These lesser-known activities shouldn't be missed on any trip to Georgia's capital city.
Both Ray Charles and Gladys Knight wrote famed songs in tribute to Georgia, and for good reason. The lush greenery, abundance of historic sites, thriving culinary scene, Southern hospitality—which is not a myth—all set it apart. Nowhere in the state are these attributes more on display than in the capital of Atlanta. Since you've likely already been to this metropolis and visited its biggest draws, read on for the treasures that often go overlooked—and make sure not to miss them.
Perhaps one of the most historic streets in Atlanta, Edgewood Avenue and the Edgewood Retail District has undergone a resurgence in recent years, sprouting much-coveted restaurants and new bars. Sister Louisa's Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium, known simply as Church, is one. Minutes away off Moreland Avenue is Edgewood Avenue's retail district, where notable local shops such as Beehive, a co-op for artists and creatives, draw crowds for their wares, as well as their craft classes on things like paper flower making and knitting.
This Atlanta-centric store features knicks and knacks the kitchen and cooking. A varied selection of pots, pans, stand mixers, and knives can be found at all three of Cook's Warehouse locations throughout Atlanta, with some locations featuring a fine wine selection, too. Additionally, Cook's Warehouse has a full roster of cooking classes on cake pops to making pasta from scratch. For those interested in learning even more about food, there is a volunteer-based cooking school assistant program.
Just minutes away from Atlanta proper, the city of Decatur and its downtown area is bustling with character. With local boutiques and shops galore, it's the perfect place for unearthing unique finds. Don't miss dining in downtown Decatur at spots such as the Raging Burrito, Sushi Avenue, Iberian Pig, Leon's Full Service, Cakes and Ale, Taqueria de Sol, and the Pinewood Tippling Room for inventive cocktails.
Virtually everything at DeKalb Farmer's Market will make you marvel. Shoppers can browse fresh spices, a stunning selection of local and international wines, breads baked daily, vibrant produce, and succulent meats and seafood. There's a hot bar for takeaway—perfect for lunch or dinner on the go—and if you've got a sweet tooth, the bakery has cheesecakes, brownies, cakes, and an assortment of cookies. Tip: bring cash because they don't accept cards at the bakery counter.
While DeKalb Farmer's Market deserves a lot of shine, so does the equally great Buford Highway Farmer's Market. With an emphasis on international fare and unbeatable prices, this market is a dream for the food-obsessed. There are also a plethora of restaurants and eateries lining Buford Highway, from Chinese to Vietnamese, Mexican and Peruvian.
Until last year, this fascinating attraction was only open to Delta employees. What a more fitting place for it than Atlanta, the birthplace and headquarters of Delta airlines, to stroll this museum exploring beautiful planes, do a flight simulation, and learn about all things aviation? The museum is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m, and from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $7 for children and $12.50 for adults.
Held on the second Friday of every month, the art stroll is a well keep secret in historic art district Castleberry Hill. Art aficionados can expect to start the stroll at 7 p.m. and wander through various art galleries. Restaurants and businesses offer special offers for art stroll participants until it ends at 10 p.m.
