Atlanta Hidden Gems and Hideaways

Eat

• Gaja Korean Bar – 491 Flat Shoals Ave Southeast

You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Asia as you sip tasty cocktails and dine in this Korean punk bar. Try the Brussels sprouts with pork belly, gochujang honey. Or order the glass noodles with bone marrow, Korean pepper, shiitake, spinach, red bell, onion, and soy.

• Eleanors at Muss & Turner – 1675 Cumberland Parkway Southeast

People love this speakeasy for its Prohibition-era decor (authentic – not cheesy) and the delicious food and bevs. The menu includes memorable sandwiches like the johnny appleseed with apples, swiss cheese, arugula, horseradish aioli, and honey on sourdough. Any drink you sip here will be thoughtfully created with unique ingredients and top-quality alcohol.

• Plants and Coffee (The Victorian Atlanta) – 1336 Glenwood Ave Southeast

Browse incredible houseplants (think: towering monstera and luscious, lengthy pothos) with freshly brewed coffee in hand at this combination spot in East Atlanta Village. While it may look like just a plant shop, it partners with Bellwood Coffee to serve tasty drinks on-site. Expect latte art and incredibly fresh air.

See

• Martin Luther King Junior National Historical Park – 450 Auburn Avenue Northeast

Head straight to the Visitor Center in this 35-acre park to see the ever-changing D.R.E.A.M. gallery. Learn about Civil Rights and M.L.K.’s immeasurable contribution. Then, stop by the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King Jr. was baptized as a child and gave his first sermon to become ordained at age 19. The home of M.L.K.’s birth is nearby at 501 Auburn Ave.

• Oakland Cementary – 248 Oakland Grove Southeast

This 48-acre cemetery and gardens are Atlanta’s oldest public park. Notable Atlantans buried here include Margaret Mitchell (author of “Gone with the Wind”) and Kenny Rogers (Country Music Hall of Famer). The cemetery regularly hosts group tours and events, so check the schedule to plan your trip around these unique gatherings.

• Fernbank Museum of Natural History – 767 Clifton Road

This science and nature museum is not just for kids. Wander among dinosaur skeletons, watch 3D theater (think: films about fungus and astronauts). Learn about scientific discoveries through interactive exhibits. The on-site Fernbank Forest has 75 acres of walking trails, forested canopy, and nature playgrounds – the perfect place to stretch your legs after a flight or drive.

A cool view at Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Do

• Shoot the hooch at the Nantahala Outdoor Center – 5450 Interstate N Parkway.

Ready to cool off and get in touch with nature? Hop on an inflated tube and “shoot the hooch,” aka ride it down the Chattahoochee River. This float includes Class l to lll whitewater and features gentle currents, beautiful scenery, and shuttles to the put-in and take-out points for easy access.

• Play a round at The Switchyards Ping Pong Club – 151 Ted Turner Drive Northwest

This subterranean ping pong stadium hosts tournaments and one-off games with rules like “cussing are encouraged.” Only cheap bourbon is allowed on the tables, and balls that go on the street 10 feet above table level require the hitter to pay the house one dollar. Bring cash and your A-game.

• Hike through bamboo on East Palisades Trail – 1425 Indian Trail Northwest.

This unique trail in nearby Sandy Springs hosts 30-foot-tall bamboo and follows the Chattahoochee River along tall bluffs. Expect beautiful views and easily navigable trails among the towering green stalks. There’s even an alpaca sanctuary among the bamboo!

Stay

• Penthouse Lux

This penthouse unit boasts a double-height ceiling space in the main living area, a pro-chef-worthy kitchen, executive office (or 3rd bedroom, you choose!), all just off the second driveway from Piedmont Park, Atlanta’s largest green space. Lounge in the huge custom sectional, swing in an egg chair, or sip your morning coffee off the deck. This last minute vacation rental is custom curated everywhere you look, with fun moments abounding.

• GA On My Mind

This beautiful last minute, modern townhome rental unit offers an abundance of windows that bath the living space in natural sunlight. Sip your morning coffee in your light-filled dining room or relax in the cozy and chic living space. Have friends over to cook dinner in your state-of-the-art, fully stocked kitchen and end your night cozied up on the couch. Or take some time for yourself and stroll through the beltline, piedmont park, local shops, and more.

• Blue Sky Studio

This designer carriage house, with loads of windows and natural light, is in the heart of Inman Park, off a private drive. This last minute vacation rental’s decor is beautiful, and the unit has all the amenities you need: a full kitchen, washer & dryer, and a bathtub to relax in at the end of the day!

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