“What’ll ya have?”
The Varsity, an Atlanta icon since it opened in 1928, is the world’s largest drive-in restaurant. Step into this bustling space and you’ll be greeted with the legendary “What’ll ya have?”. Opt for the specialties: chili dogs, onion rings, and frosted orange shakes. Located near Georgia Tech, this cultural institution is a mecca for celebrities and even presidents – and they don’t just come for the food. The Varsity’s mix of nostalgia and energy makes it a quintessential Atlanta experience that should be on every tourist’s agenda.
Fried it, loved it
Southern comfort with a modern twist is what eating in Atlanta is all about. Fried chicken hits new heights at Mary Mac’s Tea Room, where it’s dished up alongside fried okra and lima beans. Peach cobbler, a nod to the state fruit, gets a home-cooked feel at the Busy Bee Café. Then there’s Pimento cheese. Dubbed the “caviar of the South”, this creamy delight can be tried in a sandwich or as a dip. Finally, on the way home, pull over at a roadside boiled peanuts stand to be pleasantly, saltily surprised.
Visit the Doctor
Dr. Martin Luther King grew up, preached and is entombed in Atlanta. At the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, near downtown Atlanta, you’ll see his childhood home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he co-pastored, and his tomb, at the King Center. The Park provides an immersive, inspiring look into the civil rights movement and the life of one of its most iconic figures. Take a guided tour of the church to get an in-depth understanding of how King and his movement changed the US.
Hit the fairways
Few cities rival Atlanta when it comes to going for a swift 18 – or 19 – holes. Alongside East Lake Golf Club, home of the PGA Tour Championship, there are 26 public courses within 15 miles of the city. There’s variety to the scenery – from the rolling hills of the Bobby Jones course to the urban views at Charlie Yates – and to the challenge: Highland Park’s tight fairways will test your technique, while Browns Mill is altogether less demanding. When you’ve packed away the clubs, try Boone’s at Bobby Jones, a farmto-table restaurant offering seasonal dishes that emphasize fresh ingredients.
Shop and pop
Atlanta’s shopping scene is diverse. Upscale malls such as Lenox Square are offset by quirky boutiques and vintage stores in neighborhoods such as Little Five Points. Hit Midtown for nightlife, with rooftop bars like SkyLounge and its glorious city view, or East Atlanta Village for a more laid-back craft brewery crawl. The Porter Beer Bar, with its 60 draft options, is not for the indecisive. Ponce City Market food hall also goes heavy on choice. Try the Popcorn with shaved biltong at Biltong bar or the Matcha green tea mille crepe cake at Cake Culture. More orthodox options also available.
Sam Noble
