By Brooke Phillips
Whether you love it or dread it, once a year you can’t avoid it: New Year’s Eve! New Year’s 2008 in Atlanta will once again have something for everyone, from restaurant dinners, hotels deals, hot dance parties and of course, The Peach Drop.
The Fabulous Fox Theatre presents Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi’s “South Stew Revival.” These married musicians put on a mean show of slinging guitars and soulful singing steeped in blues, roadhouse rock and American roots. With special guest Sun Ra Arkestra. Showtime is 9 p.m., and tickets are $35-$45., 404-881-2100, ticketmaster.com
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra New Year’s Eve – From Bohème to Broadway! features popular songs from ASO concerts, opera and Broadway performed by singers from the New York stage. Toast the New Year with a complimentary glass of champagne following the show. Concert begins at 8 p.m. 404-733-4900, atlantasymphony.org
Trader Vic’s “Intergalactic Jet-setter Luau” New Year’s Eve 2008 with house band Tongo Hiti and the Dames-A-Flame dancers features the oddly alluring MonkeyZuma and DJ Swivel. A special dinner menu is available for $50 per person (mai-tais are $4.50). Wear your favorite intergalactic outfit – prizes for the best costume will be awarded. 404-221-6339, tradervicsatlanta.com
Countdown Atlanta 2009 at The Woodruff Arts Center is promising an amazing light show, multiple DJs, cash bars, four party areas and live performers between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. General admission is $60 and includes buffet, music, countdown and access to all party zones, except VIP. 866-468-7630, countdownatlanta.com
The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead, will be offering special New Year’s Eve menus in both the Ritz Café and The Dining Room. Dinner in the café (seating between 6 and 6:30 p.m.) will be a four-course prix fixe menu for $75 per person, with a special wine pairing available for an additional $55 per person. Another seating in the café will be offered from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., featuring a five-course prix fixe menu for $130 per person. The Dining Room will also have two seatings. The first is at 5:30 p.m. for a four-course menu for $170 per person. The second seating at 8:30 p.m. is for a seven-course meal at $285 per person. Live entertainment will provide music in the lobby throughout the evening. Reservations required. 404-237-2700, ritzcarlton.com
Rathbun’s restaurant is offering a five-course prix fixe dinner menu (with choices) for $85 per person. Sample menu items include ahi tuna wontons, foie gras torchon, seared diver scallops, Chilean sea bass, roasted duck, veal chops and beef tournedos. Reservations required. 404-524-8280, rathbunsrestaurant.com
The Omni Hotel at CNN Center invites you to “French Kiss New Year’s Eve.” You and a guest can have a romantic French dinner for two, a bottle of Nicolas Feuillate champagne, a French toast breakfast and more for $380 per night. 404-659-000, omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/AtlantaCNNCenter/SpecialOffers/FrenchKiss.aspx
The Hyatt Regency Atlanta hosts “The Downtown Countdown” to 2009, which offers six party areas, themed rooms, three VIP lounges, live music and DJs spinning all night long. The all-inclusive party ticket ($109) covers five and a half hours of open bar, a buffet dinner, late night breakfast, party favors, access to all areas of entertainment, and Atlanta’s largest balloon drop at midnight. 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.; 21 or older event, dressy casual. Prices increase as the event gets closer. General admission tickets: $109-$169; VIP tickets: $175-$275. 800-422-7295, downtowncountdown.net/atlanta/welcome.htm
The Peach Drop, an Atlanta tradition for almost 20 years now, takes place at Underground Atlanta. It is the largest New Year’s celebration in the Southeast, attracting thousands of people. The peach itself weighs over 800 lbs and is more than 8 ft. tall. This event is open to all ages. Live entertainment begins at 6 p.m. and continues through the evening. Bars and clubs will be open until 4 a.m. Dancing with the Stars’ Julianne Hough will also be performing live. 404-523-2311, peachdrop.com
