ATLANTA, GEORGIA BY LAURIE FOREHANDAtlanta is situated in the heart of the American South, but unlike the rest of the area, which is known for its laid-back charm and sleepy pace, Atlanta is a proper urban hub, with a diverse music scene, high-end restaurants, designer shopping, buzzing neighborhoods, and highways. It’s not a pedestrian city as such; most areas require the train (MARTA), a car, or at least a bike. However, within the individual neighborhoods, most of the restaurants, cafes, and boutiques are accessible on foot. The key areas to know about are: Midtown Atlanta, Buckhead and Downtown Atlanta. Midtown attracts urban dwellers, who like to be close to the action. Tree-lined streets are filled with beautiful condos and charming homes, and there’s an assortment of good places to eat. The highlight of the area is Piedmont Park, a great place to take a stroll, lie in the grass, play Frisbee or just indulge in some people watching. The neighborhood of Virginia Highlands is particularly worth a visit, and is home to some great bars, shops and restaurants.Just north of Midtown is Buckhead, where I live. It’s known (for better or for worse) as the ‘shopping Mecca of the southeast’, and is a high-end neighborhood, home to beautiful mansions, posh restaurants and designer boutiques. People either love it or hate it, but I fell in love with it as soon as I moved here ten years ago.Finally, a short way southwest of Midtown, Downtown Atlanta is worth a visit. It’s home to CNN, Turner Broadcasting, Philips Arena, Olympic Village, Georgia State University, and Georgia Tech. Its skyscrapers define the city’s distinctive skyline, and it attracts urban dwellers and artists, who live in the funky old industrial buildings that have now been converted to lofts and apartments. It’s also home to some amazing restaurants and hotels, as well as galleries that host some great parties on the monthly arts walk through the Castleberry Hill Arts District of Downtown Atlanta – an event not to miss if you’re in town! 17 Atlanta, GA
18 Altanta, GAW DOWNTOWN This hotel was built from the ground up as a W-branded hotel, and the architecture alone says it all. A great place to stay, or just to drop in for a drink or two. In the summer months, the rooftop deck features a DJ pool party and a great view. Drinkshop is the inside bar, which serves vintage-inspired drinks in a posh setting. 45 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.starwoodhotels.comHOTEL PALOMAR One of the newest boutique hotels in Midtown, it’s artfully styled with contemporary decor, and a beautiful rooftop lounge serving great cocktails. 866 West Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.hotelpalomar-atlantamidtown.comELLIS HOTEL A cute boutique hotel right in the heart of Downtown. The historic building has a newly updated, modern aesthetic that fits right in with the pace of the city. 176 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, www.ellishotel.comST. REGIS A new 5-star hotel with amazing attention to detail and a 40,000 ft² pool piazza on the sixth level. It could make for a great city break hotel. 88 West Paces Ferry Rd, Atlanta, GA 30305, www.starwoodhotels.comSTAY
19 Atlanta, GAHALO One of my favorite lounges in Midtown at the bottom of the historic Biltmore building. They’ve been around for about a decade now, but always host good DJs, and provide a great atmosphere for a night out. 817 West Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.halolounge.comAURUM Aurum is a hot new lounge designed by Atlanta interior designer, Michael Habachy. It’s got a gold, glowing theme, with an onyx bar and a well-dressed crowd. It’s only open Wednesday to Saturday. 108 8th St, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.aurumlounge.comDRINKOCTANE Octane is a coffee bar and lounge with a couple of locations around the city. My favorite branch is on the West Side. Free Wi-fi draws a mixed crowd of art kids, designers, and web-folk. They host pecha kucha events and barista competitions throughout the year, and their espresso martini will keep you up till the wee hours. Open late. A must visit. 1009-B Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, www.octanecoffee.comAPRES DIEM A restaurant, cafe, bistro, bar, and lounge all in one. Continental cuisine, a good drinks menu and great coffees, plus nightly DJs and live music acts. Settle in for the evening. 931 Monroe Dr, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.apresdiem.comWHISKEY BLUE If you’re out to impress, this is the place. It’s on the roof of the W Hotel in Buckhead, and offers great views and nightly DJs. Very chic! 3377 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
20 Altanta, GA LUPE Lupe is one of my favorite new taquerias, located right in Midtown on Juniper. It offers authentic Mexican dishes in a cool, contemporary environment. Specialities include goat tacos and chicken in red mole, and fantastic cocktails, such as the chipotle martini. 905 Juniper St, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.sottosottorestaurant.com BELEZA Right next door to Lupe, you’ll find this Brazilian bar/restaurant. They serve tapas-style sharing dishes, but you can just have drinks if you prefer. The decor is futuristic but homely at once. Live music or a DJ is always there to liven things up. 905 Juniper St, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.sottosottorestaurant.com HOLY TACO Holy Taco is your friendly neighborhood taqueria in East Atlanta. The perfect place for a night out with friends. Great Margaritas. 1314 Glenwood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316, www.holy-taco.com LEON’S FULL SERVICE Leon’s is a quirky spot in the Decatur neighborhood. Originally a garage, the space has been charmingly converted into a friendly neighborhood walk- up restaurant and bar. Delicious menu items and even better drinks make this place a staple. 131 East Ponce de Leon Ave, Atlanta, GA 30030, www.leonsfullservice.com CAKES & ALE Also in Decatur, Cakes & Ale is friendly and full of personality. They use locally sourced, seasonal produce to create good southern home cooking with a soulful edge. 254 West Ponce de Leon Ave, Atlanta, GA 30030, www.cakesandalerestaurant.com EAT
BEEHIVE CO OP A small boutique in Buckhead offering stylish, crafty, one-off gift items, homewares, stationery, and clothing by local artisans and emerging designers. 1831 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.beehiveco-op.comYOUNG BLOOD GALLERY & BOUTIQUE An independent gallery and shop for emerging designers and do-it-yourself crafters to show and sell their wares. A great place for unique gift items and cutting edge art. 636 North Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA 30306, www.youngbloodgallery.comFAB’RIK BOUTIQUE A spot for fashionistas, Fab’rik boutique in Midtown Atlanta has hard-to-find labels and popular brands. Fashion-forward, yet not too expensive. 1114 West Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.fabrikstyle.comSHOPK’LA A must for any shopper, this place has a great selection of really unusual fashion labels. I always get loads of compliments on the stuff I buy here. Located in Atlantic Station. 1380 Atlantic Dr, Atlanta, GA 30363JEFFREY One of my favorite places to splurge, Jeffrey is a little slice of New York City in Atlanta, stocking the best selection of designer shoes you could dream of. The service is impeccable, and if you are looking for something specific, they will hunt it down for you. 3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 21 Atlanta, GA
