A new year often brings about great change, mostly for the better and one of Atlanta’s most historic and visited attractions is getting an upgrade just in time to kick off 2011 in a truly festive way. Underground Atlanta announced that new businesses are opening to get patrons to come back downtown for all their recreational fun and free time. Within the last few years, Underground Atlanta has unfortunately been plagued by crime and unsavory individuals. However, with a new mayor, new police staff and new businesses, Underground Atlanta is hoping to become the hotspot it once was. With these new additions, I think they are definitely on the right track.

Last week here in Atlanta we made history and set new record-breaking numbers as “Snow Storm 2011” plowed into the city with full force. The entire city was on advised and forced lockdown, due to the massive nine and 10 inches that blanketed Atlanta streets, highways, homes and the like. In short, we received enough snow over the past week to know how to spend a snow day and where the best places and activities are to ensure that you bring out your inner kid and play in the snow with reckless abandon. Seeing that it is highly likely that Atlanta will see more snow before Old Man Winter decides to pack up and leave, I have compiled a timely list of the best ways to enjoy the snow in Atlanta and make memories for years to come!

With the influx of culinary competitions, programs and reality shows, Americans have become quite familiar with some of the best chefs in the country due to seeing their faces and witnessing their skills displayed across our television screen as a means of entertainment. By far the most popular of the culinary domination in television belongs to that of Bravo’s Top Chef that has not only taught many amateurs the proper techniques for preparing fine dining, but it has also created a new generation of celebrity chefs who see their own restaurants or ones that they head up, shoot to the top of the “must eat” list before they have even exited the popular show. Ironically, here in Atlanta we have a few celebrity chefs that not only reside in our Southern metropolis, but are also Executive Chefs and owners of some of the hottest restaurants in the city and just so happen to be Top Chef Alums. If you like a little famous sparkle with your food, enjoy the list of the top celebrity chefs in Atlanta. Bon Appétit!

The classic fairytale graces the Atlanta stage at the Fox Theatre. This timeless love story about learning to love and appreciate those that are different, is one of Disney’s most popular classics and one that has been told countless times and various ways, from the big and small screen and of course live on stage. However, the story never gets old and with each new incarnation and performance a new generation falls in love with the lovely Belle and her Beast. So gather up your friends, family and all the little girls in your life and get your tickets to an American treasure.

Be prepared to add a little sexiness between the pages of one of the hottest new book releases around. Author Karen Abbott’s latest book American Rose: A Nation Laid Bare: The Life and Times of Gypsy Rose Lee, rehashes the life, loves, groundbreaking career milestones and scandals that plagued the popular burlesque star. On January 18 at 7 p.m. Acapella Books presents their regular Ballroom Book Bash held at The Highland Inn Ballroom Lounge where Abbott will perform a special reading of her novel as well as answers questions from the audience. This book is definitely a great addition to any reader’s book list this year. If nothing else, maybe we could learn some of those legendary burlesque moves popularized by Ms. Lee…you never know when it comes in handy!

The wait is finally over. The woman, the music and the legend has returned. The one and only Ms. Lauryn Hill will finally grace Atlanta with her presence to a sold out show on January 14 at Center Stage. Within a matter of minutes this show was completely sold out, with the lucky ticket-holders giddy with anticipation to see the most successful female hip hop artist of all time and record-breaking female GRAMMY award winner, Lauryn Hill bless the stage with her amazing vocals and one of a kind rap flows. It goes without saying that every Atlanta music insider and numerous celebrities will be in the house to experience the performance of the incomparable Ms. Hill. You may not have tickets, but you will definitely hear about this show for quite some time.

Start your New Year off rockin’ as rock legends Linkin Park bring their incredible music and live stage show to Atlanta’s Philips Arena on January 23 at 7 p.m. Expect to hear and sing along to your favorite hits as you experience a one of a kind live show that is sure please longtime adoring fans and even casual listeners. Get ready to headbang with fellow Atlanta rock enthusiasts and Linkin Park fans. The weather here in Atlanta may be ice cold, but the temperature at the Linkin Park concert is sure to be blazin’ hot! Don’t miss out, get your tickets now!

It’s really hard not to love children, especially those that are suffering from unfortunate illnesses and afflictions. That’s why the Vinings Gallery and The Melting Pot have created the Paint the Town event, taking place January 22 at 7 p.m., to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Pure Imagination Charity. There is always an appropriate time to give and helps those in need and this lovely event is guaranteed to make the lives of many sick Georgia children a little bit better with the help of the giving hearts that are known to populate Atlanta.

Here is your chance to live out your inner rockstar dreams as you enter to win a VIP treatment to music’s biggest pre-party in Atlanta. The W Atlanta Downtown has joined forces with The Recording Academy Atlanta Chapter for their GRAMMY nominee VIP reception taking place later this month. Channel your inner rocker, sultry singer or music business mogul and enter to win the ultimate 24 hours in Atlanta! The Grammy Awards is the music industry’s biggest night and now all of us regular people have an awesome chance to be apart of something that you will remember forever. What are you waiting for? Get up and enter, time is running out!