Hidden Gems: Atlanta Travel Guide

I’ve lived near Atlanta my entire life, and let me tell you — I have still so much to explore. There is a creative movement going on in this city, and it seems like so many people are following their dreams to start small businesses, restaurants, and simply connect to one another. I have traveled across the globe and visited lovely and historic cities, but nothing quite compares to what I find in Atlanta.

When a friend from out-of-town comes to visit and they ask me to show them around, I kind of go into a panic. There is just SO much I want to show them! The best restaurants, the cool shops, the delicious coffee houses, the city. So what are you waiting for? Come visit me and let me show you around!

Click through to see Jenna’s Atlanta travel guide! 

Eat & Drink

• The Optimist — This is by far my favorite place to go for fresh oysters and seafood. They serve beautiful and unique cocktails, and the atmosphere is really fun. The Optimist is the perfect way to start off a great weekend in Atlanta! Definitely get the oysters, though!
• Noche — They are known for their delicious tapas, dollar tacos, and lots of handcrafted cocktails to choose from. My sister and I meet her at least once a month and always get the holy guacamole to start, tacos, and a bottle of red. You won’t be disappointed!
• Atlanta Food Truck Park — Perfect for a quick meal on the way to a concert or a casual hangout on a Saturday afternoon. They often have live bands performing, and bocce games going on in the yard.
• Bacchanalia — You’ll want to come here for a super special occasion and try a few things off of their seasonal and organic menu.
• Hankook — This is a totally hole in the wall and doesn’t look like anything special from the outside…but let me tell you–this place is known for their amazing asian shortrib tacos and nachos! Get their sesame fries, too!
• Tin Lizzies — This spot is becoming more and more popular. If you want a cool atmosphere, good tacos, and amazing margaritas, then this is your place!
• Barcelona Wine Bar — This is a fun place to go on Sunday Funday especially. Order a cheese plate, split a bottle of wine and people-watch.
• Brickstore Pub — This is a really fun spot to grab a drink and have a really good meal with friends. They have traditional Irish fare as well as burgers. They’ve got a great beer selection, too!

Shop

• Ponce City Market —This is a very new place in Atlanta to gather, eat and shop. They have retail stores as well as places to eat. This has been compared to the Chelsea Market located in NYC. It’s really a neat spot to spend the afternoon!
• Young Blood Galleries — I’ve walked through this shop only once, but it is absolutely beautiful. They art and jewelry are all made by local artists. Right next door is the Atlanta Cupcake Factory which I highly recommend as well!
• Paris on Ponce — This is another really cool place to walk through and shop. It holds over thirty cool and unique boutiques–from antiques and art galleries to prop rentals and clothing shops.
• Atlanta Made — One of my favorites is Atlanta Made! You can find spices, furniture, clothing, and decor all made by local Atlanta artists.
• Star Provisions — If you’re looking for a neat shop with upscale kitchen supplies, cheese, and meats then this is your place. They also have amazing sandwiches!
• Atlantic Station — This is a popular, more brand-name shopping experience location. It’s basically a small city and has everything you need all in one place. They have well-known clothing stores, bars, and a movie theatre. So if you want a date night where you only have to pay for parking once, then go here!
• Kudzu Antiques — If you love antiques and collectibles, then you will love Kudzu!

Explore

• You can come to Atlanta and not visit Piedmont Park. It’s right in the center of Atlanta and stretches over 189 acres. There are bocce courts, nearby restaurants, a walking trail, ponds, and lots of open fields. Pack a picnic and a frisbee, and your afternoon is set.
• Skyview Atlanta — This is the newest attraction in Atlanta. Think the London Eye, but a bit smaller. It’s right next to centennial Olympic Park, the Coca Cola Factory, and the Aquarium.
• Stone Mountain puts on a cool light show during the spring and summer seasons, and you can hike to the top of the mountain!
• Atlanta Botanical Gardens is one of my favorite date-night places. They always have fun seasonal events going on.
• If you like to walk trails, view public art, and explore parts, then you should definitely check out The Beltline.

Road Trips

• 2 hours: Helen, Georgia — We visit Helen each fall for Oktoberfest, and it’s such a unique place! It’s an alpine village nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Some of my favorite things to do there are visit wineries, rent a cabin on the river, and explore the alpine village.
• 1-2 hours: North Georgia Wineries — The mountains are only an hour away, and there you will find lots of amazing wineries. You can even book a winery tour where you rent a van or car and they drive you from winery to winery!
• 4-5 hours: Savannah, Georgia — If you want to visit the beach, head on down to Tybee Island in Savannah or St. Simons Island.

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JENNA GRIFFIN //    

Jenna is a teacher and aspiring floral designer living in the Atlanta area with her husband and two kitties. She loves to travel, meet new people, and explore her city. She blogs about cooking, recipes, style inspiration, travels, and random musings. She spends most of her free time blogging at Dearest Love and chasing after her dreams!