Truth be told, I actually prefer staying in town over the holiday weekends..... The streets empty out, providing the perfect opportunity to easily take in events happening in Atlanta's pocket neighborhoods.
So, if you should find yourself in Atlanta over the next couple of days or headed here for a vay-cay in the near future, these are some of my recommendations to experience local flavor & feel.....
STAY:
My neighbors are the proprietors of this Airbnb..... I've been inside and it is very well appointed. The location puts you on one of the most charming streets in Inman Park and a stone's throw from the BeltLine, Krog Street Market and the shops & restaurants of Atlanta's oldest neighborhood
HAPPENINGS:
- Tonight 7-10pm : Whitespace gallery's latest opening reception -- Luminous Animals featuring Zeitgeist Artists / *Image above from participating artist, Karen Seapker
- Saturday 7/1 & Sunday 7/2, 10am-4pm -- Turkish Bazaar pop-up at Balance Design in Candler Park (written previously about here)
- Friday, Saturdays & Sundays 6-10ishpm -- Market, a Thai pop-up in Candler Park that is receiving rave reviews (FYI, it's BYOB)
- Sunday 9-11am -- Emerald City Bagels sets up a street-side table in Cabbagetown, selling their super tasty NY style bagels and an assortment of homemade cream cheese spreads for schmearing
INSIDE SCOOP:
- Get your coffee from Aurora (you'll find me in there daily savoring an almond milk cappuccino) in Little Five Points and then walk the shops of the neighborhood
- I won't wait for breakfast, and most breakfast spots around town are covered up if you're not there when they open the doors..... Rather, order a breakfast sammie from the Deli at Candler Park Market (over the phone or in person + they use Emerald City Bagels) and enjoy at their outside tables or down the street in a picturesque spot of the park
- Depending on what sort of dining scene your desiring, most of the restaurants in Inman Park don't take reservations, which can lead to an hour or more wait particularly on the weekends..... With the exception of one of my longtime favorites, Sotto Sotto -- there's a subtle sophistication to this charming neighborhood eatery with a menu that will satisfy the most discerning culinary palates
- Definitely put seeing Ponce City Market on your list, but skip their food hall and walk a little further down the BeltLine to 8Arm..... Open for breakfast through dinner, with an outside bar fashioned out of a shipping container, 8Arm offers delicious baked goods & coffee with a scaled down menu that favors in season ingredients
- Varuni Napoli at Krog Street Market is a must get-to for more casual fare. Grab a stool, order a glass of wine and witness authentic pizza making at its finest!
- Locals only gift giving -- Code Goods..... Founded by my oldest Atlanta friend (former triplex housemate circa 1998) Rob Glancy. Rob originally started out featuring ATL zip codes hand sewn onto hats, but now is also offering t-shirts as well