Weekend in Atlanta

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Advisor - Robert Kenmore
Curated By

Robert Kenmore

  • Arts & Culture

  • Couples Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • LGBTQ+ Travel

  • Pet-Friendly Travel

  • Atlanta

  • Local Culture

  • Coast

  • Sightseeing

Advisor - Weekend in Atlanta
Curator’s statement

Atlanta, Georgia, is a fantastic weekend destination thanks to its mix of history, culture and vibrant city life. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest in the world. Food lovers can enjoy Southern comfort cuisine at renowned spots like The Varsity or experience the diverse dining scene in neighborhoods like Midtown and Ponce City Market. Outdoor enthusiasts can stroll along the BeltLine or visit Piedmont Park for scenic views and relaxation. With world-class attractions, rich history and a lively atmosphere, Atlanta offers something for every traveler.

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Where to stay in Atlanta

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Things to do in Atlanta

  • Georgia Aquarium: One of the largest aquariums in the world, home to whale sharks, beluga whales and more.

  • World of Coca-Cola: A fun and interactive museum showcasing the history of Coca-Cola with tastings from around the world.

  • Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park: Includes his childhood home, church and The King Center.

  • Atlanta Botanical Garden: A stunning garden with themed exhibits, including the Canopy Walk and a beautiful orchid collection.

  • Piedmont Park: A massive urban park perfect for walking, picnicking and enjoying city views.

  • The BeltLine: A multi-use trail with art installations, breweries and great food spots.

  • High Museum of Art: A premier art museum featuring contemporary and classical exhibits.

  • Zoo Atlanta: Home to giant pandas, gorillas and hundreds of other animal species.

  • Fernbank Museum of Natural History: Features giant dinosaur skeletons, an immersive forest and an IMAX theater.

  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium: Catch an Atlanta Falcons or Atlanta United game or take a behind-the-scenes stadium tour.

Day trips:

  • Château Élan Winery & Resort (Braselton, GA) – Romantic escape
    Distance: ~50 minutes from Atlanta
    Why Go? Couples can enjoy wine tastings, vineyard tours, a luxurious spa and fine dining at this stunning European-style winery.

  • Blue Ridge, GA – Scenic mountain getaway
    Distance: ~1.5 to 2 hours from Atlanta
    Why Go? Ideal for families or couples looking for hiking, waterfalls, apple orchards and a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway through the North Georgia mountains.

  • Helen, GA – Bavarian-style village
    Distance: ~1.5 to 2 hours from Atlanta
    Why Go? This charming German-inspired town offers tubing on the Chattahoochee River, hiking at Anna Ruby Falls, authentic German food and seasonal festivals like Oktoberfest.

  • Callaway Gardens (Pine Mountain, GA) – Outdoor adventure and relaxation
    Distance: ~1.5 hours from Atlanta
    Why Go? Families and couples can explore butterfly gardens, walking trails, lake activities, zip-lining and golfing in this beautiful nature resort.

  • Savannah, GA – Historic and romantic getaway
    Distance: ~3.5 to 4 hours from Atlanta (best for an overnight trip)
    Why Go? Stroll through Spanish moss-lined squares, take a riverboat cruise, explore historic sites and enjoy coastal cuisine in this charming Southern city.

Places to eat & drink in Atlanta

Breakfast:

  • The Flying Biscuit Café (Multiple Locations — Midtown, Candler Park, Sandy Springs, etc.): Famous for its fluffy biscuits, creamy grits and Southern-inspired breakfast dishes.

  • West Egg Café (Westside/West Midtown): A trendy spot known for its pimento cheese grits, fried green tomato BLT and delicious coffee.

  • Home Grown GA (Reynoldstown/East Atlanta): A beloved local diner serving the famous Comfy Chicken Biscuit and other hearty, farm-to-table Southern breakfasts.

Lunch:

  • Krog Street Market (Inman Park/Krog Street): A food hall offering a variety of great lunch options. Including Superica (Tex-Mex), Fred’s Meat & Bread (sandwiches) and Gu’s Dumplings (Szechuan cuisine).

  • Six Feet Under (Grant Park/Oakland Cemetery): A laid-back seafood spot known for fried catfish, po’boys and rooftop patio views overlooking Oakland Cemetery.

  • Tin Lizzy’s Cantina (Multiple Locations — Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter, etc.): A popular spot for FlexMex cuisine, featuring signature tacos, skillets and house-made margaritas.

Dinner:

  • The Optimist (Westside/West Midtown): A seafood lover’s paradise, offering wood-grilled fish, lobster rolls and an oyster bar with a lively atmosphere.

  • Forza Storico (Westside/Howell Mill Area): A vibrant Italian restaurant known for its authentic Roman-style pasta, fresh seafood and lively patio atmosphere.

  • Little Alley Steak (Buckhead): A top-tier steakhouse with a Prohibition-era vibe, premium dry-aged steaks and an extensive bourbon selection.

  • Ray’s on the River (Sandy Springs/Chattahoochee River Area): A classic Atlanta dining destination, offering fresh seafood, prime steaks and scenic views of the Chattahoochee River.

Drinks:

  • Cooks & Soldiers (Westside/West Midtown): A Basque-inspired bar and restaurant known for its inventive gin & tonics, Spanish-style cocktails, and delicious pintxos (small bites). A great spot for a unique cocktail experience with European flair.

Need to know

Atlanta, founded in 1837, began as a railroad hub and rapidly grew into a major commercial center. During the Civil War, it played a key role as a Confederate supply line and was famously burned during Sherman’s March to the Sea in 1864. After the war, Atlanta rebuilt quickly and became a symbol of the “New South.” It later became a major player in the Civil Rights Movement, with leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. calling it home. Today, Atlanta is a thriving city that blends rich history with modern culture.

Advisor - Robert Kenmore

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Robert Kenmore

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