2005 Index of Winners

It’s all too easy to find knock-off handbags, home furnishings and more that claim to be unique, yet inexplicably line every window and display case in the mall. But over at BEEHIVE CO-OP, things are a little different. The co-op showcases clothing, accessories, jewelry, furniture, home decor, bath and body products, and even kids’ stuff, all made by local and regional artists. With each artisan renting a space and sharing the duties of minding the store, prices for the literally unique items stay reasonable. Stop in the first Friday evening of each month for a fashion show, refreshments and 15 percent off your purchase.
1831-A Peachtree Road. 404-351-1166. www.beehiveco-op.com.

For its second full year under artistic director Jasson Minadakis, ACTOR’S EXPRESS lived up to its rep as Atlanta’s most vital theatrical venue. Bookended by the darkly comic Killer Joe (the season’s most delightfully disturbing play) and the more challenging examination of Southern character, Hazard County, Actor’s Express produced the plays most likely to start arguments — in a good way. Even the shows that didn’t quite click, like The Love Song of J. Robert Oppenheimer, had more ambition and ideas than most other playhouses’ best successes.
887 W. Marietta St., Suite J-10. 404-607-7469. www.actorsexpress.com.

While the CD market is fading in the MP3 era, you wouldn’t know it at ELLA GURU, an expansive storefront tucked into a pleasant corner of the Toco Hills shopping center. The store doesn’t hedge its bets by selling vinyl, concert tickets or comic books; it’s all CDs, all the time, with the occasional in-store appearance. Don’t go expecting an edgy atmosphere — or the attitude that goes with it — just one of the larger selections of used and new CDs in town. If you’re selling, Ella Guru pays close to the local top dollar, and its own prices are pretty reasonable, considering that even Best Buy has jacked up costs for new music.
2993 N. Druid Hills Road. 404-325-1350. www.ellaguru.com.

Crowded into a narrow space in the heart of Little Five Points, WAX ‘N’ FACTS is home to thousands of vinyl records, new and used CDs, imports, DVDs, music magazines and posters. This is as close to an old-fashioned record store as you’ll likely ever see because the emphasis is on used, new and collectible records. The staff knows its stuff; there’s no searchable database or website of any kind. Proprietor Danny Beard has been selling records for longer than many of his customers have been alive, and he still takes the time to actively support the music scene.
432 Moreland Ave. 404-525-2275.