In honor of the Best of SmyrnaVinings.com 2009, which is currently accepting nominations, I thought I’d list a few of my favorite things about the area my family calls home. I’ve mostly veered away from the awards categories in favor of making up a few of my own. Hopefully, reading about my favorite things will prompt you to come up with some of your own. Feel free to share by leaving a comment below, and don’t forget to cast your vote for the Best of SmyrnaVinings.com 2009!
Boutique: Oh, how I wish Ruby Jean’s were still around! The cute boutique in the little yellow house next to CVS on Atlanta Rd. always had something for every occasion I popped in to buy for. I have not had the opportunity to visit the new occupant – Emily’s Boutique, and so my current favorite is Pie In The Sky in the Market Village. The owner and her daughter are always so helpful, and I can never seem to leave empty handed.
Trivia: This one’s a tie between Vinings Grill and Bella’s. Both have fun announcers, questions that aren’t too hard, and family friendly atmospheres. And perhaps best of all, their trivia sessions don’t take all night. If you ever find yourself playing against Trivia Newton John, come by and say hello!
Playground – Indoor: Kangazoom in Vinings is fun, of course – who doesn’t love getting in giant inflatables and bouncing around. It’s fun even for adults. But, in the event the kids and I just want to get out of the house for a bit on a rainy day, the McDonald’s Play Place (on S. Cobb Dr. near Blockbuster) is the place to go. The employees are friendly, and the play area is large enough for parents to get in with their kids.
Playground – Outdoor: This is a tough call, but I’ll have to go with Kidscape Village. As my husband says, “It has everything, and a lot of it.” No waiting in line for swings. A variety of equipment for all ages. And a smaller, shadier playground a block away on the other side of the ball field.
Mexican – Love, love, love Mexico Lindo on S. Cobb Dr.! The food is great, the price is right, and they have balloons for the kids. Their trivia’s not bad either. Their top shelf mango margaritas are delish.
Thai – Don’t let the nondescript strip mall on Windy Hill between Cobb Pkwy and Atlanta Rd. fool you – it houses one of the city’s best Thai restaurants, Siam Square. Their green curry (I get it with tofu) is a must. Follow that with green tea ice cream and your palate will be pleased.
Fitness Center – L.A. Fitness on Cobb Pkwy wins my vote. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere isn’t intimidating, and best of all, my daughter loves the Kids Klub. Yes, it’s busy after work, but I can always manage to find time on the machine that I want.
Liquor Store – I left this one to my husband, who loves Smyrna World Beverage on S. Cobb Dr. close to the East-West Connector. Great prices. Great selection.
- Jennifer Dennard (http://www.twitter.com/SmyrnaGirl)
