The 2nd Round Low-Down on how to Throw-Down in Atlanta *on a budget:

1. Piedmont Park: Walk anywhere along Piedmont Avenue in Atlanta on a weekend afternoon and you'll feel like you've encountered a little piece of NYC in the south. In fact, you wouldn't be too far off in imagining such a thing since this 189-acre park was actually designed by the architect of New York's Central Park. Piedmont Park offers miles of biking and hiking trails, as well as ample field space for frisbee and football games. The summer brings Shakespeare shows on the lawn, organic produce markets, and tons of outdoor activities that make this one hot spot for local fun. If you want a beer try Park Tavern (especially on rainy days when $1 drafts are sold). If you're in the mood for icecream try Jason's Deli, where free icecream is always available, no matter if you make a purchase. Beware: Piedmont Park is swarming on Sundays. Go early to stake your plot for game activity.

2. Loca Luna: Midtown's Loca Luna recently received a face-lift, capping on its current reputation as one of America's Top 10 Latin Bars. Loca Luna is a Restaurant/Lounge/Bar/Club (basically, everything and anything you want it to be) that offers some of the most splendid drinks and tapas menu items in all of Atlanta, including my favorites: fish tacos, empanadas, and caiprioskas. Dress code here is a little more dressy than usual. Guys should plan on wearing nice shirts and dress shoes. Girls: Think tons of hot Latin chicks and you'll know what to do. Loca Luna cool fact: Free valet parking is available, so you'll look pimp on a date if you drop off at the front door. Another cool fact: Plan on some party hardy if you go on a Friday night. This place starts pumping around 12:30-1:00 in the morning.

3. Chipotle: Best damn burrito in Atlanta, hands down. I don't care that McDonald's owns it. Those juicy carnitas, rolled up with warm rice (tossed in fresh cilantro..yum) and beans and salsa and guac absolutely make my day at least three times a week. If you're on a budget or working for free (like my cohorts and I), you might try Chipotle as your pre-party destination. Margaritas run for $3.50, while beers sell for just $2.50.

4. Stone Mountain, Georgia: I'll admit it: This is one weird place. Folks travel from all over to hike Georgia's Stone Mountain, the largest exposed granite dome in North America. And when I say they come to hike a granite dome, I mean nothing else but hiking one mile up a big fat rock. You'll be suprised at the scattered trees along the hike, which literally have roots planted in rock. Once at the top a stunning view of Atlanta and its surrounding area comes into view, making for one fab photo spot. My recommendation: go with friends, pack a picnic lunch, and plan on spending a few hours relaxing at the top. Also, don't forget to check out the massive stone carving of three Confederate generals (or, as my friend Jens called them, three big losers) around the front side of the mountain. Admission: Free.

5. The Carter Center: Former President Jimmy Carter happens to be my hero, so I think everyone should visit his pride and joy, The Carter Center. The Carter Center began in 1982 and a small team researchers immediately set to waging peace, fighting disease, building hope world-wide. Some 25 years later the efforts of the Center have contributed to the near erradication of guinea worm. The Carter Center has also monitored elections in more than 70 countries, helped over 8 million small scale farmers in Africa, and strengthened human rights throughout the world. Anyway - Georgia loves Jimmy Carter and Jimmy Carter loves Georgia. If you're in Atlanta you better stop by and represent. 

***Extra throw-down tip: Here in Atlanta we like to have climbing championships during any drinking adventure. The rule is to have one male stand post with knees slightly bent and arms locked. The second rule applies to the girl (or, whoever does the climbing), which is that you must climb over the shoulders and through legs of guy standing post in order to do a complete circle around his standing and unassisting body. No falling. I commend this lively game to all.