I would be remiss in my southeast weekend series if I didn't include our temporary hometown, Atlanta. It has been so much fun getting to know this city. Honestly, I probably would have never thought to do a weekend trip to Atlanta before living here but there is a ton to do and this city loves its small business scene (which I clearly love as well!). We worked hard to truly get to know this town in our short time here, so, I am apologizing now, this post may be a little long. I should also note that we primarily spend most of our time south of Buckhead (not quite our scene) and to the east of downtown (although there are a few westside spots included). And as always, our little guy was in tow at just about every place I listed below.
What to do
Explore the beltline - You could spend an entire afternoon (or even a full day) on the beltline exploring the city. My suggestion would be to rent a bike and ride the east side beltline through the near east side neighborhoods. There are some great markets and places to eat along the way and the old southern craftsman houses are beautiful. One of my favorite places along this trail is Krog Street Market, they have a great selection of food and drinks and one of my favorite shops in town, The Merchant.
Ponce City Market - While on the east side beltline, this one gets its own post because you could spend a lot of time here. Ponce City has been our go to destination to bring visitors and it really is just a cool spot. It is an old Sears, Roebuck & Company warehouse and it is absolutely massive. It has been turned into a building full of small and large businesses and restaurants. I love the food hall inside as it offers a chance to eat from a few highly renowned local and regional chefs (Anne Quatrano, Hugh Acheson, Sean Brock to name a few) and also gives everyone a chance to eat literally whatever they feel like. Nashville's Five Daughter's Bakery just opened here as well, and their doughnuts are pretty amazing. I love the combination of large and small businesses here, my favorite without a doubt is Citizen Supply on the second floor. Finally, Skyline Park on the roof has the best view of the city. It is sort of like a fancy carnival with carnival games and putt putt up there (and yes you have to pay to go up unless you are eating at their restaurant) but going up for an afternoon drink on a beautiful day is absolutely lovely. The restaurant up there, 9 Mile Station, is okay, it is nothing special yet not terrible, but it does save you the fee to go up and the views are awesome.
Go to a farmers market - My two favorite farmers markets are both close to downtown. The first is the Freedom Farmer's Market at Carter Center on Saturday's from 9 to 1 (it's right off the east side beltline too!). I like this market because it is also a chance to enjoy one of my favorite bakeries in town, Proof, get some flowers from 3 Porch Farm and Star Provisions Bread Box stand is always there which is part of highly acclaimed chef Anne Quatrano's restaurant group. If you get a chance to go to the west side to visit Star Provisions, it is wonderful, but in case you are limited on time this is a great alternative. The second market I love is the Grant Park Farmer's Market on Sunday mornings from 9 to 1. We love to grab breakfast at the market and walk the park. Some of my favorite vendor's at this market are a crepe stand, Revolution Doughnuts and TGM Bread by The General Muir. Zoo Atlanta is also located in the park and is a really neat place full of tons of animals (our little man absolutely loves it) and is a great after market activity as well.
Piedmont Park - This is a beautiful park located right in the heart of downtown. It is perfect for a stroll and the Atlanta Botanical Garden is also located in the park. Depending on the day and time of year, they have various exhibits and activities (think cocktails, concerts and cooking demos) that they host which can be fun to do.
Georgia Aquarium - I will be the first to admit that this typically isn't my thing. However, it is an amazing place and if you have little one's I would highly recommend it. The Ocean Voyager tank is really incredible and the little ones love this place. Also, directly across from the aquarium is Coke World. Again, probably not something I would typically do but could be a great rainy day activity. It is very well done and at the end you get to try different Coke products from all over the world.
Breweries - My husband always loves checking out craft breweries when we travel. Our Atlanta favorites were Monday Night Brewing (we love the Garage location) on the west side , Three Taverns Brewery in Decatur and Scofflaw also on the west side. Two great beer bars that we frequently visit based on their great selections and unique offerings are Brick Store in Decatur and The Porter in Little Five Points. A note about Little Five Points, it isn't really kid friendly at night, we usually go at 5 for dinner/drinks and it works out great.
Where to eat
Gunshow - This is my favorite Atlanta restaurant. The food was great and the concept was bold and different. This restaurant is owned by Top Chef Alum Kevin Gillespie and the concept is that each evening he brings in a variety of chef's to each make one dish. Each chef prepares their dish and presents it to you, sort of dim sum style, and you decide on the spot if you would like it or not. {Note: I wouldn't bring a little one here}
Staplehouse - Bon Appetit's 2016 Best New Restaurant, this place is hard to get into. If you are ready to go right when reservations go live (all listed on their website) you should be able to get a reservation, but it does require planning. They have a cocktail lounge upstairs which was a great spot to grab a drink before dinner and the tasting menu was very good. {Note: I wouldn't bring a little one here}
Bocca Lupo - This is a great Italian restaurant located in Inman Park. It is warm and cozy inside and their homemade pasta and gelato is to die for. We brought our little guy here twice and they were incredibly nice to all of us.
Miller Union - Located in the West Side Provisions district, this is a lively area with lots of great options, Miller Union being at the top of them. We really enjoyed the drinks and food here. {Note: I wouldn't bring a little one here}
Bacchanalia - Staying on the west side, this is Anne Quatrano's flagship restaurant located in Star Provisions. The food was excellent but again I wouldn't bring a little one here.
Revival - Also owned by Kevin Gillespie, this is my favorite place to bring someone for southern food. The concept is that you are supposed to be at grandma's for Sunday supper and the food lives up to that description. They also do a great brunch on Sunday morning. Revival is in Decatur so while you are there, walk around the town square and check out all the cute shops.
Cakes & Ale - Also located in Decatur, this is a great dinner spot but they also have a cafe next door to the restaurant which may be my favorite spot. The cafe has a European feel as it is a coffee shop with pastries and light breakfast in the morning and turns into a wine bar with appetizers and cake in the evening. They also have a great retail wine selection here (can you tell I LOVE this place?!). The baked goods are from Proof (mentioned above) which is their sister bakery.
Ria's Bluebird - My favorite breakfast in Atlanta. It is so good. I recommend going early (which is never an issue with a little one in tow) so that the line is manageable. My favorite is the breakfast burrito, but their pancakes are pretty good as well.
Bread & Butterfly - from the same owner as Cakes & Ale and Proof, this Inman Park French style bistro has an amazing breakfast. It begins at 10:30 and the line forms fast, so get there a few minutes beforehand.
The General Muir - if you find yourself near Emory, this is a great breakfast or lunch spot.
Where to stay
Midtown - Midtown has all of the major hotels and is a good central location to get a chance to see Atlanta. Any major brand near Piedmont Park or Centennial Park would be my recommendation.
Airbnb - There seem to be some good options in the near east side neighborhoods. Inman Park and Decatur are our favorite areas, both with cute downtown areas.