Experience the Best of Atlanta: A Comprehensive Travel Guide
Downtown Atlanta is a bustling hub of business and government activity that is gradually transforming into a vibrant nightlife destination with the emergence of upscale hotels and trendy restaurants. It is also home to some of Atlanta's professional sports teams, including the Atlanta Hawks basketball and Thrashers hockey teams, both of which play at the Philips Arena. Additionally, the Georgia Dome, where the Falcon's football team plays, and Centennial Olympic Park, a popular attraction built for the 1996 Olympic Games, are located in downtown Atlanta.
The downtown skyline is dominated by major hotels and office buildings, such as the headquarters of The Coca-Cola Co. and other international corporations. Recent additions to the area include the W Atlanta Downtown Hotel and Residences at Allen Plaza and the boutique hotel, the Palomar, which are attracting a more fashionable crowd to the downtown streets.
The Peachtree Center is a business destination that features a mall with numerous restaurants and shopping options. Meanwhile, The Georgia World Congress Center hosts a variety of trade shows and conventions throughout the year. The golden-domed building in the distance is the Georgia State Capital.
In recent years, downtown Atlanta has reinvigorated itself as a tourist destination. Visitors flock to the area to visit popular attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium and the New World of Coca-Cola. The CNN Center, home to the first 24-hour news network, and Underground Atlanta, an underground shopping and dining destination that opened in 1989, are also worth a visit.
A Guide to Atlanta's Midtown Neighborhood
Midtown is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood that offers something for everyone. It is a hub for business, culture, and nature, making it an exciting destination for visitors and residents alike. Midtown is home to the regional headquarters of major corporations like IBM and AT&T. The neighborhood is also renowned for its cultural attractions, including the Fabulous Fox Theatre, the High Museum of Art, and the Woodruff Arts Center. Visitors will notice rainbow flags outside many establishments and homes, as Midtown is also the heart of Atlanta's gay community.
Midtown's homes and mansions have been beautifully restored, but the neighborhood is not without its seedy sections that can attract homeless individuals and other unsavory characters. However, Midtown's diversity attracts Georgia Tech students, young professionals, and families who enjoy its many offerings. A highlight of Midtown is Piedmont Park, a sprawling green space in the heart of the neighborhood that offers a dog park, picnic areas, jogging and walking paths, and hosts festivals and concerts throughout the year. Piedmont Park also serves as the finish line for the Peachtree Road Race, the largest 10k race in the United States, and the location of the popular Dogwood Festival, which marks the start of spring.
Whether you are looking for cultural attractions, a glimpse into Atlanta's vibrant gay community, or a peaceful escape into nature, Midtown has something to offer.
Buckhead
Buckhead, often referred to as Atlanta's Beverly Hills, is a district that is home to Atlanta's wealthiest residents and is a bustling business district. The Governor's mansion is also located in Buckhead. While the neighborhood's hole-in-the-wall bars still attract a lively drinking crowd, many of the favored nightspots were recently demolished to make way for The Streets of Buckhead project. This upscale shopping and leisure district is being compared to the likes of Rodeo Drive, although it is still under construction. Nevertheless, Buckhead already boasts luxury shops, high-end restaurants, and world-class hotels, such as The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Hyatt, and Intercontinental. These hotels are situated within blocks of Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square, two of the city's most upscale malls.
Newcomers to the neighborhood include the Terminus office building located at the corner of Piedmont and Peachtree, The Mansion on Peachtree hotel and residence, luxury high-rise condominium The Sovereign, and the St. Regis Hotel on West Paces Ferry. Outside of central Buckhead, high-rise apartments and condos dominate the landscape, along with the old money mansions of Atlanta's elite.
Virginia-Highland
Virginia-Highland, affectionately known as "the Highlands" by locals, is a charming residential neighborhood situated around the intersection of Virginia and North Highland avenues. Its high walkability has made it a desirable place to live, leading to an increase in rents and home prices. The neighborhood is predominantly inhabited by affluent young professionals and families. Notable landmarks in the vicinity of the Highlands include the Jimmy Carter Center, Emory University in Druid Hills, and Midtown's Piedmont Park.
Highland Avenue is the heart of this neighborhood, home to an eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, high-end boutiques, gift shops, and beauty salons. Drop by Belly General Store for a delicious freshly-made bagel and cupcake or browse the latest fashion trends at Bill Hallman and Mitzi and Romano. When night falls, the neighborhood comes to life with bar hoppers, including Emory students and middle-aged professionals. Enjoy a pint at the Dark Horse pub or listen to live blues music at Blind Willies. If you prefer a more relaxed evening, indulge in a scoop of gelato at Paolo's or sip on a glass of wine at La Tavola.
East Atlanta
Additionally, East Atlanta is known for its street art and murals, which can be seen throughout the neighborhood. The East Atlanta Strut, an annual street festival held in September, is a celebration of the community's eclectic and diverse culture. The neighborhood is also home to Brownwood Park, a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities. Despite the challenges that East Atlanta faces, the neighborhood continues to grow and evolve, attracting young professionals and families who appreciate its unique character and sense of community.
Vinings
Vinings is a suburban area located on the northeast corner of Atlanta. It is popular among both city newcomers and suburban retirees who want to live just outside the city. The Vinings has a variety of restaurants, including the celebrated Canoe, which is located on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, and the romantic Vinings Inn. The Vinings Jubilee center is a quaint, walkable area that resembles a town square and features several boutiques and well-known clothing chains. In addition, the Cumberland Mall, which is located at I-75 and Windy Hill Road, recently underwent a complete renovation and is home to major restaurant chains such as The Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, and Ted's Montana Grill, as well as retailer Costco. While the Vinings is not typically considered a shopping destination, it offers a range of shopping options.