ATLANTA – CINDA B
Y'all have fun and enjoy Atlanta's unique and wonderful southern hospitality!
- More about your oliver guide: Cinda Boomershine
- Trip type: Family, City
- Activity level: moderate
- Ideal length of trip: 4 DAYS
to & from
Fly into ATL and rent a car. You will need one to get around.
Where to Stay
- The St. Regis is our favorite and it is located right in the heart of Buckhead which is fantastic.
- If you need to stay downtown, The W downtown is always fun.
- If you want a bit of an adventure (and you want to stay in AirBNB’s most wished for listing worldwide), stay in this tree house located in Buckhead
Where to Eat and Drink
There are so many amazing restaurants in Atlanta, but these are some old-school local favorites that might not be in all the usual travel guides.
- Henri's Bakery (if you don't want to sound like a tourist, make sure to use the French pronunciation of Henri) -- Pick up their classic Po Boy sub and some shortbread cookies for a picnic in the park.
- Souper Jenny -- There is always a line, but it moves quickly. Everything they make is delicious, but their Turkey Chili is my favorite.
- Sunflower Cafe -- The best vegetarian restaurant around but you don't need to be a vegetarian to love it (just ask my meat loving Dad who is now a regular).
- OK Cafe -- This is the place to go for classic southern food. They open early for breakfast and stay open late.
What to Do
- Atlanta Botanical Gardens -- this is one of our kid's favorite places in Atlanta. The gardens are outstanding, but the kids area is the best part for us.
- Atlanta History Center -- Check out the Swan House and the Tullie Smith House for a fun step back in time.
- Westside Provisions District -- This is our favorite place to shop with a unique collection of stores and some very tasty restaurants.
inside scoop
Spring in Atlanta is magical as Mother Nature explodes with color. If you can, go then.
What to Pack
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Looking for more Atlanta scoop, check out local, Katie Kelly’s guide!
Atlanta – Katie Kelly
The Waffle House - Ask for your hash browns smothered, covered, diced, and chopped.
- More about your oliver guide: Katie Kelly
- Trip type: Adult, City
- Activity level: moderate
- Ideal length of trip: Four Days
to & from
Fly into Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson airport. Atlanta is Delta’s hub.
- Recommend renting a car since everything is spread out in Atlanta.
- MARTA is an easy way to get around, but I don't advise taking it at night.
Where to Stay
- Four Seasons (14th & Midtown)
- St Regis in Buckhead by the new Streets of Buckhead – great restaurants & shopping.
- AirBNB in Virginia Highlands – eclectic, younger, hip shopping area with great restaurants
Where to Eat and Drink
- Miller Union (the West Side): great farm to table dinner, amazing service & experience (Chef Steven Satterfield!)
- The Optimist (the West Side): incredible seafood and fun vibe - yummy cocktails, outdoor putting green area, amazing food - favorite dish is the shrimp appetizers and oysters shucked on the half shell.
- BoccaLupo (Old Fourth Ward): Unbelievable homemade pastas.
- Fox Bros Bar-B-Q (East Side): You've got to try this BBQ spot - a really southern piece of meat and choose a couple of side - good lunch spot.
- Ria's Bluebird: Breakfast/Brunch - traditional southern breakfast, funky vibe and close to the Oakland cemetery
- Heirloom BBQ: One of the best lunch spots in Atlanta - Korean BBQ....BBQ with an asian twist. A little bit of a drive, but worth it.
- Bones: Classic steakhouse - it's where our family goes for special occasions - really nice steak. Impeccable service.
- Ladybird: Brunch on the beltline (see below under "Do")
- Waffle House: Ask for your hash browns smothered, covered, diced, and chopped. Plan to go to Waffle House late night after the bars.
What to Do
Krog Street Market & Belt Line: Entire big building that’s been separated into amazing shops and restaurants. Recommend riding a bike down the beltline. There’s a bike share program at Piedmont Park right by the tavern. Get on a bike, ride on the belt line until the end – stop along the way at Ladybird for brunch. Beltline is still continuing to grow and add sections.
- Piedmont Park: Beautiful old downtown city park. Concerts, public swimming pool, screen on the green (summers), where the infamous Peachtree Roadrace ends.
- Virginia Highlands: Great place to walk around, great bar scene, fun shops
- Ponce City Market: Shopping and amazing restaurants. Global eatery with a mix of low key restaurants and really nice.
- Walk along the Chathoochee: the river that runs thru Atlanta
- Eddie's Attic: Fun for late night music
- Favorite Shops in Buckhead - Pollen, B.D. Jeffries, Peridot, Boxwoods, Erika Reade
- High Museum: Fine Art
inside scoop
- Spring and Fall are the best times to visit. Summers are hot and humid - if you are planning on spending time outside - be prepared.
- Things are more spread out in Atlanta, so plan where you are going.
skip it
- Avoid the malls at all costs
- The Varsity - Southern fast food, save your calories for other great spots.
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Bringing your kids to HOTlanta? Check out local and bag designer, Cinda B’s guide!
ATLANTA – CINDA B - Suggestions from the Oliver Community
Loved dinner at Yebo Beach Haus in Bucktown. It’a A cozy Colorado-inspired ski lodge by winter and apparently a beach-y🏖 vibe during spring/summer. Food and drinks are delicious too. I’d go every season!
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