Things to do in Atlanta
A few weeks ago, we went back to Atlanta for a friend's wedding in North Georgia. While we were there, we made a special stop at some sunflower fields (see here) and hung out with a few of our favorite people.
We stayed at the Loews Atlanta Hotel right near Piedmont Park and Cafe Intermezzo. I was proud of myself because I brought workout clothes and actually took advantage of the amazing gym in the hotel. The concierge was also really nice about helping me return my Rent the Runway dress via UPS drop box.
On our last day, the weather quickly dropped into the 30's. I was lucky that I had brought enough tops to layer up and a classic trench coat which actually kept me pretty warm. After checking out of the hotel, we walked next door to enjoy gourmet hot chocolates and one last meal with our friends at Cafe Intermezzo.
I remember the cafe being a popular date spot in college for specialized hot drinks and an amazing selection of desserts. The interior is cozy and intimate, and a tribute to the European coffeehouse in hopes that Americans would slow down and enjoy.
I tried the Deluxe White Hot Chocolate, and learned that you have to wait for the white chocolate chips to melt and stir them into the drink to make it extra sweet. Afterwards, we said goodbye to our friends and walked over to Piedmont Park to enjoy the fall colors.
Finally, we checked out the popular Ponce City Market. Make sure to go with an empty stomach... and someone who likes to shop (*ahem*). Keep scrolling for my full list of things to do in my old stomping grounds.
|Outfit Details: Cuyana Mini Saddle Bag, Kate Spade Sunglasses, Pink Sweater (old), WAYF Lace Top (sold out, similar below), Paige Cropped Jeans, A&F Classic Trench (sold out, similar below), Kate Spade Black Boots (old, similar below), Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote
People have asked, so here is quick list of things to do for someone who has never been to Atlanta. This is all on TripAdvisor, but I've added some (hopefully) helpful annotations.
Things to do in Atlanta:
The Belt Line: a walking and biking path through Atlanta. A good starting point is from Piedmont Park and head south. There is limited street parking or you can pay to park at Park Tavern.
Ponce City Market: a luxury shopping and dining center in a historic building. You can drive and pay to park or access via the Belt Line. There is a rooftop restaurant with views of the city, as well as, a rooftop overlook, but the overlook area is sometimes booked for private events.
Piedmont Park: beautiful park which usually has events going on including Music Midtown in September, great for a run or walking the dog to the dog park, and you can grab a drink at Park Tavern.
Virginia Highlands: This is a cute neighborhood with great restaurants and shops. Check out the new Empire South boutique that my friend owns!
Eat & Drink:
This is pretty much the main activity here. I'm not a local anymore and was honestly never the person to ask for restaurant recommendations but here are a few I can vouch for.
Cypress Street Pint and Plate (for the buffalo chicken sandwich)
Taco Mac (for the cheese dip I've been eating as an entree since high school)
Fellini's on Howell Mill Rd (this is my favorite pizza place, try the white pizza and the house salad with the house dressing)
Six Feet Under (ironically a rooftop seafood spot with views)
Einsteins, The Nook, West Egg Cafe, Tap, Joy, or Egg Harbor Cafe (for brunch)
Waffle House, preferably on Tech square (if you don't go here after a night of drinking, did you even go out? Please eat a grilled cheese, a chocolate chip waffle, and hashbrowns smothered and covered for me!)
Little Trouble (speaking of going out, this place is all the rage, pics or it didn't happen)
Ormsby's (for some classy fun)
Victory Sandwich Bar (a fun spot off the Belt Line to drink a Jack & Coke slushy, snack on some gourmet popcorn, and play some games)
Flip Flops (an Ace from the Real World original; try the jet fuel, lol)
King of Pops (started as a little popsicle stand and now they have a permanent spot at Ponce City Market and Inman Park, both accessible from the Belt Line)
Things to do once or on a weekend trip:
Georgia Aquarium: a really nice aquarium with Whale Sharks, Dolphins, Penguins and more.
World of Coca Cola: worth a visit at least once for the sampling room to try every type of coca cola product in the world.
SkyView Atlanta: a classy ferris wheel on the edge of midtown and downtown with great views of the city.
Jackson Street Bridge: if you're a Walking Dead fan, this is where you can find the classic view.
Atlanta Botanical Garden: I've honestly never been here, but it's bound to be Instagram friendly.
Fox Theatre: beautiful theatre for catching a show; we had formals here in college.
High Museum: Atlanta actually has a pretty great network of artists, home to an incredible art school, SCAD. You can usually always find great exhibits at the High Museum if you're into museums. I saw the Terracotta Soldier exhibit here a few years back.
Day/Weekend Trips:
Historic Savannah: this beautiful historic city has plenty of fun things to see and do. It's close to some great beaches and waterfronts, as well.
Dahlonega/Helen: an old mining town, known for tubing the Chattahoochee river in the summer and hosting Oktoberfest in the fall. Check out nearby Amicalola Falls as well.
Blue Ridge: classic mountain town, perfect for a cabin getaway. Check out Mercier Orchards and try the fried apple pie! Downtown Blue Ridge offers some great restaurants and a scenic train ride.