WHY I DON’T HATE ATLANTA ANYMORE. GETAWAY TRAVEL GUIDE

I thought Atlanta was just a big city with a lot of traffic. And it is. But I was introduced to a whole new aspect of Atlanta I’d never seen.

When I was in my twenties, I interviewed for a job there. It was three pm on a Thursday afternoon, and I came to a stop on the outer belt. And I thought, ‘I don’t want to live here.’  And that was that.

Fast forward a few years, our older son moved to Atlanta, and I learned that Atlanta can be walkable,  artsy,  quirky, and interesting.

Here’s what I learned about Atlanta:

First of all, stay at the Hotel Clermont.

It is my go-to every time I go to Atlanta. Just don’t go to the basement. lol. (look that one up). It’s an old hotel that apparently has a sketchy past. It was lovingly remodeled, and it is a quirky boutique jewel. Decorated in mid-century modern Palm Springs décor with a twist. It made me want to drink martinis and watch ‘Mad Men.’

There’s a cute coffee shop styled in vintage pink decor. Free, really good coffee and a charming barista named Pat. They offer fresh homemade breakfast sandwiches on Sundays, so don’t miss those.

I’ve never eaten at the onsite restaurant called Tiny Lou’s, but it has excellent reviews on Yelp and looks fantastic. There’s a moody mar (where I also want to drink martinis) and a cool library full of vintage books that is a lovely spot to work or read. The rooftop is darling and very popular – decked out in yellow and white, vintage metal furniture, astroturf, and a bar.

Oh, and it’s dog friendly, and they offer a bunk bedroom, which is fun.

From the Clermont Hotel, we walked almost everywhere.

Ponce City Market. It’s a great setup in an old mill. Lots of unique restaurants, bars, and shopping. We liked Bellina Alimentari for antipasta and wine. The Roof at Ponce City Market has an amusement park, mini golf, restaurants, and bars. I haven’t done it, but 12 Cocktail bar even offers cocktail classes.

From Ponce, we took The Atlanta Beltline, which to my surprise, was not a freeway, but a public redevelopment project which includes a 22-mile loop of trails, streetcars, and parks. Art on the Beltline spans 12 miles of public art, representing hundreds of artists.

Yes, it’s walkable, and that’s the best part. My son shamed me into riding a Lime scooter, a great way to travel, but you could also walk, run, or ride a bike.

Breweries and restaurants, a Kroger with a bar, and a few condos are along the Atlanta beltline. When we were there, there was a pop-up market as well. Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall has a great patio. We loved the salmon chips at Two Urban Licks.

Krog City Market. A food hall that offers everything from Jeni’s Ice Cream to pho. I love the Gu’s Dumplings.

Next door is The Merchant. A great source for stationery, coffee table books, candles, and kitchen and bar items. 

Virginia Highlands is one of my favorite areas in Atlanta. I walked there from the Clermont Hotel, burned a few calories, and then had breakfast at Callies Hot Little Biscuit. Another night we enjoyed dinner on the upstairs patio at La Tavola.

Inman Park. I liked Barcelona Wine Bar for tapas and an excellent selection of wine. We enjoyed the outside patio with the fireplace. Sotto Sotto for Italian, and Bar Taco for fresh tacos and margaritas.

A couple of places we didn’t walk to but enjoyed:

Watching college football on the screened porch at Pack Tavern. (War Eagle). The restaurant is right in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park, and you can bring your dog. Apparently, they have an ice rink in the winter and a lineup of free weekly alternative bands in the summer.

The Battery. Surrounding Truist Park, where the Atlanta Braves play. Condos, a hotel, restaurants, bars, and shopping. We liked Superica, but the Garden & Gun Club looks like an elegant way to enjoy a meal before the game. I grew up in a baseball town, and I also love a hot dog at a ballpark. An Uber can get expensive, but like most MLB ballparks, it’s not an easy place to drive in and out of either.

The Varsity. My husband lived in Atlanta for a little while as a child. He grew up going there for a hot dog, Varsity Orange drink, and an order of onion rings. It was a tradition he shared with me and we made sure we always stopped there for lunch. Old-school, not low-calorie, but fun. It’s an Atlanta institution.

We saw Eric Church and George Strait in the Mercedes Benz Stadium, The Georgia Aquarium is a classic, and I also love the High Museum of Art.

I knew Atlanta had a lot to offer, but I didn’t realize there was so much green space, walkability, and charm.

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