Rachael & Matthew
Things To Do
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
The Fernbank Museum of Natural History (known by Georgians as just "Fernbank") is a fantastic interactive museum that the entire family will enjoy. Spend hours among dinosaurs, walk through the history of Georgia, play with levers and pulleys, and "hike" the outdoor nature trail. The museum also has an IMAX theater with several 3D offerings. Food is available on-site. Fernbank is very close to the wedding venue, making it a smart destination for those that do not want to travel far.
Ponce City Market
Ponce City Market is a hub of shops, restaurants, and fun. The former Sears, Roebuck, & Co. was converted into a live-work-play center in 2016 by the same team that renovated Chelsea Market in New York City. The market is home to a food hall with over 30 restaurants and is a great option for lunch. Check out the full carnival on the roof and play ski-ball, putt putt, and other fun games. Or, better yet, eat lunch at Nine Mile Station Restaurant for the best views of the city, then play games after. Be sure to make reservations for the roof as lines can get long without them (reservations for Nine Mile Station include entry to the carnival).
Emory Point
Located next to the Emory Conference Center Hotel, Emory Point is a mixed-use development with several shops and restaurants. We recommend the following places to eat: The General Muir - Often named one of the best restaurants in Atlanta, The General Muir is an upscale Jewish deli with fantastic pastrami sandwiches, latkes, and black and white cookies. (Matt and Rachael ate at The General Muir on their third date.) Desta Ethiopian - The original Desta in North Druid Hills is one of Matt and Rachael's favorite restaurants. The Emory location is a great introduction to those that have never sampled Ethiopian cuisine before. Tin Lizzy's Cantina - An Atlanta institution, Tin Lizzy's is home to some of the best chips and salsa in the South. There is also a CVS Pharmacy located at Emory Point should you need medications or toiletries during your visit.
Walk the Beltline - Eastside Trail
The Beltline is a former train track turned walking path that circles the city. Along the path are restaurants, homes, shops, and businesses. The path is paved and is stroller, dog, and bicycle-friendly. Our favorite trail along the Beltline is the 3-mile Eastside Trail which connects Piedmont Park to Krog Street Market, with a stop at Ponce City Market in the middle. The path has several entry and exit points. The most common route is to begin at the corner of Piedmont Park (if being dropped off in a car, use 500 10th Street NE Atlanta, GA 30309 or "Park Tavern" as your destination) then walk to Ponce City Market. Either end your journey at Ponce City Market or continue on to Krog Street Market, a mecca of unique specialty restaurants and shops. Those wishing to extend their walk can begin at the 12th Street gate of Piedmont Park (use 1080 Piedmont Avenue Atlanta, GA 30309 or "Skate Escape" as your destination) for a walk through Piedmont Park before connecting to the Beltline.
The Center For Puppetry Arts
The Center for Puppetry Arts is the largest organization in the United States dedicated to puppetry. In addition to hosting puppetry shows for children (Rachael attended several shows in her youth), the Center is home to a museum that includes hundreds of muppets from Jim Henson's archives. See muppets from Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, The Muppet Show, and more. The museum is great for children but will also be enjoyed by nostalgic adults.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Atlanta Botanical Garden contains 30 acres of gardens, displaying flora from around the world. The garden features an elevated canopy walk, giant topiaries, several Chihuly sculptures, and many accessible walking paths. There are several restaurants and food options on site, and a convenient parking deck. The Botanical Garden is located next to Piedmont Park. We recommend booking tickets online prior to arrival.
Decatur Square
Decatur is the first city outside of Atlanta and where Matt and Rachael live. Decatur Square in downtown Decatur (15 minutes from Emory CC Hotel) is a fun place to spend an afternoon. The Square contains an assorted mix of restaurants, shops, and businesses, and hosts several festivals each year, including the highly anticipated Decatur Book Festival. Some of Matt and Rachael's favorite stops on the Square include: Leon's Full Service Restaurant - Where we had our first date Jeni's Ice Cream - Our second stop on our first date Brick Store Pub - A bar that specializes in Belgian beer and has fabulous food (don't miss the perogies) Raging Burrito - Home of giant burritos and excellent margaritas Butter & Cream Ice Cream - The line is often out the door for a reason Sweet Melissa's - A fantastic spot for brunch Little Shop of Stories - An adorable book store that caters to children, but also offers plenty of adult and teen reads too SQ/FT - An extremely eclectic gift shop
Downtown Atlanta - GA Aquarium, College Football Hall of Fame, and More
Downtown Atlanta is home to many attractions, including: The College Football Hall of Fame Follow your favorite team and players through the history of college football. This interactive museum and hall of fame will expand your knowledge of the game. The Georgia Aquarium America's largest aquarium (second largest in the world), The Georgia Aquarium is fun for the entire family. See whale sharks, penguins, jellyfish, and over 100,000 other animals up close! Centennial Olympic Park A beautiful park that often hosts events, Centennial Olympic Park was built for the 1996 Olympic Games. While there, see the Olympic Rings Fountain and look for Rachael's commemorative brick (hint, it's near the fountain). The National Center for Human and Civil Rights NCHCR is a museum dedicated to the American civil rights movement, and connects America's civil rights movement with the fight for human rights around the world.