Shooting the 'Hooch: A summertime tradition

Summertime and the livin’ is easy. People from out of town and other assorted non-natives may be perplexed when someone uses the term “Shoot the Hooch.” The local lingo for a fun-filled rafting trip down the Chattahoochee River is a surefire fun afternoon activity with friends or family. By turns relaxing and interspersed with mild rapids, there’s always something happening on this section of the ‘Hooch. The appropriately named Shoot the Hooch company rents out rafts, canoes, kayaks and tubes for a day of outdoor water shenanigans.

High Country Outfitters also rents the equipment needed whether it be a two-, four-, six-, or an eight-person raft. The more, the merrier, so gather some buddies and pitch in for a unique weekend afternoon. Break out of your box,pack a cooler for lunch and beverages, slather on sunscreen, and get ready to enjoy yourself in the beautiful natural surroundings. High Country can also provide shuttle service if needed. Powers Island has conveniently easy river access and a tube will only set you back $30 for the day. $100 per day can buy a boatload of fun in the form of a 4-person raft. Advance reservations are strongly advised, especially on these long, sultry summer weekends when it seems like the whole ATL slows down.  

Known across the board as being a kid-friendly restaurant and therefore beloved by parental units everywhere, Chick Fil-A on South Cobb Drive invites your family to a Children’s Book Signing. On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m, authors from local company Holy Child Books will speak, sell, and sign their Christian-themed children’s books. Authors Londa Pressley, Sheila Hairston, and J. Cecil Anderson will read and promote their popular books "The ABC’s of the Holy Bible," "Edgar the Eagle." and "What Do I Say When I Pray?”

If you never knew that delicious, bubbly, alcoholic apple juice exists, a whole new world of refreshing is waiting for you at . For their Hard Cider Dinner, Executive Chef Branden Holte prepares a spectacularly delightful four course menu, beginning with Amuse Bouche (did you know that means "Amuse your Mouth" in French?). House Smoked Salmon with Fennel Apple Slaw, Spiced Poached Pear Salad  Goat Cheese, Mixed Greens & Sweet Apple Cider Vinaigrette, Steamed Mussels, and Smoked Beef Short Rib are some of the culinary offerings. All are imaginatively matched with a variety of sparkling ciders, tart in the mouth and bursting on the tongue. This dinner is  Tuesday, July 26th at 7 p.m., costs $45 per guest, and requires reservations. And if you “Walk the Line,” walk it all the way to Meehan’s in Sandy Springs tonight. Beginning at 7:30, they’re rolling out a five-course theme dinner centered around the Man in Black, Johnny Cash. Curious? So are we. Reservations are required, so call 404-843-8058.