Earlier this month I went on a girls trip to Atlanta, Georgia with my two best friends from high school. Harriette moved to Atlanta about a year ago so we had a built-in tour guide! This makes a huge difference because Aubrey and I literally had to do zero planning, and we had someone with a car in the city (that actually knew where she was going)!
Lodging:
It was a quick trip, just about 48 hours, but we did so much in that short amount time. We stayed at the Hotel Clermont, which was right in the heart of the action in Harriette’s neighborhood, Little 5 Points/Inman Park area.
It was built in 1924, and after being shut down for many years, was just recently renovated. It definitely has a vintage vibe and well thought out decor. We loved it!
Shopping & Playing:
Next up, we headed over to Ponce City Market to explore and have dinner. This is another older building (it was actually an old Sears!) that has been completely renovated. It’s multi-use now, with eateries, retail and even apartments.
They had lots of options to eat inside, but we opted to head up to Skyline Park, an entertainment space geared toward adults. You pay $10 and take a very “Tower of Terror” like elevator up to the roof. At the top there are carnival type games, a few small rides and a putt-putt course. At night, you have to be 21 to enter, so it maintains a more adult vibe.
Sunset Shot:
We had dinner at a restaurant at the top called Nine Mile Station. The menu and food were good, but the view is what took the cake for me. Definitely worth the $10 cover charge to get this this shot of the sunset and the Atlanta skyline!
We swung by New Realm Brewing Company to meet up with some of Harriette’s friends before calling it a night. I didn’t get to taste the beer, but it seemed to be a popular spot. 
Being locals:
The next day consisted of walking and eating our way through Atlanta. We had a lunch at Parish Neighborhood Cafe that was enjoyed by all. We walked in and out of thrift shops in the Little 5 Points neighborhood and checked out some of the shops in Ponce City Market. 
A particularly neat store we stopped in was Citizen Supply. It was a large store, but had small displays from many different local makers and shops. It gave it that “shopping small” feeling that I love!
We swung by Harriette’s apartment at Bass Lofts to left her dog Paisley out, and I fell in love with her place! Her complex is an old school that has been renovated into apartments. There are lockers along the hallways, and she is living in what used to be a classroom! I give Atlanta a lot of credit for repurposing old buildings while maintaining their original charm. 
We stopped by the Porter for a beer for the girls and a warm, buttery pretzel for me. After cleaning up back at the hotel, we had a delicious dinner (probably my favorite of the trip) that night at JCT. Kitchen & Bar. 
On Sunday, we managed to squeeze quite a bit in before needing to head to the airport to catch our flights. We had breakfast at Bread & Butterfly in Inman Park, took a walk around Piedmont Park, stopped for popsicles and saw some local art projects. 
Overall Atlanta Impression:
I was really impressed with Atlanta! It honestly wasn’t high on my “must-see” list, but that’s only because I think it’s a well-kept secret. The area we were in (Inman Park) was very walkable, offered high-quality food options, had lots to do and a young, fun crowd.
I think it would be a great place to live for young singles and even young families. It’s definitely a great place for a girls trip, and with Atlanta being a big hub for Delta, flights are more likely to be reasonably priced.
Also, Atlanta is a big movie making town, so there is a chance you might spot some celebrities. So if that’s your thing, this might be a fun place for you to visit!
The only downside for me on the trip was my poor packing. I was expecting a cooler weekend and didn’t really pack accordingly. We went in early October, so I’d even suggest a little later into the fall if you want to ensure you won’t sweat!
The Real Highlight:
Even with all the fun we squeezed into this trip, the highlight was the time truly catching up with two of my best friends. It is rare that the three of us are together. Even more rare that we are able to give each other our undivided attention. I am so thankful for these friendships that have stood the test of time. Having relationships built on encouragement, support and excitement for each other is such a gift. One that I do not take for granted!
Want to read about some of my other recent travels? Check out my posts on Dallas, Seaside, Vail, Lake Tahoe and Hyatt Lost Pines.
