Things To Do
Atlanta Botanical Garden
LAURA'S TOP REC: Late April in Atlanta is sure to have many flowers in PEAK PERFORMANCE. The Atlanta Botanical Garden is not to be missed at such a spectacular time of year. Wander through several gardens and a few large greenhouses to explore a huge variety of botanical wonder.
Georgia Aquarium
Great day activity for a family or anyone who enjoys the underwater world! Laura goes here every birthday! Note: There are package deals for the GA Aquarium and World of Coke if also interested in visiting there. They are easily walkable between, surrounding around Atlanta's Centennial Park.
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
A classic "must see" for our vibrant city. Laura says the museum isn't really worth visiting (or don't plan to spend much time there - this coming from a museum nerd), but it is a worth while place to visit to see his gravesite, peep into Ebeneezer Baptist, and learn more about the birthplace of the Civil Rights movement! Pro Tip: Combine this with a visit to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights (also in Centennial Park near the Aquarium and World of Coke). Please note this can be a very poignant experience so plan some emotional recovery time for after.
Oakland Cemetery
You might think it strange to see a Cemetery listed here, but Oakland Cemetery is a Victorian era cemetery that was designed to be treated as a park! There are specialty tours here often that can be very interesting, but also a solo walk through can provide a quiet reprieve, a nice view of the city, and a fun search for historical figures buried there. Entrance is free.
Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail
Take a stroll or bikeride along one of Atlanta's most known landmarks. Stop in for snacks, beverages or window shopping at any of the different places that might catch your eye. Note: The beltline creates a circle "around" the center of the city and Brian and Laura live along the southern portion. Check out that area if you want to explore their neighborhood and see a quieter and less commercial part of the beltline. Lee & White is an easy anchor point for that.
Catch a concert!
Atlanta is known for its music, and it does not disappoint! Catch a concert at one of Atlanta's more intimate venues such as Variety Playhouse or Terminal West, or check out what's happening at larger venues like the Tabernacle or the Eastern to see if anything catches your eye. Brian loves to surprise Laura with many an unexpected date night out to any of these places.
Have a bite to eat!
Atlanta is rightfully known as a foodie city! Below are a few of our favorite spots, but check online listings and you are likely to find many other great spots all around! - Bones Steakhouse; Buckhead Neighborhood; $$$. Pricy but Brian's favorite Atlanta Restaurant (as well as his dads!) - Lloyds Pizza: as featured in our engagement photos and the TV show Atlanta! - El Tesoro: Two locations in Atlanta (the original on the East side, and another in Lee & White - west side, near Brian & Laura's home), both are great options for lots of outdoor seating for large groups or families. West side often has live music on weekends. - Desta: Ethiopian. There are a few Ethiopian spots in Atlanta, and this is actually NOT Laura's fav , but it is the most accessible. - Brian & Laura are not the biggest BBQ people, but we know people will want to try the local fare. We recommend Das BBQ. Others also consider Fox Bros. a good spot.
Stop for a drink
Need a break from all your adventuring? Below are a few choice places to grab a drink! - Vin ATL: A wine shop/tasting room next to our old apartment. Consult Dwight the owner for a tasting flight or pick up a bottle. - 97 Estoria : Dive bar for cyclists and other grungy folk of Atlanta (East side beltline). - Breaker Breaker: Food and cocktail joint (east side beltline) - Check out one of Atlanta's many breweries; we enjoy Monday night Garage and Halfway crooks (near our house), If on the East Side beltline, enjoy New Realm, Sweetwater is Atlanta's most famous brew.
Your Morning Brew
If you are looking for a coffee shop or brunch spot: - Fav. Brunch Spots: Le Petit Chou; Carroll Street Cafe; The General Muir - Morning coffee: Perc coffee (any location); Portrait Coffee, Black Coffee, Costa Coffee
Brian & Laura's Home - come see our home and garden projects
If your visiting and want to see our home, meet our kitties, or get a tour of Laura's Garden, we would love to have you stop by sometime on Thursday or Saturday in between other events if you are able. Contact us to find a window of time and see if we can make it happen. Laura never gets tired of talking about her plants!