I’ve lived in Atlanta for most of my life, but there’s still plenty I haven’t done. I rarely see it from the eyes of a visitor, apart from when I’m doing research for a story. So when the opportunity presented itself to have a “staycation” in Atlanta, I jumped at the chance. The Loews Atlanta Hotel in Midtown served as my base, easily accessible by public transportation and within walking distance of restaurants and attractions.
The hotel features over 400 rooms, including 44 suites like the one I stayed in. Each offers unrivaled views of the city, free WiFi, coffee service and more. Amenities of the hotel include a spa, fitness center, event space, in-house restaurant and bar, complimentary car service, and concierge. I was happy to leave my car behind at the hotel and use the car for the entirety of my stay! If you’ve been to Atlanta, you know how nice it is not to have to drive.
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If you’d like to experience your own perfect weekend in Atlanta, whether that be for locals or visitors, I hope you’ll check out some of the places I visited during my time in Midtown.
Friday
4 pm– Check into your room at the Loews and settle in while taking in the views of the Federal Reserve and the Bank of America building.
5 pm– Get a massage at Exhale Atlanta to start your stay off right. Take advantage of the other features at the spa, including the traditional Hammam.
6 pm– Grab dinner at Saltwood at the Loews, which specializes in all things meat, specifically artisan charcuterie. But if you’re looking for healthier options, they’ve got that too, including the farro bowl with kale, brussels sprouts, and tofu, which I had. Drinks include cocktails, wine and craft beer. Even if you’re not staying onsite, valet and self-parking are complimentary for diners.
8 pm– Head down the street to Laughing Skull Lounge, one of Atlanta’s premiere comedy clubs, which offers headlining acts and open mic nights in an intimate space at the back of The Vortex Bar and Grill. Grab a Laughing Skull beer, their namesake brew.
10 pm– After the show, walk down the street for a nightcap at one of Midtown’s small cocktail bars like The Lawrence.
Saturday
8 am– Opt in for a barre or yoga class at Exhale, the spa and fitness club attached to the hotel, or create your own routine at the fitness center.
9 am– Fuel up after your workout at one of the breakfast spots near the Beltline’s Eastside Trail. Parish’s Neighborhood Cafe offers early eats.
10 am– Tour the Beltline on your own by foot, join a tour led by Trees Atlanta, or borrow a bike to pedal along the way. On the Krog Street side of the trail, grab a bike for $5 per hour at Atlanta Beltline Bicycle or at the Piedmont Park side starting at $6 per hour at Skate Escape.
12 pm– Take advantage of the free bike valet at Ponce City Market for lunch and shopping. The Food Hall has no shortage of lunch options, whether you’re in the mood for Mexican at Minero, seafood at W.H. Stiles Fish Camp, or a classic Atlanta burger at H+F Burger.
1:30 pm– Explore Piedmont Park on your own or check out the changing exhibits at the Atlanta Botanical Garden like the newest Chihuly glass works on display.
3 pm– Have an early drink at one of West Midtown’s craft breweries like the newly reopened Second Self Beer Company, Red Brick Brewing Company, Orpheus Brewing, or Monday Night Brewing. Each has something different to offer, but you can also make a day of it by visiting them all! Just remember to find a designated driver.
7 pm– After resting up and changing clothes, head back to the Westside for dinner. There’s no shortage of options here, no matter your palette. O-Ku offers top-notch sushi and a rooftop bar while Miller Union brings a modern spin on Southern favorites. Cooks & Soldiers is one of the city’s hottest restaurants, serving tapas and Spanish cuisine.
9 pm– Another nightcap is in order so head over to Proof and Provision near the Fox Theatre or Establishment, a speakeasy-style bar.
Sunday
10 am– Indulge in Atlanta’s favorite Sunday pastime: brunch. You can’t go wrong with any of them, but my favorites include Bantam + Biddy, Empire State South, and Highland Bakery.
12 pm– Visit one of the city’s best museums, which are all located in the greater Midtown area. They include the High Museum of Art, the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA), The Breman Jewish Heritage & Holocaust Museum, the Center For Puppetry Arts, the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum, the Robert C Williams Paper Museum, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Museum. You can also catch a show at the Alliance Theatre.
2 pm– Make sure you’re all packed up and checked out before hitting the road!
Atlanta is a city you can visit many times while hardly scratching the surface. As an almost lifetime resident, I know that for a fact. But that’s what makes it nice to see your own home in a new way. Staying in a swanky hotel doesn’t hurt either!
My stay at the Loews Atlanta Midtown Hotel and the post above are part of a sponsorship for their Ultimate Southern Road Trip campaign, but my experiences and words are my own.
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