My Favorites
1. Savannah
Forsyth Park
I love the relaxed, artsy vibe of Savannah. Reminds me of a smaller, chiller, more coastal version of New Orleans. Beautiful parks with remarkable hanging live oak trees. Healthy restaurants, artsy neighborhoods.
See & Do
- Wormsloe State Historic Sites. Trees covered road seen in iconic pictures of Savannah.
- Forsyth Park. Live oaks, fountains.
- Factor’s Walk & E. River St. Shopping and nightlife area along the water. Tons of bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Great for sunset.
- Morrell Park. Waving Girl Statue.
- City Market. Open-air.
- Tybee Island. Short day trip across the bridge to the beach.
Food & Drink
- The Tea Room. Great selection of teas from around the world. Have a taste and buy some to take home.
- The Sentient Bean. Great little healthy breakfast spot with vegan options.
- Brighter Day Natural Foods. Healthy local grocery store.
- Beetnix Superfoods and Juice Bar. Smoothies and bowls.
- Old Pink House. Exceptional food, wear something nicer than shorts and a t-shirt, possibly long wait without reservations.
- Flying Monk Noodle Bar. Different types of southeast asian food.
2. Atlanta
Centennial Olympic Park
Atlanta is not your typical southern capital city. Quite large and spread out, it has some beautiful city parks, great places to eat (though mostly southern food), and an amazing aquarium.
See & Do
- Aquarium. Largest in the world. My favorite site in the city, as well as the country. They have 3 whale sharks! Plus penguins and slew of other marine life.
- World of Coca Cola. Different products and flavors from around the world.
- Centennial Olympic Park. Urban park with a ferris wheel.
- Piedmont Park. Central park.
- Little Five Points. Hidden gem of hipsters and hippies. Reminded me of Haight Ashbury in San Francisco.
- Junkman’s Daughter. Inexpensive eclectic clothing, costumes, gifts. A little underwhelming, but cool store.
- Chamblee Antique Row.. If you’re up for something a little different, this area of old antique shops (like 10 or so) hold all kinds of hidden treasures.
- Midtown. Bars, shops, restaurants. Good for nightlife also.
- Ponce City Market. Housed city market for groceries, shops, or get a bite to eat.
Gone With The Wind Tour
- Margaret Mitchell House. ($13; tour every 30m)
- Gone with the Wind Museum. ($7) – in Marietta (30 mins from ATL)
- Stately Oaks Mansion. ($12) – in Jonesboro (30 mins from ATL)
- Road to Tara Museum. ($7)
Food & Drink
- Mary Mac”s Tea Room. Famous southern food. Think it used to be an old tea room, but nothing special for tea.
- The Varsity. Burgers, hot dogs, like an old school diner.
Tips
- Airport. The airport is massive and is a hub for Delta and probably some other airlines. Budget time to and from the airport as there is lots of walking and a couple rails to catch between terminals.
- Driving. Drivers here are crazy, they speed and weave in and out without warning. Of all the cities I’ve visited in the U.S. (most major cities in the country), Atlanta has some of the worst drivers. Just stay vigil on the highways in particular and you’ll be fine.
- Resources. Hidden Gems. Things to Do
Other Considerations
Juliette
Whistle Stop Cafe
Ever seen the fantastic movie Fried Green Tomatoes? Here’s where it was filmed. Check out this very small, charming town and grab some fried tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe. Nice stop for lunch on the way to Savannah.
St. Simons Island
A friend of mine got married here, and although I didn't see much the island, I remember it being very nice and relaxing.
Atlanta Aquarium