Most of you know by now that I lived in Atlanta for about 8 years before moving to Chicago. I love Atlanta and go back often to visit friends. It’s funny, normally when I travel, I write a blog recap of the awesome things I did when in town. I’ve never done an Atlanta travel guide because I don’t feel like a tourist there myself, but recently I’ve had a few Chicago friends ask for recommendations.
Now, I could probably write five separate posts on Atlanta – restaurants, museums, how to navigate the 3,056 Peachtree Roads, etc. But, one of my favorite things to do there as a local is to walk along the Eastside Trail (part of Atlanta’s BeltLine) on a lazy weekend afternoon. It’s totally non-touristy and you’ll find some of the best restaurants and shopping in the city.
BeltLine? What?
The BeltLine Trail in Atlanta is similar to New York’s Highline – and in a sense, the 606 too. It’s a pedestrian walk and bike way that will – when it’s complete – run a loop around the city of Atlanta. It’s built on the tracks of a defunct railroad.
The Eastside Trail is a section that starts in Midtown and runs about three miles south. They’re rapidly expanding, but when I lived there, the turn-around point was always Krog Street Market since it’s a great place to stop for a beer and ice cream.
Where to Stop
The great part about the BeltLine for locals is you can choose to stop at different places every time you go. However, there are always stops I’m partial to …
For Dining
On an ideal weekend, I’d wake up, walk the couple of miles on the BeltLine to start with brunch at Parish. It’s upscale southern with a French twist. Anytime I can get a croque monsieur, I’m happy! There’s also a ton of history to the building it’s in – which was built in 1890!
Holeman and Finch has what is frequently heralded as the Best Burger in Atlanta. For years, they only served 24 burgers that at 10 p.m. each night at their original restaurant in Buckhead. You had to get there around 7 p.m. to get a spot in the burger line and they were served one way – no questions or requests.
A few years ago, the owners created H+F Burger and have brought the deliciousness to the masses at Ponce City Market (which is on the BeltLine) and at SunTrust Park (where the Braves play).
This is a new addition to my list as I went there for the first time a few months ago! It’s located at Krog Street Market and has some of the best octopus I’ve ever had. They also have this incredibly unique cocktail that I’m glad I don’t have access to on a daily basis. It has watermelon, tomato, gin, lemon, basil, agave, and smoked salt. You’ll just have to trust me on that one.
For Day Drinking
Ladybird is a bit clichéd, but has a great outdoor area where you can sit at picnic tables, play drinking games, and watch folks stroll down the BeltLine. It’s where you park for a couple of hours when you need a break but still want to be outside.
Our favorite Ladybird drinking game is the cell phone stack. First person to touch their phone buys everyone a round. It’s a great way to stop texting and start talking.
Hop City is a great beer market that has locations around Atlanta, but they also have a bar area in Krog Street Market. Since Krog Street Market has restrooms and plenty of food choices, it’s a popular spot to take a break and grab a beer while everyone gets organized.
Perhaps the most creative drinks you’ll find on the BeltLine are pop-tails from King of Pops in Ponce City Market. Don’t be confused – King of Pops has a couple locations on the Eastside Trail and you may even see a cart with a rainbow umbrella floating around if you’re lucky. Those are for their famous popsicles that have amazingly unique flavors.
But, if you stop by their location in Ponce City Market, they’ll stick your popsicle in a cocktail for a boozy afternoon treat!
For Shopping
Paris on Ponce may be my all-time favorite stop on the BeltLine. It’s part antique store, part homemade goods including some incredible art pieces and furniture, and part event venue. And it’s 100% eclectic and creative.
Plus, the outside of their building doesn’t suck either.
The Merchant at Krog St Market
This boutique features some of your favorite products from Rifle Paper Co. and Kate Spade, but also goes beyond with products you don’t always see and some great ATL gear as well. This is one of those stores you could spend an hour in and still not feel like you saw it all.
Something for everyone, Ponce City Market has a mix of boutiques, specialty stores, and your typical mall-style stores. Favorite stops in here are Archer Paper Goods, Citizen Supply (a collection of products from local artists), Candlefish, Anthropologie, and West Elm.
If you’re planning a trip to Atlanta, I hope you’ll make the BeltLine a stop on your list. If you’re an Atlanta local, hopefully I’ve reminded you of another place to try or go back to!
I’ve always wanted to go to Atlanta – this will prove handy!
So glad it will be helpful!