Six hours north west of Jacksonville is one of the South’s largest cities: Atlanta, Georgia.
One of Atlanta's greatest qualities is the unique cultural dichotomy you find in every neighborhood. The city of Atlanta is home to major league baseball and football, world class theaters, aquariums and museums. A person could spend weeks exploring downtown Atlanta and still not see everything.
When you visit, don’t stay in the city. Venture out into the suburbs and you will be greeted with buildings oozing old world southern charm one block, and the next block find coffee houses with names like “Nectar” whose clientele have more man buns and thick glasses than I've probably ever seen in my life.
You'll also find gas stations built in the area that have been refurbished into restaurants like “Farm Burger,” a place that takes the terms "organic" and "farm fresh" to new levels by growing some of their products on the side of the building.
You will find neighborhoods that are filled with young professionals and a growing LGBT community. Areas of mostly families living in palatial homes with 2.4 children and older homes with families whose children are grown but the inhabitants now fill the role of care taker for a parent.
There are Churches on every street corner and of any variety from the new modern buildings, to turn of the century churches that expand to cover a whole city block.
Visiting the suburbs, a gal will also be greeted with hardy "good mornings," and in the deep south, doors are held open for ladies and you just might run across an elderly gentleman that takes pride in pulling out chairs for ladies in restaurants (happened to us).
Eating breakfast, we were sat next to a visiting baseball team playing at the local college. The young men were surprised by all the well wishes from the diners in the restaurant. The patrons wanted to make sure the visitors felt welcome.
North of Atlanta you will find the Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield, one of the battles of the Civil War was fought there in an attempt to defend Atlanta.
The mountain is now a quiet place for walkers and runners to challenge their strength against the mountains. The road up to the top of the mountain is littered with places to stop and take pictures. We went up (we drove) after a storm and near the top of the mountain we found ourselves above the clouds. The beautiful 360 degree view was framed perfectly by puffy clouds.
If you are a fan of the food based television shows like I am, and would love nothing more than to plan a vacation stopping at all the delectable dinners, drive-ins and bakeries that are covered on food shows, look no further than Atlanta and its surrounding areas to fulfill that wish. Just some of the amazing as seen on television restaurants are –
Marietta Pizza Company a small business with two locations that serve some of the best home made pizza you will every eat. The friendly staff make sure that you are well taken care of no matter if you are a party of 4 or 24.
Marietta Diner is an eclectic restaurant with amazing food and pies that will you will dream of eating non-stop. The building is unassuming during the day but at night the whole place is lit up like a Christmas tree with neon lights illuminating almost every surface. One person described the exterior as the mind palace of a call girl.
Bakeries like “Small Cakes,” “Georgetown Cupcakes” and a slew of local bakeries are seen hosting signs in the windows declaring their "Food Television Fame".
“The Varsity” is a drive in that can host 600 cars and has been open for over 70 years. It makes frequent appearances on food channels.
Those are the ones that I have been to so far. I have a list and goals set. Gladys Knight has a soul food restaurant that sounds amazing. I have family in the area so I can pace myself.
If you are looking for a long weekend trip think about Atlanta. whether its time exploring museums and upscale restaurants, going to sporting events or visiting historical places, Atlanta has you covered.
