Atlanta is one of the best cities in the US for a weekend getaway. It’s easily accessible, the weather is beautiful and there is something for everyone- art, museums, sports, and delicious food, just to name a few. The city is also very walkable so it’s easy to fit exercise into your short trip.
I traveled to Atlanta for a conference and decided to extend my trip so I could further explore the city. If you have a full-time job like I do, extending work-related trips or taking quick weekend trips is one way to fit extra travel into your busy schedule. You can read about my weekend trip to Chicago here.
With only one full day to explore Atlanta, I decided to stick to mid-town and downtown. An added bonus for limiting the area you explore is that it allows for more walking vs. driving or taking public transportation. Most of the “touristy” things to do in Atlanta are located downtown, but I skipped most of those and spent more of my time in mid-town. While still busy, mid-town is a little quieter and has more cultural offerings. There is also more green space, which is huge for me when visiting a city. These are my recommendations for spending a day in mid-town that is filled with fresh air, exercise and great food.
Table of Contents
Piedmont Park
A green oasis in the middle of Atlanta, Piedmont Park, is the perfect place for a morning run. I figured I would get in a run first thing so I couldn’t come up with excuses later in the day to skip it. An early run in Atlanta is also a good idea so you avoid the heat and humidity. Piedmont Park’s paved, gently rolling path winds through the park for about 4 miles. I ran on a Saturday morning and discovered the Piedmont Park Green Market setting up shop- perfect if you would like fresh fruit, veggies or a smoothie post-run.
If you’re not a runner, you can still get a good workout in the park. Various fitness and yoga classes are offered throughout the year so be sure to check the Piedmont Park Conservancy website for what’s available during your visit. You’ll also find pull up bars along the walking path, and of course you can do squats and push ups anywhere! Access the park from 14th St. or 12th St. on the west side or on the south side at 10th St.
Post-Run Breakfast
Cafe Intermezzo is a European-style coffee house modeled after a 19th century Vienna cafe. Enjoy a delicious breakfast of avocado toast topped with eggs, alongside one of their specialty coffees. Side note- why are my eggs frowning?!
Be sure to start your day with a healthy and hearty breakfast filled with good fats to keep you full while exploring and protein to repair your muscles after your morning workout.
Botanical Garden
The Atlanta Botanical Garden was the highlight of my trip. When one of the greeters pointed out the various paths around the gardens I joked that I would see her again in about three hours. Well, I pretty much hit that three hour mark exploring every square inch of the gardens. While most will likely not spend that much time, I not only got my money’s worth but also enjoyed lots of heart healthy walking.
During my visit I got a sneak preview of the upcoming Alice’s Wonderland Exhibit. This is an annual event and I highly recommend it. The sculptures made from flowers and plants were gorgeous and fun for children and adults. My favorite was the pegasus, which greets you as you enter the gardens. The 27 foot tall white rabbit was also a pretty amazing site.
Aside from the special exhibitions, the permanent displays are gorgeous and the collections are varied, so there is something different to see around every corner. From the visitors center, head to the far right side of the garden where you will explore Storza Woods and walk along the tree canopy. After looping through the woods walk towards the more traditional gardens. Be sure to look for the Earth Goddess along the way. This 22 foot tall sculpture is one of, if not the most, impressive displays in the gardens.
Earth Goddess
Beyond Earth Goddess, you’ll find an amazing array of plants and flowers. There is everything from roses, perennials and orchids to rare tropical plants, bonsai trees and desert plants. I recommend taking your time to appreciate all the gardens have to offer. To use an old cliche, take time to smell the roses.
Margaret Mitchell House
For fans of Gone With the Wind, a trip to Atlanta isn’t complete without a visit to this author’s house on the corner of Peachtree Street. It was in a small apartment on the ground floor of this house that Margaret Mitchell penned the Pulitzer Prize winning novel, Gone With the Wind. In addition to touring the house, fans of the book and movie might be interested in exploring these points of interest in and around Atlanta.
Southern Specialties Dinner
A day spent sightseeing in Atlanta should end with a hearty southern dinner. South City Kitchen serves up delicious southern specialties with a twist. I loved it so much I ate there twice- something I rarely do while on vacation! The menu features classics like fried green tomatoes and shrimp and grits. They also prepare excellent chicken livers. Liver has fallen out of favor in many parts of the US but it’s a nutritional powerhouse packed with protein and essential vitamins and minerals. I couldn’t pass up the chance to try the pan-fried chicken livers and they most definitely did not disappoint!
After dinner take a walk downtown through Olympic Park and then head over to the top floor of the Westin hotel to enjoy a cocktail and watch the sunset at the Sun Dial Restaurant. Perched atop the 72nd floor of the hotel, you’ll have panoramic views of the city. And since the floor rotates you won’t have a bad view wherever you sit! Now sit back, relax and enjoy your last evening in the city.
Bonus Tips
- If you’re not up for southern cooking, I highly recommend Cypress Street Pint and Plate in mid-town. It’s more of a burger and sandwich menu but they have a solid salad line up as well. The greek salad with chicken was excellent. This neighborhood favorite has a full bar but the craft beer menu is where it’s at.
- Don’t feel pressured to do the CNN tour. It’s entertaining but you don’t get to see a whole lot. You’re not missing out if you choose to skip it.
