Maria & Stephen
Things To Do
Ponce City Market
Ponce City Market (or “PCM” as locals call it) is a huge dining and shopping destination housed in the old Sears Building. It is accessible by the Beltline and is a short walk from both the FORTH and Clermont hotels. Maria lived in the apartments above PCM before going to law school. Though her favorites are too many to list, some musts include: (1) shopping for your next book at Posman Books, (2) trying the fried chicken sandwich at Hop’s Chicken, and (3) grabbing a Hundred Layer Donut at Five Daughter’s Bakery. With a wide variety of shops, from Reformation to Sephora, PCM is a great place to run for any forgotten essentials!
Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden is a family favorite destination for the Casey and Jackson/Eliot families. It’s located a short distance by car from the FORTH and Clermont hotels. It’s a perfect place to spend an afternoon, but during the wedding weekend, the annual Holiday Lights show will be on at night. If you have a free night, this is a must see. Given the event’s popularity, it’s advisable to buy tickets in advance.
Krog Street Market
Krog Street Market is just a 5-minute walk from Maria’s house growing up. It boasts restaurants, a beer hall, and various shopping destinations. Some of our favorite spots include: Superica and Little Tart Bakery. It’s just a short walk on the Beltline from the FORTH Hotel, but you can also get there by car.
High Museum of Art
Located in the heart of Atlanta, the High Museum of Art features a collection of more than 20,000 works of art, a dynamic schedule of special exhibitions and engaging community-focused programs. Maria grew up going here on weekends with her grandparents and parents and has many fond memories of Saturdays spent wandering around the museum. During the wedding weekend, the High has a few exhibitions, but Maria highly recommends popping in to see the Viktor&Rolf Fashion Statements exhibit.
Sotto Sotto Restaurant
Sotto Sotto is one of the best Italian restaurants in Atlanta. Located just a 5-minute walk from Maria’s house growing up, Sotto Sotto is a family favorite. Maria highly recommends trying the Priest Stranglers pasta. It is located a short drive from the FORTH and Clermont hotels, but you can also make it there on foot in roughly 20 minutes on the Beltline from the FORTH Hotel. Its proximity makes it a great option for those looking for somewhere to have dinner on Friday night of the wedding weekend. Reservations fill up quickly, so be sure to book one a few weeks in advance.
Amore e Amore
Amore e Amore is a classic Italian restaurant in Atlanta. It’s an especially fun place to dine during the holiday season, because the restaurant is fully decked out in holiday decor. Maria’s family has spent many Christmas and New Year’s eves celebrating here. It is a short drive from both the FORTH and Clermont hotels, making it a great option for those looking for a place to go to dinner on Friday night of the wedding weekend. Reservations fill up quickly, so be sure to book one a few weeks in advance.
Kevin Rathbun Steak
Rathbun’s is the Jackson/Eliot family’s favorite steakhouse in Atlanta and is a top contender for favorite restaurant. Maria recommends ordering a steak and the charred jalapeño creamed corn. Rathbun’s is a short drive from the FORTH and Clermont hotels and is also accessible by the Beltline. This is another great option for those looking for a place to have dinner on Friday of the wedding weekend. Reservations fill up quickly, so be sure to book one a few weeks in advance.
Fritti
Another family favorite, Fritti is a short walk from Maria’s house growing up. Fritti serves amazing pizza and is accessible via the Beltline or a short car ride from the FORTH and Clermont hotels. This is a perfect spot for dinner for those looking for a more casual option.
Il Premio
Il Premio is a restaurant located in the FORTH Hotel. Maria and Stephen went here for dinner after getting their marriage license and had the best time. For those that love caviar, Maria highly recommends ordering it here, along with a dirty gin martini of course.