Atlanta: Offering Southern charm and so much more
Georgia’s capital offers southern charm and world-class sophistication.
Story by Travis Currie
While Atlanta is sprawling with towering buildings made of glass and steel, it is truly a city in the forest, dotted with expansive green space. The urban oasis is a multi-cultural haven for residents and visitors alike, yet exudes Southern hospitality. Individuals from all walks of life add to the city’s charm and personality.
Atlanta began as a railroad terminus and remains a transportation hub, but with a 21st century global approach. Centennial Olympic Park is downtown’s centerpiece, anchored by the Fountain of Rings, an everlasting reminder of the 1996 Summer Olympics. Atlanta Streetcar is the city’s modern-day trolley, carrying passengers from the convention and entertainment district to the east side of the city.
Beyond the city’s core, Atlanta’s neighborhoods are packed with personality. Midtown mixes elegance with culture. The Westside has become a magnet for foodies, design enthusiasts and shoppers. Buckhead blends boutiques and galleries with fabulous dining, while the Eastside keeps it funky with eclectic shops and music spots.
Atlanta sits at the intersection of Southern charm, creativity and sophistication. It is easy to fall in love with this beautiful city’s world-class attractions, award-winning dining and hidden wonders – and be inspired by the city’s endless possibilities.
What to Do
Atlanta’s rail-turned-trail, ATLANTA BELTLINE, continues to reach toward its goal of completing the 22-mile loop with the finishing of the Westside Trail. This 3-mile portion of trail connects many of the city’s southwest neighborhoods and features access to four parks, emerging retail and restaurant space, as well as Monday Night Brewing’s newest project, THE GARAGE.
HIGH MUSEUM OF ART is the leading art museum in the Southeast with a world-class collection of classic and contemporary art, containing more than 14,000 pieces in its permanent collection. The High makes its home in a modern building designed by award-winning architects Richard Meier and Renzo Piano. The High is dedicated to supporting and collecting works by Southern artists, commissioning emerging and established photographers to create new work inspired by Southern landscapes.
Sports fans in Atlanta continue to keep the buzz up about the city’s newest sports franchise, ATLANTA UNITED FC. The MLS team experienced great success in its first year as one of only two clubs in history to make it to the playoffs as an expansion team and set several regular and post-season attendance records. The team’s home, state-of-the-art MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM, has set its own records, boasting the largest halo video board and the one-of-a-kind eight-panel retractable roof.
Where to Eat
Atlanta’s international cuisine got a new player with the introduction of FOOD TERMINAL. The food-hall style restaurant, located on Buford Highway, features a range of traditional Asian menu items as well as dishes with a twist.
GOLDEN EAGLE DINERS CLUB and MUCHACHO, two of Atlanta’s newest eateries, share a home in a former train depot and sport a vintage 70s vibe. Golden Eagle’s menu boasts throwback classics such as tavern steak au poivre and late night pigs in a blanket, while Muchacho serves poke bowls, tacos, coffee drinks and homemade agua frescas.
One of Atlanta’s classic restaurants, BACCHANALIA, moved into a new home in 2017. Award-winning Anne Quartano kept her traditional four course, pre fixe menu to the new windowed, warehouse-inspired venue in Atlanta’s westside.
Where to Stay
THE AMERICAN One of Atlanta’s first Downtown hotels was transformed into a mod, 1960’s-style boutique to pay homage to its origins as Americana Motor Hotel. The 315-guest room property features retro furnishings, boardrooms named after classic cars and Southern-inspired entrees at The Cloakroom Kitchen & Bar.
SOLIS TWO PORSCHE DRIVE The 214-room Solis Two Porsche Drive hotel neighbors Porsche’s North American headquarters. The luxury property features motorsports-inspired interior design and the rooftop Overdrive Lounge, offering panoramic views of the 1.6-mile track at Porsche Experience Center.
AC HOTEL ATLANTA BUCKHEAD The first AC Hotel by Marriott to open in Atlanta is located adjacent to Phipps Plaza and features 166 contemporary rooms. Located in the heart of Atlanta’s upscale shopping district. The hotel’s 166 guest rooms and 2,500 square feet of executive meeting space open it to the possibility of a wide variety of events.
