So, you're getting out of dodge for the weekend, maybe a week or more and you want to drive from Florida limiting the distance you really want to go. If you're trying to keep things domestic and haven't already traveled to the best city in the South, Atlanta, Georgia - you're in for a real treat. Sure the Florida-Georgia game is a time of year to call the Peach State a rival but that shouldn’t stop you from heading to HotLanta for a fun and short trip.
Atlanta is a vibrant Southern city, so you'll have a fantastic time no matter what time of year you visit. If you love hot and humid weather, visiting can't beat Atlanta in the summertime, and you'll almost get a refreshing mid-afternoon rain shower to cool things down. In the winter, it's relatively mild compared to much of the rest of the country, so you'll still have a great time exploring outdoors as much as you will indoors. Let's take a look at some of the things the city has to offer and why it should be top of the list of your domestic travel list!
Boroughs on Boroughs
Much like New York City, the city of Atlanta has tons of neighborhoods that are essentially the Boroughs of this southern gem. Sure, you can differentiate between ITP "inside the perimeter" or OTP "outside the perimeter," but the neighborhoods are all fun the same.
If you're looking for an upscale dining and luxury shopping experience, you'll want to check out the Buckhead area. The streets are beautiful and lined with charming boutiques and galleries, as well as home to several major shopping centers where you can pick out your new Louis Vuitton bag or Gucci Loafers—looking for a funkier, more eclectic experience? Little Five Points fits the bill perfectly. This charming Burrough is mainly brick-paved sidewalks full of tattoo shops (you'll never forget the trip if you get a little pink), record stores, second-hand and vintage stores, and of course, local restaurants and coffee shops. You definitely won't find a chain or big box anything in Little Five. There are several other areas that you'll want to explore while you're in Atlanta, but these two neighborhoods easily stand out as the two you've got to cross off your list.
Shopping Is Amazing
If you're like many people, one of the most fun things to do while traveling is to shop; shopping locally is even better at Atlanta’s world famous AmericasMart. It’s a massive shopping center with everything stylish under the sun! There are endless vendors offering everything from leathers and faux fur to go over your new t-shirt, sweater, or blouse. Maybe you are looking for new Ray Bans and the Jessica Simpson perfume, AM’s got ya! You can come here with a credit card and leave with a wardrobe.
Whether you're looking for a postcard to send to loved ones back home or souvenirs to remind you of your epic visit to Atlanta, it can all be easily found. On top of that, the city offers shopping that rivals New York City and even Los Angeles. Though it's a wildly sprawled out city, it doesn't have the same vibe as NYC - it still offers world-class shopping experiences. Whatever you're looking for, you can find it in Atlanta.
The Food Is Second to None
Even if you're a world traveler and have had a filet mignon in Paris, as I have, I can also tell you without question that some of the best food I've ever tasted was in the city of Atlanta. Not only is it famous for its BBQ and Brisket (your best bet is Daddy D'z downtown), it is also home to Michelin dining and many celebrity chef-owned restaurants.
Additionally, there is such a culturally diverse population that any dietary needs you have are quickly met with the city's mix of local grocery stores and specialty food shops. There are several indoor and outdoor international farmers markets as well, so if you've got a hankering for a full head from a pig, eyes intact, you can find it there. Not to mention some of the best churros you'll ever eat - and that includes from Mexico or anywhere in California.
More and more Americans are starting to feel comfortable with travel again, rightly so. Many people are choosing to go the road trip route these days, so Atlanta's location is not more than a day's drive from a lot of the country, which makes putting it on your list even more apparent. No matter how long you decide to stay in the city, there is plenty to do and see from museums, historical sites and all the above mentioned. You'll quickly find yourself wanting to come back again soon. Happy trails!
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