Bike Rides, Latin Jazz and More in Smyrna-Vinings

Spice up an otherwise bland Thursday night with a little tropical heat at Local favorites Rua 6 kick up the heat a notch with their distinctive mix of Rumba Flamenca, Samba-reggae, bossa nova, funk and Brazilian. In a nutshell, Rua 6 will get the party started and keep it going strong with rollicking, swaggering, sensual Latin jazz. From 7-10 p.m. every Thursday, Social Vinings throws a South American fiesta with drink specials, terrific food and the most talked-about Latin jazz band in the ATL.

Sure, we know Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday are next week, but that’s no reason to stay away from Jazzy Fridays at . Go ahead and get a jump on celebrating, New Orleans-style this Friday night. How’s this for an extremely happy ‘Happy Hour?’ Imbibe delicious $5 martinis, nosh on $6 appetizers and groove to live music. From 6-9 p.m., $5 martini flavors are white chocolate, dark chocolate, apple, cosmopolitan and more. And Copeland’s brings on the jazzy wings, stuffed mushrooms, Cajun shrimp popcorn, bayou broccoli, and more for only $6 each, so knock yourself out.

Tour de Vinings: Make the most of the early spring weather with an exhilarating spin through our ‘hood on Saturday morning with Club's Vinings Saturday Loop. Meet at the Atlanta Cycling Vinings store at 10 a.m. for a moderate 22-mile ride winding through some of Atlanta’s most beautiful neighborhoods. No need to pretend you’re racing Lance Armstrong; Atlanta Cycling Club encourages riders to go at their own pace on the painted, easy-to-follow routes. Riders usually opt to meet for lunch following the ride. Call 770-952-7731 or check website for more details. 

After all the exertion of that “strenuous” bike ride mentioned above, why not swing by for brunch or lunch? This Atlanta institution is famed for their outrageously good blueberry crunchcakes, maple French toast, berry crepes, omelets, the “Goldie-Lox,” and signature breakfast skillets. If you’re trying to be virtuous in the arena of comfort food (without giving up taste), we suggest the breakfast parfait and the slow-cooked Irish oatmeal. Don’t forget the aromatic, delicious coffee. Servers deliver a whole carafe to your table so they can avoid constant refills.

Ciao, bella! If you’ve overlooked the unassuming exterior of Taverna Fiorentino, we urge you to run, not walk, to this amazing, tucked-away, Italian restaurant. Authentic Tuscan and Florentine specialties shine and dazzle here with their depth and texture. In addition to incredibly delicious food at good prices, Taverna Fiorentino now offers a prix-fixe Monday Night Dinner served family style in the Tuscan Room. Space is limited to the first 35 guests and seating begins at 5:30 p.m. Just $15 buys you a buffet of salad, bread, entrée and dessert. And get this: just a five spot buys you a bottomless glass of house red or white wine!