Atlanta offers a diverse range of things to do that won’t break your bank, allowing you to have fun in a budget-friendly way. In an effort to give your savings account some time to bounce back from holiday spending, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution compiled a list of a few hidden gems in the city that cost less than $20 to enjoy.
Atlanta Gladiators
Stay warm this New Year with Georgia’s hottest team on ice as the Atlanta Gladiators continue to make its run for the playoffs towards a championship. As the former ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers, Atlanta’s heritage hockey team now operates in the Boston Bruins’ minor league system and offers a look at talented, up-and-coming hockey players at an affordable price. If you’ve ever wanted to sit on the glass to catch one of the fastest and most physical games played, this is your move — and the experience won’t cost much.
Website lists game days, times and giveaways. $17+. Infinite Energy Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 770-497-5100, atlantagladiators.com.
Millennium Gate Museum
You may have driven by Atlantic Station and seen the building that looks similar to the Arch of Titus in Rome, but have you ventured inside? The Millennium Gate Museum pays tribute to the best of classical design and the civic spirit of Atlanta, where much of the city’s early architecture arose during the Classical Revival of the early 19th century. Among the artifacts in the museum are: two leaves of the Bodmer Papyri (the oldest partial copy of the Bible known to exist) on loan from the Vatican, a ladderback chair made by Paul Revere and 3-D technology that allows visitors to experience the 2014 Winston Churchill painting exhibition that was hosted at The Gate. The Gate also hosts world-class art and history exhibitions every year.
10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. $12 for general admission, $10 for seniors, students or military, and kids ages 6 and under are free. 395 17th St. NW, Atlanta. 404-881-0900, thegatemuseum.org.
Laughing Skull Lounge
The “world’s smallest full-time comedy club” is located in the back of The Vortex Midtown and features shows seven nights a week. The club’s most popular show, the Best of Atlanta Comedy Showcase, has a special matinee showtime every Sunday at 2 p.m. for $15. Come see 10 of the city’s best comedians with $4 mimosas and $5 bloody marys to make for the perfect Sunday afternoon. Every Monday through Wednesday, Laughing Skull Lounge hosts an Open Mic night with the shows being composed of local Atlanta comedians, visiting national comedians and people trying comedy for the very first time. Saturdays at 5 p.m, the club is home to three monthly non-traditional shows: “Jokin’ Off: A Comedy Battle,” “You Look Like: A Comedy Roast Battle” and “Afternoon Delight: A Feature Comedy Showcase.”
8 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday; 5, 8, and 10:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. $12-$45. Laughing Skull Lounge, 878 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta (in the back of The Vortex Midtown). whatup@laughingskulllounge.com, laughingskulllounge.com.
Trap Music Museum
Trap music is one of the hottest genres to come out of Atlanta in the last decade and one of its inventors, T.I., (hat tip to Gucci Mane, Young Jeezy and Shawty Redd) opened an interactive-museum experience where you can peruse his famed gun closet, reflect about the late rapper Nipsey Hussle on his commemorative bench, and sit atop 2 Chainz’s pink “Pretty Girls Like Trap Music” box Chevy as well as put your detective skills to the test in Escape the Trap, a trap-theme escape room. The popular destination sees thousands of patrons each weekend, especially for those looking for a cool Instagram picture.
4:00 p.m.- midnight. Friday; noon-midnight Saturday; 2-10 p.m. Sunday. $10. Trap Music Museum; 630 Travis St. NW, Atlanta. trapmusicmuseum.us. (Note: Escape The Trap is by reservation only.)
Rugby ATL
Gear up to watch Atlanta’s first Major League Rugby team take to the field in its inaugural season this February at the club’s home at Life University’s Lupo Family Field in Marietta. Under Head Coach Scott Lawrence and with youth on the team’s side, the club aims to develop players that will go on to represent at the national level with the majority of the club’s players hailing from the United States. Gamedays include cornhole, live music and vendors. The club’s first official home game is Feb. 9, with a home exhibition game Sunday at 2 p.m.
Website lists match dates and gate times. $20-$175. Lupo Family Field, Life University, 1494 Barclay Circle, Marietta. rugbyatl.rugby.
Eddie’s Attic Open Mic
The Eddie’s Attic Open Mic is easily among the most popular open mics in the country with previous performers including John Mayer, Jennifer Nettles (Sugarland) and Saleka Shyamalan. The venue in downtown Decatur is a proper listening room and isn’t afraid to make sure the environment caters to the musicians as much (if not more) as it caters to the customers.
Doors open 7 p.m. doors and show at 7:30 p.m. every Monday. $5-$6.25. Eddie’s Attic, 515 N. McDonough St., Decatur. 404-377-4976, eddiesattic.com.
Georgia Hemp Company
Had a stressful 2019 and looking to explore the hype of CBD in 2020? Swing by The Georgia Hemp Company in Sandy Springs to visit the cafe-style shop, knowledgeable staff and diverse range of CBD products. Sit at the bar, and dive into their range of sparkling waters with a can of Cirrus, made in Atlanta, or Queen City Hemp sparkling water. Another local beverage you can grab is Kill Cliff Recovery. If you are looking for more of an introduction to CBD, the Georgia Hemp Company is a good place to start.
10 a.m.-8p.m. Monday- Saturday; Sunday 1-6 p.m. 290 Hilderbrand Dr. B-3, Sandy Springs. 404-343-2796, thegeorgiahempcompany.com.