Atanta seems to be one of those places that many of us have probably traveled through, either by car or a layover flight, but maybe you haven’t actually spent time there. That’s the case for me, and after finding out more about what there is to see and do there, it definitely sounds like a place that would be fun to visit.
Shan from Traveling with Shan has given us a great tour of her city, and answered several questions I had for her about Atlanta. So, let’s get started!
How long have you lived in Atlanta?
I’ve lived in Atlanta my whole life!
Atlanta is a pretty big city. What’s the best way to get around?
I live a little outside of the city, so I use a car to get around town. If you are in the heart of the city, the best way to get around is by walking or by using the electric Bird scooters that are available for rent.
What would you say is the best spot in Atlanta?
My favorite spot to visit in Atlanta is Ponce City Market — part of the historic Sears, Roebuck & Co building. There are so many nice restaurants, shopping, the best photography spots, and my favorite, Ponce City Roof. You take the elevator straight to the top and you’ll find Skyline Park ($10 admission for adults; $7 for kids 12 and under) with rooftop restaurants, mini golf and the most amazing city views of both Atlanta and nearby Buckhead. During the holidays, the rooftop even had a skating rink with decked out private igloos that you could rent! They’re pricey, but fun to look at!
What are your favorite places to eat in Atlanta?
Ponce City Market has a huge variety of restaurants where you can find the best food for any time of day. W.H. Stiles Fish Camp is an amazing seafood restaurant with an oyster bar with oysters from around the country. There are also many dessert places, but my favorite is called Batter Cookie Dough Counter. They have an assortment of cookie dough flavors to choose from, and they are so delicious.
What’s a fun thing to do outdoors?
Piedmont Park is a great park to visit in Atlanta. With lakes and views of the city, it is a really nice place to picnic, too. Festivals take place here nearly every month of the year, and beginning in March through mid-December, be sure to check out the Green Market on Saturday mornings. You can go for a walk or run, and dogs are allowed in the park, too. If you need a snack or a juice or coffee, there are several cute little places that you can walk to near the park, or you can walk to the Flying Biscuit Cafe for a meal.
What about an indoor activity?
The Georgia Aquarium is a fun place to see all kinds of sea life, and it has some of the largest viewing windows in the world. Also, the Sun Dial Restaurant & Bar is a must visit when in Atlanta. You take an elevator to the top of a high-rise, and the restaurant is surrounded by glass with a complete 360 degree view of the city. It is gorgeous, and even if you’re not hungry, you can sight see from the top.
If someone only had 24 hours in Atlanta, what should they pack into their day?
A great way to spend the day in Atlanta is visiting the aquarium in the morning, heading to Ponce City Market for a nice lunch, making your way to the rooftop for a beautiful view and some mini golf, then capping off the night at the Sun Dial for a nice upscale dinner with a beautiful view of the sunset.
Thanks to Shan for sharing so many great spots! I never knew Atlanta had so much to offer. Fun fact about the Flying Biscuit Cafe: even though I’ve never been there, I’ve been making their grits for years and they are the BEST! My friend ate at their Gainesville, Florida location when she was in college and raved about the grits, so I’m sure their other food is just as good! It was so fun learning more about Atlanta!
