Guidebook for Atlanta

Kim
Guidebook for Atlanta

Food Scene

This is an old-time neighborhood favorite. Alon is an award-winning pastry chef who has been supplying the neighborhood with pastries for over 30 years, and he makes the bread and pastries fresh every day. The location is within walking distance. Alon's also has a hot food counter, a barrista, a nice wine selection, and a cheese counter.
120 helybéli ajánlásával
Alon's Bakery & Market
1394 North Highland Avenue Northeast
120 helybéli ajánlásával
This is an old-time neighborhood favorite. Alon is an award-winning pastry chef who has been supplying the neighborhood with pastries for over 30 years, and he makes the bread and pastries fresh every day. The location is within walking distance. Alon's also has a hot food counter, a barrista, a nice wine selection, and a cheese counter.
This local noodle house is one of our go-to places for affordable and nutritious lunch or dinner. The restaurant is an easy walk from the house, and the menu offers a number of vegan and vegetarian options. The Chinese Chicken Soup Cup has magical healing powers if you are under the weather.
57 helybéli ajánlásával
Doc Chey's Noodle House
1424 North Highland Avenue Northeast
57 helybéli ajánlásával
This local noodle house is one of our go-to places for affordable and nutritious lunch or dinner. The restaurant is an easy walk from the house, and the menu offers a number of vegan and vegetarian options. The Chinese Chicken Soup Cup has magical healing powers if you are under the weather.
This is a fabulous date night place. Excellent food, a short drive from the house. Do not plan to walk. Your shoes will not be appropriate if you make it all the way there on foot.
77 helybéli ajánlásával
Sotto Sotto Restaurant
313 North Highland Avenue Northeast
77 helybéli ajánlásával
This is a fabulous date night place. Excellent food, a short drive from the house. Do not plan to walk. Your shoes will not be appropriate if you make it all the way there on foot.
While the inventive dinner menu deserves accolades, we have to admit that our very favorite thing about Whiskey Bird is the sidewalk window (look for the "Little Bird" sign) through which you can get coffee, or, later in the day, frozen cocktails. There is something awesome about wandering down the sidewalk, pausing for a minute, and continuing your journey while nursing a frosty, alcohol-based drink. Whiskey Bird is more or less across the street from Alon's and Doc Cheys--in other words, completely walkable from the house.
37 helybéli ajánlásával
Whiskey Bird
1409 North Highland Avenue Northeast
37 helybéli ajánlásával
While the inventive dinner menu deserves accolades, we have to admit that our very favorite thing about Whiskey Bird is the sidewalk window (look for the "Little Bird" sign) through which you can get coffee, or, later in the day, frozen cocktails. There is something awesome about wandering down the sidewalk, pausing for a minute, and continuing your journey while nursing a frosty, alcohol-based drink. Whiskey Bird is more or less across the street from Alon's and Doc Cheys--in other words, completely walkable from the house.
Mali is a local place with awesome Thai food and a great atmosphere. You can walk from the house if you are up for a longish walk (1.5 miles or so). The atmosphere is happy, homey and bustly. Lots of locals here, this is a neighborhood secret. https://www.malirestaurant.com/
38 helybéli ajánlásával
Mali Restaurant
961 Amsterdam Ave NE
38 helybéli ajánlásával
Mali is a local place with awesome Thai food and a great atmosphere. You can walk from the house if you are up for a longish walk (1.5 miles or so). The atmosphere is happy, homey and bustly. Lots of locals here, this is a neighborhood secret. https://www.malirestaurant.com/
The Med Grill is one of our favorite places for affordable and healthy takeout. The local high school is right across the street, so in the afternoons you will find it mobbed with teens in search of Greek potatoes. All of the offerings are fresh and the sauces are addictive. The Monroe Drive location is about a mile from our house, just off the beltline. https://www.mediterraneangrill.com/
18 helybéli ajánlásával
Mediterranean Grill
2126 N Decatur Rd
18 helybéli ajánlásával
The Med Grill is one of our favorite places for affordable and healthy takeout. The local high school is right across the street, so in the afternoons you will find it mobbed with teens in search of Greek potatoes. All of the offerings are fresh and the sauces are addictive. The Monroe Drive location is about a mile from our house, just off the beltline. https://www.mediterraneangrill.com/
https://creativeloafing.com/business-2170-paolo-s-gelato-italiano https://www.facebook.com/PaolosGelatoAtlanta/ If you want a good reason to wander around the residential neighborhood tucked behind all the shops and restaurants on North Highland, look no further than Paolo's. This is a tiny shop with ever-changing, creative flavors of Gelato. We like to grab a cone on a hot day and walk around looking at houses while we eat. They have added a takeout window since Covid hit. If you eat at any of the many local restaurants, we suggest that you stroll over for dessert!
15 helybéli ajánlásával
Paolo's Gelato Italiano
1025 Virginia Ave NE
15 helybéli ajánlásával
https://creativeloafing.com/business-2170-paolo-s-gelato-italiano https://www.facebook.com/PaolosGelatoAtlanta/ If you want a good reason to wander around the residential neighborhood tucked behind all the shops and restaurants on North Highland, look no further than Paolo's. This is a tiny shop with ever-changing, creative flavors of Gelato. We like to grab a cone on a hot day and walk around looking at houses while we eat. They have added a takeout window since Covid hit. If you eat at any of the many local restaurants, we suggest that you stroll over for dessert!
https://mellowmushroom.com/location/ga-atlanta-931-monroe-dr-ne-30308/ Mellow Mushroom is an Atlanta chain with locations all over metro Atlanta; this location is less than a mile from the house, and it shares a parking lot with Trader Joe's so if you want to hit TJ's for wine and other basic necessities and get a pizza to go, it works for a cozy night in. The atmosphere inside is retro/hippie, and the patio is nice, so it's a good option for a casual dinner out as well. They deliver and also offer curbside pickup. The menu is extensive for a pizza place--they offer calzones, burgers and huge sandwiches, among other things.
22 helybéli ajánlásával
Mellow Mushroom Atlanta - Midtown
931 Monroe Drive Northeast
22 helybéli ajánlásával
https://mellowmushroom.com/location/ga-atlanta-931-monroe-dr-ne-30308/ Mellow Mushroom is an Atlanta chain with locations all over metro Atlanta; this location is less than a mile from the house, and it shares a parking lot with Trader Joe's so if you want to hit TJ's for wine and other basic necessities and get a pizza to go, it works for a cozy night in. The atmosphere inside is retro/hippie, and the patio is nice, so it's a good option for a casual dinner out as well. They deliver and also offer curbside pickup. The menu is extensive for a pizza place--they offer calzones, burgers and huge sandwiches, among other things.
https://www.thefamilydogatl.com/ The Family Dog is located next to Alon's, across the street from Whiskey Bird, half a block from Doc Chey's--i.e., part of the small business district that is about a mile from the house. The atmosphere is loud and family-friendly, with a nice bar foodish menu, friendly staff, and live music on some nights. The patio is a great place to hang out and watch the world go by.
34 helybéli ajánlásával
The Family Dog
1402 North Highland Avenue Northeast
34 helybéli ajánlásával
https://www.thefamilydogatl.com/ The Family Dog is located next to Alon's, across the street from Whiskey Bird, half a block from Doc Chey's--i.e., part of the small business district that is about a mile from the house. The atmosphere is loud and family-friendly, with a nice bar foodish menu, friendly staff, and live music on some nights. The patio is a great place to hang out and watch the world go by.

Entertainment & Activities

There are so many things to do that are an easy walk or a short drive from the house, we can't list them all. These are the places we most frequently go ourselves. There is no need to leave the neighborhood to stay busy!
The gardens are a pleasant walk across Piedmont Park from the house. They often feature a short-term exhibit; the holiday lights are well worth seeing if you are here in November or December. The edible garden is one of our favorite areas--we love the cooking demonstrations.
1221 helybéli ajánlásával
Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Prado Northeast
1221 helybéli ajánlásával
The gardens are a pleasant walk across Piedmont Park from the house. They often feature a short-term exhibit; the holiday lights are well worth seeing if you are here in November or December. The edible garden is one of our favorite areas--we love the cooking demonstrations.
The beltline is a work in progress. We are fortunate to have one of the more established portions of this inter-neighborhood project about a mile from the house. It connects with Piedmont Park, which is just down the street from us, and serves as a pedestrian highway to a number of shops, bars and restaurants. Keep a lookout for the Tiny Doors, an art installation project that sprinkles little doors all over the area. King of Pops, the local popsicle phenomenon, has a presence here; you can also walk into the Ponce City Market from the beltline, and stop for a cocktail or a full-blown dinner. Our favorite thing about this neighborhood staple is the ever-changing art that is part of the landscape. You will pass under bridges decorated with graffiti-inspired art, and the beltline itself is loaded with selfie-worthy installations by local artists.
36 helybéli ajánlásával
The Atlanta Beltline Start
Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
36 helybéli ajánlásával
The beltline is a work in progress. We are fortunate to have one of the more established portions of this inter-neighborhood project about a mile from the house. It connects with Piedmont Park, which is just down the street from us, and serves as a pedestrian highway to a number of shops, bars and restaurants. Keep a lookout for the Tiny Doors, an art installation project that sprinkles little doors all over the area. King of Pops, the local popsicle phenomenon, has a presence here; you can also walk into the Ponce City Market from the beltline, and stop for a cocktail or a full-blown dinner. Our favorite thing about this neighborhood staple is the ever-changing art that is part of the landscape. You will pass under bridges decorated with graffiti-inspired art, and the beltline itself is loaded with selfie-worthy installations by local artists.
This is a little oasis in the middle of the city. You won't find tourists here; it's a place for local families to hike and enjoy a moment away from the hustle and bustle of intown life. There is a pretty wooden bridge and a small unexpected beach beside a creek, where you will often find people setting kids and dogs loose for a little safe free roaming time.
32 helybéli ajánlásával
Morningside Nature Preserve
2020 Lenox Rd NE
32 helybéli ajánlásával
This is a little oasis in the middle of the city. You won't find tourists here; it's a place for local families to hike and enjoy a moment away from the hustle and bustle of intown life. There is a pretty wooden bridge and a small unexpected beach beside a creek, where you will often find people setting kids and dogs loose for a little safe free roaming time.
https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/ The Georgia Aquarium is one of the finest aquariums in the country. We enjoy crawling through the tunnels to the place where you can pop up and find yourself in the penguin habitat. The penguins are completely accustomed to this and ignore us, but we still find it thrilling. If you want to surprise your traveling companion with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, check out the web site, where you can book a private swim with the whales. The Aquarium is a few miles from the house, but you will likely want to drive, because it is in the middle of downtown.
2699 helybéli ajánlásával
Georgia Akvárium
225 Baker St NW
2699 helybéli ajánlásával
https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/ The Georgia Aquarium is one of the finest aquariums in the country. We enjoy crawling through the tunnels to the place where you can pop up and find yourself in the penguin habitat. The penguins are completely accustomed to this and ignore us, but we still find it thrilling. If you want to surprise your traveling companion with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, check out the web site, where you can book a private swim with the whales. The Aquarium is a few miles from the house, but you will likely want to drive, because it is in the middle of downtown.
https://high.org The High is a beautiful, light-filled space with an ever-changing array of exhibits. It is theoretically walkable from the house, but we recommend that you drive, as this adventure will take you into true downtown Atlanta. There is a parking deck adjacent to the museum.
1458 helybéli ajánlásával
High Művészeti Múzeum
1280 Peachtree St NE
1458 helybéli ajánlásával
https://high.org The High is a beautiful, light-filled space with an ever-changing array of exhibits. It is theoretically walkable from the house, but we recommend that you drive, as this adventure will take you into true downtown Atlanta. There is a parking deck adjacent to the museum.
The Fox is an old Atlanta landmark that was in the path of the wrecking ball until local families rallied support to save it. The interior is remarkably beautiful, particularly the ceiling in the theater, which simulates a night sky filled with stars. The Fox does a summer movie festival that is not to be missed (classic movies like Mr. Smith goes to Washington, Funny Girl, etc.); but the real draw is the live theater.
801 helybéli ajánlásával
Fox Színház
660 Peachtree St NE
801 helybéli ajánlásával
The Fox is an old Atlanta landmark that was in the path of the wrecking ball until local families rallied support to save it. The interior is remarkably beautiful, particularly the ceiling in the theater, which simulates a night sky filled with stars. The Fox does a summer movie festival that is not to be missed (classic movies like Mr. Smith goes to Washington, Funny Girl, etc.); but the real draw is the live theater.
The Michael C is one of the many beneficiaries of the gigantic bequest left to Emory University by the Candler family, among others (Emory is referred to as "Coke University" around here). This is a little university museum made of marble; it houses some of the most lovely Egyptian artifacts that you will find anywhere outside of Manhattan or Egypt. The museum cafe, while small, is quite nice and worth stopping into if you need time to process the array of antiquities on display.
48 helybéli ajánlásával
Michael C. Carlos Múzeum
571 South Kilgo Cir NE
48 helybéli ajánlásával
The Michael C is one of the many beneficiaries of the gigantic bequest left to Emory University by the Candler family, among others (Emory is referred to as "Coke University" around here). This is a little university museum made of marble; it houses some of the most lovely Egyptian artifacts that you will find anywhere outside of Manhattan or Egypt. The museum cafe, while small, is quite nice and worth stopping into if you need time to process the array of antiquities on display.
https://www.shakespearetavern.com/ This is a hidden gem of a theater, a few miles from the house (but plan to drive, because you are heading into downtown Atlanta). As you might surmise, they do mostly Shakespeare, but we have seen excellent performances of Thornton Wilder and their annual rendition of A Christmas Carol is tear-jerkingly good. Tickets are reasonably priced, the onsite food is great (my daughter swears the tomato basil soup is addictive), the performances are top-notch. The theater is small and there isn't a bad seat in the house. You can park across the street at the medical center.
27 helybéli ajánlásával
Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse
499 Peachtree St NE
27 helybéli ajánlásával
https://www.shakespearetavern.com/ This is a hidden gem of a theater, a few miles from the house (but plan to drive, because you are heading into downtown Atlanta). As you might surmise, they do mostly Shakespeare, but we have seen excellent performances of Thornton Wilder and their annual rendition of A Christmas Carol is tear-jerkingly good. Tickets are reasonably priced, the onsite food is great (my daughter swears the tomato basil soup is addictive), the performances are top-notch. The theater is small and there isn't a bad seat in the house. You can park across the street at the medical center.
Piedmont Park is the largest park in the City of Atlanta. It is right down the street from the house, so you can easily walk across Monroe and you will find yourself in the park. There is a Saturday morning farmers market that offers local organic produce and crafts. The park is a great place to jog or bike; there is also a very nice pool maintained by the Piedmont Park Conservancy. Non-members can enter for a small fee, and we are happy to provide you with pool towels if you are interested in checking out the pool. https://piedmontpark.org/
1573 helybéli ajánlásával
Piedmont Park
501 Amsterdam Ave NE
1573 helybéli ajánlásával
Piedmont Park is the largest park in the City of Atlanta. It is right down the street from the house, so you can easily walk across Monroe and you will find yourself in the park. There is a Saturday morning farmers market that offers local organic produce and crafts. The park is a great place to jog or bike; there is also a very nice pool maintained by the Piedmont Park Conservancy. Non-members can enter for a small fee, and we are happy to provide you with pool towels if you are interested in checking out the pool. https://piedmontpark.org/
Visitors who are new to the area will find it interesting to check out this diverse selection of resources, from old houses to acres of beautiful landscaping to readings by visiting authors. There is a charming cafe where you can stop for a snack. https://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/
250 helybéli ajánlásával
Atlanta Történelmi Központ
130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW
250 helybéli ajánlásával
Visitors who are new to the area will find it interesting to check out this diverse selection of resources, from old houses to acres of beautiful landscaping to readings by visiting authors. There is a charming cafe where you can stop for a snack. https://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/
https://www.smithsoldebar.com/ Smith's is our favorite of the many bars within walking distance of the house. It is a quirky little hole-in-the wall that boasts a game room (pool tables fill up fast, so go early), a nice diverse menu of bar food, and a small stage upstairs that offers live music for an audience of up to 300 people. We saw the Plain White T's there a few years ago, and the band was taking selfies with the audience. Highly recommended, but get online and get your tickets before you come if you want to see a band.
60 helybéli ajánlásával
Smith's Olde Bar
1578 Piedmont Ave NE
60 helybéli ajánlásával
https://www.smithsoldebar.com/ Smith's is our favorite of the many bars within walking distance of the house. It is a quirky little hole-in-the wall that boasts a game room (pool tables fill up fast, so go early), a nice diverse menu of bar food, and a small stage upstairs that offers live music for an audience of up to 300 people. We saw the Plain White T's there a few years ago, and the band was taking selfies with the audience. Highly recommended, but get online and get your tickets before you come if you want to see a band.
https://www.poncecitymarket.com/ You can reach the Ponce City Market by car (it's about three miles from the house) or you can walk or bike to it via the beltline. It has a huge food court with a lot of local restaurants, and a variety of shopping. We love the roof, but there is a charge to go there. Check out the web site for the latest happenings.
1228 helybéli ajánlásával
Ponce City Market
675 North Avenue NE
1228 helybéli ajánlásával
https://www.poncecitymarket.com/ You can reach the Ponce City Market by car (it's about three miles from the house) or you can walk or bike to it via the beltline. It has a huge food court with a lot of local restaurants, and a variety of shopping. We love the roof, but there is a charge to go there. Check out the web site for the latest happenings.
Hooray for this sweet little neighborhood farmers market! It is essentially a collection of tents in a church parking lot, a super-easy walk from the house (go right out of the driveway, right onto N Morningside, a few blocks and you are there). Saturday morning only, from 8:30 to 11. Our favorite place is the Root Bakery. You can order in advance online, or you can take your chances and get in line with the rest of us. My son is addicted to their coffee cake. If you want true local color, and you are a morning person, pop by and watch the grownups marshal dogs and children past the live band, to the coffee place, and then to the pastry place, and then inevitably to the church playground, where they will finally be allowed to sit down and drink their coffee while their children play.
Morningside Farmer's Market
1411 N Morningside Dr NE
Hooray for this sweet little neighborhood farmers market! It is essentially a collection of tents in a church parking lot, a super-easy walk from the house (go right out of the driveway, right onto N Morningside, a few blocks and you are there). Saturday morning only, from 8:30 to 11. Our favorite place is the Root Bakery. You can order in advance online, or you can take your chances and get in line with the rest of us. My son is addicted to their coffee cake. If you want true local color, and you are a morning person, pop by and watch the grownups marshal dogs and children past the live band, to the coffee place, and then to the pastry place, and then inevitably to the church playground, where they will finally be allowed to sit down and drink their coffee while their children play.

Shopping

https://vahibooks.indiecommerce.com/ This book store opened in summer of 2021. It is a charming space with area rugs scattered across wood floors, a comfortable seating area in the bay window at the front of the store, and paintings by local artists (for sale) on the walls. It's a great place to stop after you grab a cup of coffee at Perc or a slice of pizza at the pizza place a few doors down.
Virginia Highland Triangle
https://vahibooks.indiecommerce.com/ This book store opened in summer of 2021. It is a charming space with area rugs scattered across wood floors, a comfortable seating area in the bay window at the front of the store, and paintings by local artists (for sale) on the walls. It's a great place to stop after you grab a cup of coffee at Perc or a slice of pizza at the pizza place a few doors down.
https://www.urbancottageatlanta.com/ Urban Cottage (located on N Highland next to Press N Grind, a cute coffee shop) is a mix of new and creatively refurbished furniture, art, china, rugs, and random things for the home. A few pieces in the guest house came from there. It is a reasonably easy walk from the house. Reward yourself for the exercise with gelato from Paolo's!
Urban Cottage Inc.
998 North Highland Avenue Northeast
https://www.urbancottageatlanta.com/ Urban Cottage (located on N Highland next to Press N Grind, a cute coffee shop) is a mix of new and creatively refurbished furniture, art, china, rugs, and random things for the home. A few pieces in the guest house came from there. It is a reasonably easy walk from the house. Reward yourself for the exercise with gelato from Paolo's!