Exploring the Heart of the Southeast Atlanta

1. Historical sights: The city played a key role in Civil Rights Movements and is home to many important landmarks, including the Martin Luther King Jr National Historical Park and the National Center for Civil Rights

2. Cultural scene: There is a vibrant arts and music scene at venues such as High Museum of Art, Fox Theater, Buckhead Theater, comedy clubs and tons of large and small music venues. Some of my favorite music venues include The Eastern, The Tabernacle and Chastain Park.

3.Culinary Delights: A diverse food scene from Southern comfort food to international cuisine, there is something for every taste bud.

4. Piedmont Park: This city is flourishing with green space, including the Atlanta Beltline and Piedmont Park. Both are great places to visit when in Atlanta.

5. Botanical Gardens: Located inside Piedmont Park, the Botanical Gardens are a breathtaking escape from the city. During the holiday season, there is an evening light show in the gardens. There is also a bar and restaurant inside if you need a break from all the walking and exploring in the gardens.

6. Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail: A 22-mile loop of trails, parks, bars and restaurants. While parts of the trail are still under construction, the Eastside part of the trail is bustling. Whether you're looking for an active afternoon — walking, biking, scooting and running — or a food and bar crawl, you will not be disappointed here.

7. Ponce City Market: A fun market with a food hall, shops and carnival-style rooftop for games, drinks, dinner and views. Located just off the Atlanta Beltline Eastside trail. There is so much fun to be had here.

8. Georgia Aquarium: As the largest aquarium in the U.S., this place is home to so many beautiful sea creatures. From sharks, gators, penguins and otters to the infamous whale sharks, these animals are well-cared for in Atlanta with a heavy focus on conservation. The Aquarium is also committed to the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded sea otter pups and sea lion pups off the coasts of California and Alaska.

Day trips from Atlanta:

1. Chateau Elan: World-class resort and spa. Chateau Elan offers an award-winning winery, dining, golf and spa experiences on a beautiful estate. Sit back and relax while sipping on your favorite glass of wine.

2. Stone Mountain: Only 30 minutes from Atlanta and the largest exposed granite in the world, Stone Mountain offers plenty of attractions, including hiking trails, golf, a cable-car skyride and scenic railroad, light shows and plenty of other family-friendly activities.

3. Helen: Feel as though you've been transported to a German village. Helen is a small mountain town located about two hours from Atlanta, known for its vineyards, hiking trails and Bavarian-style buildings. Hiking trails loop through the Chattahoochee National Forest to the stunning Anna Ruby and Raven Cliff waterfalls. Be sure to check these out.

4. Amicalola Falls State Park: Georgia State Park serving as the southern terminus of the Appalachian trail. The space spans 829 acres and is filled with varying hiking trails, zip lining, archery, fishing and wildlife watching. The highlight of the park is the 729-foot waterfall — the tallest in Georgia — that can be viewed from either the base of the falls, middle of the falls or the top.

5. Tallulah Gorge State Park: A 2-,689-acre state park located about one and a half hours from Atlanta. The park surrounds the 1,000-foot-deep gorge, Tallulah Gorge. In addition to the gorge, there are six beautiful waterfalls with hiking trails leading to each. Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this park.

Brunch:

• Le Bon Nosh: A chic French-influenced eatery in Buckhead. From pastries & coffee to a full French breakfast, there are so many different options to suit your appetite.

• Bar Margot: Located inside the Four Seasons hotel, this is the place to be for an upscale brunch buffet. There are so many incredible options paired with the Four Seasons vibe. This is a great brunch option if you're looking to splurge.

• Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall: When the weather is nice, this is the spot to be. Located just off the Atlanta Beltline Eastside trail. Once you see the yellow umbrellas, you have arrived. This spot serves up some great BBQ for lunch and brunch options. Feel free to hangout afterwards if looking for a day drink.

• Bomb Biscuit Co.: This spot received recognition in the Michelin Guide and The New York Times' Best Restaurants 2023. These biscuits are sure to impress. Whether your craving savory or sweet, there are so many delicious options. They also offer vegan options as well.

• BeetleCat: They are known for their oysters and seafood, but on the weekend, the star is their decadent donut brunch. Serving up delicious donuts and traditional savory brunch items, including their amazing lobster rolls from the dinner menu.

Dinner:

• Delbar Middle Eastern Restaurant and Bar: Prepare to be transported to the countryside of Iran. This beautiful restaurant serves up some of the most delicious Middle Eastern food in the city. Be sure to order the dill labneh.

• Superica: With several locations throughout the city, this is the place to go for Tex-Mex. Great casual spot to go with friends or even just a party of two. The enchiladas are top-notch

• The Iberian Pig: Spanish tapas unmatched. The perfect spot with friends or your significant other to share and try all the tapas. The interior is very vibey and aesthetic, and the food is incredible.

• Amore e Amore: This is the restaurant that feels like home. There is always a party happening inside and everyone knows the owner, "Mamma Gail." The menu is filled with traditional Italian cooking and the atmosphere is always decorated over the top for every season and holiday. Diners will often take part in conga lines or dance to "YMCA," if you come in for a later reservation.

• Little Sparrow: Located in the heart of the Westside, this is a stunning steak fritterie. Serving up steak and fries and traditional steakhouse options for an incredible meal. If unable to get a reservation, you can always try to sit at their upstairs bar, Bar Blanc. The french onion soup and the fries are the stars of the show here.

• Umi: For the most incredible melt-in-your-mouth sushi, this is the place to go. This meal is sure to be a showstopper. I recommend getting the chef's tasting menu to sample all of the best items on the menu.

Drinks:

• Jojo's Beloved: Located in Midtown, this swanky cocktail bar has such a cool vibe. Serving up delicious cocktails with a disco theme and, of course, a glimmering disco ball, you are sure to have a good time here.

• Spaceman: This spot is located at the top of the Hyatt Centric in Buckhead, Atlanta. Enjoy delicious cocktails while taking in the views of the beautiful city skyline

• Burle's Bar: Located on the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail, inside and up the stairs of the Victorian Atlanta plant shop. Being inside a plant shop, it is an aesthetic jungle inside and not to mention, the drinks are also delicious.

• The Garden Room: The most aesthetic bar I've ever seen. It feels as though you've been fully submerged into a tropical garden. Go for drinks the atmosphere, skip the food.