What’s the best time to visit Atlanta?
- Sarah Gleim
- Forbes Travel Guide Editor
While any season is a good time to visit Atlanta, perhaps the best time is during the spring. That's when the weather is still cool and the azaleas and dogwood trees are in full bloom. It's one of the most beautiful times of the year.
Fall runs a close second when it comes to gorgeous weather, because the city's notoriously hot and humid summer is coming to a close. October is one of the city's mildest months and therefore a great month for a trip. Plus, if you're a sports fan, you can catch a Falcons game (and maybe even a Braves game if they make the playoffs).
If you're a big Braves fan and definitely want to catch a game, summer is still ideal for watching "America's Team" in action, and there's really not a bad seat in Turner Field. Just head to the Varsity after the game and cool off with a frosted orange; it's a requirement after a summertime Braves game.
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2 days agoKelley L. Carter answered the question:
What are the best attractions in Atlanta?
Come to Atlanta and be cerebral! Some of the most significantly important historical things in the history of North America happened here, traveled through here or existed here. Start with the Martin Luther King Jr. Historical site, and start by visiting the home where the Civil Rights leader was born. Then head to Ebeneezer Baptist Church where he preached and close out the day hanging out in the memorial site where the legendary orator is buried. If you haven’t had your fill of memorial sites, head over to Oakland Cemetery where greats like Margaret Mitchell (the scribe behind “Gone With The Wind”) and golfing great Bobby Jones make their final resting home. Speaking of “Gone With The Wind,” you’d be remiss if you failed to stop over at the Margaret Mitchell House, which is a gorgeous turn-of-the century, three-story, Tudor building where Mitchell lived and wrote her Pulitzer Prize-winning book. There also is a very cool exibit here dedicated to the 1939 film adaptation of the book. -
On May 7Sarah Gleim answered the question:
What are the best concert venues in Atlanta?
One of my favorite things to do is attend concerts — and trust me, I see my fair share of live shows in Atlanta every year. The city has a number of major venues where big-name musicians tend to perform, including Philips Arena (Fleetwood Mac, June 10; Bruno Mars, Aug. 22; Rod Stewart, Oct. 19; Andrea Bocelli, Dec. 15; and Justin Timberlake, Dec. 17); Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre (Tony Bennett, May 31; Phish, July 16 and 17; The Black Crowes, July 20; The Killers, Aug. 15); Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood (the Americanarama Festival of Music Featuring Bob Dylan, My Morning Jacket, Wilco and more, June 29; Depeche Mode, Sept. 12; Maroon 5, Sept. 16; and John Mayer, Sept. 27); and even Chastain Park Amphitheatre (Darryl Hall & John Oates May 30; Sting, June 10; Joan Baez and Atlanta locals The Indigo Girls, June 15; Harry Connick Jr., July 7; and Atlanta favorites Yacht Rock Review, July 20).
But I really like the smaller venues like Eddie Owen Presents @ Red Clay Theatre in Duluth where singer/songwriters like Matthew Perryman Jones, Griffin House and Holly Williams often perform. I'm also a fan of Park Tavern's Sunday night Unplugged In The Park free summer concert series. The small outdoor venue is ideal for warm summer nights because it overlooks Piedmont Park and the Atlanta skyline — it's pretty tough to beat. Other cool spots/concert venues that are great for live music include The Tabernacle, Variety Playhouse, the Fox Theatre, Smith's Olde Bar and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
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On May 3Sarah Gleim answered the question:
Where can you get the best view in Atlanta?
There are several spots in Atlanta with incredible views — all are unique and all have very different views. First, if you want to enjoy a leisurely evening and perhaps a few cocktails, head to the top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza and chill out at the tri-level Sundial Restaurant, Bar & View. To get there, take the hotel's 85-second glass elevator ride to the top floor and you'll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Atlanta. The restaurant's revolving floor (yes, it revolves) and expansive windows ensure you won't miss any of Downtown's best sites. If you're up for more of a hike, head to Stone Mountain Park where you can, well, hike to the top of the mountain for views as far as you can see. On a clear day, you'll be able to spot the Atlanta skyline in the distance. For those more interested in relaxing by the waters of the Chattahoochee River, you simply can't beat the setting at Canoe restaurant. The idealic spot on the banks of the river includes outdoor seating in the colorful, lush garden, and in late spring the restaurant hosts its Songs of the South live music series outside on Wednesday nights.
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On May 3Sarah Gleim answered the question:
Where can you get the best view in Atlanta?
There are several spots in Atlanta with incredible views — all are unique and all have very different views. First, if you want to enjoy a leisurely evening and perhaps a few cocktails, head to the top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza and chill out at the tri-level Sundial Restaurant, Bar & View. To get there, take the hotel's 85-second glass elevator ride to the top floor and you'll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Atlanta. The restaurant's revolving floor (yes, it revolves) and expansive windows ensure you won't miss any of Downtown's best sites. If you're up for more of a hike, head to Stone Mountain Park where you can, well, hike to the top of the mountain for views as far as you can see. On a clear day, you'll be able to spot the Atlanta skyline in the distance. For those more interested in a relaxing by the waters of the Chattahoochee River, you simply can't beat the setting at Canoe restaurant. The idealic spot on the banks of the river includes outdoor seating in the colorful, lush garden, and in late spring the restaurant hosts its Songs of the South live music series outside on Wednesday nights.
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On May 3Sarah Gleim answered the question:
Where can you get the best view in Atlanta?
There are several spots in Atlanta with incredible views. All are unique in their own ways, and all have very different views. First, if you want to enjoy a leisurely evening and perhaps a few cocktails, head to the top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza and chill out at the tri-level Sundial Restaurant, Bar & View. To get there, take the hotel's 85-second glass elevator to the top floor and you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of Atlanta. If you're up for more of a hike, head to Stone Mountain Park where you can, well, hike to the top of the mountain for clear views as far as you can see. If you're interested in a stunning view of the Chattahoochee River, you simply can't beat the setting at Canoe restaurant. The idealic spot sits on the banks of the river and includes a lush garden, colorful flowers and in late spring the restaurant hosts its Songs of the South live music series outside on Wednesday nights.
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On May 2Hayley Bosch answered the question:
What is the weather like right now in Atlanta?
After a rather chilly spring, Atlanta is starting to warm up — and it's about time considering it's May. While the city is still getting some late April showers, the upcoming forecast isn't too shabby. The average temperatures recently have varied from mid-60s to high 70s. It's really a gamble; for instance, earlier this week it was warm enough for shorts and a tank top, and now it's jeans weather. The good news is that the humidity hasn't been as bad as usual, and hopefully it'll stay like that (fingers crossed). We still have about a month and a half of spring (officially, at least), so perhaps we'll get a few mild weeks before the temperatures soar and we're in full-on summer mode. -
On May 1Hayley Bosch answered the question:
What are the best places for brunch in Atlanta?
Weekends in Atlanta mean savoring your days off with a hearty brunch — and there's plenty of fantastic food to go around. With the recently opened Beltline walking and jogging trail, restaurants in Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward are packed come brunch, but it's worth it. The popular Two Urban Licks recently started doing brunch on Sundays, taking advantage of its stellar location right on the trail. With options such as watermelon salad with pesto and mozzarella (amazing), salmon chips (chef Todd Stein's spin on a bagel and lox), bronzed scallops (deliciously rich), and brisket empanada and eggs, this Old Fourth Ward eatery is a must for brunch; and on nice days, they open up the glass-paned garage doors that lead to the Beltline and the restaurant's bocce ball court.
If you're a fan of baked goods, head to Highland Bakery in Old Fourth Ward. There are a few other locations around Atlanta, but this is definitely the best. There's usually a line, but it's worth it. On a recent visit I had a sweet potato scone and the fried chicken benedict. It was simply amazing.
Another restaurant on the Beltline (if you can't tell, I'm a huge fan of the trail) that's great for brunch is Parish. It's part of the same restaurant group as Two Urban Licks and equally as delicious. It's a Southern-centric menu — think various benedicts, biscuits and fried chicken.
Virginia Highland is a great neighborhood to explore for brunch. A very popular choice (and you can tell by the wait) is Murphy's. Also specializing in Southern fare, this is a great spot for an upscale yet still welcoming brunch. -
On April 30Kelley L. Carter answered the question:
What are the best hair salons in Atlanta?
Before you head out and soak up Atlanta's nightlife scene, you'll want to stop by Adore Hair Studio -- there are two locations in Decatur and Inman Park -- for a haircut, color job or flat iron. The customer service is unmatched and they make appointment setting convenient with their online portal. If you have super curly hair, you'll want to try to book with Malaika Lewis-Pickard, who also gives fantastic precision cuts.
Another fantastic option is Helmet Hairworx Atlanta, which again has several locations througout the city. They often run specials, like a cut and color package for $99. Many of the stylists here were trained at the top-notch Aveda school, like Emma Hasty, who is phenomenal at custom coloring. -
On April 30Kelley L. Carter answered the question:
Where is the best shopping in Atlanta?
If you're in town and looking to scoop up something that says you were here, then skip the suburban outlet malls and head straight downtown to the CNN Center.
There, you'll find one-stop-shopping for all things branded "Atlanta."
The CNN Center houses spots like the Braves Clubhouse Store, which sells apparel, memorabilia and hard-to-find trinkets from the Atlanta Braves, Hawks and Thrashers. At the actual CNN store, you'll want to shop for your relative who lives and dies by Anderson Cooper or other famous CNN personalities, and pick up fun trinkets from CNN, the Cartoon Network and HBO.
Of course, if you're just looking for amazing deals, then be sure to head up 400 North until you see signs for North Georgia Premium Outlets. There are more than 140 premium stores here including Ann Taylor, Burberry, Coach, Cole Haan, Elie Tahari, Gap Outlet, Hugo Boss, Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors, Nike, Restoration Hardware and Williams-Sonoma. There's prime shopping -- and amazing deals -- to be had here come Black Friday. -
On April 30Kelley L. Carter answered the question:
What are the best restaurants in Atlanta?
When it comes to the dining scene in Atlanta, options are unlimited. Some of the best chefs in the country run kitchens here, so interesting culinary hybrids happen south of the Mason Dixon Line. If you’re looking for something authentically southern soul food, head to Gladys Knight and Ron’s Chicken and Waffles, but prepare to wait in line. Here, you’ll find your favorite meal served all day long, and a place that allows for savory and sweet to coexist. (It’s named for Knight, a soul legend and the late Ron Winans, a gospel legend.) Locals and visitors (especially ones who have checked out national TV shows like “Man v. Food”) head here for the Midnight Train – 2 chicken wings and a waffle. But fair warning: go easy here. You’ll be angry if you leave without ordering up a slice of sweet potato cheesecake. If you’re in a highfalutin food mood, then you want to aim for high brow hot restaurant Canoe, where George McKerrow Jr. is one of the nicest restaurant owners around town. Make Sunday brunch a stop for sure – because a basket of sticky buns is a must-do – but evening dining rules here. And especially if you’re looking to toast a special occasion. If your palette is a bit more adventurous, you’ll want to have the slow roasted Carolina rabbit on your plate. A must-have starter is the house smoked salmon on a crispy potato cake. -
On April 30Kelley L. Carter answered the question:
What are the best attractions in Atlanta?
Come to Atlanta and be cerebral! Some of the most significantly important historical things in the history of North America happened here, traveled through here or existed here. Start with the Martin Luther King Jr. Historical site, and start by visiting the home where the Civil Rights leader was born. Then head to Ebeneezer Baptist Church where he preached and close out the day hanging out in the memorial site where the legendary orator is buried. If you haven’t had your fill of memorial sites, head over to Oakland Cemetery where greats like Margaret Mitchell (the scribe behind “Gone With The Wind”) and golfing great Bobby Jones make their final resting home. Speaking of “Gone With The Wind,” you’d be remiss if you failed to stop over at the Margaret Mitchell House, which is a gorgeous turn-of-the century, three-story, Tudor building where Mitchell lived and wrote her Pulitzer-Prize winning book. There also is a very cool exibit here dedicated to the 1939 film adaptation of the book. -
On April 30Kelley L. Carter answered the question:
What are the best bars in Atlanta?
You’re visiting Atlanta for a reason – to soak up something that’s quintessential ATL. But the best bar in one of the best city neighborhoods will ship you across the pond. Barcelona Atlanta Wine Bar & Restaurant is situated in the thick of Inman Park, and believe it or not it’s not the selection of wines that will win you. The Spanish wine collection is fine, to be sure – and if you want to play around with what bottles you love best, head here on Sundays, where wine bottles are half off – but it’s the assortment of mixed drinks and tantalizing tapas that set the pace here. It’s a see-and-be-seen spot, and the toast of Atlanta all mitigate here. If you’re looking to happy hour as the locals do, this is the spot to make your stop – but you’ll likely end up staying until final call. -
On April 30Kelley L. Carter answered the question:
Where is the best pizza in Atlanta?
The best pizza in Atlanta – or anywhere in North America if you ask the right person – is hands down Antico Pizza. Located near Georgia Tech, this is NOT your college dorm room delivery pizza. You’ll sit at communal tables if you dine in – and do bring your own bottle of wine – and top delicious wood-fired pizza with fresh minced garlic and mild, spicy red peppers. You’ll eat pizza off of a pizza sheet and likely set it on a piece of paper towel that you’ve ripped off the roll. None of this sounds befitting of pizza this delicious, but it all makes sense and adds to the authenticity of the joint. -
On April 30Sarah Gleim answered the question:
What are the hottest upcoming concerts in Atlanta?
Summer is a great time for live music in Atlanta, especially with outdoor venues like Chastain Park Amphitheatre, Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood and Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. But I'm excited about the first-ever Shaky Knees Music Festival at Masquerade Music Park May 4-5 with headliners The Lumineers and Band of Horses, plus Jim James, Drive By Truckers, Gary Clark Jr. and Dr. Dog. Chastain has some big acts this summer, as always, including The Smashing Pumpkins (May 10); Darryl Hall & John Oates (May 30); Sting (June 10); Joan Baez and Atlanta locals The Indigo Girls (June 15); Harry Connick Jr. (July 7); and Atlanta favorites Yacht Rock Review (July 20).
The Avett Brothers are playing at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre on May 17, and the legendary Tony Bennett on May 31. Jam band faves Phish will have back-to-back shows July 16 and 17, followed up on July 20 with The Black Crowes.
Finally, Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood is hosting a slew of killer concerts, including The Black Keys (May 2); the Americanarama Festival of Music Featuring Bob Dylan, My Morning Jacket, Wilco and more (June 29); Depeche Mode (Sept. 12); Maroon 5 (Sept. 16); and John Mayer (Sept. 27).
