48 hours in the strip club capital of the USA
OH WAIT... that’s Portland. A twist I wasn’t expecting. While I remain a novice at navigating Atlanta and ignorant to many local offerings, I came away with some valuable recommendations and dissuasions about the city. Now listen up, and as Trae Young would say, I’ll see you in the A.
Recommendations
Midtown & the Meadow at Piedmont Park - My mates and I stayed in this area and I highly recommend you do the same. Find yourself a local Airbnb and enjoy the neighborhood feel surrounded by greenery, parks, and plentiful food options. The meadow linked is a massive greenspace perfect for all park activities. For those of you who’ve spent time in Austin, it rivals the space and feel of Zilker Park, the home of Austin City Limits.
South City Kitchen Midtown ($$) - Looking for a dose of southern hospitality? Make a reservation at South City Kitchen or walk in the front door (that’s what we did). This local joint brings the ambience of eating in a family's home while enjoying savory biscuits, cornbread, fried chicken, shrimp & grits, and Georgia peaches. The waitstaff is wonderful and the neighborhood offers night-cap bars to finish the evening. We rolled with a bottle of wine, not very Atlanta of us.
Beltline Bridge at Ponce City Market - When traveling with someone training for an ironman, you’re guaranteed to get active. Thanks to this someone, we discovered the amazing Atlanta greenbelt during a morning run. It’s an expansive 22 mile trail through neighborhoods and parks. An ideal spot for running, biking, walking, blading, but no f*cking scooters. The 6 mile area we traversed is clean, lined with cafes, parks, and shops. From the Midtown entrance, it leads you to a worthy stop known as the Ponce City Market ($).
Sean’s Candler Park ($)- An ideal place to cool-down, enjoy food, juice, and meet locals on a hot summer day. Hit a walk through Candler Park, Freedom Park, and the Jimmy Carter Museum prior to visiting this neighborhood spot.
Dissuasion
The World of Coca-Cola - We meandered here on hot, humid saturday in pursuit of air conditioning and an activity. Coca-Cola has a 100+ year history and nostalgic memorabilia throughout the museum. It’s a reasonably priced ticket that guarantees exotic soda samples, however, it’s not a brand I personally stand behind and the place reeks of tourist trap.
Estimated cost key
- $ ($0-20 pp)
- $$ ($20-40 pp)
- $$$ ($40+ pp)
Author: EL
Quote to consider:
"It's the pursuit of these things, and your attempts to avoid them, that leave you in such turmoil. And yet they aren't seeking you out; you are the one seeking them. Suspend judgement about them. And at once they will lie still, and you will be freed from fleeing and pursuing." -Marcus Aurelius