A Local’s Guide to Atlanta

Atlanta, Georgia, is a popular tourist destination. But for more than 480,000 people, this is also considered “home.” Atlanta from a local’s perspective is more than just airports, hotels, and restaurants, but about the local southern culture, charm, and history. In this local’s guide to Atlanta, see new ways to enjoy the city the way the city-experts do.

1. Ponce City Market

To the outsider, this just looks like a fancy mall with restaurants and shopping options, but it is so much better than that. This hipster type area of Atlanta is home to restaurants owned by famous chefs, with more than a dozen great dining options that make it worth the stop alone.

This fun and modern environment is a great hangout, stop on a trip or just a place to eat. It is designed after the Chelsea Market in Manhattan, so consider that when you come to Atlanta.

2. President Jimmy Carter’s Center and Presidential Library

If you have never been to a presidential library, you are missing out. This center and library are curated and maintained by the National Archives. True to President Carter’s presidency, visitors are encouraged to become more engaged in human rights throughout the world. There are tours available and history lessons on President Carter’s presidency.

3. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change

This is a center dedicated to the movement and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. There are history lessons and exhibits dedicated to teaching about the history of the civil rights movement.

It is also the largest repository of information available on Dr. King. While it is part museum and part living-institute, visitors are encouraged to consider where our society is going and what they can do to help shape the future.

Don’t forget to stop in the Ebenezer Baptist Church next door where Dr. King served as pastor.

4. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

If you come to the south and don’t eat fried chicken, did you really come at all? This culinary masterpiece is integral to the culture here and Gus’s is the best place to get it in Atlanta.

It gives visitors a good taste on what southern fried chicken is really about- spicy, greasy, and a life-changing event to your taste buds. It doesn’t cost a lot either, so add it to your list of things to do while in town.

5. The Varsity

While this is still a touristy stop, it is still a local favorite. The Varsity is the world’s largest drive-in restaurant, which is quite a claim. They have been serving up classic drive-in favorites like chili dogs, cheeseburgers, and fries for nearly 100 years. While you can get some food for everyone for a reasonable price, it is worth it to go just for the experience.

6. The Tabernacle

This is a concert venue that has many popular acts come through. From big performers like Elton John to some of the popular locals, there is always a great show to see.

The set up is fun and there are seriously no bad seats in the house. The décor creates an experience for each performance too, pumping up the crowd.

7. The Flying Biscuit

Another staple in southern cuisine is biscuits. The Flying Biscuit serves over 5,000 of them every week and is one of the most popular stops in the city. All the food is delicious, but you just can’t beat brunch-focused food served in a fun and comfortable environment. There is usually a long wait, so get there early.

Book with RedCoach Today!

For years, RedCoach has been a reliable and comfortable way to travel around Florida.  The comfortable seats recline and have plugs for all your gadgets and devices. The free onboard Wi-fi helps you work or relax the entire trip too. Check out the RedCoach schedule for a comfortable trip to Atlanta.