AVLtoday City Editor Brook here. I attended graduate school in Atlanta, GA and lived there for 15 years before moving back home to Asheville, NC. During that time, I enjoyed live entertainment, historic sites, and food from across the globe. Come along with me and discover some of Atlanta’s best offerings for your next weekend getaway.

Why go?

Georgia’s capital city is the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement and offers plenty of opportunities to dig into this history, including Civil Rights Tours Atlanta and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
The Georgia Aquarium — the largest aquarium in the country and among the largest in the world — is an awe-inspiring spot that’s perfect for the entire family.
Have a fully immersive experience at the Illuminarium. We’re especially excited about the virtual garden space of Georgia O’Keefe’s 100 Flowers, which runs Thursdays through Nov. 17. There’s also After Dark, a 21+ evening option which features a full bar and small bites.
All this exploring is gonna make you hungry, so be sure to check out ATL’s best new restaurants.

There’s no limit to the fun you can have at the 2.1 million-sqft Ponce City Market. | Photo by @gcalebjones

Act like a local:

Food: While you simply can’t go wrong eating your way along Buford Highway, the Dim Sum at Dim Sum Heaven is aptly named: these pillowy, budget-friendly bites are heaven on earth.
Drink: Enjoy an elegant high tea service — complete with an assortment of divine finger sandwiches — at Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party.
Outdoors: Rent an E-bike from Atlanta Bicycle Barn and explore the BeltLine.
Listen: The Star Community Bar is an Atlanta institution that’s been in operation since 1991. It’s hosted countless beloved artists, like Drive By Truckers, and up and coming acts through the years (including Editor Brook’s old band), as well as bingo and the city’s longest running comedy night. It also offers cheap drinks and an Elvis shrine you’ll want to snap and throw up on the ’Gram. Pro tip: it’s currently on the development chopping block, so be sure to experience this Atlanta treasure before it becomes a thing of the past.
Explore: Shop and eat your way through the 2.1 million-sqft Ponce City Market. Psst: since our Nani’s Piri Piri Chicken closed, you’ll wanna stop into this location and grab some corn souffle to go.

Talk about a glorious Dim Sum feast. | Photo by @farbsfood

Where to stay:

Vrbo: Dazzling downtown Penthouse with killer city views and a private balcony in the heart of downtown Atlanta (~$150/night)*
Airbnb: A charming home that’s walking distance to the Atlanta Zoo and the BeltLine. (~$96/night)
Splurge hotel: The Ritz-Carlton (~$404/night)