Lauren & Pierce
Things To Do
Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
Are you staying in one of the recommended hotels? Cool. Well, walk east on 14th street until you hit Piedmont Park, and just keep going. The Park itself is great for walking around as it’s quite large and multi-faceted. If that’s not enough, then get to the southeastern edge of the park (10th and Monroe) and join up with the Beltline, Atlanta’s (optimistic) pedestrian ring around the city. From here you can hop over to any number of attractions including Ponce City Market, The Carter Center, Historic Fourth Ward Park, and the main drag in Inman Park.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
We are members and can’t recommend it enough. It does cost money to get in, but it’s worth it. It’s an amazing collection of gardens and exhibits smack dab in the middle of the city, though you wouldn’t really know once you’re inside. Enjoy the Japanese Garden, the skywalk, the conifers…go wild.
High Museum of Art
If you're into art, head to the High Museum! It’s walkable from the three hotels and always has a solid mix of exhibits to go with their permanent collection. Yes, there is an admission fee (I guess only people from the D.C. area find this odd), but it should not dissuade you.
Orpheus Brewing
Pierce has done a lot of research in service of recommending the best of Atlanta's craft breweries. When people visit, three top candidates to take them to are Halfway Crooks, Orpheus, and Wild Heaven. All are a bit different stylistically (European-influenced, Sour & Stout heavy, the whole spectrum, respectively) but are great, inviting spaces that usually offer food as well. Monday Night (both locations) and Inner Voice are also good if you happen upon them. If you want a classic beer bar feel, Brick Store Pub in Decatur is a delight.
Antico Italian pizza
In need of pizza? Antico is our favorite. Everything is great. For some of you, a trip to Mellow Mushroom may be nostalgic. Atlanta is lousy with them and you can’t go wrong with any location.
Halfway Crooks Beer
If you're looking for beer AND the best french fries in the Atlanta area, this is the place for you. Get their Belgian fries. Not only is their beer excellent, but also they have a rotating cast of tasty food here. It’s located in Summerhill: a hip, quickly gentrifying area. Enjoy it while you can.
El Tesoro
Are "burritos, outside," your demand? El Tesoro is for you, friend! You’ll need to get a ride over there and have patience as you wait to order food, but you won’t be disappointed. This spot has delightful burritos, tacos, and antojitos as well as very creative drinks (which you can grab around the side while you wait in line to order). There are many great outdoor spaces in Atlanta to eat/drink, but this is one of the better ones.
Downtown Decatur
Hoping to not feel like you're in the city? Well, Atlanta hasn’t seen sprawl it doesn’t love, so you’re in luck. We’d suggest heading over to Decatur (just east of the wedding venue) for something a little different. It’s a proud suburb that wants to be (and is) its own place. Downtown Decatur and the neighborhood Oakhurst are solid areas to be and provide a mix of shops, dining, and drinks.
San Francisco Coffee Roasting Company
We're here to answer all your coffee queries! Is the dream of the 90s still alive in you? If so, then you should go to San Francisco Coffee. It’s an institution, unfussy, neighborly, and we go here all the time. Would you prefer something trendier? Chrome Yellow Trading Co. is a good bet and is in a hip area, not far from The King Center. And what about a good roaster? East Pole or Radio Roasters are great, though can be a challenge to get to (pending a new East Pole location opening).