Holiday Guide 2006

Flagpole’s Businesses Extend Season’s Greetings and Welcome

originally published December 20, 2006

Art - Retail & Galleries

Athens Art Group

www.athensartgroup.com, 706-208-8433

The Athens Art Group presents great gifts for the holidays: Frameworks downtown - UGA sports art and gifts, Athens scenes, music posters and Pete. Prince Avenue Gallery - oil paintings, baroque frames and antique maps. House of 10,000 Frames - photo frames, ready-mades and custom framing. Frameworks Oconee - framed art, Georgia merchandise and art, photo frames. Cups Coffee Café - gourmet coffees, gift baskets, mugs and chocolate truffles. Visit www.athensartgroup.com for more great gift ideas.

Good Dirt - Athens’ Arts Workcenter

510B N. Thomas St., 706-355-3161

Good Dirt is a spacious, well-equipped facility for people of all ages and abilities to explore clay and other media. A complete schedule of winter classes (starting early January) in clay, glass, basketry and more is available at www.gooddirt.net. Gift certificates for classes, parties and workshops are available for holiday shopping, and the Gallery@Good Dirt will feature pottery by local artists through Dec. 23. Call 706-355-3161 for information and class registration. www.gooddirt.net.

Bars & Clubs

Allgood Lounge

256 E. Clayton St., 706-549-0166

Happy Holidays from Allgood Lounge. We would be happy to host your holiday event. With two floors, three full bars, pool tables, huge-screen TVs and a large, heated patio, Allgood is capable of hosting nearly any size party. Renew your vows to an intoxicated life with us this holiday season. Happy Holidays and may all your hangovers be mild.

Boar’s Head

260 E. Washington St., 706-369-3040

During the Holidays, The Boar’s Head encourages you to… GET LIT - from the glow of the Christmas lights, CATCH A BUZZ - from the excitement in the air, GET HAMMERED - when building shelters for the needy, TOSS YOUR COOKIES - to the starving children, THROW UP - your arms in merriment, PASS OUT - presents to your family, and TIE ONE ON - to the tree. There’s so many wonderful things that the Holidays bring, so come share your time at the Boar’s Head!

40 Watt Club

285 W. Washington St., 706-549-7871

The week of New Year's at the Watt features the perennial twin birthday show celebrating Garbage Island's Mark Kaczmarek and Craig Lieske's entrance into the world on the 29th. Mark is returning from a residency in Montpelier, France for this and Sex Drone, Mother Jackson and Mark Mobley will also be on hand to entertain you. On the 30th, our annual New Year's bacchanalia with the Krush Girls will end a great year for the Watt on a high note.

Georgia Bar

159 W. Clayton St., 706-546-9884

Thanks for keeping us alive and willing. You truly give our pathetic staff a reason to live. May all your holiday fantasies come true.

Georgia Theatre

215 N. Lumpkin St., 706-549-9918

Happy Holidays and cheers from your friendly staff at the Theatre (Okay, so maybe Brian is not so friendly). We made a bunch more improvements this year, and we don't plan on stopping the renovations to this old beast anytime soon. The bathrooms will be re-done over the break… yes, you read that correctly. If you have some last-minute shopping to do, you can donate money in someone's name to "Friends of the Georgia Theatre."

Mercury Lounge

254 W. Clayton St., 706-583-8510

Mercury is your refuge from the stressful holiday. Located near Last Resort, we offer a relaxing atmosphere in an elegant setting found nowhere else in town. Choose from a large selection of wines and scotch. Enjoy our heated patio with a Hot Corner coffee drink, hot toddy, herbal teas or hot cocoa. Visit www.mercuryathens.com for the schedule of weekly jazz shows. Mercury wishes you a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year and remember… Work. Play. Live. RELAX.

No Where Bar

240 N. Lumpkin St., 706-546-4742

The No Where Bar wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We will be closed Dec. 24 and 25. Open at 9 p.m. on Dec. 26. Closed New Year's Day. Remember our Happy Hour specials every day from 3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. We will have all of the bowl games on our big screen as well. Please stop by and have a cold one!

Repent

235 W. Washington St., 706-353-2340

Repent, home of the $2 Long Island, located near 40 Watt, is open Monday–Saturday at 4 p.m. daily. Mondays feature Karaoke; Wednesdays and Fridays feature live DJs. With monthly art shows, bands twice a week, and Saturday night dance shows and dance parties, Repent offers something for everyone. Nightly drink specials, pool table, Foosball, darts - smoking welcome on huge back patio, private booths, 12 beers on draft, over 35 bottled beers, wine specials.

Tasty World

312 E. Broad St., 706-543-0797

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a Rocking New Year! Stop by with your family and friends over the holiday and mention this announcement for $1 off any “menu” item.

Walker's Coffee & Pub

128 College Ave., 706-543-1433

Walker's Coffee & Pub offers the opportunity to celebrate this holiday in a unique fashion. Bring your family, colleagues and friends to indulge in our seasonal specialty drinks and be merry! You can also treat a special someone to a bag of coffee that we guarantee will warm up the home - Dancing Goats, Snickerdoodle and Pumpkin Spice are all customer favorites! Walker's wishes you a warm and healthy holiday and New Year!

Concerts & Events

AthFest Music & Arts Festival

www.athfest.com, 706-548-1973

AthFest’s 10th year was a great one and the AthFest 10 double CD is awesome. The CD features the best of Athens music, including R.E.M., Drive-By Truckers, Vic Chesnutt, Modern Skirts and dozens more. The AthFest 10 CD is available at www.athfest.com. Submissions are now being accepted for the 2007 CD; check www.athfest.com for details. Mark your calendars: AthFest 2007 is June 20–24.

The Classic Center

300 N. Thomas St., 706-208-0900

Are you looking for a special gift this holiday season? The Classic Center has just the thing for you - tickets to the Broadway performance of I Can't Stop Loving You! This tribute to Ray Charles combines the best of his beloved work into one toe-tapping good time that is sure to set the night on fire! Coming Jan. 19, 2007 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10–$65, call the box office at 706-357-4444 today!

Health & Beauty

A. LaFera Salon

2440 W. Broad St., 706-548-2188

This year we have a variety of great gifts! We are Athens' exclusive distributor of Rene Furterer - a French line of natural products that will have your hair looking gorgeous by the New Year.  In addition, we carry Sebastian Trucco make up, Aurora jewelry by Patti Quinn and gift certificates. We would like to say thanks to all of our clients and friends. Happy Holidays from all of us at A. LaFera Salon.

Aches Away Massage Therapy

585 Research Dr., Ste. B, 706-353-6222

Stressed out? Holidays giving you a headache? Tired of scouring the mall trying to find that perfect gift? Relax! Give the gift that every "body" needs. A gift certificate from Aches Away Massage Therapy. Studies show that 75% of us suffer from excessive stress or stress-related problems. Massage is a safe, natural way to bring some balance back into your life. Massage - no longer a luxury but a way to cope with everyday stress.

Advanced Massage Therapies

297 Prince Ave., Ste. 28B (the Bottleworks), 706-369-7595

This year give the gift that won't be returned, re-gifted or ridiculed on a blog. Bob Klein, Amy Bramblett, Peggy Gugino and Tara Faragoza are nationally-certified massage therapists who specialize in pain relief and stress management, wonderful gifts indeed. Therapies offered include Neuromuscular, Deep Tissue, Sports, CranioSacral and Hot Stone Therapy. Tara is offering $10 off one-hour gift certificates through Dec. 29. Happy Holidays!

bob (SALON)

398 Foundry St., 706-546-0950

Wrap up your holiday shopping at bob (SALON) - our gift certificates make a perfect stocking stuffer; we have one-of-a-kind jewelry by Laura Wood and Kristin Linton; the fabulous GHD iron and ultra-pampering products are ideal for any beauty fashionista; and for the crème de la crème of gifts, inquire about our Great Lengths Extensions! Happy Holidays!

City Salon + Spa

100 Athens Town Blvd., 706-552-1515

City Salon + Spa, Athens’ own crown jewel of style, has been in our new home near Panera Bread  two years now.  And what an amazing two years it has been, thanks to you, Athens!  We truly enjoy bringing out your beauty, and we hope to see you this holiday season and during the  new year. Come visit our state-of-the-art, luxurious space. We offer gift certificates for facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, waxings, and all hair services - even the world-renowned So. Cap Hair Extensions!  A City Salon + Spa gift certificate is the  perfect gift for those on your list.

Dree and Co.

497 Prince Ave., 706-548-0770

Give the perfect gift in the right size and color this holiday season! GIFT CARDS can be reused for other occasions by adding value to the card. Call ahead - we’ll have them ready and wrapped. Open Saturday, Dec. 23, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. for last-minute sales, closed Christmas Eve. Choose a package or create your own! We carry the industry’s best products for stocking stuffers or to accompany gift cards. Catch our year-end retail sale: Wednesday, 12/27–Saturday, 12/30.

Evolution Salon

269 N. Hull St., Ste. 2, 706-546-9902

This holiday season, Evolution Salon invites you to indulge in one of our many services. While you’re here, you’ll experience a fresh, relaxing atmosphere and be catered to by one of our talented stylists. If you still can’t take your mind off your shopping list, we have a variety of professional hair products, as well as gift certificates for anyone on your list. For more information, visit www.evolutionhairsalon.com. Happy Holidays!

Foundry Park Inn & Spa

295 E. Dougherty St., 706-549-7020

Looking for the perfect gift for the woman who has everything? Sing “spa la la la la" and know everyone loves a treat from The Spa at Foundry Park Inn. Purchase one of our packages with certificates that are ready for giving.  We have the perfect gift for the special  someone in your life. Don't forget to join us for our New Year's Eve experience featuring Mother's Finest, log on to www.foundryparkinn.com for details.

Omni Club

2361 W. Broad St., 706-369-3111

Voted best fitness club in Athens and Preferred Fitness Club of UGA Athletics- we offer state-of-the-art fitness equipment with first-class amenities. Our 55,000 sq. ft. facility has a private, ladies-only club, over 89 complimentary group exercise classes a week, 150 pieces of cardiovascular equipment, country club-style locker rooms, free supervised circuit training, kids club, rock climbing and more. See our ad for a FREE holiday trial.

Rage Hair Studio

132 College Ave., 706-548-8178

Rage Hair Studio specializes in cut and color. Get ready for the holiday season with a fresh, modern cut. Be festive with new color for all the parties. Rage carries Bumble & Bumble products to keep your new style intact day after day. Come see our newly expanded hair studio upstairs at 132 College Ave. downtown, or call 706-548-8178 for an appointment. Directions and coupon at our new website, www.ragehairstudio.com!

Rocket Salon

163 N. Jackson St., 706-353-0500

Amber Hilton and the staff of Rocket Salon would like to thank Athens for a wildly successful first year of business. Located in downtown Athens, Rocket offers custom tattoos and a variety of hair services in a fun, laid-back atmosphere. The salon caters to a diverse clientele including hipsters, professionals, students and ladies who lunch. Drop in for a cup of hot chocolate and a free consultation. Gift certificates available this holiday season.

Urban Sanctuary Spa

1373 S. Milledge Ave., 706-613-3947

Our Massages, Facials and Spa Days are customized to suit your personal needs. We have an enormous array of offerings from around the world including East Indian Hot Oil Massage, Couples Massage, Herbal Facials, Asian Foot Massage and Hot Stone Massage. We specialize in Men’s Massage and Spa Services. Lucky Magazine featured Day Spa. Gift Certificates available. Bath & Body Gift Store. Open Tuesday–Sunday. www.UrbanSanctuarySpa.com.

Housing

Daniel Peiken Realtor®

www.AthensHome.com, 706-433-2116

Call me for all your real estate needs. I help many first-time homebuyers purchase their first home, and I can help you do the same. I am happy to answer any questions on the processes of purchasing a home. I also help people find investment property. I can be contacted at 706-433-2116, dpeiken@hotmail.com. My website is www.AthensHome.com. Have a Safe and Happy New Year from Brandi and Daniel Peiken.

Recreation

Altamaha Coastal Tours

www.altamaha.com, 912-437-6010

Broad River Outpost is offering Holiday fun and great Get-a-Ways. Four hours south, the Altamaha Coastal Tours offers great paddling and cycling trips in one of the World's Last Great Places, The Altamaha BioReserve. As this magnificent river enters the ocean, experience a variety of ecosystems and wildlife in the protected river, tidal swamp and salt marsh. Awesome motor-free bike trails and wilderness paddling trips. Minutes from I-95 and St. Simon's Island. Great Camping.

Restaurants

Black Forest Bakery and Deli

1307 Prince Ave., 706-549-3752

Christmas Stollen - spiced, sweetened yeast bread, laden with rum-soaked raisins, fruit and nuts. Dipped in butter, cinnamon and powdered sugar. Iced Sugar Cookies - made from scratch daily, are individually hand cut in holiday shapes and colors. Creamy cakes - Red Velvet, Italian Crème, Carrot, German Chocolate and Black Forest. Premium Pies - apple crumb, pecan and chocolate pecan. Gift certificates available. Holiday hours: Dec. 4–22, Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Open Saturday Dec. 23 and Christmas Eve 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Buffalo's Southwest Cafe

196 Alps Rd., 706-354-6655

Thank you Athens for a terrific year, and we wish you a wonderful holiday season. We have gift cards, party platters and party rooms for all! Join us for great food, specials and fun all year long!

DePalma’s Italian Café

401 E. Broad St., 706-354-6966

1965 Barnett Shoals Rd., 706-369-0085

2467 Jefferson Rd., 706-552-1237

Come by our Downtown location this season for our Holiday Happy Hour. Buy an appetizer at the bar and drinks are half price. What a great way to unwind after a long day of shopping! Also check out our catering menu at www.depalmasitaliancafe.com. We offer party trays featuring our specialty dishes like Pasta DePalma, Chicken Scaloppine, Shells Florentine and more. Give us 24-hour notice and we’ll make your next party a tasty one. Happy Holidays from DePalma’s!

Five Star Day Café

229 E. Broad St., 706-543-8552

2230 Barnett Shoals, 706-613-1001

Bring home your favorite Five Star dish for the holidays. From collards and black-eyed peas for your New Year’s Day, to sweet potatoes, mac and cheese and squash casserole to round out your holiday dinner - we have it all. And don’t forget our famous homemade banana pudding! Let us fill your holiday with joy and light. Open breakfast, lunch and dinner through the holidays. Open New Year’s Day. Gift certificates available for friends and family.

Gyro Wrap

175 E. Broad St., 706-543-9071

Making great food in Athens since 1979. Conveniently located in downtown across from the UGA Arch. Delicious pita wraps, tortilla wraps, phillies, fries, salads, hummus, baklava and more (meat and veggie). Sidewalk café. Variety of beers. Open seven days a week. Call for takeout. Find quality gifts in downtown’s unique retail stores and eat quality food at the Gyro Wrap. MC/ Visa accepted. Off Campus Meal Plan accepted.

Jot ‘Em Down Store & BBQ

150 E. Whitehall Rd., 706-549-2110

Serving authentic Southern-style barbecue - hickory-fired, hand-pulled, mouth-watering pork. We have five sauces to choose from. Visit our old-time country store featuring specialty drinks such as Cheerwine, Nehi, RC, Sundrop, as well as hoop cheese and boiled and roasted peanuts. Happy Holidays!

Maison Bleu

2 S. Main St., Watkinsville, 706-769-6480

Your anniversary or birthday is always an excellent reason to dine at Maison Bleu, but you deserve a beautiful dining experience every day. Enjoy our menu in a charming, unique atmosphere that is warm and welcoming. We offer gift certificates for that special someone. We will be closed Christmas and open New Year's Eve for dinner beginning at 5 p.m.

Taco Stand

247 E. Broad St., 706-549-1446

670 N. Milledge Ave., 706-549-2894

2270 Barnett Shoals Rd., 706-549-5481

Happy Holidays from the Taco Stand! Come hang out at our full bar at the downtown location across from the Arch, and watch your favorite game on our 5 TVs. Our specialties include frozen margaritas, our famous Baja Burrito, Fried Chicken Tacos, Tilapia Tacos, Steamed Spinach Tortillas and many other great items prepared fresh daily. Ten daily specials from $3.69. Gift Certificates Available.

Taste Of India

131 E. Broad St., 706-559-0000

Happy holidays from Taste of India! Serving Seafood, Chicken, Lamb, Goat, Vegetarian entrees, and beer and wine. Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Lunch Buffet Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday, 12 p.m.–3 p.m. Gift Certificates available. Open Christmas Eve and Day and New Year's Eve and Day, serving lunch, lunch buffet and dinner.

Transmetropolitan

145 E. Clayton St., 706-613-8773

Visit us throughout the holidays for our seasonal soups and lasagna specials or our daily selection of pizzas, pastas, panini and salads. Try our Chicken Parmesan over linguini with pomodoro, it’s Blitzen’s favorite! Happy Hour cheer begins each day at 4 p.m. Don’t be late, Comet and Vixen never are! Half off bottles of wine every Tuesday and Wednesday throughout December upstairs at the bar. On nights Jocelyn the bartender is working, expect to see Cupid and Donner. They love her!

Wild Wing Café

312 E. Washington St., 706-227-WING

Wild Wing Café, your home for Hot Wings, Cold Beer, Good Times and Great Music, will be open all of December except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! Come in for nightly drink specials, and don't miss our buy one, get one free Wing special every Tuesday, 6–10 p.m.! We will have the biggest New Year's Eve Bash in town, with no cover! Don't forget to get a gift card to stuff your stockings!

Retail

Atlantis Hydroponics

1035 Baxter St., 706-543-9980

Looking for the perfect gift? The AeroGarden is like having a Farmers Market in your kitchen! Give your special someone the first fully automated and organic kitchen hydroponic appliance. The AeroGarden grows five times faster than soil, producing organic veggies in weeks. Like a coffee maker, it works with the touch of a button, lighting up when it is time to add water and fertilizer tablets. 100% success guaranteed. No green thumb needed! $149.99. 10% off, storewide! www.atlantishydroponics.com.

Aurum

125 E. Clayton St., 706-546-8826

The magic of the Aurum box is evident the moment you enter the shop - Aurum has a fabulous selection of platinum, gold and silver jewelry, diamonds, pearls, fabulous color and cool beads. Even Christmas ornaments! Custom work and repairs are available by award-winning designers. The Aurum Gallery of American crafts features glass, ceramics, wood and paintings by regional artists. Let Aurum’s friendly staff help you with all your gifts.

Charbon’s Outfitters

1225 S. Milledge Ave., 706-548-3557

Serving Athens since 1973, Charbon's Outfitters is THE place to get all your hiking, camping, climbing and outdoor clothing and equipment. Offering only the best products from companies like Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, Arc'Teryx, Cloudveil, MSR, Vasque, Columbia, Prana, Costa Del Mar, and dozens of other top brands allows us to find just the right product for you. Whether you are walking the streets of Athens or hiking the Appalachian Trail..."The World Is Your Playground, We Are Your Toystore."

Elations

4100 Lexington Rd., 706-552-1492

Looking to spice up your holiday season? Let Elations supply you with all the joy that you can handle! Elations is the #1 Adult Toy store in Athens. Stop by and see our unmatched selection: Adult toys, adult movies, tobacco/ smoking accessories, office party gifts, body oils, lotions and MORE! Take 50% Off select merchandise! Santa may only come once a year, but Elations satisfies all year long!

Fantasy World

1000 Baxter St., 706-613-8970

We are a one-of-a-kind adult store. We have novelties, DVDs, tobacco products and the one thing that separates us - adult modeling sessions. We offer a wide variety of rooms and ladies. Holiday specials are $25 one-on-one and $35 futon. Open till 4 a.m. Closed Christmas Day, open New Year’s Eve. Bring in the holidays with us.

Flora Hydroponics

2475 Jefferson Rd., 706-353-2223

Looking for a great gift for an avid gardener? We got it! Come visit Athens' leading indoor gardening supplier. As the temperature cools down, we offer all the items you need to bring your garden indoors. Whether it's lights, fertilizers or gardening accessories you are looking for, Flora has the items you need at unbeatable prices. We offer unique gift items such as the Aerogarden - the #1 Counter-Top Garden in the Nation.  Happy Holidays!

Junkman’s Daughter’s Brother

458 E. Clayton St., 706-543-4454

‘Twas the day before X-mas the shoppers were manic / Junkman’s is open, no need to panic / We have earrings and lanterns / Jigsaws and T-shirts / Key chains and vases, handbags and short skirts / Comics and Stickers, incense and bangles / Cool shoes and jackets, stuffed toys and candles / Everything you would need for your special elf / We make it so easy there’s time to shop for yourself.

Modern Age

1086 Baxter St., 706-549-6360

Since 1992, Modern Age has been Athens’ most unique gift shop, as well as the area’s premiere tobacconist. Our Humidor stocks dozens of cigar labels kept fresh for Cigar Enthusiasts. Incense, Posters, Dorm/ Apartment Decor and the largest selection of Hot Sauces are just some of the other items Modern Age offers. A second downtown store, The Smoker’s Den, makes Modern Age the place for all your smoking needs.

Music Exchange

296 W. Broad St., 706-549-6199

Conveniently located downtown with lots of free parking, Music Exchange has great gift ideas for novice to professional musicians. Our expanded store features the best prices around on Gretsch, Jackson, Fender, Martin, Guild, Godin, Art & Lutherie, Blueridge, Simon and Patrick, and Alvarez guitars, accessories, drums, drum machines, multitrack recorders, horns and Crate amps. There’s a great selection of used musical instruments. We can even bring new life to your old clunker. Come see us to make your musician’s Christmas dreams come true!

Musician’s Warehouse

150 Crane Dr., 706-548-7233

485 E. Clayton St., 706-548-9599

Both stores open every day until Christmas! Everything’s on sale, we don’t know where to begin! / Guitars, amps, drums, keyboards - You’re sure to win / The friendliest staff and no Grinches around / Now with two locations, close to everywhere in town / Why settle for switches or a big bag of cinders / Instead come see Athens’ lowest priced Fenders / We’ll help you find the right gifts so Christmas won’t be blue / Even Santa shops here, shouldn’t you, too?

Savannah’s

2461 Jefferson Rd., 706-546-4864

Have you been naughty or nice this year? Savannah’s would like to make sure that you have a naughty but nice Christmas. We have lots of gift ideas, such as thigh-high boots, women’s lingerie including plus sizes, male thongs, warming oils, novelties, bondage accessories, stocking stuffers and games. Come check us out in the Homewood Village Shopping Center, and happy holidays to all!

Southern Video

670 W. Broad St., 706-549-0001

Grand opening! Come in and check out our huge selection of adult novelties, adult videos, tobacco accessories, lingerie, costumes, footwear, party supplies, gag gifts, bondage gear, jewelry, Hustler apparel, and more. Let Southern Video make your holidays HOT!

Video Link

2026 S. Milledge Ave., 706-543-2288

Located only one mile from Five Points, Video Link has something for everyone. While carrying all the new releases (and later selling said releases for only $10). Video Link specializes in foreign, classics and cult movies. Video Link is the only store in the Athens area that lets you rent entire box sets for only $5 for 5 days. We also do requests and can fill special orders. Video Link is open every day till 11 p.m. - except Christmas. Happy Holidays!

Z-Dog Bakery & Pet Supply

2475 Jefferson Rd., 706-354-1804

297 1/2 Broad St., 706-354-5405

At Z-Dog Bakery & Pet Supply, we know your pet is part of the family. That's why our fresh-baked treats are made with only the finest human-grade ingredients. Our dog treats have been so popular that we added cat and horse treats as well! And don't forget, we have premium pet food and carry a variety of toys, collars and beds. Now in two convenient Athens locations! Thanks for a great 1st year!!!!

Services

CareAway Cakes

www.careawaycakes.com, 706-410-CAKE

Need a last minute gift idea? CareAway Cakes delivers homemade cakes, cookies, pies and more! Each custom-made cake is beautifully decorated and hand-delivered along with a special holiday greeting from you! Hosting a holiday party? We cater. Snickers, Red Velvet, Italian Creme, Cheesecakes, German Chocolate… Anything your heart desires!

Pain and Wonder Tattoo

285 W. Washington St., 706-208-9588

This permanent artwork will be the gift that lasts forever. Highest sterilization standards in the industry. Be pierced using implant-quality jewelry. Gift certificates available. Artists include Radar, Billie, Chris Parry, Mike G and Guzik. Piercers include Bethra and Randy. Members National Tattoo Association. Piercers are proud members of the Association of Professional Piercers. www.PainandWonder.com, www.virtueandvice.com.