WHAT TO DO WHEN…
YOU HAVE THREE HOURS TO KILL
Best for a bit of culture
Head to the High Museum of Art and if there is time run across the street to MODA (Museum of Design Atlanta). The High Museum’s collection is world class with highlights from Georgia artists. Make sure to check out the extensive folk art collection featuring Georgia’s own Howard Finster.
Top shopping
Check out the Little Five Points neighbourhood for vintage and vinyl.
Must check out
Experience a show at the historic Fox Theater. Whether its Broadway or a major headliner, the theatre itself is the star of the show with its starry sky and amazing acoustics.
Jump in a cab to
Piedmont Park. Located in midtown, the 186 acre park provides plenty of space for meandering and checking out the locals. It hosts many festivals and concerts, so be sure to look at the schedule first.
The secret find
Check out the street art in Atlanta (https://streetartmap.org/atlanta-street-art-maps/cabbagetown-reynoldstown-street-art-mural-map/), and don’t miss the ever changing work in Krog Tunnel where you’ll probably run into an artist or two at work.
When you’re craving tasty, healthy food
Head to Upbeet in West Midtown for tasty bowls and salads made to order with only the freshest organic ingredients (https://www.upbeet.com/menu).
Best brunch stop
For a taste of the south, check out Home Grown (http://www.homegrownga.com/). It’s a cult favorite with all of the fixings you would expect from your southern grandma from fried green tomatoes to catfish. For a more traditional brunch, check out Ria’s Bluebird (https://riasbluebird.com/). The pancakes are the best around, but get there early because they don’t take reservations and the line grows quickly.
Best lunch
If you’re looking for variety, stop by Ponce City Market and check out the food hall with options for everyone. While you’re there make the trip up to the roof to the midway for one of the best views in Atlanta.
Best dinner experience
Head to Marcel in the Westside Provisions District. It’s a modern steak house with lots of options for everyone. Be sure to grab a pre or post dinner drink at Little Trouble and you’ll feel like you’ve walked into the movie Blade Runner.
When you want a healthy takeout
Café Sunflower (www.cafesunflower.com) in Buckhead is not to be missed for the best vegan food in town.
WHEN YOU NEED TO IMPRESS YOUR BOSS/ CLIENTS
The go-to eatery
Empire State South – upscale southern food and a relaxed vibe make this a midtown staple. Order the “in jars” as an appetizer to start things off on the right foot.
Best for a meeting
Grab some space at The Elevator Factory (http://www.elevatorfactory.com/) for a relaxed creative vibe in Grant Park.
Best hotel
Moxy (https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/atlox-moxy-atlanta-midtown/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2) where the little details are never missed and they keep it light with games in the lobby.
Best for after-dinner cocktails
Head to Establishment (https://www.establishmentatlanta.com/menu) for a craft cocktail on the patio.
YOU’RE TRAVELLING ALONE
Best hotel for solo travellers
Hotel Claremont (https://www.hotelclermont.com) is a boutique hotel with tons of personality where the mix of locals and business travellers will guarantee an interesting stay. Head upstairs to the rooftop bar for the best view in Atlanta and if you’re feeling very adventurous, you can go downstairs to meet Blondie at the Atlanta staple, Claremont Lounge — a dive bar and strip club.
Best restaurant for solo diners
Kevin Rathbun’s Steak – Grab a seat at the bar to meet fellow travellers or better yet, grab a spot on the patio and watch Atlanta walk by on the beltline.
YOU NEED A STYLE HIT
When you need stylish work clothes
Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza offer every shopping option you could desire including Nordstrom, Bloomingdales and Saks 5th Avenue. Be sure to check out Abbey Glass (https://abbey-glass.com/), an Atlanta designer that adds a little southern charm to her trendy designs.
When you’ve got a special occasion to attend
Head to Lenox for all the options for the ladies, and for the guys, make an appointment with Thomas Wages (https://thomaswages.com/) for the best in southern style.
Best for stylish finds
Check out Labels Resale (https://labelsrb.com/) for gently used high end fashion finds or Coco + Mischa (http://www.cocoandmischa.com/) for unique vintage.
Best for shoes and accessories
Tootsies – https://www.tootsies.com/atlanta.
TO LOOK AFTER YOUR WELLBEING
Best hotel with wellness facilities
Loew’s Hotel on Peachtree (https://www.loewshotels.com/atlanta-hotel) is phenomenal. Check out Exhale for a premium spa and workout experience, including spin and yoga classes.
Best Spa
Go to the spa at the Four Seasons and make sure you don’t miss the Spa Happy Hour.
Where to go for yoga
Dancing Dogs Yoga (https://dancingdogsyoga.com/) on the beltline will get you sweating with their Baptiste style yoga classes.
Where to go to sweat
MADabolic (http://www.madabolic.com/locations/madabolic-atlanta).
Best health food store
Sevananda (https://www.sevananda.coop/goodfood/grocery/) – With an unparalleled bulk department and all of the wellness goodies you could ever want, this coop has it all – except for meat, fish and alcohol.
YOU ARE IN NEED OF BEAUTIFICATION
When you need a fast, immaculate manicure
Passion Nail (http://passionnailsinatlanta.com/) in Inman Park will have you in and out in minutes.
Best for a facial
Aviary (https://www.aviarybeauty.com/) which has a great vibe in a warehouse style building just off the beltline.
Best for eyebrows
Sweet & Lashful (https://www.sweetandlashful.com/) – The super friendly staff will help you with everything from brows to lashes, dying to lifting and sculpting.
DON’T LEAVE ATLANTA WITHOUT CHECKING OUT
The Beltline – Walk (or scoot) from Ponce City Market to Krog Market to get a real feel for Atlanta. Be sure to allow plenty of time to stop and look at the art, grab a drink or just enjoy the people watching. Make sure to look out for the tiny doors along the route thanks to the Tiny Door Project (https://tinydoorsatl.com/pages/doors).
