Step Out of the Norm Smyrna-Vinings Style

Promenade out for an evening at the theatre (this sounds superior when said in a faux-British accent) to see “The Dixie Swim Club” at The Strand Theatre in Marietta. This lighthearted, entertaining play features a gaggle of Southern belles who began their friendship decades ago on a college swim team. The ladies now meet once a year at a beach cottage in the Outer Banks to catch up, laugh, wax nostalgic and solve current problems. Performed by the Mount Paran Players, all proceeds from this play will benefit . “The Dixie Swim Club” will be presented Friday, August 12 and Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 8 p.m. There are also matinee shows on Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. Admission is $23 per person and $20 per person for groups. If you go on Friday night, an added bonus is Brew with a View on the Strand’s Rooftop Bar beginning at 6:00 p.m. Enjoy a frosty adult beverage and a spectacular view of Kennesaw Mountain and Glover Park while local acoustic alternative band Geisha Hit Squad provides background music.

Get in gear for the gridiron: The Atlanta Falcons are preparing to tackle the Miami Dolphins in their first preseason game on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. No worries if you’re not heading down to The Georgia Dome, because at The Galleria is a prime location to watch the big game. Multiple large screen plasma displays screening the game will be visible from everywhere in the restaurant and you’ll be in good company with a plethora of other Dirty Birds’ fans. Splurge on Buffalo wings served a whopping nine ways, or order surprisingly fresh and healthy salads, juicy burgers, and/or adult beverages. Eat, drink, and watch football. If Jock’s and Jill’s isn’t your style, try , or for your dose of the Falcons plus excellent food and beer.

You're so predictable. You decide to go out, and as if on autopilot, your car veers toward the same restaurant, where you order the same entree and drink combination. We challenge you to get out of your comfort zone and pilot your vehicle in the direction of…..exotic. Two excellent Indian eateries in our Patch are certainly worth your time and money, so be brave and break out of your dining rut. What these two lack in fancy surroundings, they more than make up for with the sumptuous sauces, rich spices and fiery heat of the length and breadth of India. on Cobb Parkway has been a mainstay of Indian families in our area for years, and it’s easy to see why. Specializing in Indian Homestyle cooking, Swapna’s lunch buffet is a popular destination for those who want to try a bit of everything. In the evening, the atmosphere ups the festive atmosphere with Bollywood music videos running on a big-screen TV in the bar (visible from the dining room) while guests ooh and ahh over the regional specialties concocted in the kitchen. Although Udipi Cafe has been in Atlanta since 1998, they are newcomers to our area. This is absolute nirvana for vegetarians, but meat eaters will also be in spice heaven at the sheer plethora of North and South Indian cuisine specialties. Fresh ingredients and authentically prepared appetizers, soups, dosai, curries, and house specialties like Malabar adai will hook you with the first bite.

After a long, hot, lazy summer of sleeping in, swimming, and eating bucketloads of ice cream, a return to school means a return to more structured activities for kids.  If your child is interested in football or cheerleading, bring them to check out the on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you and your child are searching for a low-pressure team sport activity with a super-high fun quotient, drop by First Baptist Church of Smyrna to sign up. Upward football and cheerleading league offers a Christian sports opportunity specifically designed for kindergartners through 10th grade, where salvation, character and self-esteem are emphasized. Early registration cost $100 and evaluation is necessary to determine uniform size. Practices, which begin Monday August 22, are only one hour a week, fitting easily into any family’s busy schedule. Games are on Saturdays starting September 10. For more information, call the church office at 770-435-3231.