ATLANTA CITY GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS ATTRACTIONS HOTELS LIVE MUSIC NIGHTLIFE RESTAURANTS SHOPPING TRAVEL TIPS The unofficial capital city of the American South, Atlanta is known for many things - iconic for its musicians such as Ray Charles, Usher, Ciara and famous sports teams like the Falcons and Braves. But cutting edge business and entertainment both call Atlanta home, and everyone knows Atlanta is a hub for travel and food. Each spring “the ATL” is bursting with beautiful colors, blooming flowers and delightful temperatures with plenty to see and plenty to do. ATTRACTIONS Georgia Aquarium • Atlanta is a great place for family fun and taking kids out on cool excursions. The Georgia Aquarium is the world’s largest aquarium and holds more than 100,000 aquatic creatures, including endangered whale sharks. This aquarium offers the unique opportunity to dive and snorkel with their exhibits. In order to participate in this activity, you must have a SCUBA Certification Atlanta Botanical Gardens • Atlanta’s Botanical Gardens features formal flower beds and magnificent trees that frame the urban landscape of Midtown Atlanta. The Botanical Gardens are always a wonderful place to see year round. Of course, spring is the best time to visit, when everything is in bloom. This garden features the Orchid Display House in the Fuqua Orchid Center, the Japanese Garden, the Winter Garden, the Conservation Garden, and the Desert House. Highlights also include the rose garden and the hydrangeas. Center for Civil and Human Rights • Atlanta’s Center for Civil and Human Rights showcase dates back from the 1950’s and 1960’s. This museum explores the history of Jim Crow laws, with archival video, speeches, photos and newscasts that brings the visitor through the epic journey and hardships. The Human Rights Movement also features the stories of women’s rights, children’s rights, and the struggle of South Africa. Piedmont Park • Located just at the northeast side of downtown Atlanta you’ll find one of the oldest parks Atlanta has to offer. Also known as the historic battlegrounds of the Civil War, Battle at Peachtree Creek. This park features off-leash dog parks, gardens, sports fields, lake with fishing piers, children’s playgrounds, and a swimming pool. HOTELS Atlanta has it all, from upscale boutique hotels to more historic-leaning inns. Some of the lodgings have so much history that many claim they’re haunted! With intimate spots perfect for any getaway, we recommend checking out these unique and highly-rated hotels that will make you feel right at home. Hotel Clermont ($161) • 789 Ponce De Leon Ave NE • Hotel Main Line +1(470) 485-0485 • hotelclermont.com The Ellis Hotel ($123) • 176 Peachtree Street • Hotel Main Line +1 (404) 523-5155 • ellishotel.com Artmore Hotel ($118) • 1302 West Peachtree Street Northwest • Hotel Main Line +(404) 876-6100 • artmorehotel.com Stonehurst Place ($289) • 4108, 923 Piedmont Ave NE • Hotel Main Line +1 (404) 881-0722 • stonehurstplace.com Glenn Hotel, Autograph Collection ($135) • 110 Marietta St NW • Hotel Main Line +1 (404) 521-2250 • marriott.com Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta ($395) • 3376 Peachtree Rd NE • Hotel Main Line +1 (404) 995-7500 • mandarinoriental.com LIVE MUSIC Atlanta’s music scene is legendary for hip-hop, R&B, and neo-soul. Famous for its influence on trap and other sub- genres of hip hop, it’s incredible to see music’s influence on Atlanta. Apache Cafe • 64 3rd St NW • Intimate Live Music Venue • apachecafe.info The Loft • 1374 West Peachtree Street Northwest • Music Venue • centerstage-atlanta.com Terminal West • 887 West Marietta St NW C • Music Venue • terminalwestatl.com Variety Playhouse • 1099 Euclid Ave NE • Intimate concert hall featuring a variety of popular acts. • variety-playhouse.com Red Light Cafe • 553-1 Amsterdam Ave NE • Listening room for live music • redlightcafe.com Aisle 5 • 1123 Euclid Ave NE • Music venue • https://www.aisle5atl.com The Music Room • Live music venue • Jazz Club • atlmusicroom.com Eddie’s Attic • 650 North Avenue NE #201 • Hotspot for local musical talent • eddiesattic.com NIGHTLIFE Atlanta is the capital of hip-hop music and is one of the best places to visit if you want to catch up-and-comers and even longtime vets of the urban music scene. Buckhead and Downtown Atlanta are definite hotspots to check out. They’re home to tons of bars, clubs, restaurants and live bands so you’ve got plenty of options to satiate your nightlife cravings! Here are just a few. Koo Koo Room • 1140 Crescent Ave NE • Bar, Lounge • kookooroom.com Lava Lounge • 57 13th St NE • Bar, Night Club • lavaloungeatlanta.com M Bar Ultra Lounge • 186 Auburn Ave NE • Bar, Lounge, trivia night • mbaratlanta.com Opera Atlanta • 1150 Crescent Ave NE • Nightclub, Bar • operaatlanta.com Hole In the Wall • 3177 Peachtree Rd • Bar • holeinthewallatlanta.com Havana Club AT • 3112 Piedmont Rd NE• . Night Club • havanaclubatl.com RESTAURANTS Soul food is considered to be a cornerstone of Atlanta’s food culture. Also known for its boiled peanuts and chicken and dumplings, you must try the traditional BBQ which features pulled pork and Brunswick stew. Most local restaurants will give you a hearty taste of authentic Atlanta dishes and here are some we love. Homegrown GA Restaurant ($$$$) • 968 Memorial Dr. SE • Southern • homegrownga.com Bones Restaurant ($$$$) • 3130 Piedmont Rd NE • Steakhouse institution serving prime beef & seafood • bonesrestaurant.com The Optimist ($$$) • 914 Howell Mill Rd . Seafood Restaurant • theoptimistrestaurant.com Local Three Kitchen & Bar($$) • 3290 Northside Pkwy NW • American fare & creative cocktails grub. • localthree.com Antico ($$) • 1093 Hemphill Ave NW • Pizzeria • centrostorico.it Seven Lamps ($$) • 3400 Around Lenox Road • Seasonal American fare, handmade pasta & craft cocktails. • sevenlampsatl.com Murphy’s Restaurant ($$) • 997 Virginia Ave NE • American fare, baked goods • murphys-atlanta-restaurant.com SHOPPING For those who love to window shop and can’t get enough souvenirs–these local shops filled with vintage, handcrafted goods and locally made art pieces are easy winners. Paris on Ponce • 716 Ponce De Leon Pl NE • Vintage furniture & decor. Peachtree Battle Antiques & Interiors • 2395 Peachtree Rd • Antique furniture, art & home accessories Rag-O-Rama • 1111 Euclid Ave NE . Featuring gently used clothing, accessories & jewelry Junkman’s Daughter • 464 Moreland Ave NE • Specializing in vintage fashion and antiques Psycho Sisters • 428 Moreland Ave NE • Local chain outlet specializing in vintage clothing. TRAVEL TIPS . Because Atlanta is a large city, transportation can be pretty complex. If you’re a tourist or just visiting, then the MARTA rail system is something you’ll want to consider. Since Atlanta is notorious for traffic, visitors often tend to rent a car or download an Uber or Lyft ridesharing app. Buckhead Village is the Crown Jewel of Atlanta. If you are looking to experience a fun night out in town or just looking for something fun to do, then Buckhead Village in Atlanta is the place to be! Considered the staple of entertainment, Buckhead Village is filled with live music, art galleries, upscale malls, music venues, bars, and more. ATLANTA CITY GUIDE.