Crusin' with Cocktails

Hurricane Irene (the fact that it's a family name has made us giggle, hehe) is ripping up quite a storm out there right now. I feel badly for all those soon-to-be cruisers who have had their trips moved around a bit, but from the looks of (my fav) Carnival's site, at least the cruise-lines are making good on keeping them safe and out of the way of the rain! The great thing about cruising is that if there is a storm, that's ok, there's some other island nearby (usually) with the same zip-lining, snorkeling or exploring to do. Plus, if it happens to rain, you have plenty of bars, food and entertainment all around you on the ship! So here's hoping those vacationers all still have a blast out there while the storm hopefully avoids the U.S. coastlines ... ack!

Those of us in land-locked Atlanta may not have a cruise to look forward to, but we can at least play pretend with an upcoming soiree right here in our neighborhood of Buckhead! In it's second year, the ASO Bravo! Casino Night is a great way to imagine the festivities of the high seas while being just a cab ride away from your home.

I went to the event last year and had an absolute blast. The group holds this young professionals-targeted fundraiser at a fun, unusual location, the Mercedes-Benz dealer in Buckhead on Piedmont Road. We got to enter on a red carpet, and so we dressed the part for the black-tie theme:

What do you think of my dress? It's a homemade classic, believe it or not, from my mom! I wore it in high school, but like it even better now that I can swank it up outside of the Homecoming dress code restrictions :P

The best part about the night, other than all of that gambling with our complimentary chips, of course, was that there was both an open bar and a great live band. All of that for just $65, and I think you've got your night pretty much made right there. Tell me another place where you can get all of that for a night out on the town at that level - I bet it'd be hard to come up with.

This year, the Bravo! Group is stepping it up and bringing on Grey Goose as the liquor sponsor, and they are also introducing a new theme - Nautical Cruise Cocktail! How fun. I can't wait to bust out (read: borrow from my trendier friends) some Yacht Rock attire.

Who else is in?

Here are the deets: 

Sail away with Bravo! Cruisin’ Casino Night
October 21, 2011 at the Mercedes Benz of Buckhead, 2799 Piedmont Road NE, 30305
Departure: 8 pm – Midnight
Tourist Ticket: $65 per person with $5000 Casino Cash
High Roller Ticket: $85 per person with $7500 Casino Cash, private game table, and swag bag