The irony of claiming Atlanta as your hometown is that, like me, you presumably grew up in the suburbs or the greater Atlanta region. Downtown was always the place to be on weekends, whether it was for a celebration, to watch a performance or festival, to dine at one of the many excellent restaurants, or to relax in the park, and all of these activities were within a half-drive hours from most people's homes.

It's been incredible to see Hotlanta, the Hollywood of the South, the City Too Busy to Hate, expand and develop over the past few years, even if I no longer call the South home. Atlanta's growing popularity as a tourist and residential hub worries me about the city's traffic. The cost of living is low, yet the number of automobiles on the interstate during rush hour increases yearly.

Locating A Place to Stay In Atlanta

The Hotel Clermont

The Hotel Clermont in Atlanta may have the most photogenic rooms in the whole city. After swooning over the vibrant suites, which come with king or queen beds or bunk beds ideal for groups, head to Tiny Lou's, the hotel's restaurant, for French American cuisine with a Southern touch and a drink while taking in breathtaking views of the Atlanta cityscape from the rooftop bar.

The W Hotel

In Atlanta's most exclusive area, Buckhead, the W Hotel retains its timeless elegance. You may take advantage of the hotel's well-known modern design in the hotel's bar, restaurant, and guest rooms, or you can relax on the hotel's rooftop with panoramic views of the city.

Atlanta's Finest Restaurants and Bars

Places Serving Hearty Breakfast and Brunch

Call the South what you will, but I'm not persuaded anybody else makes better comfort food. This is truest in the morning, especially on Sundays, when the favorite Southern meal of chicken and waffles is served. Some of the greatest may be found at the Atlanta Breakfast Club and the Thumbs Up Diner. As an alternative, biscuits are a safe bet, so if you're in the mood for some, go to Buttermilk Kitchen.

Vegetarians and Vegans

While in town, check out Atlanta's expanding vegetarian and vegan culture. The Slutty Vegan, R. Thomas Grill, and Plant-Based Pizza are only a few of the city's vegan restaurants, although the most well-known is The Slutty Vegan.

Aiming Towards Tasty Suppers

Bon Ton, where you can get a wide variety of Southern classics, including fried oysters, catfish, and more. The Sundial is a restaurant and cocktail club with a 360-degree view of the Atlanta cityscape, set in a converted observatory. If you're still in the L5P area, stop by the unpretentious Thai 5 for some delicious sushi and other Japanese and Thai dishes.

Where to Go and What to Do in Atlanta

Paintings, Humans, and Weird Flavors

The High is Atlanta's best contemporary art museum. It regularly hosts high-caliber temporary shows by artists like Sally Mann, Yayoi Kusama, and Virgil Abloh, in addition to its permanent collection of over 17,000. To save time and effort for visitors, we have gathered the basics in one convenient location. The CNN Center is located on the other side of Centennial Olympic Park from the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the Georgia Aquarium, and the World of Coke.

Vintage Store in Little Five Points

Good thrifting may be found at Little Five Points. Rag-O-Rama, Junkman's Daughter, Psycho Sisters, and The Clothing Warehouse are the places to visit if you're looking for the greatest vintage treasures in town. Criminal Records is not a clothes store but worth visiting for its vinyl, comics, periodicals, and other amusing, alternative knickknacks.

Have Fun in the Parks

You could spend all day in Atlanta's parks, but your best bets are Centennial Olympic Park, where you can see the SkyView Ferris wheel, and Piedmont Park, where you can have a relaxing picnic.

Atlanta's High Line

In response to New York City's Chelsea Market and the High Line, Atlanta has Ponce City Market and Skyline Park. Discover the market's outdoor walkways, sculptures, and views, pick up a souvenir in one of the many shops, and relax with a drink in the rooftop beer garden before refueling at the food hall, which features everything from gourmet Italian and ramen to Indian street food and artisan coffee to edible cookie dough and craft cocktails.