Meehan’s Public House is hosting its first annual Beer, Bourbon and Barbecue Festival Saturday, March 3 just a few miles from Tribute Lofts.  The fun begins at noon Atlantic Station, where Meehan’s will open its fourth location in late spring. Barbecue will be provided by restaurants from all over the city, and Meehan’s will provide a tasting of more than 60 beers and 40 bourbons.

Click here for more information about the event, or click here to follow Meehan’s downtown location on Facebook.

The days are finally getting longer, which leaves more time after work for walks and bike rides around the surrounding downtown neighborhoods.

We repeatedly hear that residents selected Tribute Lofts because of its walkable and friendly neighborhood.  But it’s still important to keep safety in mind when you’re out and about.

Below are tips on personal safety from Crime Stoppers Atlanta.

• Plan your routes and always tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you plan to return.
• Carry a cell phone or know where the nearest telephones are located on your route.
• Always carry identification.
• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. If something looks odd, trust your gut and change direction or leave.
• Always use well-lit, well-populated areas.
• Stay away from areas that offer muggers and criminals places to hide, i.e., overgrown trails, deserted streets and alleyways, poor lit areas with lots of shadows, etc.
• Go with a partner or a dog.
• Be wary of cars that ask for directions. If you answer, keep your distance from the car.
• Don’t wear headsets. Always listen to your surroundings.
• Trust your instincts – if you feel uneasy, leave immediately!

Click here to read the full article.

Though we repeatedly see versions of this popular headline, it’s one that never gets old for homebuyers: Home buying is the most affordable in decades.

Below is an excerpt from recent CNN Money article that listed the latest affordability data.

Buying a home is now more affordable than it has been in the last twenty years.

Thanks to continued declines in home prices and rock-bottom mortgage rates, the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index hit a record level of affordability.

According to the index, 75.9% of all new and existing homes sold during the three months ended Dec. 31 could have been comfortably purchased by families earning the national median income of $64,200.

That was the highest percentage recorded in the 20-year history of the index, and a sharp increase from just three months earlier when 72.9% of all homes sold were considered affordable.

Click here to read the full article, which lists the most and least affordable locations.

The Georgia Aquarium’s “Science on Tap” series, presented by Heineken, is an evening lecture series where guests are invited to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and beverages in Georgia Aquarium’s Oceans Ballroom while hearing first-hand accounts of interesting experience with marine life and the oceans around us.  Two interesting lectures are taking place next week:

Science on Tap with American Academy of Forensic Sciences
Feb. 20 from 6:30 – 8 p.m.
A panel of underwater forensic scientists from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences will discuss the real forensic science behind underwater crime scene investigations and the forensics related to other high profile cases, as told by those who were intimately involved. Learn more.

Member: Buy Now
Non-Member: Buy Now

Science on Tap – Jewels from the Sea: The Majestic Queen Conch’s Story
Speakers: Megan Davis, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Florida Atlantic University
Feb. 23 from 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Mollusks such as oysters, scallops, conch and abalone are not only delicious to eat, but they also form beautiful pearls. For many centuries, pearls have been a favorite fashion gem on the worldwide market and come in many colors, shapes and sizes. Whether the pearl is natural or cultured, it is formed due to a shelly secretion that covers an irritant. Freshwater pearls are the most abundant and saltwater pearls from oysters are very valuable and are cultured all over the world. Recently Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University scientists were the first to reliably produce queen conch cultured pearls. These pearls come in shades of pink, orange and white and have a beautiful luster with a flame-like pattern. This presentation will cover how pearls are formed, the history of cultured pearls, and Harbor Branch’s cultured queen conch pearl success. The biology and importance of queen conch in the seagrass meadows of Florida Keys and the Caribbean will also be part of the story. Learn more.

Member: Buy Now
Non-Member: Buy Now

 

It’s finally feeling more like winter, so you’ll probably be stuck indoors for much of the month.  Might as well make the most of your time inside with a little DIY home improvement!

In this recent article, the Stylist Home listed 21 ways that your iPhone, iPad and Android can help you with decorating, home repairs and crafts.  Below are a few helpful apps:

• Dream Home — This app contains beautiful high quality photos of fantastic interior designs to keep you inspired. There is no internet required (other than for updates), they add more photos on a weekly basis and the slideshow navigation is very easy. Available for iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch ($0.99) and Android ($1.99).
• Houzz Interior Design Ideas — With over 200,000 high quality interior design images, Houzz is a one-stop shop for inspiration. With this app you have full access to their photo libraries and can save images to virtual idea books. Available for iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch (Free).
• iHome HD — A wide array of stunning interiors to instantly inspire you. Available for iPad (Free preview or full version for added cost).
• HGTV Color Guide — Get tips from the pro’s with this app that not only provides wonderfully color inspiration and guidelines from HGTV stars, but includes 5 interactive and informative color articles. Available for iPad (Free).
• Palettes — This app is perfect for both creating and maintaining color palettes because you can grab color schemes from photographs or websites, can manually add colors using different color models and can store as many palettes as you want. Available for iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch (Free to $5.99 depending on level).
• The Home Depot — As any DIY-er knows, finding supplies can be a hassle. With this app, you can research and purchase your tools, can search the store inventory to see what is in stock, can scan barcodes while in the store and you’ll have access to hundreds of Home Depot DIY videos/how-tos. Available for iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch (Free) and Android (Free).
• iHandy Level — Hanging a photo? Putting up a shelf? Make sure your angles are straight with this nifty (and free) digital level. Available for iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch (Free) and Android (Free).
• Handy Man DIY — You’ll never have to do math again with this app! Just input/store room measurements and the app will calculate how much paint, flooring or trim you need for a project. You can also watch useful and detailed how-to videos for a wide array of projects. Available for iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch ($1.99).
• inchCALC — Never convert measurements to decimals again. With this calculator you can input dimensions in centimeters or inches in fraction form, and you can even input things in squared form. Available for iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch ($1.99).
• Space Planning Tool — We’ve all been there, you buy a couch and think it will fit, only to realize it is too large. With this app, that will never happen again! You can input room dimensions and create floor plans, make shopping lists, input fabrics/colors/finishes, and more. Available for iPhone/iPod Touch ($1.99) and a different version called ‘Mark on Call’ is available for the iPad.
• Photo Measures — Take a photo of an object or room and write the measurements directly over it, thereby keeping all your measurements in one mobile place and removing the need for elaborate sketches. Available for iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch ($4.99).
• SketchBook Pro — Sketch your projects, ideas and inspirations with this pro-level digital sketchbook. Available for iPad ($4.99) and Android ($4.99).
• Fabric U — This is a great app for the beginner seamstress. Not only does it provide valuable information about 120 well-known fabrics, but it also contains links to videos about which fabrics are best suited for different projects. Available for iPhone/iPad ($2.99).
• Yardage Calc — Yardage Calc will estimate the yardage needed when the width of a fabric is not listed, will convert yards to meters and visa versa. A great tool for the frequent fabric shopper. Available for iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch ($2.99).
• Fabric Stash — Take a photo of your fabric purchases and stash them in this mobile inventory. You can write any details that you want down, including make or yardage in stock, and can organize by color, style, project, etc. Available for iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch ($4.99).
• Sewing Guide — Perfect for the beginner or a seasoned sewer who might need a reminder, this app contains a well of information about the basics and not-so-basics of sewing, from how to assemble a kit to adding a zipper or creating a slipcover. Available for Android ($1.37 right now, but normally $12.99).

Looking for something unique to do on Valentine’s Day?  Or wondering how to impress your date by subtly showing off your good deeds?

Attend the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s Supper Club on February 14 at Alma Cocina, which is located downtown and offers a refreshing new approach to modern Mexican cuisine.  Specials will be served between 11am and 3pm (lunch) and 5 and 11pm (dinner), and 20% of your tab will be donated back to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. For reservations, call 404-968-9662 or click here.

Break your typical lunch routine in February and enjoy the sounds of some of Atlanta’s most talented music makers – for free!

Students from the Georgia State University School of Music will perform at the Florence Kopleff Recital Hall (10 Peachtree Center Ave. NE) at noon on Monday, February 13.  And the Rialto Center hosts its Lunchtime Learning Performing Arts Series at noon on Wednesday, February 15.  Click here and here for more information.

Bring your lunch, kick back and escape from your workday while listening to Atlanta’s up-and-coming musical talent – even if it is only for an hour.

You probably know that Tribute Lofts’ neighborhood, the Old Fourth Ward, as well as the surrounding downtown area, has a very rich history.  But do you know the details?

American Heritage Trolley Tours takes guests on a narrated tour of the highlights and historical sites of downtown Atlanta. The tour on an air-conditioned vintage trolley leaves daily from Centennial Olympic Park (across from the end of Harris Street) at 11 a.m., though it’s recommended that guests arrive about 10 minutes early.  The tour lasts 75 minutes.

Tours are $22 for adults, $20 for students and seniors, $10 for children ages 3 to 12 and $5 for children under 3. Call 404-752-7340 to make reservations. Click here for more information.

The World of Coke, one of Atlanta’s biggest attractions, recently welcomed its 5 millionth visitor at its Pemberton Place location, which is just a few blocks from Tribute Lofts.

The 60,000-square-foot facility features more than 1,200 artifacts from around the world, including a circa 1880s soda fountain, 1939 Coca-Cola delivery truck and more.  Interactive exhibits include a 4-D movie motion-activated video wall, a fully functioning bottle line and a sampling center with more than 60 different Coca-Cola products from around the world.

Click here for more information about Atlanta’s most visited indoor attraction.  The World of Coke is an easy Marta ride from Tribute Lofts.

 

Even with Tribute Lofts’ active and involved community, neighbors may go weeks between seeing each other due to varying work schedules, weekend travel and individual interests.

But a new social network may help neighbors stay connected.  NextDoor.com is a free private network that allows neighbors to connect online, ask for help and recommendations, share news and more.  A recent Atlanta Journal-Constitution article listed several Atlanta neighborhoods that are quickly adapting to this local networking that offers a more secure level of privacy than Facebook.

Click here to learn more about the network and invite your Tribute Lofts neighbors to connect online.