By Emma Hamrick
Eight hours north of Lakeland, i75 carves through the heart of Georgia’s state capitol. Atlanta may be home to the World of Coca-Cola, CNN Center, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site and the world renowned Georgia Aquarium, but the hustle and bustle of the tourist attractions only draws attention away from the hidden gems of the city. Here are five lesser-known attractions that are truly “must see” locations within the Atlanta’s city perimeter.
1. Olympic Park
Located just across the street from the World of Coke and Georgia Aquarium, Olympic Park offers unrestricted views of the Atlanta skyline. Quick meal options within the park include grabbing a burger at Goodie’s and snagging a King of Pops popsicle. Visitors enjoy watching the Fountain of Rings, a pop jet fountain play park that duals as entertainment with water geysers dancing in synchronization to the tune of Jackson Five hits and classic Disney songs. Budget about an hour to enjoy the park to is full potential.
2. The Varsity
“What’ll ya have” remains the catch phrase as the Atlanta based burger joint. Famous for frosted orange beverages, chill cheese dogs and fried peach pies, The Varsity offers all of the greasy goodness of comfort foods. The original location is just steps away from Georgia Tech’s campus and provides a pit stop location for a day of sight seeing.
3. Krog Street Market
Dining options and Atlanta go hand-in-hand. Krog Street Market only furthers this belief. Krog Street hosts various counter service restaurants including classic fried chicken and BBQ joints. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams dishes out hand crafted desserts to cap off an evening of dining. Krog Street is also home to various niche retailers including antique shops and flower stands. While Krog Street is slightly outside of the downtown nightlife, the market is an ideal option for a relaxed evening.
4. Decatur Square
A small town essence just minutes away from the big city, the town of Decatur in DeKalb County is just a MARTA ride away from city center. Streets are lined with artisan shops, street performers and bohemian boutiques. The aesthetic of Brick Store Pub, located within Decatur Square, mixes the European pub scene with Decatur’s small town charm. Menu highlights include burgers, fish n’ chips and Brunswick stew. Emory Village, home to Emory University, is just a short, scenic drive away though the Atlanta suburbs. Decatur Square is an ideal spot for an afternoon of exploration.
5. Ponce City Market
Housed within the former Sears, Roebuck & Company building on the Atlanta BeltLine, Ponce City Market rises as a hipster Mecca off Ponce De Leon Avenue. Converted into a lifestyle destination in 2014, Ponce City Market is home to familiar retailers like Anthropology, Alex and Ani and J. Crew. The food hall offers seafood stops, Mexican meal offerings and gelato counters, among other options. Skyline Park atop the market hosts carnival rides, dining options and city views. A four-hour time block in the evening provides adequate time to enjoy all the market has to offer. Consult experts when you are choosing property to buy in Roswell 30076
