Recommendations from Atlanta Locals (or former Locals) on where to eat, what to see and what to do while you are visiting.
Neighborhood overview:
Someone who knows Atlanta will not usually think of downtown - where the conference hotel is located - when they think of good places to eat, or locations to visit. You're better off going elsewhere, and that probably means using MARTA, the Atlanta subway system. Happily, the neighborhoods with some of the best, walkable options are within 15 minutes of downtown by MARTA. The two areas to focus on are Decatur and Midtown.
The nearest MARTA stop to the hotel is Peachtree Center. A few stops north and you'll be in Midtown. If you go one stop South (Five Points station) you'll be able to switch to a train running eastward to Decatur, 6 stops away.
If you're really committed to seeing the best Atlanta has to offer, however, it's probably fair to say that a step up in the transportation budget is called for. A $15-$20 cab ride can get you out to West or NW Atlanta, which has become a haven for foodies and mixologists in recent years, as well as a preferred spot for boutique shops, galleries, etc. Or you could just make friends with a local and bribe them into service.
Atlanta's downtown and midtown districts also have good Zipcar coverage, if you have a membership.
Downtown
How to get here: if you're at the conference hotel, you're already there!
Bars
Very close to the hotel is Meehan's which is an Irish pub.
Tourist Attractions
Decatur
How to get here: from the Five Points MARTA stop, take an eastbound train to Decatur, which is six stops away.
BBQ
"Fox Brothers BBQ is the place to go, it's about .3 miles from the nearest Marta station though, and not the nicest part of town, so I'd recommend finding a ride if possible." (Stuart Freeman)
Bars
"My personal favorite though is Brick Store Pub, it's right next to the Decatur Marta train station and has a tremendous selection of Belgian beers. Their food is good too, but The Iberian Pig is also right across the Decatur Square for excellent Spanish tapas (they also have a nice bar)" (Stuart Freeman)
Midtown
How to get here: take a northbound train just a couple stops to 'North Avenue' or 'Midtown'
Other Neighborhoods
"A bit farther away (~2.5 mi) reachable by bus or a slight hike from the Marta train is Manuel's Tavern, which is more traditional American, and something of an Atlanta institution." (Stuart Freeman)
Locals
Stuart "Stu" Freeman, Georgia Tech
- Atlanta Local Since: 1982
- My Favorite Atlanta Neighborhood: NW Atlanta (Underwood Hills, Blandtown, Howell Station)