Distinctive Diversions

Entertaining options that go beyond a round of golf

by Katie Kelly Bell

September 1, 2005

A day on the golf course bonding with clients is rarely the perfect outing for professional women and their female clients. The challenge, then, is how to come up with other diversions (aside from eating) that provide a pleasant social experience for you and your client to enjoy together. Here are some innovative and creative activities that will provide the bonding experience men get on the golf course.

Get Moving
If your client or prospect runs, why not run along? Tami Driggers, president of First Horizon Bank admits to asking clients to meet her for a morning run. "It's a great way to catch up, stay fit and connect socially, as well as professionally," she says.

Driggers also takes clients shoe shopping at Nordstrom (Phipps Plaza, (404) 442-3000; Perimeter Mall, (770) 394-1141; Mall of Georgia, (678) 546-1122), a shoe lover's paradise that's known for carrying the best selection in the city. "I have clients who love shoes, and Nordstrom is the place to go," she says. At any given time there are over 60 different brands and more than 400 pairs of shoes on display. Plus, there's a huge range of sizes (4.5 to 13), with a fair selection of widths from super slim or double-wide. "We dine in the café, then head to the shoe department," says Driggers. "While we try on shoes we chat and talk some business."
 
Shop 'Til We Drop
Atlanta is a shopper's paradise boasting something for everyone.

Foodies will love the selection of exotic gourmet goods at Star Provisions inside Bacchanalia (1198 Howell Mill Rd., (404) 365-0410). Then, cap off the afternoon with a seven-course meal at the luxurious adjacent restaurant, Quinones at Bacchanalia.

Textile lovers will never forget the overwhelming selection of decorator fabrics and trims at textile warehouses Forsyth Fabrics (1190 Foster Rd., (404) 351-6050) or Lewis and Sheron Textiles (912 Huff Rd., (404) 351-4833). Lewis and Sheron has one of the largest silk collections in the city, while Forsyth features one of the largest trim departments.
 
Spa Treatment
It takes far less time for a spa treatment (or two) than a round of golf, and the aftereffects are far more pleasant. Many spas serve a lunch followed by a variety of treatments. The lemongrass body scrub or Rejuvenation Body Polish at Natural Body Spa (locations throughout the city), will show any client how appreciative you are of their business.

Personal Cooking Classes
Hire a chef to come to your home and entertain your clients. LITkitchen (www.litkitchen.com), will create any cooking concept you request. LITkitchen brings the utensils, food and all cookware, leaving you ample time to socialize with customers.

If you are entertaining a foodie, Rathbun's (112 Krog St., (404) 524-8280) offers a full day of cooking instruction with famed Chef Kevin Rathbun at the helm. After a day of work, students get to enjoy the fruits of their labors with an 8-course meal.


Antique Shopping At Scott's And Lakewood
Both markets are famous throughout the Southeast.

Amateur and serious antique lovers will appreciate the vast variety of high-quality European goods at Scott Antique Market (Atlanta Expo Centers, 3650 Jonesboro Rd., Atlanta, (740) 569-2800) the largest series of indoor antique shows in the world. Find china, silver, baskets, rugs, paintings, light fixtures, jewelry and more. Prices are best on Sunday afternoons when dealers are packing up for the weekend. It's open Thursday through Sunday, the second weekend of every month.

Lakewood's (2000 Lakewood Ave., Atlanta, (404) 622-4488) flea-market atmosphere is a fun setting for the array of kitsch, furniture, collectibles, stained glass, doors, windows, mirrors, fireplace mantels and more. It's open Thursday through Saturday, the third weekend of every month.

Chamblee Antiques Row, featuring the Broad Street Antiques Market, and Bennett Street in Buckhead are two parts of town that offer antiquing on a daily basis. Many showrooms are by appointment only, so call ahead to check. Another favorite is Queen's Garden (6445 Roswell Rd., (404) 255-4214; 854 N. Atlanta St., Roswell, (770) 998-1618), a treasure trove of everything from gifts to clothing to decorative accessories and antique furniture.

Put A Twist On The Traditional
Mary Reynolds, president of The Reynolds Group public relations firm, believes in putting a twist on traditional experiences. "You want them to feel special, so instead of a dinner, we try to attend a wine dinner or a private chef's table," she says. Park 75 at The Four Seasons Hotel (75 14th St., (404) 881-9898), boasts a chef's table that seats eight in the middle of its expansive kitchen. Reynolds also recommends the Atlanta Botanical Garden (1345Piedmont Rd., (404) 876-5859). "You can enjoy the scenery and actually have a conversation," she says. 


Consult With The Experts
Courtnay Bazemore, accountant for Windham Brannon, describes her experience at a private lecture featuring a Feng Shui expert. "We sipped wine at Storehouse at Lenox Square and listened to her discuss the principals of Feng Shui. It was a great event," says Bazemore. "I've also enjoyed private tours of the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory," she says. The Carlos Museum is at 571 South Kilgo Circle, (404) 727-4282.

Sounds Like Fun
Chastain Park Amphitheatre (4469 Stella Dr., (404) 733-5000), offers tables for rent during the summer concert series. Rent a table for 10, invite spouses, set out the candles, pick up a catered meal and wine for an evening of music under the Atlanta sky. Best bet for tickets for the ASO series are online at atlantaconcerts.com or classicchastain.com.