Welcome to the A: Your Guide to Atlanta

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Advisor - Leanne Wendrick
Curated By

Leanne Wendrick

  • Arts & Culture

  • Food & Wine

  • City Travel

  • Active Travel

  • Atlanta

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Sightseeing

An aerial photograph of skyscrapers and a vibrant city lit up at night.
Curator’s statement

Welcome to Atlanta where the streets are all named Peachtree and the food is good for the soul. As an Atlanta native, this city holds a special place in my heart. From the diverseness of its culture to the lushness of its landscapes (given its nickname "The City in the Forest"), you are sure to find your perfect fit within this city. Whether you are a foodie, a nature lover, a history buff or all of the above, there is something for everyone in the A.

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Insider knowledge

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Where to stay in Atlanta

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Things to do in Atlanta

A picture of a water fountain with a stone woman sculpture on the right, in front of a lush assortment of trees.

Downtown Atlanta:

  • Georgia Aquarium: The largest aquarium in the United States with jaw-dropping views of aquatic animals from baby beluga whales to African penguins to a sea lion presentation. You won’t be disappointed with your adventure through the Georgia Aquarium!

  • World of Coca-Cola: Learn about the history of the infamous Coke products and let your taste buds explore new beverages from around the world!

  • Centennial Olympic Park: If you are visiting the Georgia Aquarium and/or the World of Coca-Cola, you cannot pass up the opportunity to stroll through the 22-acre greenspace where the 1996 Summer Olympics took place. If you happen to be walking through during the summertime, be sure to have your bathing suit on and splash in the iconic Fountain of Rings.

  • Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site: It's hard to think of Atlanta without thinking of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. himself. Check out this unique history tour where you will see the home where he was born, the church where he preached and his memorial site.

  • College Football Hall of Fame: For those who want it to feel like a Saturday in the fall during football season, this experience is for you! Walk in and be amazed by the wall of over 760 football helmets and check out their playing field!

  • Porsche Experience: For the car enthusiast, this is a nonnegotiable spot. Test out your driving skills with a one-on-one coach in a Porsche on their driver development course. This is a treasured experience you won't want to miss!

Emory Point

  • Fernbank Museum: Fernbank is a place that will take you back in time with the discovery of dinosaurs and ancient fossils. Be sure to catch one of their Giant Screen showings!

Midtown Atlanta

  • Atlanta Botanical Gardens: With over 30 acres of outdoor gardens this is a must visit when in Atlanta. During Christmas time they light up every acre and it is incredible!

  • Atlanta Beltline: This once rail corridor is now a paved path that connects various parts of the city together. Walk, jog or bike this path to see some city views and various neighborhoods of Atlanta (take the Eastside Trail for the best skyline views.) Insider Tip: Grab a coffee and pastry from Little Tart Bakeshop inside Krog Street Market and do a little retail therapy. Then hit the BeltLine and stop at Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall for a little Patio Punch and enjoy a rest before hitting the BeltLine again towards Ponce City Market. Here you can shop and dine some more, or check out the Skyline Park on the rooftop to play some good old fashioned carnival games.

OTP (Outside the Perimeter)

  • The Battery: Everything you ever needed all in one place: Braves baseball, concert venue, games, hotels, restaurants, bars and shopping all located just 10 miles Northwest of Atlanta.

Places to eat & drink in Atlanta

A patio with wooden tables and chairs, featuring table lamps, menus and a cobblestone flooring.

Downtown Atlanta:

  • The Sun Dial Restaurant & View: Located at the top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza, enjoy 360-degree views of the Atlanta skyline from their observation deck. Reservations are required via OpenTable.

Emory Point

  • The General Muir: Ideal for brunch, this is where your bagel dreams come true. Reservations can be made via Resy. (Michelin recommended).

Midtown Atlanta:

  • Antico Pizza Napoletana: I fall in love every time I eat this pizza. A true staple in Atlanta now, it is such a unique experience that everyone needs to try at least once. You walk in and order from the counter and then venture through the dining room to find an open spot where you also get to watch the magic happen in the kitchen. Bring your own bottle of wine to enjoy with your bianche or rosso pizza. If you have room, venture over to their cafe for gelato. (Michelin Bib Gourmand).

  • Taqueria del Sol: Prepare to drink the queso and fill your belly with the fried chicken and burger tacos.

  • Mary Mac’s Tea Room: True southern soul food. This is another staple in Atlanta, serving homemade southern food for over 75 years!

  • Bacchanalia: One star Michelin and sustainable rated American cuisine restaurant. Reservations can be made on Resy.

Buckhead:

  • Atlas: One star Michelin rated restaurant located inside the St. Regis Atlanta. Reservations can be made on OpenTable.

  • Buttermilk Kitchen: The wait for this place is worth your entire morning. Local and sustainable, you can’t go wrong with this menu. A buttermilk biscuit is a must, obviously!

  • The Chastain: Farm-to-table.

Vinings:

  • Canoe: Set on the infamous Chattahoochee River, you won’t feel like you are in the city anymore. This is the perfect place to celebrate a milestone or take in the beautiful tranquil waterfront.

Advisor - Leanne Wendrick

Travel Advisor

Leanne Wendrick

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Atlanta. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Wander & Pour's guide, Weekend Vacation in Atlanta with Kids.