places.
Thanks to the insurance company, you should have large sum of money now in the bank. We suggest flaking on whatever financial planning you thought was a good idea, and instead dropping a few hundos on a spectacular dinner. Namely: Bacchanalia. It's about 80 bucks a person before the wine pairings, but who cares? You are alive, so enjoy it!
If you can't find a way to burn through that insurance check at Lenox Mall, there is something wrong with you. From high-end shops like Michael Kors and French Connection to the money trap also know as the Apple Store, Lenox has you covered with plenty of spots to spend your cash. We also suggest heading a block down Peachtree for a dinner at Craft.
Spa treatments are something our body could probably use more often regardless. And considering the near brush with death, we expect all you near-misses to be a little high strung these days. May we suggest a treatment or four at Bliss Spa? Massages, shrink wraps, pedicures--let the spa heal what ails you.
