Normally, these short winter months in Atlanta are fairly dreary - with cold weather, rain and yes, we do even get snow or ice once in a lifetime down in the South (see “Snowmaggedon this past year). However, that doesn’t mean that Atlanta are cooped up inside in despair. I like to think of February as kick-off season to Festival Season - only a few short weeks away from the beautiful Spring weather that Atlanta is famous for.

What’s the best way to start the season? Oysters of course! While various groups have their own version of festivals devoted to the mollusks, I must say that Spiral’s annual Oysterfest remains one of the best options out there. This past Saturday was my third time attending the event at Park Tavern and believe me, each year has brought the previous to another level.

Why do I make such claims? First of all, the atmosphere and crowd is unlike the rest - this year, the sold-out crowd was teeming yet Park Tavern provided enough room to wander around with multiple levels and rooms (and minimal waiting to quench your thirst or appetite). Plus, of course, the outdoor tent and patio area was a great compliment to the pre-Spring weather we had outside.

Secondly, as this was after all “oyster”-fest, the star of the show (beyond the plethora of live music running throughout the day) was truly the oyster. You could find it fried with fries, steamed in cajun broth or yes, even at a raw bar. Wash any of those options down with a bloody mary and you’ve got seafood lover/Bostonian at heart like myself in heaven. Of course, don’t feel pressured to eat the oysters if they’re not your deal. A few beers during the day would fill anyone’s appetite.

Finally, do you really need an excuse to celebrate the almost-freedom of Winter? You may see my face at other upcoming seafood drinking festivals in the next few weeks. But listen to someone who has done them all - Spiral’s should be on top of your list for next year.

Cheers to the official start to Festival Season!