Life in the northern suburbs of a bustling and busy Atlanta offers exciting opportunities, including access to adventure both in and out of the city’s limits. 

 

With Atlanta just a thirty minute ride by car, residents can explore tons of city treasures – from crafted cocktails and brunch tables, to hidden nature paths and parks.  Outside of the city, locals can also find similar adventures and experiences with little to moderate travel required. 

 

Read below for a list of must-try places both in and out of the city, curated by us!

 

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What You Can Find: In 

1. Empire State South – This intimate brunch spot rests in Midtown, and is perfect for a restful Sunday brunch with family, friends or pets! Hugh Acheson, local celebrity-chef and owner, curates a beautiful menu that is “very modern with a deep loyalty and respect for local ingredients”. You can also catch Hugh judging some incredibly crafted meals on the Food Network’s hit show, Top Chef. The Cortado, the Shakshuka, and a refreshing Garden Daze cocktail are all must-try’s here. Address: 999 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA. Phone: 404-541-1105. www.empirestatesouth.com 
2. Home Grown – Seated right off of Memorial Drive, Home Grown is an East Atlanta local favorite, serving up comforting Southern staples from 7am-3pm most days. The celebrated Comfy Chicken Biscuit is made here and served up hot daily, atop with Home Grown’s famed and delicious sausage gravy. The freshly-squeezed orange juice is another must-try at this stop! Take some time while you’re here to listen to the jazzy live music and to check out all of the local art on the walls. Address: 968 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30316. Phone: 404-222-0455. www.homegrownga.com 
3. Hodgepodge Coffee – If you’re drawn more to caffeine than local eats, Hodgepodge Coffee shop needs to be a definite stop on your list! Enjoy Batdorf & Bronson coffee, made how you like it, plus a selection of teas, lemonades, sweet treats, sandwiches and local art. Hang out on the couches in one of the sunny window rooms and play Scrabble or flip through a collection of locally-produced zines. In another part of the shop, you can enjoy live music or comedy sets some evenings. We suggest tasting the Curry Tuna Salad Croissant, a fresh-out-of-the-oven brownie and a foamy latte or cappuccino. Address: 720 Moreland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316. Phone: 404-622-8525. http://www.hodgepodgecoffee.com/ 
4. Fernbank Museum/High Museum of Art – Atlanta offers such a wide range of creative and educational resources to the community, including museums like Fernbank and the High Museum of Art. Become immersed in the world of natural history at Fernbank and catch a film at their in-house IMAX theater, or hop over to the High Museum of Art in Midtown after brunch at Empire State South! Put it on your calendar to visit the upcoming exhibit of Yayoi Kusama and her installation called “Infinity Mirrors”, in November 2018. Fernbank Info: 767 Clifton Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307. 404-929-6300. http://www.fernbankmuseum.org/  – High Museum of Art Info: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309. 404-733-4400. https://www.high.org/exhibitions/  
5. Lullwater Preserve – Tucked away and hidden in the middle of Emory’s university campus you’ll find some of the best of nature’s beauty. “The 154 acre preserve contains the home of the University’s President, the beautiful Candler Lake, a 210 foot suspension bridge, acres of green space, and miles of walking and jogging trails”. Open from sunrise until sunset, this lush forest and preserve offers plenty of opportunity to get outside and explore nature. We suggest visiting the spillway waterfall and taking some time to adventure down some of the less-traveled paths throughout the park. Bring a camera, picnic or sketchpad with you, and enjoy! Address: 1463 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329. Phone: 404-727-6123. https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/lullwater-walking-running-trails-emory-university-atlanta/ 
6. Mystic Lotus Yoga – In keeping with the theme of tucked away places, you could almost drive right past Mystic Lotus Yoga in the Cabbagetown neighborhood of East Atlanta, but don’t, because they offer some of the best yoga around. Located in the same building as a local favorite bar spot, known as Estoria, Mystic Lotus establishes itself as unique from the start. And once you step foot into the studio, it’s easy to appreciate the small and intimate studio space. Get into your flow and find physical, mental and emotional balance in any class. We absolutely love the “Patience Grasshopper” class, which you can check out on Wednesday nights. Address: 97 Estoria St SE, Atlanta, GA 30316. Phone: 404-921-8375. http://mysticlotusyoga.com/

 

 

What You Can Find: Out

1. Henry’s Louisiana Grill – For brunch outside of the city, head over to Henry’s Louisiana Grill in downtown Acworth. This spot is perfect for a lazy Saturday brunch inspired by true Cajun cuisine. If you’re in the mood for cocktails, try the Southern Peach “Tea” or their classic “Bayou” Bloody Mary. If you’re in search of some delicious grub, order the eggs benedict and the beignets! You will probably leave covered in powdered sugar, but you won’t be disappointed. Address: 4835 North Main Street, Acworth, GA 30101. Phone: 770-966-1515. http://www.chefhenrys.com/ 
2. Stilesboro Biscuits – A true town favorite, Stilesboro Biscuits is a small roadside cafe serving up the best biscuits around. Enjoy live blue grass music and chow down on comforting Southern staples done incredibly well, including cinnamon rolls and grits. We suggest planning your trip and carpooling if you plan on bringing family or friends, as parking is limited. Check the hours beforehand as well, because this little shop is only open Wednesday-Saturday from 7am to 11:30am. You’ve got to come and get ’em while they’re hot! Address: 3545 Stilesboro Rd NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152. Phone: 770-429-5552. https://www.facebook.com/Stilesboro-Biscuits-174839062599658/ 
3. Cool Beans Coffee Shop & Roasters – Located on Mill Street, just off the Marietta Square, Cool Beans Coffee is an extremely popular local stop for the freshest coffee around! The coffee beans are roasted on-site in what is sweetly referred to by locals as “Big Red”, and the baristas work hard to curate exceptional coffee flavors for their customers. One of the most beautiful features of this bustling shop is the large brick patio, located directly behind the shop’s space. During both the week and weekends, this is a very popular spot. Bring a book or your laptop, order a coffee and enjoy a slow Saturday morning here. We also highly suggest trying the sweet almond croissant. Address: 31 Mill St, Marietta, GA 30060. Phone: 770-422-9866. http://coolbeanscoffeeroasters.com/ 
4. Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art – The MCMA, located just off of Marietta’s historic square, is a local must-try attraction! The museum offers two separate galleries with multiple exhibits, summer art camps, monthly free-draws and community events like Chalktoberfest. Across the street, put your creative inspiration to good use at “Just Kil’n Time” – a pottery shop that offers both classes and group events! Address: 30 Atlanta Street SE, Marietta, GA 30060. Phone: 770-528-1444. http://www.mariettacobbartmuseum.org/current.html 
5. Sweetwater Creek State Park – Nestled not far from the city, in Lithia Springs, is Sweetwater Creek State Park, and it offers a little of everything! Drive out on the weekends to see friends and families grilling along the lake, kayaking and fishing. Head further into the state park to view the Visitor’s Center, where you can visit a small museum, pick up a trail map, and replenish on snacks. This large state park offers miles of hiking and walking trails, most of which run along Sweetwater Creek. Take a dip in the river, and bring your camera to capture the old mill ruins. Address: 1750 Mt Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122. Phone: 770-732-5871.  https://www.atlantatrails.com/sweetwater-creek-state-park/ 
6. Ember Yoga – Located in bustling downtown Woodstock, Ember Yoga is a quick drive up 75 North from Atlanta or surrounding suburbs. Drop in for a hot steam class (candlelit) on Tuesday evenings, or find greater balance and rest in one of Ember’s Yin Deep Stretch classes throughout the week! After a class, take a stroll through the downtown area where you can find rooftop food and drinks, local coffee and popular window shopping. Address: 330 Chambers Street, Woodstock, GA, 30188. Phone: 770-485-5583. https://emberyoga.com/

 

We hope that this list has sparked your curiosity and adventurous side! Let this be a starting point for exploring unfamiliar places both inside the perimeter and out. Our Georgia communities have so many experiences to offer, and settling in the northern suburban areas of Atlanta gives you the best location to enjoy them all!

If you are looking to buy or sell your home or property in the future, you need a realtor with local knowledge and expertise. Contact us, The Grattafiori Group, and let our experience, expertise and hard work guide you to a successful closing!