Nightlife: There are 3 locations to party in Atlanta. Buckhead, Midtown, or Virginia Highlands. Buckhead is the best place for you to go bar hopping because there are tons of bar in the area. Midtown is more upscale and there is a good mix of clubs and bars. Virginia Highlands is a more low-key spot where you can actually sit down and talk (not shout) to each other. Here are some of our favorites:
- Buckhead: Fado's is my favorite Irish bar in Atlanta. Go up to the patio area and it's pretty chill place to hang out all night. For bar hopping, start with the Buckhead Saloon and walk down the street.
- Midtown: If you like EDM, Opera is the place to be. There is a cover charge. Drop by RiRa for some Guinness but after 11pm, this bar turns into a dance club. There is a strip of bars around this area as well.
- Virginia Highlands: If the weather is good, there is a big patio space @ Hand in hand. It's laid back place where you can grab a drink and relax. If you like live music, Blind Willie's is a good blues bar in area.
Winery: Don't worry wine drinkers, Atlanta has a winery too! Yes, a winery. Not two, not three. Just a single vineyard that's about an hour north of Atlanta. It's super romantico and awesome though.
- Chateau Elan: Other than the $20 wine tasting adventure, you could also enjoy an afternoon of massages and golf. There are 2 championship courses here. Just remember Woodlands > Chateau.
Breweries: Atlanta produces a good amount of craft beers. If you live in the South, you'd probably are familiar with household names like Sweetwater or Red Brick. There are drinks that you can find in these breweries that you can't find in stores! Remember to check the operating hours on their websites. Breweries are heavily regulated in Georgia. :)
- Sweetwater: If you like hoppy beers, you must visit this place! Their IPA is the bread and butter of the business and it is my go to beer! If you're already familiar with their beer, do the tour to find out more!
- Red Brick: This is the oldest brewery (21 years old lol) in Georgia. Those Irish pubs in Boston must be laughing at us. But still check out the live music on Friday evenings. Get a feel of the local brew cultura.
Touristy: If you have 4-5 hours to burn before the wedding and would like to do some tourist stuff, the downtown/Centennial park area is where you should be! There are a couple of attractions in this area.
- Georgia Aquarium: For $33, you can visit the biggest aquarium in the whole United States of 'Murica (and the Western Hemisphere)! They have everything from whales, sharks, manta rays, and even penguins! Must do for aminal lovers.
- Coke Museum: Right next door is the Coke museum. $16 gets you a brain washing session on why Coca Cola is the most recognizable symbol in the world. And btw, Coke > Pepsi.
- SkyView: Our mini version of the London Eye. Yes, it's much smaller but you get a pretty good view of the city!
Shopping: Atlanta is a shopping mecca for folks in the south. We have 5 outlet malls in the vicinity and countless malls. Here are a couple of our top spots.
- North Georgia Outlet: Best outlet mall in America! They have everything here.
- Buckhead: Oh you fancy huh?
- Lenox mall: Right across from the Westin Buckhead, you can find your typical department stores with a touch of luxury boutiques. I come here for the Zara and the Original Penguin shop. :)
Outdoors: Yes, people in the south do exercise. It's just that we tend to eat those biscuit and gravy more than we exercise. Georgia is ranked #19 fattest in the country. Not bad eh!
- Hiking: If you don't mind driving for 1.5 hours north, you should visit the Chattahoochee National Forest. It's the start of the infamous Appalachian Trial on the east side. Or you can visit Stone Mountain about 20 mins east of the city. There are a couple of family friendly trails here. You also can get a good view of the metro area from the top.
- Golf: Oh man, this list is going to be too long to write. Give me a call, I'll hook you up!
- Park: Piedmont Park is our favorite! If you're training for a race, this park has a 3 mile loop with a good amount of elevation. It's right in midtown which gives you a good view of the midtown skyline. Once you've stuffed your face with some chicken and waffles, this is a good place to burn those calories!